I am a stereotype: Mormon Stay at Home Mom

Alright- let's be honest. Being a stay at home mom is a whole lot of each of these. I have received a few comments about why I don't work. I kindly reply and then think- what business is it of yours? Why do you work? 

First off, I have to applaud Mom's that choose to work, Mom's that have to work, and especially single Mom's who do everything. Parenthood was never meant for one person. It is too involved and requires so much! I honestly don't know how women be a Mom, a wife, and work outside the home. I tend my nephew 4-5 days a week, and have 1 easy baby of my own, and I am busy. 

"Busy from son up, til son down!!" 

No seriously though, I am extremely busy! My days are always full of dishes, laundry, all the boring house work. Cooking and shopping. I also tend my yard and garden, which is a lot of work but very satisfying. I have raspberries, hollyhocks, carrots, beets, beans, corn, tomatoes, and squash in my back yard, and tons of flowers finally filling in my front. It has taken me 5 years of cultivating to get this flowerbed filled in nicely.

 Part of the yard work is battling these damn gophers.

  

We play lots and lots, and read lots and lots. We practice ABC's and counting, and we sing silly songs and nursery rhymes. We play in the sprinklers, and play with the doggies. Sometimes we watch movies! Boys nap, and I use that time to work out. 

Sometimes we go on field trips: playdates with friends, planetarium, water park, park and picnics. 

 I have to acknowledge that I know I am extremely blessed to be able to stay home. It is my choice, and Daniel provides enough for our family to allow me to do so. I know that for many families, that it isn't possible.  

So down to the question, why don't I work?

I do. 

Also, I choose not to work outside the home because I want to be the one who teaches my children. I want to be the one who cheers them on, and who picks them up when they fall. I want to know that they have been taught values, principles, and manners. I want them to grow up knowing and feeling that I was always there for them. 

Staying home is also in many respects a spiritual choice. My faith doesn't require that I stay home, but certainly in situations that allow for a mother to stay home, that is preferred. Children learn gospel and spiritual principles in their own homes, and their natural tendencies for kindness and happiness are best fostered at home. 

“The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.” 

― Harold B. Lee