This is My Life

I was a dancer for 17 years. I got to do cool things like be on TV, carry the Olympic torch in Canada, and take classes from world famous dancers and choreographers. I was in fantastic shape. I could eat whatever I wanted. My life was great, but it doesn't even compare to the happiness I have now.

I've been married to my best friend for 5 years now. We have 3 beautiful kids- ages 3 and under- with no intentions of being "done." I say that so you don't have to be nosy and ask :) My wonderful husband David just built our first home with a fantastic view of the Payson Temple and we just bought an SUV. I am a teacher in my ward Relief Society. I have made friends in our new neighborhood. And we are happy. We're living the American dream, right? I sure think so. I mean, I am an American and it has become my dream, so it totally counts.

I am a stay-at-home mom which is a huge blessing that David's job allows me to do that. I am pretty busy with the kids, but I sometimes spread myself too thin with other things. I'm kind of a Jack of all trades. I like to dabble into anything to do with crafts, cooking/baking, exercise, organization, creative date nights and FHE so basically, I am really good at Pinterest. Is that a talent? Good thing I'm not trying to fill out a resume any time soon. I'm not super tech savvy though, so my outlet is Facebook to share the fun things I do. I have a bunch of groups of which I am an admin. (Most are public, so feel free to join!) I post daily workouts and any recipes or projects that I try. It's so fun for me, but the most important thing is to actually be out doing those things! I try to involve my kids as much as possible, although there is the occasional craft being created during nap time, and I know that my most important "fans" are my kids! They are the reason I stay home! They join me for my workouts (or affectionately squealed, "EXERCISE!"), I usually make the fun/cute food for them, I plan our family home evening lessons/activities around them, and I even let them help me plan my dinner menus. Of course, the creative date nights are NOT for them, rather, usually a much needed break to focus on our marriage and relationship.

This all sounds like I'm doing exactly what I should be doing as a "great" mom, right? Good. That is what you get to see on the internet. My blog is called "Positively Seeing Double" for a reason. I am, sometimes annoyingly. very optimistic! I like to see the good in the world and I like to be part of that good. That being said, I do not try to give false expectations to the moms in my bubble, rather I try to inspire, uplift, inform, and help those around me. Anyone who has been to my house knows that I usually have some kind of cereal stuck to my tile floor in the kitchen, laundry strewn about the house because that basket is just so fun to play in, myself not showered until first nap time (if at all), and despite best intentions, dishes up to my elbows basically all the time. Sometimes kids fight. Sometimes your house is a mess. Sometimes someone you love needs you when you feel like you have nothing left to give. The key is to keep trying. Put those you love first, know your priorities, don't be gross, sometimes do things you don't want to do, and just accept that "this is my life." Because when those moments of chaos are over and you can breathe again, you might see something wonderful. Maybe you'll even get to take the credit for it.

My living room- this is only a small mess compared to normal

My girls reading together after fighting moments before