Inspiring Is As Inspiring Does

Taylor & Weston
September 2005

I sat in on Doug's Sunday school lesson last week. He talked about the roles and responsibilities we have as individuals and parents. One of the questions was is the job of a father to work outside the home and the mother to stay home and teach the children? It was interesting to hear the thoughts that the youth had on this topic. We came to the conclusion yes, it is "ideal" that the mother stay home with the kids and the father provides, but each situation is different (i.e. divorced parents, single parents, etc). I came away from this lesson inspired to "magnify" my role as a mother. I feel incredibly blessed to have not only healthy children, but that my husband provides for my family and I have the opportunity to stay home to "teach" my children.

Where is time going? Luke is Weston's age in this photo.

So the question I had for myself was, am I teaching my kids? Or am I in the house with the kids and doing my own thing? Unfortunately it is more yes, than no. My husband's famous quote is "Are you raising a clean house or teaching your children principals?" Yesterday I took action. I actually took my boys out to the library. I had heard from several friends that our new library has a wonderful children section. Why haven't I ever taken the opportunity to drive here? The children's section was HUGE. It did not disappoint! They had way more books than the other branch. The bummer part was the fun story time was on the following day. E for effort?

Northwest Library
Has an amazing children's section!

I have read several food blogs lately and the photos alone are mouth watering. I don't claim myself to be any Martha. Quite frankly, much of this year we have been on the run and the last thing I want to do is cook a meal. However, inspired by these women I decided to make my kids favorite pizza crusts for dinner. I know that sounds lame, (and nothing gourmet) but for me that's HUGE. Three meals in one week--Bravo! To top it off I even made homemade chocolate chip cookies. And I am using one of the summer bloggers salad recipes for my brunch on Friday.

Fresh from the oven...nothing smells better!

Today also happens to be Jill's 'just because' Wednesday. In the past, I would send a little note or drop something off to a friend. However, it's been a few months since I have even given Wednesday any thought. Wednesday has turned into another Saturday for me. Crazy period. Today I made the post office proud! I sent off a few letters and a belated birthday gift. And.... even dropped off something to my new visiting teaching companion. Yay for inspiration. I hope by documenting this I will be inspired to do a little each day!

This WAS a bread role. Yikes it almost looks like a cross
between a donut with enchilada sauce on it. Bleh!

On a completely random note. I think I just may have proved the theory I am NOT a clean freak. I keep all of our bread on top of the microwave. Apparently this fell behind and I found it today. Who knows how long it was there. Eeww!! If this doesn't inspire you to clean, I don't know what does :)

good deed: wrote the kids notes in their lunches.