I took the week off with the kids for their school vacation this week. It is only Sunday and they have managed to book up almost the entire week for me. They are now at the age where they love to be with their friends and hang out on the computer. I miss the days where they couldn't wait to see what we were doing next.
I love the lack of routine for the week and not having to wake up at 5:30 every morning and make lunch boxes. I can actually go to bed later and not have to lay out their clothes the night before. And my favorite, NO homework!
I remember being a kid and loving my school vacation. Now it's a little different as an adult. As much as I love my time off from work, do us mom's actually get a vacation? I still have to clean, do laundry, cook, etc. I guess even though I still have to do all those things, I don't have the stress of having to get myself ready for work too. I also love the fact that I get to be home every night with my family when I usually am working 2 nights a week.
I am reminded throughout the week that I miss the adult time at work. I guess it gives me the break I need, but reminds me at the same time that I actually don't mind working. I wish my hours were a little more ideal, but ultimately, I enjoy my time away from the house once in awhile.
Even though the kids have managed to "book up" my week, I am sure I can look like the cool mom by taking them out for ice cream at some point. Do they need to know that I think I actually enjoy it more than them? No, I will actually let them believe I do it only for them. :)
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
My Baby is Growing Up
Most mornings, I am the one to take Logan to the bus stop. While waiting for the bus, we play some made up games, sing or do whatever passes the time. Usually it's all stuff to distract him from the fact that he has to go to school. He is fine once he's there, but if there is too much down time, he tends to complain about the fact that he has to go.
In that small amount of time of waiting, I have a little window of opportunity to get my kiss and hug goodbye in. It has to be done before the bus even arrives at the end of our driveway or it's too late. He doesn't want any of his friends to see him kissing his mom goodbye. In fact, if the bus is even seen coming down the street, it is most often too late. On the rare times I don't get my hug, I do get a high five and sometimes that just has to be good enough, because I know someday, I won't even get that.
I dislike those mornings when all I get is the high five, but once he's home, I almost always get a kiss and hug. Some days, I even get a little wave from the bus window as it drives off. Not an obvious one, but if I don't blink, I do see it! Even though I want my kids to grow up and be independent, I still miss those moments where they have to get in that last hug with me. But for now, I am content with the fact that they both like to sit right next to me at night and still want me to tuck them into their beds.
In that small amount of time of waiting, I have a little window of opportunity to get my kiss and hug goodbye in. It has to be done before the bus even arrives at the end of our driveway or it's too late. He doesn't want any of his friends to see him kissing his mom goodbye. In fact, if the bus is even seen coming down the street, it is most often too late. On the rare times I don't get my hug, I do get a high five and sometimes that just has to be good enough, because I know someday, I won't even get that.
I dislike those mornings when all I get is the high five, but once he's home, I almost always get a kiss and hug. Some days, I even get a little wave from the bus window as it drives off. Not an obvious one, but if I don't blink, I do see it! Even though I want my kids to grow up and be independent, I still miss those moments where they have to get in that last hug with me. But for now, I am content with the fact that they both like to sit right next to me at night and still want me to tuck them into their beds.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Jack of All Trades
My job description has gone well beyond being a "mom." It's amazing the stuff I need to start doing each day before I even get the chance to fully wake up. Once the alarm goes off, there is no hitting the snooze button because if I am running late, so does everyone else. Not only do I get the lunches made in the morning, but I manage to remember who has what activity going on at school each day and need to make sure they are dressed appropriately for gym class, or make sure books are packed for library day. I've had some mom's tell me that their children make their own lunches. First of all, my son would pack ALL sugar and not one fruit and maybe even skip packing a sandwich. My daughter would actually do pretty well since she is a good eater. But for me, this all comes down to the kind of mom I choose to be. Sure, I could be making more work for myself, but I like knowing the kids have everything they need and there is some satisfaction knowing I helped them out.
I enjoy the breaks I get on school vacation weeks, but someday, the kids will be grown and I will be wishing I could make just one more lunch box and double checking if they packed all their homework. And since my husband is not a morning person, I have a feeling I will always be needed :)
I enjoy the breaks I get on school vacation weeks, but someday, the kids will be grown and I will be wishing I could make just one more lunch box and double checking if they packed all their homework. And since my husband is not a morning person, I have a feeling I will always be needed :)
Friday, April 1, 2011
Snowday...
I am sure most working mom's have encountered the dreaded "snow day" from school. Now don't get me wrong, I love the unexpected day home with my kids, but when it falls on a day that I have to work, it makes for a tough day. Trying to figure out whether to call in or pay to have someone watch them is not a great way to wake up in the morning. Being a hairstylist, I find it difficult to call in. I have clients scheduled and if they still make it in, great, but if they reschedule, it makes for a long day sitting around when I would much rather stay home with my kids. Fortunately my kids had fun at the center for the day, unfortunately it cost a fortune.
I find the daycare situation to be a constant battle for me. I have to work, but with the hours my job requires, I have to put my kids in childcare after school a couple days a week. I happen to drive by the center on my way to work as my kids are being dropped off by the bus there. Guilt sets in. I hate that they are gone all day and as soon as school lets out, I have to go to work. I get home after their bedtime. I do think it's great that my husband has his time with them, but I know making dinner at night after working all day and dealing with homework is probably not the ultimate way to end his day. But he does it and even finds time to play a game or read with them.
As much as I have the guilt with working, I do however feel that I am a better mom for doing it. I feel that I have more quality time with them when I am home. I also get out for some adult conversation and bring home a paycheck. And the best part is, I am usually greeted with a hug and a "how was your day mom" when I walk in. How cool is that?
I find the daycare situation to be a constant battle for me. I have to work, but with the hours my job requires, I have to put my kids in childcare after school a couple days a week. I happen to drive by the center on my way to work as my kids are being dropped off by the bus there. Guilt sets in. I hate that they are gone all day and as soon as school lets out, I have to go to work. I get home after their bedtime. I do think it's great that my husband has his time with them, but I know making dinner at night after working all day and dealing with homework is probably not the ultimate way to end his day. But he does it and even finds time to play a game or read with them.
As much as I have the guilt with working, I do however feel that I am a better mom for doing it. I feel that I have more quality time with them when I am home. I also get out for some adult conversation and bring home a paycheck. And the best part is, I am usually greeted with a hug and a "how was your day mom" when I walk in. How cool is that?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
My First Entry
I've been a mother for over 10 years and always thought it would be fun to blog about my life as a mom, share in my views about daily ups and downs. It is a full time job, one that requires you to be available 24/7. As trying as some days may be, I would not change a thing about my home life with my family. I am not a writer, so bear with me as I try to write my thoughts into something that makes sense.
I have 1 stepdaughter, Jordan and 2 children of my own, Madison & Logan. I have a great relationship with all 3. My stepdaughter's mother has always been involved in her life, so I have always thought of us as great friends. I never treated her any different than my other 2 and have always thought of her as one of my own. I just felt that she had a mom and that she didn't need any kind of discipline from another. I didn't want any children of my own when I got married to her dad, but I like to credit her for wanting them a few years later. She was always a great kid and it just hit me one day, "ok I want just one."
Three years into married life, we decided to have my daughter, Madison. Just one is what I said at the time. She was a great baby. Very easy going and could take her anywhere. In fact, she was so easy and fun, I wanted one more. I grew up with a brother. As much as I would have traded him in for a sister growing up, there were times I was happy to have him around. I didn't want Madison to grow up and only child. Three years later, we had Logan. Logan was a pretty easy baby in the beginning. He was all boy as he grew, very full of energy and into everything. Just when I thought the house was child proof from my first one, he got into everything she didn't. They could not be more different from one another, but it has been fun to see them develop their own personality. Madison is now 10 and Logan is 7.
I am fortunate enough to work part time. I do take care of the house, shopping, laundry and running the kids to appointments and activities. My husband works full time and even though he misses the "fun stuff" with laundry, etc., he always finds time to play and hang out with the kids. I try not to leave lists for him when I work on the weekend, so he has more time to be with them. Don't get me wrong, he does his share of the chores around the house, but being part time allows me to handle the daily stuff.
So there is a brief glimpse of my children. I will try to add in a daily story here and there and share in my thoughts as a mom. I find it great to talk to other moms and hear about some of their stories and somehow, it makes me feel better knowing I am not the only one feeling excited about their childs accomplishments or hearing that their child isn't perfect either when they have a tantrum. It gives you a brief, "ok, I am not the only going through this, or feeling this." Suddenly it gives you a normal feeling.
Thanks for reading and I would love to hear from you about your, "Life as a Mom."
I have 1 stepdaughter, Jordan and 2 children of my own, Madison & Logan. I have a great relationship with all 3. My stepdaughter's mother has always been involved in her life, so I have always thought of us as great friends. I never treated her any different than my other 2 and have always thought of her as one of my own. I just felt that she had a mom and that she didn't need any kind of discipline from another. I didn't want any children of my own when I got married to her dad, but I like to credit her for wanting them a few years later. She was always a great kid and it just hit me one day, "ok I want just one."
Three years into married life, we decided to have my daughter, Madison. Just one is what I said at the time. She was a great baby. Very easy going and could take her anywhere. In fact, she was so easy and fun, I wanted one more. I grew up with a brother. As much as I would have traded him in for a sister growing up, there were times I was happy to have him around. I didn't want Madison to grow up and only child. Three years later, we had Logan. Logan was a pretty easy baby in the beginning. He was all boy as he grew, very full of energy and into everything. Just when I thought the house was child proof from my first one, he got into everything she didn't. They could not be more different from one another, but it has been fun to see them develop their own personality. Madison is now 10 and Logan is 7.
I am fortunate enough to work part time. I do take care of the house, shopping, laundry and running the kids to appointments and activities. My husband works full time and even though he misses the "fun stuff" with laundry, etc., he always finds time to play and hang out with the kids. I try not to leave lists for him when I work on the weekend, so he has more time to be with them. Don't get me wrong, he does his share of the chores around the house, but being part time allows me to handle the daily stuff.
So there is a brief glimpse of my children. I will try to add in a daily story here and there and share in my thoughts as a mom. I find it great to talk to other moms and hear about some of their stories and somehow, it makes me feel better knowing I am not the only one feeling excited about their childs accomplishments or hearing that their child isn't perfect either when they have a tantrum. It gives you a brief, "ok, I am not the only going through this, or feeling this." Suddenly it gives you a normal feeling.
Thanks for reading and I would love to hear from you about your, "Life as a Mom."
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