Back to Work

Now that second semester has begun I am back at work.  I had a glorious maternity leave that was extended thanks to two weeks off for Christmas break, so I was able to stay home with baby Asher for 13 weeks.  It was such a blessing!  That being said, being a stay at home mom is no joke! Raising kids and keeping your house in order is hard work.  Keep up the good work stay at home mom friends!

On our last day of break we went and had a special breakfast at "Big Biscuit," which is a breakfast joint by our house.  So good! 

A lot of people have asked how I am doing with returning to work and I can honestly say I am doing okay.  Yes, of course, there were tears.  Yes, every morning is hard when I have to say goodbye to my boys (Tom included).  But we're all okay and at peace.  I am doing what I need and am supposed to be doing, and I trust that the Lord is taking care of my men while we are a part.

My boys and me before going to school for my first day back.  I was thankful that my first day was a workday and a Friday! It made for an easier transition back. 

The morning of my first day of work I just by chance read this from Oswald Chambers, "When we think seriously about what it will cost others if we obey the call of Jesus, we tell God He doesn't know what our obedience will mean.  Keep to the point--He does know." I trust that God has a plan for me in working right now and, as a result, he has a plan for Everett and Asher.   He knows exactly what they need and He is in this season of being a working mom.

This was waiting for me when I got to school. So sweet.

There are a few of the things that make it possible for me to balance working and being a mom.

1. Tom. I have an awesome husband who is quick to partner with me in raising the boys and keeping the house in order (let's be honest, he's better at most chores around the house than me).
2. Miss Patti, our neighbor and daycare provider. She is amazing with the boys. I trust her completely.  She has taught Everett so many things and provided him a variety of experiences that I wouldn't have been able to do on my own.  Having someone you can trust to watch your kids makes all the difference when you're a working parent. 
3. Loving my job and especially loving the people I work with.  Leaving the boys stinks and it always will, but I do love where I am going most days. 
4. Getting home around 3pm everyday.  I love that I work full time, but I have a schedule where I can get home early in the day, have weekends off, and have amazingly long winter/summer breaks.  (In full disclosure, now that I am getting home earlier I am working at night after they go to bed on most nights.) 

In summary, we're all doing okay! We're making it and we're excited for a new year and semester to begin.

I share a room with this guy while I have to pump at work.  It startles me everyday.