The Age old mother's dilemma.....

Like a large majority of women, I have been faced with the decision to "work out of the home" or to stay home with the kids. I worked full time until after I had my third child, then my husband and I decided to take the leap, and I left my job. I gained enormous freedom to spend time with my children, enjoy every giggle, volunteer at their schools, what a gift that has been. I also cut our family income in half in one fell swoop, ouch. I enjoyed decent career success, with nice compensation-- and that my friend, was POOF gone. I know many of you know this tale well. Now my youngest is 4, the rest are pretty independent. They still need me (thank goodness), and I feel it is really important to be present and awake in these years too. The challenge is, how could I contribute to the family income, and have a little me/ adult time, without turning the world upside down for my husband and kids? How many times have you asked that question? I'll be exploring this question, and hopefully come up with some suggestions from people who manage it successfully. I will share what I learn. If you or someone you know is doing something that allows this awesome life balance, please share. I have talked to many women in the past six months who are ready for more. I would love to share the info.

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Quiet days of Summer- Ha!! Lol....

Summer is a wonderful time if you have the luxury to stay home with your kids and enjoy the slower pace. Lazy days, pool time, reading, outings, and spending time at the beach is good for the soul. If you are a parent who keeps your kids home with you vs. sending them to camp--- there is also a dark side to the lazy days of Summer. I know many Moms who say loud and proud, "I can't wait till Summer!! Oh yeah! Only 3 more weeks!!, Oh no! It's over already! We need a few more weeks!!" Are you one of those? Do you say it with a straight face? Ok, maybe you are sincere. Bully for you, you win the Mom medal. Those are NOT my people. I love my kids, don't get me wrong, I really do. I love reading time, and lego time, and swimming, and picnics at the beach-- as much as any other Mom. Let's get real for a minute though. We can't play down the other side of life with kids. The constant fighting The whining The meltdowns (yes one of our guys st...

It's Summer, bring on the Baby Oil and Iodine! Not!

I was a teenager in the 80's. We were living in Southern Pennsylvania, where the Winter's were cold & icy, and the Summer's were hot and sweaty. The first hint of warm weather signaled us to bring our the shorts, and baby oil. We were all about getting our tan on. You either used one of those coconut smelling tanning concoctions, or if you were hard core (like me, and my girls) you used Grandma Helen's formula, baby oil and iodine. We would slather that oily mess on from head to toe, squeeze lemons onto our hair (or later sprayed Sun-In all over it), grab the cordless phone, our favorite nail polish, and head out to the pool. Now as a parent, and adult, my first thought is "oh no! don't get all of that crap in the pool!". My parents tried, believe me. My sister and I would still get right in, get on the float and get our tan on. You couldn't lay on the side see. You need the water to reflect and make sure you got the ultimate amount of sun...

Sunny Days

Some days I just wake up full of hope, and energy, and am excited about all life holds for us. Today is one of those days. I don't know why I feel that way, nothing is different from yesterday. The sun feels a little warmer, more people seem to be smiling, perhaps my imagination, maybe not. Tuesday is a super busy day for us, lot's of activities, practices, etc... --- so today is a good day to be filled with optimism, it will help me get through the tougher moments between 3-6pm. Driving, homework, dinner prep, more driving, all that good stuff. Thank you Lord for days like today, when my normal load, feels light. I appreciate the energy, the warmth, and the smiles. Amen

The Sky is Blue

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