Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Life as a Stay at Home Mommy

     So, it's been about a year now since I quit teaching and became a full time mom.  I just love it, but it did get some getting used to!  The first few months we watched a little too much tv, the house was a wreck, and there was little organization in my life.  This was hard on me.  When Troy reached about 5 months I was able to pick myself up a little bit.  I started working out again, scrapbooking, and a new hobby: couponing.  This was good to start getting my life back in order.  Troy still wasn't sleeping, and there wasn't much cleaning going on; but my kids were being played with and loved.  That is always number one on my list. 
    I had a few friends try to talk me into Pinterest.  I held off for quite a while.  I was still a bit over-whelmed with life and felt like it would just add "things to do" on my "things to do" list.  I gave in, and it has been in inspiration.  I have found some great recipes, which has upped my cooking, useful cleaning and organization tips, and fun things to do with the kids.  I have promised myself that I would not just "pin" but also do the pins.  
   What a change has come over our house.  My mom has always teased me because I like to be organized, plan, and follow through with my plans.  See why I became a teacher?  That was one of the hardest things I've dealt with since being a stay at home mommy.  I really don't have deadlines and just let myself go.  I have now created a weekly planning paper that helps me plan meals, cleaning, workouts, and activities.  I have made a 2-week cleaning list and kept with it for 6 weeks! I have started working out everyday; even if its just 20 minutes.  All these things make me feel better about myself and I feel like I am doing what I am supposed to do.  I still spend most of my time on the floor or outside playing with the little cuties of mine!  Its amazing how quickly I can clean and I meal plan mostly on Sundays when Chris is home.  I love being organized and having certain things that I know I need to do everyday.  
     I loved teaching and will never forget those year.  I feel that teaching has made me a better mommy and I learned so much by doing it.  I am glad to have the opportunity to be home with my boys everyday.  
*Amy took these pictures of me during my boys/family photo shoot.  Sometimes these kids can drive me nuts, but we have the most fun together.  They are so loving and bring me happiness everyday!!