Things I LOVE!!!

Just having an "off" morning, and decided to take Julie Andrews's advice and think of my favorite things! Here they are.

I LOVE:

• Elizabeth's giggle, wave hello, blowing kisses and open-mouth kisses. Are you kidding me--these are the cutest things ever! It is so much fun to see her little personality become more and more evident every day.
• Grocery shopping. I know; I must be insane, but I love going grocery shopping right now. First of all, I love to shop, and grocery shopping allows me to shop without feeling guilty about spending money because groceries are a necessity. It is also so much fun to take Elizabeth as she gives everyone that looks at her, her "I'm-adorable-look" when she grins and cocks her head to the side. She charms everyone, including me!
• Cooking Pioneer Woman recipes. I love, love, love trying recipes from Pioneer Woman! Here recipes and instructions are fun to read and follow, and the food is DELICIOUS!
• Playing Words with Friends on Jerod's iPhone. I am a full fledged addict to this game. It is my reward at the end of a day full of cooking, cleaning, and taking care of a sweet but demanding 9 month old. I don't even care about the score; I just love playing the game!
• Watching TV shows online with Jerod. It is wonderful to take some time in the evening to snuggle up with Jerod and watch our favorite TV shows online.
• Crafting. Whether it be scrapping, sewing or some other kind of project, I really enjoy being crafty. I love the process as much as the end result!
• Spending time with family. On Wednesday nights or any other time, I love getting to be with my family! It just makes me happy!

Well, Julie Andrews was right. I don't feel so bad anymore!

Sweet Satisfaction

I've experienced a whole new change in my identity in the last few months. I've become a mom. With that, I chose to no longer teach in public school in order to stay at home with my sweet Elizabeth. I've struggled with the identity change from commanding teacher to uncertain mommy. I've found myself in a completely new world without knowing what to do.

As I was picking up the house today during Elizabeth's last nap,and I found myself thinking about our day. Elizabeth and I visited the library with Noni, pet Milly, cleaned, sewed, cooked, played, napped, read, ate, and sang among other things. I found myself thinking that I am completely satisfied in my day.

While I sewed and watched Elizabeth play on the floor, I was amazed at how much she has grown and how strong she has become. She is working to scoot herself on the floor with her always powerful legs, and while she is not fully crawling yet, she is somewhat mobile. At one point while playing, she moved herself to her toy basket that is taller than she can see when on her tummy, and she pulled the basket over to find out what was in there. I was so proud that she pulled the basket over all by herself! The physical strength as well as the independence and determination that she showed made me a very happy mommy! I realized that I am completely satisfied with the new investment of my time. I love seeing her learn and grow, and I could not imagine doing anything else. I find that even in the exhaustion and uncertainty of motherhoodI am now sweetly satisfied...