Transitioning from full time employee to full time Mom

For those that are new to A "Juled" Life, we flooded in Harvey, and at the time I was working full time.  The company I was working for was purchased several years ago and well, things changed.  With the stress of the different company I was now working for, and basically rebuilding our home,  I decided to quit my job. It was a BIG decision but fortunately I had tremendous support from my husband.

The transition over the past several months has been different, but one I do not regret for even a second.  I am a busy body and love to stay busy so those close to me thought it wouldn't last a week.

The girls being home this summer has been a total blast!  Last year I worked on what I called my Houston Summer Bucket List, I will share later this week.  I have been taking pictures of each activity and at the end of the summer each girl will make their own scrap book.  I just LOVE this idea!  It gives them a creative activity that will give them a lifetime of memories of our summer together!

I can say one thing that has helped me feel productive while not "working" has been my daily to do list.  I have always been a list person, so writing down each day what I want to accomplish, has been very satisfying.  I love crossing off my list things like, line the dressing area drawers, grocery store, return jeans, etc.

Today's list looks like this:
1.  Drop off dry cleaning
2.  Spray paint Kenli's desk chair
3.  Return valance curtains and reorder
4.  Install 4 puck lights
5.  Follow up with pool company regarding decking
6.  Take girls to tutoring
7.  Take girls to Mathnasium

You get it!  Sounds lame I am sure, but when I finish all of these things and look back at my day I have such a great feeling of accomplishment.  If anything, getting the house back in order has been a huge daily accomplishment.

I have also have been cooking a lot, which I love!  I hosted a few couples last week for probably the first time in almost a year, and found three appetizer recipes I think I will make again!

Smoked Salmon Spread in Cucumber Cups

Caramelized Salmon Deviled Eggs

Belgian Endive Stuffed With Crabmeat Ravigote

Happy hosting if you decide to try one or all of these! 

Tomorrow's post will include my tips on how I have conquered getting the house back in order. My Mom said it best, "every room in this house is a complete mess!!"  Well, yeah, like I said, that sums it up!  HA!