Spotsylvania County woman speaks from experience about the importance of raising a family and making a living--at the same time.

By CATHY DYSON

Date published: 6/21/2005

Teenage girls tend to get embarrassed easily, especially over something their mothers have said, done or worn.

The daughters of Iris Shamble, of Spotsylvania County, are no different. But 13-year-old Jade and 15-year-old Daria aren't mortified over their mother's outfits or because she's out of touch.

They get embarrassed for the opposite reasons.

Their mother attracts young people.

When the Shambles go shopping, mom is the one who recognizes teenagers from what she calls "the outer edges" of social groups. She knows the guy with the pierced lip and the girl with burgundy hair.

And much to her daughters' dismay, Shamble goes out of her way to talk with them.

"I kinda blend with kids," said Shamble, who doesn't look--or act--like she's 44.

Despite her youthful charm, Shamble has a serious message to share. She believes it's vital for women to be mothers and wives and for them to create the family atmosphere in their homes.

She also believes women can make a living--and raise their families at the same time.

Shamble recently published a book about her beliefs, called "A Christian Mother's Survival Guide." She quotes a lot of Scripture in the 102-page paperback, on everything from being a virtuous woman to understanding the needs of your husband.

But Shamble also speaks from experience about how she brought money into the household without leaving the home. She mentions dozens of work-at-home or part-time possibilities, from being a "mystery shopper," paid to evaluate service at local stores, to setting up a call center at her home, selling products advertised on TV.

She also has done modeling, demonstrated new products in warehouse stores and filled out surveys for pay.

Shamble lists legitimate Internet sources in her book for others interested in work-at-home possibilities, as well as what pitfalls to avoid. She got ripped off once and lost a $68 application fee, and she deals with scams in Chapter Six.

"Everything she writes about in the book, she's been through," said Mary Archibald, a Spotsylvania woman who has known Shamble about 10 years. "She's a good mother, she's a faithful wife and she's one smart woman."

Shamble has worked a lot of different jobs in the 18 years she's been married to her husband, Darryl. He's a first sergeant in the Marine Corps, and the Shambles have moved five times in 18 years, including a stint in Japan.

Iris Shamble always found part-time jobs or worked around her children's schedules, no matter where she lived. She ran a day-care center in South Carolina and started working for Spotsylvania County schools after her family moved to the Chancellor area five years ago.

She's currently a library assistant at Freedom Middle School. She talks to students in the school store each morning, and in the library throughout the day.

Date published: 6/21/2005