If you are anything like me, you are attached to less "things" and more "experiences". So if we were to have a disaster, say, a flood or fire in our home, there is only one thing I would be DEVASTATED to lose...our family photos.
I love to scrapbook, so I am a big "picture" person. I take pictures of just about every activity we do so we can remember all the fun things we've done as a family. Even more important, I want my kids to remember the fun times we've had. These precious memories mean so much to me and I do my best to preserve them. But in a flood or fire, they could be gone forever. Whether you take lots of photos or just a few, it is worth your time to protect them.
I decided to back-up the pictures. Sure, they won't look the same as my fun and beautiful scrapbooks, but at least the memories will not be gone. Start by organizing and renaming photos by date & activity. I separate mine into folders by year, because i have so many. Don't forget to create a "Random" folder for each year for those photos that are really not related to anything in particular, but are worth keeping. Depending on how many photos you have, group them together (however many will fit on a CD) and save to CD. Find a special place to keep them. I like the idea of keeping them near the front door (so you can grab them on the way out). You can also make a 2nd copy and keep them in a Safety Deposit box at the bank or at a friend or family member's house. That way, if something happens to your house, they are being held in a different location.
Upload photos to a website like Shutterfly or Snapfish, or one of the many other similar sites. Pick one that has no storage limit and will allow you to store them indefinitely. Also, pick a reputable one that you can count on to be there for years. This takes some time to upload the photos and keep them organized, but if your computer dies, you can log on from anywhere as long as you remember the password.
Facebook is another place where you can keep your photos organized, however, you need to remember a couple of things. You will need to be aware of the settings on your account so you know who is able to see your photos. Also, Facebook has rights to use any photos you post, so don't post anything you will regret if it gets out.
If you have lots of information and memories you want to write to accompany your photos, and maybe want to share the photos and what you've written with specific people, setting up a private, non-money-making blog. Again, you an share with you whom want, or you don't have to share at all. You can also log-on from anywhere, so no matter what happens to your computer, you can still get to them.
If you have any other ideas, please share with my audience. Thanks!
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
How To Accomplish Something While Home with the Kids
Every parent feels like she/he has a million things they need or want to accomplish, but with the kids, it feels impossible. This largely depends on the age of your children, of course, but if you find a way to accommodate them, you can squeeze in a few things here and there throughout the day. Accomplishing things you need to do will pay off in the form of happiness - at least I feel a little weight off my shoulders when some of my small projects are completed. Here are a few ideas and scenarios:
Playtime
This one may be harder for a parent of 1 child than a parent of 2 or more. Set-up your child to play a particular activity and find something you want to accomplish that will only take 10 minutes or so - they may not last much longer than that. If you have several 10-minute tasks, you can start a new one after the first, if they are playing well. If a child starts nagging you that they are bored or wants you to play with them, it's a good idea to stop what you're doing and play. A few minutes of attention goes a long way.
Another scenario may be to select an activity you can do in the same room. That way you can still interact with them and they don't feel lonely. This is a great way to hang out with a baby who is playing on the floor, or even older kids. Terrific opportunity to do laundry or sorting a box of items, etc. You can also sit at the table to work on something as they color, play stickers, or if you are really brave, PlayDough.
Exercise Time
If you can't get up early in the morning (before the kids wake up at 5:30am) and you hate jumping on the treadmill at night after they go to bed, why not designate some time in the morning or afternoon as "exercise time". Pick up some exercise DVD at a yard sale or rip out a workout from a magazine. Then guide the kids through it. Have them count to stay involved (and it's a good learning-to-count drill). Even if they don't do the exercising "just right", they will probably have fun. It will also be a good example to them, pointing them in the direction of making healthy decisions.
Chores
If you have a toddler or preschooler, this is a great time to get them involved in the house cleaning chores. Hand them a damp sponge to wipe down the table and chair legs, a feather duster, or dry mop, or even just a rag and ask them to make their way around the house. Don't count on them to do a good job. They will, however, feel like a "grown-up" if you praise them for helping and doing a good job. Handling these previously forbidden items will be lots of fun for them.
Nap Time
If you have a baby who will nap once or twice a day, this is a great time to accomplish something. Knowing how long they will sleep, plan your activity accordingly. With a toddler or preschooler, you may not be able to rely heavily on this time to accomplish something, because some days they will nap, and others they won't. Don't get too involved in something, in case you have to stop, and plan to keep your project to an hour or less. Being interrupted mid-project will only set you up for disappointment, frustration, or resentment.
If you are getting frustrated and want to re-cooperate, why not take the occasional nap yourself? Once in a why we should enjoy the silence - it may re-align your attitude.
Gardening
Why not get some gardening done while the kids play outside? And if they are bored and want to hang out with you, get them some kiddie gardening gloves and ask them to help you...they will either enjoy it or hate it. If they enjoy it, you win! If they hate it, they will find something else to do so you can finish. Either way, this is probably a win-win situation. Should you choose to do gardening during nap time, however, be sure to take the baby monitor with you.
TV Time
Some people hate relying on TV to entertain their children, but hey - if you have something you HAVE to accomplish and none of the above has worked out, once in a while won't kill anyone.
Bed Time
Not everything can be accomplished with kids around. That's why bed time is so important. Sure, everyone wants to relax after the kids are in bed and breathe a sigh of relief, but this may be the only time you have to chip away at some really important projects you need to dedicate your attention to.
REMEMBER:
Playtime
This one may be harder for a parent of 1 child than a parent of 2 or more. Set-up your child to play a particular activity and find something you want to accomplish that will only take 10 minutes or so - they may not last much longer than that. If you have several 10-minute tasks, you can start a new one after the first, if they are playing well. If a child starts nagging you that they are bored or wants you to play with them, it's a good idea to stop what you're doing and play. A few minutes of attention goes a long way.
Another scenario may be to select an activity you can do in the same room. That way you can still interact with them and they don't feel lonely. This is a great way to hang out with a baby who is playing on the floor, or even older kids. Terrific opportunity to do laundry or sorting a box of items, etc. You can also sit at the table to work on something as they color, play stickers, or if you are really brave, PlayDough.
Exercise Time
If you can't get up early in the morning (before the kids wake up at 5:30am) and you hate jumping on the treadmill at night after they go to bed, why not designate some time in the morning or afternoon as "exercise time". Pick up some exercise DVD at a yard sale or rip out a workout from a magazine. Then guide the kids through it. Have them count to stay involved (and it's a good learning-to-count drill). Even if they don't do the exercising "just right", they will probably have fun. It will also be a good example to them, pointing them in the direction of making healthy decisions.
Chores
If you have a toddler or preschooler, this is a great time to get them involved in the house cleaning chores. Hand them a damp sponge to wipe down the table and chair legs, a feather duster, or dry mop, or even just a rag and ask them to make their way around the house. Don't count on them to do a good job. They will, however, feel like a "grown-up" if you praise them for helping and doing a good job. Handling these previously forbidden items will be lots of fun for them.
Nap Time
If you have a baby who will nap once or twice a day, this is a great time to accomplish something. Knowing how long they will sleep, plan your activity accordingly. With a toddler or preschooler, you may not be able to rely heavily on this time to accomplish something, because some days they will nap, and others they won't. Don't get too involved in something, in case you have to stop, and plan to keep your project to an hour or less. Being interrupted mid-project will only set you up for disappointment, frustration, or resentment.
If you are getting frustrated and want to re-cooperate, why not take the occasional nap yourself? Once in a why we should enjoy the silence - it may re-align your attitude.
Gardening
Why not get some gardening done while the kids play outside? And if they are bored and want to hang out with you, get them some kiddie gardening gloves and ask them to help you...they will either enjoy it or hate it. If they enjoy it, you win! If they hate it, they will find something else to do so you can finish. Either way, this is probably a win-win situation. Should you choose to do gardening during nap time, however, be sure to take the baby monitor with you.
TV Time
Some people hate relying on TV to entertain their children, but hey - if you have something you HAVE to accomplish and none of the above has worked out, once in a while won't kill anyone.
Bed Time
Not everything can be accomplished with kids around. That's why bed time is so important. Sure, everyone wants to relax after the kids are in bed and breathe a sigh of relief, but this may be the only time you have to chip away at some really important projects you need to dedicate your attention to.
REMEMBER:
- The best way to accomplish something it to plan out what you want to do BEFORE it's time to do it. That way, on the off chance the kids cooperate, you can jump right into it.
- Make a list if you have to and break up tasks by amount of time needed, and then by priority. Then pick the appropriate task for the time allotted.
- Don't plan to do an important task that cannot be put off or disrupted. Save those for a time when you are certain you can get it done (bed time or someone else watching the kids).
Monday, October 13, 2014
I'm Exhausted and I Feel Like Crying
Like everyone else, I LOVE my kids. They each have their own personalities and can be funny, cute, adorable, annoying, loud, sad, angering...you pick the emotion, it's there. But on any given day I, being my own person, can feel tired, irritable, grumpy...you get the idea. Here's the problem - put the wrong combination together, let's say child=irritating and me=irritable, and we are headed for disaster.
I do my best to find balance between being the best Mom I can be (not the best Mom in the world), and keeping up with all the other things in my life that demand attention - keeping the house clean (some days I can only laugh), keeping the schedule straight, keeping in touch with hubby, keeping the bills from piling up too high, etc. You get the idea.
As we grow in learning to care for our children, we are finding that, no matter what you do for them, they are never happy. Well, sometimes it just seems that way. Overall, my kids are pretty happy - not only are they provided with adequate food, clothing, also shelter, they also have many things they don't NEED (like, toys). That is all good, but we are a family that focuses less on "things" and more on "experiences" for lifelong happiness and memories. Just seems like in these circumstances, the instant gratification factor is gone.
For example, you're at a store and your child wants a toy - you buy it for them, and they are happy, right? On the other hand, we go to a farm and visited the petting zoo, checked out all the different pumpkins, got to play in the hay maze and ride the wagon/hay ride. But the ONE thing we DIDN'T get to do has now ruined our day, and they are miserable, and I am feeling like it wasn't worth it, and it doesn't make me look forward to doing anything else with them. Even though overall it was a great day, this is about the time when I feel like crying because I am losing my cool. So what am I doing wrong here? It seems they are still expecting more, more, more. I have never been a parent who gives in to this sort of thing, so when will they learn to be happy with what we have (or have done)? HELP!
What really needs to happen here is to take some deep breaths, remember they are kids, stick to my guns, and be consistent - eventually they will get it. This is just not the time. But it doesn't mean we need to stop doing fun things with them. In fact, I believe it is the opposite. We need to keep enjoying experiences as a family and they will finally get it. Don't you remember when you were in your early 20's and FINALLY appreciated your parents and all they had done for and with you? Yes. My day is coming - I just have to be patient and keep going. Easier said then done.
I do my best to find balance between being the best Mom I can be (not the best Mom in the world), and keeping up with all the other things in my life that demand attention - keeping the house clean (some days I can only laugh), keeping the schedule straight, keeping in touch with hubby, keeping the bills from piling up too high, etc. You get the idea.
As we grow in learning to care for our children, we are finding that, no matter what you do for them, they are never happy. Well, sometimes it just seems that way. Overall, my kids are pretty happy - not only are they provided with adequate food, clothing, also shelter, they also have many things they don't NEED (like, toys). That is all good, but we are a family that focuses less on "things" and more on "experiences" for lifelong happiness and memories. Just seems like in these circumstances, the instant gratification factor is gone.
For example, you're at a store and your child wants a toy - you buy it for them, and they are happy, right? On the other hand, we go to a farm and visited the petting zoo, checked out all the different pumpkins, got to play in the hay maze and ride the wagon/hay ride. But the ONE thing we DIDN'T get to do has now ruined our day, and they are miserable, and I am feeling like it wasn't worth it, and it doesn't make me look forward to doing anything else with them. Even though overall it was a great day, this is about the time when I feel like crying because I am losing my cool. So what am I doing wrong here? It seems they are still expecting more, more, more. I have never been a parent who gives in to this sort of thing, so when will they learn to be happy with what we have (or have done)? HELP!
What really needs to happen here is to take some deep breaths, remember they are kids, stick to my guns, and be consistent - eventually they will get it. This is just not the time. But it doesn't mean we need to stop doing fun things with them. In fact, I believe it is the opposite. We need to keep enjoying experiences as a family and they will finally get it. Don't you remember when you were in your early 20's and FINALLY appreciated your parents and all they had done for and with you? Yes. My day is coming - I just have to be patient and keep going. Easier said then done.
Friday, October 3, 2014
The Little Things Matter - Surprise Your Spouse
I once heard that if you want your spouse to pay you some attention, you should do it first and they most likely will follow suit. Don't wait for them to act first. I think the problem is, with all that we have to do on a daily basis, we forget each other, and take each other for granted. Whenever I come to the realization that we are in that sort of rut, I make my move.
I always felt that it is the little things that count - which is good, because we can't spare the $$ for the "big" things. Sure, I would love to go away for the weekend, but it's not just a money issue, it's a time issue (one of the kids most likely has an activity planned, etc), and a babysitting issue (really, who wants to watch my 3 kids ages 6 and under for an entire weekend? - NO ONE). Those "big" things are great once in a while, but you can rekindle the relationship between the "big" things, by doing some little things.
Here are some inexpensive ways to show him (or her) you care:
Notes in His Lunchbox
Yes, we brown-bag it. Saves time and money, blah blah, blah. It also serves as a good way to surprise him. I do this with my daughter occasionally, too.
Everybody loves to be remembered, so when he opens his lunchbox and sees a love note, an awful picture I drew, or a special snack (he loves Kit Kats) with a corny rhyme it lets him know I was thinking of him. Hopefully, it makes him smile...or depending on what is written on the note, maybe it makes him blush (ha ha). Let him show the guys at the lunch table - he may be a little embarrassed, but I bet they feel a hint of jealousy.
Make "Boring" Things Fun
My husband takes carrot sticks to lunch every day. Why not turn that "boring" snack into a meaningful gesture. While he wasn't home, I took the time to cut the carrots into heart shapes to surprise him.
I always felt that it is the little things that count - which is good, because we can't spare the $$ for the "big" things. Sure, I would love to go away for the weekend, but it's not just a money issue, it's a time issue (one of the kids most likely has an activity planned, etc), and a babysitting issue (really, who wants to watch my 3 kids ages 6 and under for an entire weekend? - NO ONE). Those "big" things are great once in a while, but you can rekindle the relationship between the "big" things, by doing some little things.
Here are some inexpensive ways to show him (or her) you care:
Notes in His Lunchbox
Yes, we brown-bag it. Saves time and money, blah blah, blah. It also serves as a good way to surprise him. I do this with my daughter occasionally, too.
Make "Boring" Things Fun
My husband takes carrot sticks to lunch every day. Why not turn that "boring" snack into a meaningful gesture. While he wasn't home, I took the time to cut the carrots into heart shapes to surprise him.
You can also take a cookie cutter to indent the bread of his sandwich. I've never tried it, but it sounds like a good idea.
Happy Smiling Eggs
On the weekends, my husband likes to make a big breakfast, usually bacon and eggs. I decided to make it interesting by drawing goofy faces on the eggs with a marker. I know if I saw it, it would make me laugh. His laugh and smile are the things I love most.
Scavenger Hunt
This takes more planning, so I haven't done this one in a while. Put a sticky note on the front door so he can see it when he gets home. It should have a clue written on it to lead him to the next clue, etc. After about 12 clues I leave a "gift" for him - he has to find each clue to lead him there. It's fun and suspenseful, so make sure the gift is worth it...even though it could be as easy as a "coupon" for an after-the-kids-go-to-bed activity, a batch of his favorite homemade cookies, or a 6-pk of his favorite beer, or anything else you can think of that he would enjoy. Just remember to hide the notes where the kids won't find them before he does.
Balloons
OK, he doesn't like this as much as I like doing it. Every anniversary I aim to buy balloons - one for each year we have been married - and go to his work and tie them to the rear-view mirror. I keep the strings long enough so people can see them from across the parking lot. Then they wish him happy anniversary (or happy birthday, etc) and he knows I took the time out of my day to surprise him. Bonus: Then he brings the balloons home for the kids to enjoy.
Put it in Writing
While playing "sidewalk chalk" with the kids, sometimes we write a message to Daddy and draw hearts so he can see them when he comes home.
Another cute idea he actually did to me, was sneak in the bathroom while I was showering (and fogging up the mirror) and drew a big heart of the mirror with his finger. When I came out the shower, I saw it right away, and since I didn't wash the mirror immediately, it was still there next time I showered. So sweet.
Just Plain Say It
Feel like you don't say it enough? Script some well thought out words about why you love him and just tell him. Accompany it with a long wet kiss (instead of the usual peck) and it will brighten his mood for sure.
Here are a few other cute ideas I found online that speak for themselves...
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas
As I searched the web for creative but inexpensive ideas for Halloween costumes, I could help but share what I found on my money-saving blog, Saving for Something. Why pay a boat load of money for a costume someone will wear for only a couple hours? If you haven't come up with a costume for yourself or a child yet, there is still time to put these together! It's as simple as starting with regular household items and transforming into something different..REALLY different. CLICK HERE for the pictures.
Successful Yard Sale Strategies
Permit
First off, check with your town to see if you need a permit to have a yard sale.
Decide on a Date and Time
Instead of a full day, consider 2 half-days to reach more people who might be out and about or busy on one of those days.
Sorting Your Items
Try to group your items together by category - baby items, books, cooking/kitchen, clothes, etc. This will help someone who is browsing to see what else you have to offer and may inspire a last-minute impulse buy.
Un-Box Everything
Even if all the items in the box are from one category, no one will buy it if they can't see it, and many people don't feel comfortable digging. Instead, take everything out of the boxes and put them in plain view. Something might catch a customer's eye as they walk by.
Clean Your Items
You don't have to detail everything, but make sure things don't look dirty. No one will buy it if they don't even want to touch it.
Put Your Items on a Pedestal
If at all possible, set-up as many tables as you can spare to lift the items up, so customers do not need to reach down. If you don't have alot of available tables, you can be creative with turning big boxes upside-down and using two sawhorses and a piece of wood. Bringing items closer to the customer allows them to see and reach something easily. Besides, keeping your items off the ground shows you care for them, and they are not "trash". If you have clothes to sell, hanging them up is the best way to sell. Your nicely-folded pile will turn into an unfolded heap in no time.
Price Your Items
When items don't have a price on them, many people will turn around and walk away. Maybe they are too shy or don't want to deal with negotiations. No matter what the reason, a sale is better than no sale. Put what you think is a fair price, and forget "book value". Make sure you use stickers which can peel off later, and don't write directly on the item. Better yet, do this the week before so you are not rushing around that morning.
Create a Walking Path
Instead of having items all over your front yard or driveway, consider making a "U" shape with the tables, so there is a clear path - if they walk the path, they will get a good look at all you have to offer, and they won't miss anything.
Be Prepared
- Be sure everything is set-up way before the start time on your sign - you will have early birds, and you don't want to make anyone feel awkward if you are not ready.
- Make sure you have plenty of cash on hand in all denominations, including coins.
- Have an apron or cash drawer ($26 at Staples) to keep your money organized.
- Keep a calculator nearby for people buying a number of items.
- Have a stash of bags to give people if they buy more than one item.
- Keep a garbage can nearby to keep things tidy throughout the day.
Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign
Probably the most important part of your sale is to "advertise" it to get people there. You can price out local newspaper ads, but I've seen lots of successful Craigslist postings, and they are free. Either way, the BEST way to get people there are large signs pointing them in the right direction from the nearest main road.
- Use THICK letters and a THICK arrow so people can see it from far away as they are driving - then they will not miss the turn.
- After you put your sign up, step back - far back, maybe 100 feet back - to test out your sign visually.
- It's a good idea to write date and time on the sign, and in smaller letters, the address.
- If there is more than 1 way to get to your house, be sure you have signs at every turn so they can easily follow your directions.
- You will also want to weatherize your signs - not necessarily laminating them, but staple them to a thin piece of wood and stand them on an a-frame in case there is no pole to hang them on.
- Putting them up the night before will let more people know you will be having a sale (good) but if the morning dew curls the sign, no one will be able to read it (bad).
- It is a good idea to ask customers throughout the day if they saw your signs, and if you have someone available to help you, to check on them (to make sure they are still there and didn't tip over)
Play some light music in the background to keep it peaceful and entertaining. Put your cell phone away and be sure to greet everyone who stops by, but don't hound them. They want to feel welcome and free to look around. As items sell, re-arrange your items so there are no big empty spots. Thank all the customers for coming buy even if they don't purchase anything (maybe they will come back). Most of all, don't worry about making $$. Just have fun with it and reap the rewards after the sale.
Working Mother vs Stay-at-Home Mom
Why does this have to be so controversial? Why do we continue to try to prove that one is better than the other? I think we all realize that both make sacrifices and each situation has pros and cons. Let's take a closer look and appreciate Moms for who they are (please forgive my generalizations).
Working Mothers
They wake up early, help to get everyone off to school and work, all while trying to prepare herself for work, aiming to get there on time. It is a busy morning of rushing around, but things settle down during the commute.
She arrives and gets started right away until her thoughts drift back to the family. "Did I remember to pack lunch for them? or give them lunch money? Did the kids wear sneakers to school for physical education? Today's not picture day, is it? Did the kids finish their homework and remember to put it in their backpack? What about the Book Club order - oh, I forgot the check! There's a field trip coming up, and I need to sign the permission slip and return it so they can go - oh, how I wish I could chaperone and join them! Do I spend enough quality time with them? What should we do this weekend? What am I going to make out of ground beef for dinner? Wish we didn't have the same 5 meals all the time, but I don't have time to cook." She shakes her head and tries to focus.
She works hard and is worn out by the end of the day - boss was scolding her to be more efficient, and even though she completed a project and felt great about it, the feeling was fleeting, since there is another 6 projects lined up that need to be done. The commute back home is a mixture of feelings - relived that the workday is over, excited to see her family, and dreading the afternoon witching hour.
Upon arriving home she tries to capture a glimpse into everyone day while nagging kids to clean up toys and do their homework, and she begins to prepare dinner.
After dinner there is more cleaning up to do, getting the kids into the shower, and starting the bedtime routine. Bedtime leads to quiet time, but now is the time she prepares for the following day - packing lunches and picking out clothes - then checks personal email, exercises, or works on a personal project she can only chip away at (or any combination of those activities) until she decides it's time to wind down. PJ's, sitting on the couch, a little snack while watching a show or reading for a while, falls asleep, gets up, brushes teeth, goes to bed.
Stay-at-Home Moms
Once again, waking up early, she get everyone prepared and off the school and work. With the little ones not yet school aged, she returns home from the bus stop only to finish cleaning up after breakfast. Time to "play" with the kids, which can be fun, but can also be painstakingly boring or slow - all the while she is thinking of the 100 projects she COULD be working on. Sometimes she can distract them with an activity so she can get something done around the house.
Lunchtime, clean up after lunch, then nap time - YES! With only an hour to herself, she spends it tackling a project or cleaning the house. Although it is not necessarily "relaxing", she is enjoying peace and quiet.
The kids wake up and she brings them outside where she can accomplish even less. Although being outside is a nice breath of fresh air (no pun intended), pushing someone on the swings for 20 minutes is not exactly the time of her life. With only kids under the age of 5 to talk to, it can get lonely - thank goodness for the occasional play date! Time to get the other kid(s) off the bus, so they walk down together and she has to entertain the little ones in a tiny space of wilted grass and sand on the corner of the road while waiting for the bus to arrive. Get everyone home, start homework, and start preparing dinner.
After dinner, she has a similar routine as the working mother, unless she has to work at night, which allows her even less quiet time and time to work on her own projects. The upside is additional income and a sense of accomplishment, which she rarely feels from raising children, even if it is the "most important job" she has.
As you can see, both mothers work as hard as they can - and everyone has their own reasons for choosing which route to travel. We need to be respectful and support each other - stop the competition!
Working Mothers
They wake up early, help to get everyone off to school and work, all while trying to prepare herself for work, aiming to get there on time. It is a busy morning of rushing around, but things settle down during the commute.
She arrives and gets started right away until her thoughts drift back to the family. "Did I remember to pack lunch for them? or give them lunch money? Did the kids wear sneakers to school for physical education? Today's not picture day, is it? Did the kids finish their homework and remember to put it in their backpack? What about the Book Club order - oh, I forgot the check! There's a field trip coming up, and I need to sign the permission slip and return it so they can go - oh, how I wish I could chaperone and join them! Do I spend enough quality time with them? What should we do this weekend? What am I going to make out of ground beef for dinner? Wish we didn't have the same 5 meals all the time, but I don't have time to cook." She shakes her head and tries to focus.
She works hard and is worn out by the end of the day - boss was scolding her to be more efficient, and even though she completed a project and felt great about it, the feeling was fleeting, since there is another 6 projects lined up that need to be done. The commute back home is a mixture of feelings - relived that the workday is over, excited to see her family, and dreading the afternoon witching hour.
Upon arriving home she tries to capture a glimpse into everyone day while nagging kids to clean up toys and do their homework, and she begins to prepare dinner.
After dinner there is more cleaning up to do, getting the kids into the shower, and starting the bedtime routine. Bedtime leads to quiet time, but now is the time she prepares for the following day - packing lunches and picking out clothes - then checks personal email, exercises, or works on a personal project she can only chip away at (or any combination of those activities) until she decides it's time to wind down. PJ's, sitting on the couch, a little snack while watching a show or reading for a while, falls asleep, gets up, brushes teeth, goes to bed.
Stay-at-Home Moms
Once again, waking up early, she get everyone prepared and off the school and work. With the little ones not yet school aged, she returns home from the bus stop only to finish cleaning up after breakfast. Time to "play" with the kids, which can be fun, but can also be painstakingly boring or slow - all the while she is thinking of the 100 projects she COULD be working on. Sometimes she can distract them with an activity so she can get something done around the house.
Lunchtime, clean up after lunch, then nap time - YES! With only an hour to herself, she spends it tackling a project or cleaning the house. Although it is not necessarily "relaxing", she is enjoying peace and quiet.
The kids wake up and she brings them outside where she can accomplish even less. Although being outside is a nice breath of fresh air (no pun intended), pushing someone on the swings for 20 minutes is not exactly the time of her life. With only kids under the age of 5 to talk to, it can get lonely - thank goodness for the occasional play date! Time to get the other kid(s) off the bus, so they walk down together and she has to entertain the little ones in a tiny space of wilted grass and sand on the corner of the road while waiting for the bus to arrive. Get everyone home, start homework, and start preparing dinner.
After dinner, she has a similar routine as the working mother, unless she has to work at night, which allows her even less quiet time and time to work on her own projects. The upside is additional income and a sense of accomplishment, which she rarely feels from raising children, even if it is the "most important job" she has.
As you can see, both mothers work as hard as they can - and everyone has their own reasons for choosing which route to travel. We need to be respectful and support each other - stop the competition!
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