Haley
ONE
A couple weeks ago, I said goodbye to our dining room set so that I could turn the dining room into a playroom for the boys. First off, I don’t think we’ll miss the table since our breakfast room table is nice and big even without the leaf–and so far we’d just used the dining room, since it’s tucked away, as a catchall for random stuff. I’m hoping to get the playroom organized in the next couple months so that by wintertime, when we’re stuck indoors a lot, we’ll have plenty to keep us entertained. The toys and books are now contained and not overtaking our living room. My mom found these shelves at a yard sale for $20 each and they are perfect for this room (note: my dad is repairing one drawer).
TWO
It’s officially fall and I’m cooking any chance I get. I recently made Sweet Potato-Topped Turkey (or Chicken) Pot Pie that I saw in the October issue of Better Homes and Gardens, and James and I both agreed that it’s in our top 5 as far as recipes go. Rouladen and Texas Chili are still high on the list, and I need to make them again now that the weather is cooling off. I can’t wait to start cooking with seasonal foods like winter squashes and apples. I’ve got a few more recipes I want to try in the next week or so.
THREE
The week I put in my notice at work was the same week I started watching kids at the gym three nights a week. So between keeping my boys happy and my husband fed, helping with childcare at the gym and trying to grow my Etsy shop (new design pictured above), I barely feel like I quit my day job. I guess the good thing is I’m used to being busy, busy, busy.
FOUR
Operation: Beau needs a crib is officially underway. On Sunday, we put JM’s future twin bed in his room. For now, the plan is to get him used to it by reading books at bedtime in it. Next will be naps, then eventually sleeping in it at night. At least this is how I’m envisioning it. Yesterday before his nap he wanted to read a book in his big bed, and afterwards I asked if he wanted to nap in his big bed and he said no. I know some kids who transition over at 18 months and others who are closer to 3 years old. I’m beginning to wonder if JM may not be ready until next summer, closer to 2.5 years old. If so, that definitely throws a wrench in my plans, because I don’t want Beau sleeping in a pack and play much longer. I’d like for him to have a crib and a normal mattress that supports him. If it comes down to it, I may just have to splurge and buy another crib. Anyone selling? 🙂
FIVE
A month ago, I started a study at my church called Wisdom for Mothers that meets once a week for two hours. I’m still getting accustomed to the book’s format, which is different from my preferred type of study, but I’m trying my best to keep an open mind and, more importantly, an open heart to whatever God wants to teach me. Goodness knows I need all the wisdom I can get when it comes to this mothering gig. I want to be the best mom I can to my boys, and I have to reset my mind, and my patience barometer, almost daily to ensure that I am at my best and setting a good example. One great outcome of this study is meeting other moms with small children who have similar values. Just this week, I was talking to one mom with two toddlers and a baby on the way, and just telling her how sometimes I question staying at home and wonder if I’m doing enough. And she reminded me that sometimes we have to choose to accept grace. Some days we’ll feel like super mom, and others we’ll barely make it to bedtime. And that’s ok. As much as I’m trying to serve my family, I have to remember it’s not about how much I check off my to-do list at the end of the day. There will never be enough hours in the day, so I need to prioritize and realize that quality time with my kids ranks higher than mopping the floors.
