Homemaking is Rough

Sometimes I have to remind myself that staying at home is the right thing to do. Homemaking can be rough - some days are better than others.

When I was younger I had all of these goals and aspirations for my life - being a mother was always at the top of the list. Some days, lately, I find myself asking, "So now what?" I am a mother to a beautiful 7 month old girl. She is my world, my absolute everything. Of course I stay home now to care for her, to support her, love her and be everything that she needs. But, now what? What do I do for me now? And why do I always feel so selfish when I think about it?

Yes, homemaking is rough. I take pride in a clean, organized home - but how much joy am I supposed to render from doing the dishes, laundry, vacuuming and cooking day in and day out? Am I a bad mother and wife for not loving it every day? Am I a bad LDS woman because sometimes I wonder if this is all my life is really supposed to be about? Now, don't worry - I know all the great importance that Heavenly Father places on the role of mothers. And I completely agree that it is best for Ellinor to have me home caring for her rather than someone else. I would never choose anyone else to raise my daughter - I love her and being with her way too much for that. There is no danger of me turning my back on the homemaker path - but is it OK that I'm not always completely fulfilled by that path?

I know that motherhood is not just defined by the tasks of a homemaker. I'm well aware that I have the most important job, along with my husband, of molding this wonderful spirit into a lovely, accomplished, happy member of our society. I do not take this lightly. My own mother has always been a dynamic woman in my eyes - she has taught me so much, and most all of it had absolutely nothing to do with what our house looked like or what she cooked for dinner. Those days are coming for me - and things will probably be different when they are here.

Sometimes only having a 7 month old at home leaves you a lot of pondering time. This happens to be what's on my mind lately. I remain stranded in Eagle Mountain, UT in the land of poo and housework. I love my home, I love my family, and I do love my life. If only I could be like those perfect mothers who live for cooking for their families and driving carpool. Me? I'm just going to have to figure out how to be myself in this new realm. Thank goodness this is the hardest challenge in my life right now - I have nothing to complain about. Always counting my numerous blessings!

Bryan's New Hobby

Bryan was given a RC airplane for his Birthday and LOVES it. Here are a few videos to show off his skills.

Videos!

Also, we found that it is a lot easier to load videos of Ellinor to YouTube, than try to embed them into this blog, etc. If you visit the following link you can see some cute footage. :)


http://www.youtube.com/user/bpfoster85

Ellinor is Amazing

I wanted to do a little update on my amazing daughter. She is growing up so fast! Bryan and I cannot believe our baby is already 6 1/2 months old - where has the time gone?! Ellinor is the absolute love of our lives. We spend many hours just sitting and watching her - everything she does is so entertaining to us. I cannot for the life of me remember what we did before she came along. :)

* She loves to jump in her bouncer - and I mean JUMP.
* She thinks blocks are made for eating - but the string on the wagon in which the blocks are stored is her favorite.
* She lets us to read to her now without automatically trying to eat the book - although, she still does plenty of that too. Her favorite book right now is about farm animals and the noises they make.
* She sits up all by herself when you put her in that position. We always stay very close though because once something catches her eye she is quite quick to dive after it, never mind her safety.
* She is turning into quite the diva - but the cutest, sweetest diva you have ever seen.
* She loves to eat her baby food - just don't dare try to give her peas. You will wear more of it than you think possible and many crocodile tears ensue.
* She has the cutest two bottom front teeth. She will chomp down on your fingers so hard though - watch out!
* Ellinor loves to cuddle with Bry and I in our bed. She will reach out her hands every few minutes to feel your face for reassurance - Bry's nose seems to be her favorite thing to hold on to. :)
* She is the most curious little thing. Everything she sees must be felt, and tasted if allowed. It is wonderful to watch her learn about her world.
* Her favorite toys right now seem to be plastic cups and her teething rings. Also, if you let her crush your chips bag or anything else of that kind she will be your new best friend.

I love my baby girl. I could write so much more about her, but I'd rather go play with her instead. :)