Change in Perspective

Bottle feeding is more labor intensive than breastfeeding.   It's been quite a shock to a formula feeding novice like myself how much more work is involved.  With all the cleaning, scrubbing, soaking, and sanitizing I found myself annoyed every time I found another dirty bottle sitting beside the sink (as if it magically appeared there).  That is- until a few days ago when the bottles disappeared off the counter all together. 

Poor little Delia has been suffering from a nasty bug and has subsequently gone on a hunger strike (I believe it might have to do with the fact that she can't breathe through her nose... possibly).  It's scary and heartbreaking to have a sick baby and I couldn't be more ashamed of my attitude BEFORE she caught this illness.

Here's Delia in all her crusty bogies and bed- headed glory.



YES, stay-at-home-motherhood is exhausting and sometimes tedious, but I CHOSE this as my profession, career, and calling in life.  YES, my daily list of chores in never ending and boring, but how many mothers would love to stay at home and spend more time with their children?  I have been blessed with so, so, so many things in my life- it is time to stop wallowing and start celebrating!

Because this is an on-going difficulty for me I decided to do a little research on the subject and came across this amazing, beautiful, and inspired article (written before I was even born, but still written for ME):

Carol B. Olsen, "A Sense of Perspective", Ensign, June 1982, 69

I HIGHLY recommend this article be read through thoroughly, but one of my favorite quotes is:

"There is beauty to be appreciated everywhere, creative experiences to be savored, learning and thinking and growing to be enjoyed. To the degree that we understand the possibilities we gain an eternal perspective."

I'm starting my own "perspective" journal.  I'm going to fill it with articles like this, inspiring scriptures, stories, and other "beauty to be appreciated" so when my prospects seem narrow I can find strength through others' faith.



Poor, sick Hyrum



Ivy's finally feeling better!



I WISH I could say I'm not like so many of the proud, ungrateful examples I read about in the scriptures.  I WISH it didn't take a WORSE situation to realize how comfortable and blessed my life is.  I can only pray I listen to my own advice as I instruct the kids about the uselessness of whining and the peace a grateful point of view brings.



Lets all chant together:  BRING ON THE BOTTLES!!!

You Know You're a Mama if...

You've replaced "the outfit" with "the yoga pants"

I've heard it said, "The problem with stretchy pants is you can gain twenty pounds and not notice"

Problem? I say miracle!

You've made friends with the ants- at least SOMEONE will clean up around here!

Your yard is littered with designer plastic toys.

Your sink is CONSTANTLY bursting with grimy dishes.
In the words of a dear friend, "We're like a family of locusts consuming everything in sight."
At least locusts don't leave behind dirty dishes.

Where's my miracle of the seagulls?

The novel has replaced the "single with no responsibilities or attachments" feeling.

You can't get "The Wheels on the Bus" out of your head.

You ate Kraft Mac n Cheese for lunch and enjoyed it.

You recognize that every mess is one baby step closer to independence.

Both liberating and heartbreaking at the same time.

You get to hear face squishingly adorable things like, "Mommy? When we fly in the airplane to Utah, can we get my purple balloon?"

(Yes, the loss of the purple balloon was a tragedy in our house)

You've honestly forgotten how to converse with adults.

Chocolate has become a survival technique.

You are touched (you cry like a baby) from movies, TV commercials, school programs, t-ball games, family trips, primary programs, and everyday regular moments because "beautiful" and "touching" have taken on a whole new meaning.

You drive a MINI VAN- nuff said.

You can't see your couch due to the piles of laundry.

Your fridge is cluttered with priceless treasures.

Your pantry is stuffed with high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and (gasp) partially hydrogenated oils.

Your beautiful children have encrusted bogies all over their faces and you ... wait a minute ... NOPE- don't care.

The only time you get "all dolled up" is for church.

You would go through months and even years of trying to get pregnant, just to endure nine months of semi-torture and excruciating labor and all night cry fests and engorgement and temper tantrums AGAIN.

Because yes, it's SO worth it.

So come on in, get comfortable (move the laundry out of the way first), and laugh with us.