Then came my little girl...

Where to start.... She is a girl. LOL. I don't care what anyone says, boys are easier. My son was always so laid back, easy going, happy go lucky and loved to laugh. He still is. I would take him around the room and point at everything and make him say it back to me. I would read to him all the time. And even spell things for him. I really was the role model of a mom. I had it all together. I was the ideal work at home mom.

My daughter is soooo opposite. I had a hard pregnancy with her. And my stress level was at it's MAX !!! Ohh, by the way, did I mention that she had colic up until she was 10 weeks old? Boy, that was a fun little ride. ( NOT ). I'm not sure if that contributed to her being so set in her ways and so stubborn. Or, as I am learning, she is just like me when I was her age. Boy the crazy things I did. Popping a couple coins and swallowing them was nothing for me. I guess I would stick bobby pins in the light sockets and get a little zap. I would cry and then go do it again... LOL (maybe that explains the bad choices I used to continue making over and over again). And I was known for climbing the metal antenna that was clamped to the side of our house. I would shimmy my way up to the roof of the house trying to hide, knowing my mom was scared of heights and would not get me down. She would have to call my dad and have him come and rescue me down. Now, I look at my little girl. So beautiful. So unique. Yet, she scares me. I worry about things with her that I have not worried about with my son. I wonder if she is going to be the rebellious type. Will she get involved with drugs, alcohol, the wrong men, an eating disorder. Remember, she is only 3. So to give you an example of how she is, here is the scenario. It was morning. we were all getting ready and I asked my daughter if she was getting dressed. She came into the bathroom where I was, looked up at me and put her little hands on her hip, saying, " I am dressed, duh ".... Omg, the attitude..... LOL

Currently, I am not a work at home mom. I am working towards that goal. I know that I need to be here, now, more than ever. And, my business that I work a few hours every weeks, is slowly getting me there. I see the progress. And I know where I will be. Thank you, to my children, for keeping me grounded, focused and devoted. I love you both, forever and ever, and always.....

A Poem For All Moms

A Mother's Love:

There is no love, like a mother's love, no stronger bond on earth...like the precious bond that comes from God,to a mother, when she gives birth. A mother's love is forever strong,never changing for all time...and when her children need her most, a mother's love will shine. God bless these special mothers, God bless them every one...for all the tears and heartache, and for the special work they've done. When her days on earth are over, a mother's love lives on...through many generations,with God's blessings on each one. Be thankful for our mothers, for they love with a higher love...from the power God has given, and the strength from up above.


By Jill Lemming**

What's Next ?

I ask myself that question so often, (what's next) ? Life is one hurdle after another. I feel like I am missing something. I know I have to be here for another reason that I am not seeing. I really have this drive in me to become more than I already am. To help people. To make a difference with other people and my children as well. I used to be so focused. Nothing could distract me. Nothing wrong could happen to me. I was invincible. This was years ago, though. Back then it was just me and my son. And I was a stay at home mom, working a different business and all was right in my life. At least that's how I appeared to everyone on the outside. There is something about having your first child. Being a mom for the first time. My son was planned. And I loved being pregnant. I remember pushing my stomach out even further than it was.... LOL ...I got into the routine of drinking a glass of orange juice every morning, sitting down, and rubbing my stomach, just to make (junior) kick. Then I would sing to him... OMG, how I should never have done that to him....lol. My son came by cesarean . Boy did that take awhile to re coop from. His dad was the first to hold him. I still remember feeling left out, like I did all the work and he got to be the first to hold this tiny new life that has been growing inside of me. I remember even thinking that they always show the mother holding the baby first, and then thinking, why wasn't I ? But once I held him for the first time, it was truly, love at first sight. I NEVER know you could fall in love with your own child. But I did.

I remember video taping him for hours at a time. I still have the tapes and look them over. He would just be sleeping and I would stand over him with this big video camera, taping him as he was sleeping. Feeling so happy inside with every breath he took. The light of the camera would kick on and he would then wake up and act a little fussy, seeing me and some large equipment right in front of him, hovering over him, with me making these silly, happy faces at him. LOL. Ohh boy, the nightmares he would have....

And that's pretty much how it was up until he was 6. We were inseparable. He was my bud. I even called the radio station and dedicated a song to my son and taped it for him. When he is older, maybe married, he will get that tape along with many other things I have done for him.
The name of the song was Sammy Kershaw's, You are the love of my life.

So I Guess I'm Supposed To Let It Out ?

Ok, this blogging thing is new to me. But Here I go... (LOL)But I know deep inside that there is someone that understands how hard it is being a single parent. My married friends just don't get it. They tell me I am the lucky one because I don't have to answer to anyone or put up with thier partners stuff. ( If only they knew ). I do answer to someone, all the time. Every move I make from the minute I wake up to the minute I go to bed, I am answering to someone. My boss at work (and we butt heads alot), my kids at home, other co-workers, and, even friends.
Even the bagger at my grocery store bugs me (asks questions) would you like paper or plastic ! Funny thing is, I do want paper and yet I never see it out.... LOL.
I keep biting my tongue at work, (VERY HARD).... I just know that my day is soon coming where I can walk in and tell her what I really think and inform her that I quit and as I am walking out the door, singing, ( I'm free at last ) . I get up every day, hating this job. I have never felt this way before. I feel like I am going backwards in my life. I should be so much further in my work-life (career). And at one time, I was. I was the ultimate work at home mom that managed everything precisely. But since the MAJOR event happened in my life, I have somehow gone backwards. But that's ok, I tell myself. I know where I will be.

A Prayer For Children

We pray for the children who sneak Popsicles before supper, who erase holes in math workbooks, who can never find their shoes. And we pray for those who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire, who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers, who never "counted potatoes," who never go to the circus, who live in an X-rated world.We pray for children who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions, who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money. And we pray for those who never get dessert, who have no safe blanket to drag behind them, who watch their parents watch them die, who can't find any bread to steal, who don't have any rooms to clean up, whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser, whose monsters are real. We pray for children who spend all their allowance before Tuesday, who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food, who like ghost stories, who shove dirty clothes under the bed, who never rinse out the tub, who get visits from the tooth fairy, who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool, who squirm in church and scream in the phone, whose tears we sometimes laugh at and whose smiles can make us cry. And we pray for those whose nightmares come in the daytime, who will eat anything, who have never seen a dentist, who aren't spoiled by anybody, who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep, who live and move, but have no being. We pray for children who want to be carried and for those who must, who we never give up on and for those who don't get a second chance. For those we smother and...for those who will grab the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it.

By Ina Hughes

Home-Based Business vs. Second Job

Home-Based Business vs. Second Job -- The Choice is Yours

Many families today rely on two incomes to pay their bills not being able to make ends meet month to month. They face several options to secure that extra income they need, one being obtaining a part-time job and the other a home-based business. It’s a decision with advantages and disadvantages to each. I want to provide some suggestions to help you make the right choice.
When deciding between a standard second job and a home-based business, it is important to consider the expenses incurred in both. For those considering a second job, many do not take into account the numerous extra expenses that go along with childcare, clothing, gas, etc. Crown Financial Ministries offers a worksheet online (http://www.crown.org/Tools/mommake.asp ) to help you determine how much you will actually make once these expenses are deducted from your income. By breaking it down and seeing the guideline, you can see just how much extra you really bring home each week.
A home-based business also incurs expenses, but most of your business related expenses will be at least partially tax deductible. The IRS looks favorably on home-based businesses. The more money that you save with legitimate tax deductions, the more finances you’ll have to increase the size of your business. This in turn creates more revenue for the IRS.
A home-based business can also offer flexibility that a second job cannot. You can work from the comfort of your home – often in your pajamas if you choose. You can work the days you want and the hours you need. Your schedule is up to you! For example, Diana Ennen, author Virtual Assistant the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com/, states, “I enjoy the flexibility my home-based business provides. You can easily wake up at 5:30 a.m. to work or work until 2:00 a.m. whatever fits your personality. Many people enjoy it because they can start work after they have put the kids the bed and work a couple hours and earn extra money without having to hire a babysitter. Plus, it's all in the comfort of your own home. No costs on dry-cleaning, travel to work, gas expenses, etc., and you can't beat the one minute commute to the office!”
Allowing your family to be a part of the business is another benefit that not many jobs can compete with and thus another positive benefit to home-based businesses. Depending on the type of home-based business you choose, there may be small jobs that your children can assist with in the daily operations. These include: Helping prepare your mailings, preparing packages if you have a direct mail company, or even answering the phone - depending on their age. Your spouse can also be a part of your business and may be able to help run the business when you are not able to be at home.
Helping others be successful working from home is another great perk of being a part of a home-based business. Most home-based businesses allow you to build a team of people to work along side you. Finding other people that are interested in owning a business and then helping them succeed is satisfying and can be financially rewarding as well.
There are, of course, negative aspects about working from home. The success of your business depends solely on you. You need to be determined, efficient and organized to be successful. You must take the time to work at the business or you will not see the additional income that you desire. It can be very easy to let your business slide when you are tired or feeling discouraged. However, if you are aware of these temptations, you can create a plan to overcome them when they arise.
The benefits of a home-based business can many times override the work and time you must devote. When compared to the expenses occurred by taking a second job it is a great alternative. Because of the tax breaks when operating a home-based business, it is many times a more profitable option. You may not make a million, but it may allow you the freedom and income that you need to make life a little easier. Even with the disadvantages, many who work-at-home wouldn’t have it any other way. I hope this helps you make the right decision for you and your family.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jill Hart is the founder and editor of Christian Work at Home Moms, CWAHM.com, and the author of the e-book, The Two Week Devotional Journey for Christian Work at Home Moms. The CWAHM.com website is dedicated to providing moms with free resources to aid them in their work at home search. The site also provides current work at home moms with opportunities to promote their businesses while at the same time providing them spiritual encouragement and articles. E-mail Jill at jill@cwahm.com for additional information or stop by her site at www.cwahm.com.

Christian Work at Home Moms

My Kids Are My Why !

My name is Cindy Ashworth. I am a single mom with two children. I have a nine year old boy and a three year old girl. After several major events in my life took place, I realized it was up to me to change the way things were. I can honestly say that a single parent is the hardest job I have ever had. We have to multi task and get done what needs to be done. Cooking over the stove with a child on my hip and the phone at my ear. Conducting several jobs at home such as daycare, housekeeper, cook and teacher. I knew I was not earning what I was worth. I wanted better for my kids. I wanted more for my kids. I want my children to be proud of me and not see me struggle trying to make ends meet. I searched and researched so many " Work At Home " businesses and found that most of them were not legit, would cost too much money to get involved or they left little stipulations out. Then one day, my friend Lee, introduced me to something that I was still skeptical about. I did not really listen to her when she kept trying to tell me about the opportunity. I kept telling myself that there was some kind of catch in it somewhere... Finally, I gave in. She invited me to her online virtual office where I sat back and listened to her business of what she does and how she does it. They went over the little perks, bonuses and promotions that they have. I understood HOW and WHY this business was really different and seen how it really worked. Here it is, seven months later and my business is growing. I still work my full time job and take care of my kids and put a few hours into my home business in the evenings. My goal is to run my business full time and quit my other job ( and tell my boss what I really think ) by September. That is only 4 months away. If a single mother of 2 children can start this business up and get it rolling like I am, only working a few hours each week, just think how far you could be already! I Now Have my WHY. Thank You Lee, For Showing Me This Opportunity...Maybe you are feeling the way I did. You get up and go to a JOB that does not appreciate you, there is no room for advancement, there are no benefits, and the pay will not go up!!! I am wishing the day away while I am there because I just want to be home with my kids and work my business. I am tired of my kids seeing me struggle. Having to say NO to them and then when they ask me why, it ALWAYS comes down to not having enough money. Sure, we do alot of inexpensive things. But I sooo look forward to our fist vacation away together, owning our home, having a day of massive splurging and shopping (lol). I really was the definition of a struggling, single mom. But I am telling you that if you were given the opportunity, the chance to make a difference in your life, would you do it ? You can gain more family time and secure a better financial life.This does require work, determination, dedication and some time. And since I am a mom, I am already equipped with these skills...


http://successful.moms4netprofit.com