Labor of Love

I've been a stay.at.home mom all my married life.

{so that's been what? a decade...or 2}  

That's not to say I haven't worked, I just haven't gotten a formal pay check for anything I've done - I've only been paid in smiles & hugs.  So I have no professional references, but I'm flush in volunteer positions!

As a family we finally hit critical mass.  Three kids with 3 tuitions {and sports & activities and assorted wants & needs}, 3 cars {but 2 I'd call Fred Flinstone cars both on about their 10th life},  a mortgage etc etc.  All on 1 pay check.  In addition to being Handy, Hubby's been a great provider but I'm sure you see where I'm heading.  Momma finally had to get a paying job.

I had concerns.  Daughter A is a senior and I would be heartbroken if I missed out on any of her stuff this year.  My SAHM status had allowed me to be at their beck and call.  I've cooked all of their meals.  I've packed their lunches.  I've done almost all of their laundry...

Hmmmmm...

Maybe a little time out of the house would be a good thing...

I happened to see a want ad for seasonal help at a warehouse nearby.  I filled out an application on-line.  They accepted volunteer references if you didn't have professional references {were SAHM's a target demographic?}.  And best of all they were hiring on the spot.

I feel like I've been training for this position all of my SAHM life!!

When I arrived I waited in line at the door.

{like I've done in school pick-up lines, at Disney, Black Friday}

They had me do a Skills Test to see if I could pay attention to fine detail.

{my kids don't call me Eagle Eyes for nothin' - I.SEE.ALL}

Many of the stations required some computer aptitude.

{I'm gonna say my limited stint blogging has helped me learn to navigate a computer : )}

I had to participate in a drug screening.

{it turned out to be a mouth swab - thank goodness! cuz I was a little uptight about the possibility of having someone watching me produce a urine sample.  I won't even let my kids do that any more...so whew!}

I had to agree to the possibility of being on my feet for 10 hr shifts.

{Umm contrary to popular belief, being a SAHM is not about kickin' up your feet & eating bon-bons.  It's an endurance test - am I right?!  fine, I will admit I don't write any posts standing up}

And I had to agree to some regular lifting.

{Ok well, I figure 20 lbs is like a small child who begs to be picked up all day long!  & I feel like I go to the grocery about every day. I think I'm good there.}

I'm pretty sure I've been placed in the packing department.

{Now if 22 years of successfully packing Christmas ornaments away doesn't qualify me for this job then I'm hopeless!!}

I was told I had to wear my hair in a pony tail or a bun.

{Are you kidding me? No wasted time on personal grooming in the morning?  Would it be too forward if I say 'I love you'?}

& I was told to wear comfortable clothing.

{Well, I've got the perfect mom-jeans for the job, man!}

See?!  This job was meant for me!!

Smiles & hugs are da bomb! But nothing says 'thanks for your help' like a paycheck : )

Of course, every work day when that alarm goes off at 4am, I'll have to chant to myself

I love my family!

I love my family!!

I love my family!!!

*ps I may be a little slower getting around to commenting that I used to - please forgive!*

Blessings!

In the Know

Handy Hubby : )'s birthday was at the end of November.  He is the 3rd of 9 kids.  To date, there are 31 grandkids on his side of the family! Over the years we have made several variations of the family tree for his parents.

This year I made one for Handy Hubby : ).

To the untrained eye, this may just look like a number chart...

but for those in the KNOW, it's actually sorta kinda a family tree!

A little back story for you - When my in-laws moved into their current house, they found boxes of antique printing press numbers and letters in the attic.  They are really cool but no one knew what to do with them.  One SIL sorted the pieces by size into 3 different boxes.  She took a few letters and spelled out 'cookies' & 'yummy' in her kitchen.  One day when we were over to help clean out the garage, my MIL asked if we'd like the rest of them.  

Mmmm, Yes!! Please!!

I sorted them again.  So, now I have ziploc bags of each number and letter.  Perhaps I was inspired by all of the subway art and Pottery Barn knock-offs for my creation.  

The secret to this display is that each of the numbers, of course, represents each of the siblings in HH's family.  For each number, the groupings are made up of the number of kids in each person's family.  Get it?!! 

It's subtle, for sure.  

But that's what I like about it - it's not in.your.face!

And there's even room to grow if absolutely necessary {NOT the 3's, however... that oven is no longer in service : )}

Here's my favorite little grouping

{I know these look like e's but when they're stamped they are 9's}

Sib #9 has 4 kids.  The oldest are a set of twins.  I love their little pyramid : ) teehe

I got a cut of discount gold silk-like fabric from Hobby Lobby.  And I got a simple black frame with a coupon.  Together they make up a black & gold background representing Purdue {where HH & I met}.  The gold also happens to be the color in our basement where this will most likely hang.

I used Gorilla Glue to adhere everything together.  It was the first time I'd ever used the stuff.  It's interesting.  It certainly is strong glue but I'm not sure I like all the expanding it does...

So when you stop by next and see this frame hanging up, YOU are now one of the people 

In the Know!! : ) 

Blessings!

You might find me partying at some of these places *HERE*

Jumping for Joy!

So waaaay back at the beginning of September I won one of my first blog giveaways.  

Oh! it was such an exciting morning to sit down at the computer with my morning cup of coffee, open my email and find out that I had won a $55 gift certificate to CSN from Maryann @ Domestically Speaking!  (If you aren't familiar with her, you've gotta check out her blog - seriously!)

Before I had even had my caffeine fix {a morning person I am NOT} I was able to magically jump up to do a happy dance - and I'm talkin' booty shakin', head swingin', lower lip bitin', fist pumpin' excitement!!  Woo Hoo! 

I had never shopped at CSN before but was thrilled to explore the site.  {Have you ever looked at their site?  It's overwhelming because there is SO much to look at!}  And after MUCH agonizing & spending the GC 100 different ways I finally decided on some Le Creuset cookware : )

Ja wanna know what I just ordered?

 

Le Creuset 12" x 9.5" Rectangular Dish in Black Onyx

Le Creuset Stoneware 10.5" x 7" Baking Dish in Cobalt with FREE 7" x 5" Bonus Dish

Oops! I loaded the wrong color duet *pictured is Caribbean but I ordered Cobalt*

I wish I could say I'm getting these for myself... remember those 100 different ways I spent the GC?  Well, approximately 98 of those ways were for me, myself & I!  But truth be told, we're stretching our budget every which way we can right now.

So the cookware will be wrapped and sent to 2 very good homes where they will be used and loved by the chefs of the house!

Who knows, maybe one day I'll be served something in those little cuties : P
Again, gifting with ulterior motives - hehe

So, Thank You Maryann & CSN for giving me the opportunity to play Santa!!

 

Blessings!

Impatient!

My parents are coming for Thanksgiving this year!  I'm looking forward to a nice visit with them!!

I've got a lot of planning to do - meals, activities, cleaning & prepping...

So, Handy Hubby : ) decided this would be the perfect time to start a pantry makeover project.

My pantry contents are spread out all over {can't find anything}.

Aaaaaaaargh!

Is he secretly reading my blog news feed or what?!  I never even mentioned this current pantry makeover trend!!!

I know, I know,  I should be doing a little happy dance but...

right NOW?!

Since he was going to all the trouble of dressing up the wire shelving, it only made sense to paint the disgustingly dirty walls.  I went to Lowes and bought a gallon of Valspar, eggshell Oops! paint for $5.  It's called Tempered Steel.  Probably not what I would have picked out but it was the most neutral color available and was in the budget.

Yours truly went to all the trouble of cutting out all of the little shelf hooks.  Turns out they won't really show anyway. Oh well!

It's a little darker than I would like but clean walls are always refreshing.

The wood shelves are being painted white.  And HH will add decorative molding to the face of the shelves to cover up the wire {also going white}.

Gotta admit I'm a lot little impatient.

It better be done before Thanksgiving is all I have to say!
{otherwise, I know JUST the turkey I'm going to roast : )}

 

 

Blessings!

H is for Heroes

 I MUST start with a salute to anyone who has ever served, is serving or gave their life serving our country to protect our freedom!  We are truly indebted to you for your commitment and sacrifice!!  This Veteran's Day we thank , honor and remember you. 

I would also like to give a shout out to the Everyday Heroes around us, too.

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I watched "Freedom Writers" this weekend and it made me realize I live in a middle-class, suburban bubble!  While many teens worry about spirit week fashion, homecoming displays and getting into college, other teens worry about gang violence, a roof over their heads and living to 16.  

This movie is based on a true story.  It chronicles the trials of Erin Grewell, a new teacher in an inner-city high school, who struggled to break down racial & gang barriers in her classroom, to reach the school's and society's cast-offs while teaching them life lessons through history and English.  She helped them gain self-respect and gave them hope for their futures.  She made many personal sacrifices to achieve this.  Not every teacher is like Erin Grewell but some are.  

They are inspirations and heroes!

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Ok!  Well, at risk of wading into charged political waters...

I recently saw a video of a talk given by Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor.

Sep 9, 2010 2:29pm

Disclaimer: I do not know the person who distributed the video.  It was passed on by others.  

Regardless of where I fall on the pro-life/pro-choice spectrum, I have to admire someone who is willing to make a stand.  Her history was beyond her control.  She didn't have to make it her cause or her life's work.  Her unique circumstances, however, provided her with an opportunity to speak up for those who could not speak for themselves.  She discusses some hot button topics for sure!!

I find her mission to be powerful and heroic.
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So, Who else?  My parents are my heroes!

 For doing the best they could with what they had.  For trying to give me and my brother a better life than they had.  For their unconditional love, faith, strength, wisdom, guidance & sacrifice.  {of course, I called all of these attributes something else back in the day...}
 Yup!  Once lame-O, kill-joys turned Heroes!  : )

Parenting is definitely full of delayed gratification.  I didn't get it until I became one.

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My kids are my heroes, too!

Regardless of my screw ups and failed parenting attempts, they are growing into wonderful human beings despite me!! 

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And for all of YOU behind.the.scenes people who volunteer and give of yourselves to make the world a better place - I continue my theme of Gratitude from last week - thank you for being Heroic!!

Blessings!

G is for Gratitude

What's November without a little gratitude?!

I spent some time this morning composing a memory tribute to one of the people being honored at the President's Dinner at my girls' high school this year.  I felt it was important to let this man know how he has impacted my family.  He may not know otherwise!  Our story is not unique.  Mr. McC has touched generations of people with his time, talent & treasure.  I'm sure he doesn't give of himself for the recognition or glory, but sometimes it's just nice to know that you've made a difference!

This led me to think of all of the people who have influenced my life in one way or another.  People who give of themselves in big ways and small.  People who touch my life just by living their own.  

Sometimes I am guilty of wanting a pat on the back for things that I do, but then I can be stingy about acknowledging what others do...

So, during the month of November (not just for a day), the month of Thanksgiving, I'm going to try to be more mindful of what others offer me - tangible, verbal, emotional, big or small
I've been told you can't be grateful & resentful at the same time.

Today I'm going to start with YOU fabulous bloggers!!  I didn't really know what to expect when I started on this blogging journey.  I just mentioned to someone that I don't really know where I'm headed with this but I LOVE the options & directions I can go.  And I appreciate the sharing and camaraderie and support found here.  I love your sincere comments and musings.  They make me smile & laugh.  Sometimes it's just the thing that I need.  It's been such fun so far : ) So Thank You!

And just so you don't think that I'm all business today, I wanted to let you in on an uber thankful secret that brings a smile to my face on a regular basis...  *Go Here* 
you can thank me later : )

 

Blessings!

ps just wanted to share an opportunity with you!  wouldn't it look great somewhere in your home or as a gift?  check it out!

Bringing Peace Into The Home is holding a giveaway

of this print by Liz Lemon Swindle.

Click here to enter for the giveaway.

btw this print represents something else I'm grateful for!!

F is for 4 Funny's & a Funeral

{1}  Have you watched Parenthood or Modern Family or The Middle?  So Funny!!

{2}  Pull your lips into your mouth, covering your teeth.  Now try saying "Rhutabaga, Rhutabaga"  Hahaha - You look Funny : )

{3}  Q:  Why don't cannibals like clowns?
A:  Because they taste funny!

Do I hear crickets?  yeah, well, that's Handy Hubby : ) 's favorite joke.  It would at least make me smile if he'd stop telling that one!

{4}  Homecoming was a few weekends ago at the girls' high school.  The theme was Disney movies.  Each class picked a different movie to showcase.  The freshmen class *Daughter S* picked Finding Nemo.

Well, despite their efforts the freshmen didn't win - they never do.  The seniors won {Daughter A happens to be a senior}so there was still celebrating in our house.

I think the freshmen should have won for their slogan alone:

Frosh are Friends, Not Food

Hahahahahahahahahahaha!

 Just in case you haven't seen this movie, there is a scene where a friendly shark learns in 'school' that

Fish are Friends, Not Food

Get it?! 

AhHahahahahahahHahahahaHahaha!
Totally tickled my funny bone! I'm easily amused *not by cannibals, however* & it is about the little things, after all.

I loved that they could laugh at themselves & understood where they fall in the school food chain : )

Oh! Shark Bait *another movie reference* can be soooo FUNNY!


& Finally the {Funeral}  The 20th was my birthday.  I turned Forty... something ; )
Anyhoo - My MIL & several S'sIL kindly invited me out to lunch to celebrate on Wednesday!  I accepted.  Then the next day I got the call about a funeral at church scheduled on... my birthday. (I'm on the funeral luncheon committee)
Talk about the circle of life!

At first I wasn't sure how to feel about it.  A part of me wanted to be selfish and proceed with my plans.  Never mind that the current chairperson running funeral luncheons is in her 9th month of pregnancy with her 5th child.  Forget the fact that another woman & I already agreed to tag-team subbing for her while we give her a 2 week maternity leave *jk!*  Well, and then there was the sad truth that I'd only ever worked 1 funeral dinner.  There hadn't been a funeral in almost 2 months so it could be trial.by.fire if I didn't try to learn the ropes when I had the chance. 

Ultimately, I decided that I was fortunate enough to be able to postpone my birthday celebration - I had the luxury of time.  And this funeral was the last big thing the church gets to do to honor this man.  I was happy to serve at his funeral luncheon on my birthday!!  *I don't mean I was happy about his funeral... Oh! you know what I mean!!*

I just hope the Fam could chuckle at the fact that I ditched them to work a funeral...
or am I digging my own grave?!
duh, duh, Duuuuuuh

 

Blessings!