Saturday, April 23, 2011

50 Things in 112 Days

       This last month of being, I may as well say it, a stay-at-home wife, has been quite the ride. It was an adjustment at first - I really, really miss my co-workers from my job at the preschool - among them are some very close friends. And I miss the kids, and just being around kids in general, a ton. I find myself talking to random kids in the grocery store trying to get my kid fix (note to self - find some friend's kids to hang out with before I scare some parent too badly).  And getting into a routine was challenging - for about a week or so, I sat and stared at the wall, thinking I had nothing to do while dishes and laundry piled up, and all the projects I was going to complete around the house and for Pete's teaching sat unfinished.
        BUT I have. not. had. a. single. virus. in. a. month.  And God has provided for Pete with more classes as well as a karate class at our church.  And I can't believe how God has blessed our marriage - we were pretty happy before, but we haven't hardly fought since I quit working, maybe just because there is less stress without me being constantly sick. Pete even built me raised bed for my garden, which I will post about next week. And not only have I not been lonely (except for certain people at my job!), we've been able to have more of a social life. And I am beginning to find my groove, and have slowly but surely been able to chip away at projects around the house and for Pete's classes. And I have had moments of pure bliss while soaking up sun rays while hanging laundry on the line, or watch dragon flies and butterflies while working in the garden, or seeing a loaf of bread rise successfully.
As far as things off my list, Pete did this one for me today:
32. Put in two sturdy clotheslines to replace the one which almost touches ground when full

I feel more blessed than I deserve.

9 comments:

  1. After you are home for awhile you will hit your groove. I travel almost every month and thus I've found it hard to hit my groove at home and stick to routines. It has been a bit frustrating when I have so many projects and things I want to do at home. This past 3 months I was sick quite a lot and I wss home. I did manage to clear out some of my projects that have been around for awhile and it feels so much better to finally have had the time. Hope you enjoy getting your garden in ;-)

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  2. Joyful - I am starting to hit my groove, and then we are going out of town again next week, so I understand about how that can be frustrating! But oh well, life isn't about getting into a perfect routine, and I'm glad that I'm able to travel more now (to go see my sister get married this time, so it is totally worth it). Sorry to hear that you have been sick for so long!

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  3. Yes, you're right. Life is not about a perfect routine. I don't really like routines myself but I do like to get some things done. Things that give me enjoyment and add to my enjoyment of life. I guess that is what I really mean ;-) It really is a blessing when you don't have to work and you can be there at family events like your sister's upcoming wedding.

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  4. Joyful - I hate routines, but I like it, like you said, when I get in them so I get things done! Hope your mom is doing well.

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  5. Mom got out of hospital on Tuesday and I returned home tonight (Thursday). I'm praying she regains strength as she is still recovering from her recent illness.

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  6. I'm glad to see you're finding contentment in staying home. I know it's hard at times! I can't wait to hear about your raised garden bed. I want one so I can grow some of my own veggies..., but I don't think about it until Billy is busy with something... :oP Our yard is pure TX clay, so I don't think trying to put one in myself would be a good idea.

    To find fulfillment in my stay-at-home life, especially when I'm frustrated with being with the boys all day every day, I escape into reading, cooking, and writing. I've fallen off a bit on blogging, but I write a monthly article (usually some sort of Bible study) for a Christian women's e-magazine that one of my former middle school students has started up. (I feel so old! She's a lovely married woman now with a thriving career as a professional photographer, as well as side ventures into home organization and electronic publishing.) My article for May was about the Proverbs 31 Woman. I'll forward you a copy when it "comes in". She also had a FB page for it. It's called "Beyond Your Walls". Check it out; you might enjoy it!

    Oh, and I commented on this week's menu about the variety of pancakes I'll be making tonight. :o) Thanks for reading and encouraging me!

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  7. I'm excited to read your article! I love to escape into reading, cooking, and writing myself, especially cooking.

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  8. I just found your comments on my blog and I thought I head over to give you some support. I've been a stay-at-home mom for 13 years and before that I worked for the first 10 years of our marriage and until our oldest child was almost 8. Truly, the best thing that ever happened to our family, our marriage, and my own life was finally making it home. I truly believe that caring for the home and hearth is an honorable occupation, with or without the presence of children to parent. My husband and I both believe that my place is at home and the contribution I make is as valuable as the contributions he makes and that his salary is only possible because of the jobs I do at home.

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  9. Erin, thank you so much for the support! I really do love being home, even though my last job was the best I'd ever had. It has been so good for our marriage and ministry, and just my own happiness! How awesome that your husband is supportive, and how blessed your family is!

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