Mark and I have dreams and goals for our lives and the lives of our kids. There are certain things we want to accomplish or be a part of that we are unable to right now due to one little itsy bitsy word.
Debt.
I wish that I could say that our level of debt is in direct relation to the size of the word, but it is more like this in our lives right now.
DEBT.
We have lived life like a lot if not most Americans. We have bought what we could afford the payments on, not what we could afford.
We decided a few months back that we need to get things on track and get out of debt. To help us do this, Mark & I have started Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. We know both family and friends who have taken this course and we have seen the results. We have also heard that this is not a quick fix (darn).
We are in week 3 - since we have started, we have cut up all our credit cards (kind of a freeing and scary feeling at the same time), created a simple budget, and prayed for wisdom in our financial decisions from here on out.
Also since we have started, I have never been more tempted to stop and get a latte on my way to work or go shopping for a cute pair of sandals for spring. I look at my purse and think I should really get a new one becuase this one has a thread hanging from it. I notice that there are all these great new eyeshadow colors in the make-up aisle at Walmart. I think steaks on the grill sound great when before mac & cheese was fine by me.
My immediate thought usually after all of these temptations is that I deserve it. I deserve that coffee because I was up with the kids and I'm tired. I deserve the shoes because they make me feel good about the way I look. I deserve a new purse because a lot of my friends have purses for every outfit. You get the picture.
Last week, in class Dave told a story of a single mom who stopped him after a conference. She told him that she had created her budget, she was working 2 jobs to cover all the bills and although it was tight, she was making it. Then one day on her way to bring the kids to daycare, it was pouring rain and she got a flat tire. So she had to get out in the rain and change it, all the while being splashed by cars going by. She got to work late because of this and got yelled at by her boss. She had to work late to cover for being late and so she was late to pick up the kids from daycare and she got penalized for that. On the way home, the kids were begging and pleading for "McDonald's, McDonald's, McDonald's!" This mom, being tired and frustrated gave in because she felt she deserved a break after her horrible day. So she pulled into the McDonald's drive through and bought some Happy Meals (with money marked for another expense) and went home. This single mom told Dave, "That trip to McDonald's cost me $159 in bounced check fees."
Dave went on to say that we don't 'deserve' to treat ourselves when we are the ones to get ourselves into these messes. By budgeting, you give all your money a name and if you don't have money for an area, whether its eating out, going to movies, buying new shoes or makeup, you don't do it!!
Hard to shallow, but good for me to hear. I still get tempted, but I keep thinking of the plans that we have and the plans that God has for us (Jeremiah 29:11-12) and it helps keep me motivated.
So does one of Dave's famous phrases (paraphrased):
"Live now like no one else, so someday you can live like no one else!"
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Arguments and a rubber ducky
Conflict in marriage in normal and healthy. If you never had conflict, well. . . I would say you are a liar. But, as Mark & I have learned (and continue to learn) it is how you resolve the conflict that matters.
We recently read the book Everybody Wins: The Chapman Guide to Resolving Conflict Without Arguing with our mentor couple. Mark & I don't have all out screaming matches - we are the sarcastic, snotty comments type of people.
Overall the book is really good - there were a few cheesy parts that we all agreed we would NEVER do. One example, wear a sign around your neck that says, "I am listening" - yeah, no thanks. But the point is that you need to really listen and take in what your partner is saying instead of just formulating your response the whole time they are talking. I of course have never done that.
We have definitely gotten better at resolving conflict, but we still have times of weakness.
The other night we were giving the kids a bath. Bath time is always crazy because, well we are trying to give 2 toddlers a bath! I honestly don't even remember what we were fighting about (yes, brownie points for fighting in front of the kids), but it was getting as heated as our arguments get. The tension in the bathroom was thick. I was getting ready to rinse Piper off, so Mark was holding her as she stood in the tub and the next thing we know she was sticking her legs out in front of her. Picture an Olympic gymnast on the rings with their arms straight down and legs straight out in front. That is exactly what she was doing. It was the oddest looking thing you have ever seen and she was giggling. Mark's arms are on fire because our little girl, well she is not so little, but he starts laughing and I start laughing and then the kids start laughing.
It was in that moment that I think both Mark & I realized that whatever it was we were arguing about was ridiculous and not worth the time or effort. We got the kids out of the tub, put to bed and went on to have a really nice evening.
I say all this to say that I am so thankful for being able to find humor in the midst of everyday life. I am so thankful for the grace God gives us when we make such silly, selfish choices. I love my husband more everyday because we can laugh together and forgive each other in the midst of our shortcomings.
We recently read the book Everybody Wins: The Chapman Guide to Resolving Conflict Without Arguing with our mentor couple. Mark & I don't have all out screaming matches - we are the sarcastic, snotty comments type of people.
Overall the book is really good - there were a few cheesy parts that we all agreed we would NEVER do. One example, wear a sign around your neck that says, "I am listening" - yeah, no thanks. But the point is that you need to really listen and take in what your partner is saying instead of just formulating your response the whole time they are talking. I of course have never done that.
We have definitely gotten better at resolving conflict, but we still have times of weakness.
The other night we were giving the kids a bath. Bath time is always crazy because, well we are trying to give 2 toddlers a bath! I honestly don't even remember what we were fighting about (yes, brownie points for fighting in front of the kids), but it was getting as heated as our arguments get. The tension in the bathroom was thick. I was getting ready to rinse Piper off, so Mark was holding her as she stood in the tub and the next thing we know she was sticking her legs out in front of her. Picture an Olympic gymnast on the rings with their arms straight down and legs straight out in front. That is exactly what she was doing. It was the oddest looking thing you have ever seen and she was giggling. Mark's arms are on fire because our little girl, well she is not so little, but he starts laughing and I start laughing and then the kids start laughing.
It was in that moment that I think both Mark & I realized that whatever it was we were arguing about was ridiculous and not worth the time or effort. We got the kids out of the tub, put to bed and went on to have a really nice evening.
I say all this to say that I am so thankful for being able to find humor in the midst of everyday life. I am so thankful for the grace God gives us when we make such silly, selfish choices. I love my husband more everyday because we can laugh together and forgive each other in the midst of our shortcomings.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
10 Things I Like More Than. . . .
. . .Going To The Dentist:
10) Bra shopping. Ladies, enough said.
9) Having my picture taken. For those who know me. . . yeah, enough said.
8) Riding in a cargo van squished between 2 smelly people for 10+ hours.
7) Packing.
6) Unpacking.
5) Long car rides with my children. For those who know my children. . . you understand what I am saying.
4) Cleaning the toy room.
3) Cleaning the van.
2) Cleaning the bathroom.
1) Cleaning. . . . in general (you had to know this was coming after the last 3). Again, for those who know me and maybe more importantly, for those who have stopped by unannounced you know how true this is.
I went to the dentist today.
Who, for the sake of fairness, is the nicest lady in the world and her hygienists are super sweet and professional.
BUT - it was still the dentist. And I have a high gag reflex and horror stories in my memory from going to the dentist, so it is not a great experience for me.
It has honestly gotten better in the last few years since going to our current dentist, but still not an appointment I look forward too. If any little thing comes up to give me an excuse to reschedule my appointment (like. . . a sale anywhere, the sky looking too gray, bad hair day, etc.) I will do so.
My memories of going to the dentist are just a few. I did my standard twice a year cleaning, but my memories are centered around two events.
I hated sitting in the waiting room and hearing that suction thing. You know the one they ask you to close your mouth around to suck out all the saliva, water, your soul? That sound to this day makes me nauseous. I would rather change 1000 nasty poopy diapers than listen to that sound, much less have it IN MY MOUTH! I gag like crazy.
My second memory is of having fluoride treatment. I remember as a child waiting and wishing to turn 16. Not so I could date or get my driver's license. But so that I no longer would have to get fluoride treatment. In my mind it is a dentist's way to torture you for having bad breath, not flossing morning and night (seriously, what child does that?) and not brushing after every meal (again, who does this?).
But the worst part of this treatment was the flavors. I would love to meet the genius who said, "Hmm, let's take this horrible paste, with its horrible texture, that we put in this Styrofoam tray and make it bubble gum or strawberry flavored (or whatever other disgusting flavor they could think of) and ruin those flavors for a child for life."
Apparently when I was 13 or 14 my mind/body gave up the fight against the gag reflex and I threw up while having those awful trays in my mouth. Sound disgusting? Try being there. After that the dentist said I didn't have to have fluoride treatment anymore. Apparently they have a limit for how much they can endure as well.
So because of these experiences, I am a dentist's worst nightmare as a patient. I ask to not close my mouth around the suction thing and I ask for mint toothpaste for when they polish my teeth (again, what is with the fruit flavors). I grimace and try to think of my happy place as they are cleaning my teeth.
I tip my hat to my dentist - she is patient with me, understanding and even laughs at my stories (but who wouldn't, right?). I finally told her one time that although I still dislike going to the dentist, I really like coming to see her.
Feel free to share your horror stories - and yes, I know I'm crazy.
10) Bra shopping. Ladies, enough said.
9) Having my picture taken. For those who know me. . . yeah, enough said.
8) Riding in a cargo van squished between 2 smelly people for 10+ hours.
7) Packing.
6) Unpacking.
5) Long car rides with my children. For those who know my children. . . you understand what I am saying.
4) Cleaning the toy room.
3) Cleaning the van.
2) Cleaning the bathroom.
1) Cleaning. . . . in general (you had to know this was coming after the last 3). Again, for those who know me and maybe more importantly, for those who have stopped by unannounced you know how true this is.
I went to the dentist today.
Who, for the sake of fairness, is the nicest lady in the world and her hygienists are super sweet and professional.
BUT - it was still the dentist. And I have a high gag reflex and horror stories in my memory from going to the dentist, so it is not a great experience for me.
It has honestly gotten better in the last few years since going to our current dentist, but still not an appointment I look forward too. If any little thing comes up to give me an excuse to reschedule my appointment (like. . . a sale anywhere, the sky looking too gray, bad hair day, etc.) I will do so.
My memories of going to the dentist are just a few. I did my standard twice a year cleaning, but my memories are centered around two events.
I hated sitting in the waiting room and hearing that suction thing. You know the one they ask you to close your mouth around to suck out all the saliva, water, your soul? That sound to this day makes me nauseous. I would rather change 1000 nasty poopy diapers than listen to that sound, much less have it IN MY MOUTH! I gag like crazy.
My second memory is of having fluoride treatment. I remember as a child waiting and wishing to turn 16. Not so I could date or get my driver's license. But so that I no longer would have to get fluoride treatment. In my mind it is a dentist's way to torture you for having bad breath, not flossing morning and night (seriously, what child does that?) and not brushing after every meal (again, who does this?).
But the worst part of this treatment was the flavors. I would love to meet the genius who said, "Hmm, let's take this horrible paste, with its horrible texture, that we put in this Styrofoam tray and make it bubble gum or strawberry flavored (or whatever other disgusting flavor they could think of) and ruin those flavors for a child for life."
Apparently when I was 13 or 14 my mind/body gave up the fight against the gag reflex and I threw up while having those awful trays in my mouth. Sound disgusting? Try being there. After that the dentist said I didn't have to have fluoride treatment anymore. Apparently they have a limit for how much they can endure as well.
So because of these experiences, I am a dentist's worst nightmare as a patient. I ask to not close my mouth around the suction thing and I ask for mint toothpaste for when they polish my teeth (again, what is with the fruit flavors). I grimace and try to think of my happy place as they are cleaning my teeth.
I tip my hat to my dentist - she is patient with me, understanding and even laughs at my stories (but who wouldn't, right?). I finally told her one time that although I still dislike going to the dentist, I really like coming to see her.
Feel free to share your horror stories - and yes, I know I'm crazy.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Out of the mouths of babes
I was raised in a Christian home where my parents showed their faith in very obvious ways like taking us to church, praying before a meal, saying prayers with us kids before bed, etc.
But they also gave examples of their faith in less obvious ways. I remember waking up too early some mornings and hearing my parents praying together. I remember my dad telling a story about how he got upset with someone at work and had to go back and apologize.
I remember the year we went to public school for the 1st time (otherwise K-8th was at a christian school) and my mom would do devotions with my sister and I each morning before school. Now these were not the most spiritual times for a 9 and 11 year old - my mom had a habit of falling asleep while praying. You see she had just gotten off of a 12 hour night shift. My sister and I would be as quiet as we could be as my mom started to pray and soon she would be dozing off. . . .we off course being the mature girls we were, would hold in our laughter for about. . . . . 30 seconds. Then we would wake up my mom, who would smile, laugh and say, "Oh did I fall asleep again?!" and we would start prayers over.
Most of all I remember prayer being something that was a regular, normal, everyday part of our lives as kids. My parents would pray for us when we were hurt (physically or emotionally), they would pray for us for an upcoming test or sporting event. We would pray in the car (eyes open of course!), we would pray at home, at school, etc. And no we were not those weird Christians. . . my parents were (and are) just very sincere in their faith and their belief in God who hears and answers prayer.
This legacy is one I hope to pass on to our kids. We pray with the kids each night and are getting better at remembering to pray at meals - which Isaac loves because we sing "Johnny Apple Seed" as loud as possible and he is so sincere and earnest in this prayer.
I have also started praying for the kids whenever they get an owie or say something hurts. I keep it simple. Isaac says, "My head hurts." I say, "Should Mommy pray for you?" He says, "Yes." I then pray something to the effect of, "Dear Jesus, I pray for Isaac's head that it wouldn't hurt anymore. I pray that You would heal him and he would have a wonderful day. In Jesus' name, Amen."
I keep it simple for a few reasons. One, I am not an eloquent person - I say what I mean or at least try to and usually it comes out sounding pretty, well, simple. Just my nature. Secondly, I want Isaac and Piper to know that they can talk to Jesus whenever, wherever, and they can talk to Him like they talk to a friend or Mommy & Daddy.
The other night, I was not feeling the best - my back among other things really hurt. In the past when Isaac hears that my back hurts he comes over and rubs it till I say it feels better (melt my heart). But the other night when I told him my back hurt, he started to pray for me. It sounded something like this:
"Dear Jesus, asdfkjksdjf Mommy's back aklsdjfkj have good akjdasdjkf better, Jesus name AMEN!"
I have never heard or been as blessed by a prayer in my entire life.
But they also gave examples of their faith in less obvious ways. I remember waking up too early some mornings and hearing my parents praying together. I remember my dad telling a story about how he got upset with someone at work and had to go back and apologize.
I remember the year we went to public school for the 1st time (otherwise K-8th was at a christian school) and my mom would do devotions with my sister and I each morning before school. Now these were not the most spiritual times for a 9 and 11 year old - my mom had a habit of falling asleep while praying. You see she had just gotten off of a 12 hour night shift. My sister and I would be as quiet as we could be as my mom started to pray and soon she would be dozing off. . . .we off course being the mature girls we were, would hold in our laughter for about. . . . . 30 seconds. Then we would wake up my mom, who would smile, laugh and say, "Oh did I fall asleep again?!" and we would start prayers over.
Most of all I remember prayer being something that was a regular, normal, everyday part of our lives as kids. My parents would pray for us when we were hurt (physically or emotionally), they would pray for us for an upcoming test or sporting event. We would pray in the car (eyes open of course!), we would pray at home, at school, etc. And no we were not those weird Christians. . . my parents were (and are) just very sincere in their faith and their belief in God who hears and answers prayer.
This legacy is one I hope to pass on to our kids. We pray with the kids each night and are getting better at remembering to pray at meals - which Isaac loves because we sing "Johnny Apple Seed" as loud as possible and he is so sincere and earnest in this prayer.
I have also started praying for the kids whenever they get an owie or say something hurts. I keep it simple. Isaac says, "My head hurts." I say, "Should Mommy pray for you?" He says, "Yes." I then pray something to the effect of, "Dear Jesus, I pray for Isaac's head that it wouldn't hurt anymore. I pray that You would heal him and he would have a wonderful day. In Jesus' name, Amen."
I keep it simple for a few reasons. One, I am not an eloquent person - I say what I mean or at least try to and usually it comes out sounding pretty, well, simple. Just my nature. Secondly, I want Isaac and Piper to know that they can talk to Jesus whenever, wherever, and they can talk to Him like they talk to a friend or Mommy & Daddy.
The other night, I was not feeling the best - my back among other things really hurt. In the past when Isaac hears that my back hurts he comes over and rubs it till I say it feels better (melt my heart). But the other night when I told him my back hurt, he started to pray for me. It sounded something like this:
"Dear Jesus, asdfkjksdjf Mommy's back aklsdjfkj have good akjdasdjkf better, Jesus name AMEN!"
I have never heard or been as blessed by a prayer in my entire life.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Weekend Update
Ah, I missed you all!
What? You didn't notice my absence for the last 4 days? Oh well, I was gone. So there, now you can miss me!
We had a great weekend. It was nothing super spectacular in terms of any big event or occasion, but it was just a great weekend filled with family time, fun kid things, a date and church. My favorite type of weekend.
Saturday morning Isaac had his first spring swimming lesson class. For the next 6 Saturdays, my little man gets to be a fish for 30 minutes (along with his daddy). This is his second time in the parent-child class because you have to be 3 years old to advance to beginners. I am actually very happy he is getting a 2nd time around with this class because it is a great refresher course for him and I think he will do better in beginners this summer after having taken this class.
Last summer when Piper and I sat on the sidelines to watch and the only thing I had to be concerned about then was keeping her cool (indoor pool is great in the winter - a tad bit hot in the summer). This spring, the girl wanted to go jump in the pool! It was a long 30 minutes of crowd control! This summer I think she will have a blast in swimming lessons, but until then it will be a lesson in self-control every Saturday morning!
I also had a friend over for a kikaPaprika party/showing. It is a clothing line I heard about from my friend in Wisconsin. Ladies, it is some of the cutest clothes I have ever seen! When I first heard, all knit, I had visions of sweatsuits. Yupthanksbutnothanks. But, when Beth (consultant) arrived-oh my goodness, it is some of the cutest stuff and all really really comfortable. The stuff leans towards the spendier side, but not our of line with stuff you would find at Macy's, Bloomingdale's, The Limited, etc. Check it out!
Mark & I also had a date night on Saturday night. It was wonderful. I am learning (FINALLY) that we don't need to have these huge, long, gaze into your eyes discussions every time we go out. I used to get so stressed trying to force conversation that I would miss the joy of just being with my best friend. I would truly rather sit and be silent with Mark than have a conversation with anyone else. So, this date was so nice for me in that I did not spend time thinking about what we should/could talk about, but instead I just enjoyed Mark. I am also proud of the fact that we had supper, went to a movie and had dessert afterwards all for $10! Free dinner (thank you Big Brother, Big Sister), free movie tickets (thank you Mom & Dad), and dessert (yes, dessert was $10!!!).
Sunday we went to church, went grocery shopping, took naps (yes all of us - love it!) and to my nephew's hockey game.
Weekends like this just remind me again of how much I love my family and the life we lead. I love being together doing 'typical' family stuff. I love the fact that in the midst of all these fun things we still can be (unfortunately) cranky, naughty, tired, annoyed, etc. but we are learning to move past those things to just enjoying each other.
What was a highlight of your weekend?
Also, if you have not had a chance to comment on misconceptions, please do so.
What? You didn't notice my absence for the last 4 days? Oh well, I was gone. So there, now you can miss me!
We had a great weekend. It was nothing super spectacular in terms of any big event or occasion, but it was just a great weekend filled with family time, fun kid things, a date and church. My favorite type of weekend.
Saturday morning Isaac had his first spring swimming lesson class. For the next 6 Saturdays, my little man gets to be a fish for 30 minutes (along with his daddy). This is his second time in the parent-child class because you have to be 3 years old to advance to beginners. I am actually very happy he is getting a 2nd time around with this class because it is a great refresher course for him and I think he will do better in beginners this summer after having taken this class.
Last summer when Piper and I sat on the sidelines to watch and the only thing I had to be concerned about then was keeping her cool (indoor pool is great in the winter - a tad bit hot in the summer). This spring, the girl wanted to go jump in the pool! It was a long 30 minutes of crowd control! This summer I think she will have a blast in swimming lessons, but until then it will be a lesson in self-control every Saturday morning!
I also had a friend over for a kikaPaprika party/showing. It is a clothing line I heard about from my friend in Wisconsin. Ladies, it is some of the cutest clothes I have ever seen! When I first heard, all knit, I had visions of sweatsuits. Yupthanksbutnothanks. But, when Beth (consultant) arrived-oh my goodness, it is some of the cutest stuff and all really really comfortable. The stuff leans towards the spendier side, but not our of line with stuff you would find at Macy's, Bloomingdale's, The Limited, etc. Check it out!
Mark & I also had a date night on Saturday night. It was wonderful. I am learning (FINALLY) that we don't need to have these huge, long, gaze into your eyes discussions every time we go out. I used to get so stressed trying to force conversation that I would miss the joy of just being with my best friend. I would truly rather sit and be silent with Mark than have a conversation with anyone else. So, this date was so nice for me in that I did not spend time thinking about what we should/could talk about, but instead I just enjoyed Mark. I am also proud of the fact that we had supper, went to a movie and had dessert afterwards all for $10! Free dinner (thank you Big Brother, Big Sister), free movie tickets (thank you Mom & Dad), and dessert (yes, dessert was $10!!!).
Sunday we went to church, went grocery shopping, took naps (yes all of us - love it!) and to my nephew's hockey game.
Weekends like this just remind me again of how much I love my family and the life we lead. I love being together doing 'typical' family stuff. I love the fact that in the midst of all these fun things we still can be (unfortunately) cranky, naughty, tired, annoyed, etc. but we are learning to move past those things to just enjoying each other.
What was a highlight of your weekend?
Also, if you have not had a chance to comment on misconceptions, please do so.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sun shining, clean car and bloody noses
True story:
I'm at lunch with Mark today.
We go to the gas station to fill up ($3.31/gallon - not cool) and get the van washed because it is sunny and 32 and around here that means no coats, car washes and flip flops (OK, so no to the flip flops with the 400" of snow still everywhere, but you get my point. . . right? Hello?).
Mark is about to get out and fill up the van when he turns to me and says, "You have a bloody nose," and then he gets out of the van.
Ummmmm, okay. . . 1) how did I not notice I had a bloody nose? 2) I love how nonchalant Mark is about this fact. It's like, "Oh hey honey, there is a piece of lint on your shirt and your nose is bleeding, in case you were wondering." 3) My nose was bleeding out of only one side - the side that I have not been able to breathe out of all day - yeahumsurewhynot.
In other breaking news, my daughter decided this morning she needed to bond with her mommy for 1 hour and 30 minutes. . . . . typically, not a big deal. . . but from 4:15 - 5:45 AM I prefer to bond with my pillow and comfy bed.
And finally, tomorrow is Friday, my favorite day of the week. I am wishing for a huge pile of money to get dumped on my doorstep, my 2003 Honda Odyssey to turn into a 2011 Honda Odyssey (yes I am that lame) and that our house will magically have new siding on it. But *if* none of that happens - it will still be a great day!
Happy Thursday!
I'm at lunch with Mark today.
We go to the gas station to fill up ($3.31/gallon - not cool) and get the van washed because it is sunny and 32 and around here that means no coats, car washes and flip flops (OK, so no to the flip flops with the 400" of snow still everywhere, but you get my point. . . right? Hello?).
Mark is about to get out and fill up the van when he turns to me and says, "You have a bloody nose," and then he gets out of the van.
Ummmmm, okay. . . 1) how did I not notice I had a bloody nose? 2) I love how nonchalant Mark is about this fact. It's like, "Oh hey honey, there is a piece of lint on your shirt and your nose is bleeding, in case you were wondering." 3) My nose was bleeding out of only one side - the side that I have not been able to breathe out of all day - yeahumsurewhynot.
In other breaking news, my daughter decided this morning she needed to bond with her mommy for 1 hour and 30 minutes. . . . . typically, not a big deal. . . but from 4:15 - 5:45 AM I prefer to bond with my pillow and comfy bed.
And finally, tomorrow is Friday, my favorite day of the week. I am wishing for a huge pile of money to get dumped on my doorstep, my 2003 Honda Odyssey to turn into a 2011 Honda Odyssey (yes I am that lame) and that our house will magically have new siding on it. But *if* none of that happens - it will still be a great day!
Happy Thursday!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Misconceptions
I was reading a blog I follow (can you tell by now that I love to read blogs?) and it was a great post about friendships and how important they are for women and it gave some great ideas for finding and building new relationships. One thing that struck me though was a comment from another reader about how the workplace is a great place to meet friends and the author of the blog commented back saying yes that's true and how she was thinking more of SAHM who are so isolated. She went on to say that she figured most women who work had lots of friends through the workplace.
I have followed this particular blog long enough to get to know the heart of the author and I know she is a sweetheart with a big heart. I found it interesting though at the misconception she seemed to have about friendships in the workplace and that got me thinking about the misconceptions in general between moms who work outside the home (WM) and moms who work inside the home (SAHM).
Having been in both of these roles in my life I think I have a good handle on the great parts of both and the really difficult parts of both, but I also find myself at times thinking, "Oh those SAHM have it so easy!" And yet I know that is not true, just like it is not true that I have it so easy because I can "drop my kids at daycare and go to work and have wonderful adult conversation, come home, have a delightful evening and joyfully put my kids to bed."
So, I would love to hear responses from WM and SAHM alike. What do you feel are some misconceptions about your role? What is your greatest joy about your choice and what is the most difficult part? I am working on future post (and article) about this subject too, so I may be using some of your ideas for that (I will ask you first and will not use names).
I opened up comments to allow anonymous comments for this post, so if you are more comfortable leaving an anonymous comment, please do! Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you all!
I have followed this particular blog long enough to get to know the heart of the author and I know she is a sweetheart with a big heart. I found it interesting though at the misconception she seemed to have about friendships in the workplace and that got me thinking about the misconceptions in general between moms who work outside the home (WM) and moms who work inside the home (SAHM).
Having been in both of these roles in my life I think I have a good handle on the great parts of both and the really difficult parts of both, but I also find myself at times thinking, "Oh those SAHM have it so easy!" And yet I know that is not true, just like it is not true that I have it so easy because I can "drop my kids at daycare and go to work and have wonderful adult conversation, come home, have a delightful evening and joyfully put my kids to bed."
So, I would love to hear responses from WM and SAHM alike. What do you feel are some misconceptions about your role? What is your greatest joy about your choice and what is the most difficult part? I am working on future post (and article) about this subject too, so I may be using some of your ideas for that (I will ask you first and will not use names).
I opened up comments to allow anonymous comments for this post, so if you are more comfortable leaving an anonymous comment, please do! Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you all!
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