Learning to be a Homemaker

I haven't posted much this month.  Not because I haven't been doing much, but because I just didn't know how to really put it into words until now.  I am learning how to be a homemaker.  I've also been busying myself in projects that need to be done.

I think the biggest project I've been working on, and by far the one I'm most proud of is the Camp Magical Moments video.  I was the videographer last year at camp.  Now that I have the program, and the busy season for Great Harvest has past, I have set myself down to learn the program and make the video.  I have absolutely loved it.  The program was fairly easy to learn, and I love to see it's progress so much that I worked on it for nearly two strait days to get it most of the way done.  I still need to get some things figured out before I can call it completed.  Here is a sneak peak of the beginning:

I've been cleaning out the "soon to be" babies room.  

This cupboard/drawer unit has been rid of clothes... now I have

 to find new homes for all the junk too.

I also use the vanity table for beautifying myself, which will end up as a changing table.  The computer currently resides in this room along with my scrap booking stuff.  I'm having a hard time figuring out where everything should go.

I've been working on Personal Progress as a leader in Young Womens.  One of my 10 hour projects is to learn how to knit.  I had my first lesson yesterday.  Here is my first little knitted piece... I'm pretty proud so don't make fun!

I'm not on the schedule right now at work, but they still have me down as a backup.  So, I've worked a little bit here and there too.

I do have alot of time to myself.  I wouldn't call it a waste of time because I feel as though I'm still learning.  Learning to use my time wisely, learning to create a routine, learning what I want for the future.  I feel like I've been learning how to be a better homemaker.
I've been trying to focus on making my home a place where the Spirit can reside.  I've been trying to be better at keeping the house neat and organized, and not procrastinating my chores.  I feel much better about myself when I do this.
My sister-in-law has been posting on her blog about what a Mormon Women is.  I've thought alot about this and what it means to me.  I want to be the best mom I can be.  That is what I've always wanted, my entire life!  I know how important it is to have a mother in the home to nurture the children as they grow up, because that is what I had.  I know that the world sometimes sees this as old fashioned, and some people may think that mothers need to have a career instead of staying at home all day.  Being a mother is a career... in fact it is many careers all rapped up in one.  I want to be the main source for my children's knowledge.  I want to teach them of their true identity and destiny in this world.  I know that changing the world starts first in the family.

"We cannot and we must not allow the school, community, television, or even Church organizations to establish our children's values.  The Lord has placed this duty with mothers and fathers.  It is one from which we cannot escape and one that cannot be delegated.  Others may help, but parents remain accountable.  Therefore, we must guard the sanctity of our homes because that is where children develop their values, attitudes, and habits for everyday living."     -M Russel Ballard, Ensign May 1991, 79-80


So, I really do think my place is at home, where I know the importance of helping to instill values and integrity in my children is greatly needed.
I've been thinking alot about what I need to do to prepare to be a mother.  This has been my main goal in my life so I don't want to mess it up. I really want to teach my children with the Spirit, so I know I need to do those things that bring the Spirit in; reading scripture, saying prayers, FHE, etc.  Sometimes I worry that  I won't know what to say when my children ask, say or do certain things.  Will I freeze?  This is where the Spirit comes in.  Missionaries read their scriptures and say their prayers daily so that the Spirit will be with them always, and they will know how to testify to people in an individual way that that person will understand.  Being a mother is alot like being a missionary in that respect.  Briant and I have been reading this book:

I'm not very far, but I have come to realize may things.  The Lord loves each of us, and wants us to succeed.  That includes our children.  I know that if I pray for help the Lord will give me the inspiration I need for each of my children for their individual needs.  This gives me great hope.

Really quick, I was watching Oprah the other day.  I love her most of the time.  She was talking about homosexuality in this segment.  She said that a parents greatest role is to teach their children that they will accept them for who they are.  I agree that parents should love their children no matter what they do... but I have a hard time agreeing with the fact that it's our most important role.  Please don't hear me wrong... I believe it is a great role to always be there for your children and love them no matter what, but I think our greatest role is to teach our children who they really are.  To teach them of their divine mission on this earth... and how they can return to live with their Father in heaven.  To teach them to have their own relationship with God and Jesus Christ.
What do you think?

Last but not least.  Here is a little picture for you of the current bump.  I've had people tell me I need to take pictures now (because I'll enjoy looking at them later).  I kinda feel like half of this is just fat on top of the baby... but I can definitely feel where the baby is... and I've even felt it move :)  I can't wait for my appointment on Monday.  Stay tuned for my next post!

19 weeks

 Pardon, the pajama pants... they are more comfortable than anything else!