When I first published my blog a dear friend emailed me with the subject line, “Bada%s MT Stay at Home Mom”.  “Hi Flora, I am excited to watch your adventures of being a stay at home Mom but as a woman who is learning to give herself some credit in life….I think you should consider my title instead! 🙂  There is nothing “just” about being a stay at home Mom. It’s HARD work. Enjoy it, they grow up way too fast!”

I wrote her back and explained: “I couldn’t agree more!  I am actually reclaiming that phrase in a positive light.  For me, it is a huge thing to sacrifice several other career goals and interests to focus “just”on being a full-time mom right now.  For me, the “just” in not a devaluing statement.  It’s about a journey of mindfulness, as I strive to be fully present for the most important job in my world.  I have my Master’s degree in Counseling and built up a successful counseling practice in my community before having kids.  I was even chosen the 2012 “Young Careerist” by the Bozeman Business and Professional Women.

However, I consciously chose to close my business to be a full-time mom when I had my first child, and now I’m a mom of 2!  For me, it’s a great privilege to be a full-time mom, AND it is a daily challenge to stay committed to being “just” a stay-at-home mom, because it means putting on hold other parts of my identity (for a short while).  Confession #1: I often miss dressing like a grown-up!:-).  Read more of my confessions here.  Anyway, that’s why I picked the name.

So, I started blogging as a way to help me enjoy my current job a bit more.  I like sharing the things I am doing as a DIY-er, bargain-hunter, and stay-at-home mom, who is inspired by Montessori and Positive Discipline parenting theories.  Hope you’ll join me on the journey!

I would love to hear from YOU: moms/dads/grandparents/caregivers!