So, stay at home moms. Sounds easy right? Anyone can do it right? All you have to do is take care of the kids, clean the house, make the food, do the little odd jobs to maintain your living space, and be appealing to your hard working bread-winning man. Easy as pie, that's what I thought. To stay at home meant that you gave up too easily on a career or didn't want to work very hard in life. Honestly, I have made those mental associations.
The last 4 months have been an eye-opener for me. I'm only the mother of one, a son who has JUMPED into the "terrible twos". And wow, I made a terrible misconception! The first two weeks of being a stay-at-home mom or formal "homemaker" kicked my tukhus. My world was foreign and I couldn't make heads or tails of it. And the worst part, was that I constantly get told how amazing of a kid William is. So my dilemma, if I am pulling my hair out with him, how could I handle a child less manageable? Silly, but that was my mentality back in January.
The reality is stay-at-home moms have THE HARDEST job there is. It's a 24/7 job with no guarantee of a return on investment. It is a marvel that the women I know who stay home even get out of bed in the morning or can possibly look as great as they do! I find it funny that men say how easy it is for the wife to stay home, yet they don't know what to do for an hour alone with the kids so their wives can go visiting teaching or go to a relief society activity. And the house usually looks like a natural disaster or two swept through. (brings back memories right?)
Every job is hard, no matter who you are. But being a stay-at-home mom is one that is hardly ever recognized for the amount of effort that goes into it. No world renowned award for catching the bowl of dropped spaghetti right before it hits the white carpet. There are immeasurable joys that come with motherhood, but it's a tough road to walk. Kudos to all the mothers who stay home and find solace in blogging a bit or doing whatever they can to stay above water. And to the rest of us who work, I hope you all get to experience what a stay-at-home mom does. One, you'll run back to the sanity of "work insanity", and two, you'll smile every time you see a mother who dares step anywhere public with her kids alone. MOMS ROCK!
So there's a tip of the iceburg on my soapbox about moms who stay home. I could write a book, maybe I will (but probably won't). :o)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Washington
I'm not too savvy with getting pictures off my new camera, it always takes me about a full day just to get everything downloaded and whatnot. So, pictureless, here's what we've been up to the past four months.
Tyler took an internship in tri-cities Washington during the tax season. He learned a lot about himself and a lot about accounting in the real world. There are still a lot of possibilities for his future career path, however, we did learn of a few avenues he's no longer interested in. I discovered what a stay-at-home mom was all about, and let me tell you, I created my own soap box just about the subject! :} (that post will come later) And our ever-growing William discovered a toddler vocabulary while trying to catch up with his many cousins. It was a super amazing adventure full of memories. All in all, I'm grateful we had the experience.
Highlights: We played outside and took walks in January...with NO snow! (personal favorite) We spent oodles of time with family, so awesome! We went camping in the snow. I attempted snow-skiing again, and survived, Tyler loved being a snow bunny again. William turned 2! We visited the dentist (the one day I'm allowed to not like my father-in-law, but it's hard to be mad at him). We visited Tyler's grandparents. We spent a day in Seattle, Leavenworth, Spokane, and Grandview! I got purple highlights!!! And of course we hung out with great friends and made new ones in the ward!
Thanks to everyone who helped make our adventure unforgettable. I'm glad to be in Rexburg because it means that we are that much closer to being done with school. I'm getting better at enjoying the moments and current adventures I'm in rather than constantly looking toward the next thing. I've grown and learned a lot about people, places, and being a mom. Hopefully, some pictures will end up here eventually! Stay-tuned...
Tyler took an internship in tri-cities Washington during the tax season. He learned a lot about himself and a lot about accounting in the real world. There are still a lot of possibilities for his future career path, however, we did learn of a few avenues he's no longer interested in. I discovered what a stay-at-home mom was all about, and let me tell you, I created my own soap box just about the subject! :} (that post will come later) And our ever-growing William discovered a toddler vocabulary while trying to catch up with his many cousins. It was a super amazing adventure full of memories. All in all, I'm grateful we had the experience.
Highlights: We played outside and took walks in January...with NO snow! (personal favorite) We spent oodles of time with family, so awesome! We went camping in the snow. I attempted snow-skiing again, and survived, Tyler loved being a snow bunny again. William turned 2! We visited the dentist (the one day I'm allowed to not like my father-in-law, but it's hard to be mad at him). We visited Tyler's grandparents. We spent a day in Seattle, Leavenworth, Spokane, and Grandview! I got purple highlights!!! And of course we hung out with great friends and made new ones in the ward!
Thanks to everyone who helped make our adventure unforgettable. I'm glad to be in Rexburg because it means that we are that much closer to being done with school. I'm getting better at enjoying the moments and current adventures I'm in rather than constantly looking toward the next thing. I've grown and learned a lot about people, places, and being a mom. Hopefully, some pictures will end up here eventually! Stay-tuned...
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Justice League!
Halloween was a lot of fun this year, especially now that William is more interested.
It is without a doubt my most favorite holiday of the entire year. I love that I can dress up and nobody can look at me funny for a whole day! I plan and look forward to it every single year. And I love that I have a son to dress up as well. I don't think you can be to old to dress up or eat candy (might as well do it together). Since it was on a weekend, we definitely made the most of it, trick-or-treating on Friday to businesses, and trunk-or-treating as well as trick-or-treating Saturday.
We decided to go with the Super Hero theme (although the costume didn't work out so great for Tyler...he would have made the perfect Clark Kent if he didn't have to work). William has been working on his "muscles" over the past few months, and it got us thinking...he would make a great Incredible Hulk! (the chubby cheeks helped influence as well) So I got to work designing what he should wear. After much searching for warm green sweats, and no luck, I thought I would make his costume. The only issue was every green fabric I found just didn't scream "hulk". So I was aimlessly walking through every clothing department, when I discovered the most brilliant shirt in my entire trip! It was the perfect bright green I was looking for, and yes I found it in the men's section, size 3XL! The best part? It was only $3. A true find I tell you. With the amazing sewing skills of my mother, we whipped up the coolest green jump suit and purple shorts. Who knew a clothing pattern from the early 80s would come in handy more than 20 years later?
William enjoyed wearing the costume all day long, and did a marvelous job showing off his "muscles" every where we went. I've always wanted to be Wonder Woman, and thanks to my awesome sister-in-law Hayley, I got to borrow the "real deal" costume. William and I were off to save the world of Rexburg, and the good people there-in paid us royally in candy. It was so cute to watch William get a piece of candy and put it in his little pumpkin. It was a satisfying holiday, and I look forward to next year. Only 362 days left! ;o)
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Update
Okay, here's a quick update:
Tyler got an internship in Richland, Washington for the Winter semester/tax season. He is working hard at school to prepare, and is also working part time at a local gas station. (he worked there before William was born) I surprised him on his birthday with his first flight lesson. He was a bird in a previous life (although he could have been a fish as well when you consider his water sport abilities). Anyway, I went with him, and didn't fare as well, but I was glad to be there with him during this first experience. He was AWESOME!
William will be 18 months next weekend, we are amazed at how fast he has grown. He is over 30 lbs and very lovable. It's fun to see his personality come to life. I'm thrilled that he can go to nursery in a week, he'll enjoy church so much more now. I mean, think about it, have to sit still on your mother's lap for 2 hours or play with other kids, eat snacks, laugh, and sing songs. It's a no-brainer. I've taken him in a few times already to get him used to the idea, and it's really a "momma who?" thing for him. He just soaks it all in. He has learned some sign language, and has become really polite (mostly because he has to if he wants any yummy snacks). He is also an avid prayer, and reminds us to pray before every meal, because as soon as he sees food, he folds his arms and squeezes his eyes shut for a second. He is an awesome little guy, and I'm grateful to have him in our home!
As for me...I'm still working a bit as a temp at the credit union, selling Shirley J, and enjoying the hours I spend at home. I've learned how to can this year, (thank you Mom Christian and Mom Passey) and am working on my sewing skills (still in development really). I've read a lot of books this summer, and can finally say I've read "To Kill A Mocking Bird". All I can say is, it was nothing I expected, but I loved it. I just purchased "Wicked" and have high hopes that it will be as great as I imagine it to be. Someday I'd love to see the play in real life. Anyway, I'm getting ready for the Halloween season, my absolute FAVORITE holiday. My friend Tannis and I attempted our skill at Mod Podge earlier (I'll post pictures of that later). It was fun, but I won't quit my day job. Oh yes, and the most exciting event so far in the past bit has been that I've started exercising again. I have started ZUMBA dancing at the college, just later in the evening after William goes to bed (I know perfect timing). I am loving every minute of it, so fun, but I like doing it with other people so I can see if I'm doing it wrong.
Well that's all for now. I'll post sooner rather than later...
Tyler got an internship in Richland, Washington for the Winter semester/tax season. He is working hard at school to prepare, and is also working part time at a local gas station. (he worked there before William was born) I surprised him on his birthday with his first flight lesson. He was a bird in a previous life (although he could have been a fish as well when you consider his water sport abilities). Anyway, I went with him, and didn't fare as well, but I was glad to be there with him during this first experience. He was AWESOME!
William will be 18 months next weekend, we are amazed at how fast he has grown. He is over 30 lbs and very lovable. It's fun to see his personality come to life. I'm thrilled that he can go to nursery in a week, he'll enjoy church so much more now. I mean, think about it, have to sit still on your mother's lap for 2 hours or play with other kids, eat snacks, laugh, and sing songs. It's a no-brainer. I've taken him in a few times already to get him used to the idea, and it's really a "momma who?" thing for him. He just soaks it all in. He has learned some sign language, and has become really polite (mostly because he has to if he wants any yummy snacks). He is also an avid prayer, and reminds us to pray before every meal, because as soon as he sees food, he folds his arms and squeezes his eyes shut for a second. He is an awesome little guy, and I'm grateful to have him in our home!
As for me...I'm still working a bit as a temp at the credit union, selling Shirley J, and enjoying the hours I spend at home. I've learned how to can this year, (thank you Mom Christian and Mom Passey) and am working on my sewing skills (still in development really). I've read a lot of books this summer, and can finally say I've read "To Kill A Mocking Bird". All I can say is, it was nothing I expected, but I loved it. I just purchased "Wicked" and have high hopes that it will be as great as I imagine it to be. Someday I'd love to see the play in real life. Anyway, I'm getting ready for the Halloween season, my absolute FAVORITE holiday. My friend Tannis and I attempted our skill at Mod Podge earlier (I'll post pictures of that later). It was fun, but I won't quit my day job. Oh yes, and the most exciting event so far in the past bit has been that I've started exercising again. I have started ZUMBA dancing at the college, just later in the evening after William goes to bed (I know perfect timing). I am loving every minute of it, so fun, but I like doing it with other people so I can see if I'm doing it wrong.
Well that's all for now. I'll post sooner rather than later...
Who Let the Dogs out?
I know it has been about 6 months, I honestly didn't know what to post. But here is a good one! We were at a friend's house and the halloween costumes were brought out. We put the doggy suit on William, and it seemed to take to him quite well. I think he looks like a 50s bulldog "don't mess with me". Tyler quickly pointed out the similarity William takes on with the American Tale Fievel Goes West character Tiger and the Sheriff. Tell me what you think. He wore that suit quite a while. I loved it, and so did he.
"The Lazy Eye"
"The Lazy Eye"
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
CALIFORNIA!!!!
William and I spent a glorious 10 days in the lovely weather of Southern California during the beginning of April. It was a much needed vacation and visit with my dear friends Richard and Karin Mallard. Unfortunately, work prevented Tyler to join us on this trip, and I tell you what, I hope to never travel by myself with an infant again! We also celebrated William's first birthday on this trip at the beach. I also don't recommend taking a child who puts EVERYTHING in his mouth to the beach. He ate several "SANDwiches" while we were there.
This was the beginning of one of our long walks. I've found California is NOT a big believer in sidewalks...so we spent a lot of time dodging cars on the side of the road. William put a lot of miles into this stroller on the trip.
We spent a lot of time outside, and it was fun to see William and baby Ezri interact with nature. You can get a good picture of how big the Mallard's english mastiff dog Grizzly is. He is a great dog!
Look how precious Ezri is, she just turned 4 months. William and Ezri are betrothed to be married when they are 39 (if they are both single).
We saw a TON of Peacocks on one of our walks. They are free roamers in the city of Arcadia (city bird) and you can get a hefty fine if you hit one. Fitting we saw one on the "stop" zone of the road. : )
William got a short ride on Grizzly, he really enjoyed that.
Karin and I did some temple work at the Los Angeles temple while Richard hung out with the kids. It was a gorgeous visit, and William enjoyed tasting some "holy" grass.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAM! We had fun at the beach, and I let William put his feet in the ocean. It was pretty cold, but he liked the wet sand. He also got his first Happy Meal today (mainly for the toy) and loved the french fries and apple juice! I love his one tooth, but he does have another one starting to peep through.
William loved exploring every aspect of the sandy beach. You can still see traces of sand on his face. 3 handfuls of sand made their way to his mouth, and he would crawl in the sand and dunk his head to get sand all over his face. He thought it was funny...
This is what happens when you travel alone. I had William in a front backpack carrier, my diaper bag on my left shoulder, dragging my check on back and carrying William's car seat in my right hand. The winter weather made me late to the airport and I literally had to run through the airport to catch my flight. Luckily I don't remember getting these bruises because of the adrenaline, but they were a pretty stark battle scar of the day's events.
I thoroughly enjoyed this vacation and look forward to doing it again some day, only Tyler will join us!
This was the beginning of one of our long walks. I've found California is NOT a big believer in sidewalks...so we spent a lot of time dodging cars on the side of the road. William put a lot of miles into this stroller on the trip.
We spent a lot of time outside, and it was fun to see William and baby Ezri interact with nature. You can get a good picture of how big the Mallard's english mastiff dog Grizzly is. He is a great dog!
Look how precious Ezri is, she just turned 4 months. William and Ezri are betrothed to be married when they are 39 (if they are both single).
We saw a TON of Peacocks on one of our walks. They are free roamers in the city of Arcadia (city bird) and you can get a hefty fine if you hit one. Fitting we saw one on the "stop" zone of the road. : )
William got a short ride on Grizzly, he really enjoyed that.
Karin and I did some temple work at the Los Angeles temple while Richard hung out with the kids. It was a gorgeous visit, and William enjoyed tasting some "holy" grass.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILLIAM! We had fun at the beach, and I let William put his feet in the ocean. It was pretty cold, but he liked the wet sand. He also got his first Happy Meal today (mainly for the toy) and loved the french fries and apple juice! I love his one tooth, but he does have another one starting to peep through.
William loved exploring every aspect of the sandy beach. You can still see traces of sand on his face. 3 handfuls of sand made their way to his mouth, and he would crawl in the sand and dunk his head to get sand all over his face. He thought it was funny...
This is what happens when you travel alone. I had William in a front backpack carrier, my diaper bag on my left shoulder, dragging my check on back and carrying William's car seat in my right hand. The winter weather made me late to the airport and I literally had to run through the airport to catch my flight. Luckily I don't remember getting these bruises because of the adrenaline, but they were a pretty stark battle scar of the day's events.
I thoroughly enjoyed this vacation and look forward to doing it again some day, only Tyler will join us!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Update
Quick update-sorry no pictures today. William is approaching his 11 month mark, so we will be celebrating a birthday in just over a month, I'm so excited. He is becoming quite a monkey with his sounds, and crawls all over everything. I love it when he crawls after me, and he is even starting to try standing/kneeling up to the furniture. And the big news of all...he has a TOOTH! It has just broken the surface! Funny how he has very little drool, and isn't too fussy, so what was going on those days/weeks where he was drooling a gallon a day and continually fussy? Oh well, we love it all anyway!
I'm officially working 3 jobs at the moment! Crazy I know, but I tend to thrive on stress...thus here I am. I work for my mom with Guardian Angel finishing up the ski season, I am still working as a temp at Beehive, and I work for the U.S. Census. So when you get the questionnaire in the mail-do me a favor and fill it out, it's not a hoax! It will have more benefit for you than you think. Anyway, most of it will slow down in a month, but March will be busy! Tyler is signing up for classes, and hopefully will be able to work full time in April...
I made my first fondant covered cake, and it's not too bad for being my first one. I made a small chocolate rectangle cake with cream cheese frosting and then marshmallow fondant with white stars on top. It is absolutely delicious! I'll be making another one next week for the Relief Society birthday party.
I'm traveling to LA, California the first week in April, and I'm so anxious to get there. I need a break and serious vacation. Tyler won't be able to come this time, but I hope to have a relaxing visit with some friends. It will be a great time for William and I to share together.
I'm officially working 3 jobs at the moment! Crazy I know, but I tend to thrive on stress...thus here I am. I work for my mom with Guardian Angel finishing up the ski season, I am still working as a temp at Beehive, and I work for the U.S. Census. So when you get the questionnaire in the mail-do me a favor and fill it out, it's not a hoax! It will have more benefit for you than you think. Anyway, most of it will slow down in a month, but March will be busy! Tyler is signing up for classes, and hopefully will be able to work full time in April...
I made my first fondant covered cake, and it's not too bad for being my first one. I made a small chocolate rectangle cake with cream cheese frosting and then marshmallow fondant with white stars on top. It is absolutely delicious! I'll be making another one next week for the Relief Society birthday party.
I'm traveling to LA, California the first week in April, and I'm so anxious to get there. I need a break and serious vacation. Tyler won't be able to come this time, but I hope to have a relaxing visit with some friends. It will be a great time for William and I to share together.
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