Vacation Week

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. :)

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.

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 :)

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?