SAHM

I was a #TRADWIFE before there was a hashtag for #TRADWIFE or a place to post it.

SAHM (Stay at Home Mom), "Traditional Wife", has been in my occupation on countless documents for quite some time (Although I do change it up occasionally and enter the term Homemaker as a throwback.) This July marked 19 years I have not worked a public, full-time job. It has been a wild, exhausting, and exhilarating ride. Facebook or Instagram did not exist. We were just getting our first iPhone, and the newest way to post pictures to the world was a thing called Myspace. Our every moment, meal, or memory was not available for all to view...and with our limited use of social media it still is not. Pinterest was a thing of the future, so when I was meal prepping and trying new recipes, it was from cookbooks I had bought or checked out at the library. No cooking apps. Not a lot of short cuts.

My oldest was four and a half months old when we made the difficult decision for me to quit the job I enjoyed at a my alma mater, to spend it at home with my little bundle of joy. She had been so sick since beginning daycare, and with my husband's job becoming more demanding, it just made sense. We couldn't both keep taking turns to keep her home on sick days. The final straw was the day she spiked an extremely high fever, and we spent the night in the hospital with a very sick baby. The idea had been tossed around, but this felt like the neon blinking sign we needed to make the leap.

I was terrified to lose my income, my career goals, and part of my identity. I wondered what our days would look like without a schedule. But at the same time, I had faith it was the right decision and knew God would bless us for our obedience. Also knowing I would be there for every smile, tear and milestone made my heart happy. Did I think this season would last 19 years? Not a chance. Was I expecting to become a mom of three and the ultimate #SoccerMom? Nope. But here I am, 19 years later, and I could not begin to count the blessings or the number of soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, cheer, gymnastic, swim or track games/meets/competitions as well as dance, violin, and piano lessons/recitals I have attended for my three very active children. It has been an amazing journey that I will be forever grateful for and God's hand as been seen in the process.

Schedules are important. Every day has a purpose. I have never missed a shower. Not one day. Not even after all my C-sections. Not even during COVID lockdown. I don't leave my house in pajamas. My television does not turn on except in the evenings if we are actually home and all homework and most chores are complete. Everyone has a laundry day. Cleaning routines are set and mostly followed. Meal planning and prep are a must do. Journaling a few times a week. Praying constantly. Reading my Bible, always shooting for daily, but I do miss a day here and there.

Does this sound OCD? Possibly. But has it kept me from losing my sanity? Yes. Do I think all women that choose to stay home should follow my rubric? No. So, don't judge me for mine. Don't say to a #TRADWIFE, "It must be nice." or "I wish I didn't have to work." It was our choice, and we do work. I have held countless volunteer positions, a few part-time roles, and been available to help countless others when a meal or hand is needed. I feel "less than" some days. and even purposeless others. There are days I have some regrets. There are days I feel like I have conquered the world and accomplished BIG things. We've traveled with Dad for work and seen places we would not have seen. He has a cool job, and we've been there and supported him along the way. And of course we have been SHOWING JOY!

So I am thankful for my occupation. I do have to remind myself I am thankful for it some days when the alarm goes off at 5:30 am, but I am truly grateful. And yes, my alarm goes off at 5:30 so the sleeping in and eating bon bons everyday does not fit this #TRADWIFE's lifestyle one bit!

1 Thes 5:16 "Rejoice Always"