[heineda]

Hello,

My Mom never carved, but she did sew. She sewed all of her own clothes, and much of my sisters. Her and my sister had a country crafts business where they would sew embelishments on sweatshirts, vests, shirts, etc. So, when she was on a sewing binge, we were omn our own for meals. She would tell me that there was a can of sardines in the cabinet above the oven, and crackers in the pantry. I still hate sardines to this day, but I'd give my arm to hear that sewing machine running again. Out of necessity we learned to cook for ourselves. Nothing fancy at first, mac and cheese, sandwiches, etc. She had a lady come in and clean once a week, so that was never an issue.

It's not a bad thing to teach your kids to fend for themselves. They will be more prepared when it's time to go off to college, or move out on their own. You've just spoiled them, and now they need to learn otherwise.

Carving,
Dan

[jillsy]

Hey Alice,

I'm the mom of a soon-to-be 4 year old and 18 month old so I'm right where you are now. It's just a juggling act. I'm the type of person who has to get all the responsibilites done first and then "reward" myself by doing something I enjoy. Problem is, the responsibilities never end! So, I just try and keep balanced. There are weeks when all I do is the chores and then when I'm ahead of myself, I have down-time for carving. There are also days when I wake up, see how the kids trashed the place in 2 minutes that took me hours to clean, give up, and carve! It'll usually rejuvenate me in an hour or so to go tackle all the responsibilities again.

And there are times when I just ask hubby to take the kids out so I could have some alone time. I'm usually climbing the walls by the time I reach this point and he's only to happy to get out of the house!!

Just remember that carving can be very therapeutic, a big stress-relief so if it's something you really enjoy doing, be good to yourself and make the time. You'll be a much healthier, happier person. "AIN'T MAMA HAPPY, AIN'T NOBODY HAPPY!"

Jillsy

[Alice in Wonderland]

Thanks to all your replies, ( mostly men ) lol, I am surprised how seriously you took me all??? I thought it might be a funny subject?? Did I come on this strong ?
How wrong could I get? Anyway it was interesting to read all your thoughts on this subject. I don"t have children, it is just the 2 of us, we have been married for a long time so one takes things for granted.
Thanks again for your thoughts
Alice
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[chipper67]

Hi Alice,

I just thought I'd share my situation. Currently, I am a stay-at-home dad. We have a 6 year old and a 3 year old. I've been doing this since our 6 year old was born. Wow, the time goes way too fast. Anyway, I've come to accept the fact that there are some constants in life (my life anyway). They are laundry, dishes, toys scattered everywhere, trying to figure out meals (I need to plan better for meals especially with one very picky eater), broken crayons everywhere, designated chauffer, did I say laundry, tea party guest and/or being the Green Power Ranger, Mr. Fix it when a toy breaks or needs new batteries (I would like to have a talk with whoever invented some of these toys, I'd have a thing or two to say to them!!!), and lastly laundry (I just cannot believe how much laundry our small family has, it' ridiculous). Maybe the problem is that we do not have main floor laundry. One thing I am happy to say is NO MORE DIAPERS! Yaaaaaaaaaa. I thought it would never end, but it did. I am not complaining though. I am probably the luckiest guy to be able to stay home in our kid's early years. And to have a wife who works very hard in her job (Pharmacist) and still helps with housework when she's home is great. My only frustration at times is that I feel I just do not have any time to carve which is my passion right now. Usually, it is late at night when my family is sleeping, but then I'm usually too tired so I don't carve very long. I guess it all boils down to priorities. And, obviousily, my family comes first and my carving second!

Chipper67

[jillsy]

Hey Chipper,

Well, since Alice really didn't need this advice, I was happy to read all about your day! It's always nice to be able to relate to someone else going through the same thing!

Jillsy

[Burnurcomputer]

I stay at home too. My wonderfull husband doesn't care if I clean. He only cares if his underware is clean. He does like to eat. I love crock pots! Plus I know what ou measn abpout hiding in a corner and carving. if my husband can't find me I'm probally downstairs. He can tell sometimes from my Dremmel. Other times he just yells or I do!( his office is below my room in the basement). Don't worry about it being to serious- we all have really good senses of humor! You sound like a fun girl! Keep posting!

[Nancy-ID]

Alice and ladies, see the attached photo to see what would happen if men did housework!

Q - How many men does it take to change a roll of
toilet paper?
A.- We don't know; it has never happened.

Q.- What is the difference between men and government
bonds?
A.- The bonds mature.

Q.- How does a man show that he is planning for the
future?
A.-He buys two cases of beer.

He said . . .. What have you been doing with all the
grocery money I gave you?
She said . Turn sideways and look in the mirror

Al & Kenny, all you said sounds like me! If I want things done . . .well you know. One exception though is that I put slopping the hog and feeding the chickens & geese before anything else! I do collect the eggs and tell hubby to keep his hands off, they go in the incubator. If some get too old I will let him eat them. Then I carve, go fishing, shopping or anything I dang well please when I want. Lifes tough but hey somebodys gotta do it.

[Tom H]

Gee Nancy, mine has a lint catcher on it....Tom H

aaah, is that the right word???

[Nancy-ID]

Originally Posted by Tom H

Gee Nancy, mine has a lint catcher on it....Tom H

aaah, is that the right word???

A "lint catcher"????? I think that would be a dryer

[whitecree]

Well, lemme think about this for a minute.

Carving, or chores.

Chores or carving.

Work, or fun.

Fun, or work?

Work?

Chores?

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Errrr - what was the question?