Stay at home mom life.........

I don't speak for all stay at home mom's, I'm just speaking for myself, my own experience, don't get me wrong, I do love it, but some days are hard.

When I hear "it must be nice" my heart sinks, I immediately feel guilty, like I did something wrong, or bad. Why you might ask? Well, here's why..........

"It must me nice"...... to go to work all day, where you get paid, where you get to focus on your task at hand, with few interruptions. It must be nice to use the bathroom in peace and by yourself (well typically anyway). It must be nice to have a break for lunch, where you get a warm meal, and you can enjoy it in peace or while socializing with other adults. It must be nice to get off work, come home to a hot meal, a clean house, a hot shower, and a seat to relax and watch t.v. then you head to bed, where you quickly fall asleep so you can do it all over again tomorrow.

As for me, most days I wake up early, I have many things I have to do and each day may be slightly different. There early mornings, breakfast, play time, laundry, and naps. Crying toddlers, whining kiddos, toys scattered and snacks being demanded. On days I don't go to work in the evening, I do my best to make sure there's a hot meal waiting for my husband. So while juggling children, and working in those naps, there's

laundry, picking up toys multiple times a day, cleaning the floors and bathroom, only that goes unnoticed bc it's wrecked shortly after it's cleaned. Same with those scattered toys I just picked up. The meal is made, all while trying to keep the toddler happy with various foods. The older kids may complain because that's not what they wanted, and sometimes, after a long hard day I'll make pizza, or nuggets with mac & cheese, because I need a break and don't want to fight the kids. Then dishes, baths, and bedtimes, I'll end up with kiddos fighting and complaining and telling me they are not tired, they will fall asleep shortly, they usually do. Once all this is done, I'll finally get my bath to relax my aching muscles, but it's usually not until after 10pm.

I don't get a break, I usually eat my food cold, I usually use the bathroom with a toddler in the bathroom and kids talking to me from under the door. I don't get paid for my job, but it saves money, and is incredibly rewarding.

But I feel guilty, how dare I even consider time to myself, or a break, or time to relax. My husband busts his butt everyday making money to pay the bills. My husband deserves the break, he should have a hot meal waiting for him. I feel guilty asking him for help. I feel guilty when he washes the dishes after dinner. I feel guilty when he asks how my day was and I say I'm tired. I feel guilty taking that hot bath, and hearing him deal with a fussy toddler who doesn't want to sleep. I feel guilty when the baby wakes him up in the middle of the might. I feel guilty for not waking up at the butt crack of dawn and making him breakfast. I feel guilty asking him for a break or help on his days off. I feel guilty taking my kids places to go make memories, when there is housework to be done. 

This is the life I always wanted, to be a mother and wife. But some days it's really hard, it's exhausting, but I love it.

Mom's, you are doing a great job, don't feel guilty, do what works best for your family. It's okay to ask for a break, your job is 24/7. It's okay to ask for help, you are not super woman, but you are one he'll of a mother!

Divorce..........

Whoa!!! What a whirl wind 2014 has been. Divorce, yup I said it, divorce is happening, we are at the end of that road, closing old books, and starting new ones. It hasn't been easy at all, divorce is a terrible, awful, thing, it is painful, a roller coaster from hell. But in the end, freeing, a journey in which you learn so much about yourself, your ex, your family, friends, and those whom you have shared so much of your life with. You grow, and change, at least I hope one would when trekking through divorce. I would never recommend divorce, I'm not advocating it either. I will however, advocate information on abuse, what abuse is, how to spot it, how to leave it, how to help yourself and others, keep in mind people who are not ready, or willing to accept it, simply wont, and you will be the bad guy for poking your nose. Gentle truths, that's all you need.

Focus on becoming a happy healthy person, let go of the unimportant,  do some soul searching.

Elf somewhere

We received "elf on the shelf" as a gift last year. We hid it from our son, and this year, "Santa" left it on our porch!
I read the book, registered the elf, and a tradition has begun!
I'm not sure if parents use it as a behavior tool or what. I don't think that's fair or right, but that's my opinion!
But for us, I like the idea of tradition! Many people and families don't stick with traditions and more!
I want my family to have and keep traditions!

What traditions do you have? What did you do as a child?

Upcoming holidays stress free!

Cut down on stress everywhere you can! I will start with thanksgiving!
No more fighting for oven space!!! If you are hosting, dot be afraid to ask relative to bring a dish!
Cook your turkey first you don't want family waiting around for it!
We always cook the turkey first thing in the morning! And whatever dishes we want that are not being brought by a guest, we prepare after te turkey bc typically they are done much faster than the turkey!
Cooking ham? Cook it in the crockpot! The night before, place brown sugar in the bottom of your crockpot, then the ham, skin up, start it right before bed! And let it cook for 8-10hrs on low heat! It will be so tender and juicy!
Christmas is so easy, do homemade, if you can't then buy low priced items and make lil gift baskets for everyone!
Last year we bought everyone a $5 ceramic travel mug that came with a lid. Then a bunch of mini chocolates from the dollar store and two packs of hot chocolate per cup. All purchased either on sale, with coupons or from the dollar store! Spent less than $10 dollars per person! :)
Be creative, remember its not about gifts! But if you feel the need, it's the thought that counts! :)

Cheap, easy peach cobbler!

I discovered a cheap and easy, yummy way of making peach cobbler!!!!

All you do is mix 1 can of slices peaches, juice and all with biscuick!
Mix until its like a batter, or however you like! Thick or runny, lots of peaches or a few peaches! You can also make it with fresh peaches instead, just be sure to add sugar! :)
Bake in the oven set at 350, until golden brown!

Enjoy!

I love it fresh warm out the oven with a scoop of ice cream!