Ever since Samantha was born, I have not had a full time job. I have subbed on Fridays when Michael is home and I have a small, at home business I make things for and sell online, but those are both things I can do if and when I have time.
A couple months ago, a teacher I substituted for asked me if I would be willing to be a full time sub while she went on maternity leave. After a lot of thought, prayers, and discussion with Michael, we decided that I would help her out for 3 of the 6 weeks (she had another sub that could do the other 3 weeks if I couldn't do all 6). My three weeks started last week, and now I know why I'm not a working mother!
I have gained a new found respect for mothers of young kids who work outside the home. That being said, it is not the life for me! Every morning is a struggle to get kids ready, out the door, to the babysitter, and to school on time. Once I get to school, I really enjoy the job. I work with great kids and even better teachers. It is so fun to be teaching again! But school ends, and I have to get the kids and start my day. Every time I pick up the kids, Zach crawls to me as quickly as possible! I love it! He is so happy to see me! Samantha is another story. She always cries and says, "No go home!!!" After finally dragging her out the door with Zach in tote, we get in the car and often, as soon as we pull in the garage, the crying starts again. I get her into the house, look at the mess from the day before and the morning, and the headache strikes! By the time Michael gets off work, figuring out what to make for dinner seems almost impossible.
I love that I am having this experience. It makes me appreciate that I can be home with my kids. I appreciate that I get to know what they are doing every minute of every day. I get to know what, when, and if they are eating good things. I can regulate how much television they get. I get to read them stories. I get to kiss them at nap time. I get to be the one that raises my kids. That is a huge blessing that is often times hard to see. Being a stay-at-home-mom can get so monotonous. Cleaning, cooking, diapers, screaming kids, etc... every day can be hard to deal with. But I have learned that when you work, you still have to deal with it, just add working to the list!
I'm sure there will be a point in a month or so, after working is a thing of the past, when I think, "I'm going crazy with the house and kids!" But, for the next week or two, I have a little different perspective!
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