I often find myself going in a hundred different directions and in so doing do not always pay attention to the details of current events like I should. When I posted this “sale extention” I simply was trying to do something “nice” for my customers. I looked at the calendar and asked myself “what would be a good reason to extend my sale?” The only thing I found on the calendar was patriots day, and as I am a huge patriot and love and respect the men and women that serve our country I thought “thats a good day.” At the time I did not even make the connection between Patriots day and 9-11. And it wasn’t until all the events that were being broadcast on the day of that I even realized it was the 10 year anniversary of the event. Some of you may be offended at the thought that I was unaware, but I do not watch much tv and so it escaped my notice. When I realized that it was 9-11 several days had already past from the time I posted this sale, and it didn’t even dawn on me then. that I had posted a sale and someone may take offence.

I am a blonde, and a single mom that works 2 jobs and homeschools my children. I am very sorry for any offence that this sale may have caused.

I do support our troops, I do support made in America, and buy American fabrics to create our products. And hope that all may find it in their hearts to forgive me.

Above Rubies is an international ministry that encourages women in their biblical roles as wife and mother. Many of these women, dedicated to serving the Lord in their families , will be attending a retreat in Dickson, TN in August. Would you help make this a special time for them by donating any encouraging materials like books, cds, dvds, etc…?

Thank you for considering donating to this retreat. As you know, mothers are nation-builders, they are one of the biggest influences in their childrens’ lives, and therefore in the future of our country. Let’s work together to encourage and refresh them, so that they will be ready to give their all for the Lord each day, in this important, and demanding work.

Shelly Cathcart

Let me take a minute to explain a little more on my perspective as to the article. First of all, I did not write the article because of my apron business. I actually started the apron business as a result of my observations on the return of women to their homes.

At the time the article was written, back in 2003, I had just found myself in a position to return home to care for my children. I had two years earlier become a single parent and had had little time with my children because of work and my family was suffering emotionally from the fallout of divorce. I had some loving family members that offered me the opportunity to be at home, to be a mother and to homeschool my children, which had been a longtime desire of mine. This is the heart from which the article was written.

I had during this time met with many women who had left full time careers to come home to their families. And from my perspective this was a wonderful thing. I do have beliefs about women being keepers of their homes. I think it is good and beneficial to the whole family. However I do not believe that to be a “keeper of” means that you can only be in the home. Currently, my circumstances require me to work outside the home too. But I am still very grateful and thankful for the time I had to just be mom, to get up everyday and be available to serve my family according to their needs.

You do know that it is not one or the other, don’t you? I am proud to be one of the super moms out there who earns six figures, runs my house, cooks almost every dinner, bakes with my children and teaches them to sew and do woodworking and all the great crafts and outdoor things in life. I know you are just excited to see more people buying your products, but it would be nice to see some recognition for those supermoms who do it all, and do it well.

I just made my sister in law an apron for christmas with a matching one for her daughter and was looking for a nice poem or saying to put with the gift and came across your site. You have lovely aprons, but your backwards thinking on the mother’s limited role in the world just turns me off.

I sent you an e-mail but justin case it gets caught in a spam filter I wanted to post here as well. Have a great day.

It would be less calm, but I would certainly purchase one and I am willing to bet other customers would too. Perhaps the material could be used for several styles of aprons.

Linda

Thanks again, Blessings
Lorrie Mathews