Livin' the Dream

I had the most wonderful day yesterday. I took the morning off because Nathan had the annual holiday lunch at his school, and I wanted to participate. I work too far away to justify driving all the way to work in the morning, only to turn around in a few hours and go back home for an hour and then go back to work, etc. Anyway, because of my time off the kids and I were able to sleep in a little and then have a nice, relaxing morning together instead of the normal rush out of the door kind to which we are accustomed.

I chatted with them as they ate waffles and oranges from our tree in the backyard. I helped Gracie get dressed while Nathan made sure his backpack was ready for school. I dropped Nathan off at school with a kiss and the promise that I would see him in a few hours. I then took Gracie to her Parent's Day Out program at our church and got to visit with her teachers and see her interacting with the other children for a little while.

I drove back home and took down all of the Halloween decorations (yes, I realize that it is the second week of November...sue me), emptied the dishwasher and did some light cleaning before it was time to go meet Nathan for lunch. It was well worth the day off to see his eyes light up when he saw me waiting for him by the cafeteria, and to hear him proudly announce to his classmates that I was his mommy. I personally think that one of the best things about being a mom is the unconditional love and pride that my children bestow on me. No matter how much I weigh, how little make-up I am wearing, or how frumpy my clothes are, they still think I am great.

Anyway, I had a wonderful turkey lunch with my son and then I went directly to Walmart for a little holiday shopping. I ran into my good friend Ali and we spent some time shopping together and chatting. I finally made my way home (after a stop at the farmer's market, the store to get favors for Nathan's Christmas party next month and the local florist) and had a few minutes to sit and check my email and all the blogs I absolutely must see on a daily basis. Before long, it was time to go pick Nathan and Grace up and then we went home and played out the in backyard for about an hour. Well, they played and I raked up the leaves and chipped wood from last weekend's activities. (All the while thinking of Alana!)

As I watched them playing in the dwindling autumn light, I felt so content and happy for the blessings of the day. This would be my life if I was able to stay home with the kids instead of working outside of the home. I realize that things would be different if I was a SAHM because I would have Gracie with me all day and there would have to be way more structure to my time, but I still think it would be a wonderful thing. All the cleaning, projects I want to get done around the house and the cooking would be my job and not just the additional job that I have to cram into the evening hours and the entirely too short weekends after I leave the paying gig.

Yes, the paying gig that keeps a roof over our heads and food in our bellies. We are working on being better stewards of our financial resources, so who knows? Maybe my SAHM dream will come true in the not so distant future.