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In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms

I just finished reading Dr Laura Schlessinger's book "In Praise of Stay-at-home Moms" and loved it!! This may get me in trouble with some of you working moms. I realize that not all women want to be home, (although I can't see why) or circumstances make it necessary for you to work (although if you read her book you may realize there are some sacrifices worth making-even financial ones). Anyway, I give her book a thumbs up for stay-at-home moms, (SAHM) those considering being a SAHM or those who are not a SAHM but have a little guilt that you are not home with the kiddies. She even has a chapter to get your husband on board if he isn't. She talks about what being a SAHM really means and how to make it the best job for you. She discusses your responsibilities as a mom, wife, homemaker, financial advisor, and your husbands girlfriend. I have always had the desire to be a mom. That is why it was so hard when for almost 6 years of marriage we were childless, but if the wait taught me anything it would be to cherish every moment. Here are just a few short quotes that I really liked.

Speaking of your children

"...One day they can't walk, the next day they're running. On day they can't talk, the next day they won't stop. Everything they see, smell, hear and do is a new miracle-enjoy the ride, even though the house isn't perfect and your neighbor has more jewelry."

"Being responsible for children, a home, and a husband teaches you to live outside yourself, for something and someone other than yourself. Getting accolades, applause, bonuses and such is great. It's just taht the ultimate quality of your life is not in your resume but in the minds and hearts of those you mean something to because you gave of yourself to them."

"You know that there are no worries about what your kids are being taught or how they're being treated, or how they are feeling, or what they are doing, because you are there! You want to be the one to feed, hold, and love your baby. You want to be the one to experience every new synaptic brain connection that leads them to their next ability. You want to be the mother."

"The key to perspective is that what you feel is put second to your life. You can feel severely tired after a long day and gripe about the aches, pains, and pure exhaustion, or you can say to yourself, "You know, at the end of the day, it's kind of great to feel this worn out- it means I've experiences a lot today." Share the experiences as a blessing, instead of curing the aches."

"Having great luck and fortune is not the conduit to loving and enjoyable life; gratitude is!"

I am SO grateful to be a SAHM!! I am thankful that my hubby works so hard so that I can be home with our little one. This is a time I wouldn't trade for anything! (even if it means taking a few months to save up for our wants...it is worth it!

Santa

This is Molly before she looked at Santa

This is Molly after.

These are a few of my favorite things...

As I thought about this post, a "few" of my favorite things began to turn into a ton of favorite things, but for tonight, I will limit it.

1st-My baby. This smile of hers I can't seem to get enough of. Even when she is sleeping I miss her. The other day I went to a ward RS Christmas dinner and I was eating peas. I smiled because it reminds me of how much Molly loves peas. Then the next night I found evidence of her food choice when I went to get her in her pj's for bed. Right in her belly button sat a green pea. It had made its way down her onesie and into her belly button. So funny. But seriously I love this girl so much and I am so thankful that I get to be home with her everyday. I am spoiled.

2nd-My hubby. He actually is my Most favorite! I don't know what I did to deserve him. The other day I went to load the dishes to find they were already done. Then the next day I went to take out the garbage and again it was already done. Not just the main garbage, but all the bathrooms and Mollys room too. I know those things are just simple things, but they make me feel appreciated. Nick is the best thing for me.

3rd-My Ensign. A random thing to call my favorite, but I have been so enjoying my November Ensign. My mom got Nick and I both one and had them spiral bound and the cover laminated. It has been so nice to study a conference talk each night together.

4th-Heat. I feel so blessed to be warm tonight.

(PS-Thanks for the cute Christmas dress and Ensigns mom!)

Monkey Business

The last week Molly has learned so many new things!! She started to sign "more" and "all done" She says "hi" and yesterday (with her dad behind her) she climbed all of our 10+ stairs. How is it possible that my baby is almost one?!? Today at church 3 older ladies came up to us after sunday school and told us they wish they had a porcelain doll with her face and hair. They googooed over her. Enough to make any mom feel proud. They also told me how cute Nick is with her and what a great dad he is. (something I already knew but it was fun to hear.) Nick takes Molly during most of church so I can do my calling in Young Womens. She sure loves her dad. The other day I was busy cleaning and Molly and Nick came crawling around the corner with a monkey on Molly's back. She thought it was so funny! I can't resist this sweet girl!

Hair

I guess you can see who she got her hair from.

Open House

This weekend we had an open house so friends and family could come see the finished product. (when I say finished, I don't mean completely...there are still some pictures to hang, curtains to make, etc. but this is as good as it gets for a while) It was a lot of fun! Thanks to those who made it.

I am a little behind in the blogging world. This is for my mom. Molly loved her new dress and we had so many compliments today about how cute she looked. Thanks!!

Last weekend we went to my cousins basketball game. She plays for the aggies. Molly had this hammy-down Utah State cheerleader outfit. She looked so cute in it. She wasn't too sure about Big Blue. We spent the whole weekend with my parents eating out, shopping and visiting.

This last photo is for Nick. Last Sunday Molly started coming down with something. She was a little grumpy when we went to church- (we had to give talks, so mom and dad watched her) but after church she got a fever that lasted until Thursday. Poor thing was so sick, but when I took her to the doctor they said it was just a virus. She did have a sore throat that they checked for strep but came back negative. Anyway, we had been up all night for about 3 nights in a row. Nick felt pretty helpless because when Molly is sick she wants mommy. So he bought us matching warm, fuzzy socks to hang out in. We love you Nick!