Staying At Home With The Kids Is Not a Bad Choice

While reading a new blog the other day, I happened upon a comment made to a post about being a stay at home mom. The lady said that she would not be disappointed if her daughter became a musician or artist, even though it's an unstable occupation, but she would be MOST disappointed if her daughter became a stay at home mom. She went on to say that she values and respects many stay at home moms, so she doesn't know why she feels that way.

Interesting. I was kind of stunned that she would say that she would be most disappointed if her daughter became a stay at home mom, like that is the worst that she could do with her life. The commenter is a working mother. Growing up, I have always been admonished by my parents and grandparents to "get your education." And, I did. The main reason was so that I would end up being successful, and have plenty of money to do the things that I wanted. I don't think my parents are disappointed that I'm a stay at home mother at this point. They look at it as a temporary situation because I have two small children at home.

In many ways, I have looked at it as a temporary situation, too. It is a financial struggle for me to stay at home. If I went back to teaching, I would have a guaranteed and stable income every month, and our lives would be financially very comfortable. But, at what cost to my children, at this juncture? I do work from home, but with two small and demanding children, I am not able to devote the time that I need to my work from home. If we only had these two children, then I would feel comfortable going back to teaching when my daughter enters school. But, what if I get pregnant again? Then, that's more years at home.

God has provided in wonderful ways so far, and I trust that He will continue to do so. I know that He will open doors as needed. Plus, I'm starting to really get into what being an excellent wife, mother, and homemaker is really about, and I'm eager to stay home and excel in the role that God has for me. More to come later about that. . .

Me Time

I have some time to myself to actually blog, and I'm excited!! Lately I've been thinking a lot about the whole "me" time thing. Before I had children, I read blog posts and articles about mothers needing me time to feel rejuvenated, and be better wives and mothers. Then, I read other blog posts about how selfish having me time was. One Christian mother of eight said that she doesn't seek out me time, because when she does, she finds that she just becomes more frustrated. Instead, she just tries to be patient, prays throughout the day, and God replenishes her. Eventually, at some point during the day, she has time to herself. I thought that was a good approach.

Because this past week, as I have tried to seek out me time, it seems that at every opportunity, it fails to come! And, it leads to frustration on my part. That's why it's important to start each day out with God's word and prayer, to put our minds where they should be. I'm guilty of not doing that everyday, but it's my goal.

Yesterday, for example, I woke up early in the morning because that's when my son woke up. I didn't get one break yesterday until around 11:30 p.m. last night when my daughter went to sleep. No naptime break or anything. My son went down for his nap just as my daughter was awaking from hers. I wanted to scream, because it had already been a trying day. I'm trying not to claim the whole "terrible two's" that people talk about, but, boy, it seems like my 19 month old is headed that way. My husband and I are going to have to really be firm to prevent this from happening. I hope that the terrible two's aren't inevitable.

I used to want four children, two boys and two girls. For now, I think I'm pretty content with the one girl and one boy. I often wonder now, how in the world do people manage with three, four, five kids that are under school age? But, then I think to myself, well, the same way that I'm managing with my two kids. You kind of manage as you go along with trial and error, and ever growing patience. If I had three or four, I think God would give me the patience needed, and I would learn to manage it. I kind of wouldn't have much of a choice, but to figure out how to manage it.

Living Debt-Free On One Income

A great giveaway is going on at A High and Noble Calling blog. Leave a comment for a chance to win a great e-book, Living Debt Free on One Income.

I don't know about you, but I would love the chance to read this book, and glean more information on how to nip away at debt while living on one income. If you're interested, hop on over and leave a comment.

Work From Home Wednesday: Get Paid To Give Tips

It's another beautiful Wednesday, and I have another money earning opportunity to share. It's called DayTipper, and you get paid $1 for every tip that they accept. The number of tips that you can submit are limitless. I suggested five tips the other day to start out, and they accepted four of the them. So, I earned $4 for a few minutes of my time.

Daytipper lets you know within one to three days or so whether or not they accept your tip. After it's published your money is sent to your Paypal account. So, if you have some words of wisdom to share, go over to daytipper.com to share your tips and get paid!

Double Stroller

I'm so excited because yesterday I bought a double stroller for the kids, and I can't wait to use it. After church tomorrow we'll probably stroll around the neighborhood or around the park. I can't wait! It's crazy, but I LOVE shopping for my children. Growing up, I have always hated shopping, but after I had my son, I just loved shopping for him. And, I love shopping for my daughter. It's soooo much fun. I read in a magazine that Halle Berry said that she is addicted to shopping for her daughter Nahla, and I can completely understand!!

I researched and deliberated on the purchase. I realized there's no such thing as a perfect double stroller, and just bit the bullet and purchased one. I ended up getting the Baby Trend Double Jogging Stroller. I think we will all enjoy it. We'll see tomorrow.

Work From Home Wednesdays: Home Business

I just wanted to share an opportunity to earn some extra money from home through Thirty One Gifts. I have heard some great things about this company. I have looked to this company for buying cute items for my children, because their totes, bags, and other items are so pretty and cute, and you can have them monogrammed.

You can start a business selling their products. You can conduct home parties, sell through your own website, or simply through word of mouth. It seems like a fun business to have. Check out their website to learn more information about how to get started.

Femininity Revisited

I've been at home with my parents while finding a place for my family and I to dwell. We will be moving into a charming and pretty apartment complex in a week or so, and I'm quite excited. We will be living about 10 minutes from my parents, and I think it's going to be fun. Living in Alaska, while my family was in Georgia, was a HUGE adjustment for me. I have always been extrememly close to my parents and siblings, and it was hard being away from them. But, now, my new little family will be close to parents and siblings, and I'm excited about that. I think we'll have a swell time.

Ok. Now, a while back I posted about the importance of looking feminine and putting your best foot forward. Leave it to your parents to speak the truth with love. They told me basically that I need to step up my game. Stop looking so motherly. They admonished me that just because I have small children to look after, doesn't mean that I let myself go. . . which, of course, I didn't think I had, but apparently I was in denial. Excuses. . . well, most of my pre-second pregnancy clothes just don't fit anymore. So, I kind of stick with clothes that are somewhat loose fitting. And apparently, not so flattering.

So, when my husband sees me in a couple of days, hopefully he will be wowed by the new me who puts forth extra effort to look nice. Hair nice and neat, nicely applied make-up, a feminine outfit that complements my new shape. I'm sure that he will be pleased.

It's important to be feminine and feel beautiful on the inside and out. And, it helps you have a better outlook on life. Putting forth the extra time and effort to look feminine and pretty each day goes a long way.