A mother's job at home.

I have been thinking and studying for a long time now, about the role God has given us as mothers, wives, and homemakers. I believe, that God sees us through to play out the role he has decided for our life. Whether that is working outside of the home, or working within the home.

As for me, my path didn't include a full-time job outside of the home. In 2009, when we found out we were expecting our first child, we both agreed I would quit my job at the bank (while finishing my teaching degree) and stay home to raise our children. Of course no one is READY for this task, financially, but you make it work. Luxuries are not as important, and corners must be cut. BUT, when you feel that God has put something dear and near on your heart you make it work. You make it happen!

Fast forward to the present. 2014. I have been home for five 1/2 years now with my two boys. I feel like I have learned a lot throughout these five years. I am definitely NOT the same person now, as I was 5 years ago when this journey started for me. 

As a stay at home mom, you have many jobs. It is not just about taking care of the children. There are many more aspects of raising a family, in God's eyes. Managing your husband, your children, and your home. 

Some days it seems tedious to do the same monotonous tasks day in, and day out. Know that in God's eyes, taking care of your home is important. Letting chores go undone, is not managing your home well. 

The bible has much to say about your home. 

Proverbs 14:1 says, "The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands."

Proverbs 31:27, a godly wife "looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness." 

"At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach."  (1 Timothy 5:13-14)

"To be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored." (Titus 2:5) 

There are many days, I don't feel like washing dishes for the 3rd time in a day. Mopping the floors, making beds, doing laundry, cleaning the crumbs from the table, making meals, cleaning up the meals, are all hard work. However, even though you are not out in a workplace doing a 9-5 job where you get a paycheck, your job IS important. Changing diapers, disciplining your children, picking up toys, are all jobs that God can see you working through his plan. It has taken me many YEARS to see this. Some days I wonder if I'm doing what I should be doing. I wonder, I pray, sometimes I cry. "Am I doing the right thing, when nobody even notices that I take care of them?" 

But then, I am given some sort of sign that I am right where I need to be. Don't let this outside, evil world tell you otherwise. Social media can really be a hurtful, harmful thing to a mother's heart. It will make you feel inadequate on some many levels. I let it get me down almost daily.

No, your house doesnt have to be magazine ready, but as a home maker you should make your home a happy home. Take pride in your clean clothes put away, and that your children are well fed by your meals. Give yourself a little praise every once in a while. 

KNOW, that your job is rewarding without a paycheck! 

KNOW, that you are important, and that your job within the home is important.

KNOW, that God has given you this job and regardless of the mundane, do it Well!

Our Top 5 Favorite Board Games

I thought it would be fun to show our favorite board games. Keep in mind my boys are 3 and 5.

Our favorite board game at this time is Farm-Opoly. It's a version of monopoly, but not as complicated. It does give large amounts of money to use, but I just keep it simple. I give my boys 20's, 10's, 5's, and 1's since they know those numbers. They love to see who can keep the most money, especially Karson our 5 year old. 

Another favorite is HEDBANZ. It's so fun for everyone! Sometimes it can be challenging to explain how to play to a three year old. We make it easy for him and give him prompts to ask us when it's his turn. The whole family can play this game.

The boys got Gooey Louie for Christmas. It's a man with "fake boogers" in his nose. So good for boys :)

You roll a dice and the number that shows is how many slimies you pull out. When you pull a certain one his brain will pop out and your the loser. They have loved this game this winter.

A similar game is Boom Boom Balloon. It's has the same concept as Gouie Louie, but with a balloon. Karson (5) doesn't like loud noises so he's not so crazy about this game. Kipton loves it and is not scared to pop the balloon. (I secretly also hate the pop noise)

Lastly, a family favorite has been Hi Ho Cheery for a few years now. It's great for math skills, as well as cognitive skills. You use counting, and color skills. 

The only down side to this game is the small pieces. They are easy to loose, as well as the small buckets that hold the pieces. 

We have played at least 2 board games, per day this winter. It's a great way to keep from too much screen time. I always urge the boys to think of board games they want for birthdays/Christmas instead of toys that will get tossed in the bottom of a tub in a few months. 

So, turn off the TV/iPad/video games and play a board game as a family.