I Am Proud...

I was reading past Nie Nie posts and found a post where she had posted what she was proud of. Ever since then I couldn't help but think of what I'm proud of.

I am proud of my husband.

I am proud of my daughter.

I am proud to be a member of the church.

I am proud of our little 3-bedroom condo in the "sticks".

I am proud that my little brothers and niece are black.

I am proud of my two little sisters.

I am proud of myself for taking 18 credits while pregnant. I hiked all over campus, attended lectures, participated in study groups, rode trax and never once cared of all the wierd looks I received when I was almost too big to walk. In that regard, everyone who asked me dumb questions (i.e. Professor: Uh? I'm not certified to deliver a baby. Are you sure you want to come to my class?) should be proud of me for not punching them in the face.

I am proud that I started a 15 credit semester with a newborn. I've never gotten behind, expected special treatment or missed a class because of being a mother. I'm actually the best student I've ever been. I have new reason for getting even better grades. Going to school helps keep me organized and not lazy, which also helps me be a better mother.

I am proud of my major. I love my major. I'm pretty much obsessed with US Economics. I watch the DOW and the S&P all day long. I read The Economist often and even tried to talk Matt into going to the Utah Economic Summit with me this year.

I am proud that my daughter keeps me grounded.

I am proud that I chose to be a stay-at-home-student-mom.

I am proud that I've decided to do a Master's program. Matt and I decided from the beginning we would never let anything stand in the way of education. My patriarchical blessing says that I should obtain as much education as I can. I obtain academic education and also homemaking education everyday.

I am proud of my second-hand washer that you have to start with a pair of pliers. (No joke.)

I am proud that I cram three servings and fresh fruit and veggies down Matt and I's throats everyday so we can live healthier lives.

I am proud that I don't diet, I eat. I eat healthy, colorful and wisely. (Except when I go down to my mom's, then it's every fat calorie for itself.) Eating healthy is a lifestyle choice, not a diet. Diets are temporary. I do not want something temporary.

I am proud that I attend the University of Utah.

I am proud to be an Honors student.

I am proud that one of my favorite activities is painting Holynd's fingernails.

I am proud that I can spend hours putting together outfits for Holynd.

I am proud that I was married in the temple.

I am proud that I can't stand wrinkles in clothes.

I am proud that I chose to vaccinate Holynd.

I am proud that I didn't hurt Matt when I had to wait 13 hours for an epidural (after receiving Pitocin to start my labor) during Holynd's delivery. Matt's very proud of me too.

I am proud that my laundry hampers are never full because I'm totally devoted to keeping up with my laundry.

I am proud that I really try to be a "good cook". (I didn't get the good cooking gene, but I am TRYING, that counts!)

I am proud our country elected a black president.

I am proud that Matt and I say our prayers everynight together.

I am proud I chose to give Holynd only necessary amounts of baby formula. (She's happy and fat.)

What's everyone else proud of?!?