They they are, my three little buddies looking angelic and reflective. That’s why I had to post the photo…those moments are so rare!:) Lol. No, I’m kidding. This is a picture I do want to frame though. I always liked looking-out-the-window photos and especially with them lined up like that, it’s a keeper.:)
This has been a week with some major ups and downs (and it’s only Tuesday)! I am really sad because my mom will no longer be able to watch the boys. This is actually a crisis for us for a few reasons. First, she is such a blessing the boys as a babysitter because no one can quite care for and spoil kids like a grandma can. Second, her health is not good and I worry so much about her. Third, she is the reason I’m able to work! With my early hours (and Jim’s crazy schedule) it’s really because of her that I’ve been able to work with such confidence that my boys are in good hands. I know Jim feels the same way. We are prayerfully optimistic that we’ll find someone else but right now it’s a little overwhelming. I’ve been reading up on nannies and actually discovered that a part-time live out nanny can be around the same price as a regular babysitter. The benefits of a nanny are that they can also do some housework and may have more specialized training and an extensive background check. We have some good colleges nearby so I’m hoping that will be a good resource too.
This weighs heavy on my heart because I always worry about what’s best for the boys. A few months ago I received a lengthy hand-written letter from an “anonymous” mom who saw fit to chastise my decision to work and tell me the importance of being a full-time, stay-home mom. I appreciated her passion and respected her points but was hurt by the judgement. Doesn’t she know that most days I’m home with my family before 10:30am? Doesn’t she know that most of my workday is when my children are still asleep? Doesn’t she know my income is a huge asset to our family and helps alleviate the pressure on Jim? Doesn’t she know that I happen to love my job and feel like it’s an outlet where I can come home and be a more balanced, happier mom? Of course I shouldn’t care if she knows all that or not, she’s not the one I’m living for. Still, it’s always a sore spot when someone judges your motivations and ability as a mother and that has stuck with me even though I know differently. It comes with the territory, it’s part of the job to have negative e-mails and letters and usually I take the criticism humbly or just let it roll off my back (depending on what it is) but when it comes to something so personal it’s a little harder to shake I guess. But I digress. The main thing is being faithful to what God has laid out for our family. I’m certainly not going to have a pity party!
That’s it for today! The up-note of the week is that yesterday we bought some flowers for our planter by the front door. It’s such a boost when you see bright colors and I love that everything is starting to bloom! This is such a gorgeous time of year. Thursday is Gare Bear’s birthday!! I’ll be sure to post lots of pictures of the big day…although we still haven’t gotten him a present yet. I need to do that today!!
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