Motherhood and Ambition: How Art Fits into My Life and Family

By Crystal
Introduced by Amy

Friends!  How are you?  I've officially been a momma of two for a month! :)  I am definitely not accomplishing my days gracefully, but both my toddler and infant have survived (baby Miles is actually getting a little chubby!) and I've managed to take several showers this week!  Haha!  Miracle.  So, today's guest post is very timely for me, and I hope for you too!  It can be easy as mommas to lose sight of the talents and passions we were pursuing before we started raising a family--that's why I find it so inspiring to see a mom like Crystal who is giving her best to her family, but still able to carve out time to pursue her own dreams.  She is inspiring.  

Crystal and I were Art Majors at BYU-Idaho together...let me tell you, this girl impressed me.  Yes, by her artwork (she is sooo skilled) but I was most impressed by who she is as a person.  She is fun to be around and easy to talk to, yet she has this grace about her...it's hard to describe.  She is wise and intelligent and kind and works tirelessly to accomplish her goals (She graduated with a double-major...I would have died!)  So pretty much I admire her a lot.  :)

Since graduation, I've kept tabs on her through Facebook, so I knew that she's still putting out incredible artwork, though she is a busy momma of two.  I had to get her input on how she accomplishes all that she does while caring for her girls.  Her ideas are super helpful, no matter what you goals and dreams are!  Enjoy!
-Amy

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When my husband and I got married, four years after meeting in an oil painting class at BYU-Idaho, we entered the marriage with the understanding that his primary role would be to provide for and protect our family, and that mine would primarily be to nurture and care for our children. We also had a mutual understanding that children would be a high priority, and both wanted to have a large family. We had both graduated with Illustration degrees, and at first, we were both able to spend an equal amount of time painting.

But of course, having a baby changed things quickly. After Eden was born, I had no idea how to keep being productive in anything except keeping my baby alive. How in the world was I supposed to get stuff done if I couldn’t have a schedule? It was obvious right from the beginning Eden wasn’t interested in following my schedule. I started to feel like it wasn’t fair that I never got to paint anymore. I got upset when James would walk in from a long day of painting and tell me how hard it was. I wanted to paint sooo badly, but day after day, it seemed more and more impossible. I read the biography of Minerva Teichert, who milked the cows before dawn, homeschooled her kids in a log cabin on the Wyoming prairie and pumped out massive paintings like nobody’s business. How did she do it? I don't know how it worked for her, but I’ve started to figure out some ways that it works for me.

1. Own your own goals. 

By that I mean don’t set goals (esp. about developing your talents) that require another person’s time, work or sacrifice in order to be realized. “But,” you ask- “Shouldn’t my husband help support me in my goals?” Yes, that would be nice of him, wouldn’t it? But if your goal is dependent on him, then you’re shifting accountability for it onto him. That means if you fail, it’s his fault, and if you succeed, you might not feel much sense of accomplishment, because he caused you to succeed. When I told James I had figured this out, he let out a visible sigh of relief. And to my surprise, I instantly felt empowered.


2. Figure out what you’ll need to sacrifice to pursue your talent, and then decide if it’s honestly worth it to you. 

I had heard other versions of this all the time from Leon Parson, my painting teacher, but back then I had no idea how I would need to do this as a mom. For me the sacrifice was sleeping in. After three years of sleepless nights with crying babies (our second daughter, Ember, came 15 months after Eden), my body had become conditioned to crave sleep in the mornings. I knew I would have to give that up. If I wanted to paint, I would have to get the painting started before they woke up. Then I could come back to it when they were napping or busy with some activity for 30 seconds here and there. You’ll have to figure out what it is for you.

Painting after the girls have gone to bed.

3. Involve your kids in the pursuit of your talent. 

This is something I’ve learned from Torgesen Murdock, an oil painter who has raised a family while actively participating in art shows, demos, and other events. Her kids never resented the time she spent painting because they got to put strokes on her canvas sometimes, or do their own paintings next to her. She also did live drawings at their school events, which made her popular with their friends. My girls have a low painting table near my easel. After breakfast, they make a huge mess with watercolor while I sneak a few more strokes into the painting I started earlier. Eden loves mixing the paints so much that when I ask to see her painting, she holds up the mixing plate instead of the paper. She also likes to teach Ember the names of the colors and show her how to do everything. It’s fun to listen to a two-year-old tutorial. Even though making an actual schedule doesn’t even cross my mind anymore, my girls respond really well to having a routine. Throughout the day, I step over to my easel for a couple of minutes when they’re eating lunch, napping, or playing in their room and make slow but steady progress on the painting. Then I can go to bed satisfied with my small but actual progress and also know that my kids had my attention when they needed it.

This summer we came to a three-month period of unemployment. With the help of some good friends, James and I were able to make preparations to spend the summer living out of a camper, doing plein air (outdoor) paintings in Montana. We replaced the roof on the camper. I converted the dining bench in the camper into a crib by stretching a volleyball net across the open side. James and I worked out an arrangement for the trip that allowed us both plenty of painting time. I painted mornings while he explored and played with the kids. Then he painted afternoons while I made dinner and cleaned up camp with them. We caught wild rabbits, ate wild huckleberries, and played with wild cousins. James and I both came out of it with some decent paintings to sell, and we look forward to repeating the trip every summer. In the meantime, I’m just doing my best to use “downtime” moments to work on painting goals, so I can use my talents to bless my family and others.

Making dinner!

Helping Dad paint.

If you're also a mom who is trying to develop a skill, my hat’s off to you! May your nights be quiet, may your children nap at the same time, and may piles of laundry to fold not distract you (at least not every time) from your great and worthy goals.

-Crystal

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Such wise advice, right?!  Thank you Crystal!  Right now, I fear my only "great and worthy goal" is an afternoon nap.  Haha.  :)  What did you think of Crystal's tips?  (...And her gorgeous painting!)  Several other women I also look up to have told me their time to exercise, read scriptures, work on projects, write, etc. is early in the morning before their kids wake up.  *Groan.* I don't love to hear this, cause I am SO not a morning person.  I'd rather stay up late...but, right now that isn't really an option since I wake up through the night with my little babe, and a super late bedtime makes me too worthless and wiped out the next day to be a happy/patient momma.  But, early morning does seem like the most un-interrupted time!  (We'll see if I can ever get my sleep-loving self to quit pushing snooze till I am absolutely forced to get up.)

Since I'm still in the newborn haze, I pretty much feel like a sleep-deprived dairy cow and diaper changer with no other ambitions in life but to catch a little more sleep.  But Crystal has inspired me to set some (tiny) goals and keep moving forward!  (PS. Check out Crystals' amazing painting blog.)

Friends, I'd love to hear your input!  What are your passions/goals?  How do you pursue them while being a mom?  Or while working a busy job?  Or doing both?  When do you find the time?  Are you also a early morning accomplisher?  (I am in awe!)  Or a week-ender?  Or maybe you're a night owl like me? :)  Also, if you appreciated this post, please Like, Share, comment, and/or Pin!  Thank you! :)

PS. Did you miss when we talked about our Secret Passions?  So many great comments!

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Baby Miles is Here!!!

By Amy

Friends!  I am happy and relieved to tell you that our little baber is finally here!  After going back and forth about what to name him for MONTHS, we finally decided on Miles William Graham.  (We heard the name Miles in a movie a few months ago and loved it, and William is for my dad and grandpa and two great great grandpas, and my brother too!  There's a great family heritage to that name.)

Miles looks like the sweetest little mumpy old man!  And he's got a wild mohawk that I am obsessed with.  Isn't it awesome how babies look so rough and beat up from delivery, all puffy, with no chin, and people still gush, "Oh he's gorgeous!" :)  I'm like, "Well, that's a bit of a stretch, but thanks!" :)

My sweet little mohawk dude!

His delivery had some scary moments--my blood pressure dropped and I passed out, which caused his heartbeat to dip way down, then afterwards, for hours while they waited for me to dilate enough, I felt pretty awful.  Then later on, he freaked me out pretty bad (and Patrick too) when his heartbeat kept plummeting again and alarms were going off and suddenly there were like 8 nurses and docs in the room!  (I was praying so hard over and over, "Please let him be ok! Please let him be ok!")  I had on an oxygen mask and they were changing my position over and over with not much improvement--we knew we had to get this baby out as quickly as possible.  My doctor was still 4 minutes away, but by the time he walked in everything was ready for me to push.  With the help of a vacuum and, I'm sure Heavenly Father, he miraculously popped out in about a minute! (...compared to the hour and half of pushing I did with my first baby!)  After a few agonizing moments while the nurses rubbed my purplish baby's little chest, he finally started wailing!  What a relief.  Of course I was bawling too. :)

It's so good to have him here safely. :)  And, my recovery has been amazing, cause I didn't rip or tear or have an episiotomy like I did with Hayden.  So, no stitches and sitting on ice packs, just a little soreness. :)

Friends, I have several amazing guest posts coming that I am super excited to share with you, but it may take me a little time.  Right now I am trying to figure out the new rhythm to life.  Cause when I have any time where both the boys are asleep, I just want to conk out too....oy, sleep deprivation.  And, this may sound really selfish, but I've been wondering, when can I fit MY stuff in when I have a toddler who misses/needs more of my time, and an infant who is pretty chill so far, but a challenge to feed? (Oh nursing, why can't I seem to succeed with you?)  I find so much joy in blogging and doing creative things, but I have to remind myself that my family and I will adapt and find our new norm, and I will get to do those things again, it will just take a little time to figure out.  Until then, please be patient with me especially if the posts are slow to trickle in, cause I love all of you and this happy little blog ...I won't give up on you so don't give up on me, ok?

Here are some extremely fancy, high-quality (ha) phone pics from the entrance of baby Miles...enjoy!  Love to you all!

A few days before Miles was born...Hayden is practicing holding a baby gently! Ha, do you like the swaddled Kermit?

Day before baby came!  Last belly shot!

He's here!!  6 pounds 7 ounces, 20 inches.

Proud dad!  Patrick was amazing through it all...I love him.

Oh, my sweet boys!!!  

Haha, we tried to see if he'd fit these adorable preemie pjs...he's skinny enough, but he can't straighten out his legs! Ha!

PS. For those mommas who have more than one kiddio, I'd love to hear how you helped your older child get used and like having a new baby.  Hayden loves baby Miles, but he's struggling with the changes in his life and routine.

PSS.  Also, I'd love to hear your thoughts about finding your groove after having a baby or having another baby.  Did you struggle with this too?

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Insane Toddler Fit At the Store Results in Strange Purchase

By Amy

O. M. Gosh.  My adorable and sweet toddler just threw the most epic fit at the store.  It was ugly.  I am beyond mortified.

This doomed outing began because the weather was SO glorious today.  I decided to take Hayden on a walk, which he LOVES.  Walking is my prefered form of exercise (sorry, I'm not intense enough to be a marathoner or cross-fitter), but lately, (I'm almost in my third tri) I kinda feel like I've been kicked in the groin whenever I walk for longer than 10 minutes.  However, as with my last pregnancy, I am in a life or death battle with back chub, so exercise I must.  For some reason, my body thinks that, along with the baby in my uterus, I'm carrying a little mini baby in each love handle.  (Oh, and don't forget the baby in each boob...I've gone up 3 freakin cup sizes in 6 months!  It's out of control.)  Ok, ok, I'm not actually carrying 5 babies in my body.  It's probably just that my body is convinced that I will soon become stranded in the Siberian wilderness, and that I and my unborn child will need to SOLEY live off of my muffin top for weeks.  Ugh.  So, I keep trying to walk and do a little exercising most weekdays.  And I'm trying to lay off the Oreos.  

But, lets get back to the store tantrum.

To get myself out the door, I decided we should walk to the thrift store.  (I have a mild obsession--ok, addiction--to thrifting.  We po', but unfortunately, we like to spend money and hunt for treasures, so we end up at lots of garage sales and thrift stores...ha, other peoples' junk is the only treasure we can afford!) 

We had a nice walk, Hayden pointing out trees and dogs, and we enjoyed the sun.  At the thrift store, we're cruising around finding a couple little things here and there...then, I see a bassinet in decent shape for $8!  WAHOO!  I figure I can take it home and clean it...and since we borrowed a bassinet when Hayden was tiny (thanks Sherie!) we've been on the look-out for our own.

So, I'm up at the counter paying, and my son suddenly decided he had reached his limit for shopping and started throwing a fit.  He was crying to get down and push the stroller.  I had to finish paying, so I set him down, telling him to stay by momma...and he immediately runs back behind the counter.  The clerk is getting agitated, so I apologize and run back to grab him.  OOOOOh boy, that made him mad.  So then, I'm trying to hold him while signing my receipt, and he's kicking and screaming bloody murder.  And then we have to take the "sold" sticker all the way to the back of the store to put it on the bassinet since I didn't bring my car and would have to pick it up later.  I let him push the stroller with me, so he was calm for a few minutes, but then on the way back to the front, I am trying to get him to cooperate and not grab crap off of shelves and I am suddenly very hot and very aware of my awkward pregnant coordination and I'm already embarrassed....I just want him back in the stroller.  Like, NOW.  So, I try to man-handle him into the buckles, and he's FA-REAKING OUT.  Back arched, screaming "NOOOO STROLLERRR!!!!"  SO, I tuck him under my arm, crazily try to push the stroller with the other hand, and lug him right out of the store, trying not to make eye contact with the people watching.  It was a LOOOONG walk up that aisle, with his screams echoing through the store.  There was no calming or reasoning with him at this point--I just kept thinking to myself, "JUST GO, GET HIM OUT OF HERE." Everyone else was probably thinking, "Yikes, is she really ready to have another one?"  Oh gosh.  He was WAILING and kicking with snot streaming, and he's so heavy, (he's not really, but 25 pounds of fury is not easy to hold on to) and I'm trying to make my face look like I'm enjoying a pleasant afternoon tea party...but inside I am mortified.  

Good grief.   I'm sure I'll face worse in the future, when I have 3 kids all throwing fits in the store at once and somebody just peed their pants and somebody just puked....but, today it was my first really big store fit and it was not fun.

So, later today I will go pick up the bassinet.  I hope it was worth it.  Also, I ended up buying probably a stupid purchase cause I was going to decide at the counter, but he was bawling and I was panicked, and I just bought the thing.  It's a cool, vintage-y bag with lots of pockets that I thought would be fun as a diaper bag.  But, now that it's home, I realize that it smells reallllly strange.  I have a cold, with some major stuffed-up sinuses, and thrift stores always smell weird, so I wasn't really aware in the store of the stench of old people, bandages, and spilled... something...that is now eeking out of the bag.  Dang it.  I don't know if I can put binkies and bottles for my infant in a bag that may have been soaked in formaldehyde.  Maybe I can clean it.  Hmmmm.

It's cute, right?  Right?  (Friends, I need reassurance here!)  Just... don't... inhale....*gasp*!  Ah well, if it can't clean up nicely, it was only $2.95.

Once we got home, Hayden pitched a fit cause he didn't want to eat lunch, and then, through tears, started begging me for his fuzzy blanket and "Momma, I want seep in cwib!" Poor babe, maybe he's growing or catching my cold, cause he's an hour earlier than I usually put him down for a nap, and he's sobbing like he hasn't slept in weeks.  But, if he wants sleep, he's getting it!  So, I gave him a sippy of milk, sang to him and rubbed his head till he was calm, and then left him to sleep in his room with an empty tummy.  Well, what can you do?  Toddlers.  At least I felt better after the ice cream sandwich and kettle corn.  (Bring on Siberia, my love handles will be ready! Ha!)  

Oy.  It's not like being a SAHM is stressful like working in an E.R., but it comes with it's own kinds of stresses, constant decisions, emergencies, frustrations, angry humans who are beyond any logical thought, and long hours.  So, please tell me about your kids' store fits, so I can laugh and feel better!  Any helpful ideas for dealing with tantrums in public?  And, for those mommas with more than one kiddio, what the crap do you do when you add a crying infant into this mix?  I'm a little nervous about that. 

And while I was typing this I burned my toast for my tuna sandwich.  TWICE.  *sob*  I think I need a nap too.  Seep in cwib, peese!?

PS. Don't forget to SHARE if you have friends who can relate to my pathetic tale! :)  Thanks!

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Happy Momma's Day, By YOU! :)

Hey friends!  I'm so excited to share these pics and words with you!  

The questions I asked were, "What do you love about your mom?" and "What do you love about being a mom?"

I LOVED hearing all of these ladies thoughts.  I hope you do too!

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All three of my babies!

I love being a mom. It is the fulfillment of my lifelong dream. My favorite things are sloppy baby kisses, reading stories while snuggling, and sharing my talents and passions with them. I find motherhood (and womanhood) to be so fulfilling and rewarding. I also love learning from other women and hearing about their experiences and lives. I'm thankful for the many women who have "mothered" me over the years, and have taught me by example. They have shown me the kind of woman I want to be, and the kind of women I want to teach my girls to become. --Tracy

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I love my kids so much and am so grateful to be their mom. They teach me so much every day and make me a better person...without them my life would be pretty boring! --Amber

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This is my mother and my son Liam. My mother has always been there for me she is very strong in every way. I absolutely love being a mom, the moment Liam was born, so was I. "The only thing greater than having you as my mom, is my children having you as their grandmother."--Cassie

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What do I love about being a mom? I love watching my little bug learn and grow. She amazes me everyday. I love our cuddles while reading books before bed. Most of all I love her little giggle and knowing she is ours for eternity!! --Amber

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I became a mom this last year, and I would never trade it for anything! One thing (of many) that makes it so fun is watching them discover the world! Whether it's a new food, new texture, new animal, etc. I love watching his reactions and interactions as he explores. Right now, my son is particularly fascinated with moving people and vehicles in a parking lot! Happy Mother's Day everyone! --Danae

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1. What do I love about my mom!? This question could have an essay written to it! I LOVE my mother so much. She is my best friend, my most admired example, my go to in trouble, my laughing, roll down hills buddy and the best listening ear a girl could ask for. My mother embodies charity and is always lifting others to their best. She puts others first and has a heart bursting with LOVE! She's the BEST!

2. What do I love about being a mom!? Being a new mother has opened the world of WOWisms. Whenever I think, "I made her!" its a wowism, whenever I get a big gummy grin from her it's a wowism, whenever I hear her laugh it's a BIG wowism, whenever she learns something new it's a wowism....It is amazing that we are BLESSED to give birth to little angels. Being a mother is such an honor and privilege and the most humbling of all life's positions. We as women have the ability to bring others into this world, WOW! The process of life & motherhood is a wowism!!!! --Carolyn

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The real question is what don't I love about my mom? She seriously has it so together. She is loving and humble and constantly ready to jump up and serve anyone in need. I love being a mom myself because I love seeing my mother's influence in my own home. Having her wonderful example in my life has molded and shaped the way I do motherhood for my son. And that makes him one lucky kid! --Katelyn

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What I love about being a mom is seeing the world through my children's eyes, being needed and being loved unconditionally even if it's with sticky kisses! --Edee

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My favorite part about being a mom is watching my son grow and develop and learn new things. He grows way too fast, but is becoming more fun! --DaNae

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What do I love about my mom? There are a lot of things that I love about my mom, but one that sticks out to me now is that she listens to me. My husband and I moved from Idaho to North Carolina about two years ago with our then newborn, and then life got really hard. She always listened to me and gave me loving advice throughout those rough times. She always helped my find a way to laugh or put things into perspective. --Sarah

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I love being a mom because I honestly have never been happier. Their little smiles, quirky personalities, snuggles, hugs, sleeping faces, cute voices, and just watching them learn and grow brings me such joy. Even on the tough days its hard but nice to be that person to help comfort them. I love to love them and to be loved by them! --Kendra

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I love that she will drop anything if her family needs her. She let's all of us know we are loved and important.

I love getting hugs from a princess and all the little victories. Like folding arms for prayer. Asking to say prayer, saying please, thank you and bless you.

Knowing that I am needed in his life not just for food but for the love, warmth and giggles I bring him and him to me. --Jessica

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I love my mom because she is so dang smart! She is always going to school and learning. (She's almost done with her second masters!) I look up to her so much and aspire to be like her.

The most rewarding part of being a mom is seeing my kids learn. There's nothing like watching my toddler's vocabulary expand or the proud look on my 1 year olds face when she stands up all by herself. Followed by lots of applause for herself, too. ;) --Erica

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Photo by: Alyssa (I love this picture...we were by the campfire, and I was drawing pictures for Hayden)

I love my momma.  She is the kind of lady that took wood shop in high school, built an amazing doll house for us, plants trees, plays with blocks for hours with her grandkids, and would rather go help a neighbor than spend a day at the spa.  She is a hard worker and truly gives so much of her time to service.  My mom shows me what it means to give of yourself.  She's amazing and such a good grandma.

I love my momma-in-law too!  I really lucked out with a fun, supportive, and loving M. I. L.  She is such a determined lady, getting her master's degree when she had 5 kids, and is currently training for her second half marathon...she blows my mind. :)  She also loves my son, and loves to spend time with him, (he's her only grandchild!) which is nice for me! :)

What do I love about being a mom?  I love the hilarious things that my son says, his amazing little emerging personality, and the excitement he gets when he sees something new.  It's so fun!  And, his little face and when he sings with me...oh my heck, it makes every two year old tantrum worth it. :)  It took me a while to adjust to motherhood (we both cried A LOT) but as time has gone by, it has only gotten better.  We'll see how number two goes! (Hopefully he is very chill...*fingers crossed!*)

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Thank you so much to all the sweet ladies who shared their thoughts and pics...it was so fun to get a glimpse into your life and heart!

Happy Momma's day to you all, whether your are currently a mom, or will be in the future!  We can all nurture and love others, whether they are our kids or not.  To those ladies who are longing and wishing to be moms, this day can be a sad one.  All I can say, is we love you--I sincerely hope that someday you will have the desire of your heart!  And to those ladies who are missing their mommas, or even grieving for a good relationship they never had with their mother, we love you too!

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Momma's Secret Passions...

By Amy

Hmmm, sounds a little steamy, huh?  Haha, I realized while typing the title it sounded a bit scandalous...and then I laughed my head off, cause I am like the LAST person who would write a naughty blog post.  And, then I HAD to keep the title.  :)

So.  I'm pretty sure all of us have secret dreams and aspirations that we keep hidden and safe.  It could be something you used to love to do, but can't seem to find the time for anymore.  Or, maybe it's something that you lack confidence in and you can't seem to get back into it. (Or try for the first time!)  Sometimes, a dream seems so stinkin far-fetched that we pass it off as unrealistic and never even try.  (Like my dream of becoming a famous rapper.  See pic below.  And, I'm kidding.  I can't rap to save my life.)

Yes, that is me (on the right) with my husband.  My rapper name: Al-Z Vanilla Face Danger Mouth. 

But, I love to hear stories about someone who out-of-the-blue decides to pursue a secret goal, whether it's big or small.  Like the retired businessman who takes up painting or the school teacher who decides to start training for a marathon.  Or the stay at home mom who decides to take a Hip Hop class.  Or the 65-year-old woman who enrolls in online courses so she can finally finish her degree. (I know an amazing lady who is currently doing this!  Love her!)

Here's the thing about passions: we don't have to be absolutely incredible at something to pursue it--if it brings us joy, then we should do it!  Even if we only share it with a few family members or friends--we should do it. :)  It takes a lot of guts to get out of the cozy comfort zone and try something new, but MAN is it awesome!  I feel like the freakin queen of the world afterword. :)

Ok, confession time...here are my two secret passions:

First of all, I love to sing.  Like, a lot.  It's always been my secret ambition.  Being at home alone during the day with only my toddler, means I can belt to my heart's content!  (My poor downstairs neighbors...Sorry Amanda!)  And, Hayden loves to sing with me!  It's pretty awesome.  :)

From a tiny age, I was singing.  My mom says I sang recognizable tunes before I could speak.  And I grew up in a very musical family, so I learned a lot from my big sister, who can sing any harmony part.  I sang in tons of choirs and musical numbers, including many duets with my talented BFF Shandee.  I was always happy to be the alto to other singers, since I love harmony, but as I've gotten older and less timid, the idea of singing a solo no longer makes me want to vomit.  I think growing up and caring less of what others think of me has boosted my gutsy-ness too!  I recently dared myself to share a video on Facebook of my son and I singing. (Ok, mostly me...he quit singing when I started recording it!)  I was terrified to share it, and hoped that people wouldn't think I was just being conceited by sharing a video of myself, but everyone was SUPER supportive!  It was awesome...what a confidence boost. :)  And a couple months back, I got up and sang at an open mic night!  Afterward, I thought, "HOLY CRAP, what has happened to me?"  It was a major rush!  My next goal: to sign up for a 6 week vocal performance class this summer at the Performing Arts Center where I teach a couple of kids Art classes each week.  At the end, we have a recital and I'll have to sing a SOLO!!!  And, I REFUSE to let myself puke or pass out.  Ha, I probably won't have tons of breath support, since I'll be 3rd tri pregnant by then, but I figure NOW is the time to take the class, not after baby comes.

Now, don't get me wrong...my dream isn't to be some famous singer, crooning to sold-out crowds.  Not only does that only happen to one in a million (and I'm not like some phenomenal, miraculous singer) but I wouldn't want that lifestyle anyway.  Nope.  I just love to sing for the pure enjoyment of it.  I would LOVE to someday be part of a small Acapella group.  Oooh, singing those tight, sweet harmonies make chills go up my spine!  (Pentatonix and Peter Hollen are my fav Acapella singers...check them out if you don't know them!)

My second passion: I LOVE houses.  If I were to go back to school, I would study interior design and take architecture classes.  Currently, my husband and I are designing our dream home.  I don't really know what the crap I'm doing, but that doesn't stop me from spending HOURS (especially on road trips) drawing and hashing out the layout, rooms, furniture, colors, etc of this future home.  It is seriously so fun to me!   And, may I add, we are SO many years from being able to build a dream home, (student loan debt to our ears!) but dang it, we're going to be ready when the time comes! :)  Here are a couple of pics.

So those are two of my passions. :)  I have others, like doing other people's make-up, dancing and traveling, but singing and designing my dream home are my strongest passions right now.

Ya know, it can be tricky as a mom to figure out how much time to give to hobbies, or even part-time business ventures.  Sometimes I feel guilty for wanting to do anything else outside of my home/family.  But, I think there's a balance between two extremes--one side being the martyr mom who does nothing for herself and is run-down and sad, and the other being a mom who is so into her own interests that she's only giving her left-overs of time and energy to her family.  I don't want to be either.  No accomplishment in the world would ever make up for failing my family.

But, I believe it's totally possible to achieve our dreams a little at a time, while living a normal life!  God and my family are my number one priorities, but--ya know what?  Mom is a person too.  We are allowed to do things that we're excited and passionate about!  I believe that God gave us talents and strengths to enrich our lives, as well as others lives, and it's good for our kids to see us working hard to achieve worthwhile goals--what an example for them!

When I consciously try to fit in little snippets of time for these goals and hobbies, I feel so much more human and alive!  I feel rejuvenated--which makes me a happy mom instead of a resentful, impatient, bored mom. (Sorry if that sounds terrible...I'm SO grateful for my son and that I get to be home with him, but the day-to-day routine can get a little monotonous at times.  Some days it seems like my life will just be dishes and diapers FOREVERRRR.)  I'm grateful for blogging as a way for me to share my heart and connect with other women, and I can totally do it during my son's naps. :)  For my emotional well-being, fitting in these little moments of time for my interests are SO worth it!

I've also noticed that when I am spending even a little time everyday feeding my spirit, like reading from the scriptures for 5 minutes and kneeling for a heart-felt prayer before breakfast, my soul is more peaceful.  When I'm not taking the time to connect with God, I feel dissatisfied with life, no matter what's going on in it.

Another thing, I think it's ok if our passions evolve over time to fit our life circumstances.  When I was a kid, I would draw all the time, filling sketchbooks down in my room.  But, now--though I still love art--it feels more like work to me, since I was an art major in college and now I teach art professionally.

Doing art homework in college.

This is me teaching a teen art class.

One of the very few art pieces I've done since my college days.  It was for my brother-in-law's high school Art auction...it's of my sister-in-law, Alyssa.  I got to give it to her for Christmas! :)

Plus, not having my own space to do art makes it tricky with a toddler who is into EVERYTHING. So, I have to adapt and be ok with smaller, quicker art, and I don't pressure or guilt myself to make art when I'm busy with other things.  Drawing my Dream Home is basically my only artwork now-a-days. But, this summer I am taking a break from teaching, so before baby #2 comes and blows my mind, I have the goal to make 5 works of art!  YIKES!  We'll see if I can get my keester in gear.

I guess, for adults with families, it all comes down to the constant balance act.  Sometimes we have more times for our dreams, passions, hobbies, and loves, other times, not so much...like when you have an infant.  (ha, my only passion during those first few months is SLEEP!)  But, even working at small goals will bring us a lot of joy.  Cause dishes will always be undone the next day, another meal is always approaching, and the house never stays clean for long, but learning how to play an entire song on the violin is a goal that can be accomplished!  It's worth it to make the time for passions and interests, even when it's just easier to veg out after my son goes to bed and watch all 5 seasons of Drop Dead Diva on Netflix.  (Ha, I just finished it!  Dang cliff hanger!)  I mean, I LOVE to veg, but now and then I need to accomplish something cool. :)

Ok ladies, I am SO interested to hear...what are your secret dreams/interests/passions?  Be brave and let us know!  Is it tap dancing?  Yoga?  Do you want to write a fantasy trilogy?  Do you have killer invention ideas?  Do you yearn to learn an instrument?  Do you want to develop incredible culinary skills?  Do you want to travel the world?  Would you love to act in movies or on the stage?  Do you secretly want to start your own business?  Tell us! :)  And, I'd also love to hear your thoughts on finding a balance between pursuing your own interests while still keeping God/family as your highest main priority...cause it's not always easy!  :)

Well, friends, as always, please Like/Share if you enjoyed this post!  :)  And, if you're new to SOM, Welcome!!!  You can follow along by clicking the "Like" or "Join This Site" buttons....we have a lot of fun around here.  :)

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