Just a few Sunday afternoon projects...

I am so happy that my sewing machine is working again (can't you tell?) I would have spent Saturday doing these but we had a guard competition in Kaysville all day long. (3rd place in movement- great job, team!) Here are a couple projects from yesterday afternoon:
Left: Some burp cloths for a friend who is having a little girl soon
Center: Sophie seems to like bright colors so I made some color cards with the word on it. She may be a little young for it now, but she seems to like them anyway.
Right: I'm sure you can't guess what it is. It's an iPad cover for my brother-in-law. He's working on a project involving children with autism and using iPads to help them learn and communicate. I'll have Craig post more about that soon. He knows much more about it since he's helped Kirk on it a bit.

Because someone asked me to say it like it is.

I hate being a "stay-at-home" mom. There. I said it. Happy?

Yup, another one of "those"

This is one of those "random thoughts" posts. Just feel the need to share with the world that:

• Sophie and I were dressed, fed, diapered (that would be Sophie) and out the door to an appointment by 9:45 this morning. 
• Visiting teaching is set up for the month
• I cut my hair (WOO!!!) 
• I wore a brand spankin' new pair of pants that Craig got me last night. I haven't bought a pair of jeans since I was a freshman at BYU and actually, my mom bought those. I guess these pants might be the first I've ever bought myself. Hmmm. I have a hard time finding pants that fit correctly so I'm REALLY excited about these. :) 
• I have my to-do list for the rest of the day ready to go. Interested?

Before Craig comes home from work Sophie and I will:

1. Wash 3 loads of laundry
2. Email the guard audition posters to the team
3. 2 independent study lessons
4. Make dinner
5. Clean out the Passat. (Heaven help us all :/) 

No pictures of my haircut but I did include a picture of the new pants that fit both my waist and my legs (at the same time!) 

As long as I'm just writing whatever I think of... If you haven't yet, you should take a peek at the spring clothes at White House, Black Market. We all know I'm somewhat obsessed with black & white, classic silhouettes and quality clothing so this store (and style) is perfect for me. 

A Big Day!

I LOVE Saturdays! Especially non-competition Saturdays. Craig and I got to spend the whole day together resting, walking around furniture stores and going on various adventures together. Love it. We ended up at Ikea (of course) had some yummy lunch together and then wandered around. Ikea was running a special of sorts yesterday where if you ate at the cafe that amount would be deducted from any purchases from the main store. We were planning on looking at a bed for Sophie after a little lunch so that was a nice surprise.

We ended up getting Sophie a little toddler bed since she will not sleep in her pack & play or much in her swing anymore. She will, however, sleep quite soundly when we put her in the middle of our bed. She is currently snoozing very happily in her new bed.

On our way home from Ikea, we stopped at JoAnn Fabrics (after some casual conversation, Craig's idea. Yes, I do have the coolest husband.) Craig and I picked out some fabric to make some outfits for Sophie. The pattern that I wanted was sold out so I sort of made up my own. I even did some smocking for the very first time on the bodice. It needs some more little finishing details but it was cute on her anyway. (Sophie wore it to church today). Next time, I'll just buy a pattern. :)

Happy Birthday, Liz!

Just wanted to post a few pictures from our fun little shin-dig tonight. Grandpa told us it was Liz's birthday and since she was going to be in town from Fillmore with Melissa (rehearsal tonight and such) we thought it would be perfect to invite her siblings over for some dessert. We had my version of strawberry shortcake cupcakes and a chocolate/strawberry cake. (Can you tell that Liz likes strawberry?) Tani, Liz's daughter, is back from her mission and going to BYU so she's close by. Best part of the day? Tani came over and we had some serious fun playing with frosting and decorating cupcakes and the big pink & green cake. Hopefully we'll be able to play again soon!

A Preview of Coming Attractions...

Just a small preview of my latest project. More pictures to come once they're all done :)

I'm going to say it...

**Before reading this, please remember that I am NOT a bra-burning, man-hater.**

During the last several weeks it seems like all I have heard about is motherhood and careers and having to choose one or the other. I've read some very interesting things and points of view from both sides (thanks for the latest article, Lydia!) but I do not believe that the only way to be happy and fulfilled is to go the "all or nothing" route. I completely respect other women who decide not to work once their children are born. I think it is wonderful that they have the opportunity to make that choice. At the same time, I am also really disgusted with the people I have heard condemning those who have to work, not by choice but by necessity. And what about those of us who want to work? I guess some really believe we're the worst breed of them all.

I am fairly certain that people know I'm not your typical mom. Never have been (in the whole 3 months I've been one) and with any luck, never will be. Compliments of my mom, I have always believed that I could do and become whatever I wanted. I've wanted to teach since I was in elementary school. Before going any further, know that part of my plan has been to be a mother. However, I don't want that to be my only role or have that define me. Surprise! I do not find fulfillment in scrubbing toilets. I enjoy having a clean house (which, by the way, IS possible to have with children, but that's a topic for another time) but it's not the same kind of joy I derive from creating or teaching. I'm tired of the snide remarks, judging  and unsolicited advice. I'm not choosing to let someone else raise Sophie, I have a husband who supports me and encourages me to do the things that I find joy and fulfillment in. We are going to do what is best for our family. So, to the rest of the nay-saying world, I politely ask you to buzz off.


(Picture above is Sophie before a guard competition)