Oh goodness....this is going to be a HARD post for me. I have gone back and forth, back and forth, and back and forth again, on whether or not I'm doing the right thing for my family. Maybe putting it out there for the world to see may make me feel better about it. And then again, maybe not.
I have been blessed to be able to stay home with my children since they were born (for the most part). Sure, I have worked jobs here and there. Mainly to get out of the house for awhile and to try to meet some friends. Why can't making friends be as easy as it was when we were 5?!? "Hi, my name is Andrea. What's your name? Want to be my friend?" If only! Growing up is hard!!
Anyway, getting back on point. I've been a stay at home mom for many years now. I was actually working at a job I absolutely LOVED. I was a receptionist at a local vet clinic for about a year. It was an amazing experience. I am obsessed with dogs, and seeing them every day was so much fun! I learned a lot from working there. Unfortunately, I had to quit. With my husbands job and work schedule it was affecting our family life. My husband works out of town during the week, third shift. We have made it work, and we have had some rather difficult moments because of it, but I am truly grateful for his job and the opportunity it provides to me to be able to stay at home with the kids.
The reason I've gone back and forth about whether or not I'm making the right decision is because I come from a family that works hard. Not saying everybody's family doesn't. My mom has always held more than one job and my dad has worked hard his entire life. I always feel like I should be contributing more to my family, and I don't really feel like I'm contributing unless it is in a financial way. Which I know is a ridiculous way to think.
When I was working, my kids weren't able to go out for many extra-curricular activities. With my husband out of town, and the work schedule I had, it was hard to get them anywhere. I know, I know, there are single parents out there that make it work all the time. But if I am able to stay home with them and be able to get them to extra activities, then I am going to do that because I want their childhood to be so special. I also feel better knowing that I am spending as much time with my kids as I can while they are young because that's time that I will never get back from them.
If you were to ask me if I am proud of my "work". All I would have to do is simply look at my thriving, healthy, full of life, children and know that I couldn't be MORE proud of the work that I am doing.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Hobbies
This post will be quite interesting, considering my husband always tells me that I "need a hobby". When in all reality, I feel that I have numerous hobbies that keep me busy when I'm not tending to the kids. My husband has a broad range of hobbies that keep him occupied. He always seems to be able to keep himself entertained. Whether it's playing a video game, hunting, fishing, or grilling (he's very serious when it comes to this method of cooking!), he is ALWAYS finding ways to keep him busy!
My hobbies are quite different than my husbands. I mean, sure, I like to fish occasionally. I don't think my husband is all that thrilled with me doing it because he is always the one putting the worms on, and taking the fish off. That's for the kids too, so needless to say, when the whole family goes fishing, my husband doesn't get to do much of it himself. Sorry babe!
My hobbies tend to be a bit more low-key. I LOVE to read. Reading is my absolute, most favorite thing in this entire, huge world, that I LOVE. I get that some people just aren't into it. In fact, a lot of times, it's hard for me to get into a book when I first start it. But, oh that feeling, when it suddenly hooks you in and you cannot, will not, absolutely refuse to put that book down! If only I could take readers away with my words. Let them live carefree through the characters in my head. If I could do any one job, and money was no option, I would either be an author, or own a book store. One can always dream I suppose!
Another one of my hobbies, and I've just recently picked this one up, is painting. I still have A LOT to learn about it. In fact, I've only done one painting, and it's not even finished yet. But I work on it a little at a time. It's an odd feeling, coming up with ideas a tiny bit at a time. I don't know when it will be finished, but I'm sure I will "know".
The last hobby that I will share with you, is gardening. Growing up, my mom and dad always had a garden. Some years, they were huge, others not so much. Regardless, there was usually always a garden. So this year, I decided to give one a shot myself. Sure, it's time consuming, but it is also so relaxing. I love that my kids are able to watch us and help us grow our own food. I love that we started it from seeds and they were able to come down to the garden and check on it's progress with me! My daughter is an extremely picky eater, but she is eating more veggies right now because she helped grow them! It may not seem like a big deal to everybody, but it's a huge deal to me!
I have to say, I love the little hobbies I have. You're right, they aren't very active hobbies, and they aren't very exciting hobbies, but they are what makes me happy in this little corner of the world that I live in.
My hobbies are quite different than my husbands. I mean, sure, I like to fish occasionally. I don't think my husband is all that thrilled with me doing it because he is always the one putting the worms on, and taking the fish off. That's for the kids too, so needless to say, when the whole family goes fishing, my husband doesn't get to do much of it himself. Sorry babe!
My hobbies tend to be a bit more low-key. I LOVE to read. Reading is my absolute, most favorite thing in this entire, huge world, that I LOVE. I get that some people just aren't into it. In fact, a lot of times, it's hard for me to get into a book when I first start it. But, oh that feeling, when it suddenly hooks you in and you cannot, will not, absolutely refuse to put that book down! If only I could take readers away with my words. Let them live carefree through the characters in my head. If I could do any one job, and money was no option, I would either be an author, or own a book store. One can always dream I suppose!
Another one of my hobbies, and I've just recently picked this one up, is painting. I still have A LOT to learn about it. In fact, I've only done one painting, and it's not even finished yet. But I work on it a little at a time. It's an odd feeling, coming up with ideas a tiny bit at a time. I don't know when it will be finished, but I'm sure I will "know".
The last hobby that I will share with you, is gardening. Growing up, my mom and dad always had a garden. Some years, they were huge, others not so much. Regardless, there was usually always a garden. So this year, I decided to give one a shot myself. Sure, it's time consuming, but it is also so relaxing. I love that my kids are able to watch us and help us grow our own food. I love that we started it from seeds and they were able to come down to the garden and check on it's progress with me! My daughter is an extremely picky eater, but she is eating more veggies right now because she helped grow them! It may not seem like a big deal to everybody, but it's a huge deal to me!
I have to say, I love the little hobbies I have. You're right, they aren't very active hobbies, and they aren't very exciting hobbies, but they are what makes me happy in this little corner of the world that I live in.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
To And Fro
Ahhhh, my second post for the day. I will admit, it feels nice to actually be writing again. Granted, I'm not the best at it, and I'm still getting used to put everything out there for anybody to read, however; this challenge is really helping me to open up and to see things in a different light. My goodness did I need that!
This post was actually a little challenging because it has to do with something that I typically don't think about, well....really ever. I guess I truly have never thought it about much. Today's gratitude post is about transportation. Transportation?? What in the world?! I guess I always took it for granted because it's just there. I've never not been able to get where I needed to get to.
I'm obviously going to start with the most obvious. Walking!!! The ability to use my legs to get to where I need to go. Like I said, I've never really thought about it because it's never been an issue for me. With that being said, I could not imagine not having that ability, and my heart truly breaks for the people who aren't able to use their legs. Of course, they have amazing capabilities out there to get you from place to place, wheelchairs, prosthetics, what have you. I can honestly say that this is something that I will pay more attention to. Something that I NEED to pay more attention to.
Your body is your vessel. I know that when you're growing up you hear your family preach to you how important it is that you take care of your body because you only get one. "Be sure to eat healthy, be sure you exercise, be sure you take care of yourself!" And it's so SO true! I guess the older you get, the more you realize it. I need to start taking more time out of my day to treat myself better. After all, I want to be around for my kids, my grand kids, and if I'm lucky, my great grand kids.
Not only am I thankful for my ability to walk, but I am also thankful for the many other ways there are to get to and fro. Could you even begin to imagine how you would feel if you were able to see the first car made and working? The first airplane to fly? The ability to get us from one state to another, let alone one country to another?? UNBELIEVABLE!! Technology can truly be amazing!
Whatever mode of transportation you are thankful for, be sure to utilize it, and be sure to be thankful for the little ways you can travel. The walking, running, skipping, jumping. Be thankful that the good Lord has blessed us with so many abilities to use our bodies and our brains for anything we feel that we can do!
This post was actually a little challenging because it has to do with something that I typically don't think about, well....really ever. I guess I truly have never thought it about much. Today's gratitude post is about transportation. Transportation?? What in the world?! I guess I always took it for granted because it's just there. I've never not been able to get where I needed to get to.
I'm obviously going to start with the most obvious. Walking!!! The ability to use my legs to get to where I need to go. Like I said, I've never really thought about it because it's never been an issue for me. With that being said, I could not imagine not having that ability, and my heart truly breaks for the people who aren't able to use their legs. Of course, they have amazing capabilities out there to get you from place to place, wheelchairs, prosthetics, what have you. I can honestly say that this is something that I will pay more attention to. Something that I NEED to pay more attention to.
Your body is your vessel. I know that when you're growing up you hear your family preach to you how important it is that you take care of your body because you only get one. "Be sure to eat healthy, be sure you exercise, be sure you take care of yourself!" And it's so SO true! I guess the older you get, the more you realize it. I need to start taking more time out of my day to treat myself better. After all, I want to be around for my kids, my grand kids, and if I'm lucky, my great grand kids.
Not only am I thankful for my ability to walk, but I am also thankful for the many other ways there are to get to and fro. Could you even begin to imagine how you would feel if you were able to see the first car made and working? The first airplane to fly? The ability to get us from one state to another, let alone one country to another?? UNBELIEVABLE!! Technology can truly be amazing!
Whatever mode of transportation you are thankful for, be sure to utilize it, and be sure to be thankful for the little ways you can travel. The walking, running, skipping, jumping. Be thankful that the good Lord has blessed us with so many abilities to use our bodies and our brains for anything we feel that we can do!
Something I Do Every Day...
Sorry about not being able to post yesterday. I was hoping to catch up on some much needed rest after this crazy week. I will say that I was able to get a bit more sleep last night than I have all week, so I am absolutely thankful for that! So, my plan is to write a post this afternoon and my second post this evening to be all caught up!
My post this afternoon will be about something that I'm grateful for that I do every day. Which should be so easy right? Well, I am blessed to say that when I sat down to think about it, I was thankful for MORE than one thing that I'm able to do everyday! It was actually a little hard to narrow it down to just one. Of course, I am thankful that I am alive, and that I have my health, family, and friends. I am thankful for my wonderful, loving husband, and my full of life, keep every day interesting, children!
The one thing I am thankful for that I get to do everyday is our "Peak and Pit" of the day. Okay, okay, I would be fibbing if I told you we did this EVERY day, because we don't. I mean, life gets busy and sometimes we just aren't able to sit around a dining room table for dinner and are eating on the go in between practices, or traveling. But, when we sit down to dinner most nights, we do what we call our "Peak and Pit" of the day. Every one of us goes around the table and tells the rest about the best part of our day, and why. Then we follow with the lowest part of our day, and why. I enjoy it because it gives me a look into my kids lives and lets me know what makes them tick. What makes their smiles so much bigger, and the little things I would never guess, that make their hearts break.
I love that my kids are comfortable enough to talk to my husband and I about any issues that they are having or anything that makes them smile. I honestly believe the saying that I heard once, and it will be loosely translated here, "Listen to the little things that your children say, because someday the little things become the big things." I'm not perfect at that, and I know most people aren't. It's hard to listen to EVERY thing that comes out of those sweet little mouths! Ha! But I try with all of my might, to make eye contact with them and really hold on to their attention when they do share things with me, because I don't want them to feel that they can't tell me anything.
I am truly blessed to feel comfortable in knowing that my kids can talk to us about anything. That's all I've ever wanted in life, is for my kids not to feel like they have to hide things from their parents. I want us to be their safe place always.
My post this afternoon will be about something that I'm grateful for that I do every day. Which should be so easy right? Well, I am blessed to say that when I sat down to think about it, I was thankful for MORE than one thing that I'm able to do everyday! It was actually a little hard to narrow it down to just one. Of course, I am thankful that I am alive, and that I have my health, family, and friends. I am thankful for my wonderful, loving husband, and my full of life, keep every day interesting, children!
The one thing I am thankful for that I get to do everyday is our "Peak and Pit" of the day. Okay, okay, I would be fibbing if I told you we did this EVERY day, because we don't. I mean, life gets busy and sometimes we just aren't able to sit around a dining room table for dinner and are eating on the go in between practices, or traveling. But, when we sit down to dinner most nights, we do what we call our "Peak and Pit" of the day. Every one of us goes around the table and tells the rest about the best part of our day, and why. Then we follow with the lowest part of our day, and why. I enjoy it because it gives me a look into my kids lives and lets me know what makes them tick. What makes their smiles so much bigger, and the little things I would never guess, that make their hearts break.
I love that my kids are comfortable enough to talk to my husband and I about any issues that they are having or anything that makes them smile. I honestly believe the saying that I heard once, and it will be loosely translated here, "Listen to the little things that your children say, because someday the little things become the big things." I'm not perfect at that, and I know most people aren't. It's hard to listen to EVERY thing that comes out of those sweet little mouths! Ha! But I try with all of my might, to make eye contact with them and really hold on to their attention when they do share things with me, because I don't want them to feel that they can't tell me anything.
I am truly blessed to feel comfortable in knowing that my kids can talk to us about anything. That's all I've ever wanted in life, is for my kids not to feel like they have to hide things from their parents. I want us to be their safe place always.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Something I See Everyday....
Today's gratitude post is going to be about something I see everyday. My "something" is my wonderful, brilliant, caring husband. I honestly could not be more grateful for the man I chose to spend the rest of my life with. For the man who is the most outstanding father to our children.
I have been going through some health issues this week, and my husband has been right by my side the entire time. Now, I'm not saying that is the only reason I am grateful for him, because Lord knows, it's not. I can truthfully say that I thank the good Lord for him every single day.
I am unbelievably lucky to have a man that would rather spend his down time with me and the kids. Somebody who is always looking for things to do as a family rather than wanting to run the town with his friends. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with spending time apart and spending time with your friends by any means. It just means the world to me that he would rather be with me and our kids than anybody else.
I am lucky enough to be able to stay home and take care of our kids because of his opportunity to provide for us as a family. I'll be the first to admit, that I could probably be a better homemaker. I mean, we all have things we can improve on right? Yet, he doesn't complain about any of it! He's just happy to come home to me, to us.
I don't know what I would do without him. He is my rock, my best friend, my all time number one supporter, and the one who keeps me stable when I start getting a little nutty lol! We are pretty opposite, but I believe that is what balances us out and makes us such a great couple. Sure, we have had our ups and downs, what couple hasn't? But I believe in fixing something instead of just throwing it away. After all, I did make a vow to spend my life with him, loving him through all the good and bad times. And he has stuck by me through everything. I know that there will be rocky times ahead. After all, life isn't a fairytale like they make you believe in all the books. And we will be there for each other, standing strong, and making it through whatever is thrown our way.
My hope is that both of my children are able to find a love like ours. It's not perfect, but it's perfect for us, and it makes my whole world so much brighter, happier, and loving. In fact, my hope is that everybody is able to find a love like that. One that makes them so grateful for the person they chose to spend their life with.
I have been going through some health issues this week, and my husband has been right by my side the entire time. Now, I'm not saying that is the only reason I am grateful for him, because Lord knows, it's not. I can truthfully say that I thank the good Lord for him every single day.
I am unbelievably lucky to have a man that would rather spend his down time with me and the kids. Somebody who is always looking for things to do as a family rather than wanting to run the town with his friends. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with spending time apart and spending time with your friends by any means. It just means the world to me that he would rather be with me and our kids than anybody else.
I am lucky enough to be able to stay home and take care of our kids because of his opportunity to provide for us as a family. I'll be the first to admit, that I could probably be a better homemaker. I mean, we all have things we can improve on right? Yet, he doesn't complain about any of it! He's just happy to come home to me, to us.
I don't know what I would do without him. He is my rock, my best friend, my all time number one supporter, and the one who keeps me stable when I start getting a little nutty lol! We are pretty opposite, but I believe that is what balances us out and makes us such a great couple. Sure, we have had our ups and downs, what couple hasn't? But I believe in fixing something instead of just throwing it away. After all, I did make a vow to spend my life with him, loving him through all the good and bad times. And he has stuck by me through everything. I know that there will be rocky times ahead. After all, life isn't a fairytale like they make you believe in all the books. And we will be there for each other, standing strong, and making it through whatever is thrown our way.
My hope is that both of my children are able to find a love like ours. It's not perfect, but it's perfect for us, and it makes my whole world so much brighter, happier, and loving. In fact, my hope is that everybody is able to find a love like that. One that makes them so grateful for the person they chose to spend their life with.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Nature
Well, here I am on what's supposed to be day 2 of my blog challenge and I've already managed to skip a day. However, I do have a good excuse for it because I've been in and out of the emergency room for the past three days, so I do apologize about not keeping up as well as I said I was going to! If I even have any readers to apologize to! Ha!
So back to my post....I'm going to be talking about why I am grateful for nature. First off, what is NOT to be grateful about nature! I have honestly been paying more attention to my surroundings and taking in the sights I see daily that I typically take for granted.
I would have to say that my favorite thing to do in the spring, summer, and fall in Wisconsin is to take my morning cup of coffee and sit on my back porch and watch the birds, rabbits, squirrels, turkeys, and occasionally, deer, in my back yard. Its so peaceful and calming to my soul. I secretly love to watch the red tailed hawks and the eagles soar up in that beautiful morning sky. It makes me feel so free.
I know I didn't say that I love sitting out there in the winter, but I mean, do you really blame me?! Who wants to sit outside in negative degree weather! ;) However, I do enjoy the winter as well. I love how the cold weather makes me want to grab a warm mug of cider or tea and snuggle on the couch with my family with my fireplace going. Or I love watching a light snow fall on a crisp winter day. I am also certainly not opposed to the occasional raging snowstorm that keeps us stranded for a few days as well. The glitter of a new snow as the sun hits it in just the right way. I adore that...after all, I do love things that are sparkly!
I think if you look, and you don't even have to look hard, there are numerous things you can be grateful for in nature every single day. Mother nature has given us a fantastic portrait to view that changes daily. It's just a reminder that this great big planet we live on is something that can make us smile in the hardest of days if we just look long enough.
So back to my post....I'm going to be talking about why I am grateful for nature. First off, what is NOT to be grateful about nature! I have honestly been paying more attention to my surroundings and taking in the sights I see daily that I typically take for granted.
I would have to say that my favorite thing to do in the spring, summer, and fall in Wisconsin is to take my morning cup of coffee and sit on my back porch and watch the birds, rabbits, squirrels, turkeys, and occasionally, deer, in my back yard. Its so peaceful and calming to my soul. I secretly love to watch the red tailed hawks and the eagles soar up in that beautiful morning sky. It makes me feel so free.
I know I didn't say that I love sitting out there in the winter, but I mean, do you really blame me?! Who wants to sit outside in negative degree weather! ;) However, I do enjoy the winter as well. I love how the cold weather makes me want to grab a warm mug of cider or tea and snuggle on the couch with my family with my fireplace going. Or I love watching a light snow fall on a crisp winter day. I am also certainly not opposed to the occasional raging snowstorm that keeps us stranded for a few days as well. The glitter of a new snow as the sun hits it in just the right way. I adore that...after all, I do love things that are sparkly!
I think if you look, and you don't even have to look hard, there are numerous things you can be grateful for in nature every single day. Mother nature has given us a fantastic portrait to view that changes daily. It's just a reminder that this great big planet we live on is something that can make us smile in the hardest of days if we just look long enough.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Home
I have decided that I am going to be more on top of my blogging. It's been over a year since I have last posted, and I LOVE writing! There is no reason that I should let life distract me of 15 minutes of my day to write my feelings.
I have decided to do a blog challenge on things I'm grateful for. I feel like it will help me with my outlook on life, which hasn't been the greatest lately, and make me appreciate everything a little bit more. I also feel that it will help me expand on my writing because that has grown a little rusty. And I'm so lucky to have such an amazing friend that is going to do the challenge along with me! She is such a brilliant writer, and I cannot wait to read her posts because she is such an influential person to me.
My first post is going to be about "Home". Home to me means many different things, or places. I know that I will always consider where my parents are to be "home". I currently live a few hours away from my parents and the town I grew up in. I am lucky enough to live close enough to be able to drive back and visit whenever I like though. There is something about that little area of Wisconsin that brings joy to me. Even though it's just a little area, that isn't very populated and doesn't really have a whole lot to do, it holds such a dear place in my heart. And I know that that feeling is associated with my family.
I come from a family that is very tight knit. So close in fact, it almost feels like we are more like siblings than cousins. We sure do fight like we are siblings anyway (ha ha ha!), but we are there for each other no matter what. I know I can come back to this area and feel at home always.
Home also means to me, wherever my husband and my two amazing children are. With my husbands job, we tend to move frequently. In fact, where we are now is the longest we have been anywhere, and it's only been 2.5 years! People ask me a lot if moving is hard on us, on the kids? Sure it is, moving is hard on anybody. With that being said, it also brings us experiences that we otherwise would not have had. It has introduced us to some of the most amazing people we have ever met. It has given my children and myself the chance to see different cultures and experience new things. That is something we will not get back.
So if you ask me what "home" means to me, I guess I would have to say that it's not so much as a place as a feeling. And I am beyond grateful that I can feel "home" in numerous places because of the family and friends that I have and have met along the way in the crazy life of mine!
I have decided to do a blog challenge on things I'm grateful for. I feel like it will help me with my outlook on life, which hasn't been the greatest lately, and make me appreciate everything a little bit more. I also feel that it will help me expand on my writing because that has grown a little rusty. And I'm so lucky to have such an amazing friend that is going to do the challenge along with me! She is such a brilliant writer, and I cannot wait to read her posts because she is such an influential person to me.
My first post is going to be about "Home". Home to me means many different things, or places. I know that I will always consider where my parents are to be "home". I currently live a few hours away from my parents and the town I grew up in. I am lucky enough to live close enough to be able to drive back and visit whenever I like though. There is something about that little area of Wisconsin that brings joy to me. Even though it's just a little area, that isn't very populated and doesn't really have a whole lot to do, it holds such a dear place in my heart. And I know that that feeling is associated with my family.
I come from a family that is very tight knit. So close in fact, it almost feels like we are more like siblings than cousins. We sure do fight like we are siblings anyway (ha ha ha!), but we are there for each other no matter what. I know I can come back to this area and feel at home always.
Home also means to me, wherever my husband and my two amazing children are. With my husbands job, we tend to move frequently. In fact, where we are now is the longest we have been anywhere, and it's only been 2.5 years! People ask me a lot if moving is hard on us, on the kids? Sure it is, moving is hard on anybody. With that being said, it also brings us experiences that we otherwise would not have had. It has introduced us to some of the most amazing people we have ever met. It has given my children and myself the chance to see different cultures and experience new things. That is something we will not get back.
So if you ask me what "home" means to me, I guess I would have to say that it's not so much as a place as a feeling. And I am beyond grateful that I can feel "home" in numerous places because of the family and friends that I have and have met along the way in the crazy life of mine!
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