Mom vs. the Dot: Making it COUNT!

Following the purchase of our new (to us) van, my husband and I realized we needed to be able to pay for it .  As fun as it has been coasting along doing nothing all these years while my hubby worked full time, we decided it was time for me to pick up some (paying) work. I say that tongue-in-cheek because, as you probably know, being a stay-at-home mom is one of the most demanding jobs in the planet. Mentally, I began reviewing my job skills.  I have a degree in teaching, and an expired Ohio teacher's license.  I never finished transferring my license when we were newly married because I discovered teaching jobs are very hard to come by for a fresh-out-of-college 20-something in Pennsylvania.  No sweat.  I found several office jobs, then I landed one at a law office.  With absolutely no legal experience.  Woot woot for me!  I think they relied on me for my (then) cutting edge computer skills and nice phone voice.  That was pretty m...

Let's see...it's been a 3 day weekend, so that means...it's been at least 3 days since I've washed the dishes. I know - eew, gross.  But sometimes it can't be helped.  There's swimming to be done and lightning bugs to be caught.  An all-day family reunion in Ohio with lots of trampoline jumping and pond swimming must be enjoyed.  A full day of church activities followed by a delicious, delightful nap. When I woke up and came downstairs, there was a SMELL. A no good, really bad, terrible smell. Like a garbage dump or something rotting or poop.  It was definitely all three. First line of defense?  Take out the garbage. Garbage dump scent eradicated. Rats.  The smell is still there. Second line of defense?  Doing the dishes. Ugh. I try to have a good attitude about the dishes.  I am thankful for the food we eat and the dishes to put the food on, but wow - do we make a lot of dirty dishes in just a few days. In one...

It was a gorgeous, blue sky day in Western Pennsylvania and I had some shopping to do! My dear husband gave me a total green light to go shopping last weekend - he took the kids out to play with his Lego collection for the afternoon - they would be quite content. I desperately needed some new spring/summer clothing, so it was time to go for it ! I have been waiting for a good opportunity to go to the mall since Christmas, gift cards burning a hole in my pocket.  Today was the day!  Armed with my purse, gift cards, and sunglasses, I hopped in the family van ("Trusty Rusty," as I like to call it) and zipped over to the mall. I was on top of the world! Then I arrived at the mall.  Now, mind you, I shop for clothes at the mall about twice a year and sometimes not that frequently (if that could be considered in the "frequent" category).  So I was thrilled to be able to putter around, looking at whatever I wanted to without any children clamoring for snacks, ...