Me

I don’t hate Martha. I don’t know Martha. Well, I do. Lots of Martha’s. All very nice.

But I don’t know THE Martha. I am sure she is a very nice person and quite lovely.
If she invited me for dinner I would jump at the chance and bring my best dessert.

But…I hate the idea that is Marthaism. It seems to be similar to Skinnyism (an unrealistic standard).
We look at standards of homemaking, decorating, cooking, motherhood, you name it and judge ourselves.
Standards coming from magazines, t.v., and many other places. Great places! Places I love to peruse.
But…who lives in a magazine? Who lives on a t.v. set? Not me!

I hate that women feel pressured to bake, cook, clean, craft, relate, care for children, decorate, work, organize, and who knows what else…at a ridiculous standard. An impossibility.
We miss life. We miss our children. We miss the JOY simply in doing. We miss the fact hat we can.
That we have the resources. That we have the ability. That we have people to care for…
We have people!

This blog is my own resource in a way. I am creative to my core. Without an outlet. This is my outlet.
In the process I hope to show life at its best. Messy. Sometimes pretty darn near perfect.
And remind myself that it’s the littlest moment that makes the biggest impression.
Not the beautiful cake. The homemade costumes. Or the decorating. or…or…or!
It’s the kiss, the smile, and the I love you.

The specs about me:

I am a 30ish woman.
I live in Wisconsin. It is cold. Very cold. I wish I lived in Florida.
I am the oldest of 10. 4 boys 6 girls.
I was homeschooled much of my life.
I was married young.
I have stayed married 15 years. I felt the need to mention this. Cause marriage is hard. And great!
I have 2 children. A 14 year old girl and an 9 year old boy.
2 years ago they entered public charter school, online…at home.
My husband and I have owned our own business, Strand Nursery Company, for 5 years. The same business we worked at for all our married life. I run the office, accounting, shipping, etc…
I work from home. Lots of hours. But, at least I can throw laundry in occasionally!
My husband and I have been in and out of youth work in various forms for most of our married life.
I worked as program director until very recently at my local public library.
We also worked for 8 years as our local church’s youth leaders.
I run an afterschool Youth Chess Club for 10-15 years old. I know right…how weird!
We have an open door policy in our home. And it is utilized. A lot.
I love football. Sundays are my favorite days.
I love cooking. Love it! A glass of wine, Food Network, and making supper are my idea of a great time!
My kids are great. They are the best kids ever. Adorable, kind, and sweet.
Reading is food for the soul. A good book is better then chocolate any day.
I play bass guitar. It’s a stress reliever for me. I very much hope one of my kids picks it up.
Blogging is hard for me. The technical stuff is over my head. But, I love challenges. And learning new things.
I start something, conquer it…and move on.
I love being me. I thank God daily for all the blessings that are mine.

A great way to contact me is via e-mail at janel@hatingmartha.com!
You can also  subscribe to Hating Martha and get me in your email box every day!

And if you want a peek at a few rooms in my house…head over to the decorating tab and find them! But be kind…I live there, and I didn’t clean for you!