Hello!...An Update

 

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It's been nearly two months since I've posted on this blog.  And well today seemed as good of a day as any to write something ;)  Last December, I wrote about losing my job of 12 years and quickly moving on to a new company.  I felt very blessed, especially in these current economic times, to have found a new job so quickly.  While it was indeed a blessing (more money than unemployment plus benefits), the job itself was not a good fit for me.  I discovered this fairly quickly - like Day 3 of my six-week training!  The company as a whole was great, the people even better, but the job itself was not a good fit.  As a working home keeper, family and home are my top priority.  Any job outside of the home has to not interfere with or impede my ability to take care of my family and home.  So, even though I had only been employed there for a very short period of time, moving on was the best course of action for me.

My Daddy always said, never quit a job before you've secured another one.  My husband also shares this mindset.  Though stressful, I continued to work while quietly looking for other opportunities.  After submitting many resumes and much prayer, I was offered and accepted a position with another organization at the beginning of this month!  Maybe I'm in a honeymoon phase right now, but this new job is wonderful!  My new coworkers have been so nice and welcoming.  The culture is casual yet professional.  The job itself is less stressful, better hours, shorter commute, more $$$ and it's secretarial work - my forte!  Most importantly, it allows me to keep the focus on my family without being consumed and distracted by the stresses of work.

For the first time in several months, all is well :)

Mary Ellen

ps.  When I'm not blogging, you can still find me on Twitter and Pinterest.

 

     

Stretching the Clothing Budget: Consignment Sales



As a working home keeper, earning two incomes does not mean spending two incomes!  We have a small, monthly cash allowance established to keep three growing children clothed.  One of my tools for stretching that allowance is consignment sales.  Recently, I shopped a new to me consignment sale in the area.  I always save my shopping for the last day of the sale, when most items are typically 50-75% off.  I also have the advantage of shopping for older children while most of the other shoppers are competing over infant/toddler clothing and accessories.

My game plan:  stick with the basics.  For the boys, I look for solid colors, simple patterns or plaids.  I avoid jeans and go for khakis (in navy blue, black or tan) and cords.  Polo shirts are always a good buy for a casual or semi-dressy look depending on the occasion. 





I love scoring uniform pants and shorts as they are durable.  But, look quite polished when ironed and creased. 

 

 



I keep my eyes out for bigger name brands (like my gone but not forgotten favorite, Talbots Kids), but also adore brands like Old Navy and Cherokee.  No character clothing -  unless it's an absolute favorite and $1 or less.  But, favorite sports teams are a buy (especially at a good price!).



 For girl's clothing:  pretty, sweet, feminine, age-appropriate and modest in length and neckline.  Nothing too dark in nature or too flashy.  No characters (though Ashleigh is beyond that age now).  But, always room for a little fun (like leopard print pajamas with pink trim and sparkly buttons!).  Plus, Daddy is always there to offer a discerning eye.  Giving the veto to anything he doesn't feel is appropriate or a good value.

I'm already excited for the Fall sale!

Mary Ellen          

Snow Day!

Given the option to come into training late and review materials or stay at home and enjoy a snow day, I choose the latter - and better - option!

 The snow was too powdery for a snowman, but still fun nonetheless

My angels making snow angels

Reedy's gigantic snowball

Even Sheba Kitty braved the elements (briefly!)

The boys made snow pies

After fun in the snow, it was back inside for popcorn (our traditional snow day snack) and homemade hot chocolate

Snowflake decorated cupcakes {sort of - Ashleigh & I are still getting the hang of our new decorating pen!}

Cheers to snow day!

Mary Ellen

Happy Birthday Ashleigh!

Coupon Organization for the Working Home Keeper

 

 

Quick coupon organization tip for busy working home keepers:  instead of clipping, date coupon inserts and file away in plastic sleeves.  When creating your shopping list, just clip coupons as needed!  After years of couponing (with varying intensity), when I'm looking at the new sales for the week, I pretty much know which items may have corresponding coupons {max savings = store sales + coupons + double/triple promotion (if available in your area)}.  If you don't have time to create your own match-ups, there are tons of resources available.  All the work is done for you; just clip and shop!  A few of my favorites are Money Saving Mom, Southern Savers and local blogs like SmartShopper and  Centsible Saver.  And remember, couponing is not just about food.  I cook mostly from scratch, with a focus on local and/or organic/organically-grown.  I find couponing helpful for saving on non-food items like pet food, cleaning and health & beauty products.

 

Mary Ellen   



She Gone...and God is Good!

 

 

After 12 years with my current employer, my position was officially eliminated yesterday.  I was notified of the decision six weeks ago.  But, have been unable to speak publicly about it due to a confidentiality agreement.  So, it wasn't a complete shock.  Even the day I was told, it wasn't upsetting.  I was happy and excited.  Happy that at least temporarily, I would be at home full-time immersed in my true purpose and calling - caring for my family and home.  And, excited about the new opportunities awaiting me.  You can't accept new opportunities and blessings by holding onto the past.  From my perspective, losing my job was only a positive.

 

When one door closes, another one opens. 

 

On Wednesday (the day before my position ended), I had my first interview.  Today, I was extended a verbal offer from the company.  My new position will start mid-January!  

 

God is Good! 

 

Mary Ellen

 

 

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Sunshine Mary on Lazy Housewives

One of my favorite bloggers, Sunshine Mary, has a post on the matter of lazy housewives.  A big thank you to SSM for giving mention to The Working Home Keeper blog.  And no, she doesn't fancy me the lazy variety of housewife!  Lots of good discussion in the comments as well, so be sure to check it out.

If you're visiting from Sunshine Mary - welcome to my little blog!  Make yourself at home and have a look around.  Here is a bit of explanation about the blog:

Why a homemaking blog for working moms?  Don't they all have maid services and feed their families from drive-thrus?

While there are plenty of blogs and work-life balance sites focused on the "work" aspect of working motherhood, few focus on home.  I wanted to create a space to encourage working mothers in their most important job and purpose - caring for their families and homes.  The focus should always be homeward regardless of employment status.  I'm proud to say the readership of the blog is not just working mothers, but homemakers, stay-at-home moms, work-at-home moms.  All who share a love for home and family.

So, why even work outside of the home?  Why not be a stay-at-home mom or full-time homemaker?

While I cannot answer for all working moms, I can speak for our situation.  In our marriage, my husband has the final say on all major decisions.  Having one income or two is one of those major decisions.  My husband felt the best way I could support him in my role as helpmeet, was to bring in additional income.  At some point, that may change.  But for now, I aim towards contentment in my role as a working home keeper.

What about the costs associated with working?

There are costs associated with working outside of the home.  However, we try to live frugally and well below our means.  We have been fortunate to avoid childcare expenses by having my mother live with us.  She has been living with us since our oldest child was four months old.  In addition to the child care savings, having a multi-generational home has been a great experience.  Our work clothes are thrifted, lunches packed and meals cooked from scratch.  We also live debt-free except for our mortgage (which is on track to be paid off completely in less than 10 years). 


In short, that is a bit about the blog!  Now, I have to get back to the kitchen.  It's a cold day and I have a pot of 12 bean soup on the stove and homemade French bread baking in the oven.  Till next time!

Mary Ellen

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Some Days...

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

-John 16:33

 

 

This morning, my boss called me into his office.  As I mentioned before, I felt strongly changes were coming.  I was informed our department would be going from three members to two.  My co-worker was notified this morning that her position was terminated.  It was not unexpected, but still very hard to hear.  She was the first to welcome me to the company many years ago, even though we didn't work together at the time.  Her presence will be missed.  As I was still trying to process the changes within our department, another bit of office news brought me to tears.  A former co-worker, who has been battling cancer, has been moved to a hospice facility.  At one point in his treatment, things were moving in a positive direction.  The outlook was very good.  But, recently things took a turn for the worse.  A recent MRI showed an aggressive growth of the cancer in his brain and spine.  My heart aches thinking about his wife and two very young boys.  Those boys need their Dad.  His wife needs her husband.  You shouldn't have to think about widowhood in your thirties.  You think about your kids going to college, them getting married, having grandchildren and settling into retired life.  That's how it is supposed to go...

 

Mary Ellen

Where is the Working Home Keeper?

Hello, All!  First, thank you for the 13th Anniversary wishes!  The Mr. & I had a wonderful night out together while my oldest sister and Momma watched the kids.  Seems like just yesterday, we were two kids in love walking around campus.  Hard to believe we've been married now for over a decade :)

It was not my intention to let the blog sit idle for a month.  But, in all honesty, I would rather live life and be fully present in the moment, than blog about it sometimes.  Terrible strategy for running a successful blog.  But, pretty good strategy for enjoying life :)

So, what have we been up to? 



We ended the Summer with a trip to Wrightsville Beach.  It was only a few days, but it was the most glorious few days.  My soul just feels so at ease by the water.  The sound of the waves, the smell of the salt in the air, the sun warming my skin. 

 



The kids had a really good time in the water this year.  They would go straight from splashing in the waves at the beach to playing in the hotel pool until closing time. 

 

Blue Crab Omelet at Causeway Café, Wrightsville Beach

 



The food - delicious!  Nothing like dining by the ocean in the evening.  Or enjoying lunch dockside as the boats pull in.

 

Clayton not so excited about the first day of school!



But, real life beckoned and we left our beach paradise just in time for the start of school.  This year, Ashleigh started 5th grade, Clayton 3rd grade and Reed 1st grade.  This is also the last year all three kids will be attending the same school.  I'm so not ready for middle school!  Or this 3 day, 2 night field trip Ashleigh will be taking to Washington DC with the 5th grade class in the Spring.  We never did anything like that when I was in school!  Thankfully, my Mother-in-law will be chaperoning.  But as far as school is concerned, so far so good.  All the kids have great teachers this year and there's been no problems (thank God!). 

 

Ashleigh on patrol!



And, Miss Ashleigh is a member of the safety patrol this year!  The safety patrol is for 5th graders only.  Ashleigh applied at the end of last school year (without any prompting from us).  And, was approved based on grades, demonstrating positive character traits and recommendations from her 4th grade teachers.  So proud of that girl!

Work is work ;)  Dave is entering a busy time at his job, while mine seems a bit uncertain.  I think there will be changes, but it's uncertain exactly what that will mean for individuals within my department at this time.  I could end up a working home keeper "at home" for a time.  The thought of losing my job doesn't worry me because my joy is not tied to my work outside of the home.  My purpose in life and joy has always come from being a wife and mother.  As long as I don't lose that job, then I'll be okay!



Speaking of home, we've been busy with some home improvement projects.  We replaced the flooring in our sunroom, will be replacing the carpet in our family room (hopefully before Thanksgiving) and will start repainting our foyer to make it brighter and more inviting.  I started my Fall garden in early September by means of direct seed.  In retrospect, that was probably too ambitious for my level of gardening knowledge!  My tender seedlings were eaten up by slugs and/or crushed by one of our kitties who has taken to lying in my garden squares.  Thankfully, the weather here is still mild and the first frost date far enough away that a Fall Garden Part II (this time with transplants!) is still possible.  I have to plant some kale and spinach for all those green smoothies we've been drinking.  Even my Momma has taken to drinking a green smoothie each morning! 

So, that's what we've been up to in a nutshell!

Until next time,

 

Mary Ellen

The Working Home Keeper

    

Sneaky Pete's - BOGO Offer!



While we've been enjoying a nice leisurely summer, it won't be too long before the school year starts again.  And that means packing lunches!  Last school year, I packed well over 150 lunches for the kids (give or take a few sick days!).  I take care to pack lunches which are healthy, filling and will give the kids energy throughout the day.  Thanks to the folks at Sneaky Pete's, I've found something new to add to the kids' lunch boxes that's good for them (which I love!) and tastes great (which the kids love!).





Sneaky Pete's is a refreshing, all natural, wheat-free, certified vegan fruit flavored beverage that packs 3 grams of fiber (as much as a bowl of oatmeal) with only 40 calories.  Sneaky Pete's contain no artificial colors or additives and is naturally sweetened using stevia extract, erythritol and evaporated cane juice.

So, how does it taste?  Great!  We tried Peach and Mango and enjoyed both flavors.  Smiles all around especially from the little ones!



To help you with packing lunches for your kids (or your work lunch!), Harris Teeter is currently offering an amazing 3 for $5 deal on all Sneaky Pete's oat beverages now through December.  For even more savings, enjoy this Buy One, Get One Free coupon courtesy of Sneaky Pete's!   

Enjoy!

Mary Ellen

Disclosure:  I was provided a coupon to sample Sneaky Pete's oat beverages.  All opinions are mine.



     

Patriotic Marshmallow Flags

 

 

 

A fun and festive project for the kids on the 4th - patriotic marshmallow flags!  I came across this cute idea as I was thumbing through an issue of Kraft Food & Family.  Start with the new Jet-Puffed StackerMallows (they're flatter than regular marshmallows).  

 

 

Using blue and red frosting tubes, draw the canton and stripes.  Then, add star-shaped sprinkles! 

 

 

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

 



 

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Last Day of Sale! I Can Teach My Child To Read

 

 

Today is the last day to get your copy of I Can Teach My Child To Read:  A 10-Step Guide For Parents for just $1.99.  Read my review here.  It's important to keep kids reading, even during Summer break.  Don't miss out on this valuable resource!

 

Mary Ellen

 

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{Book Review} - I Can Teach My Child To Read!

Our children love to read!  But, just as their personalities are unique, so to has been their journeys towards reading.  For Ashleigh, she took to reading in kindergarten and quickly excelled.  Clayton really hit his stride towards the end of first grade.  Now, Reed is making those beginning steps towards literacy.  To find ideas for strengthening Reed's abilities, I eagerly turned to I Can Teach My Child To Read!  A 10-Step Guide For Parents by Jenae Jacobson (of I Can Teach My Child).

I Can Teach My Child To Read is not a program or curriculum.  It is a guide which explains the components of reading and how to implement them into the daily lives of your children.  Jenae lays out ten strategies which can be put into practice right away.  She also presents activities which go beyond rote memorization to build reading skills.  In reading I Can Teach My Child To Read, I came away with ideas and strategies to not only help Reed, but to also support Ashleigh and Clayton in their stages of reading.  Like continuing to read aloud (even with my independent readers) and the questions to ask to aid in reading comprehension (which is the most important component of learning to read).

I Can Teach My Child To Read is a great resource for parents. Regardless of where your child is in the process of learning to read (even infancy), you will come away with beneficial strategies and resources to start them on the path of a life long love of reading!

Buy I Can Teach My Child To Read for $3.99  $1.99 through June 7th!

Mary Ellen

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In the Kitchen - Red, White & Blue Strawberries

 



The kids joined me in the kitchen for a fun Memorial Day treat - Red, White & Blue Strawberries!  I found the idea and recipe on Pinterest, of course!

 

Ashleigh & Reed dipping our strawberries in melted white chocolate

 

The strawberries set aside to harden after the first dipping

 

I didn't have the blue sprinkles as called for the recipe.  But, sugar mixed with a few drops of blue food coloring work just the same!

 

Clayton adding the blue sprinkles

 

After we finished dipping the strawberries, it seemed a shame to let the leftover melted chocolate go to waste.  So, I took some store bought crème filled cookies and dipped them in the white chocolate!

 

 

Waste not, want not :)

 

Happy Memorial Day!

Mary Ellen

Uncertainty

The last few months have been such a tumultuous season for our family.  Now, another curve ball has been thrown our way.  As you may know, my husband works for the State government.  Apparently, there is a measure before the State House of Representatives that would eliminate several positions within his department - including his.  Nothing is certain at this point as voting and such still needs to take place.  But, by the end of June, it's possible Dave would be out of a job.  We've walked this path before.  Even though I find myself fighting to hold back tears, I know we will persevere.

While this was completely unexpected, looking back over the last few weeks, I can see God's hand moving behind the scenes.  When my Mother was first hospitalized back in April with internal bleeding, we went into financial emergency mode.  Dave cut back some budget categories and directed the surplus to our emergency fund.  The thinking at the time was to have extra on hand should we need to find last minute summer care for the children.  So, we're already in financial storm cloud/bare budget/savings mode.  Just now, it's a different storm cloud!  And recently, I began feeling the need (call) to pray for my husband.  I've always prayed for my husband, my kids and our families.  But, this calling is different.  It's a call to pray with more intention specifically for my husband.  I'm constantly amazed at how God knows all our needs even before we become aware of them!

Mary Ellen

More Hospital Drama

Once again, my Mother is in the hospital.  This time, it was a scheduled procedure.  A bypass in her left leg to help increase blood flow and thus aid in the healing of the pyoderma gangrenosum wound.  Prior to the procedure, her doctor informed us she would need a one or two day stay in the hospital for recovery.  But, he wanted her up and active and back home as soon as possible.  That's what we were expecting.  What is happening at this moment is completely different. 

We just received a call from the attending physician (an associate of the doctor she sees in office, but one we've never seen before).  Right away, the doctor went into how some patients need to go into a "rehab facility" before going home.  I could hear my Mother in the background and the doctor harshly responding, "I know you don't want to go".  At that point, I began to feel numb and breathless.  I asked the doctor if he wouldn't mind speaking with my husband and rushed the phone upstairs to Dave.  Then, I literally collapsed in the nearest chair from sharp spasms in my back (panic/anxiety attack?).  I could tell Dave was getting the run around from the doctor.  The doctor told him to speak with the nurses about discharge orders as it was out of his control.  But earlier this morning when Dave was visiting my Mom, the nurses told him it was the doctor's call.  The doctor then went into some nonsense about Obama and Obamacare.  Which led Dave to inquire if we should contact the White House about my Mother's discharge!  After Dave hung up the phone, we were both in shock.  Trying to process the information and taken aback by the doctor's behavior and manner.  Apparently the doctor told Dave he didn't care one way or the other if my Mother ever came home!  My husband's stepfather is a physician in private practice.  His mother is a former nurse and currently works in the IT department of a hospital.  In his time growing up around doctors, nurses and others in the medical field, my husband has never encountered a medical professional that spoke of a patient or to a patient's family in this manner.  Dave left for the hospital shortly after his call with the doctor.  My sister called me right after Dave left because she had received a call from my Mom.  Momma told her the doctor left the room in a huff and threw the phone down on the bed.

Sigh...I don't understand why these people seem so intent on pushing my Mother into a nursing home!  Never mind the fact my mother walked into the hospital last week for the procedure under her own strength!  She was also up and walking the day after.  Physical therapy was supposed to visit in her room yesterday and today, but never came.  Still, my Mother has been up and walked around her bed to the bedside commode and to the recliner in her room.  Understandably the nurses don't want her attempting to walk too much on her own due to risk of fall.  When the doctor came in today, she just happened to be in bed.  My Momma told my sister he didn't even check her stitches from the procedure.  Just looked at her in bed and declared she should be sent to a "rehab facility"!

I just don't understand....It's not as if this is some elderly woman that lives alone with no assistance from family.  It's not as if my Mother doesn't already have in-home physical therapy.  Just last week, she was walking around the house, doing laundry and cleaning up in the kitchen.  It's probably the best she's been in awhile.  Now, again they are pushing for a nursing home!

UPDATE (5/20):  Momma is coming home!  I spoke with her hospital case manager this morning, and she's being discharged later today.  The case manager was so much more pleasant than the doctor yesterday.  And, there was no talk of sending her to an inpatient rehab facility.  They are just going to order her to continue with the at-home physical therapy already in place. 

Mary Ellen   

                     

On Wifely Submission & Working Outside of the Home

The following excerpts are from the blog, Sunshine Mary:

"My great-grandmother worked, but she was not a career woman.  Her purpose in working was to serve her family, not to serve her own ego or materialistic desires.  The Proverbs 31 woman worked both inside and outside the home:

She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. (verse 16)

She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant. (verse 24)

She worked outside the home, but this was her motivation in doing so:

She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness. (verse 27)

A woman’s primary concern, whether she is working at home or outside the home, is for the well-being of her household."


"A Christian wife is concerned with pleasing her husband, not herself; she is concerned with her family’s well-being, not her own preferences.  She doesn’t fight against her husband; she submits to him."


"Your obedience to your husband is more pleasing to God than whether you spend your day at home or in the workplace."


I encourage you to read the post in its entirety - Traditionalist Marriage versus Christian Marriage Exemplifies Selfish Rebellion versus Selfless Obedience.

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 As a Christian and (far from perfect!) submitted wife that works outside of the home, the above really resonated with me.  I'm not working to climb corporate ladders or to maintain a lifestyle.  I work simply because my husband feels it is best for our family to have two incomes at this time.  In the Bible, Ephesians 5:22-24 speaks of wives submitting to their own husbands in everything.  For me the "everything" includes working outside of the home!  It should also be noted, the passage says, own husband.  While one husband may feel that it is best for his wife to be at home, another may feel differently.  However in each instance, the husband is doing what is proper for their household.  It is challenging at times to be somewhere other than where your heart desires.  Yet, I know in doing so, I'm honoring my husband and looking well to the ways of my household.  

Mary Ellen   

What I'm Reading - Simple Abundance

 



"Many women today run businesses but don't have a clue how to run their own households competently, which is one of the reasons we are run ragged.  The time has come for us to look deep within.  Reconsider how caring for our homes can be an expression of our authenticity....It's not too late for us to rediscover the sacred soulcraft of homecaring.  Creating a comfortable, beautiful, well-run home can be among our most satisfying accomplishments as well as an illuminating spiritual experience.  Like sweat equity , channeling your time and creative energy closer to home will produce a big emotional return for yourself and those you love."

~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy  

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