Friday, March 13, 2015
Moving
For anyone who still comes over and looks at this blog...I've moved to a different blog. http://hangingoutwiththelocksas.blogspot.com I'm going to make an attempt to blog weekly! I look forward to seeing you over at my new blog!
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Normal Day
I found this quote while looking through the comments of this blog post
"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day, I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return." Mary Jean Irion
I am totally guilty of day dreaming about the "rare and perfect tomorrow". I dream about my own house, staying home with my kids, having more time to take pictures.I do try to focus on the here and now. I am not constantly sulking about the life I could have, I try to do lots of fun things with my kids. But there are so many days that slip by unnoticed. I really like this quote. Really. I think I'm going to put it on my wall with vinyl lettering!
In the above mentioned blog post, the author talks about gratitude. Mostly how we can instill a sense of gratitude in our children. She talks about a game she plays with her older girl. "What do you love about right now?" Playing this game helps her and her family recognize the blessings in their lives. I like this idea. When Hayden and I pray at night I help him tell Heavenly Father what he is grateful for. A lot of times it's little things, like playing in the dirt, his cousins, his favorite aunt, his big stuffed shamu. He is such a good example to me. I need to try to be more childlike, and be grateful for the little things in life, to think about what I love about right now, instead of dreaming of the future.
A few things I love about right now
1. My boss is away and my side of the building is quiet.
2. The sound of my fingers clicking away at the keyboard.
3. The pictures of my babies looking back at me. Each picture really reflects the child's personality. It's like I have them at work with me.
4. Scribbles and drawings from Quinn and Hayden that they have made over the past year or so.
5. That I work with my family.
What do you love about right now?
"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day, I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return." Mary Jean Irion
I am totally guilty of day dreaming about the "rare and perfect tomorrow". I dream about my own house, staying home with my kids, having more time to take pictures.I do try to focus on the here and now. I am not constantly sulking about the life I could have, I try to do lots of fun things with my kids. But there are so many days that slip by unnoticed. I really like this quote. Really. I think I'm going to put it on my wall with vinyl lettering!
In the above mentioned blog post, the author talks about gratitude. Mostly how we can instill a sense of gratitude in our children. She talks about a game she plays with her older girl. "What do you love about right now?" Playing this game helps her and her family recognize the blessings in their lives. I like this idea. When Hayden and I pray at night I help him tell Heavenly Father what he is grateful for. A lot of times it's little things, like playing in the dirt, his cousins, his favorite aunt, his big stuffed shamu. He is such a good example to me. I need to try to be more childlike, and be grateful for the little things in life, to think about what I love about right now, instead of dreaming of the future.
A few things I love about right now
1. My boss is away and my side of the building is quiet.
2. The sound of my fingers clicking away at the keyboard.
3. The pictures of my babies looking back at me. Each picture really reflects the child's personality. It's like I have them at work with me.
4. Scribbles and drawings from Quinn and Hayden that they have made over the past year or so.
5. That I work with my family.
What do you love about right now?
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Living in the moment
Yesterday I received the worst news of my life. (TOTALLY being over dramatic here)
Brian won't be graduating in December as I had hoped.
I guess I was a little too quick to tell everyone that Brian graduates in December. A little too excited at the prospect of being able to quit my job and spend the whole day with my kiddos. Brian has been telling me for months that MAYBE he would graduate in December. I pretty much ignored the maybe for a long time. But he kept saying it. So Sunday night I asked him to go talk to an advisor so we can know for sure. He talked to an advisor Monday afternoon. Unfortunately the answer was not what I wanted to hear.
I cried a lot yesterday. Sat in my cubicle during work with puffy eyes and a red face. I whined to my sister and Brian that I can't handle living with family anymore; there's no room, my parents have different rules for their house than I would have for my house, etc. December felt like it was forever away and now a whole 5 months is going to be added to that. Blah, blah, blah. I guess I needed to vent but looking back I probably sounded like a big baby!
Late Monday I was looking through my news feed on facebook and a friend of mine posted a picture that said "I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday. One step can make all the difference." I needed to hear that. I need to quit thinking about how far away next spring is and focus on getting through one day at a time. There is a facebook page I am a part of that consists of several women I met on an online forum that has since closed. I vented to these women as well. They also told me how close I am, that they understand my difficulties. They reminded me to look at the big picture. 5 months is not that much longer.
So here I am making this list of things that I'm going to do when I'm a stay at home mom. I'm excited to stay home with my kids. But I could make the days that I'm working special. I don't have to wait until I'm not working any more to enjoy little moments with my kids. So while I'm still going to work on my list (I have to, I'm already at over 1,000 things!!!) it will no longer be a stay at home bucket list, but a list of things that I can do every day. I had a count down on my phone to ASU's winter graduation. There were 250 days. I know now that there is over a year until Brian will graduate, and that's still not that far away. My goal is to cross off as much of my list as possible BEFORE Brian graduates. I want to enjoy every single dang day. I'm still going to try for 2,190 things, but we'll see how far I get. And the list isn't going to be just about the kids. I'm going add things on the list for me as well. I will not wallow in sadness and imagine every day how much fun I'm going to have when I can stay home. I'm going to enjoy every minute at work (that will be a challenge! lol) and every second at home. I'm going to be all cliche and enjoy every day as if it's my last.
So I will not be complaining any more about how much longer I have to work. Or how I can't do fun things with my kids because I work during the day. I'm going to start making the fun memories now.
Brian won't be graduating in December as I had hoped.
I guess I was a little too quick to tell everyone that Brian graduates in December. A little too excited at the prospect of being able to quit my job and spend the whole day with my kiddos. Brian has been telling me for months that MAYBE he would graduate in December. I pretty much ignored the maybe for a long time. But he kept saying it. So Sunday night I asked him to go talk to an advisor so we can know for sure. He talked to an advisor Monday afternoon. Unfortunately the answer was not what I wanted to hear.
I cried a lot yesterday. Sat in my cubicle during work with puffy eyes and a red face. I whined to my sister and Brian that I can't handle living with family anymore; there's no room, my parents have different rules for their house than I would have for my house, etc. December felt like it was forever away and now a whole 5 months is going to be added to that. Blah, blah, blah. I guess I needed to vent but looking back I probably sounded like a big baby!
Late Monday I was looking through my news feed on facebook and a friend of mine posted a picture that said "I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday. One step can make all the difference." I needed to hear that. I need to quit thinking about how far away next spring is and focus on getting through one day at a time. There is a facebook page I am a part of that consists of several women I met on an online forum that has since closed. I vented to these women as well. They also told me how close I am, that they understand my difficulties. They reminded me to look at the big picture. 5 months is not that much longer.
So here I am making this list of things that I'm going to do when I'm a stay at home mom. I'm excited to stay home with my kids. But I could make the days that I'm working special. I don't have to wait until I'm not working any more to enjoy little moments with my kids. So while I'm still going to work on my list (I have to, I'm already at over 1,000 things!!!) it will no longer be a stay at home bucket list, but a list of things that I can do every day. I had a count down on my phone to ASU's winter graduation. There were 250 days. I know now that there is over a year until Brian will graduate, and that's still not that far away. My goal is to cross off as much of my list as possible BEFORE Brian graduates. I want to enjoy every single dang day. I'm still going to try for 2,190 things, but we'll see how far I get. And the list isn't going to be just about the kids. I'm going add things on the list for me as well. I will not wallow in sadness and imagine every day how much fun I'm going to have when I can stay home. I'm going to enjoy every minute at work (that will be a challenge! lol) and every second at home. I'm going to be all cliche and enjoy every day as if it's my last.
So I will not be complaining any more about how much longer I have to work. Or how I can't do fun things with my kids because I work during the day. I'm going to start making the fun memories now.
Friday, January 11, 2013
A portion of my list
I now have over 500 things on my list. Not even close to half, but we're getting there!
76. at home science experiments
I used to have this book...I'm not sure where I got it, but it had science experiments you could do at home...I remember my brother and I making sugar crystals. It was so much fun! I already love to show Hayden how I can make a volcano with baking powder and vinegar! He just said "wow!!!"
77. themed breakfasts
for each holiday (even the lesser known ones), for General Conference...whenever we want basically!
78. themed lunches
79. themed dinners
80. rock band party
Rock band was a big part of our life when Hayden was a baby. We'd drink mountain dew, eat snacks, make crazy looking bands with silly names...SO MUCH FUN!!! Since living with my parents it's a little harder to play at night because there's always someone sleeping. Brian just told me that we get a whole bunch of free downloads because xbox wants us to play it again. I'm excited for our next rock band party!
81. home made birthday cards
My kids have A LOT of cousins. And aunts and uncles...and so on. We're going to try to make them birthday cards. It's going to be hard to remember them all!!! I think I need to get one of those big calenders like my mom has!
82. home made Christmas cards
83. Christmas skits
This is a big tradition in my family. Before we all became adults we'd just have one big play, but the past few years we've separated into families. My family did the reindeer hokey pokey. It was fun. I'm not as creative as my sisters, who wrote the Christmas plays in the past...but coming up with something cute for my family to be involved in was really fun!
84. kite flying
85. sand table
Poor Hayden got a sand table for his 2nd birthday and hasn't gotten much time to play in it. Mostly because any time I go outside in the summer I get eaten alive by mosquitoes. I guess I need to purchase some bug repellent!
86. play car driving
Hayden has a fancy schmancy toy car...a Mercedes. We need to get that thing out of the garage and go for a joy ride!!! Before I quit work!
87. t-ball
88. soccer
89. tag
I loved playing freeze tag as a kid. That was the number one choice of games at recess time
90. no bed time
I think that every child should be allowed to stay up late every once in a while. Unless they are grumpy, then it's bed time!
91. make dinner for daddy
92. make notes to put in daddy’s lunch
to make him smile while he's at work. :)
93. water balloons
When we were kids we'd fill up water balloons and just play with them in the pool. We had no intention of popping them or throwing them at anyone!!!
94. rain dances
My sister Rachel and I used to do this. We love monsoon season, and would do anything for a nice rain storm. So we would go outside and do a "rain dance" to hopefully entice the clouds to give us some rain.
95. looking for cicada skins
Another favorite summer activity. Cicadas and monsoons go hand in hand. We'd look on the trees in our yard for the skins and collect them...then they'd get thrown away and we'd go look for more!
96. treasure hunts
97. scavenger hunts
98. secret Santa
99. ding dong ditch cookies
My sister and a friend of mine used to do this. We'd mostly do it for boys we liked, we'd make them cookies and drop them off on the porch, ring the doorbell and run. I won't get into the time we left the cookies with a note from me (complete with my phone number) at the wrong door. I am still embarrassed!
100. themed parties
We did this when we had movie marathons, or on speak like a pirate day...so much fun!
76. at home science experiments
I used to have this book...I'm not sure where I got it, but it had science experiments you could do at home...I remember my brother and I making sugar crystals. It was so much fun! I already love to show Hayden how I can make a volcano with baking powder and vinegar! He just said "wow!!!"
77. themed breakfasts
for each holiday (even the lesser known ones), for General Conference...whenever we want basically!
78. themed lunches
79. themed dinners
80. rock band party
Rock band was a big part of our life when Hayden was a baby. We'd drink mountain dew, eat snacks, make crazy looking bands with silly names...SO MUCH FUN!!! Since living with my parents it's a little harder to play at night because there's always someone sleeping. Brian just told me that we get a whole bunch of free downloads because xbox wants us to play it again. I'm excited for our next rock band party!
81. home made birthday cards
My kids have A LOT of cousins. And aunts and uncles...and so on. We're going to try to make them birthday cards. It's going to be hard to remember them all!!! I think I need to get one of those big calenders like my mom has!
82. home made Christmas cards
83. Christmas skits
This is a big tradition in my family. Before we all became adults we'd just have one big play, but the past few years we've separated into families. My family did the reindeer hokey pokey. It was fun. I'm not as creative as my sisters, who wrote the Christmas plays in the past...but coming up with something cute for my family to be involved in was really fun!
84. kite flying
85. sand table
Poor Hayden got a sand table for his 2nd birthday and hasn't gotten much time to play in it. Mostly because any time I go outside in the summer I get eaten alive by mosquitoes. I guess I need to purchase some bug repellent!
86. play car driving
Hayden has a fancy schmancy toy car...a Mercedes. We need to get that thing out of the garage and go for a joy ride!!! Before I quit work!
87. t-ball
88. soccer
89. tag
I loved playing freeze tag as a kid. That was the number one choice of games at recess time
90. no bed time
I think that every child should be allowed to stay up late every once in a while. Unless they are grumpy, then it's bed time!
91. make dinner for daddy
92. make notes to put in daddy’s lunch
to make him smile while he's at work. :)
93. water balloons
When we were kids we'd fill up water balloons and just play with them in the pool. We had no intention of popping them or throwing them at anyone!!!
94. rain dances
My sister Rachel and I used to do this. We love monsoon season, and would do anything for a nice rain storm. So we would go outside and do a "rain dance" to hopefully entice the clouds to give us some rain.
95. looking for cicada skins
Another favorite summer activity. Cicadas and monsoons go hand in hand. We'd look on the trees in our yard for the skins and collect them...then they'd get thrown away and we'd go look for more!
96. treasure hunts
97. scavenger hunts
98. secret Santa
99. ding dong ditch cookies
My sister and a friend of mine used to do this. We'd mostly do it for boys we liked, we'd make them cookies and drop them off on the porch, ring the doorbell and run. I won't get into the time we left the cookies with a note from me (complete with my phone number) at the wrong door. I am still embarrassed!
100. themed parties
We did this when we had movie marathons, or on speak like a pirate day...so much fun!
Monday, January 7, 2013
More to my list
So another thing I failed to mention...I have done many of these things with my kids...camping, going to parks, play dates, etc. But I want to make sure I have a list of fun things to do with them when I will be with them all the time. So even though I've done some of these things, they are still being added to my list, because it will be different because I won't have to worry about working or taking time off to do them. Make sense?? And don't get me wrong, I love my job. I don't regret working because it has helped us make it while Brian is in school full time. But I have always longed to be home with my kids, seeing them grow and giving them the time and attention they need. They couldn't have a better babysitter than they do now. But she's not their mom. I try my best to live in the moment, but it's difficult NOT to imagine what life will be like when I don't have to work anymore! Especially as the time draws nearer! It will be a huge change and a huge adjustment! I'm so excited! Here's some more of my list!
33. go to every park in town
My sister and I try to go to different parks and let our kids play. We like to make sure they are free from obnoxious teenagers, have safe toys that our kids can actually climb and play on, etc. I may not go to EVERY park in town, because there are some that are in scary areas! But we will definitely check out many parks in our area.
34. BK lunch play dates
I'm not a huge fan of McDonalds. Hayden loves burger king's chicken nuggets. And both kids love the play area. Last time we were there we had to drag Quinn out screaming...
35. Chik-fil-a lunch play dates
Same as above. We love Chik-fil-a!!!!
36. library story time
I was going to try doing this when I was on maternity leave with Kahlan, but I was too busy. This is another thing I envy that mom's get to do with their kids.
37. arts and crafts
You know those events that JoAnne does on occasion, or Home Depot? Where you make a birdhouse or whatever? I want to take my kids to those.
38. church play group
My awesome friend Ashley picks up Hayden every Wednesday for our ward playgroup. I'm so glad she does this. I want to go someday so I can meet the other mom's in our ward!
39. Join a mom’s group
I know there's other mom's groups out there that do play dates and other fun things. It would be a fun way for me to make new friends as well!
40. Try out homeschooling???
The reason for the question marks on this one is because I've tried to convince Brian to let me home school the kids, but he's not too keen on that idea. But I'm not giving up. I want to at least be able to try. We'll see what happens.
41. swimming all afternoon
This reminds me of my childhood. We spent all summer in the pool. We would go back to school with dark brown skin and blond streaked hair from the sun. I have great memories of learning to swim, and dive and swim underwater. If we live somewhere hot, this will be how we spend our summers!
42. splash pad
Again, if we stay here, or move somewhere equally as hot, during the summer water is required.
43. camp out in back yard
We did this with our cousins. Looking back it probably was easier on my aunts and uncles to shove all the kids in the backyard rather than make room for sleeping in the house! I loved it though, we always had a blast!
44. play in the sprinklers
See #41 and #42
45. wash the car as a family
We rarely wash our car. It gets very neglected. I've seen my friends post pictures on facebook or on their blogs of the whole family washing their car. It looks like fun.
46. story time at home
We do reading charts and try to read often with Hayden. This is something I would like to continue. We love books.
47. Bedtime stories
This is something we don't normally do, but I would like to start!
48. Bedtime songs
I often sing primary songs to Quinn to calm her down before bed. It's not always a part of the bedtime routine though.
49. Bathtime fun
Turning the water different colors, playing with shaving cream...the possibilities are endless!
50. movie nights
We do this on occasion. The other day we got The Odd Life of Timothy Green from redbox and watched it with Hayden. It was fun!
51. puppet theater
I drive passed the great Arizona puppet theater every day. I remember going there for a friend's birthday party. I want to take my kids there!
52. Sock puppets
I have a bag of stray socks that are just waiting to be turned into puppets!
53. zoo
We love the zoo! Hayden loves the reptiles and the sting ray petting area. I love the tigers. Quinn loves it all. It's been a while since we've been there...
54. jump street
Or any place we can go to jump on trampolines!
55. ice skating
The kids might be a little young for this right now...But I think we could take Hayden at least.
56. roller skating
Or roller blading. But again...I don't know how old they should be for this. Especially if they get their mother's clumsiness!
57. bike riding
We got Hayden a bike recently. We need to get out there and take him bike riding! And teach Quinnie how to pedal!
58. walking the dog
59. picnic in the park
I picture a picnic basket and a red gingham blanket and lots of yummy food!
60. picnic in the backyard
Same as above.
61. listening to my classical music cds
When I was in 6th grade and joined band I got really into classical music. I loved sharing the songs with my parents and telling them the history behind it. I want my children to be familiar with classical music as well
62. dance party
I will be honest: I cannot dance. But that doesn't mean my kids won't be able to. Quinn loves to dance. We will have plenty of opportunities for her to practice those moves. I picture the girls on The Perfect Man. I love the scene when they all start dancing together.
63. activities at the mall
One day while walking into the mall I looked at a bulletin that had a list of activities for kids at the mall. Of course they were during the week while I worked. I vowed that someday I would take my kids to something like that!
64. activities at the library
65. activities at YMCA
66. activities listed in newspaper
I think they are usually listed in the Arizona Living section of the paper.
67. playing in the rain
I love the rain. My sisters and I take walks in the rain. At my old job, whenever it rained my friend Mandi and I would run outside and dance in it, then come back inside soaked! I have pictures of Hayden and I dancing in a 5 minute monsoon storm.
68. outside water painting
Somewhere I read that you can take a shower liner and use it for a canvas for watercolor paints
69. Lego's
Both older kids love to build stuff.
70. dress up
Quinn especially loves to wear dress up heels and dresses and jewelry. But Hayden does like to steal my uggs and wear my soft jacket!
71. fort building
72. water parks
73. hikes
My sisters know how much I hate hiking, so it's kind of a big deal that I put this on my list. Just because I dislike doing something doesn't mean my kids have to dislike it. So I will try to take them on some hikes. Easy ones because I am a wimp.
74. nature walks
I think our "hikes" may be more of nature walks...but I will keep them separate on the list anyways.
75. bird watching
I was reading a friend's blog where she talked about doing this with her son. I've never bird watched before, it sounds like a nice, peaceful way to enjoy nature and learn about the creatures around us!
33. go to every park in town
My sister and I try to go to different parks and let our kids play. We like to make sure they are free from obnoxious teenagers, have safe toys that our kids can actually climb and play on, etc. I may not go to EVERY park in town, because there are some that are in scary areas! But we will definitely check out many parks in our area.
34. BK lunch play dates
I'm not a huge fan of McDonalds. Hayden loves burger king's chicken nuggets. And both kids love the play area. Last time we were there we had to drag Quinn out screaming...
35. Chik-fil-a lunch play dates
Same as above. We love Chik-fil-a!!!!
36. library story time
I was going to try doing this when I was on maternity leave with Kahlan, but I was too busy. This is another thing I envy that mom's get to do with their kids.
37. arts and crafts
You know those events that JoAnne does on occasion, or Home Depot? Where you make a birdhouse or whatever? I want to take my kids to those.
38. church play group
My awesome friend Ashley picks up Hayden every Wednesday for our ward playgroup. I'm so glad she does this. I want to go someday so I can meet the other mom's in our ward!
39. Join a mom’s group
I know there's other mom's groups out there that do play dates and other fun things. It would be a fun way for me to make new friends as well!
40. Try out homeschooling???
The reason for the question marks on this one is because I've tried to convince Brian to let me home school the kids, but he's not too keen on that idea. But I'm not giving up. I want to at least be able to try. We'll see what happens.
41. swimming all afternoon
This reminds me of my childhood. We spent all summer in the pool. We would go back to school with dark brown skin and blond streaked hair from the sun. I have great memories of learning to swim, and dive and swim underwater. If we live somewhere hot, this will be how we spend our summers!
42. splash pad
Again, if we stay here, or move somewhere equally as hot, during the summer water is required.
43. camp out in back yard
We did this with our cousins. Looking back it probably was easier on my aunts and uncles to shove all the kids in the backyard rather than make room for sleeping in the house! I loved it though, we always had a blast!
44. play in the sprinklers
See #41 and #42
45. wash the car as a family
We rarely wash our car. It gets very neglected. I've seen my friends post pictures on facebook or on their blogs of the whole family washing their car. It looks like fun.
46. story time at home
We do reading charts and try to read often with Hayden. This is something I would like to continue. We love books.
47. Bedtime stories
This is something we don't normally do, but I would like to start!
48. Bedtime songs
I often sing primary songs to Quinn to calm her down before bed. It's not always a part of the bedtime routine though.
49. Bathtime fun
Turning the water different colors, playing with shaving cream...the possibilities are endless!
50. movie nights
We do this on occasion. The other day we got The Odd Life of Timothy Green from redbox and watched it with Hayden. It was fun!
51. puppet theater
I drive passed the great Arizona puppet theater every day. I remember going there for a friend's birthday party. I want to take my kids there!
52. Sock puppets
I have a bag of stray socks that are just waiting to be turned into puppets!
53. zoo
We love the zoo! Hayden loves the reptiles and the sting ray petting area. I love the tigers. Quinn loves it all. It's been a while since we've been there...
54. jump street
Or any place we can go to jump on trampolines!
55. ice skating
The kids might be a little young for this right now...But I think we could take Hayden at least.
56. roller skating
Or roller blading. But again...I don't know how old they should be for this. Especially if they get their mother's clumsiness!
57. bike riding
We got Hayden a bike recently. We need to get out there and take him bike riding! And teach Quinnie how to pedal!
58. walking the dog
59. picnic in the park
I picture a picnic basket and a red gingham blanket and lots of yummy food!
60. picnic in the backyard
Same as above.
61. listening to my classical music cds
When I was in 6th grade and joined band I got really into classical music. I loved sharing the songs with my parents and telling them the history behind it. I want my children to be familiar with classical music as well
62. dance party
I will be honest: I cannot dance. But that doesn't mean my kids won't be able to. Quinn loves to dance. We will have plenty of opportunities for her to practice those moves. I picture the girls on The Perfect Man. I love the scene when they all start dancing together.
63. activities at the mall
One day while walking into the mall I looked at a bulletin that had a list of activities for kids at the mall. Of course they were during the week while I worked. I vowed that someday I would take my kids to something like that!
64. activities at the library
65. activities at YMCA
66. activities listed in newspaper
I think they are usually listed in the Arizona Living section of the paper.
67. playing in the rain
I love the rain. My sisters and I take walks in the rain. At my old job, whenever it rained my friend Mandi and I would run outside and dance in it, then come back inside soaked! I have pictures of Hayden and I dancing in a 5 minute monsoon storm.
68. outside water painting
Somewhere I read that you can take a shower liner and use it for a canvas for watercolor paints
69. Lego's
Both older kids love to build stuff.
70. dress up
Quinn especially loves to wear dress up heels and dresses and jewelry. But Hayden does like to steal my uggs and wear my soft jacket!
71. fort building
72. water parks
73. hikes
My sisters know how much I hate hiking, so it's kind of a big deal that I put this on my list. Just because I dislike doing something doesn't mean my kids have to dislike it. So I will try to take them on some hikes. Easy ones because I am a wimp.
74. nature walks
I think our "hikes" may be more of nature walks...but I will keep them separate on the list anyways.
75. bird watching
I was reading a friend's blog where she talked about doing this with her son. I've never bird watched before, it sounds like a nice, peaceful way to enjoy nature and learn about the creatures around us!
Friday, January 4, 2013
2,190 things that I will do when I'm a SAHM
The list is not complete. I'm at just over 200 things. I am listing goals and things I will do that I couldn't do when I was working. They are in no particular order. Some of the things are very simple. Some are bigger. A few of these things I will do the first day, others will take a while. I am so excited to spend the whole day every day with my babies! Some of these goals don't have a lot to do with my kids, but I couldn't accomplish them while working. If any of my readers have suggestions, please share them! I'm not even 10% done with my list, so any idea big or small would be greatly appreciated!
1. No more business casual!!!
Yes, dress pants are comfy, but I can't wait to not have a "dress code" and be able to break out the t-shirts and flip flops any day I want! I will keep the nice shirts and skirts and shoes for Sundays and other events that might call for dress clothes...but the dress pants are going bye bye!
2. I won’t have to pump every day!
I will still pump for the times that Brian and I go out on dates, or to the Temple. But my pump won't be getting NEARLY as much use with our next child and we won't have to introduce a bottle nearly as early and that makes me really happy! I hate pumping!
3. Blog every day
I'm well aware that being a SAHM does not equal lots of time on my hands. I know that I won't have any more time than I do now to blog. But I'm excited to blog about how life is staying at home with my kids. It will definitely be different!
4. Break out the sewing machine
My mom is an amazing seamstress. She's shared some of her talent with me but I really haven't had time to sew. I'm hoping when I stay home I can whip up adorable outfits for my kiddos.
5. Sew Halloween costumes for the kids
Enough said. 2014 will be the year of the homemade costumes!!!
6. Sew Easter outfits for the kids
This was our Easter tradition. We always got beautiful homemade dresses to wear to church on Easter Sunday. I have been buying the kids new Church clothes each Easter but I would like to make them something since hopefully, I will have more time to sew.
7. Sew Birthday outfits for the kids
I like to take pictures of my kids on their birthdays wearing something special. Most times I go to etsy, but it would be fun (and more special) to make them something myself
8. Break out the knitting needles
I haven't knitted in a long time. Maybe during nap time?!?! Although my kids seem to drop naps early...
9. Make more longies and shorties
As much as they save money...cloth diapers are hard work! My mom, when she's watching the kids, is really good at keeping up with them, but she sticks to what she knows...which is prefolds and waterproof pants. I have knitted a few pairs of wool longies and shorties but I've never really used them. I think I need more anyways, so hopefully I can find some time to make some super cute ones!
10. Learn to crochet
I figured I would learn the more difficult craft of knitting before I tried my hand at crocheting. My mom is really good at both. She even taught a lefty like myself and I think I'm pretty good!
11. Get a remote for my camera
I'm going to need a remote so I can document all of the fun things on this list!
12. Make a warm breakfast whenever possible
Brian's mom always made eggs and pancakes for breakfast. My mom never did since there were so many of us and we all woke up at different times. Since I won't have to get up for work anymore I suppose I can make my hubby and kids breakfast. Hopefully he won't go to work too early because sleeping in past 6am is on this list too!!!!
13. No TV days
I don't mind letting my kids watch TV and they don't watch it that much, they do get plenty of time away from it. But when I stay home with them there's going to be so much to do that we are going to have no TV days so that we can do crafts and go places and cross things off of this bucket list!!!!
14. Morning cuddle time
I leave before my kids even wake up in the morning. I want to enjoy the morning cuddling with my babies. And not have to worry about going anywhere.
15. Use my woven wraps (baby carriers)
I love my woven wraps. I have two of them and I got pretty good at a few types of carries with Hayden. But working doesn't give me a lot of opportunities to practice with them. My wrapping friends use their wraps to get their babies down for naps...or to get some chores done. So hopefully I can use my wraps even more in the near future!
16. Use my wool covers
See number 9
17. Grocery shopping by myself with the kids
When Hayden was a baby, Brian and I did all of our grocery shopping after work or on the weekends. Now that we live with my parents, we don't have to do a lot of grocery shopping, and when we do, we do it in the evenings or on the weekends. I want to experience the chaos that is taking 3 (or more) young children to the grocery store by myself. Call me crazy. I really am envious of people who talk about their chaotic trips to the grocery stores complete with tantruming children.
18. Farmer’s market
I'm not sure where we'll be living when Brian gets a job. But I picture myself with Kahlan in the baby carrier, Quinn in the stroller and Hayden walking beside me, picking out fresh produce to take home and cook in a variety of ways.
19. Morning/evening devotionals with the family
We try very hard to read scriptures as a family every night. But our school schedules are always changing and it doesn't always happen. I look forward to Brian having a set work schedule so that our evenings aren't always so crazy. And if he's going to work late hours we will start doing scripture study in the morning.
20. Pajama party
See #1 lol! I think I'm going to live in my pj's for a month once I quit work!
21. Morning and/or afternoon walks
Again, depending on where we live and what the weather is like, I love taking walks and enjoying the nice weather!
22. Play outside after dinner
Before we moved in with my parents, after dinner, all of our neighbor's kids came out and played and the adults would stand around and chat. I loved my neighbors. Hayden was young (not even 2). I visualize having awesome neighbors that we can stand outside and chat with while our children ride bikes or whatever!
23. sleepovers in the family room
My sister and I used to do this as teenagers. We'd break out the sleeping bags, watch a movie and have snacks. I think this tradition should be started before my kids are teens!
24. baking party
Hayden loves to help me bake (the few times I do bake! my mom does most of the baking.) I was very careful not to make a huge mess in my mom's kitchen (her kitchen, her rules!) When I have my own kitchen to bake in, I won't be concerned about the mess we make!
25. lunch date at the mall
It's perfect. Hayden can go to panda express (his favorite place, which I dislike greatly) and I can pick whatever I want!
26. Play at mall
I know not all malls have play areas for kids...but they usually have carousels and those cars that go when you put a dollar in. My kids can play on those things (without me having to put money in them!) all day long!
27. naked time
My parents are very conservative. They seem to be uncomfortable with letting kids run around in diapers or completely naked. I did not get this from my parents. So there will be nakey time in my house. Not me though...I will be in my pjs!
28. let them run around inside all day
Sometimes kids don't get a chance to run around outside all day. On those days they will be allowed to run and get rowdy (just not TOO rowdy) in the house.
29. let them make a huge mess with no one to get after them
We won't always be concerned about picking up toys in my house. As long as there is fun to be had.
30. play in the mud
My kids love to play in the mud. Good thing they are wonderfully washable!
31. play in the dirt
32. go to every museum in town
We try to do this now. We've been to a few. The Challenger museum, the Science Center, some others that I can't remember right now! But there are so many more things to do and see in Phoenix (if we are here!) and if we move elsewhere, what better way to learn about the place we live than to visit museums! When Brian knows for sure where he will be working, this part of my list will be more specific.
1. No more business casual!!!
Yes, dress pants are comfy, but I can't wait to not have a "dress code" and be able to break out the t-shirts and flip flops any day I want! I will keep the nice shirts and skirts and shoes for Sundays and other events that might call for dress clothes...but the dress pants are going bye bye!
2. I won’t have to pump every day!
I will still pump for the times that Brian and I go out on dates, or to the Temple. But my pump won't be getting NEARLY as much use with our next child and we won't have to introduce a bottle nearly as early and that makes me really happy! I hate pumping!
3. Blog every day
I'm well aware that being a SAHM does not equal lots of time on my hands. I know that I won't have any more time than I do now to blog. But I'm excited to blog about how life is staying at home with my kids. It will definitely be different!
4. Break out the sewing machine
My mom is an amazing seamstress. She's shared some of her talent with me but I really haven't had time to sew. I'm hoping when I stay home I can whip up adorable outfits for my kiddos.
5. Sew Halloween costumes for the kids
Enough said. 2014 will be the year of the homemade costumes!!!
6. Sew Easter outfits for the kids
This was our Easter tradition. We always got beautiful homemade dresses to wear to church on Easter Sunday. I have been buying the kids new Church clothes each Easter but I would like to make them something since hopefully, I will have more time to sew.
7. Sew Birthday outfits for the kids
I like to take pictures of my kids on their birthdays wearing something special. Most times I go to etsy, but it would be fun (and more special) to make them something myself
8. Break out the knitting needles
I haven't knitted in a long time. Maybe during nap time?!?! Although my kids seem to drop naps early...
9. Make more longies and shorties
As much as they save money...cloth diapers are hard work! My mom, when she's watching the kids, is really good at keeping up with them, but she sticks to what she knows...which is prefolds and waterproof pants. I have knitted a few pairs of wool longies and shorties but I've never really used them. I think I need more anyways, so hopefully I can find some time to make some super cute ones!
10. Learn to crochet
I figured I would learn the more difficult craft of knitting before I tried my hand at crocheting. My mom is really good at both. She even taught a lefty like myself and I think I'm pretty good!
11. Get a remote for my camera
I'm going to need a remote so I can document all of the fun things on this list!
12. Make a warm breakfast whenever possible
Brian's mom always made eggs and pancakes for breakfast. My mom never did since there were so many of us and we all woke up at different times. Since I won't have to get up for work anymore I suppose I can make my hubby and kids breakfast. Hopefully he won't go to work too early because sleeping in past 6am is on this list too!!!!
13. No TV days
I don't mind letting my kids watch TV and they don't watch it that much, they do get plenty of time away from it. But when I stay home with them there's going to be so much to do that we are going to have no TV days so that we can do crafts and go places and cross things off of this bucket list!!!!
14. Morning cuddle time
I leave before my kids even wake up in the morning. I want to enjoy the morning cuddling with my babies. And not have to worry about going anywhere.
15. Use my woven wraps (baby carriers)
I love my woven wraps. I have two of them and I got pretty good at a few types of carries with Hayden. But working doesn't give me a lot of opportunities to practice with them. My wrapping friends use their wraps to get their babies down for naps...or to get some chores done. So hopefully I can use my wraps even more in the near future!
16. Use my wool covers
See number 9
17. Grocery shopping by myself with the kids
When Hayden was a baby, Brian and I did all of our grocery shopping after work or on the weekends. Now that we live with my parents, we don't have to do a lot of grocery shopping, and when we do, we do it in the evenings or on the weekends. I want to experience the chaos that is taking 3 (or more) young children to the grocery store by myself. Call me crazy. I really am envious of people who talk about their chaotic trips to the grocery stores complete with tantruming children.
18. Farmer’s market
I'm not sure where we'll be living when Brian gets a job. But I picture myself with Kahlan in the baby carrier, Quinn in the stroller and Hayden walking beside me, picking out fresh produce to take home and cook in a variety of ways.
19. Morning/evening devotionals with the family
We try very hard to read scriptures as a family every night. But our school schedules are always changing and it doesn't always happen. I look forward to Brian having a set work schedule so that our evenings aren't always so crazy. And if he's going to work late hours we will start doing scripture study in the morning.
20. Pajama party
See #1 lol! I think I'm going to live in my pj's for a month once I quit work!
21. Morning and/or afternoon walks
Again, depending on where we live and what the weather is like, I love taking walks and enjoying the nice weather!
22. Play outside after dinner
Before we moved in with my parents, after dinner, all of our neighbor's kids came out and played and the adults would stand around and chat. I loved my neighbors. Hayden was young (not even 2). I visualize having awesome neighbors that we can stand outside and chat with while our children ride bikes or whatever!
23. sleepovers in the family room
My sister and I used to do this as teenagers. We'd break out the sleeping bags, watch a movie and have snacks. I think this tradition should be started before my kids are teens!
24. baking party
Hayden loves to help me bake (the few times I do bake! my mom does most of the baking.) I was very careful not to make a huge mess in my mom's kitchen (her kitchen, her rules!) When I have my own kitchen to bake in, I won't be concerned about the mess we make!
25. lunch date at the mall
It's perfect. Hayden can go to panda express (his favorite place, which I dislike greatly) and I can pick whatever I want!
26. Play at mall
I know not all malls have play areas for kids...but they usually have carousels and those cars that go when you put a dollar in. My kids can play on those things (without me having to put money in them!) all day long!
27. naked time
My parents are very conservative. They seem to be uncomfortable with letting kids run around in diapers or completely naked. I did not get this from my parents. So there will be nakey time in my house. Not me though...I will be in my pjs!
28. let them run around inside all day
Sometimes kids don't get a chance to run around outside all day. On those days they will be allowed to run and get rowdy (just not TOO rowdy) in the house.
29. let them make a huge mess with no one to get after them
We won't always be concerned about picking up toys in my house. As long as there is fun to be had.
30. play in the mud
My kids love to play in the mud. Good thing they are wonderfully washable!
31. play in the dirt
32. go to every museum in town
We try to do this now. We've been to a few. The Challenger museum, the Science Center, some others that I can't remember right now! But there are so many more things to do and see in Phoenix (if we are here!) and if we move elsewhere, what better way to learn about the place we live than to visit museums! When Brian knows for sure where he will be working, this part of my list will be more specific.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Less than a year!?!
Happy 2013 everyone!!!! As I type this I am giddy with excitement! There is less than a year until my husband graduates from college. He's pretty confident that it won't take him long to find a job and when he does I will finally have my dream of being a stay at home mom!!! I have dreamed of this since Hayden was tiny. He will be almost 6 when Brian graduates. He will have already started kindergarten!! Quinn will have just turned 3 and Kahlan will be almost 18 months!!! Wow!!!!
Anyways. I am going to compile a list of things I have to do when I'm a stay at home mom...a SAHM bucket list if you will. :) Since I will have been working almost 6 years of Hayden's life, I would like to come up with 2,190 things (that's 6 years worth of things!!!) to do with my kids when I'm FINALLY able to stay home. So that's what my blog is going to consist of the next 347 days 8335 hours 500103 minutes....and, well, you get the point! Yes, I have a countdown app for Brian's graduation on my phone. So if any of my readers have suggestions of super fun things to do with your kids, please leave suggestions in the comments!!!!
And sorry about not finishing the photo challenge!!! My blog wouldn't let me upload pictures, something to do with storage. Brian may or may not have fixed it, but I haven't tried to upload any pictures yet!
Anyways. I am going to compile a list of things I have to do when I'm a stay at home mom...a SAHM bucket list if you will. :) Since I will have been working almost 6 years of Hayden's life, I would like to come up with 2,190 things (that's 6 years worth of things!!!) to do with my kids when I'm FINALLY able to stay home. So that's what my blog is going to consist of the next 347 days 8335 hours 500103 minutes....and, well, you get the point! Yes, I have a countdown app for Brian's graduation on my phone. So if any of my readers have suggestions of super fun things to do with your kids, please leave suggestions in the comments!!!!
And sorry about not finishing the photo challenge!!! My blog wouldn't let me upload pictures, something to do with storage. Brian may or may not have fixed it, but I haven't tried to upload any pictures yet!
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