Mom Choices

So here's the thing, I believe there is a debate that's been going on for the last decade and will continue on for....well...maybe the eternity of the world.

I struggle with it every day.
I think about it.
I pray about it.

For all you moms out there, you'll recognize the thought, "Should I work or should I stay home with my kids?" It's a noble question and worth thinking about. I see both sides clearly. God gave me Truett. He is a precious gift. I love more than anything to spend time with him, take care of him, hug him, cuddle him when he's sick, and watch him grow. I LOVE him. Love. If I loved him anymore I'd just throw up. Seriously. He's that fun.

If I stayed home with him I'd get more time with him to do all of those fun things, and be there for him every day, all the time. I'd eventually teach him the alphabet, how read, all about manners, I'd take him to the pool, and I'd clean up a lot of his messes in the process. It seems glorious to wake up each morning and take care of a child and a house, and I'm sure it is...most of the time. I bet it'd also be hard to feel like you weren't allowed to spend money because you weren't working, that you never got dressed up or saw any of your friends because you were always at home cleaning up messes and making dinner, or on the days where temper tantrums reigned supreme. I bet that'd be hard too.

I also think of how I feel now, working. Each morning I drop Truett off to his wonderful class with two women that truly love him and his little friend Aiden. I feel guilty inside for leaving him, and try as I may to put him out of my mind, I still think about how much I miss him all throughout the day (Yes, Jonathan, I think of you too). I also think about how much I love my job. I love how I'm allowed to use my gifts and talents for the Lord, how I am learning and growing and developing into a better woman, mom, and friend by working with such wonderful people. I'm gaining more understanding, patience, and love from those around me. Sure, it's hard knowing that your kid is just upstairs and you have to finish that work by 5 and you're not sure you can squeeze in your whole to-do list in a single workday. Whew! It's hard. I forget half of everything I say I'll remember going out the door each morning, and half the time I don't have time for lunch. It's hard trying to stop and get groceries, run a "quick" errand, or even make a phone call, because I know the time I have with him is precious. I choose to make the most of my time with him, and away from him. So which option is best? Caring for my child first? Or caring for myself first so I can care for my child by being the best person I can be?

I don't think there is a decision that will ever be right for everyone. It's something that should be carefully considered, because children are a true gift from God, and each child is unique and special. But each mom is also unique, and women have different needs too. Working doesn't mean that I love my child less. It means that the time I spend with him is that much more focused, meaningful, and I give him the best me every single day. I'm the mom that will work hard to fulfill my goals and work with the gifts the Lord gave me each day, but I'll also drop them all when I go home to be with my husband and my kid each night. I so highly admire moms that stay home with their kids each day. The good, the bad, the naughty, the nice, the cute, the dirty, the cranky, the hilarious, and every other attitude in between. It's a real gift and it's not an easy job. There is something to be said for each side of the coin.

Today I'm on tales. Sure, I still debate every morning for a split second if I'm on the right side, but I know in my heart that I am exactly where the Lord has called me to be "for such a time as this" and I am honored to live out his plan, making the most of EVERY opportunity that comes my way. Life is too short to regret. I'm making the right choice, and God has and will continue to honor me because of it. Someday my circumstance might change, but for now, God is providing more than I ever imagined, so I would be foolish to leave such a  grand gift, and that doesn't make me a bad mom.

This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. Psalm 91:2 NLT

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Colossians 15:58 NLT

Cauliflower Pizza Crust

For those of you looking to cut back on carbs, this is a WONDERFUL alternative. I was pleasantly surprised! Thanks to my great friend, Holly for the recipe!

You'll need:
2 cups cooked riced cauliflower
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs, beaten
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp crushed garlic
a little olive oil (optional)

Pic taken from this blog, although mine looked just the same!

To rice the cauliflower: Take on large head of fresh cauliflower and remove the stems and leaves. Chop the florets into chunks. Add to food processor and pulse until it looks like grain. Don't overdo it or you'll get a puree, which is not what you want! Microwave the riced cauliflower in a bowl for 8 minutes. You don't need to add water because there is enough water already in it to cook. One large head should produce approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower and extra can be stored in the fridge up to 1 week.

To make:
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Mix together all ingredients (except olive oil). Transfer this mixture to your pizza baking sheet or stone and form a 9" round pizza crust. Optional: brush olive oil over the top to help with browning.
3. Bake at 450 for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from Oven.
5. Top the crust with sauce and any other toppings and cheese you would like. Place under a broiler at high heat for 3-4 minutes, just until cheese is melted.

Note: Obviously the toppings, like meat, should be precooked since this isn't adequate time in the oven to cook them completely.

The crust is not as hard and formed as bread, and probably has to be eaten with a fork, but I have found that it's irrelevant to me because it's just THAT GOOD. :) Happy cooking!

Happy Mother's Day (and Truett's video)

What a wonderful weekend it's been. So full of love and celebration! This morning I woke up to quite the day of surprises. I walked into the office to find this green computer screen (kill me cute), which led me to watch this video (which then melted my heart):

Also got some really sweet words:

 We went out for a family brunch at FirstWatch (I got some enormous chocolate chip pancakes), caught some church, watched a movie at home, Jonathan washed my car, I snuck in a 2 mile run, and we made some pizza with cauliflower crust for dinner (thanks to Holly McHargue). I'll have to post that recipe next. Wow, it's a winner for those of you that are feeling pretty adventurous! Much love to all you moms out there. Hope you had the most wonderful day with your family and your kiddos!

5 Year Anniversary

I feel blessed to be part of such a sweet family. My husband is better to me than I deserve. We haven't always gotten along this way, which makes me even more thankful for the ways that we've grown to show our love for each other, even in the small things.

For our anniversary this past Friday, we had planned on going to breakfast, but as the morning got started a little late, we opted for lunch instead and went to Cool Greens. Five years ago we may have chosen Subway or Jason's Deli for lunch, so our taste hasn't changed that much, right?
My parents were in town for my SIL Britani's graduation (woohoo Britani!) and so my mom watched Truett all day. I'm not sure who was happier--my mom or the baby. Either way, it was such a blessing.

My parents watched Truett for us all night too which allowed us to go on an overnight date. Jonathan picked me up and brought me some roses (that just happened to match my dress). He totally should have played it up, but he was just too honest to admit that it was on purpose. What a missed opportunity, right? :) He took me to this fun little Italian place called Stella (totally recommend). We did a little shopping after that and stopped by The Mantle to finish up with some of their Chocolate Gateau and coffee.  Sweet guy even rubbed my feet, told me how pretty I looked, and bought me some chocolates. :) Doesn't get any better than that, right?

What I thought about Motherhood

Five short months ago, I became a mother.

I thought it was going to be hard. Guess what? It is. But it's also worth it.

I thought Truett would look like a Dawson with big brown eyes, but as it turns out, he looks just like his handsome dad (bonus)!

I thought Truett was going to let me dress him cute every day. Turns out, he just spits up on everything I put him in and ruins his clothes before they ever get on his body.

I thought being a mother would require a little extra effort and a forfeit of some sleep. Turns out, that's kind of an understatement. :) It also requires a dirty house.

I thought being a mom would be so rewarding, and guess what? It really REALLY is.

I thought loving Jonathan was all that my heart could hold. I didn't know my heart.

I love being a mom. I. Love. Being. A. Mom.

It's the hardest job. It's the best job. And yes, I want to have 10 more kids!