I don't wanna go to work today!

This is what my husband said to me on the way out the door this morning. I heaved a big sigh and said, "I don't either." We smiled at each other, knowing neither of us really had a choice. And off we went. I to my day of never-ending chores and childcare, and he to the busy work world. There are often days when I wish we could trade for a day. I could go out into the world and contribute to society. I could have adult conversations. I could go out to lunch and actually enjoy my food and go to a restaurant that doesn't have a playplace. Being a stay-at-home mom is no easy task. I don't think it's physically any more difficult than other jobs, but it's emotionally more difficult. And it's not a 9-5 gig. It's 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The thing that makes it worthwhile is the long-term rewards. The joy of seeing my children grow up can't be replaced by any job out in the world. And although there are days when I yearn to contribute to society in a more obvious way, I know that by staying home and raising my children, I am contributing. I am contributing to who they are and who they become. And I pray every day that I do this in a good way. I have nothing but respect for those women who do work and have to work. I know that many of them would trade places with me in a heartbeat. I know I am fortunate to be home with my children, but I think no matter your situation, there's always days you wish it was different. And so today...I don't wanna go to work!!

I saw the sun!!

In a land where the sun rarely shines in the winter, I caught a glimpse the other day. It wasn't just the possibility of the sun with rays trickling through the dense muck, but the sun itself. I ran inside holding my baby, (too cold outside to really enjoy it) and smashed our bodies up to the sliding glass door to soak in some Vitamin D. My five year old, Michael, started laughing and asked what I was doing. I told him that I was soaking in some Vitamin D and he came and put his face on the warm glass with me. I was afraid it would go away quickly because I could see foreboding clouds in the distance. So we just stood there, the three of us against the glass, soaking in the rays. I called my mother to tell her to hurry or she'd miss the sun and she enjoyed it with me for a moment. (Thanks mom!!) In my old age, I will definitely be a snow bird. These mucky sunless winters are hard for me! I see the sun again this morning and have opened all the blinds. I know it won't be long before it's gone, so I'd better go enjoy it!

The Sunday disaster

It seems that no matter how hard I work on Saturday, or how much I try, by the end of Sunday the house is a disaster. We hurry to get to church, we hurry to go to Grandma's, or we just laze around the house. But no matter what, I wake up to a disaster on Monday morning wondering where my nice clean house went. The children are required to clean their bedrooms on Saturday, and sometimes it lasts a day or two, but I can almost guarantee that by this time tomorrow, I won't be able to walk through their bedrooms. I wish my house would just stay in a state of cleanliness! How nice would that be?

We got the pox!!

Katherine has chicken pox! Poor baby girl! I'd like to think that explains her recent increase in orneriness, but I'm afraid the orneriness is merely a symptom of being three and not the pox. The doctor looked at me a little funny when I told her I suspected chicken pox, and then asked if she is current on her vaccines, which she is. But she's one of those lucky 2% of kids that can still get the pox. So...we got the pox. Now I just pray Odessa doesn't get it because I KNOW that won't be fun! Oh the joys of parenting!

5K baby!!

I have to brag just for a second! I ran my first 5K this morning in 29 minutes 34 seconds. I even beat my husband! Go me!!

Child for sale!

She's three years old and cute as a button. Be wary of her constant crying, and determination to do everything herself, even though she can't. Watch for temper tantrums at the drop of a hat. She doesn't like to leave her hair done, so she often looks like an orphan (albeit, a cute orphan). She doesn't like to go to the bathroom unless it's her idea. Playing nicely with siblings is a challenge and she cries constantly. But like I said, she's cute! Any takers? No? Darn! I guess I'll just have to pray she grows out of all of this loveliness!

BE QUIET PLEASE!!!

My children don't understand what this means. Every morning when I send them upstairs to get ready for school, I say, "Be quiet please. Your siblings are still sleeping." Not two minutes later, I hear drawers slamming shut, doors closing loudly and usually I hear fighting. So I go upstairs and say to them, "What did I tell you about being quiet?" Looking at the floor, "Be quiet." Grrrrr! So do it! But alas, they inevitably wake up one, if not all the other sleeping children. I just wish they had to deal with their crankiness the rest of the day like I do. Maybe then they'd learn what BE QUIET really means!!