16 weeks

I am way bigger this go round. Showed a lot sooner and felt the baby at 15 weeks as opposed to 17 with Dixie. This pregnancy has been GREAT so far and I can't believe it is almost 1/2 way over already.

An Open Book

Last night at our community group, instead of meeting at a home and discussing the book we have been studying, we met at Books a Million. Everyone had to pick a book about something they liked or something about them that people in the group don't know. Then you had to pick a book about something you disagree with. It was a fun night as we all sat in a huge circle of about 20 of us in the kids section and shared our books. It was interesting to see what some people chose and learn quirky facts about them. Here is what we chose:

-Angie:

Like: Country Living Decorating. I LOVE decorating my house and hospitality. Country Living contains ideas of my dream house: out on a couple of acres, big wrap around porch, you feel comfortable and safe as soon as you walk in the door, half new/half worn furniture and decor....I LOVE IT! My home is my haven.

Disagree: Game Stop Magazine. I hate the idea that so many parents just stick their kids in front of the TV and allow them to play video games all day. I am not totally against video games, but I think it needs to be done in moderation. I have seen the effects it can have on children and their minds.

-Evan:

LIKE: Amish Grace. Evan wants to be Amish. If I would agree, we would move to an Amish community and live the simple life. To his dismay, that will never happen. I am not the Amish type. Evan totally believes in a much simpler way of life. That we crowd our lives with too much "Stuff" that distracts us from God. I do agree with this, but I guess I am a little more attached to things like electricity and cars than he is.

DISLIKE: Book on TV. As Evan said, he wants to smash ours. He hates TV and thinks it is the biggest waste of time. He tried to convince me to get rid of it when we bought our house. Once again, I wasn't going for it. Poor Evan:(

Dixie Jean:

LIKE: Dancing Book: Dixie loves to dance around the living room, especially in her Dada's arms. They 2 step and she cracks up laughing. Anytime a song is on. She says "dance" and bops up and down.

DISLIKE: A book on Walking: She is 1 year old and we are just getting to the point where she regularly pulls up on furniture to the standing position.

It was a really fun time. What books would you pick if you had the same assignment?

"Sing a Happy Little Working Song"

I have the best job in the world. I get the privilege to stay at home and raise our daughter. It's always been my dream job...to be a housewife and stay at home mom. However, I am needing a little encouragement. I love the mom part and I love the staying home part, but I don't love all the housework that comes with it. I find myself getting so lax because I do get to stay home that some days I get nothing accomplished besides taking care of Dixie and dinner out of exhaustion or some days pure laziness.

I couldn't tell you the last time the laundry bin was empty, better yet not overflowing onto the floor. Do I have time to do it....you bet. Do I avoid it...you bet. It's terrible! Luckily, I have the most amazing husband in the world. He works his butt off in the hot sun all day to provide for us, and some days will come home and take care of Dixie, do the dishes and hang up all the clothes that have been lying on the floor for a week without complaining. He is AMAZING and I am so blessed, but he shouldn't have to come home and do all of that. Granted, I am not saying that us wives don't need a little help now and then. We do!

I have to be better at recognizing that being a stay at home mom and housewife is not only my joy but my JOB...my responsibility. If I were this lazy at an office job...I would be fired. I also have to learn to see it as something I am honored to do and do it with pride and without grumbling. How can I change my attitude towards housework??? This scripture helps me put things into perspective:

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

It should bring me joy to serve my family in this way, but more so to serve the Lord with the task he has put before me. Lord, please give me the motivation and desire to get off my butt and be the wife, mom and care taker that you have called me to be. Fill me with elation, not aggravation in doing these things.

I am curious what helps all of you out there get motivated for housework? Give me some suggestions. I titled this post "Sing a Happy little working song" from the movie Enchanted because that song could motivate me..well at least for 5 minutes:)

My Big Girl!