Saturday, June 18, 2011

Stay at home mom

So I had been going back and forth about whether I should be a full-time stay at home mom.  We have been so lucky to have family around who have been willing to watch Izzy.  Everyone was leaving for the summer and we were moving about 30 minutes away from my job.  I really wanted to do what was right for our family and I felt it would be best to be at home with Izzy.  For many people, that might seem like an obvious decision, but I had my hesitations, but I don't feel like explaining all of that.  One thing I wondered was what will I do all the time?  So this is what my past week looked like:

Monday-Mike's brother, Matt, was in town so we met Mike at Cafe Rio for lunch (my favorite) and then went shopping (another favorite of mine).  Matt made us his special pasta dish, which was yummy.
Tuesday-went to the gym and then met up with some friends at 7 Peaks water park.  That afternoon Izzy played dress up with Daddy's cowboy hat.
 We just got back from Texas a couple of days ago so that might be where the cowboy thing came from.
 While we were in Texas she got Bevo, the Longhorn mascot.  She loves to carry it around and call it her baby (even though it is twice her size).  One night she even slept with it in her crib, it was pretty funny to look at on the baby monitor.

Wed-hung around the house in the morning waiting for the Sears maintenance people and then ran errands.  I love that Wal-mart and Costco are right across the street from each other.  I love shopping at Wal-Mart for their price matching, I save so much money.  This week I got porkchops for $3 and it should have been $13, the cashier commented on what I great deal that was.

Thursday-off to the gym again and then met Bethany and Dylan at Trafalga.  Afterwards, they came to our house for a play date!
Izzy loved the carousel.  That was really the only ride they had for kids her age. 
Bethany and Dylan
Izzy riding the "horsey."  She even made horse noises.  She loves her binkie!
All she wanted to do was ride the horsey.  She would stand at the fence and say, "horsey."

Friday-went to they gym, dropped off our bikes and trailer (they all got flat tires), got Mike's truck washed, and went to Nordstroms (never a good idea ha ha)!!  Mike came home around lunch and we went and picked out carpet for our new bedroom.  That night our friends, the Farrs, came over for dinner.  It was great to see them and play with their kids.  Izzy got her first bloody nose on the trampoline, but she survived!

Saturday-In the morning I was feeling down.  I don't know why, but I was.  So I got dressed and went to Ikea with Izzy to buy a bookshelf.  I just wanted to get out of the house for a bit.  On the way home, Mike called to say we were going boating with Landon.  I was so excited I love boating!

 Izzy and Daddy swimming in the water.  I did not get in, I am a fair weather boater.  The outside temp was great, but the water was freezing.  Izzy loved it though!
 Family Picture
 Izzy loved driving the boat.


 She loved beeping the horn the most!  Mike is showing her how to do it!

So now I know what people do as stay at home moms, or at least what I do.  I make it sound like it's all fun, but that's not true.  Izzy loves to throw herself down on the ground when she is told no and throw tantrums, which is never fun.  I miss talking to my friends at work, going to the bathroom uninterrupted, making phone calls without kids screaming in the background, eat lunch without picking food off the floor, but I know I made the right decision and I am so glad I am able to be at home with Izzy.
Before I left for Texas, I was really having a hard time because I have a lot of time during the day when I don't talk to anyone, but Izzy.  So I found myself thinking a lot about Craig's death and the whole situation.  I would dwell on certain things that just brought me down.  Going to Texas was great because I was able to feel the love and support of my family.  Since being back, I try to focus on good things and the good memories I have with Craig.  I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and the knowledge I have of eternal families.

10 comments:

aisy said...

Awww, Penny I miss seeing you 2 1/2 days a week but am glad you feel good about the decision. You should have called us! Mitch would have loved to go boating. Ah well, maybe next time. Love ya.

Suzette Selden said...

Sounds like you are still staying super busy. I loved seeing you in Austin, and miss you tons. Love you sweetie.

Carrie & Dustin Nicholes said...

When I come out there we'll have to talk about this because I've been contemplating the same situation (staying at home) and it sounds like you have some insights I'd like to hear!

Joey Rachel Avery & Ansley said...

Oh Penny I love you so much!!!!!! & I loved this post!!!! Whenever you feel down and frustrated PLEASE CALL ME! I haven't been through near what you have and I have those days too- where I cry in the restroom wanting to go uninterrupted as well... BUT what a good mom you are. A few fun ideas to add to your fun list- STORYTIME- my girls love this & its FREE! Please tell me how you got $3 porkchops?!?!?! You are AWESOME and I CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE YOU!!!!!!!!! LOVE YOU LOTS;)

Cat and Blake Potter said...

i loved this post, and i am counting down the days till i get to smother Izzy with kissies!!! She is so so so cute!

Unknown said...

You are amazing...I'm so jealous and happy that you get to stay home...but I have tons of fears that I will suck at staying home if I ever get the oppurtunity. So it's a good thing I probably never will! Hope you are enjoying your new house and I'm sure with time you will settle into a rhythm and wonder how you ever worked!

Rachel Durazzani said...

Such a difficult decision, but I am impressed with your perspective. And glad you have so many supportive friends and family. THat really makes all the difference for me. Getting out and being among people is really what makes the days more fun for the kids (and me!) And even though I'm 3000 miles away, you can always call or text me.
Love your topper picture!

Lauryn Dawes said...

That's certainly a hard decision. Sometimes the monotony of being at home all day can be hard, but I know, for me, I am very happy with my decision to stop working. I wish we lived closer so we could hang out during the day with our kiddos. I don't doubt you'll be able to come up with fun things for you and Izzy to stay entertained with throughout the day, you're an awesome mom! Hopefully, I'll get to come up and visit for a few days in July.

Rob and Marseille said...

play dates (for the moms as well as kids) are a must!! Also, it is easier if you have a project to work on that you are excited about. It gets easier the more they can talk/play games (Christopher was pretty good at UNO when he was four). And, having two kids makes life more busy than just having one/its cute to watch them interact, etc. And we go to story time/the park every week.

Lana said...

I liked reading about your stay at home mom duties. Being on maternity leave has been an eye-opener to me about what it's like to be at home with kids. It's harder than I thought for sure! Max and I have been doing some of the same things you've been doing with Izzy(Trafalga, 7 Peaks- sounds like we have the same pass). I've got three weeks left of maternity leave, if you want to meet up at Trafalga or 7 Peaks sometime! Call me :)