That sounds like the perfect schedule, but

Aww, sounds like she wants company! Can you work something out where she understands (sm) [2008-09-19]
you need quiet and she needs to save the questions for dad... but maybe some silent companionship is ok? I bet it would be something she would remember always. Unless she is a pain in the butt of course. I was just thinking she is lonely. Not your problem, I know, and you have to do what is best for your own family, that is number 1, but sometimes certain adults besides the actual parents make a big difference in a kid I can think of some from my own childhood for sure.

oops that time off comment is from another post. Sounds like I'm totally in left field with that [2008-09-19]
nm

I was one of the lucky ones, on a decent schedule after about 3 months, although definitely not back [2008-05-28]
to where I was used to producing, at least I was getting some sleep. He LOVED his swing, and would stay in it as long as I would allow. With other kids at home, hats off to you, because any little noise would throw him completely off schedule at that point. Have fun with it!

My 8-month old got on a good schedule around 3 months... [2008-05-22]
Good luck with this!

1-month-old schedule [2008-05-21]
Hiya. I have 8-year-old twin boys and an almost 1-month old girl. It has been a long time since the boys were on a napping schedule, so I was wondering if someone could refresh my memory as to when a nursing newborn can be set up on somewhat of a sleep-at-night, nap-by-day schedule and what a typical schedule might be. I went back to work one week after she was born, but am finding it really difficult to work consistently and get enough sleep for myself (homeschool the boys, one with special needs) with the baby up about every four hours. My boss is very patient anddoes not mind lesser line counts at this point, since I came back after only one week (despite emergency c-section), but I really want my line counts and paycheck back to normalas soon aspossible! Thank you!

Sounds like his mother was this type of [2008-04-01]
wife/mother and that is all he knows. My ex was like that (his mom was SAHM and did absolutely everything) and he found out real quick that was not the real world, especially as I was working 40+ hours a week. I truly believe you both need to sit down and let each other know your expectations. Since this has been going on forever, it is going to take time for you both to come to some sort of compromise. You can only do so much before you run yourself into the ground. Then you are no good for anyone--him or your children. Plus, your kids need to know that if and when they have families, it takes 2 to run a household, not just the mom.

It sounds like he was this way before you were a SAHM, [2008-03-29]
and probably was this way before you married him. You cannot do everything yourself and you should not try. (He may not even know what he needs to do to help you and is just lashing out because he is stressed too.) You need to speak with him about this, but I'll leave that advice to others that have gone through similar situations. (I am a SMBC and do do everything myself, but I also do not have anyone complaining about my choice to fingerpaint with my child instead of scrubbing the floors.) In addition, maybe you can find a group of moms to get together with and socialize while the kids play, something like a Mommy and Me that would allow you to bring both your kids. Something that would get you out of the house where your kids would be safe and you could interact with other adults. You sound isolated and stressed. Just out of curiosity, what is/was his relationship with his mother like? Is she one of the do-everything for her family moms or did she delegate responsibility to her spouse and kids?

Sounds like you need to be the parent... [2008-01-29]
I have four children ranging in age from 19, 7, 5 and 3. All of my children, aside from the teenager, are in bed by 8:30 every night, not only for school, but because this is my time to catch up on work, spend time with husband or just unwinding. It's called a routine. If a two year old is wanting a movie during the night, something is wrong with the picture. You put them in bed and tell them that's where they are staying. Children will try to fuss, cry, temper trantrum their way out of anything, but if you let them know right from the start what you expect they will be happier and so will you.

It sounds as if [2008-01-28]
you have your hands full, but I bet you love every minute of it!

You are right, and no one can should be expected to work a schedule of 20+ hours of work in 1 day or [2008-01-19]
work 7 days a week. Especially when you have children at home, who are more important to you than all of the money in the world and any career in the world. The one thing a parent will regret most in life would be not being devoted to the love and care of their children.

That sounds like the perfect schedule, but [2008-01-18]
It doesn't work for me. My daughter is in preshool and I work while she's gone for four hours then I take a break and work another 2 hours after my older one is home and then because I have another 2 hours to put in to make up my 8 hours a day and a second job I work from 9:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. I've been doing this for years. Whatever works for you may not work for another. Everyone has to get a schedule that works for them.

Hectic schedule [2007-09-08]
I have a 3 y/o.son and I also take care of my bedbound mother. I get up early in the morning, 4 a.m., and work until 8 a.m., I then bathe my mom or assist the sitter with bathing her, get her breakfast and by then my son is up. I give him breakfast and from that point on I play it by ear: I type, attend to what needs to be done and then go back to work. I have a 24 hour turnaround and I usually work until my I am totally exhausted....but it is pretty hectic at times because no one understands just how dedicated that you have to be to this profession and working at home requires some discipline....but all of you know that. I also have 3 daughter's that pitch in and help take care of their brother and pitch in with taking care of mom....

That's what it sounds like to me too [2007-08-30]
That's just crazy. I was in the hospital for a whole week and was no where near ready to go back to work. I don't know about her but my c-sections were painful and I could barely move for weeks.

It sounds like you are looking for support [2007-06-24]
it doesn But then again, if you are getting the $1000.00 a week from the father, that must have been what caught your eye, so maybe you could cut your hours back. It does sound like something will suffer either your work time, your own children, or the ones you are inheriting. I think you Would the father consider hiring a nanny to help you?

Hmm, sounds like a boy thing...have 3 myself, but little girls. THEY do things like sm [2007-06-12]
wash the hamster with my expensive shampoo, then blow-dry him....drop an apple in the toilet and flush Gotta love Keep breathing!

Perfect example of why it is so hard [2007-05-31]
to actually get work done at home!!! My kids just found some squirt guns and since it is raining outside, very quietly filled them and proceeded to have water fight in the house!!! I was on the computer, just checked on them 5 minutes ago!!! Why??? Now I have to break from work to clean up a water mess!! ARRGHHH!! Summer has only just started and I am ready for fall!!

Sounds just like me when I was a child. [2007-04-04]
I had a twin sister in the same room and everything. I remember one time I felt like ants were in my bed. My parents did not indulge my anxieties too much, but I did drag the cat into bed to protect me. Unfortunately, when he stretched out one paw I decided he was cuffing at ants in my bed, so he wasn't much help. I still don't like spiders, and had one crawl across my eyelashes for real one night. A couple of nights later, DH ended up with 2 spider bites on his forehead. But I digress. I would make a point to let her see you fixing the problem. I'd go around the house and use caulk and that expanding STUFF (an expanding caulk) to close up any cracks around fireplace, mantle, plumbing pipes, etc. If you live in a dry climate, you could spread diamateous earth (not the kind used for pools though) around the house. This is something that any hard-shelled bug/spider is killed by because it shreds their exoskeleton when they walk on it. But as soon as it rains it starts washing away. This stuff is harmless to pets and people except that you don't want to inhale it, so you would wear a mask while putting it out. Then you could tell her you had solved the problem of spiders/bugs getting into the house. I'd also try to help wear her out with exercise so natural relaxation can kick in at night. Good luck.

schedule with 2-1/2 yo twins [2007-02-19]
I was reading some of these postings trying to get schedule ideas. My day changes daily. That is the only thing I can say. I am grateful that they do entertain each other, but that only goes so far. As my GYN said to me, the only thing predictable about children is that they are unpredictable. It is just refreshing to know that I My hubby does all he can to help me before he goes to work every day and does breakfast and the morning routine, so that does help.

On the subject of a more flexible schedule, are their any local MTSOs, sometimes they are more [2007-02-02]
flexible, or maybe you could pick up a small account of your own. Good luck!

Work Schedule [2007-01-31]
It is very difficult working with a young child at home. My daughter is 3-1/2, but I just enrolled her in pre-school two days a week. I work a schedule that may not be right for everybody, but it works for me. I work in the mornings; she keeps herself active doing a variety of things. Then I don't work again until she is asleep. I work from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. (I also have another part-time job). Good luck. I'm sure there's a schedule out there that's right for you and your daughter.

I proposed a more flexible schedule [2007-01-31]
to my employer, so we'll see if they will approve it or not. Im thinking 6-9 am and then on and off throughout the day in short bursts until I reach my quota.

Devise a feasible schedule that works, and do not deviate from it. [2007-01-29]
.

sounds about the time I started vomiting, mine wasn't morning sickness, just certain foods/smells [2006-11-10]
would trigger, and then learned to avoid them. Good luck and keep us posted!

Sounds like too much to me... [2006-09-22]
at that age, maybe only cereal. Feeding solids too soon can cause food allergies. JMHO, of course. I didn't start my babies on anything but cereal and maybe a little fruit mixed in, until they were at least 6 months old, and then very gradually. Baby needs formula or breastmilk more than anything for the first year really.

My schedule (or should I say my kids'?) [2006-07-13]
Mainly I work after they go to bed and before they get up in the morning. But sometimes the morning can be difficult because it can be unpredictable when the 2yo will wake up (he's an early riser who does not require as much sleep as a lot of other toddlers). I work part-time so there's not always a ton of work. I also have a 5yo who will be starting 1st grade in a week which means I can also work during the 2yo's nap time because the 5yo will be in school. I would sometimes do that too with my 5yo at home and keeping herself occupied for about an hour. I find it also helps to sneak in 5 or 10 minutes here and there to finish a job. More recently, my 2yo has discovered the computer and loves the toddler game we have on there for him (Reader Rabbit...it's wonderful!). So now maybe he can work on his computer while mommy works for a short while and he'll be right next to me! I have to say that I know I don't get as much sleep as I need, but it's worth it to work from home. And I know someday my 2yo will sleep in, at least I hope so!!!

Don't know how it's working, but it is [2008-11-28]
We just get schoolwork out of the way by 12 or 1 p.m. at the latest, and I am working from 6 a.m. to midnight oftentimes, very choppy hours. I thank God I am an IC cause this would NOT work with a set schedule. My husband is not much help, but when he can, he does. He is good about giving me a break when I need it, but mine is 14 and works pretty independently. Yes, it would be good if we would all correspond with each other! I'd enjoy that.

how do you describe MT work... [2008-11-12]
I donbecause it sounds like fun or those who don I can How can I explain this job to them? Most people do not realize that I had to actually complete MT school, which takes 18 months to 2 years+, and that even though I had a doctorate, it did not matter in this field, I still had to do the MT school because I did not have MT experience?? I have one friend in particular, who is a medical assistant and thinks she can just jump right into being an MT and will be great at it because she has experience. However, I had experience as a PA and have a doctorate and STILL learned quite a bit...seriously it just drives me crazy lately when someone says oh, you work from home...can you get my sister a job? She wants to work from home too... or something along those lines. Sorry if I Thanks in advance!

I did it - it is possible! [2008-11-05]
I started working from home when my son was just almost 2-1/2. Before that, I worked at a hospital and he was shifted from babysitter to grandma to daddy four days a week. I know you said you canmommy sitter. That's where a child (they say ideal is 8-12 years old) comes to play and entertain the children while mommy has something else she needs to get done in the house (or take a bubble bath!). It wouldn't cost much to pay a child so young and the child's parent would be reassured by your presence. Plus, a child that age with no younger sibling might truly enjoy playing with a 1-year-old. That might work until your husband comes home. Keep working at it. Sometimes it just takes a while to adjust and kids go thru periods of straining at the confines of a schedule. Work at figuring out a schedule until you find one that works. You CAN do it! And it's worth it!!

Doing both daily... [2008-11-05]
Don't know how old your child(ren) is/are, but my son is 9 and I finally found a program that makes my job as teacher much easier. I'm using Switched-On Schoolhouse (from Alpha Omega Publications) this year for three subjects. That means my son can be working on his schoolwork on the computer while I'm doing transcription work on another computer. He occasionally has a question or needs help, but this rarely takes more than 2-5 minutes and is often just needing a clarification on a question. You have to be really creative in your approach, and I get up really early to start work before he's awake. He gets up, reads his devotional, does his chores (animal care) and usually makes his own breakfast (it's usually microwaved oatmeal or cereal, but he's learning how to cook eggs), then gets started on schoolwork. Don't get me wrong - I don't ignore him the whole time and we do take a few minutes together when he gets up, even though I'm supposed to be working. It'll take some time, but you'll fall into a routine. It may not be perfect, but it'll do until you figure out a better way. Hang in there!

Working at home while caring for 1-year-old son. Can it really be done? [2008-10-21]
Seriously . . . Can it? I work second shift. Most the days I am starting once I lay my son down for his afternoon nap (around 12:30 p.m.) and then working until the end of my shift with a lunch in the middle. My husband doesn My son has recently decided he needs less sleep, which is understandable since he is getting older now. He has cut his naps down to about 1 hour a day. That means I have to try to work from about 1:30 p.m. until my husband gets home trying to take care of my son at the same time. He usually is pretty good about playing on his own or sitting on my lap watching me, but he is teething now and is very, very needy. He won I just switched jobs, so I can Any suggestions or help or tips would be greatly appreciated. I wish I didn I am just totally stressing about not making enough to pay the bills and trying to keep my son and husband happy all at the same time. Tips and suggestions would be very, very much appreciated. Thanks.

one-month-old-- have one too. [2008-09-08]
My daughter was born 08/08/08, and I also have a 15-year-old and a 3-year-old. I commend you for going back in one week!! I should be back already, but just can My normal shift is 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., and I have been laying back down with her after she gets up her once a night, until most days 8 a.m. at least. When we started giving my son cereal at night at 4 weeks, he slept longer. Put it in his bottle to start with a larger nipple, and then spoon fed also.Maybe try spoon feeding abit of cereal mixed with milk beforelaying her down for the night? Docs do not recommend it, but it sure helps them sleep longer/keeps their tummy fuller longer. It has worked for my first 2 sons!! I have never breast fed, so don Every baby is different, and you will probably have to adapt to her schedule, rather than she to yours. That is what is good about flexible schedules-- I go back to work this Wed. and have a VERY flexible schedule/boss. Good luck with this, I have it pretty easy, my daughter gets up only once a night, but it may be 2 a.m., it may be 4:30 a.m., than she goes back down and it is WAY too temptnig to lay back down with her, instead of getting into the groove of getting up by 5 a.m.!!! SHe also sleeps the largest part of the day, just waiting for that to change... Again, good luck!

MDI-MD... [2008-08-12]
Check out MDI-MD out of Baltimore, Maryland. I have been with them since April of this year after leaving Medquist and very happy with them so far. Part-time is 700 lines a day or full-time at 1200 lines (but can do more - you tell them how many lines you want) and you have a 24-hour period to complete your work, no set schedule. Love it!

No regrets however my kids are now older (sm) [2008-08-04]
so I I liked being available for them (still do) during school holidays, summer time, those days when they're sick, etc. and wouldn't have traded it for the world. I don What I like best about doing this from home is the flexibility I have to schedule doctor's appointments, manicures, etc. Good luck!

Wanting to switch companies [2008-07-27]
I am an experienced MT currently employed as an IC for a small transcription company in Nebraska.I do enjoy working for this company; however, I especially love that I do not have a set schedule. I am contracted to type a minimum of 1000 lines in a 24-hour period - VERY easy. Does anyone know of any other companies like this? Thank you for any suggestions!

first step [2008-06-14]
Brooke: I want to commend you on going to church and the strides you are making to show a good example. But that may not be quite enough. It sounds as if your husband has an inkling that he needs to make some changes . However, I do still think that the suggestion for martial counseling with your pastor is important. From some of you have said it does sound like there are a few more seriuos issues than him simply taking you for granted. You make it sound as if he is controlling all the fiances and your behavior and actions through that. Now I understand being frugal but you stated he can spend what he wants but you afraid to even ask for 20 dollars to joint a Momgood now. But remember, again you are to be viewed in terms of good or bad or imply you deserve certain treatment do to past mistakes. In the end you shoudl provide for your future. I think every woman does need a saftey plan for financial security. Working part-time would provide you money to buy some things for yourself and also to join group. You need social support. Right now you are essentially isolated other than your husband and family. What about joinign a MOPS group through church? I am not sure, but dont' think there is a charge. You need a group of supportive peole other than your husband. Keep going to church - maybe your husband might get into the men's minsitry. This could serve two-fold. He could see and model from Chrisian men how they interact aand also how they treat their wives. It would also give him a social outlet. The two of you going out without kids is also good. remember so a combinatin of things. One thing (such as date night or occasional church service) isn't going to work. Pray together. Have yourchurch family pray for you. I undersatnd divorce is not an option. I salute your committment to your marriage but your husband has to be as committed. It cannot just be about YOU making changes. So pray for his change of heart and try to actively involve him. YOu must communicate with him. Not yell, no walk on egg shells. If you are afraid to talke to him why? Has he been abusive/ Were you abused in the past by someone? AGain if this the case you need immediate intervention. Bottom line God asks men to love their wives but he did not say control their wives or belittle their wives. Women should suport and love their husbands as head of household but not be afraid of them or cower to them....

You're responding to him as if you are a child [2008-06-04]
This man is your husband, not your father. Either you were brought up to think you had to had a place for everything and everything in its place or you're trying to please him WAAAY to much. If he can't accept that you have enough to do with two children and the day to day housechores, then that's his problem. Why make it yours? If you keeping acting like his maid and servant, he will continue expecting it, so, I say to you, you need to change that behavior NOW. You will forever be treated like a child if you continue to act like one. You do not need his approval. Actions speak louder than words, so if he makes a comment about something being in the wrong place, etc., just say, Yea, I see that. My husband used to do this (been married over 27 years) without really thinking how he sounded. I put an end to that when my daughter was a baby. Did I want her to grow up to be someone servant? If he ask if a certain shirt had been ironed, I informed him he had many others in his closet and if that one was an emergency, he knew where the dry cleaners was located. Feeling guilty over failure to do dishes (too tired or exhausted)or leaving something cluttered is something you have to realize isn't an emergency, and he sees you constantly jumping around pleasing him, believe me, he will take advantage of that. You sound like you are trying to justify being a mom and staying at home. I have a daughter and a niece who before they were married, I certainly never left it a mystery as to my feelings on this matter. They both work hard jobs and neither husband EXPECTS everything to be spotless or at their beckon call. They know they can easily pitch in and do it themselves or they can shut up. The girls didnperfect little wives, whatever that is. You get over it and I guarantee, he will get over it, once he comes down off his high horse.

Thank you for your advice everyone. I am lucky in that my job is one where I have the full 24 hours [2008-05-30]
to do my line requirement and no set in stone schedule, so it has been doable. Also, line counts have been down and I I had my DH go in the attic and pull out the swing, which I had almost forgotten about, and that has helped a lot. Also, we hadn

I was one of the lucky ones, on a decent schedule after about 3 months, although definitely not back [2008-05-28]
to where I was used to producing, at least I was getting some sleep. He LOVED his swing, and would stay in it as long as I would allow. With other kids at home, hats off to you, because any little noise would throw him completely off schedule at that point. Have fun with it!

1-month-old schedule [2008-05-21]
Hiya. I have 8-year-old twin boys and an almost 1-month old girl. It has been a long time since the boys were on a napping schedule, so I was wondering if someone could refresh my memory as to when a nursing newborn can be set up on somewhat of a sleep-at-night, nap-by-day schedule and what a typical schedule might be. I went back to work one week after she was born, but am finding it really difficult to work consistently and get enough sleep for myself (homeschool the boys, one with special needs) with the baby up about every four hours. My boss is very patient anddoes not mind lesser line counts at this point, since I came back after only one week (despite emergency c-section), but I really want my line counts and paycheck back to normalas soon aspossible! Thank you!

Hard to remember those days - I too was sleep deprived. [2008-05-21]
I have an 8-month-old now. From what I can remember, they suggest not pushing a schedule until after 3 months and to not expect any certain schedule until around that point in time. Good luck.

Here is what I would do... [2008-04-09]
Since you don I went to my local library and got the list of girls who had taken the babysitter course, which included CPR. They are mostly in 7th -9th grades. It is the perfect job for them, and you are home and available if there is an emergency. I have used my list several times, and have had much luck with it. It is an easy solutionversus hiring a nanny, who youin the fall, etc. Good luck!!

Counseling with pastor? [2008-04-01]
There is a fine line between constant criticism and verbal abuse. I don For girls, you don For boys, you don I think it's great that you are about to start MT training and wish you all the best. If you want to make things work with your husband, it seems like you may benefit from an objective third party. Your pastor This may be a good source to have someone to go to couples therapy with, especially if cost would be an issue which it sounds like with your husband. I would also sit and discuss your finances with your husband at some point. Not having access to household funds except through him is not responsible. If he were to have an accident and get laid up for awhile, how would you pay the bills? Just some things to think about.

don't lose your sense of self... [2008-03-30]
Wow, I totally feel for you! Have you thought about writing him a letter - maybe something like what you just wrote to all of us.. maybe on paper he will see it a little clearer... and if not, honey I would STOP doing ALL of it! Marriage is a PARTNERSHIP remember and by the way, it's not 1950 anymore. It takes two to keep things going and him providing the source of income, although huge and I'm sure you are greatful - is not the only thing that defines a man as a husband or a dad for that matter. My husband and I both work, we both contribute financially, and actually, I made more then him last year - that said, us women/moms will always do more then them, my husband does help and he does share in most of the duties... he has too. In our early years together I once had to tell him that I wasn't his maid, cook or sex slave and that that if I was going to feel alone in our relationship, well, then ALONE is what I would be and his ass would be gone. Needless to say, he heard me loud and clear and while we work very hard everyday to keep our marriage strong, it is work on both of our parts. Your husband has to help more... he has to realize that the longer this goes on, the more you end up resenting him! and truly is this they way you want your children to see you for the next 20 years? Get out of the house, role pennies to get the $20 bucks to get into the local moms club... do it for yourself, it sounds like you need it! Keep you chin up and fight your hardest to get through to him!

nothing new yet, I am leaning on [2008-01-27]
Mya Avery for a girl, and Ryder for a boy, no definite middle name picked for him, possibly Kingston or Kensington though. My hubby likes Mya, but really likes Peyton. I thought of Peyton Mya, but doesn Just have yet to find anything else to top that.I understandsome people choose namesfor their meaning and all, but it is not like someone is going to say,Oh, Dylan, I like thatname-- means from the water. Not ONCE in my son I think it is kooky to choose solely based on the meaning... What sounds goodto us is what is important. Any other comments??!! Thanks for re-responding!!

looking for insight [2008-01-24]
Hello All, This is my first post here. I have some questions about my current employment situation and was hoping for some insight from others who may have been in my shoes before. Basically, I have been working for a small transcription service for the last 2 years.I came into the field as a way to have a flexible, at-homeschedule for my school aged children and just to earn a little extra cash per month. I donformal MT training or education but because of the bachelorreally love the work, but after 2 years I am only making 7.75 cents per line. Each time I get comfortable with a certain discipline and begin to increase my line count, the employer switches the account I'm on and I'm back to square 1. Also due to the limited availability of the work she has right now, I'm only getting 5-10 hours a week, if that. Sorry to be so long-winded, I suppose I'm just wondering if 7.75 is a fair rate for 2 years experience and if I'm getting the shaft by being switched from 1 discipline to another every few months so that I am never able to increase my production/pay. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions. Thank you.

Some ideas [2008-01-23]
These might work for you. I went to college and had three children and a full-time job (transcription). My employer let me work at home too and on a flex schedule, just had to get the work done and I aimed for weekends, but you may want to work pm - that works too. I had to be at the hospital at set times too, 6:00 - 3:30 three days a week for clinical and then two days a week at school all day long from 7:00 to about 4:00. I had my mom (thank God for moms) pick up my kids from school (they were a little older than yours). I picked them up from her house after I got out of school, about 4:30. I went home and then fed everyone, then baths were early and some homework and everyone had to go to bed early. Like at 7:00. They could leave the lights on and play with a toy or talk for a half-hour and then they had a half-hour of reading time - quietly after that and they mostly always fell asleep that way. I then had a few hours to do my homework (nursing school has lots of it) and clean up the kitchen, maybe type for an hour or two. I went to bed early as possible and listened to recorded lectures until I fell asleep. I got up every morning at 4:00 a.m. for four years. Even on the weekends. I listened to recorded lectures at those times and cleaned the house, made lunches, and did the laundry. It is peaceful at 4:00 a.m. and things you study are best remembered if you study for some reason. On weekends, I made up enough dinners for the rest of the week and froze them, typed reports for work (cramming 40 hours worth in is not easy. I did it with a little bit done during the week on lighter days, but for three hours without fail on Saturdays I went to the library to work on school stuff alone - my mom again! It helps to listen to lectures (recorded) while you drive and while you get ready in the mornings. I had a study group too (three of us) and that helped a lot. We divided up all the material we had learned before exam days and exchanged our notes and study materials in that way. I was married, but my husband was gone on business five days a week, so he was no help. Just get a pattern going and stick with it no matter what (except illness). It is easier to clean in the morning when kids are asleep. Get rid of all the extra toys and knick-knacks - you won't have to dust them or put them away if they aren't there. Make sure you have a freezer and a dishwasher because they are your best friends. If you can't fix dinner, eat out or get takeout, but be sure it does not become your only source of food. Plan ahead and you won't have to do that often. Sometimes I cheated and took all the clothes to the laundromat because you can do it all at once (like in two hours) in case that has fallen behind. Sometimes I thought I would lose it, but I didn't. I survived and graduated, did not get fired from my job and my kids are all okay. Take vitamins. Learn to like coffee! I never drank it until then. Good luck. You can do it!

Yes... [2008-01-18]
I have been through the same thing. I am a mother of two who has had some schooling, but mostly trained on the job. I am self-employed, as well. While working for a national, I was told that I couldn't take the time to feed my baby, or even have a bathroom break...YES I WAS TOLD THAT. So, I left and decided to do things on my own. What I do is sit down and list every activity we have going on for that week (we even play 2 basketball games on Saturdays and have lots of traveling to do that day) and fit work in. I typically like to work M-F, but there are times when I work on Saturday, as well. I have a 24-hour TAT, so as long as I get my work in on time, I am doing okay...still having time with my family and time for work, as well. As far as Holidays, I don't totally write them off of my schedule..if I have work available then after I spend time with my family and the kids have gone to bed, I work. It can be very frustrating, but once you find the balance between home (family) and work, you will feel free as a bird (and less overwhelmed). I sure hope this helps!

Marion Claire, Jacqueline Ruth, Catherine Brigid, Emily, Rachel, Rebecca, Sarah, Hollis, Meryl [2008-01-18]
For boysRaydell (pronounced Ray-dale here in the south),Xavier (pronounced like savior). Whatabout Matthew, Mark, Luke or John,Christopher, Thomas, James, Andrew, Seth, Adam, Patrick, Sebastian? Whatever name you choose, practice screaming it out the back door to see if you like the way it sounds comin Good luck and short labor to ya!Cat

That sounds like the perfect schedule, but [2008-01-18]
It doesn't work for me. My daughter is in preshool and I work while she's gone for four hours then I take a break and work another 2 hours after my older one is home and then because I have another 2 hours to put in to make up my 8 hours a day and a second job I work from 9:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. I've been doing this for years. Whatever works for you may not work for another. Everyone has to get a schedule that works for them.

Thank you for all of the responses. . .sm [2008-01-15]
I think the problem is really with my husband. If he has to watch the kids (we have a 7-year-old and a 2-year-old), he gets very angry and will interrupt me constantly to change diapers, make dinner, etc. We have a farm and he thinks that he should be outside working instead of baby sitting. I really tried to make my schedule work around his. He also is resentful because I gave up a decent job to stay home. Where we live, most people don't make the kind of money I use to make. I think he made it difficult for me on purpose so I would go back to my old job. He is a control freak and always wants to get his way. If not for the kids, I would be gone. Thank you very much for your advice. When my youngest is in school, I will try to find something part time and hopefully work up to full time.