Surviving the Summer as a SAHM
I used to dream of being a stay-at-home Mom in college. I imagined how I would have everything so organized and perfect. Then real life happened. LOL. Most of you know, I am a full-time high school Math teacher. I have around 100 students and will teach 6 classes this school year. This summer has been my first summer not working a real job since I was 16 years old. The first couple of weeks staying at home, made me turn into a very miserable person. Seriously y'all. You don't understand how miserable I was not having a schedule, purpose, or plan for my days at home. I was making myself miserable, my husband miserable, and anyone else I could complain to! I joked around on a post in my first week of being a stay at home Mom that I was ready to go back to work...but deep down inside, I wasn't kidding. How is staying at home with ONE child vs. teaching 100 kids harder? I love my baby, but oh my word, sitting in the house chasing him around all day, dwelling on how much I hated staying at home was NOT going to work everyday for the rest of the summer. I was ready to pull my hair out!
Then one day as I was sitting on my laptop during nap time, and I saw an ad for a Makeover Your Mornings e-course. I was curious, so I clicked on it and read up on it..and I'm SOOOOOOO glad I did. I did the Makeover Your Mornings e-course and it TOTALLY changed my summer and my experience as a stay at home Mom. Now, I'm not only surviving, but I've learned to LOVE it!
The lady who teaches the class is a Christian SAHM and she helped me to get on a schedule, make goals, and motivated me to take care of myself spiritually and physically. Now that I've gotten my days planned out on a schedule, I feel SO much more happy and accomplished! I've started a new Bible study on women of the Bible, and I've gotten SO much out of my Bible study this summer. I'm SO beyond thankful I found this e-course that gave me back my sanity! :)
For all of you "natural" SAHMs that have the whole SAHM life down pact, LUCKY you! I was not a natural. I had to learn how to enjoy it! I HIGHLY recommend this course to anyone that is struggling with being a SAHM. It truly helped me A LOT!
PS. I'm not actually staying at my house, we're staying at my Mom's house during the week, which is an hour away from our home, because my husband is working a summer job there. So, that also doesn't help my situation..LOL. Fashion blogger + Living out of a suitcase for 6 weeks = NO BUENO.
Here are my outfits from this weekend (LOVE having my husband with me to take pictures!) :)
I love this new dress I found on the clearance rack at Belk! So bright and cheery!
This was a super comfy, simple outfit for a birthday party yesterday!
We were leaving the gym, and I was showing the doubters that my make-up stayed on even after a 30-min. spin class & a 30-minute strength class!
Here was my make-up look on Saturday!
Get the look here:
⭐Foundation: Pressed Powder in Velour
⭐Lips: Lucrative Lip gloss in Ladylike
⭐Eyes: Mineral pigments in Sexy & Corrupted
⭐Liner: Corrupted (used wet)
⭐Mascara: 3D fiber lash
I hope you have a GREAT week, and God Bless! ♥
I just want to encourage you to really enjoy and cherish the time you have off during the summer to really BE with your son. Because you don't get to be there every minute like most SAHMs, there's so much more of a chance that you'll miss a "first". I am all about a schedule and staying busy vs being bored all day. But don't get so busy or organized that you're summer flies by and you forgot to just sit on the couch and relax or just sit on the floor and have played more. Trust me, as a full time who almost never leaves my daughter SAHM, when I am away from her, it's HARD. Cherish this time so you don't regret anything when the school year starts up and you don't have this special time with your son. In years to come, this will be the time he looks forward to. ☺
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy every moment with my son! Believe me, we spend a lot of time playing together! I have no regrets, thank you though!
DeleteOh my goodness. I hope my comment didn't sound rude or judgmental! I didn't mean it that way at all! I don't share the opinion of the anonymous person who posted after me. I was really just trying to encourage you as a mom who doesn't work. If I did work, I know I would hate missing out on things. I just wanted to encourage you to know that its okay to be lazy and just sit around some days. I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Being a mom is hard enough.
DeleteI didn't think you were being rude! I totally understand what you mean! Luke & I are still in our jammies today! :)
DeleteYay! My daughter and I are snuggled on the couch watching Fantasia 2000. She loves it!
DeleteThis post really saddens me, I like what ^'Mom 101' has to say...your little one will be grown so quickly, you should really cherish every day. Being a SAHM myself, I can tell you that as a SAHM...you must always put others and their needs before your own; life isn't about getting recognition or getting "me" time, but in the long run when you have been the one to raise your own children and pour all of your love (daily, hour by hour, minute by minute) into them. I'm not judging you, because maybe financially you have to work...but even so, I have known mothers who work outside the home that are still truly "keepers of their homes" and they love the calling that God has placed on all womens' lives. I would hope that as Godly mothers', our hearts would always be truly at home...not wishing we were away, teaching 100 children. Please reconsider your attitude and ask the Lord to cause you to love being a keeper of your home (as scripture instructs)....especially as you have influence over teen girls. It saddens me to think that your influence may be having a very negative effect.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry its saddens you. I don't think it's influencing anyone negatively. There are many women who feel the same way as me. I don't feel like just because I work at a Christian school (that my husband asked me to work at with him at) that I'm not raising my son. Both my mom & step-mom worked, and they raised me just fine. I can't help but feel judged by you and making me feel like I'm a second class mom or that I'm less Godly because I work. That's not an option for majority of Christians now a days, and I hope you don't make ladies feel like this all the time or that may be causing a negative effect.
DeleteLauren, I think some women are not meant to be a SAHM at all times of the year. I am a teacher as well and I love my students. I would much rather be at work than be at home all day EVERY DAY! I feel as though I would go stir crazy! I do not think this is a negative post. In fact seeing it makes me feel better that I have the same feelings regarding being a SAHM! Love your blog by the way!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :) <3 <3 <3
DeleteLauren, thank you for your post. You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteLisa
Thank you sweet lady!
DeleteThis sounds like an e-course I may need and I am an all year SAHM but go crazy most of the time. I am a former teacher now stay at home mom so I feel ya. It is nice meeting new fashionista mommas. I would love to invite you to come link up to "Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me" link up.
ReplyDeleteRachel xo
Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me link up is now LIVE, link up here
Garay Treasures
Thank you for linking up and wow I had no idea this post got so much appreciation and criticism after reading the comments posted. You are doing the best you can and every season has its own battles and victories but that is what makes us wiser and better. Have a great weekend!
DeleteRachel xo
Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me link up is now LIVE, link up here
Garay Treasures
I LOVE being a stay at home schooling mom but I realize that not everyone is able to do that financially. I know many women who would love to be home but just cannot make it without their income. I also know many women who would not stay home if you paid them. I think it's all in the attitude and how we view ourselves and being at home. I also know that the tone of comments sometimes comes over badly, although I don't read anything into comment number 1 that sounds like a put down, (comment 2 is a little but again, one cannot judge tone with just typing comments). Please do not be offended when told that it goes too fast and you will miss things because it does and you will. I am an older mom, I have 1 grown daughter and another child who will graduate from high school this year, thank goodness I still also have a little one at home, and it has gone too fast. I had to work the first 6 years of my oldest daughter's life and I missed much by being gone, a lot of firsts and a whole lot of just the everyday things. I do wish it hadn't had to be that way and if I could go back, I would figure something else out to stay home. That does NOT mean you should. But as a mom who's been there and done that, I will tell you that "having no regrets" is not going to happen. Please be open to criticism in a godly way, Titus 2:4-5. I also understand that working is obedience to your husband (as you stated) but also understand that you are a young mother, he is a young father and you won't always be doing everything the same way that you are doing things now. Be open to good advice and be open to changing your mind and opinions through God's leading. Let others help you. Especially when you struggle (I'm glad the Christian course helped you through your slump.) I never, ever would've thought I would be homeschooling my children, never intended to in fact. I didn't really intend on being at home, I figured I'd always work. God has ways of totally changing everything in a wonderfully good way. I'm so thankful to the women in my life who have (and still do) help out by looking at things in a different way than I do and pointing out things that I just can't see right now, while I'm in the trenches.
ReplyDeleteRebecca
I certainly didn't get any negativity from your post. I think it's actually a very honest and open post, so bravo for writing it. Not everyone is suited to being a SAHM. My Mum went out to work at various times when I was growing up and I admired her and was very grateful for her doing that and being able to put food on the table when my Dad was unemployed. Anyway, the reason I've found you is from Claire's linkup. Your striped dress caught my eye - it's gorgeous. The pink, orange and turquoise are so fresh and summery. Exactly the kind of summer dress, I'd wear.
ReplyDeletehttp://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you! :)
DeleteLet the mommy wars begin! I've been both a SAHM & a mother who works outside the home. I find SAHMs to be some of the most obnoxious, judge mental, insensitive, insecure & holier than thou people I've ever met. Not all, of course. But many, many SAHMs seem to exude these negative qualities. Working moms tend to give women freedom to make their own choices free of judgement & criticism and practice a live & let live mindset. I applaud your honesty & realness. I prefer to work outside the home to some degree and truly believe it makes me a better (more patient & happy) momma. I am also setting a fabulous example of balancing real life for my dtr. I pray no one's comments caused doubt or despair for you. The Lord knows your heart and will direct YOUR'S & YOUR family's path. Blessings to you💗
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I have to agree. I wish it wasn't like that, I'm for ALL Moms jobs or no jobs. My parents did a great job working and being parents! No complaints! They were at all my games, practices, concerts, etc! I'm happy with my balanced life and I love our busy life! :) Thank you for the encouragement!
DeleteI had some adjustments when I was first a SAHM but after almost 30 years, I would not change it. We've certainly lived on a shoestring most of the time but God has helped us to scrape by. I'm sorry that many of you view SAHMs as judgmental. I guess we just don't want you to miss out. Lauren, you have strong opinions about some things - skirts and alcohol. What does the Bible say about raising our children? Proverbs 31 gives a clear picture of what a virtuous woman does (pretty overwhelming too!!). Deut.6 and 1 Tim also tell us what God wants us to do. We really needs God's wisdom.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the Bible says women can't work outside of the home. Women in the Bible HAD to stay home, they didn't have an option. I just don't think it's fair to say women can't raise their children if they work outside the home. I work at the school my son will go to, I will see him every morning, at school, and after school. I consider that raising him. He has a nanny that watches him in her home from 8-3, I was with him when he took his first steps, rolled over, crawled, etc. I haven't missed a thing. I am doing exactly what my husband and Pastor have asked me to do, therefore I believe I am in the center of God's will.
DeleteSince we are bringing up Proverbs 31 then don't forget what Proverbs 31:24 says. Sorry, you cannot just take what you want and ignore the rest.
DeleteYour attitude is such that you have it all figured out and are doing it all right. I'm in my 40's and still don't have it all figured out and I still 2nd guess my daily decisions about raising my children, working, etc. I pray the Lord's humility and ability to take constructive criticism in your life. I have also found that listening to others' opinions without getting on their level is very important in life. Best wishes to you as you grow older and wiser. I have unfollowed your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you feel that way. I take constructive criticism very well from trusted and respected sources. I don't know who "Anonymous" is unfortunately, so I take the negative comments as what they are negative. I don't know it all, but I do know I am doing what my husband and Godly leaders in my life feel like I should be doing. So, I'm sorry if I didn't take your anonymous advice to heart. :)
DeleteI don't think I could be a full time SAHM. I'm sorry so many ladies aren't confident in themselves that they have to attack you!! My Mom taught the entire time we were growing up, and she was always pulling her hair out by July because she was ready for school to start! I'm glad you recognize where your stabbings strengths are! Ladies can be so catty sometimes! I appreciate your confidence! Good luck with your makeup business!! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's very obvious that you were raised by working parents. They created you to be self centered and selfish. Some day, there will come a time.. Your son will realize that he really wasn't that important to you. Mommy wasn't there to see his coloring page, mommy wasn't there to see him ride his bike, mommy wasn't there to kiss his knee. Where was mommy? Mommy was having her little me time and teaching a classroom full of kids who could care less that their teacher is "cool". Your son will remember that he was on the back burner of your life. He will remember that work comes first and then family. He will remember that fashion comes first, and then family. He will remember that mommys "me time" comes before him. You are a bitter, stereo type Christian college girl who needs to wake up and come back to Earth, where real people have real struggles.
ReplyDeleteWhat will it be like to have your kids read your blog someday? Just from this post, your little boy wil realize that he was just a pain in your side in summer of 2015. He will realize that you had more important things to do. You had mascara to play with instead of him. I've had enough of you. You think you have arrived. I'm sorry to break it to you, but you haven't. You're "better than anyone else around because I'm IFB and I wear skirts" attitude is sickening. A disgrace. Have a great time playing dress up while your son grows up in the other room.
Wow, the harshness is abundant. Just because Lauren shared her thoughts doesn't mean you need to shred her up for her personal decisions. Micro-manage your own life not others.
DeleteWow, way to judge someone you don't know. You are the reason people hate Christians so much. Congrats!
DeleteWow.... ^^^ Regardless of who is right in this situation... Regardless of the stance you take on mothering your children, dressing yourself or working outside the home, regardless of what denomination you choose to worship God through... This type of a comment only saddens our Saviour. So maybe before you feel the need to try to admonish someone for their personal standards and convictions, you should ask the Lord to forgive you for the attitude buried deep inside your heart.
DeleteCalm down, Judge Judy. Your comments about Lauren are completely uncalled for- obviously working outside the home wasn't the right choice for you, but you're not called on to judge anyone else for their choices. Lauren is doing what is right for her and her family- exactly as we should all be doing. Life is wonderful and messy and unpredictable and our time would be much better spent supporting each other rather than tearing each other down for choices that work for us and our families.
DeleteThank you for sharing this resource. I intend to check out this course just because I need to tighten up my schedule so that all of my time brings glory to God. - (signed) a working from home, but with no children wife raised by a PW that worked at our school for nothing to a pittance so that the male teachers could have better pay and not have to work a side job
ReplyDeleteSoooo disgusting.
ReplyDeleteWhat's disgusting?
DeleteWow, this is ridiculous. Every situation is very different & I know exactly how you feel! Most people are UNABLE TO BE A SAHM!! As a single mom, i sure as heck cant stay home. There is more than one way to take care of your children!! I know with working fulltime and then having to take a week off it was hard knowing what to do all day everyday and i wished i was working! Its not because i didnt love my daughter or want to be with her either i just wanted to know i was being productive taking care of her. Sorry you have a lot of idiots on here lauren! Keep doin you girl!! Just remember to every 1 hater you have a crapton of supporters!
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious that Lauren was not bashing any mom...sahm or not. So why must you guys bash her? She is being honest AND helping other SAHM's who may need a little spicing up at home. I love it Lorena!
ReplyDeleteWow! I am so saddened that there are Moms on here that are ripping each other apart. We need to remember to build each other up, not tear each other down. I know that our decision for me to stay home and homeschool our son had to do with what was best for our family. Some Moms choose to work full-time, some part-time, some stay home, some are teachers, but each one is doing what is best for her family. Let's remember that each family situation is unique and not judge each other.
ReplyDeleteWow! There is a LOT of criticism going on here. As a full time 14 hour a day working mommy going to a full time SAHM I can understand what Lauren is saying. It is REALLY hard to adjust to not having a schedule every day. It has taken me 3 years to finally adjust enough that I can learn to roll with the days and not constantly rely on a hour by hour schedule! Let's not be so judgmental about other moms and their lives! Also to those of you commenting on the fact Lauren likes fashion and makeup- remember what you see here is only a VERY SMALL portion of her life. What you don't see is all the time she puts into her family. Thanks Lauren for being a breath of fresh air in the fashion world!!
ReplyDelete