Life throws many curve balls, we all know that. We can even appreciate a little turmoil every once in a while. The important aspect to focus on is to stay positive. Life's miserable moments can be made that much more with a bad attitude. My husband is taking some classes and its not the most fun thing in the world. He came home from class with a bad attitude, and I told him it was going to be a really long quarter if he kept up his bad attitude. Attitude is 90% of the fight nowadays. When I'm grumbling about things, I take some time to reflect on my blessings. I thank God and try to move on. I know that there are many things in life that attitude won't fix, but think about all the things that it will. If you were nice to that checker even though they were bitchy to you. It's all about attitude.
Kids are the light of this world. They see things so purely and so innocently. Nothing has a string attached. It's amazing to look at the world through a child's eye. They are always positive about life, and what it might bring to them.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Getting Away
Last night I took the opportunity to take some time off from being mommy. I went to a concert with my two sisters. It was a lot of fun and very well deserved. Time with your kids is vital, but time away is just as important - especially for us stay-at-hom-moms. All day, everyday we spend the day picking buggers, wiping butts, cleaning up after tornadoes, and feeding an army. After awhile, the stress wears on you. I never realize that I need time away, until I actually take the time. It's nice to not have to worry about what my son is doing at that moment. (I still do, but I'm not on the hot seat, :)
When I'm away, I constantly think about what he's doing and how I know that I'm missing an adorable moment. For instance, last night my husband was giving my son a bath. He's playing, happy as a clam and then all of a sudden my husband says he squats in the tub and starts making "THE GRUNTING" noise. His face is turning red and my husband and grandma are thinking that a bomb is about to be dropped. My son stands up looks around and lets out the biggest fart my husband says he's ever heard. And then he lets out a huge sigh of relief. :) Those are the moments that I love!
I got home, tucked my baby in, thanked God for the opportunity to get away, so that I may appreciate my blessings even more. Take some time for yourself, even if it's only for a few hours, Your kids will thank you!
When I'm away, I constantly think about what he's doing and how I know that I'm missing an adorable moment. For instance, last night my husband was giving my son a bath. He's playing, happy as a clam and then all of a sudden my husband says he squats in the tub and starts making "THE GRUNTING" noise. His face is turning red and my husband and grandma are thinking that a bomb is about to be dropped. My son stands up looks around and lets out the biggest fart my husband says he's ever heard. And then he lets out a huge sigh of relief. :) Those are the moments that I love!
I got home, tucked my baby in, thanked God for the opportunity to get away, so that I may appreciate my blessings even more. Take some time for yourself, even if it's only for a few hours, Your kids will thank you!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Depressing times
If you are like me it seems that every time you turn on the news there's more bad news to consume. Lately it's been all about the economy. You know the all important dollar. In past I haven't been old enough to appreciate the importance of it all but now that I am old enough, I find myself staying awake at night worrying about money. Being a one income family is hard enough but having to also deal with economic troubles is really scary. I listen to each candidate and try to muddle through the garbage to hear what their real plan is. I'm still confused. At times like these it doesn't matter what their political affiliation is, I want the economy fixed. I want to be able to raise my kids without the stress of money.
Instead of sitting around and grumbling I've just cut back and started building our emergency blanket. I'm focusing on putting my family in the best situation in case times get even rougher. I'm thankful each day that my husband has a job that is really secure and that I'm able to stay home with my son. I know that many people would love the opportunity but can't afford it. Hug your kids tight today, cut back on the expenses and know that greener pastures are ahead. :)
Instead of sitting around and grumbling I've just cut back and started building our emergency blanket. I'm focusing on putting my family in the best situation in case times get even rougher. I'm thankful each day that my husband has a job that is really secure and that I'm able to stay home with my son. I know that many people would love the opportunity but can't afford it. Hug your kids tight today, cut back on the expenses and know that greener pastures are ahead. :)
Money Tips #2
1. Stay away from the Credit Cards - The only time that I use my credit card is when I absolutely have to...for instance to rent a car...other than that I stay away from them because they are too tempting to use...I've been there, where I've thought, "Oh I'll pay it back when I get the bill." The bill comes and something always comes up...So don't use them.
2. Budget - Create a budget and stick to it. I've written out all of our bills and what it takes to keep the house afloat. That way you know exactly what is going out.
3. Talk about it - I cannot count the amount of discussions/arguments that my husband and I have had about money. But the bottom line is that communication is key. You can't do everything alone and you shouldn't expect your husband to. Keeping each other in the loop about what expenses need to be settled and what amount needs to be saved each month is paramount.
4. Savings - I make sure to transfer something into my savings account every month - I try for every pay check but sometimes that doesn't work...I've opened an account away from our normal account so that it's that much harder for us to use.
2. Budget - Create a budget and stick to it. I've written out all of our bills and what it takes to keep the house afloat. That way you know exactly what is going out.
3. Talk about it - I cannot count the amount of discussions/arguments that my husband and I have had about money. But the bottom line is that communication is key. You can't do everything alone and you shouldn't expect your husband to. Keeping each other in the loop about what expenses need to be settled and what amount needs to be saved each month is paramount.
4. Savings - I make sure to transfer something into my savings account every month - I try for every pay check but sometimes that doesn't work...I've opened an account away from our normal account so that it's that much harder for us to use.
Monday, September 15, 2008
What did you do today?
A cute story emailed to me by my sister...Enjoy!
A man came home from work and found his three children
outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with
empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front
yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front
door to the house and there was no sign of the dog.
Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A
lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded
against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly
blaring a cartoon channel,! and th e family room was strewn
with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen,
dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the
counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled
on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a
small pile of sand was spread by the back door .. He
quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more
piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He wa s worried she
might be ill, or that something serious had
happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it
made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he
found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the
floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste
had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to
the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in
her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked u! p at hi m, smiled,
and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and
asked, 'What happened here today?' She again smiled and
answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work
and you ask me 'what in the world I do all day?' 'Yes,' was
his incredulous reply. She answered, 'Well, today I didn't
do it.
A man came home from work and found his three children
outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with
empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front
yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front
door to the house and there was no sign of the dog.
Proceeding into the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A
lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded
against one wall. In the front room the TV was loudly
blaring a cartoon channel,! and th e family room was strewn
with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen,
dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the
counter, the fridge door was open wide, dog food was spilled
on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a
small pile of sand was spread by the back door .. He
quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over toys and more
piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He wa s worried she
might be ill, or that something serious had
happened. He was met with a small trickle of water as it
made its way out the bathroom door. As he peered inside he
found wet towels, scummy soap and more toys strewn over the
floor. Miles of toilet paper lay in a heap and toothpaste
had been smeared over the mirror and walls. As he rushed to
the bedroom, he found his wife still curled up in the bed in
her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked u! p at hi m, smiled,
and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and
asked, 'What happened here today?' She again smiled and
answered, 'You know every day when you come home from work
and you ask me 'what in the world I do all day?' 'Yes,' was
his incredulous reply. She answered, 'Well, today I didn't
do it.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Saving Money
Saving money - the big thing that is important to all, but especially us stay-at-home moms. I know that since I stopped working, I have made it my mission to save as much money as possible and bring in a little extra income where I can. All these tips are things that I do or have done, take them as they are. No plan is perfect for everyone, apply at your own discretion.
1. Costco - probably the biggest way I save money is by buying in bulk. I buy anything that I can at Costco that won't go bad before we use it. I buy a lot of food and freeze it: bread, cheese, cold cuts, buns, hotdogs, etc. I'm working on buying a big freezer for the garage, but for now we get by. I also buy all my diapers and wipes there. They only carry Huggies and Kirkland but I can't complain, plus I only have to shop for diapers and wipes about once a month. Complaint, they don't have newborn diapers. They do carry some types of formulas. My son was nursed so I'm not sure of the brands. I wish they carried the gerber snacks, because I'd invest in their stock. :) In general though, I love shopping there...they also carry some really cute and affordable clothing. Their gas tends to be anywhere from $.10 - $.30 cheaper than other gas stations.
2. Clothing - I only buy clothes that are on clearance. This tends to mean that I shop at the end of the season for next year. But I save a ton of money. My husband is very hard on clothes so when a sale comes up, I stock up on everything. Just recently Old Navy was having a sale on their men's jeans - they were $10 each. I bought my husband 15 pairs. It should last him a while. I also refuse to spend over $5 on his t-shirts. I hardly ever buy myself clothes, but that is because I'm really picky to my fits. But I still only buy clearance clothes. A great place to look for your little ones is The Children's Place. They have awesome sales at the end of the season. Usually $2.99 - Amazing! I bought my son some jeans for $.99. They really are a bargain. You usually have to guess on size for your little one for next year. But some stuff is wearable year round.
3. Gas - As I said before I buy my gas from Costco. But I also limit my driving greatly. My husband drives daily so we pay for that gas. I plan my trips very carefully so that I'm not just wasting gas with stupid trips. When I go out I always hit more than one place. I would say that on average I only drive my car once or twice, max. It saves us a lot of money.
4. Limit the eating out - I know that there are certain days when the last thing you want to do is cook. But when you think about it, going out costs so much money. Especially if you have multiple kids. Our son is just starting to be able to eat his own meals and I can't believe how much more our bill is. I limit our eating out to once a month. It's actually easy to do. I'm a pretty good cook and I like to learn to cook my own version of certain restraunts. I put my own spin on them. My husband and son love my cooking, so it works out great. I always make extra for leftovers or for my husband's lunch.
Tune in tomorrow for the continuation of this information :)
1. Costco - probably the biggest way I save money is by buying in bulk. I buy anything that I can at Costco that won't go bad before we use it. I buy a lot of food and freeze it: bread, cheese, cold cuts, buns, hotdogs, etc. I'm working on buying a big freezer for the garage, but for now we get by. I also buy all my diapers and wipes there. They only carry Huggies and Kirkland but I can't complain, plus I only have to shop for diapers and wipes about once a month. Complaint, they don't have newborn diapers. They do carry some types of formulas. My son was nursed so I'm not sure of the brands. I wish they carried the gerber snacks, because I'd invest in their stock. :) In general though, I love shopping there...they also carry some really cute and affordable clothing. Their gas tends to be anywhere from $.10 - $.30 cheaper than other gas stations.
2. Clothing - I only buy clothes that are on clearance. This tends to mean that I shop at the end of the season for next year. But I save a ton of money. My husband is very hard on clothes so when a sale comes up, I stock up on everything. Just recently Old Navy was having a sale on their men's jeans - they were $10 each. I bought my husband 15 pairs. It should last him a while. I also refuse to spend over $5 on his t-shirts. I hardly ever buy myself clothes, but that is because I'm really picky to my fits. But I still only buy clearance clothes. A great place to look for your little ones is The Children's Place. They have awesome sales at the end of the season. Usually $2.99 - Amazing! I bought my son some jeans for $.99. They really are a bargain. You usually have to guess on size for your little one for next year. But some stuff is wearable year round.
3. Gas - As I said before I buy my gas from Costco. But I also limit my driving greatly. My husband drives daily so we pay for that gas. I plan my trips very carefully so that I'm not just wasting gas with stupid trips. When I go out I always hit more than one place. I would say that on average I only drive my car once or twice, max. It saves us a lot of money.
4. Limit the eating out - I know that there are certain days when the last thing you want to do is cook. But when you think about it, going out costs so much money. Especially if you have multiple kids. Our son is just starting to be able to eat his own meals and I can't believe how much more our bill is. I limit our eating out to once a month. It's actually easy to do. I'm a pretty good cook and I like to learn to cook my own version of certain restraunts. I put my own spin on them. My husband and son love my cooking, so it works out great. I always make extra for leftovers or for my husband's lunch.
Tune in tomorrow for the continuation of this information :)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Cleaning out the Clutter
Today I got fed up with all the clutter and finally decided to do something about it. I told my husband that we were going to clean out our drawers and closet to make it more spacious and get rid of the clothes we never wear. We made three piles: one for keeps, one to give away and one for the garbage. It went by very quickly and left us feeling accomplished.
I am a very orderly person who likes to have everything in it's place. I decided to move this lesson onto my 16 month old. He may not understand it's a lesson, but he can help his momma keep things orderly. It's so cute to watch him put things away. Mostly because he immediately grabs the stuff and makes a mess again. But still, it's nice to see him making the connection.
For those of you who have young kids and you are growing tired of picking up their stuff, take some time to teach them now. I'm sure the hard work now will pay dividends later. Until next time, Be Well.
I am a very orderly person who likes to have everything in it's place. I decided to move this lesson onto my 16 month old. He may not understand it's a lesson, but he can help his momma keep things orderly. It's so cute to watch him put things away. Mostly because he immediately grabs the stuff and makes a mess again. But still, it's nice to see him making the connection.
For those of you who have young kids and you are growing tired of picking up their stuff, take some time to teach them now. I'm sure the hard work now will pay dividends later. Until next time, Be Well.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Fair Day
Today we ventured to the Puyallup Fair and boy did we have a great time. It was so much fun and so different from last year. This year our son is 16 months and on the go. He did an amazing job. We took turns carrying him, using the stroller and using the leash. He only napped for about 20 minutes, but was still as happy as a clam. I had a little trouble finding a stand that served PB and J :) but settled on a hotdog for our little man. It's so amazing how the years past and life changes so drastically in such a small span of time. Last year I remember trying to find a place to nurse him, and finally settling on a bench with my husband blocking the view. Ah, the memories. This has brought me to that all important epiphany where you think to yourself, "Enjoy this moment, because they grow up so fast." Boy do they.
My husband has been off the past week and not only has it given him some much needed R & R but it has given me a break. I really needed it. I didn't realize how much I needed it, until I got it. I'm going to miss him when he goes back to work, but will enjoy getting my buddy back. He's been a bit of a Daddy's boy this past week - much to my heart break. :(
Enjoy your kiddos! Give them a hug!
My husband has been off the past week and not only has it given him some much needed R & R but it has given me a break. I really needed it. I didn't realize how much I needed it, until I got it. I'm going to miss him when he goes back to work, but will enjoy getting my buddy back. He's been a bit of a Daddy's boy this past week - much to my heart break. :(
Enjoy your kiddos! Give them a hug!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Fruit Punch Anyone?
When raising children I've learned that big things aren't as big anymore. Let me clarify: Yesterday I was doing laundry and opened the garage door to look out. I noticed that my husband had left the garage door open once again, so I made sure everything was good and hit the button to make the door closed. I shut the inside door and went on with the laundry. I suddenly heard some noises coming from the garage that weren't normal, so I opened the door. Our SUV window hatch had caught on the garage door and was stuck open because of the garage door. I instantly saw red and started yelling for my husband. He had let our son play with the keys and he had hit the button that opened the hatch. There were some minor scratches but nothing major. I was seething for a little while and then thought, "No one got hurt, calm down."
Today, I was typing at the computer while my husband was in the kitchen, behind me I suddenly hear the sound of liquid hitting the ground. I turn to find that my son had found his father's cup of FRUIT PUNCH! I start screaming for my husband to grab the carpet cleaner. My husband is on his hands and knees for an hour trying to get up the stain. (Anyone who has dealt with fruit punch knows that it instanly stains.) He finally gets it to the point where its livable and goes and puts the cleaning supplies up. Our son was striped to his diaper because he had fruit punch all over his clothes. I'm finishing up on the computer when I hear my husband yell, "He did it again!" I'm thinking, "Did what?" I go into the living room and my son had found his father's second glass of Fruit Punch. So now we have stains in two rooms. I told my husband that he was grounded from the fruit punch for a while.
Anyway, back to my point. I could have stayed mad about both instances for a while. Carpet isn't cheap and it's usually the first thing that people look at when they enter your home. My car doesn't have very many scratches on it and I like keeping it looking nice. But I thought to myself, "No one got hurt and it's still drivable and livable." So when things don't go your way, stop for a second and think if it's really worth getting so upset about. If we carried this thought on throughout our lives, it might resolve a lot of issues that arise from insignificant instances. Fruit punch anyone?
Today, I was typing at the computer while my husband was in the kitchen, behind me I suddenly hear the sound of liquid hitting the ground. I turn to find that my son had found his father's cup of FRUIT PUNCH! I start screaming for my husband to grab the carpet cleaner. My husband is on his hands and knees for an hour trying to get up the stain. (Anyone who has dealt with fruit punch knows that it instanly stains.) He finally gets it to the point where its livable and goes and puts the cleaning supplies up. Our son was striped to his diaper because he had fruit punch all over his clothes. I'm finishing up on the computer when I hear my husband yell, "He did it again!" I'm thinking, "Did what?" I go into the living room and my son had found his father's second glass of Fruit Punch. So now we have stains in two rooms. I told my husband that he was grounded from the fruit punch for a while.
Anyway, back to my point. I could have stayed mad about both instances for a while. Carpet isn't cheap and it's usually the first thing that people look at when they enter your home. My car doesn't have very many scratches on it and I like keeping it looking nice. But I thought to myself, "No one got hurt and it's still drivable and livable." So when things don't go your way, stop for a second and think if it's really worth getting so upset about. If we carried this thought on throughout our lives, it might resolve a lot of issues that arise from insignificant instances. Fruit punch anyone?
Monday, September 8, 2008
Vacation
Sorry to take so long with this post but we just got back from our family vacation. We spent a few days at the ocean. Trust me they were well worth it. Vacations, I believe, are a vital part of being human. It affords us the opportunity to take a break from our norm and relax from our daily responsibilities. The funny part about vacationing is that when a dad vacations, he really gets to vacation - No work, spend time with his kids, spend money, and do the fun things he doesn't normally get to do when working. A mom on the other hand - we have the same responsibilities, just a different location. We still have to watch over the safety of our kids, feed everyone, do the shopping, do the cleaning, laundry, etc. :) It was amusing to watch and listen to my husband rant and rave about how lucky we were to be on vacation. As a stay-at-home mom you are never really on vacation. But it was still a nice getaway.
Safety - this is my next big concern. Everyone knows about babyproofing. We read countless articles, talk to our doctors and buy all the gadgets. I've gotten very comfortable in my house with my toddler because our house is babyproofed. As soon as you step outside of your house, boy does that bubble pop. FYI - this is another thing that dads don't really think about. We stayed at a beautiful ocean front house. It was amazing, but not babyproofed. My son thought he was at Disneyland. He went exploring. I swear he's going to think his name is "NO!" I told my husband to watch over him while I cooked dinner. Everytime I turned around, Daddy was sitting doing or reading something and my son was getting into something that he either shouldn't have or was in danger of getting hurt. Finally, I told my husband to get off of his butt and actually follow our son around. When you are staying at someone else's house you don't have the luxury of putting your mind on a break. Safety is a huge concern thought about by mom's 24 hours a day. Dad's don't realize this responsibility until it's pointed out.
Safety - this is my next big concern. Everyone knows about babyproofing. We read countless articles, talk to our doctors and buy all the gadgets. I've gotten very comfortable in my house with my toddler because our house is babyproofed. As soon as you step outside of your house, boy does that bubble pop. FYI - this is another thing that dads don't really think about. We stayed at a beautiful ocean front house. It was amazing, but not babyproofed. My son thought he was at Disneyland. He went exploring. I swear he's going to think his name is "NO!" I told my husband to watch over him while I cooked dinner. Everytime I turned around, Daddy was sitting doing or reading something and my son was getting into something that he either shouldn't have or was in danger of getting hurt. Finally, I told my husband to get off of his butt and actually follow our son around. When you are staying at someone else's house you don't have the luxury of putting your mind on a break. Safety is a huge concern thought about by mom's 24 hours a day. Dad's don't realize this responsibility until it's pointed out.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Back to School
Now is the time of year that many kids are going back to school. My son is starting his second semester at a place called The Little Gym. It's basically a place full of mats and different gymnastics apparatus.
During the summer was the first time that he started going and he sure loved it. He was in the younger class (6 months-18 months). He was one of the older kids and the biggest. He really enjoyed his time, but wouldn't do some of the things that we wanted him to do. We wanted him to be adventerous and take risks, with the help of the mats to catch his falls. He was apprehensive though, which was odd because my son is all BOY! Today was the first day of his new class, the older class (18 months-2 1/2 years). He is still only 16 months but the teachers think he's ready for the older class. Boy what a difference. He was watching those older kids run around, scream and take risks and immediately he did the same. It was amazing to watch. He was climbing and following and studying the way they were acting.
It made me proud as a mother to know that I was taking a risk by putting him into a new class with different people that I don't know. I was apprehensive going in, like I'm sure he was. But when I see that my decisions make an impact on his development positively, all those worries are worth it. After all, our job is to ease those falls with mats and cushions, right?
During the summer was the first time that he started going and he sure loved it. He was in the younger class (6 months-18 months). He was one of the older kids and the biggest. He really enjoyed his time, but wouldn't do some of the things that we wanted him to do. We wanted him to be adventerous and take risks, with the help of the mats to catch his falls. He was apprehensive though, which was odd because my son is all BOY! Today was the first day of his new class, the older class (18 months-2 1/2 years). He is still only 16 months but the teachers think he's ready for the older class. Boy what a difference. He was watching those older kids run around, scream and take risks and immediately he did the same. It was amazing to watch. He was climbing and following and studying the way they were acting.
It made me proud as a mother to know that I was taking a risk by putting him into a new class with different people that I don't know. I was apprehensive going in, like I'm sure he was. But when I see that my decisions make an impact on his development positively, all those worries are worth it. After all, our job is to ease those falls with mats and cushions, right?
Monday, September 1, 2008
Consistency
Consistency - such an annoyingly, awesome word. On the one hand it's such a hard concept to keep control of. My child is watching my every move and watching how I react to his every move. If I am consistent, than he will learn the proper way, but if I get lazy, I can tell and he keeps doing things that he's not supposed to.
However, CONSISTENCY - is such a life saver to me. I know exactly what time my child is going to wake up, eat breakfast, eat lunch, take a nap, eat dinner and go to bed. I love spending time with my kid, I really do. But how I treasure nap time and bedtime. I take those hours as "me" time. I think it's a really important concept to have and grasp. Some parents put their young children to bed late so that they "sleep in." I think that this is a huge mistake. My son is in bed by 8. I know that between 8-11p.m. I can have time to get my things done or just relax. Yes, he wakes up at 8 (sometimes 7 or 7:30), but at least I get that ubber important "me time."
If you haven't tried this, please do. I think that in order to be a good parent you have to have some alone time to reflect and relax. Some people even think that you need to completely get away. I haven't had the guts to actually leave my son (I've been home every single night with him), but I know that the day is coming when I should and it'll most likely benefit my parenting.
As the years go by I'm sure that consistency will become even more important and even harder to stick to. However, like many things in life it will be hard but worth it in the end.
What is the hardest things for you to be consistent about? Let me know!
However, CONSISTENCY - is such a life saver to me. I know exactly what time my child is going to wake up, eat breakfast, eat lunch, take a nap, eat dinner and go to bed. I love spending time with my kid, I really do. But how I treasure nap time and bedtime. I take those hours as "me" time. I think it's a really important concept to have and grasp. Some parents put their young children to bed late so that they "sleep in." I think that this is a huge mistake. My son is in bed by 8. I know that between 8-11p.m. I can have time to get my things done or just relax. Yes, he wakes up at 8 (sometimes 7 or 7:30), but at least I get that ubber important "me time."
If you haven't tried this, please do. I think that in order to be a good parent you have to have some alone time to reflect and relax. Some people even think that you need to completely get away. I haven't had the guts to actually leave my son (I've been home every single night with him), but I know that the day is coming when I should and it'll most likely benefit my parenting.
As the years go by I'm sure that consistency will become even more important and even harder to stick to. However, like many things in life it will be hard but worth it in the end.
What is the hardest things for you to be consistent about? Let me know!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Hearing from You!
I would like to start a dialouge of sorts. Let me know what topics you would like to see covered on this blog.
Deciding to Stay at Home
This is the most important decision of many mother's lives. It is a difficult decision and only the person making it can really feel the pressure of this decision. When I was making my decision I was freaking out about the budget. I loved being a teacher, but knew I could walk away from it. What I didn't know about was whether or not we could afford that walk. I am in charge of the budget because I am too much of a control freak to let my husband do anything with it, so I knew our bills. I wrote up a budget and how much money my husband would need to make monthly to make ends meet. The numbers were right and I felt confidant in my decision.
Well it wasn't that easy. I still remember that week leading up to the decision. I couldn't sleep at night and I couldn't eat during the day. All types of scenarios were playing through my mind. I went to college for 4.5 years to earn my degree - and I was just going to give it up? It was hard, but my son's smile brought reality into the forefront. I couldn't imagine leaving him with anyone else. I didn't trust anyone else. Heck - still to this day I don't really trust anyone with him....including his father. That's just me being a control freak, first time mom and a little OCD. I talked with a lot of people including one of my bosses. Most people were in support of me staying home, while a few didn't want to see me lose my independence.
That's the funny thing about today's society. A woman who stays at home is viewed as being dependent upon their husband. Ironic, but if something were to happen to me...I know that my husband wouldn't be able to manage our household. But I'm the dependent one! :)
I know my role in my family and I know that it's an important and empowering one. I just have to get over the stereotypes and negative connotations surrounding staying at home. I mean to much of my husband's dismay: I don't just sit around watching soaps and eating bon bons.
If you have already made the decision to stay at home - Congratulations! It won't be easy but it'll be worth it. Nothing is better for your child's future than having one of their parents actually raise them. If you are struggling to make the decision - Don't take the decision lightly...it's an important one, but not everyone was meant to stay at home for whatever reasons. Just sit down make lists, talk to your family and friends and come to a decision that will benefit your family.
Well it wasn't that easy. I still remember that week leading up to the decision. I couldn't sleep at night and I couldn't eat during the day. All types of scenarios were playing through my mind. I went to college for 4.5 years to earn my degree - and I was just going to give it up? It was hard, but my son's smile brought reality into the forefront. I couldn't imagine leaving him with anyone else. I didn't trust anyone else. Heck - still to this day I don't really trust anyone with him....including his father. That's just me being a control freak, first time mom and a little OCD. I talked with a lot of people including one of my bosses. Most people were in support of me staying home, while a few didn't want to see me lose my independence.
That's the funny thing about today's society. A woman who stays at home is viewed as being dependent upon their husband. Ironic, but if something were to happen to me...I know that my husband wouldn't be able to manage our household. But I'm the dependent one! :)
I know my role in my family and I know that it's an important and empowering one. I just have to get over the stereotypes and negative connotations surrounding staying at home. I mean to much of my husband's dismay: I don't just sit around watching soaps and eating bon bons.
If you have already made the decision to stay at home - Congratulations! It won't be easy but it'll be worth it. Nothing is better for your child's future than having one of their parents actually raise them. If you are struggling to make the decision - Don't take the decision lightly...it's an important one, but not everyone was meant to stay at home for whatever reasons. Just sit down make lists, talk to your family and friends and come to a decision that will benefit your family.
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog. It is intended to unite other stay at home moms around the world. We aren't alone :) Even though on some days it feels like it. Let me start by telling you a little about me. I quit my job as a high school English and Social Studies teacher last summer. I had my baby in April of 2007 and took the rest of that school year off. When the end of summer was looming I just couldn't see myself leaving my son with anyone else. To be perfectly honest, I don't think I trusted anyone else. I had been with him almost every second of his life and just couldn't picture myself leaving each morning and still being a productive member of my school. After a few restless nights of sleep, planning our budget and talking with my husband, we decided it would be best for me to stay at home and quit my job. It wasn't a decision that came lightly. I think that's the biggest misconception that many people have about stay-at-home moms. Deciding to give up a career, especially after going to college for 4.5 years is a very difficult one to make.
Back to me :) We live in the beautiful state of Washington. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. No it doesn't rain all the time and yes I love it when it does rain. The weather is perfect here - we actually have four seasons. I have one son who is 16 months. He gets into everything and keeps me on my toes every second of every day. My entire immediate family lives within an hour of each other and we are all very close. We talk at least once a day with each other.
My husband works a full time job - sometimes more because of overtime. He also is going back to school to earn his BA. He almost is done with his AA and then will begin his BA work.
Well that's pretty much us!
Back to me :) We live in the beautiful state of Washington. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. No it doesn't rain all the time and yes I love it when it does rain. The weather is perfect here - we actually have four seasons. I have one son who is 16 months. He gets into everything and keeps me on my toes every second of every day. My entire immediate family lives within an hour of each other and we are all very close. We talk at least once a day with each other.
My husband works a full time job - sometimes more because of overtime. He also is going back to school to earn his BA. He almost is done with his AA and then will begin his BA work.
Well that's pretty much us!
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