School is officially back in session!  The calendar is bursting at the seams and my eyes are closed before I hit the pillow at night.  I used to fuss about people keeping their kids so busy, thinking they should just slow down.  There are some days I feel that way about my life and then I remember it's not the number of activities the girls are in, it's the number of girls I have!  They are each involved in one sport through school, go to church and two of them are working and two are in Girl Scouts.  The older ones keep their own schedule that doesn't need my assistance, aside from babysitting.  Even leading two Girl Scout troops is manageable and very worthwhile. 

If I'm honest with myself, the hectic part of the schedule comes from my choice to go back to work.  I struggle with this frequently.  I decided to go back to work for two reasons: one is obvious - additional finances for college, home improvements, etc. and the other was more selfish.  I had stayed at home for 18 years and wanted to get out and prove to myself that I could still learn a new skill.  Please understand that I know what goes into a SAHM's daily job.  I have raised/am raising four children, moved 6 times and volunteered both at schools and at church.  This was more of a personal thing for me alone.  I still wrestle with it but love both of my jobs.  If I had to choose, family would come first without hesitation.  But for now, I am learning to juggle both jobs with good days and bad days. 
Nevertheless, school is back and so far it's been a great one!  I am excited to see the growth in all of us.

Blessings,

Sara

Today is April 29th and it's been how long since I posted anything?  Ages!! I believe it was in the Fall of 2012.   My life has taken a whirlwind tour of transitioning from being a SAHM for 18 years to a full time Mom, Grandmother, Wife, Girl Scout Leader and now a Real Estate Agent.  It's a very long story that would probably put you all to sleep so I will save you the torturous tale.
Making the change to going back to work has opened my eyes to what many of you already struggle with - Balance.  It has become something just out of my reach.  The sayings of "if only there were more hours in a day" or "if only I could duplicate myself" now carry a heavier weight.  The choice to go back to work was a voluntary one so I don't feel entitled to complain, however I am looking for solutions to problems I didn't have before. One in particular:  I don't think I have cooked a dinner at home more than 10 times over the last 6 months.  Those numbers may be slightly exaggerated but not by much, and by dinner I mean dinner food, not breakfast for dinner or Stouffers.  Don't get me wrong, I do like Stouffers and it has gotten me out a pinch or two, but I mean a real home-cooked dinner. 

As much as I said I would not complain and just did so, I love wearing all of the hats I mentioned above.  I love my husband, my girls and my granddaughter and get the satisfaction of learning a new skill that helps people.  I am blessed beyond measure. 

I would love to hear what challenges you have had to face as a working parent and what solutions you have found to work.

 

In Him,


Sara