6 snow days later...

Wow. We have had six snow days and a variety of early releases and late starts to school. It has been a little disconcerting to the closet-scheduler in my soul. I have had good snows days with the kids and bad ones too - like yesterday when I was coming down with a cold and felt awful all day.
But, my first week as a stay at home mom is almost over and I need to reflect.
I have begun to read the 23 books I want to get through this year -actually 23, not a random number. I read a chapter of "She's Gonna Blow" by Julie Barnhill and a chapter of "Raising Awesome Kids in Troubled Times," by the Laings. I have also started to make some plans for a monthly bible study for moms that a girlfriend and I want to begin here in our town.
But the week has been slow and I have quickly seen how I could just get sucked into the routine and lose sight of my goals and dreams. You know what I mean? I have gotten so tied down with details like dishes, cleaning, and where I need to be when I need to be - I lost sight of WHY I am staying home. In that, I need to remember why I am staying home (my kids) and make sure I spend time with them as well as connect with them emotionally.
Isn't it amazing how we can go all day and not really connect?
I have been trying to connect with God too - through journaling my prayers - I do that because it's the only way I can stay true to one line of thought without getting distracted. I know if I don't connect with Him, I cannot give to others.
So, I have not heard of any snow coming soon. I could use a break, as I am sure you could too.
Keep true to your dreams....
Jenny

Almost ready for the adventure!

In just one week I will be at home full time.
So, let's get down to business!
Today is a snow day and to be honest with you, every mom in town is feeling the pressure. We have had quite a few snow days recently AND a few holidays mixed in as well. Many are saying their kiddos are, well, off their routines so to speak.
I find with my boys that if I don't provide some structure on a day like this, they will get extremely grumpy and end up bickering a lot. While I would like to say they can just play, play, play all day (life is good kid!)- they need some balance.
I came up with a very general schedule for the day including:
11-12 free play time
12-12:45 lunch
12:45-1:15 clean up time
1:15-2 quiet times in their rooms
2-3 crafts
3-4 kids play...mommy "plays" (ie cleaning, computer, projects..the things that make me happy)
4- I read books to them
From them on, it's dinner, bed etc.

I am not naturally a schedule maker, but I really feel like it makes a huge difference for them and ultimately for me.

On a day like this, where there is 6" of fresh snow with a layer of ice on top, I am in no hurry to get out.

So, if it seems like a good idea, go for it. It's never too late in the day to pull them aside and propose it. And, by the way, I had to forewarn them that the schedule included cleaning and quiet times...that's gonna have to be a mommy requirement. Wink, wink.

Giving notice....

I gave notice that I was quitting on Friday! It was an exciting day and I felt great afterwards. Two weeks and I will be home full time. I already feel a load lifted off of my back.

Last week my son was a little sick...a fever. I felt great staying home with him and helping him to feel better. No more conflicts in my mind about should I send him in to preschool - should I go to work - should I call my husband - who would want to babysit him with a fever?

Simple. Clear cut. For me...a huge relief.

The future definitely seems to opening up and I have been praying that God will show me what steps to take next. I am tempted to just go ahead with all 'my' plans, but I know I want to put them at his feet first and see what he says of course.

I am thinking about organizing and there is a habit I have been using for about a year now. I call it my "command central" and it's a little area on my basement door that have the monthly calendar, and a pocket for each of the children for school stuff. I have attached a photo.

I am also thinking about money. I don't like to think about money very much - it stresses me out - but I do want to be aware of the needs vs. the wants. I was thinking about making some of the snacks my son takes to school instead of buying so many pre packaged ones. Perhaps a homemade cheese cracker, choc. chip cookies... what do other people do out there? Please let me know, I would appreciate it!

And....off we go!

Eyes wide open...

Ok, I want you to know that I am not going into this daydreaming about hours alone or watching tv all day. I realize that I may get sick to death of seeing my house and it's 80 year old cracks and creaks, it's grubby bathtub, persistently clanky iron radiators, weedy lawn...
I think I am going into "staying at home" eyes wide open.
I know about being lonely in a house all day even though you are surrounded by kids, I know about getting tired of talking baby talk and wanting to see something on the tv besides Wow Wow Wubzy or Backyardigans.
Regardless, I'll take my chances.
I also know some of my weaknesses...say for example not being a real 'structure' person. Luckily, I recognize that and I try to impress it on myself regardless of the fact it doesn't come natural. There are numerous websites that can offer assistance (a few of which I will put at the bottom on this blog entry) if you are willing to make some changes. I truly admire my homeschooling mom friends...you are amazing!
Also, I don't like to clean. You may be surprised. You may think a stay at homer must have a innate desire to clean, clean, clean. No. I think that it actually is an assumption a lot of folks make that is not true. I am going to have to really figure that one out won't I? (advice please?)
I would like to ask you alll: How do you get it all done? How much of a structure do you use? Any tricks to chores?
Here are those links I promised...God bless!
www.thefamilyhomestead.com
www.mommysavers.com
www.containerstore.com

Moving along...

Happy New Year! The big blizzard came through a few days ago...Brrrr.
Well first of all I want to say thank you to those of you who are following this blog and for the encouraging comments. It is very helpful and appreciated!
In recent weeks, I have been discussing the issue of staying home with a few friends and my family, and I am pleased to say, just talking about it has been of great help. A talk especially with my parents put me on the right path and provided me with the hope of staying home that had been eluding me for months. Being a spiritual person, I feel God has a plan for my life and that every decision I make (especially big ones) I want to seek much advice and counsel.
No, I have not won the lottery, but due to some budgeting and cash flow changes, the chances are better than they even were a few weeks ago that at some point in the near future, I can choose to stay home.
Other than that, I have been organizing! Cleaing out closets, labeling, organizing my pantry, looking at recipes, etc. Laying the foundation you might say...
Moms...tell me about your household budgets! I would love to know how you keep track of your expenses. We have a budget we printed out after taking the Dave Ramsey course which we really thought was useful. Do you use envelopes? Do you find there is a temptation to spend more money when you are home with the kids? If so, why?
May the first week of January be filled with promise for you all!