Lovin' my new role :)

This is my first semester in 3 years where I have not taken classes either online or in class. When we closed on the house last October, we felt it was better to get use the new house before I decided to go back. In the beginning, I was very excited to stay home but also worried because school has always been my outlet. I enjoy school because I love learning as well as having my time to meet new people and socialize with others my age. Before getting married and having Ty, school was always very important to me. I always knew I wanted to be a nurse and get my education. Although some people are able to do both, I personally felt I wasn't giving my best at both jobs. I would study and not focus on my son and husband. I would try to finish up homework and Ty would want to play and it would drive me crazy. I remember hearing this quote:

"No other success can compensate for failure in the home." - David O. McKay

When I heard this, I felt this was an answer to my prayer. I felt like I was failing as a student because I wasn't trying as hard as I should. And failing as a mother and wife because my head was constantly in my books. This blog entry is not a slam at those who choose or need to work but my own story and feeling of how I have come to accept and love my new job. I was trying to juggle the responsibilities of pre req nursing courses, an active toddler, and my husband who just wanted to spend time with me. The talk at Church today reaffirmed my decision to stay home and it was such a special treat to hear how important woman are to our families. During the lesson, my husband kissed my cheek and told me what a wonderful job I am doing and how much he loves me.

Our Stake President gave a great talk on this talk

( http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/lds-women-are-incredible?lang=eng )

There was a line in it that I loved, which says, "No woman should ever feel the need to apologize or feel that her contribution is less significant because she is devoting her primary efforts to raising and nurturing children. Nothing could be more significant in our Father in Heaven’s plan." I loved this and was something I felt I needed to hear. It's interesting when I tell people I am a stay at home mom. The responses are usually mixed from, "That's awesome you can afford to do that" or "Don't you get bored? When do you plan on going back to work?" I always find myself justifying my reasoning for staying home. But for once, I don't feel ashamed and don't feel the need to justify our families choices. We have a supportive family and extended family, that are always able and willing to help us if we ever need babysitting so I can make extra money. I am very grateful for the life I have and the people that are in it.

In my new role as full time mama and wife, I have expanded my skill of cooking. When we first got married, I had a mediocre talent for cooking. I knew how to cook quesadillas, chicken tacos, enchiladas, and spaghetti. I'm sure I could cook other things but that was just the usual food I would cook. It is quite intimating cooking for the man whose mother is an excellent cook. My mother in law could make dog poo taste amazing. We would go there for dinner and he would just be so happy to get a good tasting meal (although he wouldn't rub it in my face) and always want to package leftovers. When I was in school, I would usually go from 5or 6 to about 9pm. I would have to drop Ty off at either my mom's or in law's and then drive 15 min away to school. Dinner was never really a priority. Now, that I have been home I have been really into cooking, looking at different recipes, trying new ingredients, and making sure it all tastes amazing.

These were my favorite recipes for the week. Tyler LOVED them :) I included the links so you could make them as well.

Chicken Pot Pie

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chicken-Pot-Pie-IX/Detail.aspx

Lemon Artichoke Chicken

http://recipesofacheapskate.blogspot.com/2009/05/lemon-artichoke-chicken.html

Today was a fabulous Sunday and I truly am so happy with my life. I am so grateful to have a husband who values my role at home and understands the importance. Life is good and I couldn't be happier with the way things are going!