MOTHERHOOD AND WOMANHOOD
January 25, 2017
There isn’t a perfect picture to describe motherhood. Although, a quick look at Instagram may seem otherwise. The perfect pictures don’t show the sleepless hours, endless diapers, and limitless prayers that are given for our children. But did you know that negative experiences are easier to recall than positive ones? After hearing this I decided to make more of an effort to remember the good- and to learn from the negative. I never want to completely forget my faults or the challenging times when I’ve locked myself in the bathroom and cried because I thought motherhood was hard or served chicken nuggets to my toddler for lunch, and then again for dinner (who’s with me on this? Anybody?) But instead I chose to change my focus. To grow from the challenging times, but turn my FOCUS towards the good.
I consider having the opportunity to stay at home with my children one of my greatest blessings. I use to have so much anxiety when I’d fill out forms about what to write in the box that says “Occupation.” Now I have so much pride when I hear my daughter say “Please and/or Thank you” and when she waits her turn or shares with a little, “Here you go!” Now does this happen every time in our “perfect” life? Absolutely not. In fact it probably happens less than it probably should. But when it does, I want to remember it and think, I taught her that. Because if not me, who would?
My role as a mother, has in turn, taught me so much about my role as a woman. We, as women, take on so many responsibilities and obligations but sometimes it’s hard for me to remember my greatest commitment is to my family, and to my children. This past weekend I came across a quote from a church leader during the 2000 General Conference that said, “Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.”
When I think about the woman and the mother I’d like to be, the words that come to my mind are: tender, kind, faithful. And while there are many women who I look up to who are “tough” and even “famed” (let’s face it!)-I think it’s also important to remember balance. Women are given so many divine characteristics and talents, which is why womanhood is such a beautiful thing. I simply choose to be a woman of God, and a mother, and shouldn’t be looked down upon because of it. And maybe one day my daughters will be able to look up and want this same desire for themselves too.
There isn’t a perfect picture to describe motherhood. Although, a quick look at Instagram may seem otherwise. The perfect pictures don’t show the sleepless hours, endless diapers, and limitless prayers that are given for our children. But did you know that negative experiences are easier to recall than positive ones? After hearing this I decided to make more of an effort to remember the good- and to learn from the negative. I never want to completely forget my faults or the challenging times when I’ve locked myself in the bathroom and cried because I thought motherhood was hard or served chicken nuggets to my toddler for lunch, and then again for dinner (who’s with me on this? Anybody?) But instead I chose to change my focus. To grow from the challenging times, but turn my FOCUS towards the good.
I consider having the opportunity to stay at home with my children one of my greatest blessings. I use to have so much anxiety when I’d fill out forms about what to write in the box that says “Occupation.” Now I have so much pride when I hear my daughter say “Please and/or Thank you” and when she waits her turn or shares with a little, “Here you go!” Now does this happen every time in our “perfect” life? Absolutely not. In fact it probably happens less than it probably should. But when it does, I want to remember it and think, I taught her that. Because if not me, who would?
My role as a mother, has in turn, taught me so much about my role as a woman. We, as women, take on so many responsibilities and obligations but sometimes it’s hard for me to remember my greatest commitment is to my family, and to my children. This past weekend I came across a quote from a church leader during the 2000 General Conference that said, “Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity.”
When I think about the woman and the mother I’d like to be, the words that come to my mind are: tender, kind, faithful. And while there are many women who I look up to who are “tough” and even “famed” (let’s face it!)-I think it’s also important to remember balance. Women are given so many divine characteristics and talents, which is why womanhood is such a beautiful thing. I simply choose to be a woman of God, and a mother, and shouldn’t be looked down upon because of it. And maybe one day my daughters will be able to look up and want this same desire for themselves too.
GRADUATION & BABY BLESSINGS
January 10, 2017
It was so nice being able to attend Marcus' sister, Jen's, graduation from UNLV. Not only were we able to be there, but also his parents who are currently serving a mission in Omaha, Nebraska and all of his siblings. We were able to pack a lot in, in just a few short days. Lots of tacos, desserts, and family time. We had so much fun as new siblings, and cousins, flew in and out everyday! Strolling through the casinos one night, cousin Autumn and Harper, were holding hands window shopping. I was literally DYING watching these two act like they were 16 instead of 2 and 3!
On Saturday we were able to attend graduation and it was one of the most entertaining graduations we'd ever been to. During the opening ceremonies they had a rapper come out and welcome in all the graduates. Harper loooved it. And so did we. Jen was also chosen to be the graduate speaker so it was great to watch her up there on the podium. We were all so proud of her! A single-mom, going through the adoption process, and still obtaining her Master's in Family Therapy. And yet, Jen would probably say her hardest challenge at the moment was potty training! Yeah, she's amazing.
On Saturday we were able to attend graduation and it was one of the most entertaining graduations we'd ever been to. During the opening ceremonies they had a rapper come out and welcome in all the graduates. Harper loooved it. And so did we. Jen was also chosen to be the graduate speaker so it was great to watch her up there on the podium. We were all so proud of her! A single-mom, going through the adoption process, and still obtaining her Master's in Family Therapy. And yet, Jen would probably say her hardest challenge at the moment was potty training! Yeah, she's amazing.
Later that afternoon, we were able to witness Jen's daughter, Autumn, receive a child's blessing by Marcus' dad. Jen and Autumn have been miracles in one another's lives and it was so special to be a part of such a wonderful day.
Afterwards, we were able to bless our sweet little Elle Emery. The blessing focused on how Elle would be a strong individual and would be able to be a good example to those around her growing up. Elle has already become such a huge part of our family and she has such a good disposition about her. Having all of Marcus' family there in attendance was a pretty neat/and rare(!) experience as well.
Harper had so much fun being able to see her Grandma and Papa Henry. Everyday at breakfast Harper would look over the balcony and yell, "Papa! Hiyee" down below. And Grandma Henry brought small princess dolls for each of the girls to play with and are now one of Harper's favorite-because somehow she ended up with all of them in her suitcase! Elle was seriously the easiest baby to have along on the trip. I was somewhat nervous about carting a newborn around, but she slept through the night, and most of the day, perfectly. We've decided that travelling with a two month old is definitely the way to go!
It was so nice being able to attend Marcus' sister, Jen's, graduation from UNLV. Not only were we able to be there, but also his parents who are currently serving a mission in Omaha, Nebraska and all of his siblings. We were able to pack a lot in, in just a few short days. Lots of tacos, desserts, and family time. We had so much fun as new siblings, and cousins, flew in and out everyday! Strolling through the casinos one night, cousin Autumn and Harper, were holding hands window shopping. I was literally DYING watching these two act like they were 16 instead of 2 and 3!
On Saturday we were able to attend graduation and it was one of the most entertaining graduations we'd ever been to. During the opening ceremonies they had a rapper come out and welcome in all the graduates. Harper loooved it. And so did we. Jen was also chosen to be the graduate speaker so it was great to watch her up there on the podium. We were all so proud of her! A single-mom, going through the adoption process, and still obtaining her Master's in Family Therapy. And yet, Jen would probably say her hardest challenge at the moment was potty training! Yeah, she's amazing.
On Saturday we were able to attend graduation and it was one of the most entertaining graduations we'd ever been to. During the opening ceremonies they had a rapper come out and welcome in all the graduates. Harper loooved it. And so did we. Jen was also chosen to be the graduate speaker so it was great to watch her up there on the podium. We were all so proud of her! A single-mom, going through the adoption process, and still obtaining her Master's in Family Therapy. And yet, Jen would probably say her hardest challenge at the moment was potty training! Yeah, she's amazing.
Later that afternoon, we were able to witness Jen's daughter, Autumn, receive a child's blessing by Marcus' dad. Jen and Autumn have been miracles in one another's lives and it was so special to be a part of such a wonderful day.
Afterwards, we were able to bless our sweet little Elle Emery. The blessing focused on how Elle would be a strong individual and would be able to be a good example to those around her growing up. Elle has already become such a huge part of our family and she has such a good disposition about her. Having all of Marcus' family there in attendance was a pretty neat/and rare(!) experience as well.
Harper had so much fun being able to see her Grandma and Papa Henry. Everyday at breakfast Harper would look over the balcony and yell, "Papa! Hiyee" down below. And Grandma Henry brought small princess dolls for each of the girls to play with and are now one of Harper's favorite-because somehow she ended up with all of them in her suitcase! Elle was seriously the easiest baby to have along on the trip. I was somewhat nervous about carting a newborn around, but she slept through the night, and most of the day, perfectly. We've decided that travelling with a two month old is definitely the way to go!
IKEA CHILDREN'S PLAY KITCHEN HACK
January 3, 2017
With Christmas approaching and still having no idea what we
were going to get Harper, we decided at last minute to get her a play kitchen.
I had been browsing different kitchens on Pinterest when I saw an IKEA hack.
For those that don’t yet know what an IKEA hack is, it’s taking IKEA’s
furniture and most of the time turning it into something bigger and better! And
usually at a reasonable price. I knew I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on
a child’s play kitchen, but also wanted something that wouldn’t stand out in a
crazy color. So after searching a few Pinterest tutorials on how others had
done it, I started a shopping cart at Amazon and two days later (thank you
Amazon Prime!) we had all our materials.
Luckily, we have a secret workshop. So Harper didn’t see anything until Christmas morning. It took a good two days for us to finish. The first day we got all the pieces organized by what color they needed to be painted. We decided to paint the bottom half black using this paint, and the top half white using this paint and the accessories all gold. The first day we flipped, and primed all the pieces (two coats) and left them out overnight.
Luckily, we have a secret workshop. So Harper didn’t see anything until Christmas morning. It took a good two days for us to finish. The first day we got all the pieces organized by what color they needed to be painted. We decided to paint the bottom half black using this paint, and the top half white using this paint and the accessories all gold. The first day we flipped, and primed all the pieces (two coats) and left them out overnight.
While all the paint was drying, one of my favorite things we did was the counter top. We used adhesive marble grey contact paper that we bought off Amazon. I rolled out a piece on top of the countertop and smoothed out any bubbles. I scored a big X on the inside where the stove and sink would go and folded down the pieces. For the outside edges, I wrapped it similar to a Christmas present. Folding the corners down first, and then the sides. It turned so much better than I expected!
Next, once the paint was dry, we assembled the kitchen just
following the directions. I picked up a foam board at Walmart for the
backsplash, and cut it down to size (27inx19). Then we took a leveler and a
sharpie and drew straight lines for a “subway tile” look. We just attached it
to the back hammering small nails to the wood along the sides.
For the knobs on the front, I just bought 1.25in wood knobs at Walmart-but you could use any kind of knobs you want. After
spray painting them gold, I had Marcus drill four holes into the wood piece in
the front. I just eyeballed their distance because honestly, it was late, and I
couldn’t figure out the math-Ha!
One of my favorite details is the blackboard sign I picked up on a whim while
at Walmart. I cut off the string for hanging and we screwed the sign onto the
side panel of the kitchen. I was so relieved it was a perfect fit. Now Harper
can turn her kitchen into a café/restaurant/food truck(?), depending on the
day. I also loved how the monogrammed tea towel turned out. It was the perfect
finishing touch.
For the kitchen light, I bought this tap light. I struggled with how to screw it into the top, and then decided to try using velcro first. And it worked! The light is so light, the velcro holds it just fine as Harper turns it off and on-a million times a day.
We didn’t expect how much she would love it right from the get go. It seriously
makes me so happy to watch her stir in her pots and pans and cook in the microwave.
She proudly then hands dishes to Marcus and I, and Baby Elle, saying “Here go,
Mommy.”
Let me know if you have any questions!
With Christmas approaching and still having no idea what we
were going to get Harper, we decided at last minute to get her a play kitchen.
I had been browsing different kitchens on Pinterest when I saw an IKEA hack.
For those that don’t yet know what an IKEA hack is, it’s taking IKEA’s
furniture and most of the time turning it into something bigger and better! And
usually at a reasonable price. I knew I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on
a child’s play kitchen, but also wanted something that wouldn’t stand out in a
crazy color. So after searching a few Pinterest tutorials on how others had
done it, I started a shopping cart at Amazon and two days later (thank you
Amazon Prime!) we had all our materials.
Luckily, we have a secret workshop. So Harper didn’t see anything until Christmas morning. It took a good two days for us to finish. The first day we got all the pieces organized by what color they needed to be painted. We decided to paint the bottom half black using this paint, and the top half white using this paint and the accessories all gold. The first day we flipped, and primed all the pieces (two coats) and left them out overnight.
Luckily, we have a secret workshop. So Harper didn’t see anything until Christmas morning. It took a good two days for us to finish. The first day we got all the pieces organized by what color they needed to be painted. We decided to paint the bottom half black using this paint, and the top half white using this paint and the accessories all gold. The first day we flipped, and primed all the pieces (two coats) and left them out overnight.
While all the paint was drying, one of my favorite things we did was the counter top. We used adhesive marble grey contact paper that we bought off Amazon. I rolled out a piece on top of the countertop and smoothed out any bubbles. I scored a big X on the inside where the stove and sink would go and folded down the pieces. For the outside edges, I wrapped it similar to a Christmas present. Folding the corners down first, and then the sides. It turned so much better than I expected!
Next, once the paint was dry, we assembled the kitchen just
following the directions. I picked up a foam board at Walmart for the
backsplash, and cut it down to size (27inx19). Then we took a leveler and a
sharpie and drew straight lines for a “subway tile” look. We just attached it
to the back hammering small nails to the wood along the sides.
For the knobs on the front, I just bought 1.25in wood knobs at Walmart-but you could use any kind of knobs you want. After
spray painting them gold, I had Marcus drill four holes into the wood piece in
the front. I just eyeballed their distance because honestly, it was late, and I
couldn’t figure out the math-Ha!
One of my favorite details is the blackboard sign I picked up on a whim while
at Walmart. I cut off the string for hanging and we screwed the sign onto the
side panel of the kitchen. I was so relieved it was a perfect fit. Now Harper
can turn her kitchen into a café/restaurant/food truck(?), depending on the
day. I also loved how the monogrammed tea towel turned out. It was the perfect
finishing touch.
For the kitchen light, I bought this tap light. I struggled with how to screw it into the top, and then decided to try using velcro first. And it worked! The light is so light, the velcro holds it just fine as Harper turns it off and on-a million times a day.
We didn’t expect how much she would love it right from the get go. It seriously
makes me so happy to watch her stir in her pots and pans and cook in the microwave.
She proudly then hands dishes to Marcus and I, and Baby Elle, saying “Here go,
Mommy.”
Let me know if you have any questions!
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