Being a stay at home mom

Jesse and I were talking last night and it got me thinking about my life as a stay at home mom, and how much things have changed over the past two years. He was listening to Dr.Laura on the radio yesterday, and a women called in who was having a really hard time with staying home. Dr. Laura told her that it was really important for her to have girl friends around to do things with during the day, and to get dressed up at least one a week just for the heck of it (hair and nails done...the whole bit). It made me think about how having good friends to get together with has made such a huge difference for me! When I quit my job and started staying home, I became so depressed! Don't get me wrong, I was so happy to have the opportunity to stay home with our daughter, but I felt like I had lost my identity and social life. I had a very social job where I was friends with my co-workers, and was constantly meeting with and talking to students. I went from that to staying at home. Jesse wasn't home for me to talk to during the day...I was left with a little baby who depended on me for EVERYTHING, and she didn't talk back. It was so hard! I had also just finished my masters degree. Really, all that hard work towards an advanced degree and I was just going to stay home??!! The worst part was that I felt like I didn't have any friends around to do anything with, and it was winter so I didn't want to go anywhere with a little baby. But after a few months came the blessings. I had a new visiting teaching companion from church who was in the same situation. She had also just had a little girl, and quit her job to be a stay at home mom. We became friends, and our daughters became friends...and the rest is history! I can not even tell you how big of a difference having friends to get together with on a regular basis has made! I can tell that I am so much happier now than I was when I first quit my job! Don't get me wrong, I still miss working, but I know I will go back to work one day when the time is right! But for now, I will take on all the sacrifices that being a stay at home mom brings! I am so lucky to have a husband who is willing to work so hard at a job that is not what he dreams of doing so that I can stay home. Money is so tight on one income, but it is so worth all of the sacrifice! There have been so many weeks where after the bills are paid, there is no money left for groceries or some other necessity...but it always seems to work out! My crazy couponing and stocking the food storage is definitely paying off! Sorry for the rambling post today, I just felt like I should probably write more like this on my blog since I stink at keeping a journal right now!!

4 Months Old

I can't believe Blake is 4 months old already!! I feel like time is flying by so much faster than it did with Brynn!! Probably because life is so much crazier with two kids! He is such a good baby though! He is so happy and always seems to be smiling or laughing. The only times he cries is when he is tired or hungry. It is great!! And he already move so much! He scoots himself across the floor or crib, and spins around in circles while laying on his back. I am a little nervous if he continues to move this much in the future! He is such a sweet boy, and we are so happy he joined our family!!

Demolition Derby

This weekend we went to the Demolition Derby at the Utah County Fair! Jesse and I went to it by ourselves last year, and had so much fun that we decided we needed to go in a big group next time. So that is what we did! We even brought the kids and they both did great! Brynn was so excited to see the crashing cars :) Some would consider this a "white trash" event, but it is so entertaining!!! We can't wait until next year!

Yellowstone

This weekend we went to Yellowstone with the entire Shelley clan! We always look forward to this trip, and were especially looking forward to it since we haven't been on a rip since October!!! Unfortunately, we were unaware of how different traveling would be with two children! I am afraid the trip was more stressful than relaxing, but we still managed to have a good time with family. I just know what to expect next time!

One of the highlights of the trip for me was the drive up there. We usually drive straight up through Idaho, but decided to drive up through Wyoming this time for a change of scenery. It was so much prettier, and so worth the extra 45 minutes in the car. We drove through the Grand Tetons which I just loved!! Another highlight was something Brynn said at church. We went to a small sacrament meeting near Old Faithful. I got a paper cut from one of the hymn books, and hunched over with a hurt look on my face because it hurt so badly! Brynn looked over at me, and then said to Jesse, "Mommy's trying to poop!" That entertained all who heard!

I am happy to say that although Jesse and I are both exhausted, we did survive our first trip with 2 children! The mini van was so nice to have on this trip...especially with the built in DVD player for Brynn! Blake was also quite the little trooper. Now we will have to see how the big trip to PA goes in November!!

Good Shopping Trip!

I don't show off my shopping trips too often on here...but I just couldn't resist this one! Last week, I got 56 items all for just $8 at Smiths!! I was very proud of myself. I think I now have enough toothpaste to last the rest of my lifetime! I just love coupons :) Let me know if you ever want to host a coupon class!!

Dress-up

A few weeks ago, Brynn had her first friend sleepover! She had her cousin sleepover, and was so excited! She looks up to Rhianna so much, and wants to do everything just like her. Before bed, they decided to play dress-up and I got a picture of them in their princess attire!

4th of July

Yes, Brynn is still terrified of Smokey the Bear!!


We had a fun 4th of July weekend!! On Saturday, we went to the Balloon fest in Provo which is kind of a tradition for us now. We got up and left our house at 5:30 am, and they ended up not launching the balloons due to the weather! Bummer!! We still had fun though. That night, we went to see fireworks with some friends. Brynn enjoyed watching them, but hated how loud they were so Jesse had to cover her ears the whole time :)

Bowling with Grandma

My mom came for another visit in the end of June, and we all went bowling one night. I am completely embarrassed to say that my mom even beat me!! I am so terrible at bowling! It was Brynn's first time bowling, and she was terrified at first, and wouldn't even put her shoes on. But once she got going, she loved it!

Catch Up

I know I know....I am soooo behind at updating my blog! I feel like ever since Blake was born, it is just so hard to find time to do this. It is my goal today to get caught up, so please bear with me as I make a lot of random posts :)