Getting Real

Life changes......I've been thinking about this a lot since my youngest will go to 1st grade next year, we're doing K at home. I realize my life will change, no more storytimes, playgroups and all the other day to day activities that we usually do. I know I should think about what we will do not what won't be happening. But life is changing, with my oldest who I had at 16, I stayed home a year then worked full time, when Kaitlyn showed up 11 years later, I was working full time and wanting to stay home with her, at the time it wasn't possible. Five years later when I had Melissa I knew I wanted to be a SAHM, I asked for part time work but my employer said they didn't have any in my position, luckily the church I grew up in was looking for a part time secretary/janitor. I was able to take my kids with me and it worked out for about three and half years. When I had Jaime I finally was at the position I wanted for a long time SAHM broke but happy.

After I had Melissa and was no longer working full time, I had to find friends with babies, going from full time work to being off three months and nobody to talk to was an adjustment. I joined Parents As Teachers and met some moms, I also started attending La Leche League meetings. I made some wonderful friends that I still see and talk to from those early PAT play groups. I've been involved with La Leche League for 14 and half years, and lead monthly meetings and take phone calls helping breastfeeding moms. I know I have a years before we have an empty nest but our girls are growing up and time doesn't stand still unless you have a screaming child!

I read a book when Kaitlyn started college and it made me laugh but also there were parst that related to how I felt it was called "Off Her Rocker".... a look at how one womans life change when her youngest left for college.

I was talking to Jaime's 5th grade teacher, her youngest is the same age as Jaime. It was nice sharing with her and hearing her agree with me--- knowing someone else could relate. We decided we should crash story times and play dates with no kids but it wouldn't be the same, so that's when you have to fill the missing gaps with something new.

I do know I need to do something to add to our meager retirement fund. I know I do not want to go back to work in the corporate world. I want my summers and school holidays off. I have a running list of ideas in my head, I seemed to spend a lot of time thinking about ideas and still not knowing what I want to do.