The Weather's Over Me, Junk and Thanks

Today:

My to do list went unscratched off.

My lunch was a Cinnamon mocha.

My kids watched way too many movies.

I slept on my couch for 3 hrs with monkeys playing around me.

I forgot to pay bills (again).

I still managed to edit 50 + photos.

Cook a healthy dinner.

Organize some (okay a LOT) paperwork piling about.

Have a parent/teacher meeting.

Read my kids a story.

Rent (more) movies.

 I kind of still get amazed at how much a mom can accomplish when she's sick.

And I feel like a train hit me!

So I'm throwing away the guilt of not getting my list done...or even really started.

It's crumpled in the trash right next to my tissues.

And I will be better by tomorrow.

This weekend I get to do 2 of my favorite things:

Bunco with the girls!

And the Jacksonville yard sale.

If you don't live here in Southern Oregon you have no idea what you are missing!

A quaint little historic town with charm + lovely puts out their goods only once a year!

It's close to what I think Heaven will be.

True story.

I am so excited right now.
It is Junking Paradise.
Yes I capitalized that.
That's its rightful name.

I asked my hubby if I was allowed to camp on the streets like I was waiting for a rock concert.

He laughed at me...

I think he thought I was joking .

A lot of people out in Blogland have been visiting me more lately and I want to say a big

 thank you

to all who have been so sweet to visit or comment or send me an e-mail.

I'm meeting some great women in this crazy virtual world! You are all a blessing:)

And if you haven't commented or let me know you're here, please do!

I'd love to get to know you!

  God Bless,

Mandy

A Homemaker

Why is it that that word strikes outrage in so many women?

I still remember back years ago after my first Monkey was born talking to a male friend from high school I had run into.

He asked if I was still working at the Health club.

YES, I had worked in a health club.

When you are done laughing I'll continue...

I don't think you needed to laugh THAT much!

At least I gave you an ab work out right?

 I told him that I was a stay at home mom now.

Him: "So you don't work at all?"

me: using willpower not to strangle him

Him: "Your husband's okay with that. That you stay home and do nothing?"

Wow!

 The privilege and honor of raising our children and being a homemaker is something to be looked down upon?

I think not!

And I think a lot more people are finally waking up to it and what it truly means.

I  am glad so much respect is beginning to be given to those of us who make the choice to stay home and raise our families and keep our homes.

I've seen the switch occur oh so subtly over the last 9 years when I say that I am a homemaker.

More women tell me they wish they were able to do so as well.

More men say "that's great."

Do I judge women who HAVE to work outside the home?

Not at all.

But I do judge a culture that has become so hostile and UNfamily friendly for making it essential for so many moms to HAVE to.

We have made large sacrifices in lifestyle so that I could stay home.

We don't drive nice cars, or have a big fancy house.

We go out to eat about once every 6 months at an actual restaurant.

(and for us that means an Applebees or  Chinese)

But you know what?

We are content.

We're learning (still) to budget and make-do.

No credit cards.

Attempting the cash only system.

(I'll share more on that later)

Is it easy?

Heck no!

Is it worth it to be able to stay home with my kids and not driving us into debt for it?

YES!

(shots from yesterday Monkey 3)

I take great pride in being a stay at home mom, a homemaker, and yes, even a housewife!

Is there a greater calling in all of life?

I mold PEOPLE everyday.
That's pretty big.

I create an environment of comfort and love.

I make meals from scratch and get to see my family enjoy wholesome food rather than canned, frozen or boxed foods.

 

I make our house a home.

We all get our beginnings from our home, shouldn't we be striving to make it an amazing start?

I absolutely love decorating, making schedules/plans,

cooking yummy healthy meals, and creating traditions for my family.

Yes I hate the laundry.

And I'm pretty sure my floor looks like I never sweep.

BUT.

I love this job.

It is a calling higher than what I could have ever asked.

Yes it is underrated and under appreciated, but I know I am doing big things for the Kingdom.

  And you know what, if I had the opportunity when the kids are all in school to still be a homemaker I would.

Not because I'm lazy, but because I don't see how another job could possibly be as fulfilling as creating a home for my family.

God Bless,

Mandy

Linking up with:

First Day!

Have you ever seen such stinkin' cute kids??

I am pooped.

Exhausted.

So I'll write tomorrow, but I had to share First Day of School pictures, good night!

God Bless,

Mandy