Random Musings of One Tired Momma

As many of you know, my husband owns a quilting and sewing machine repair shop. We repair machines, offer long arm quilting services and sell supplies for quilting (machines, needles, thread, notions, fabric, books, patterns, etc.). I have worked for him for the last 2 or 3 years. Business is much slower in the summer due to summer outdoor activities. Who wants to be inside sewing?

Anywho, a month or so ago, I took a different job in a factory that paid more so I could get some bills paid off. However, I soon learned that the job was too much or too hard for me to handle….however you’d like to say it. I had the job for 2 weeks only and I went back to work at the shop. Sadly, I still have bills that I’d like to get paid off. In order to do that, I decided to take another job in the evenings. I’ve been a SAHM for the better part of 20 years so my work experience is limited, but in my younger days, I enjoyed working in kitchen settings (dietary aide, cook, dishwasher, etc), but NOT waitressing. I am more of a behind-the-scenes gal, lol.

The new job is in a restaurant and I am a dishwasher, which has to be one of my favorite jobs! And yesterday was my first day! At the sewing shop, I am on my feet periodically through the day and sitting at a machine periodically. However, at my dishwashing job, I am on my feet for the whole shift – 6 hours and boy was I tired when I got home! I took the job temporarily so I’m not sure how long I will have it as I am only trying to get some bills paid.

But here’s the kicker to both jobs – at the sewing shop, I have 3 out of 4 of my girls e-learning/homeschooling! We are super excited for this as they all enjoy being with me at the shop. They are learning the ins and outs of running a business, helping customers and learning to quilt while also learning their academics! I have an area partitioned off/set up at the back of our store where they focus on their e-learning/homeschooling until they finish the day’s lessons. If they need help with anything, they ask and I can help. After their lessons, they are allowed to help customers and work on sewing projects. It’s win-win for them!

In the evenings, while I am at my second job, kiddos are with my hubby tending our animals (4 rabbits, 12 goats, 2 cows, 2 horses, and 2 dogs thus far). His dad duties turn mom duties as mom is not available (feeding, making sure showers are done, cleaning chores, and bedtime).

We kind of jumped into this homesteading lifestyle feet first. Next year we hope to be more organized and more self-reliant than we currently are. We have a ways to go yet. Wish us luck on our journey to simpler living!

For all the momma homesteaders out there, what does your daily life look like?