Back to Blogging

I haven't been blogging like I had purposed to do. Not even one post for the month of November! Shame on me. Well, I've been busy caring for my two children. My daughter turned 3 months old a few days ago. My son is now 14 months old. I love those kids to pieces!! I admit that it can be quite a struggle sometimes juggling two children close in age, but, it's manageable.

Being a mother has filled me with so much joy and purpose. I never would have thought that these two precious little people would bring me such delight each day. Of course, they can also be the source of great frustration at times. :)

I've been busy also with freelance writing projects, and trying to earn enough money to pay off my debts. I will be sooooo glad when I am debt-free. Or at least almost there. I would like to get down to just my student loan, and I would be very happy. My goal for 2009 is to pay off my two credit cards.

God is so good. He continues to show me how He provides, when I just simply choose to trust in Him. If you are a young mother who wants to stay at home with her children, trust in the Lord. He will lead you in the way that you should go. There will be bumps in the road, but keep the faith, and he will reward your diligence and faith.

My little blessings

Life has been going great lately. My daughter, India, is six weeks old now. My son is one. I've recovered pretty well from my C-section, and I'm so glad about that. I have enjoyed this time bonding with my kids. I often marvel at how blessed I am to have these two little blessings in my life.

Because of the C-section I can't pick up my son, R.J., like I want to. I get on the floor and play with him though. He's so active, and I enjoy him so much. He makes me laugh all the time with the cute stuff that he does.

India is a quiet baby so far, and, dare I say, kind of spoiled. I read that you can't spoil a newborn baby, but I'm starting to wonder about that. When she's not sleeping she likes to be held. I try to lay her down or sit her in her little chair, and she remains content for about five minutes, and then she hollers. As long as she's being held, she's quiet and content. I need to get a sling, so I can just carry her around as I do things around the house.

All in all, I'm on cloud nine with my little girl and boy. I'm so excited to have a girl and I enjoy all of her little girl things. I'm also so glad that I have a little rough and tough boy who never ceases to amaze me and make me laugh. I just thank God everyday for blessing me. I never would have thought that motherhood would bring me so much joy.

My daugher is here!!

Last Wednesday, September 3rd, my husband and I welcomed our second child and first daughter into the world. She came about two weeks early, which I am very glad. I was so anxious to have her and meet her! :)

I went ahead and delivered via C-section, even though I preferred to have a VBAC. In the end, I went ahead with the C-section out of fear, and I was tired of the pain. I had been having painful contractions for about five days. On the fifth day they were getting closer together and hurting more, so I gave in and went to the hospital.

They checked to see how much I had dilated, and I had only dilated 3-4 cm. After days of contractions!!!! I had waited as long as I could before going to the hospital to increase my chances of having a VBAC, since my doctors really wanted me to have a C-section.

After being weary of the contractions and pain, and fear about things maybe going wrong if I continued to push for a VBAC, I went ahead with the C-section.

So far, praise God, my recovery has been a lot better with this baby than with my last. I am so thankful! My husband has been so helpful and has catered to my needs as I recover and rest. I can't pick up my son while I'm healing, but I manage to find ways to shower him with kisses and hugs and play with him as much as I can.

He hasn't shown any jealousy or anything. He loves to kiss on his baby sister and his face lights up when he sees her.

I feel so blessed right now. I have two beautiful, healthy children, and life just feels great. I thank God for his abundant blessings. He always knows what He's doing, and I have to remind myself sometimes that He knows what's best, and I have to trust in Him.

Beauty of Motherhood

Motherhood can be quite challenging, and a bit frustrating at times. But, I admit, that it is very fulfilling and enjoyable. I didn't expect it to be so much fun and enjoyable, but it is. My in-laws and husband keep telling me that they know I must need a break from my very active little boy. And I do. But, what I consider a break is being able to sleep for 8 hours straight, while someone else gets him back to sleep when he wakes up at 3 a.m. Or having time here and there to fully focus on writing projects. But, I'm comforted by him being near me. Even though it can be exhausting running after him and correcting him and such, I love it because it's part of my job as his mother.

Now he's two hours away with his father who is visiting his parents. I couldn't make the trip, as I'm only about two weeks from my due date. I'm here with my parents in the meantime. And, I miss my baby. I miss his little active, bubbly, happy self. Yes, I'm getting a break, but I don't need a long break from my child. I can't imagine life without him. It wouldn't be as fulfilling and enjoyable, because now that I'm a mother I look at life through a different lens, .

Strangely enough, I have more focus and determination to succeed as a writer and entrepeneur. I take more delight in small things. I enjoy going for walks and watching my baby see the world, and his fascination with everything. Life is just . . . sweeter.

No, motherhood is not exactly easy, but it's definitely something that will make your life and your world more beautiful and exciting.

Leaning on the Lord

I had my baby shower this past Saturday, and I had a great time. It was fun fellowshipping with my family and friends.

I'm excited about my daughter's upcoming arrival, but also kind of scared, because I'm nervous about handling a newborn and a one year old. I'm sure that things will go smoothly, or at least, I pray that they do.

She's due in about two weeks, and my son will be one in four weeks. I definitely need prayer during this time. I just want to be the best mother that I can be, and I don't want to mess up.

I'm getting better at time management, so that's good. I'm learning to go with the flow. What I don't get done with in the morning before my son wakes up, during naptime or after his bedtime, I just have to let that do. Motherhood is the most important priority aside from being a child of God, and a wife. So, I'm learning to just let go, and let God.

I love breastfeeding!

I love breastfeeding, I must admit. While pregnant with my son, I researched breastfeeding and the benefits of it, and I knew that I would breastfeed him. Of course, I heard horror stories from various mothers on the complexities and frustrations of breastfeeding, and how they could only nurse for a few weeks or so, or however long, and they couldn't wait to quit.

Now, the first two weeks were absolutely exhausting to me. I felt like I was nursing all. the. time. But, I loved having him cuddled up beside me while both of us slept peacefully. I took my mother's advice and napped when he napped about twice a day.

He latched on well, so I didn't have problems with that. Sometimes I experienced soreness and such, but for the most part breastfeeding was such a pleasant experience. I loved cuddling up close with him. I loved knowing that my body supplied his nutritional needs. I loved that I could soothe him so easily just by nursing him. Taking care of a baby seemed so much simpler to me. All I basically had to do was nurse him every two hours or so, change his diaper often, and keep him clean. Basically.

Fast forward 11 months. My son will be 11 months in less than two weeks and I still occasionally nurse him. I can't help it. Although I have no milk at this point, because he's basically weaned from my breast, I still nurse to comfort him through the night if he wakes, or during the day when he's in a bad mood. And it still works like a charm.

And, I just can't let go of the joy that I experience having him cuddled near and receiving joy and pacification from me. Luckily, I have a baby coming in about a month, so I can continue nursing with her. To the chagrin of certain family members, and my husband, I'm sure, I will probably still nurse my son for comfort when he needs it. I can't help it. Breastfeeding has been as pleasant an experience for him as it has been for me. I encourage any young mother to nurse, and be open to an absolutely wonderful experience.

Baby decor

Shopping for babies is so much fun. I am so excited about decorating my children's nursery. They will be sharing a room. This weekend I'm getting her crib and will hopefully get the bedding soon. I've already chosen what I want, but I have to save up the funds to get it, and then wait for it to get shipped. I'm excited nonetheless. I've never been much of a shopper. I've just never enjoyed it that much. I considered it a necessary evil. But, from having children, I have developed a love for shopping. There are so many beautiful clothes, shoes, and other things that I really want to get for them.

I try not to go to the malls too much, because then it's hard to stay in my budget. I try to go out only when I have the money to purchase something, and I'm looking for something specific. But, I must admit that I've been guilty of purchasing extra items that were not necessities, but they were so cute that I couldn't pass them up.
I definitely have to discipline myself in this area, or it could get out of hand. But, baby stuff is just sooooo cute!!!

Cute business

Yesterday I discovered a delightful website called Designhergals.com . I had so much fun with it. I love beautiful stationery and am always looking for cute and creative ways to design stationery. This website is a great way to do it. You can send out invitations, announcements, create notepads and other unique gifts by creating or designing a particular woman. You choose the hair, body type, outfit, accessories, basically everything about the woman, you create.

I spent more time than I should have creating the perfect person to go on invitations that I was creating. I was having so much fun. Check it out if you're ever planning an event and want to design creative invitations or just to create something unique and pretty to have around your house.

Time is Ticking

I've mentioned before that I had a C-section with my son last September. And it was a not so great experience. I was in a lot of pain afterward, and it's something that I do not want to go through again, if I don't have to.

However, my various doctors continue to rain on my parade and constantly encourage me to schedule a C-section for this baby, because I'll be delivering only a year after the first C-section. At first I cried when they told me a few months ago. But, I was determined that I wouldn't have one. On Tuesday I had another doctor's appointment, and of course the doctor told me the same thing. I'm starting to accept that I may have another one.

The doctors are afraid that my c-section scar will rupture, which can be fatal for both me and the baby. But, from my research, the chances of that happening are very small. But it can still happen. Right now, I'm just trusting in the Lord that everything works out the way that it should.

I was reading today on Anna's blog about fertility, and I must admit that I'm somewhat afraid to trust God with spacing my children. I got pregnant with my son one month after our wedding, and pregnant with my second when my son was almost 3 months old. So, . . . I'm a little hesitant to trust after this second one. I was all for it with the first, and quite a bit with the second. But, I want to be more financially stable and HEALTHY before I have another child. I'll see what happens, and keep praying about the direction that I should go in.

Time with Grandmother

Last weekend I spent time with my grandmother. I snapped green beans with her and peeled peaches and watched her intently as she made peach cobbler. Hers is the best peach cobbler I have tasted, so I wanted to see exactly what she does. I tidied around her house a bit, and just basically spent time chatting and fellowshipping with her. I had a great time.

My grandmother is a fabulous cook and excellent homemaker. She is very hospitable and gracious with a very kind and generous heart. I want to be a lot like her. It's my goal to glean as many cooking skills and recipes from her. It's so important to be able to cook well. I LOVE eating good food, and it's great when you know how to prepare it yourself. I'm an ok cook, but I'm striving to become an excellent cook and homemaker like my grandmother.

Time management

I must admit that working from home has its own set of challenges. I have a 10 month old( tomorrow) who is quite active. I would do great if I woke up early in the mornings, but I don't. He is basically my alarm clock, waking me up with his cries in the morning. Only occasionally do I awake before he does.

Naptime is the 1 1/2- 2 hour crunch that I try to cram most of my writing time in. And, then of course, there is late at night, which is another time that I do most of my writing. I'm doing what I have to do, but it would be so nice to just go at a leisurely pace during the day. When he's sleeping, I make a mad dash to the computer to complete writing assignments. Somedays it's great, other days, I dread looking at the computer.

But, I'm going to keep plugging away at it, and pray that I become more efficient with my time. Someone told me that the best work at home jobs for a mom are certain online businesses. With that you simply answer emails and supply the requested items. She didn't go into specifics on how profitable her business was though. But, it's a nice idea.

All you work at home moms out there, I encourage you to keep going. For those who stay at home without trying to earn an income from home, please remember just how blessed you are.

Being a stay at home mom was my first career choice

I decided to become a stay at home mother when I was four years old. The reason was because I simply hated to watch my mother prepare to leave to go to work in the mornings. I witnessed this on the days that my Dad was home, due to working the night shift. I also hated daycare. It was a cold, uninviting environment that I dreaded going to. Added to the fact that my daycare teacher was a mean old lady with a perpetual frown on her face. I just hated being there. My experience hating daycare, and being separated from my mother made me want to become a stay at home mother.

Throughout my school years, I pondered various career paths that would be compatible with motherhood. A career that would provide a great deal of flexibility, since I knew that I wanted to stay home upon the arrival of my children. I excelled in school, and was accepted to my number one choice for college, a top university that was about thirty minutes from my home.

Even learning and fellowshipping among some of the nation’s brightest students did nothing to dim my desire to eventually be a stay at home mother. However, it was not something that I would broadcast to others. There was a young woman, though, who was very bold about saying that she wanted to be a homemaker. She had no desire to pursue a career. All she wanted to do was get married and stay at home with her children. Ironically, no one I knew derided her comments. I guess, because secretly, many other young women desired the exact same thing. We admired that she felt confident enough to express such an old-fashioned sentiment on a modern, liberal college campus.

Upon graduation, I became an English teacher, and taught for four years. I wish I had used this time more wisely, and focused on paying off as much of my student loans as possible. But, I didn’t. For one of my loans, for every year that I taught, they cancelled fifteen percent of the loan. That helped tremendously. On the other loan, I paid the minimum amount each month, instead of putting as much money as I could toward paying it off.

Since the birth of my son almost 10 months ago I have mainly been a stay at home mother. Not, that I’m in the financial position to do so, but I chose and continue to choose to walk in faith. For four months I worked part-time as a teacher assistant. I rationalized that it was not as stressful a job as being a full-time teacher. No papers to come home and grade. Not leaving earlier to make sure that my lesson plans for the day went smoothly. But, then my husband’s schedule changed, and going to work part-time would mean putting my son in daycare part-time. That was not an option. So, I quit.

Since that time, I have been praying fervently to God to open up doors to earn money from home, and He has been faithful to supply opportunities. Sometimes I get frustrated, because I’m not reaching my financial goals yet with working from home, but I’m gradually getting there. I realize that nothing is worth me leaving my children in the care of others. God blessed me to have a child and another on the way, and I choose to be the keeper at home that He has called me to be, even when it feels like maybe I should return to working outside the home for financial reasons.

This journey has been a wonderful learning experience, and I have gained greater faith in God and have realized that any dream or goal can come true if you are willing to work hard and sacrifice for it.

Inspiring birthday party

Last Saturday, I attended a children's birthday party at a friend of my mother's. Her daughter was turning four. She invited my son, so we took him to the party. There were about thirty kids there. What really caught my eye was how every single little girl in attendance wore a pretty dress, complete with matching bow, and dress shoes or sandals. I was surprised. The party consisted of both indoor and outdoor activities, so I would have thought that the girls wouldn't be so dressed up.

But, they looked so beautiful and feminine. And the mothers were well dressed too. I asked my mother about this, and she said that it is part of their culture (many of the people there were from Venezuela) to dress up and be very feminine every day. No matter what the activity. She went on to say that many mothers there even took their children to the park dressed the same way. She has never seen these little girls in jeans or anything like that. Always a pretty dress and matching bow.

I was amazed, but inspired by the party. I remembered thinking that this definitely did not look like a typical American party, because most of the girls there would not be dressed up. The usual attire would be jeans, t-shirt and tennis shoes. If there were girls with dresses, they would be simple, summer dresses, not these fancy dresses, that were the type that you would take your daughter to church in. It was refreshing to see. Even the little boys that were there were well dressed.

It was so nice to see these children so beautifully attired. While I don't think I will dress my children up like that everyday, I do think that it is important to dress in an inspiring and beautiful way. It really is refreshing both to those who dress beautifully, and for those who see those dressed that way. Of course, it doesn't have to be expensive, name brand clothes. But, just showing that you have carefully taken the time to look nice when you present yourself and your children to the world.

Hope

Amidst depressing talk of a recession, rising gas prices, and rising unemployment, it would seem like a ludicrous idea to try to work from home. But, I have been steadfast in my endeavors to earn money through writing and tutoring, and coming up with more ideas.

Oftentimes, I wish that I had thought of pursuing work from home while I was single. Then, I would have had endless amounts of time to pursue various opportunities, instead of snatches here and there while the baby is napping. But, yet and still, I will persist. I am inspired by the many successful work at home mothers and writers that I know, and I'm pressing forward to a worthy goal. My children will be thankful that I perservered in the end, and so will I.

PayPerPost

I have heard a lot about getting paid with PayPerPost. It seemed pretty simple, so I signed up and my blog was approved. From there I'm able to write about various products or refer people, and I earn money. There are many different opportunities to write about, therefore, more opportunities to earn money. You can learn more here at: get paid to blog

I encourage anyone who is looking to earn more money, and you already have a blog, to check out PayPerPost. It will be worth your time. I'm always searching for ways to earn money online, and this is a great way to do so. Readers at Moneysavingmom.com have commented on how they have used it and have earned hundreds of dollars each month from writing reviews or referring users to PayPerPost. So, it's a very legit opportunity. So, if you have a blog, especially if you have a faithful following, go for it and sign up, and see the cash start rolling in. You have nothing to lose, and it’s a chance to earn money while doing something that you love to do, and are already doing; blogging. You can make new friends and earn money at the same time. Let me know if it has worked for you.

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Success stories, work at home moms

Today I read from two websites that featured success stories from women who work at home. The first, Internet Based Moms, was all about moms who successfully created and ran online businesses. You can read more here

Another website, called Work it Mom, featured women who balance work and family. There are a few stories that feature work at home mothers and how they began and how they manage their home business with raising a family. Check out their website here.

I always love to read about other people's success.

Success

I was thinking yesterday how my definition of success has changed. For me, I just want to have a happy, healthy, and strong family. And earn enough money through writing and tutoring from home to pay the bills that I incurred pre-baby, so that I can remain a stay-at-home-mom.


It's been my goal to be a SAHM since I was little, and I don't want to lose out on achieving that dream, and providing the best life that I can for my children. I am so thankful for all of the opportunities that have come my way and that continue to come. Faith without works is dead, so I have the faith that I can maintain, and I'm working diligently to make sure that I reach my goal.

Co-sleeping

When I was pregnant with my son, R.J., my husband shared some advice that he had been given: Don't let the baby sleep with you!! When he told me what a couple had shared with him, I wrinkled up my face in confusion, thinking, why in the world would I let the baby sleep with us? The idea seemed ludicrous. He went on to say that the couple he talked to said they had started out letting the baby sleep with them, and now it's hard for the baby to sleep by himself.

I began to understand about co-sleeping after the baby was born. I had a c-section, and for about a month afterward, I was in a lot of pain, and walked around like a disabled woman. My loathing for c-sections grew after having one, but that's another story. Anyways, it took me about five minutes to get out of bed with no help. It was a struggle, to say the least, to get out of bed through the night to get him when he cried, nurse him, then return him to his crib. After a couple of nights of this I wised up.

Thus, my journey into co-sleeping. The baby would start out in his crib, but then around 2 or 3 in the morning when he would wake up, I would get him, nurse him, and we would sleep side by side for the rest of the morning. He woke up off and on, but since he was right beside me, all I had to do was scoot him closer to me and nurse him.

In my eyes it was a beautiful arrangement. I guess you could call it laziness in some ways, but, it was SOOOO much easier. After I got stronger, I eventually put him back in his crib.

Now, he basically sleeps in his crib through the night, which he's been doing for a couple of months now. Occasionally, he sleeps with me when he wakes through the night, when I'm too tired to return him to his crib.

But, I have to say, that it is an incredibly sweet and relaxing feeling to snuggle up with him and just glance down to make sure that he is okay through the night.

I personally find nothing wrong with co-sleeping, and think it can be a wonderful way to bond with baby, and help mommy get some much needed sleep!:)

Advice for Young Ladies

Don't get into DEBT!!!!!!!!!

When I was in college, I determined that I would never own a credit card, because the only debt that I was going to have was student loan debt.

If only my convictions about that had been stronger! Unfortunately, I used two credit cards and purchased a car. So, on top of student loans, I have a car payment, the credit cards, and two student loans. Not very wise.

Ladies, if it is your desire to be an at home mom, start planning early. Don't get into debt unneccesarily. In most cases, debt is acquired unnecessarily. Being smart now, can lead to a lot of freedom down the road. The freedom to do what is truly important, and make the best decisions for you and your family.

Wise and Foolish Virgins

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, No so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Matthew 25:1-10.

This passage really ministered to me, because I was reminded of how important it is to plan wisely and to try and be ready for whatever comes. Or, you will get passed by. It's like planning to be a stay at home mother. You have to get your finances in order, or find some way to supplement your husband's income, if it is necessary, for you to stay at home. Otherwise, you could end up going back to work, and missing out on valuable, precious time with your sweet babies. This parable could apply to so many different areas of life. To plan and be wise, and then you won't be passed by.

Homeschooling?

I started thinking about homeschooling my children after my second year of being a middle school teacher. There were so many needy children who could not read properly for their grade level. It was very challenging to try to meet their various needs, while still stimulating the kids who had higher reading levels. I realized how it's like that in many classrooms, and many teahers admit that they teach to the middle of the bunch. Not necessarily challenging the brighter kids, and not slowing down for the students who just couldn't grasp what was going on.

It's very easy for kids to slide through the cracks and just skate along through school, never having learned anything.

I'm not exactly sure if I want to homeschool, but it's definitely a strong possibility. My husband is not on board with it yet, citing socialization and such. I guess we'll wait and see when our son is older.

I read an article in the newspaper about how about forty percent of Georgia's eighth-graders had failed the math portion of the CRCT. And seventy to eighty percent of sixth- and seventh-graders had failed the social studies section of the test.

Many parents are outraged at these scores. It does make you wonder about how well schools are really educating students.

Happy Friday!

I'm so glad that it's Friday. I've had a hectic week filled with doctor's appointments and running various errands. My son has been a little under the weather with allergies, and today I have nowhere to go.

I'm so glad.

My plans are to focus on organizing different areas of our house, and attempting to get some reading done. I waited until the baby was sleep last night to try to read the first chapter of the work at home book, and I fell asleep a few minutes later.

I look forward to working at a leisurely pace. I hate rushing around, like I've been doing this week. I have to work on my time management skills.

Encouragement for work at home moms

I seem to go on an up and down roller coaster with my work at home experience. Sometimes, I'm really optimistic about it, other times, I'm truly discouraged and contemplate returning to work.

But, I try to focus on the fact that God wants me to be at home, and I just have to have faith and keep working hard to be successful with earning money from home.

I picked up a book today, and I read through a few pages and it seems like an inspiring read. It's entitled, Work @ Home: A Practical guide for Women who Want to Work from Home. The author is Glynnis Whitwer. I'm excited about reading through the book and receiving insight and encouragement on this journey.

Dresses/Skirts

For the past month or so, I have been wearing more dresses and skirts, both maternity, and just larger sized dresses, and I must admit I feel more feminine when I dress that way.

I suppose that should be self explanatory. But, not necessarily so, because it's rare for me to see young ladies wear dresses/skirts a lot.

It's interesting, because when I was in high school, or maybe it was college, I realized that I preferred wearing skirts and dresses as opposed to jeans and shorts. But, it wasn't because of modesty or the fact that it was more feminine, but because it was way more comfortable. With properly fitting dresses and skirts, I felt my body could breathe better, and it was just roomier and more comfortable. Although I enjoy wearing jeans, oftentimes they feel restrictive after a period of time.

I realize that when I go out now, people look at me differently. It's like they notice me more, but in a very respectful way. It's probably also due to the fact that I'm noticeably pregnant. I've even had guys to stop me and compliment me on how nice I look. They preface it by saying that they do not mean to be rude or disrespectful, but they just couldn't help but tell me how nice I looked.

I think that my feminine attire kind of inspires people. It sounds kind of weird, but I remember being inspired by ladies that I saw who looked really feminine and pretty in what they were wearing.

There is just something beautiful about being truly feminine and carrying yourself in a lady-like, feminine way. It makes me feel good when I go out to know that I'm presenting my best self. Not in a flamboyant way, but just simply feminine, and taking care to make sure that my hair is neat and I have a touch of lipstick on.

It's amazing how beauty inspires people. And there is beauty in being feminine, kind and lady-like.

Prime Time Love

I watched a bit of the Tyra Banks show today, and Deion and Pilar Sanders, of Prime Time Love were guests on the show. He is a former pro athlete and she is a former model, turned stay at home mother.

I enjoyed the part of the show when he said that he is a PROvider, with emphasis on pro. He said that he is old school and believes that his woman should not have to work outside the home. Her job is to take care of the home. He said that his own mother worked two jobs to take care of him, and he did not want his wife to work, because it is his job to take care of her.

When asked if she would return to modeling, Pilar said she does things here and there, and Deion went on to say that he did not want his wife hustling to try to make money modeling. If opportunities come to her, that's fine, but he doesn't want her hustling trying to have a modeling career.

I respected that he understands his role as the provider for his family, and wants to take care of his wife and family. Just because a man has a lot of money doesn't mean that the man wants to take care of his family. There are wealthy men who desire and encourage their wives to work, even though they can fully afford for her not to.

I just thought it was an interesting tidbit to share from the entertainment world.

Stay at home daughter

I was reading a thought provoking interview here about a young woman who chose to forego finishing college and chose instead to be a stay at home daughter. I thought that it was really interesting.

When I was in high school, I was very focused and hard working academically. I was determined to attend a prestigious university and have a career. I wasn't sure what kind of career I wanted, but I knew I wanted to be successful- have a career and make good money. Ironically, I met my now husband when I was a senior in high school, and my focus changed.

I had been accepted to my number one choice for college, but strangely enough, now, all I could think about was being a wife and mother. Period. I could have cared less about college, grades, career, etc. It boggled my mind that my focus changed so quickly.

I attended college anyway, and my freshman year drifted by in a haze. I was not my usual focused self in the classroom. My heart just was not in it anymore. All I wanted to do was get married and have children in a few years.

I kept my hidden dreams tucked away in my heart, for fear that my friends would ridicule me. But, as the years passed, I met more and more young ladies who felt the exact way that I did. They simply wanted to be homemakers, but, in our culture, you're supposed to get a degree and have a successful career.

Anyways, I said all that to say that I applaud young women like Lindsay, who have made the bold decision to stay at home and prepare to be a wife and mother. I don't regret going to college, but I definitely think that more value should be placed on young women learning how to be excellent homemakers, and serving in their home. I am inspired by women who choose to go against the grain and truly follow where God is leading them.

High Tea Society

I love the beauty, tranquility, and experience of taking afternoon tea. I enjoy visiting various tearooms, and checking out the decor and finding cute little things to add to my home. I've learned of a great organization, The High Tea Society, that gathers girls from the inner city of D.C. and they learn etiquette and how to be a lady and such while having afternoon tea.

What a wonderful organization, and I think it would be really useful in other cities as well. There's something special about going to a beautiful tearoom, being dressed nicely and enjoying afternoon tea with friends. I think it's a great way to encourage femininity in girls.

I wish the organization much success, and I hope that many girls are reached through this program. Their website is www.highteasociety.org .

Detachment

I don't understand why some people are so intent on separating mothers from their children, and trying to tell young mothers how to mother.

I know that I'm a young mother, and I don't know everything, but I think I do a pretty good job. But, there have been individuals, namely in-laws, who continue to disparage the fact that I continue to breastfeed, although my son is 7 months old. That's too old, in their opinion, to be breastfeeding an infant.

Then, of course, I should be using my college degree and have a career, and leave him in daycare. After all, that's what they did, because their children needed "socialization." Please, someone tell me, how much socializing can infants do amongst each other? They can't walk over to each other and hang out and have conversations. I'm amazed at the lengths that some people can go to separate me from my child.

Now, I'm dealing with a relative, an in-law, who continues to pressure me to allow my son to stay with her alone, without me for at least two or three days. I feel VERY uncomfortable with this. She's making me feel like I'm being selfish and overprotective, because I don't want to spend a full day or night away from my 7 month old baby!!! Am I the only one who thinks this is ludicrous? Plus, she lives in another state! Granted, it's about 2 hours away, but still.

Maybe I do appear rude in her eyes, but for right now, that is just how it's going to be, until I feel a strong conviction to do otherwise. I just knew I was the one who delivered the baby via C-section, and has unsightly stretch marks to prove it. You would think this lady was the actual one to give birth to him.

I just can't believe how determined a person could be to undermine how I mother my son.

By the way . . .

It's a GIRL!!!!!!! We found out the other day, and I'm so excited! A little princess will be joining our family. I am so happy!!! It will be interesting to see how life will be with a one year old son and a newborn daughter. Fun, I'm sure:) . . . and exhausting . . . but, I can't wait!!!!:)

Wisdom from college girls

My son was born in September of 2007. My husband and I had eagerly anticipated getting pregnant, even though it was soon after our wedding, and technically, the "smart" thing to do is wait at least 2 years after marriage to begin your family.

Anyways, we were so excited through the whole pregnancy and with the birth of our son. After him, I wanted to wait at least a year before trying to conceive another baby. But, that didn't quite happen.

At my 6 week checkup, the doctor asked me about using birth control and I went ahead and agreed to take it, not really sure if I would use it or not. It felt weird when I held the paper bag containing the pills. I felt so. . . wrong. It's like I was telling my yet-to-be-fertilized children that I didn't want them. I know that probably sounds really crazy, but that's how I felt.

So, I ended up not using them. And just relied on breastfeeding as my birth control. I did my research and found that you can't go more than four hours without breastfeeding to not get pregnant. This lasts up to six months, but can go on longer. Unfortunately, I went back to work part-time to teach, while my husband was with the baby for five hours each day when he was almost 3 months old.

My cycle returned two days after I started working. I should have tried to pump while at work, but it was very inconvenient to do so, since I didn't have a classroom of my own.

Surprise, surprise . . . though not really. So, I ended up getting pregnant while also having a 3 month old baby. The weird thing is, I felt so embarrassed about it. I felt like I was an unwed mother or something, because I was pregnant so soon after giving birth. I didn't tell anyone for awhile, because I didn't want to hear a lot of negative comments.

My parents had mixed feelings about it at first, but then were happy later. The interesting thing was when my mother told me she told my sister, who is a 19 year old college student.

My sister was ecstatic that I was pregnant. She told all her friends about it and they were just as excited as she was. When my sister relayed to them that I didn't want people to know, they said what she said to my mother when my mother told her,

"But, she's married. Why would she feel embarrassed? It's not like she did anything wrong."

And, they are right. I shouldn't be embarrassed. Here I was caught up in what I knew others would say about it happening so soon, and my younger sister put my pregnancy in it's proper perspective. It's a blessing from God, and I am very thankful for it. I eagerly anticipate the arrival of my precious baby, and I know not to ever lose sight of what a blessing I have.

Home business

I'm excited because I've been researching what kind of home business I want to have for the last few months, and I've finally found a business that I believe will be the right fit for me. I just received a lead today, after advertising for educational services that I will offer.

It feels good to have a glimmer of hope. I pray that this will be a succesful endeavor.

Congrats

I watched The Miss USA pageant on Friday night, and I was excited about Miss Texas, Crystle Stewart, becoming the new Miss USA. I like pageants, and have competed in one, and it was a very positive experience.

She's 26, an educator, and has her own business, Inside/Out, which helps foster self esteem in young ladies. Congrats to Miss Stewart, and I hope you continue to be a role model and mentor for young women across the country.

What happened to TLC's Secrets of a Soccer Mom?

I had been watching a show on TLC entitled, "The Secret Life of A Soccer Mom." The channel advertised the show a lot before the first episode aired. It was slated to come on on Monday nights at 8 or 9. I watched an episode where a former fashion designer decided to go back to work. An aspiring police officer was told by her husband that he did not want her to work as a police officer. So, she reluctantly decided not to take the job offer. And a former chef who decided that at the season in her life, she needed to focus on her kids, so she also declined her job offer.

But, I'm confused, because the channel moved the show to Sunday nights, and then I kept looking for the show to come on and it never did, until finally, I saw an advertisement for the new night and time that the show would come on: Fridays at midnight. Midnight. Please tell me who is really up at that time? And if they are up, they're probably not at home.

I'm wondering has the show received a lot of backlash or something to be moved to such a horrible time slot. The show was pretty interesting to me, but maybe a lot of women called and complained, especially the episode with the husband telling his wife to not take the job. Maybe that was too "radical" to show on television. In such a feministic time, something like that would be seen as radical.

I'm just curious as to what really happened. I guess I'll just set my DVR to record it from now on.

Coward??

Ok. So, I tried to be brave and do a newspaper route to earn extra income. When I started I didn't think that it required bravery. It was simply slinging newspapers out of my car window, right? Quite wrong for me.

One of the newspaper managers rode with me to show me the route and exactly what to do. There were about 100 houses to throw papers to and only about 10 or so where you could easily throw from the car window and it successfully land on their porch. So, basically I had to get out of my car and walk close to their porch and throw it on there.

Mind you, that this occurs in the wee hours of the morning while it is still dark. And spooky. And I would be doing this alone. Me, getting out of my car alone to throw a newspaper on someone's porch. And if it is not done properly, i.e. not thrown on the porch or on the steps, complaints will be lodged against you. So, you have to do it right.

Well, I chose to not go back to do it. I wish that I were brave enough to sling papers and earn extra money. Actually $900/month and I wouldn't have to worry about putting my son in daycare. But, I'm a coward. And, I really wish that I could earn this money that is so desperately needed.

Am I a coward that needs to conquer these fears so that I can be a stay at home mom? Would you take the opportunity?

Update

Well, my precious baby boy was born in September, and he is 6 months old now!! What a joy he is!! I just love him to pieces. I also received another little surprise. I'm expecting another little blessing in the next couple of months. I'm excited about having two little people to love and squeeze on.

Employment wise: I started teaching part time around my husband's work schedule in December, and I enjoyed that. But, now his schedule has changed, and I'm unable to continue teaching. Unless, of course, I want to put Jr. into daycare, which I don't. So, I resigned about two weeks ago. I'm searching for ways to earn money from home or something that is flexible.

Yesterday, I started training for a newspaper route. We'll see how that goes.