Sunday, June 29, 2008

New Light Bulbs


My kids say funny things all the time, but every once in a while they say something that is not only funny but profound. Tonight we have been having thunderstorms with lots of lighting and thunder. As the sun was going down, it created a beautiful orange glow across the horizon. Because of all the lightning and thunder I went in to check on my two oldest girls that share a room together. They weren't asleep when I went in and I asked them how they were doing. My oldest said "Look Mommy" as she pointed to their window. You could see the orange glow from outside coming through the sides of the curtains. She asked me what that light was since it was suppose to be dark outside. I asked her what she thought it was. (I am always trying to not only see what they think of things but also encourage their imagination.) She said "I think God got new light bulbs." Without a doubt, God got new light bulbs at our house tonight.

Lilly

Thursday, June 26, 2008

A Title for Mom

I am a proud SAHM. When my first daughter was born, it was not a decision that I even needed to debate. I knew that I wanted to stay home to raise her. But on more than one occasion I have been in a social situation and been asked "What do you do"? I proudly answer "I'm a stay at home mom", only to have the other person say "Oh". I know by their reaction what they are thinking "She's just a SAHM". I suddenly feel the need to explain my career choices to a complete stranger and list my accomplishments that I complete in a day, not to mention all the kisses and hugs I get in a day. (Which is not something my boss ever gave me in corporate America.) While I know that what I do is worth while and worth more than any salary could ever pay, I wanted to share an email I received from one of my friends. So anyone that is a SAHM or knows a SAHM this is for you and next time someone asks you what you do you can have an answer that will leave them speechless.

Enjoy,
Lilly

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder, 'do you have a job or are you just a ?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman. 'I'm a Mom.'

'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,' Said the recorder emphatically. I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.' 'What is your occupation?' she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.' The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?' Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.' Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Don't Get a Case Give a Pillowcase

My mom a cancer survivor and a fighter, came across Conkerr Cancer. It’s an organization that provides pillowcases to children battling cancer and other life threatening illnesses. Truly a group of people who understand, it’s the simple pleasures in life that really make a difference.

By the way my mom has already sewn six pillowcases, just a little pat on the back.

My sewing skills are borderline acceptable at best so I won't even embarrass myself; although, I can get the message out. Go over and check out the site Conkerr Cancer.

Lilly and I would be interested to see any of your finished pillowcases so send us your pictures and we may post a few here.
I know the title is cheesy but you get the idea.

Happy sewing!
Dot

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Welcome to Our Blog

Welcome to our blog A cup full of this. We are Lilly and Dot and we have been best friends since high school.

I am Lilly and I am a happily married homeschool, SAHM to 3 beautiful little girls, A (5), L (3) and M (1). In my free time (yeah right!) I also work at home as a contractor developing training. Before kids I used all my education that took me forever to get to be part of corporate America. I left the corporate world shortly after my first daughter was born. While I loved what I did, I don't miss corporate America at all! Being a SAHM has been not only the hardest job, but the best job I have every had. I feel so blessed that I have been given this great gift. I know not every mom gets that opportunity.


I am Dot not my real name but a name that does hold great meaning to me. I'm a corporate drone and I actually like what I do for a living. It isn’t the nine the five but the people that keep me going. Although, there has been on more than one occasion that my nerves have been a wreck. However, I digress.
I love to travel; however, I spend most of my time traveling to spend too few precious moments with, going forward to be known as, Distant Love. He is a great guy; although if I use his real name, he would lose the remaining hair he has on his head.
I’m a single “pet parent” – not a send my toy poodle to the puppy spa type nor a endulge in the gourment dog food but close.
Raised in the Bible belt and reared by several strong women and I dare not exclude my dad; I have a love of the Word and an admiration for those that made me into the person I am today. It has also made me into the highly opinionated with a thirst for knowledge person that I am today. Thus my BFF Lilly and I are cut from the same cloth and a blog is born.

So between the two of us, we have opinions on just about everything.

We started this blog because we have always wanted to do something together, but we just haven't had that million dollar idea yet. So until then we thought we'd start a blog and share our opinions on the things we talk about everyday.

Thanks for stopping by,

Lilly & Dot