I guess I could be considered a “stay at home mom.” That’s the normal term used for what I do everyday. I have called myself that plenty of times. Lately, I haven’t like the phrase at all. I wasn’t sure why, it just didn’t seem to fit what I did and what I aspired to. Housewife and homemaker were not that better.

I read this book, and she suggested the phrase “full time parent.” I’ve been using it ever since. When I think about my current employment status, I think full time parent. I never refer to myself as a stay at home mom. Even at time when I hear or read stay at home mom, I’ll replace it with full time parent in my head.

The side benefit of this is I’m more willing to spend time with my children. I look at my job as more of a career that is is worth investing my best effort. I can learn and grow as a full time parent, and I’m more likely to pick up a parenting book. I look hard at what I do every day do make sure it’s the best for my entire family.

I can also look at myself and still see Liz: not just Mom. I don’t have to feel guilty if I need a bit of time off, or I need to delegate responsibilities. If my children are well cared for, I feel free to pursue other interests, although I’m also finding that I don’t as much. I don’t need an escape as much as I once felt I did.

Being a stay at home mom was suffocating. Being a full time parent is hard, buy joyful. Terminology does make a difference.

It has been a week full of family. We had a family reunion with my mother-in-laws family on Saturday. The following Monday we had a family reunion with my dad’s family. We got to talk to a lot of cousins we don’t see that often and enjoyed it immensely.

My mom decided she wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese for her birthday. I’m glad Grandma is thinking of her grand kids, they had a great time there.

Cousins plus one random bystander

My sister also came up and visited with me. We basically repeated what we did last time she was here and went out the Crystal Hot Springs. I’d been there last Saturday as well. I like swimming there, and I’ll drag anyone along who will go.

Joe went on a three day backpacking adventure with his scouts. He had a great time up until the final day. When they were hiking out, one of the scouts was separated from the group and it took hours to figure out where he went and get everybody headed home. I think it was a good reminder to everyone involved to stay on the trail and with your group, as well as don’t panic if you do get lost.

Joe called this his little zen garden.

I had a birthday. My day was quite normal. We went out to eat at Costco, because I actually quite enjoy the food there and I needed groceries. We had cheesecake and also took leftover cake to some friends for fun.

I’m happy where I am in life. I feel like I crammed a lot of life into my late teens/early twenties, and I am glad life is slowed down now. I’m still young by anyone’s standards expect for maybe kids!

Independence Day ended with a bang. Not just because of the fireworks. We were in the back of the truck and Henry fell and hit his head really good. Biggest goose egg I ever saw. Luckily he was okay and we didn’t have to add an emergency room visit onto a late night.

I also managed to hit a pole that day and dent our car. As holidays go, it wasn’t a great one.

Henry is adorable.  Lately he’s learned to fold his arms during prayers. Sometimes he will fold his arms all by himself and not necessarily during prayers.  He’s folded his arms during scripture study, talks during church,  Bible videos and Family Home Evening lessons.  I think he recognizes the spirit and wants to be reverent,  even at just 18 months old.