For All The Busy Moms

This week has been crazy.  CRAZY.

Now usually I'm pretty organized and in general- I have my shit together.  But I won't lie, this week has been rough.

I work from home doing customer service for a local company.  Work was super slow during the holidays.  Which was awesome!  The downside, is that the New Year has brought a rush of incoming customer calls, issues and needs.  So my work load has pretty much doubled.  In addition, I participated in a market research focus group one night this week.  That was 3 hours of my time that I can never get back!  But on the plus side, I did make $200.

We have also been having some car troubles.  Nothing like a horrid screeching noise while driving to make you put car repairs at the top of your To Do List!  And of course, it wouldn't be super fun if we didn't have to take the car back in twice in two days- Yippee!  Yeah- I totally have the free time for that!

Let's add in extra babysitting demands.  Oh how I love babysitting.  Actually, I really do- that wasn't sarcasm right there....  I love the little kiddos and it's a nice break from my own crazy house.  But all that aside- it definitely added to my stress factor this week.

Now the cherry on top is the fact that my husband has been on-call this week at work.  So he's working 15-20 hour days and is battling his own stress and fatigue.  He will also be leaving tomorrow for a solo trip (well, without me and the kiddo) to visit his ill grandma.  It's a much needed visit but as anyone knows- traveling and preparing to travel, brings it's own stress and demands.

So what do we have?  The holy grail of crappy, stressful, busy week's.  The perfect storm if you will.....And I have to admit to letting some things slip through the cracks.  My son hasn't done his workbook lessons in 2 days.  I haven't made my husband a hot breakfast all week.  The laundry is piling up and I keep forgetting to refill our vitamin container.  And we've eaten out 3 times this week.  Gah- that never happens!  I forgot to feed the dogs breakfast yesterday.  Poor Pups!  And I haven't taken my daily walk all week.

So why am I telling you all of this?

It's simple really.  I want you to see how normal I am.  I'm not perfect.  I'm the first to admit to that one- goodness, perfection is way too stressful!  Why put that pressure on yourself?

I am a Mother.

I am tired.

I am overwhelmed.

And I am happy.

Each day, I do the very best that I can.  I strive for hitting my goals and making my family's life better, richer and happier.  Sure, some week's may be more difficult then others.  But I keep at it.

So yeah- this week was crazy.  CRAZY.

But it was also pretty awesome.

14 Days of Love Challenge

For the last 2 years, I have done what I call, the 14 Days of Love Challenge.  The what?  Ooohh- just you wait, you're gonna love this!

The Love Challenge is basically small acts of love to show your spouse how special they are to you.  Taking the time to celebrate your spouse, is important.  And for added fun- let it be a surprise!

The rules of the 14 Days of Love Challenge are pretty simple.  And really- you can make up your own rules and adapt it to suit your needs.  The sky's the limit here!  But I thought I would share my own personal rules and guidelines just to get you started- here goes!

• Begin the challenge on February 1st and end it on Valentine's Day.
• It's not about money- try to keep the spending limit small.
• Do at least 1 thing per day for your spouse that is out of the ordinary.
• This is not about your children.  This is strictly something for your spouse.
• Try to incorporate handmade items as much as possible.
• It's the thought that truly counts!

So there you have it.  Pretty simple rules, right?  But I bet now you're wondering just what in the world you can do, make, give etc to show your love.  Especially for 14 days straight!  Not too worry- I've got you covered!  Here's a few things that I have done in the past for my husband.  

• Buy a romantic or funny card and send it with them to work in their lunch bag.
• Tie balloons to their car.
• Grab takeout from their favorite restaurant and plan a candlelight dinner for after the kids are in bed.
• Write a romantic message on the bathroom mirror.
• Bake their favorite treat- my husband LOVES my Chocolate Raspberry Cake with Chocolate Ganache Frosting.
• Set a "reminder" on their phone with a sweet love message.  Perhaps schedule the reminder to pop up while they are on their lunch break with a surprise- "I Love You" message.
• Write a love letter.
• Buy their favorite chocolates, beer, ice cream- whatever and surprise them when they get home.
• Plan a romantic date night mid-week for just the two of you.
• Cut hearts out of your kid's construction paper and leave a trail of hearts to the bedroom.  Make sure to write a special love note on each one!
• Buy them their favorite magazine and give them quiet time to enjoy it.
• Put their favorite flower on their nightstand.  So it's the first thing they see when they wake up.
• Text a picture of you smooching and say "sending you kisses..."
• Surprise them at work and take them out for a lunch date. 
• Rent their favorite movie, make some popcorn and have a quiet movie night after the kids are in bed.
• Change the ring tone on their phone to "your song".
• Go to a movie and make out- make sure you sit in the very back!  Or go for a drive and "park".
• Buy a bag of Hersey's Kisses and get creative!  A trail of "kisses", a pocket full of "kisses" etc.
• Treat them with a small gift card- Starbucks, a favorite store etc.
• Tell them something that you love about them everyday.  But write it on a small piece of paper and put it somewhere where they will find it throughout the day.  Jeans pocket, wallet, sock drawer....

Whew!  That's quite a list!  Hopefully this will help you to get started on your own Love Challenge.  And yes- this will totally work if you wanted to do something special for your kids.  You could easily do a Love Challenge for your kids and one for your spouse.  However, I typically just do one for my husband but keep it on the "down low" so the kiddo doesn't feel left out.  You could also have your kids join in on some of the ideas and activities.  

For me- celebrating Valentine's Day is more about showing someone how very much they mean to you.  I fully realize that it's a "greeting card holiday" but it's still fun to celebrate. Take the time to let your spouse know how important they are to you.  And what better time to do this, then Valentine's Day, right?

Affection in Marriage

Showing affection in your marriage should be a top priority for you.  If you have kids or will be welcoming children in the future- it is equally important that your children are a witness to your affection for your spouse.

Be the type of wife who kisses her husband in the kitchen.  Who holds hands while walking through the mall.  The kind of wife who cuddles on the couch or plays footsie's while watching a movie.  Touch your husband in a warm and loving manner.  A caress on his arm, a hug around his neck, a silly pat on his butt.  Grab his face, look him in the eyes and kiss him.

And do this all in front of your children.

Why?

Because children will become what they see.  If they witness how very much their parents love each other, they will one day show this affection to their own spouses.  They will model your behavior and will come to understand what a healthy and normal, loving marriage looks like.

Our son sees my husband and I kissing all the time.  Seriously- All.  The.  Time.

Never underestimate the importance of giving your spouse your love and affection.  By doing this you are not only showing your husband how much you love him, you are also showing your children what it means to show love.  Be generous and affectionate with your feelings and it will be returned to you twofold.

To All the Naysayers

It seems that when you decide to homeschool- everyone and their Mother has an opinion about it.  And it's not always a good one!  I fail to see how my choice in how I raise my child and how we choose to educate him is really anyone's business.  But I suppose that people will always question those who go against the norm...

So here's the answer that I give when met with the inevitable questions.  "It's the choice we felt was best for our child and our family."  End quote.  Really- that's all you need.  There is NO reason to blab on and on about public school vs homeschool.  About government influences, lack of religion, poor behaviors, peer pressure etc.  Just be honest and be brief.  You don't owe anyone an explanation, even though they might think you do.

And of course whenever people find out that I'm a Traditional Housewife- they have an overwhelming desire to open their mouths and insert their foots.  Hmm...perhaps that's why I don't go around sharing this aspect of my marriage?  The reality is that my marriage is private.  So unless I've opened up to you (Hello Blogland!) or specifically asked for your advice and opinions, it's best to keep your mouth shut.

Now there are of course people in your life that are worth sharing and opening up to.  This post is not for them.  You should absolutely talk about your lifestyle and choices with those valued friends and family members who can respect your choices.  But let's face it- many can't.  Don't waste your breath on these folks- they are simply not worth your time.

The reality is this- I'm not willing to compromise for anyone but my husband or child.  So to all the naysayers, I have this to say-

I am so very happy with Me.  I know who I am and I like myself.  I'm not changing.

I have a fulfilling marriage.  My husband and I are happy with how our marriage operates.  

My child is awesome.  He's happy and healthy and he's pretty funny too!  Your parenting advice is not needed or wanted.

If you can't respect the choices that my husband and I have made to parent, educate and raise our child then you have no place in our lives.

And to all you fellow Homeschooling Moms and to all the Traditional Housewives- listen up!  Be yourself and screw anyone who doesn't like it.  Be happy in your marriage and confident in your decision to homeschool.  Once you do this, no one can hurt you.  Happiness comes from within and no one can touch that!

Betty Crocker Chili

I'm not even kidding- this is Ms. Betty's very own chili recipe.  Circa- the 1950's straight out of the big red book that all our Mama's and Grandmama's have.  And it's our favorite.  Super simple, easy to make, filling and SO good.

I have doubled the recipe so there's enough for leftovers the next day.  This will feed a normal family of 4 for one meal and enough for lunch the next day.  Perfect!  I have pretty much left it as is- although I do add more chili powder & 1 extra can of kidney beans- adjust to suit your own tastes.  Enjoy!

Chili Ingredients

Betty Crocker Chili

2 lbs organic grass fed ground beef
2 cans organic kidney beans
2 cans condensed tomato soup
1 large onion, diced
4 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
6 tablespoons flour
6 tablespoons water

Cook the ground beef and onions and drain the fat when done cooking.

Mix the chili powder, salt, flour and water in a small bowl.  This will create a "paste".  Add this paste to the ground beef and onion mixture and allow to thicken- should take just a couple minutes.

Mix & Add to the Beef & Onions

Finally, add the condensed tomato soup and your canned kidney beans.  Side note- I usually cook with ALL organic ingredients.  However for this chili recipe, my family personally prefers the taste of the Campbell's condensed tomato soup.  I know....I know...but until I can find a similiar substitution, this is what I use.

Add Beans & Soup 

Simmer on low, as in- super duper low, for at least 1 hour.  The longer, the better!

Serve with tortilla chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, green onion- whatever your heart desires!

A Morning Checklist for Traditional Wives

Looking for ways to improve your marriage?  Striving for peace and happiness in general?  Well, have I got the perfect "to-do" list for you!

Below is a list of things that I aim to do every morning.  In the last couple years- these small things have made a big difference in my own marriage.  My husband and I are closer now then we ever have been.  We are content, happy and satisfied in our marriage.  What more could you ask for?


7 Things Every Traditional Wife Should Do Before Your Husband Leaves for Work

• Start Your Morning with a Kiss.  You may feel silly if your spouse is still asleep.  But trust me- this will make YOU feel closer and more connected to THEM.  So walk your butt around to the other side of the bed and give them a sweet peck on the cheek.  It's worth it.
• Do Something Nice for Your Spouse.  Bring them a coffee in bed, or hang up the bath towels that never got put away last night.  Make the bed for them or lay out their work uniform.  The idea here is to do something nice and unexpected- just because.
• Eat Breakfast Together.  This last year I finally started making my husband a hot meal before work.  Don't ask me why I never did before...I just didn't.  However, I have really come to appreciate that quiet moment over the breakfast table.  Our son has usually eaten already and is off playing or reading- so it's just my husband and I.  It's the best!
• Snuggle in Bed a Little Longer.  Wake yourself up a few minutes earlier then normal and spend the time cuddling with your spouse.  A few minutes at the very beginning of the day can set the whole tone for the rest of the day.  Start it off right!
• Pack Them a Lunch and Include a Sweet Surprise.  I always make my husband a lunch for work because if I don't do it- then he simply won't eat lunch.  But having the same thing day in and day out can get boring.  So I try to switch it up and at least once or twice per week I will include something unexpected.  His favorite licorice, a love note or even "I Love You" written in sharpie on his sandwich bag.  Take a few extra minutes to make their day special.
• Start the Day With a Cheerful and Clean House.  I am usually the first one up and downstairs in the morning.  I have a ritual- open all the curtains, turn on the lights, light a few candles, pick up any dogs toys and other items left out from the previous day and sit down to a cup of coffee.  By the time my husband comes downstairs- the house is light and bright and the smells of breakfast are drifting through the air.  Who wouldn't want to wake up to that?
• Send your Spouse to Work with a Lingering Kiss and a Warm Embrace.  Even if you've had an argument the previous day, your super tired, not feeling well- whatever.  Just do it!  Now this may seem like a pretty obvious thing- but you'd be surprised how many married people I know that don't do this.  So if you do nothing else on this list- do this one.

Seems pretty easy, right?  It's truly amazing what a few simple tasks in the morning can accomplish in your marriage.  And really- you don't NEED to be a Traditional Wife in order to do these things.  Anyone can- the idea here is that you do it.  Make your spouse feel valued and treasured- there's no better feeling in the world!

Related Posts

• Marriage- A Traditional Housewife
• How a Traditional Wife Can Support Her Husband
• Guidelines in the Running of Your Home

The NO Grocery Store Shopping Challenge

If you're like me- chances are you shop at the grocery store weekly.  I used to go every other week but since we've changed our diet and started eating many more fresh items, I find myself there every week.

Now every few months or so, my family does what we call- the NO grocery store challenge.  It's pretty simple really- just skip one of your regular weekly trips to the grocery store.  The challenge is that you must eat only the foods in your fridge, freezer or pantry.

The benefits to doing this are HUGE!

The main reason for doing this challenge is of course financial.  By skipping a regular weekly trip to the grocery store, you are not spending the weekly grocery money as you normally would.  For me, this is roughly $150.  If I can- I try to put this money into our savings.  But let's say that you had some unexpected car problems or a medical bill that needs to be paid.  This is a great, simple way to "earn" a little money for those unexpected bills.  I also do this challenge when my paycheck is a little less then what it should be or if we need a little extra money for Christmas or my son's birthday.

My family also does this challenge before we leave for a vacation.  Mainly because we want to use up all the food in the house so it doesn't spoil while we are gone.  Added bonus- I don't feel so guilty about eating all the cheese!  And also- we can then add this savings to our vacation fund.  Now that's pretty awesome!

Another wonderful benefit to doing the NO Grocery Store Challenge is that it's FUN!  Seriously, my son loves when we do this!  We eat things we don't normally eat and meals can get pretty creative- especially towards the end of the week!  A favorite in our house is called "Snack Night".  Basically, we eat cheese and crackers, the last couple pickles in the jar, some leftovers that have been sitting in the fridge, the last of the chips & salsa and I might pop some popcorn.  And Snack Night wouldn't be complete unless we set up a card table and ate it in the living room while watching TV- just like I used to do growing up.  Ah- think of all the fun memories!

Finally- the last benefit to doing this challenge is that it's a great time to use up some less then desirable items that you've had sitting in your fridge, freezer or pantry for far too long.  Big chunk of roast with just a little freezer burn?  How about that double batch of Lentil Meatloaf that was less then tasty?  Two cans of mismatched soup that are about to expire?  You get the idea here- it's time to clean out your food supplies and get creative!

I recommend doing the NO Grocery Store Challenge at least every six months.  My family averages it about every 3 months or so- but I guarantee you that once you start, you'll be hooked!