Not a typical job

Productive days are hard to get going, but feel great at the end of the day. Even if I don't get everything checked off my list, when I know I made the best effort I could to finish them, that's enough for me. Although I don't have a "normal" full time job, I'm constantly working at home keeping the house in decent shape. I want our home to be a welcoming home. As I heard one friend say, my part is to keep it looking nice. That way, when we do have last minute visitors over, I don’t have to scurry around, throwing things in closets. And I no longer have a dishwasher to hide dirty dishes in, which means I have to stay on top of that (annoying) task. I also make an effort to do things to save money. For example, instead of buying granola bars, I make my own. I also take the time to freeze fruit. This week, strawberries were on sale for $.99 a container. Frozen strawberries normally cost $3-$4. I bought 4 containers then cut, washed, and froze all of them to use for homemade smoothies (another way to save several dollars). I once heard a mom say that while her husband was out working making money, it was her job to save money and to stretch his paycheck.

 homemade smoothie. Yumm!!!

 

I do bring in some money, but very little. I watch kids for two different families. It is something that I enjoy, feel confident about, and the hours allow me to get the other things done at home that needs doing. I am so thankful to have a husband who understands my needs and is fine with me not working a full time job. Many people do not understand why I wouldn’t have a typical job, especially after going to college and earning a degree. Honestly, a career is not something that is important to me. I feel most used and content spending half the week with babies and kids caring for them, and the other half around the house completing tasks and running errands. One thing I have been able to do with the extra time is to dry our clothes on the line outside. I don’t have to rush to get things done because I only have a short amount of time. Instead, I’m able to save money on our electric bill by hanging the clothes to dry. There is also something very soothing about hanging the laundry and watching it sway in the summer breeze.

 

Staying home is something that isn’t always fun. Because I am home more than Joel is, I am expected to do more around the house, even things that aren’t so fun. Bathroom cleaning day is one thing I dislike doing, but I do strive to bring glory to God in everything, and to not do anything half-way. Who knew that cleaning a toilet could glorify God? It’s just the same with caring for a baby and changing their diapers. I’ve learned it’s not the task we’re doing, but our attitude while doing it. Colossians 3:1-17 shows us just as we are to live our lives as Christians and give us many instructions and ways to do so. Verse 17 sticks out to me and relates to this post, saying “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Reminding myself of this when cleaning the bathrooms or mopping the floors doesn’t change the fact that it needs to be done, but it changes my mindset and I am able to do it joyfully rather than resenting the task.

Moving

Earlier this week I put my Christmas decorations back in their boxes to sit until next year. What’s different is that the artificial Christmas tree, nicely put away ornaments and snowmen are still sitting in my living room rather than stacked in the hall closest. Why? You ask: well that is because….we’re moving! Yes, again, moving. This is will only be our 4^th move in 2 ½ years of marriage. At least we are only moving out of the city and not out of the state or region. Let me say, moving across country is not fun; it was so not fun, we did it twice! This time, we will be moving from Louisville to Radcliff, KY.

Joel and will be living in the basement of my grandfather’s home. We will be helping with meals, laundry, house work, yard work, and most importantly, giving him someone to talk with in the evenings and to help him feel safe at night. I never imagined I would be doing something like this, but it is for the benefit of everyone. We will be able to put our money towards other things other than a monthly rent bill, and will be able to enjoy the perks of living in a single family home with a beautiful back yard and of course…a grill. A grill! Yay! Our apartment doesn’t allow us to store grills in or near the apartment so we have been with one for about 16 months. Our dog will have a nice big yard to run in along with two of my grandfather’s dog who will give him great company. And my parent’s will not have to take a long drive after a work day every other day to check on Poppa Seay and help out.

Joel and I are staying out at his house tonight just because we can and it makes him feel better. I heard one of many interesting stories to come. He shared with me how he and my grandmother were at dinner late one night when they decided to have a smoke break before they left the restaurant. My grandfather was then held at knife point and was told, “this is a robbery, do as you’re told.” Him and my grandmother were then escorted to the kitchen where they were tied up and their wallets were picked through. There was a small amount in my grandfather’s wallet, and several hundred dollars in my grandmothers, but luckily, she was smart and had it in a hidden spot. The robber only found one dollar bill in her wallet. They were both safe, thankfully, and he gained some advice to share with me tonight. “Don’t stay in a restaurant when it’s about to close. If there’s a big crowd, it’s okay, but if it’s just one or two people, get outta there.” I look forward to hearing many other exciting stories he’s experienced. I hope that this will help us to become closer, and maybe I’ll even learn a few things.