Wednesday, August 20, 2014

SAHM Turned Working Mom Woes

I can honestly say that I love being home with my children. I love my children being home. It saddens me for summer to come to an end. I would be perfectly happy being here to taxi, help and support my children every minute of the day.I just happen to love them that much.I enjoy being home to greet Daddy, be of service to my family by cleaning, ironing, preparing dinner in a timely manner and having it on the table when Daddy gets home from work ( I rarely enjoy cooking but enjoy the blessing of caring for my family), serving dinner and all of the love, joy and not so pleasant chores that come along with being a SAHM.

However,  I feel that my family will benefit by my employment. I do work from home, offer craft sells, freelance writing and virtual assistance to clients. I feel that until, if and or when the profits if these endeavors outweigh the income and insurance opportunities that my new job will offer, I need to have a little extra income. I believe that in a few weeks, I'll fall into the routine and pleasure of receiving extra income to support my family. In about a month, I should be working part time only three days a week (hopefully while the children are in school.) If everything goes as planned, I should also become a substitute teacher while pursuing a full time position next year. I would like to be on my children's schedule one year from now as a primary goal. I intend to be in a teaching position by then (possibly while working seasonally in my new current position.)

So, that is the plan fir this SAHM turned Working Mother. Now for the woes. I do not enjoy mornings, even if I'm up with the children anyway to get ready for school. When you have to be somewhere on a particular schedule,  someone else's schedule aka a job, it just makes the morning seem worse.In addition, I have a thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, fibro myalgia and that amongst other health circumstances lend to restlessness, trouble falling asleep, fatigue, broken sleep and not to mention parenting. One of my children rarely sleeps through the night. In fact, said child was three before sleeping through the first night. So, I clearly am not a morning person.

I began my first day of work yesterday. I had trouble sleeping the night before. I awoke at 5:30 a.m. for the day.I got everyone off to school and went to work. I had an eight hiur orientation. I was so incredibly nervous. The daywas interesting and a bit fun at times.However,  I was drained.I was exhausted. I wanted/needed a nap. I had to climb .steps up and down, up and down, up and down in dress shoes. I didn't bring enough money for lunch. The worst part of my day would be the walking tour through a busy overpopulated area in the heat of the day, in dress clothes and shoes,  wearing black head to toe and in the sun with triple digits. To top it off,  at the end of the day, I was overheated, had a headache and a blister on my ankle.  I learned later that both ankles had deep broken
open blisters.

I am now on schedule for training. I'll work full time for three weeks on a kess than desirable schedule in reference to both time and days. It's going to be a rough month.I am looking forward to working part time eventually. So, there are my woes.Am I complaining?  Yes, I am!

I did have a few positive outcomes of my first day. I surprisingly and unexpectedly got off of work at the same time as the Daddy! We are working at the same company. I had the pleasure of going both to and from work with him. He even walked me to my orientation. I thought that was really sweet. I like that we are working at the same company. I also understand that I'll be receiving an intriguing perk. They are actually going to give me money too. I am looking forward to a paycheck!  SAHM are underpayed. Cheers to finally starting work after two months of waiting for my first day.

Monday, August 18, 2014

The First Day of School 2014 Round One

With a big family,  a variety of personalities and learning styles our children are attending several schools based upon individual interest and needs. So, one lady began school last week, one will begin tomorrow,  one will begin next week, one starts college in the spring and two began today. Our Senior and First grader began their 2014-2015 school year today.


Yay! We have a first grader!

Unfortunately,  mandatory school uniforms in this neck of the southern woods.





Seniors Rule!


Good-luck Miss.J. and Mr.K

This is the 14th year that we have had children in school and now 12 more to go . wow . It's like starting over!

My Budget Train Detailed Derailed

If my bank account and budget was a train, it would have derailed and exploded. A brief history lesson,  I grew up in a somewhat middle class at best family. My mother always worked hard and her efforts were spoiled by an alcoholic husband. She always worked hard and sacrificed for her family. This was a stepfather and not worth writing much about. When I was fourteen,  my mom met my Dad ( stepfather but my Dad.A wonderful man) Anyway, Dad had health problems but was a hard worker and encouraged my mom to become a stay home mom. We were absolutely delighted and loved her being home.They had a small business and did well, not rich, but we always had what we needed and we were fed and happy. We truly loved mom being at home!

Fast forward,  I grow up go to school while working 60 odd hours a week and marry at 21. My husband haf a great work ethic. We were doing well. If we wanted to go out big deal, we went out. If we wanted this or that we usually got it. We planned a baby and were blessed with a little lady when I was 24. I stayed home until she was in school because I wanted to be the person to raise my child.I loved my mom being home and wanted that for Miss.J. We loet income and I contemplated returning to work when she was a little bigger but with the average expenses for clothing, gas, child care and so forth,  it was a waste of money for meto work. So eveventually, it was time to work but unfortunately,  this time was matched with the unexpected loss of my husband. Unfortunately, this meant that working would not enhance our family income but become necessary. I worked and cared for my daughter as a young widow.It was a trying time to say the least. Fast forward and life took an interesting but life changing direction again, as life's curve balls usually do. An unexpected turn of events found a six year old family member in need of a foster home placement. Two years later, I became the adoptive mother of this little girl and her newborn brother. so, within 2 1/2 years of losing my husband,  I was now a widow with three children. After a maternity leave of eight months, I returned to work but quickly learned that my son's health management would be a full time endeavor. Due to health problems relating to fetal exposure to drugs and alcohol,  my son would need around the clock care. When he came home from the hospital, I was informed to not expect him to see his first birthday. (Happy to report he's a thriving wonderful seven year old!) I had to stop working to care for Mr.K. So, we've been on a tight budget with little room for fun!

So, with having to juggle a thin budget, I've learned to be creative . I'm always looking for ways to save money. This January,  I wrote iut a budget. It was going pretty well. At least, the bills were getting paid and beginning to pay down debt. We relocated at the beginning of summer to an area that we have been interested in. I personally would love to leave this state but I'm out voted, yet once again.  So, I've decided to try to "Bloom Where I am
Planted!" ( Quote Author unknown to me.)

So, now that summer is winding down, our fall schedules will begin. I decided that now thatMr.K. wwill be starting the first grade that it's time for me to go back to work . I've piddled here and there to make extra money with online endeavors including blog jobs, freelance writing, an Etsy shop and craft shows. However, I'd like to continue my odd jobs with a stable income to speak of. It's incredibly hard to budget when the income is tight. So, as I learn to pay down debt, save money and save for important occasios, this novice beginner of learning to coupon,  save and so firth, I'd like to invite you along to share experiences. People feel to share your wisdom.

Time to get this derailed budget and financial house in order. (I Hope.)


Blue Skies ahead? I think I see some bumps ahead?