Not for everyone...

My job is not for everyone, I have to admit. Some days my goal is just to take a shower or use the bathroom with the door shut. There are early hours, late hours and middle of the night hours. Some days my laundry stack is taller than I am. And other days I am trying to figure out how to get squished carrots out of the carpet. But I love my job. I would not trade it for anything.

I love being a stay at home mom because...I have learned to enjoy shows like Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer. I never thought these shows would be riveting television for me. But, when I see my one, and three-year-old's eyes light up at the sight of one of their favorite characters or hear them laugh when something silly happens, I enjoy it more than any "grown up" show.

I love being a stay at home mom because... I get to see all of my children's "firsts." Most of the "firsts" my girls have had (first smile, step, etc) have been during regular business hours. Had I been elsewhere, I would have missed them.

I love being a stay at home mom because... I don't have to deal with office politics. Around our house the only "promises" made are those that involve what will happen if you eat your peas or what will happen if you hit your sister again.

I love being a stay at home mom because...I get to dry my children's tears. Whether it is something that hurt their feelings or a "boo boo" they got by falling down, I am there to comfort them. While I know I will not always be there when they need comforting, I know that during these important formative years I am the one they go to when they have a problem.

I love being a stay at home mom because... I am there when my children need me. Some days this is the most trying part of the job. When my children need me is often at their crankiest. I have to push all of my pride aside and give them what they need most...T.L.C.

I love being a stay at home mom because...I do not have to keep up on all the latest fashion trends. My attire on most days consists of sweatpants and a T-shirt that is conducive to games of hide and seek and playing with Play-Dough .

I love being a stay at home mom because...everyday is "quality time" with my children. I do not ever feel like I need to carve out time for my children. I get it every day. Whether it's blowing bubbles or drinking smoothies together, every day is full of "quality time."

I love being a stay at home mom because...I get to see the world through the eyes of my children. When I feel like I look terrible yet I see my child's eyes light up when I walk in the room, I am reminded that life is about much more than we think it is. Life is about loving each other, not judging each other.

There are women who have to, or choose to work out of the home. There are days when I want to join them. Sometimes I question my sanity by choosing to be up to elbows in dirty diapers and sticky sippy cups all day. But this is what I have always wanted to do. I aspire to be the best stay at home mom I can be. And that's enough for me.

Oquirrh Mountain

Things have been so busy lately that I haven't been able to write about a really great experience that Chad and I had. Last week we were able to go to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple with David and Paige and do some sealings. With school, work, raising kids etc.. it has been awhile since Chad and I have been able to go to the temple besides for weddings and such. Just walking in the temple doors I felt a calming peace that I wish I could have with me all of the time.

While we waited in the marriage waiting room we were able to chat with David and Paige and catch up on life and the changes that are coming our way. We were also able to take in the beauty of this temple. Chad showed me that all throughout the temple there are circles. Ones that are linked together in a forever chain representing eternity and ones that are linked together like the infinity sign also representing eternity......there were no breaks in the circles...a never ending chain.

As we were doing the sealings it was so amazing to be able to listen to the blessings that Chad and I were promised 8 and a half years ago when we were sealed for time and all eternity. It was overwhelming to me, and the Spirit was so strong. It was also really touching to be able to see Chad and his dad together in the temple. I am SO glad that Chad holds the Priesthood, and that he honors it! I am thankful for the blessings that the priesthood brings into our family! And, I am thankful to Chad's dad for being an example to him in many ways.

I have decided that I want to make it a point to go to the temple as often as I can, and I am so thankful to David and Paige, and many other friends that are willing to help me with this goal. I can't wait to go back and feel that peace, and remember all of the blessings that I have in my life.

Oaklee's First Day of Preschool

Oaklee had her first day of preschool today, and even though she went to preschool last year she was so excited to start school again. I took a few pictures of her before she left, but after the first one that I took she told me that it was "too boring" and that since she was going to preschool for the second time she needed to have a "fancy" picture taken of her :) So, the first picture is "boring" and the second one is "fancy".....

"BORING"

"FANCY"
She had a fantastic time at school! After I picked her up she told me that it was the "best time that she had ever had this year in her life!!" I love that girl!!

From McKinzley

This just made my heart really happy :)