The thing called Homemaker

I have always been a homemaker...just not full time.  For the first time in our marriage I am NOT WORKING outside the home.  I have to admit...it is different.  Not different in a bad way, but different as in different.  I am learning how to wear these shoes and they still feel a bit stiff.  I'm sure I am going to break them in eventually, but not sure how nicely they will feel afterward. 

I am still working on getting my license transferred.  It is hard to do and requires time.  I do not mindit at the moment.  I do miss my work (I absolutely LOVE what I get to do) however, I feel that right now it is important for me to be here for the kids to help them through this transition.  I have my whole life to work...my kids will not continue to stay at this age forever.  I only have one moment to live in this moment because it will pass and I cannot retrieve it again.  I also want to be able to explore the big state of Alaska this summer with the kids.  A job will not afford me this luxury.  So for now we are exploring and enjoying this thing called Homemaker.

A few of the changes I have noticed.  The adult stimulation change: I was able to talk politics, world news, life's challenges, theology, religion and basically everything under the sun with my patients and co-workers.  Now my world revolves around my kids and their lives wholly and completely.  I wake up to make breakfast and lunches.  I clean it up.  I tidy the house.  Feed the fish.  Get dressed to walk the kids to school.  Return and do laundry or clean something.  Meal planning, grocery shopping, bill paying, preschool planning, church class preparations and then it is time to return to the school to pick up the kids.  Then it is time to make dinner, do homework, clean up dinner, read, brush teeth, go to bed.  And then we start the whole thing again.  It is very redundant.  The variety is what color of laundry and what are we going to eat.  I have learned that I need to be spoken to daily.  I just miss it.

Food gets boring:  I have learned that when I am cooking three meals a day, food becomes very boring.  I have to admit...they joy has disappeared for me. But on the flip side, I am creating new meals that I never had time to make before.  Like-- homeade hot fudge, chicken pot pies, pizza, soups, breads, granola and other items that I rarely made before. I have become very frugal and careful with my planning.  I like the challenge of using what we got to make a meal.  Very fun.

I have been able to explore new talents that I want to develop.  Quilting:  I am loving the applique process.  So excited to create things out of fabric and make it come into fruition.  My next few plans are:  An Alaska Quilt.  This one will be a work in process for a while.  In the center it will be the state outline on several squares.  Then the outer squares are going to be made as we visit any "New" place and what stayed with us from that adventure.  For example when we go to Whittier and ride the ferry to see the whales in Prince Williams Sound I will make a square with the whales and ferry to "document" that adventure.  Then I will map it on the map part of the quilt. 

Of course I still have my flower garden quilt that I need to finish...still working on it.  I will get there.

Then I am also going to work on a piecing quilt just for practice with the machine piecing that I have never really done before.  It is really nice to try new things.  It has been very refreshing to open myself up to new eperiences and the opportunity to develope some new talents. 

Lastly, I am thinking of trying my hand at painting...acrylics.  We shall see.  I will keep you posted. 

So this homemaker role...I am learning to enjoy it.  I am adjusting to my role.  I do not feel that I fit the shoes very well yet, but I working toward rocking these shoes.  Of course the "rock" is totally in the eyes of the beholder.  My best attempt because that is all I can offer so it works.  I believe I need to do some laundry....