Working Moms Club

[Gwyn]

Hello!
I just thought with all the different clubs on this Forum it would be nice to have some thing for us that are working to discuss and help each other. May be share an idea or two.

I for one could sure use help in the home organizing and cleaning department.

Being a “Working Mum” makes life fun and hectic.

In my case it involves waking up at 4.30 get things done from preparing meals, packing lunches, laundry, unloading dishwasher, breakfast ready …shower, wake DS up and out the door to catch the 7.45 train. On the train, have prayer time before I get to work. Evening it is dinner and then sit with DS’s homework, then piano, bath for DS and put him to bed ( Yikes most days it is bed for me as well). Weekends is when we really catchup with the housework and other stuff.

 

[theresa]

I have 6 kids and work very part-time at a pediatric clinic. I worked full time until I had my first child, then went part time when she was one yr. old. After my third child, I quit for a year, then got a great deal at a hospital working a weekend package while my husband was going to law school. I worked weekends until after I had my fifth child and went prn (as needed) at the clinic where I presently work. Now my 6th baby is in first grade and I work part time. It does make life hectic but I enjoy the fact that I’ve always been able to supplement my husband’s income. He now has his own law practice and things are tight financially but God has always taken care of us. We have worked hard to support our family without the luxury of having family members nearby to help us out with child care. It sure makes us independent but we have great friends who have helped out in a pinch.

 

[Gwyn]

Welcome Theresa! My DS is in Grade 1 as well.

 

[LSK]

As the grown up kid of a working mom, I need to SALUTE you BOTH…and let you know that your hard work will pay off. My mom is the much beloved matriarch of her family. Today she lives with me, cares for my brother’s children, is 84 and looks 64, cares for my little fur children (including my little sick scotty - Roddy McDuff who is going through chemo right now) and we think she is the greatest thing since sliced bread and pockets.

So…I know you probably sometimes feel like you are meeting yourselves coming in the door but I wanted you to know that there are some grown up kids out here that watched their moms DO IT ALL and we think our moms are THE BEST!!!:clapping:

 

[scanj05]

I am so glad that there is this Thread. I always here about stay home moms and I always think am I the only one the works. I have three children 8,6 ( she has Cp), and 1 year old. IT is crazy at times, because I am also going to school. Some how though us women just get what we need to get done.

God Bless you all

 

[Gwyn]

Thanks Leslie! Bless your mom. Hope Roddy feels better soon.

Well, I was just thinking about what shortcuts, I use to make my life easier. For one, I use a lot of frozen veggies (okra, asparagus, spianch, oriental veggie mix…) - same nutritional value, minus the cleaning and cutting . Housecleaning as and when. On PD days and days off, I would rather be with DS at the Science centre or zoo or museum - housework can wait. Also I occassionally pop a store bought frozen lasagna or fishermans pie in the oven, and spend time with DS (doing an activity or craft) than prepare a meal . DH helps on weekends with the vacuuming and some of his laundry. I detest ironing so the fact that he irons his own shirts is great:thumbsup: .

When I think back I wonder, how my Mom did it, she was a teacher. Dad was in Iraq and only came home at Christmas time, and Mom managed with us girls. Of course, in India we had a servant that came in to do all the housework. Though Mom did a create job raising us - May her soul rest in Peace.

 

[Anonymous]

This is a ME ME ME post, or more accurately, a HIM HIM HIM post, but I am due. Whenever I touted my husband on “working mom” threads, the main issue was if women should work outside the home or not. My posts were generally ignored. I hope this one is not. I thought this would be the place where a Working Mom could brag about her SAH husband.

While I work, my husband nurtures our toddler, does the housework, cuts the firewood, restores and sells a car or a motorcycle here and there, takes the kids to the doctor’s, does some of the laundry (I won’t let him touch mine~lol), makes home repairs and improvements as well as automotive care and maintenance…everything from new brakes to new motors, is on call for my elderly parents who live a few minutes away, mows, opens and closes our above ground, builds shelves and bookcases for our home, designs and builds things from metal to sell locally and donate to church sales, gardens, fixes things like VCR’s and washing machines so we get our money’s worth and then some, cuts trees limbs, does ceptic work (saved us over a thousand dollars this past summer), installs new windows, roofs…I am not kidding. This list goes ON AND ON AND ON! Right now he is installing a claw foot tub he found and bought for a song and a dance. Installation-Free.

What do I do? I teach in the public school system. I love it. I cook each evening, which I enjoy. The highlight of my day is joining my family around the dinner table and then relaxing with my husband and the children. I help with housework on the weekends.

I am in paradise and have been for 17 years now.

The drawback is we have to cut corners. I posted a BOOK on how to do that here on this site. I am the queen of savings. We do without a LOT but not without love and time together.

Can I still join? Do I qualify?

 

[LSK]

I remember my mom used to do a lot of meat cookin’ when we were growing up…she said it was healthy, and easy to do…also she said the person who invented the crock pot should be cannonized.

 

[Gwyn]

Anonymous:

This is a ME ME ME post, or more accurately, a HIM HIM HIM post, but I am due. Whenever I touted my husband on “working mom” threads, the main issue was if women should work outside the home or not. My posts were generally ignored. I hope this one is not. I thought this would be the place where a Working Mom could brag about her SAH husband.

While I work, my husband nurtures our toddler, does the housework, cuts the firewood, restores and sells a car or a motorcycle here and there, takes the kids to the doctor’s, does some of the laundry (I won’t let him touch mine~lol), makes home repairs and improvements as well as automotive care and maintenance…everything from new brakes to new motors, is on call for my elderly parents who live a few minutes away, mows, opens and closes our above ground, builds shelves and bookcases for our home, designs and builds things from metal to sell locally and donate to church sales, gardens, fixes things like VCR’s and washing machines so we get our money’s worth and then some, cuts trees limbs, does ceptic work (saved us over a thousand dollars this past summer), installs new windows, roofs…I am not kidding. This list goes ON AND ON AND ON! Right now he is installing a claw foot tub he found and bought for a song and a dance. Installation-Free.

What do I do? I teach in the public school system. I love it. I cook each evening, which I enjoy. The highlight of my day is joining my family around the dinner table and then relaxing with my husband and the children. I help with housework on the weekends.

I am in paradise and have been for 17 years now.

The drawback is we have to cut corners. I posted a BOOK on how to do that here on this site. I am the queen of savings. We do without a LOT but not without love and time together.

Can I still join? Do I qualify?

Of course you can and welcome! and pat on the back to hubby - not many SAHD out there.

 

[Gwyn]

LSK:

I remember my mom used to do a lot of meat cookin’ when we were growing up…she said it was healthy, and easy to do…also she said the person who invented the crock pot should be cannonized.

Funny - I can remmember my Mom always peeling garlic to make garlic ginger paste as she used in in all the meat cooking - we too had a lot of meat (YUM)

 

[Anonymous]

Gwyn:

Of course you can and welcome! and pat on the back to hubby - not many SAHD out there.

Indeed! Isn’t it ironic that I am the “working” mom? Ah, we all know it takes two.

Thanks!

 

[Giannawannabe]

Gwyn:

Hello!
I just thought with all the different clubs on this Forum it would be nice to have some thing for us that are working to discuss and help each other. May be share an idea or two.

I for one could sure use help in the home organizing and cleaning department.

Being a “Working Mum” makes life fun and hectic.

In my case it involves waking up at 4.30 get things done from preparing meals, packing lunches, laundry, unloading dishwasher, breakfast ready …shower, wake DS up and out the door to catch the 7.45 train. On the train, have prayer time before I get to work. Evening it is dinner and then sit with DS’s homework, then piano, bath for DS and put him to bed ( Yikes most days it is bed for me as well). Weekends is when we really catchup with the housework and other stuff.

Hi Gwyn!! I hope I can join…I only work parttime, but I’m plenty busy with 3 kids and extracurricular things going on!!

I have to second the crock pot thing!! I love mine–especially during the Winter and Fall months. It’s so nice to come home to a hot meal.

Also, I try to organize major cleaning tasks by day. For example:

Monday–dusting
Tuesday–clean bathtub and sinks
Wednesday–clean frig

You get the idea. That way nothing “piles up”. I hope you get more members. I’d love to hear other ideas for organizing!!

 

[kwitz]

I’m a teacher so I always say I have the best of both worlds. I’m bringing home a much needed paycheck plus I’m usually still able to be around when my children need me - they’re 13 and 16. It’s not easy to work outside of the home. Sometimes, I think I’m doing a terrible job. What helps me is to realize that as of now, my 16 year old wants to be a teacher. I have to assume she didn’t think being raised by a teacher (who teaches at the high school she attends!!) was such a terrible thing.

My best tip is freezer cook. I’m planning to cook this Saturday with a friend. We’ll spend about 6 hours and hopefully, we’ll have about 30 entrees and 15 side dishes in the freezer waiting for me to use for the next 2 months. I highly recommend the website www.30daygourmet.com if you’re interested in more info or ask me for details.

Kris

 

[Viki59]

Giannawannabe:

I’d love to hear other ideas for organizing!!

My lifesaver website is www.flylady.com.
Fifteen minutes at a time cleans the house.
I work ten hours a day, which is too much, I’m trying to cut down to four days a week. My kids are learning to clean their rooms, but we have a ways to go. But I’m so proud of my daughter, who just turned nine and sewed the curtains for her room by hand, with a little help.
The most important part of my day is praying with my kids and reading to them at bedtime. When that gets missed I feel cheated.

 

[Gwyn]

scanj05:

I am so glad that there is this Thread. I always here about stay home moms and I always think am I the only one the works. I have three children 8,6 ( she has Cp), and 1 year old. IT is crazy at times, because I am also going to school. Some how though us women just get what we need to get done.

God Bless you all

Welcome scanj05!
Awesome, I worked fulltime and went to university at nights. Though that was pre-marriage and son. I do not think I could do it now.

 

[Gwyn]

Giannawannabe:

Hi Gwyn!! I hope I can join…I only work parttime, but I’m plenty busy with 3 kids and extracurricular things going on!!

I have to second the crock pot thing!! I love mine–especially during the Winter and Fall months. It’s so nice to come home to a hot meal.

Also, I try to organize major cleaning tasks by day. For example:

Monday–dusting
Tuesday–clean bathtub and sinks
Wednesday–clean frig

You get the idea. That way nothing “piles up”. I hope you get more members. I’d love to hear other ideas for organizing!!

Welcome giannawanabe! You sure are organized. I tried that and never followed through, of course that is me.

 

[Gwyn]

kwitz:

I’m a teacher so I always say I have the best of both worlds. I’m bringing home a much needed paycheck plus I’m usually still able to be around when my children need me - they’re 13 and 16. It’s not easy to work outside of the home. Sometimes, I think I’m doing a terrible job. What helps me is to realize that as of now, my 16 year old wants to be a teacher. I have to assume she didn’t think being raised by a teacher (who teaches at the high school she attends!!) was such a terrible thing.

My best tip is freezer cook. I’m planning to cook this Saturday with a friend. We’ll spend about 6 hours and hopefully, we’ll have about 30 entrees and 15 side dishes in the freezer waiting for me to use for the next 2 months. I highly recommend the website www.30daygourmet.com if you’re interested in more info or ask me for details.
Kris

Welcome kwitz! It is amazing how kids follow in their parents footsteps. I come from a family of teachers ( I am the odd one). My Mom, 2 aunts, sister, cousins… all teachers. Before DS was born I taught part-time evenings at a college for 3 years. DH has been trying to talk me into geting my teacher certification since I am always upset about not having enough time with DS and wanting to quit working.
Will check the website. I tend to do a once a week cooking.

 

[Gwyn]

Viki59:

My lifesaver website is www.flylady.com.
Fifteen minutes at a time cleans the house.
I work ten hours a day, which is too much, I’m trying to cut down to four days a week. My kids are learning to clean their rooms, but we have a ways to go. But I’m so proud of my daughter, who just turned nine and sewed the curtains for her room by hand, with a little help.
The most important part of my day is praying with my kids and reading to them at bedtime. When that gets missed I feel cheated.

Welcome Viki59.
I did try fly lady a few years back and the emails drove me bonkers.
Awesome that the kids help out. Can I borrow your DD - I bought fabric over a year ago to do some curtains and it is still in the bag waiting for me to get to it.
I too, love our routine of bath, bedtime reading, bible reading and night prayers. This we started when DS was a baby. Only time it gets missed is if we go out to someones house and then DS says his prayers in the car and falls asleep.

 

[sunnygirl807]

Hello all,

While reading the previous post, I realized I should not complain about my day-to-day tasks. I just have one son and you all are managing with multiple children. I, too, get up early to prepare breakfast, get ready for work before my son wakes up. Then help him get ready–which is a job within itself b/c of the morning cartoons. Drop him off at school between 8:45-9:00. Somehow I manage to drive to work (35minutes from his school) in under 20 minutes so I won’t be too late for for work. Come home after working 8+ hours and cook and clean, help w/ homework, go to boy scouts meetings or soccer games.

It is by the grace of GOD that we have the energy and sanity to perform these motherly duties day after day.

On another note, how do you deal with school activities and after-school sports? I am a office manager of a dental office and can’t take off for every thing my son (age 7) participates in. How can I explain this to him?

 

[Gwyn]

sunnygirl807:

Hello all,

While reading the previous post, I realized I should not complain about my day-to-day tasks. I just have one son and you all are managing with multiple children. I, too, get up early to prepare breakfast, get ready for work before my son wakes up. Then help him get ready–which is a job within itself b/c of the morning cartoons. Drop him off at school between 8:45-9:00. Somehow I manage to drive to work (35minutes from his school) in under 20 minutes so I won’t be too late for for work. Come home after working 8+ hours and cook and clean, help w/ homework, go to boy scouts meetings or soccer games.

It is by the grace of GOD that we have the energy and sanity to perform these motherly duties day after day.

On another note, how do you deal with school activities and after-school sports? I am a office manager of a dental office and can’t take off for every thing my son (age 7) participates in. How can I explain this to him?

Welcome Sunnygirl807
I too have only one DS who is 6. And find it very hard explaining why I cannot go with his class on field trips. When he was younger, in daycare, I used to take vacation days and go on all the trips, though now have to save those for PD days and MarchBreak and Christmas time… OF course I try my best to attend all his activities and shows. But it is hard.