tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post8456597424681600554..comments2023-11-02T10:26:12.388-04:00Comments on Rachel Olsen: Deciding what to shootRachel Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666181671944102358noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-30205576871291161632011-02-11T19:06:50.012-05:002011-02-11T19:06:50.012-05:00Here I am at the tail end of a very interesting co...Here I am at the tail end of a very interesting conversation. ...been a week here at my busy home. I keep two of the cutest littles you have ever seen =)<br /> I didn't go to college (nor did hubby), always wanted to be a Mom. I birthed 6 kids in 19 years, worked part-time till my youngest was 3. Then things fell into place for me to be a dept. head, then developed into a Director position where I did some teaching, was part of a team to bring about change....which led to my position to be shot to pieces and I was being replaced. (it was awful!!)<br /><br />I never thought I could be a SAHM at this age and be content. I never thought we could ever be able to afford it. We are living on half of what we were a year ago. Am I always content?...no. It's hard, there is so much I miss that I had been able to do without giving it a thought. But, I am stress free! I have a cleaner home, I cook decent meals, I can help people! I have the time! yes, I don't shop, I can't purchase every book I would love to read, we don't eat out, I have to clip those coupons and look for food sales. BUT, I am stress free! I don't believe this season will last forever, but for now, I will make the most of it.Dorishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04717631401544947399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-10043834182879328542011-02-11T08:54:59.962-05:002011-02-11T08:54:59.962-05:00I understand the challenges of a stay-at-home mom,...I understand the challenges of a stay-at-home mom, as that's what I was for 15 years. I am on the other side now, a business owner (albeit a seasonal business) and still mom to one more child at home. <br /><br />What I lost during those years: My sense of self! I lost who I was amidst the repetitive needs of others. It has taken lots of soul-searching to find myself again. Now I sing for the Lord and sing in a community choir and this brings me joy and identity.<br /><br />What I found: I wouldn't trade those years for anything! I was there for everything my kids did, learned, played and created. That is important to me! <br /><br />My advice to young moms is to find a balance. Have some time outside the home (which isn't parenting classes or mom groups). Find something to keep your sense of self alive. <br /><br />There is time on the other side. Twenty years after college I used my education to start my own landscaping business, which I love! I now have time to read, write, sing and work! Life is good!<br /><br />Reading all the posts reaffirms what I have always felt: Moms try so hard to do it all! To be what everyone needs and keep a clean house and somehow nurture that part of us that makes us who we are. With God's help we can do it all. One day at a time.Colleen Reskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14358300905995171700noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-5925888881526920122011-02-11T08:19:55.255-05:002011-02-11T08:19:55.255-05:00This is such a tough subject because it seems some...This is such a tough subject because it seems someone always feels bad about their decisions. Some moms have to work there is no choice and so they make the best of it. When my boys were little that was my situation. I had to work and I felt that was my only choice. I made the best of it as I could. When I got home from work, I spent as much time with them as possible. Some of my housework I let go and also I gave up TV so that I could be with them and be there for them as much as possible. Sometimes I regret not being able to be home with them full time when they were little but I did the best I could with the situation I was in.Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03069975801025176656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-12274982533389360052011-02-10T23:49:10.048-05:002011-02-10T23:49:10.048-05:00Regrets, oh yes. How I wish I could have stayed ho...Regrets, oh yes. How I wish I could have stayed home with my children when they were young. The only since of satisfaction that I have now is working to give my children a college education. I have given up much in order to do so but I'm glad that the Lord has provided my job in order for me to provide for my children. God is so good! My best advice to anyone with children is to savor each and every moment with your children. Time flies quicker as the years pass by. Take time to spend with your children. You won't Regret it!Peggyhttp://pjdivine1019@charter.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-90308059837858826472011-02-10T21:59:29.828-05:002011-02-10T21:59:29.828-05:00I'm still working on balancing the work-family...I'm still working on balancing the work-family thing...it's hard sometimes b/c as a mom, and I know I'm not the only one who feels this way...it seems that we do for everyone else and never for ourselves. I have an associates degree and I'm working on my bachelor's degree online but my girls as so important I can use my degree later. I've been subbing and I'm trying to get my foot in the door w/ the school district w/ a job so I can be w/ my girls and on their schedule. And my youngest daughter has Cystic Fibrosis so she takes lots of extra care and work. <br /><br />But satisfaction outside of my family...right now, I'm doing a bible study focusing on what God wants for me, spending time w/ God to give me strength to do all I do and just trying to do everything in my life to just please God.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-8625717326194625582011-02-10T21:42:21.022-05:002011-02-10T21:42:21.022-05:00This is a topic on my mind a lot lately. I have n...This is a topic on my mind a lot lately. I have no issues with working moms, but I myself have desperately wanted to stay home since I became a mom, and that is not the case for us. I work full time for a wonderful company, but I have a deep yearning to be at home caring for our house and my kids, and being a strong pillar at home. My husband works very long hours and doesn't have much time at home. Unfortunately, we made some not so great choices before we had kids, and had some unfortunate circumstances and now both must work to stay afloat. I feel like I am missing my kids' early years. Hopefully some day soon I can do a little less at work and be with them more. We are blessed however to have his mom as our babysitter. Our girls get to be with Grandma while we work, and that is special too. I recently started praying about whether I should or could do something else to be home more. I will have to keep my ears open and see where God leads me!Evienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-51313444336981521382011-02-10T19:34:51.601-05:002011-02-10T19:34:51.601-05:00Although I loved my job as a children's librar...Although I loved my job as a children's librarian, I planned to be a SAHM for many years and when it finally happened, I was thrilled. Our 2 boys are 7 years apart and although I still enjoy being home and wouldn't have it any other way, I would like to have something like you mentioned, Rachel, to do from home that I was truly passionate about. Children's Librarian is not exactly an at-home job! :-) Writing sounds like one of the perfect things to do from home. Thanks for sharing your passion & talent with all of us.Jillnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-81959261191936708752011-02-10T17:23:11.132-05:002011-02-10T17:23:11.132-05:00I had always assumed that I would have a career, u...I had always assumed that I would have a career, until I got pregnant. I felt like God was telling me that I needed to stay home with our first daughter. So, I did. In the beginning, I felt guilty that my husband was working so hard to provide for us, so I could stay home. But, I've overcome those feelings of guilt and cannot imagine life for our family any other way. I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to be at home with our daughter as long as I've been able to. I pray that I am able to continue to stay home with her.<br />I don't know that I will go back to work. I've thought about doing something at home to add to our family's income- an etsy shop or some other way of creative outlet- but we will see what the future holds.Coriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04868581121095899263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-91547637667120733672011-02-10T16:34:12.017-05:002011-02-10T16:34:12.017-05:00I'm starting to find a balance, I think. This...I'm starting to find a balance, I think. This year, I returned to the workforce, after a 10 year absence. I am a para professional at my children's school. I work 10 hours a week helping kids with writing. I LOVE my job! That being said, I would love to spend more time one-on-one with some of the kids. There are some kids that need stability that, sadly, they don't receive at home. I'm trying to figure out what to with my newly found passion.Stepheniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16481479208763509617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-70593546073951341052011-02-10T15:28:15.060-05:002011-02-10T15:28:15.060-05:00I am still learning and refining my balancing act....I am still learning and refining my balancing act. I am a wife, mother, employee and college student. In order to get a majority of the things done on my to do list I do:<br /><br />1) make a list: the older I get the less I remember without reminders.<br /><br />2) delegate when I can: my daughters love to help with dinner so that is a great time for me to teach them while I read or work on a school assignment.<br /><br />3) I make use of every second in my day.<br /><br />4) One very supportive husband and kids who are so very helpful as well.<br /><br />All things don't always line up and it never fails that 2 kids have somewhere to be while the other one needs to be across town. In those times I pray a lot. I try not to sign up for things God has not lead me too. And everything else falls into place.<br /><br />As I continue to grow as a wife, mother, employee and student I trust God will be faithful and give me enough light for the step I am on.<br /><br />Blessings to all,<br /><br />NatashaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-45343118143146102632011-02-10T15:01:05.508-05:002011-02-10T15:01:05.508-05:00I'm the single parent. At this time, I have no...I'm the single parent. At this time, I have no choice but to work full time outside the home. It's a struggle to find the balance between that and raising my special needs child. I hope to be able to work part time or from home one day so I can supervise him myself when he's not in school. For now, I do what I can and trust that God will take care of the rest.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-78429317091168492542011-02-10T14:29:31.407-05:002011-02-10T14:29:31.407-05:00I'm a crafty person. My husband used to tell p...I'm a crafty person. My husband used to tell people he had a crafty wife, and laugh at me (I'm so devious, you see). I need some sort of creative outlet, it has been making cards, or sewing, or cooking. Right now my outlet is embroidery with my embroidery machine, and quilting. I love to embroider and quilt a mat for a table that can be given to a visiting missionary, or a friend going through a tough time. I use my creativity to serve God by sharing His love, and my love, with others.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173231397278874280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-33920531643263601392011-02-10T13:37:39.089-05:002011-02-10T13:37:39.089-05:00My wife earned her master’s degree in counseling a...My wife earned her master’s degree in counseling and, like a lot of people, ended up not pursuing a career based upon her education. She and I own an internet business together and we work out of our home (no, it's not MLM - nothing against MLM’s LOL). She does a wonderful job balancing her work load along with both of our child’s activities who are also involved in sports. Additionally she is involved in the PTAs at both our older son’s middle school and our younger son’s elementary school. I do all I can to help, but quite frankly I don’t know how she does it. She is a great at multi-tasking and she enjoys what she does.Clay Boggesshttp://www.BigEventFundraising.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-50326814412220161882011-02-10T13:30:04.194-05:002011-02-10T13:30:04.194-05:00This post is so what I went through two years ago,...This post is so what I went through two years ago, became a stay at home when I had my daughter. It was a struggle as I was a career woman. Wish I would have had the support I do now as it would have made it easier to transition from career woman to new SAHM. I am so blessed and grateful that I am able to be a SAHM. Now I am involved in bible studies and sharing the word of God to others. This is a book that I have now added to my list of must read books as I can see it will be so insightful and a good study to do with other moms. Blessings!!A Journey For Lifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03327430795929015811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-91366485807235275482011-02-10T13:24:46.495-05:002011-02-10T13:24:46.495-05:00I am a working full-time outside of the home singl...I am a working full-time outside of the home single mom to three children. I have no choice as to whether i can work or not. Does this frustrate me - yes!!! My children are at the age (twins=11, 1=7yr old)that they are more independent but also my help is needed in so many matters such as homework. Finding the right balance to juggle it all is very difficult. In fact it's really weighed heavily on me lately to be able to work from home or have more flexibility for time off when my children are sick. As it is, it's hard to take off when they are sick. i guess we are never satisifed in this area and therefore as moms we will always carry some type of guilt regarding the roles we playing either as workng outside the home or stay at home. I just pray that where i constantly lack...God fills in above and beyond.Sheliahttp://baker4fam04@yahoo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-65009020438473712522011-02-10T13:03:32.857-05:002011-02-10T13:03:32.857-05:00I have a bachelor's degree in education and ri...I have a bachelor's degree in education and right now I'm a stay at home mom-I have a 2 wk old and love every minute with him and seeing how wonderful his big sister (she's 10 yrs old) loves him and is so helpful. He is our miracle baby-my husband and I came to expect and accept that we would have one child-we were ok with that but God had other plans and we are SO SO thankful and grateful! <br /><br />I'm not sure what I'm going to do after Logan gets a little older....I'm very torn. I would like to teach again, but I'm love being a stay at home mommy. <br /><br />Amy V. in WIAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-41432403190793623922011-02-10T13:03:05.459-05:002011-02-10T13:03:05.459-05:00I have the opposite problem. I always dreamed of ...I have the opposite problem. I always dreamed of being a wife "and" mother and staying home with my children. I've been married almost 16 years, but I'm still not a mother. So now I balance work that I want to be temporary with being a wife to my husband. It's hard not to invest in my career because it's what I do, but it's also not what I want to do. <br /><br />Thanks for the opportunity to express myself :)Crystalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03836010237065079658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-645232107160942372011-02-10T12:59:35.634-05:002011-02-10T12:59:35.634-05:0013 years ago, my husband and I made the choice tha...13 years ago, my husband and I made the choice that I would "retire" from a career in court reporting and stay home with our children. My children are now 13 and 11 and I still stay home.<br /><br />One of the things I've learned over the years is that in our family, it's not important for me to just be home in the first 3 years of life, but it's also important to be home when they're at school, during the summers and most eepecially in those middle school years, it's important to be home when they get off the bus each day. <br /><br />If they've had a bad day, are they still going to want to talk about it later at night when I finally have the time to talk with them? No. At that point of the day, will I even know they had struggles earlier in the day? When a child has a bad day, they want to talk about it then; so it's important for me to be there when they get home. <br /><br />Our family recently made an unexpected, God blessed move. As a military family, we've moved a lot, but this time we thought we were done moving, until God put a wonderful opportunity in front of us. The move has been extremely difficult on the kids and I am so thankful that I'm able to drop everything and go the side of the child that calls from school in tears or walks in the door after school in tears, or even when they seem to have lost their spirit. That's my role as their mom and I'll never make apologies for "wasting" the college tuition.<br /><br />Thank you for your post today. As always, it hit right at "home!" :)Crystalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-3285570310878730542011-02-10T12:48:17.681-05:002011-02-10T12:48:17.681-05:00My children are grown, but when they were young I ...My children are grown, but when they were young I did both: stay-at-home with the first 2 and working mom with our third child 7 years later. Looking back as an older mom, I know that staying at home was the right decision for me. As young people we sometimes find it hard to live beyond the "right now" thinking that everyday will be like "this" day. Time passes so quickly, we are as a vapor, and the short time we get as mothers to be with our preschool children is precious. Yes, I had a college education, yes we were very limited with money, yes I only got a new dress for my birthday and never got "name" shoes until they were in school and I went to work full-time outside the home. In light of eternity and in our quiet times, we would all say that those things are definitely temporary, worldly desires. I don't mean to minimize the struggles of staying home, whether financial, personal fulfillment or time management. I just know that those years never come back. Children grow up, have friends and school, graduate and have schedules of their own.gingerellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10677084483592973016noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-11274421257361015432011-02-10T12:42:03.945-05:002011-02-10T12:42:03.945-05:00Since I am a mother, grandmother and even a great ...Since I am a mother, grandmother and even a great grandmother I am past the years of being able to balance family and careers. However, at one time I was there and I will say without a doubt that I have many regrets of not choosing "family" over "finances and careers".<br /> <br />Given the chance to do it over and have the knowledge that I have now I am positive that my spouse and children would have taken precedence over "material things". <br /><br />Really that is what "careers" are all about. "You train in a career in order to make more money to have more things". Agree???<br /><br />Take the advice of a person who has "been there and done that", shoot the careers with just a wounding shot and make your family your priority because believe me....the children will grow up and be gone in "the blink of the eye" and the wounded career will be there for you to heal and take up again.Chargailehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13059109119147572628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-64246397590822017102011-02-10T12:26:43.756-05:002011-02-10T12:26:43.756-05:00I have a BS in Child and Family Development, which...I have a BS in Child and Family Development, which is a blessing because I gave up working outside the home to raise 5 children:) I guess God really knew what I needed to prepare for in my life. I used to teach preschool and now those teaching skills are coming in handy as we raise our own children (ages 7, 6 , 4, 2 and 1).<br /><br />I willingly left the work force to become a SAHM but I still struggle with the world's attitude of Do More to Be More. I must constantly ask the Lord to keep my focus on keeping my home in order. The enemy tells me that having an orderly home is not a job and I have trouble with all the distractions that life (and even church activities) can bring. I wouldn't trade being home with my kiddos for the world but only with God's help do I enjoy the housework part of being a SAHM.Momma Shoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07535368274646109143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-59070921787844669172011-02-10T12:09:25.518-05:002011-02-10T12:09:25.518-05:00I am really struggling and I don't know why. ...I am really struggling and I don't know why. I have raised my 3girls and the youngest is 19 now. <br /> I still don't want to get a job just for the sake of getting a job for money. <br /> I want to use my gifts and fullfill by potential that God wants for me. I am not afraid to work or lazy.<br /> I just can't seem to get a clear picture of what that looks like and it doesn't help when your husband comes ohome from work every day and asks so how is the job search going.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-9876416312085708832011-02-10T12:08:05.426-05:002011-02-10T12:08:05.426-05:00I did not stay home with my children and there are...I did not stay home with my children and there are times I ask myself if I was selfish or a bad mother for choosing to work. I enjoy what I do (most days) but I also love my children and they are now grown. My daughter is a registered nurse working as a heart transplant cocrdinator. My son is in college taking marketing and business while working to help with his rent and food. So when I look back on it, I guess they were not scarred by the fact I worked.Karen Seighnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-41831334654262049362011-02-10T11:48:18.302-05:002011-02-10T11:48:18.302-05:00I HAVE REGRETS!!! I chose the military over my son...I HAVE REGRETS!!! I chose the military over my son as well as a divorce. I turned him over to my "ex-husband". I was stationed in Japan; even though one of the officers told me that would be a bad move since I had a son, a one year old son. <br /><br />Years went by and I only saw him a few times...I got out of the Navy after meeting another Iowa man, I thought wow, I am getting a second chance to move to where my son was. I wanted him to live with us and he did not want to live with me, I was way to strict plus I was a stranger!!! <br /><br />Then God opened my eyes and my husband's - we accepted Jesus into our lives. My son was 23, of course I wanted him to know Jesus. He told me flat out that he wasn't going that way, he didn't want to be a "Jesus Freak". I tried to explain to him what knowing Jesus was to me, but could I blame him for not "listening to me"? <br /><br />I rarely see him now, we talk once in awhile, I have helped him out a few times, but even though he lives in the same town we just don't see each other except when he "needs" something. He is almost 30 now and I have had to "stand back and watch" him make some very wrong decisions.<br /><br />The choices we make -- a child over a career - OH IF I COULD ONLY HAVE A DO OVER! I am thankful though Jesus has forgiven me and at times I can say I have forgave myself, but have I?Anita - Soaring Eaglehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02149582433743945519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-52513207807891610692011-02-10T11:47:37.024-05:002011-02-10T11:47:37.024-05:00Oh I wish I had stayed home more when my kids (now...Oh I wish I had stayed home more when my kids (now 12 and 14) were younger. I love my work but hated having them in day care year round and not being able to spend more time with them in the summer. I am convinced they are happy and healthy kids, but do counsel young moms to spend as much time as they can with their kids while they are little, if they are struggling with this issue. I've been thinking recently about writing a blog for moms who work and love Jesus, their families and their jobs. It would be about balancing and being guilt free. Maybe you could share those tips on planning?Andreanoreply@blogger.com