School Mom

 

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Cataloging my past jobs was actually kind of fun!

• Pizza Maker
• Insurance Company Receptionist
• Music Store Clerk
• Real Estate Company Secretary
• Travel Agency Receptionist
• Teacher Assistant
• Secondary School Administrative Assistant

It has brought up some great memories, like the time I worked in the record store and got to meet Ratt and they gave me free tickets to their concert…(You’d have to be from the 80’s to know)…

 

Or the time I got a free trip to Maui from the travel agency…

 

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And then there was the time I helped kidnap the Inflatable Pink panther from the Insurance company with a ransom note and everything…good times. 

 

But, by far, the most favorite job I have ever held was that of a mom.  I miss those days of fully devoting myself to homemaking and caring for my family.  I aspire one day to do that again…you know, work from home fully devoting myself to a clean home and yummy meals, exercising, being more spiritual and doing yoga, of course...A girl can dream...

However, I have been given the most flattering job title lately by some of the students, and you know, it runs a close second to ‘mom’.  Some of the students have been calling me ‘School Mom’.  I work on state reports, handle accounts payable/receivable, schedule students in their classes, manage transcripts, answer phones…but what the students call me is School Mom, and I LOVE IT.  Seriously, could there be a more flattering title? 

School Mom because I show concern, offer kindness, I compliment, I smile, I help them if they need something, I get them medicine when they’re sick. 

School Mom…because if you can’t be with your own mom, at least you have a school mom…

What job title do you own?

#itwasmom

I totally meant to post this yesterday, but you know how things get...Life happens, we get busy.  We are moms.  KT took me out on Friday night and we saw Mom's Night Out.  I totally loved this movie, totes, I really did.  Not one swear word, it was funny and sweet and, yes, I may have shed a tear.  Take a look at the trailer....



On another yet similar note, this is a really awesome youtube video honoring moms from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.




And, one more because I'm on a roll, here is a video Alex Boye' put together with Mom Bloggers United.  It is a cover of Roar by Katy Perry honoring Moms.

Happy Mother's Day to all my blogging Mama's.  
Enjoy your special day.  

It's a Tradition...Craft Boutique's, Jewels and Marshmallow Caramels

Hello Friends, Happy Thursday to you...When I was a little girl, my mom used to take me to this craft fair called Grandmother's House.  They held it every year in Denver in model homes.  It was pretty fun...Fast forward many  years later...too many to count, and my mom (who coincidentally is a grandma) is a crafter in a similar Craft Bazaar.

If you live in the South West Idaho area, you might want to check out the Holiday House Boutique...My mom has lovely handmade jewelry.  Just look for the Simply Sassy designs by Cindy.  Cute, cute, cute...Another favorite of mine are the Marshmallow Caramels...However, I'm not sure if in my post back surgery weight loss plan that is allowed.  Ah heck!  What's life without a little treat...

So, I will be taking my daughter, Ladybug, to this here craft boutique...It is tradition:

See you there!  And save me some caramels.  

Exclusion and Seasons

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Feelings of  exclusion as opposed to inclusion, whether purposeful or not, can be quite detrimental to my psyche, no doubt.  I've found lately that I don't  quite know where I fit in.  I mean with both of my boys out of the house and out of state and my one VERY special and QUIET daughter living at home, the dynamics that were my life and my roles are changing.

I belong to a Church that preaches and respects the divinity of motherhood for which I am most grateful and thoroughly believe.  But...I'm still a mother, yet the demands and needs of mine are vastly different from what they were say, ten years ago, and sometimes I just don't fit...

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Often times when I go to Women's Conferences or Church activities so much is focused on raising little ones, as it should be, but there is a group of us that are sort of lost and neglected.  I suppose I can relate to those women who don't yet have children; we can relate on a certain level, and that is the feeling of not belonging or the lack of inclusion.  I am happy in my new phase, don't get me wrong, but a little guidance in how to make that transition smoother would be much appreciated.

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For instance, I love the quieter, unhurried pace that I now experience.  But at the same time, I miss the energy that it and my boys brought as well.  A dichotomy?  Yes!  I am a Pandora's box of emotions where these dichotomies are concerned.   My house is almost always tidy and clean.  I dreamed of these days, but now in my afternoons when I come home from work, I need to find other hobbies.  As if cleaning were a hobby!

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To clear things up, I'm not complaining.  My glass is half full, trying to find the rainbows type of thing, but a little help, suggestions and guidance on what the heck to do with the rest of my life would be most welcome.  I find comfort in the words in Ecclesiastes 3:1-12:

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;  A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;  A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;  A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;  A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;  A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;  A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.  What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?  I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.  He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.  I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life."

How do you handle the changing seasons of life?  

Dinosaurs and Landlines

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The other day we fully immersed ourselves into the 21st Century.  We've moved into the now, and dusted the past off our shoes and left it at the door.  Strange that I should feel some nostalgia over a landline.  We had that same number for 17 years!  But, landlines are dinosaurs!  I mean who has them anymore? Well, we did!

One day I realized that the only people that call on my landline are phone solicitors and my Mother in Law.  Who wants to pay an extra $60 per month for that?!  And the Mother in Law rarely calls anyway....So...

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KT had express instructions to let his mother know of the change.  First day disconnected...she calls!  Since she rarely calls, I sensed a bit of irony in that.  And the first thing out of her mouth?  "Why didn't you pay your bills?"  Um...yeah...

We did pay our bills, just opted for a little extra cash in our pocket each month...I mean we are paying to support a missionary.  We sided with simplicity...

For your weekend, I hope you can find something to simplify 

whether it is financial, physical or time.

Jewels in my Crown

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I have often heard children referred to as the jewels in your crown.  I am assuming I have a crown because I am a daughter of a Heavenly King, otherwise, I'm not sure WHY I have a crown.  But, I do know I am blessed with three beautiful jewels....Priceless and irreplaceable.

TJ

Missionary Miguel

Ladybug

I have to say that Mother's Day was probably the best one ever.  How is THAT with two of my boys gone?  I'm not sure myself, but KT sure pampered the heck out of me.  He cooked, he did dishes and he started the laundry.  All I had to do was sit back on my royal backside.  Ladybug made me a beautiful card and hugged me and told me she loved me throughout the day.    Miguel got to call home from his mission to talk to his mama for an hour.  We don't talk by twice a year...it's a distraction.  I thought it would make him more homesick...It didn't, but it made me more Miguel sick.  Gosh I miss that kid...TJ, who is in the Air Force, Face Timed with me from New Mexico.  He and I text or call almost every day, but the Face Time was different.

Not to brag, but I feel so blessed...I love my little family.  

How did your family make you feel special yesterday?

 

Mother's Marriage Advice

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My mamma always said, "Life is like a box of..."  wait a second that wasn't my mom!  No, my mom said, "Always put your makeup on and look nice for your husband because there is always going to be someone lovelier than you at his place of employment".  "Jeesh!  Mom!  Thanks a lot!"  Was my first thought, but, this lady knew what she was talking about.  She has seen marriages dissolve through the years and some because the wife didn't take care of herself.  That's not saying men don't have self control, because they do, but I should always WANT to look my best for my husband.  It's easy for young mamma's to want to stay in sweats all day or skip the shower because there isn't time.  FRUMPY!  Your man didn't marry a frumpy woman.  Besides, looking your best and getting dressed makes you feel better about you, too!

I read this article once...in 1994 when my boys were one and two years old.  It really blessed my life and gave me a different perspective on being a mother.  I truly love the advice found here and applied it to my life often.  Here is the article.  You can read the original here.

"My Career—Motherhood

I have often thought of the similarities between a career in the work force and my chosen career as a homemaker. I have found that when I think of motherhood and homemaking as my profession, I am more satisfied and fulfilled with my choice to stay home. Here are some ways I treat my chosen career with respect.

Dress for success. Many professions are associated with a certain style of clothing. Although my clothing style changes depending on what I do in a given day, I avoid dressing sloppily. Wearing a touch of lipstick or a dab of perfume helps me have a positive attitude.

Continuing education. People in the work force must keep informed of new developments in their field in order to maintain their credibility. It’s no different for a homemaker. New ideas for child rearing can give practical help in maintaining discipline, understanding our children’s development, and helping our children develop spiritually. Workshops, seminars, books, magazines, and television documentaries are some resources I use that add to my understanding of my service.

Many professionals attend annual conventions to associate with colleagues and to keep abreast of current issues. Next time you attend a monthly homemaking meeting, consider that you are taking part in a homemakers’ convention. One purpose of these meetings is to help you have greater success in your career.

Break time. A ten-minute break in the morning and afternoon and an hour at lunch is a common part of many work schedules. Homemakers also need breaks to avoid feeling burned out in their career. It is important to me to take regular breaks from whatever I’m doing to write a letter, call a friend, read a book, push a swing, or sing a song. Children benefit from a change of scenery and the day’s routine as well.

Association with colleagues. An advantage many people enjoy in the working world is the opportunity to meet and associate with other adults. I need this association as well. Spending day after day with no one but my little ones to talk to can bring frustration and discouragement. I have learned to create opportunities to enjoy adult conversation and friendships through experiences such as exercise classes and visiting with another mother at a nearby park while our children play. These and other activities supplement my lifestyle and bring greater contentment to the time I spend with my children.

Wages. Although there are many ways that homemakers can save money, the real wages aren’t paid in hard currency. I like to think of being paid when I watch my babies learn to walk, when I can care for a sick child all day, when a school child runs home to show me something he made in class, and when I see the joy in a child’s face as she tries on something I’ve sewn for her. It’s important to notice and appreciate things that are of an eternal value.

Recognition and appreciation. Motherhood and homemaking occupy positions of honor, but recognition and appreciation are often slow in coming. On days when I feel discouraged and unappreciated, I love to read scriptures such as Doctrine and Covenants 122, especially verse nine: “Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; … for God shall be with you forever and ever.” [D&C 122:9] Studying the gospel and learning of my worth to God give me assurance that my efforts in my chosen career are worthwhile.

I have learned to cultivate a positive attitude toward my chosen profession of motherhood. I find great joy, fulfillment, and satisfaction in the important work I do in my own home.—Karen Peterson Mosley, Tucson, Arizona"

You can read some other advice I received here.  

Just FYI, the good advice came from my mom.  

The other advice came from someone who shall not be named.  

Can you say embarrassing?

Mothers are Smart Cookies

In light of the fact that Mother's Day is coming up, I thought I would share some sound advice I've received from my mom.  I don't often talk about my mom on  my blog.  Maybe it's because she is so much like me or I am like her, or perhaps it is because she avoids photographs like the plague leaving me nothing to blog about.  The one thing about my mom is she is ALWAYS right.  There is no arguing it, even if I am right.  I have learned that relationships are more important than being right.  However, when I was a young woman preparing to get married and start my own home, she gave me some advice that has stuck with me.  It is been tried and proven by me so I am, therefore, passing it on to you, and it is RIGHT.

#1 Always make your bed.  I was like, are you serious?  Because when I first got married I was kind of housekeeping lazy.  I liked a clean home, I just didn't want to be the one to do it.  She said even if you have a layer of dust, that made bed will make your room look put together.  She even suggested starting to make it before even getting out of bed...pulling up the covers, smoothing and straightening.  Then, just slip out and put on the finishing touches.  I'm addicted to a made bed now.  When I have over slept and don't have time, I have been known to come home in the afternoon and still make my bed even though I will by messing it up just a few hours later.  I'm pretty much obsessive about it.

#2  Never clean your kitchen first.  Her words..."You'll never leave".  It's true!  I can remember as a young mom how often I was getting snacks and drinks and meals...It was like I never did leave.  If I start my cleaning in the bedroom and work my way out, then more of the house gets clean.  My goal is to always go to bed with a clean kitchen so I'm not tempted to start there in the morning in the first place.  Who wants to wake up to crusty dishes anyway?

Source - and definitely NOT my mess

#3  Wash as you cook.  While I'm cooking, I wash dishes as I go.  I try to always have a sink full of soapy water ready to wash the prep bowl or that utensil.  When dinner is done, I might have a pot or two, then rinse and load the dishwasher.  This has been especially helpful with holiday meals.

I'm grateful to my mom for the things she taught me.  She might have thought I wasn't listening at the time, but I definitely was learning from the best.

Grateful for Facebook

I'm grateful for Facebook.  There's that word again:  Grateful, Gratitude, Thankful, Thanksgiving.  I know you are wondering, what the heck?  Yes, I am grateful for Facebook and their gentle reminder that my Military Man's 21st birthday was yesterday and Ladybug's 15th birthday is today.  I am forgetful in my old age.  They say a mom might forget the pain of child birth, but what they don't tell you is that the mom's might forget the birthday's if it weren't for the kindness of the good people at Facebook.

Actually, I could never forget my kids birthday's.  I'm just being funny here.  Happy birthday to my TJ, it was just yesterday you looked like this..

And Ladybug...

I still remember when TJ asked if we could put you back, that he wanted a brother.  

Sibling rivalry!  Yeah, that stuff starts early!  

I'm grateful for the opportunity to be your mother.  

Today Brings

A serious neck surgery for my sweet mother.  This is so scary to me.  She has a condition that left untreated could lead to paralysis.  The surgery itself, could cause paralysis, but her chances are better with the surgery than without.  I am very scared for my mommy.  But, I have faith that Heavenly Father will look out for her and bless her with strength.  A few prayers won't hurt either...In fact while you are reading this, I am probably sitting in the waiting room with my dad.

Air Force Man will return home to visit with us for nine days, spending time with his brother before Miguel leaves on his Church mission  serving the people in the Atlanta area and sharing the message
of Christ.  I am so excited to have my little family complete again even if it is for just a couple of days.

Mother's Day and Letting Go Moments

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Motherhood is letting go...

by Lisa Hamer

From our babies first steps, the letting go begins. They begin to learn their independence and autonomy in those falling down moments. We let go when they start kindergarten as we wave a tearful goodbye, later as they enter high school, learn to drive,  and date. They leave for church missions, college, the military and/or eventually get married. We are called again and again, as mothers, to let go of our precious children and provide them the space to grow into the individuals we hope we have prepared them to become.

Exactly one year ago, my nineteen year old son joined the United States Air Force. This was his mission, his dream, and, as his mom, I wanted to be completely supportive. As the day of his departure drew near, I contemplated our journey. I remembered as a young mother holding and encircling my son in my arms as I learned that Godly love; A love like a loving Heavenly Father must feel for each of us. I must have been like the Grinch back then because my heart grew three sizes the day my first son was born. His fun exuberance as a child molded me into a patient mother who often went to bed exhausted in tears. But, turning I could see a grown man, strong and capable. In my letting go moment, I hugged him goodbye and smiled as he walked away. When he was out of view I wept with sadness for the little boy I would miss and in joy for the man he had grown to become. Because motherhood is about the joy, it has to also hold sorrow...without sadness, we can't know joy.

My second son is now approaching the time of his departure. He will be serving a Church mission for two years in Atlanta, Georgia. For me, this is another letting go moment. A lump grows in my throat, I don't want to do this again! Motherhood is about doing a lot of things we don't like. Changing diapers, cleaning up vomit, and, yes, letting go. It won't be much longer until I will turn this precious son over to the Lord to finish raising him into a man. And again I will weep...

I thank my Heavenly Father every day for my precious daughter who will keep my husband and I company for the next few years in the absence of her brothers.  But then, before too long, it will be her turn. And I will again be preparing to let go.  

Motherhood is letting go...

Living with regret...

I used to be a good mom.  I was the kind of mom who took her kids on bike rides.  I got down on the floor and played match box cars and legos for endless hours.  We read mountains of story books and snuggled and watched Disney movies.  We made sugar cookies carefully cutting them out and frosting them for each and every significant holiday.  We would build snowmen together when the weather permitted.  I would clean and scrub only during nap time.

But, there came a time where I selfishly thought I was losing myself.  I began to craft more, read and surf the net.  The television became the perfect babysitter as I put aside that precious time with my babies.  I was mistaken when I thought they would always want to play with me.  I misjudged that they wouldn't grow, mature and change.

Today I am plagued with sadness.  I could have done more, I could have been better.  On Tuesday,  TJ, or Military man,  left for the Air Force.  If I were to turn back the clock, I would put myself aside for just a little bit longer, realizing that they won't always be there.  Children don't keep.  As I look back, I sadly do so with regret.

A Kept Woman

1995

Several years ago, like too many to count, I was watching a talk show...I used to watch them while folding laundry or making cookies or any number of mundane home jobs that sometimes seem boring in and of themselves. The talk shows helped keep me entertained. But, this one day, I saw the mother of all talk shows, and I have never watched one again. The people on the show were totally dogging on the stay at home mom. Saying how they didn't carry their weight in a marriage, we were lazy and someone even had the audacity to compare a stay at home mom to a "kept woman". Are you kidding me? Isn't a kept woman someone who doesn't do a dang thing? Someone who lays around eating bonbons and is there for her husbands every sexual whim? Like I need to be paid for sex! Not me! Nope...This show was totally demeaning, and I actually let it get to me for a while. But, then I remembered my job as a stay at home mom was akin to a sacred calling.

I LOVED being a stay at home mom. I worked hard, too! My home was always clean, the kids were happy and KT always had a dinner to come home to even if at times it was mac n cheese from a box. I felt good about my accomplishments throughout the day. KT used to have people ask him what his wife did, after he told them I was a stay at home mom, it was like I was suddenly not interesting anymore. "Oh," they would say. Bless his heart, I love him for this, he would tell them "Well, she probably works harder than me most days." Fo sho!

Five years ago I went back to work. The kids were all going to be in school, and I was just darn afraid of being home by myself after all those years. I think I was afraid I would become that bonbon eating kept woman. But you know what? I now long for the days of staying home. Even if I only work part time, they were days of far less stress and a far less stressed wife makes for a happier husband. I'm just sayin'. But it's not so easy to just stay home anymore. We've become accustomed to the extra money. I have a son in college right now and another who is a senior in high school. So, really, staying home again is not in the near future. I guess I just long for the days of being a "kept woman" again...Those days of more simplicity...

Definition of my worth

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Contentedness fills my soul today. My clean home sparkles and the smells of fresh baked bread is emanating from the kitchen. Clean fresh laundry is stacked and waiting to be put away. Service to my family is what can bring me the most pleasure. I am so grateful for my womanhood. I love and embrace my role as a mother and wife. It is the job that the Lord meant for me to have. As a natural born nurturer, my jobs at home are the ones that bring the most reward and the most pleasure. I have decided that my paycheck is not what defines my worth, but the happy, contented smiles of my husband and children. Thank you Lord, for making me who I am.