Giving Thanks Day 9 ~ Being a Stay at Home Mommy

Today I am thankful, and truly grateful for being a stay at home mom. All moms are working moms, and I count my blessings that I am able to stay home and be with my kids as much as I possible can. Though one day I will go back to school and get another degree to reenter the workforce, a dear friend reminded me yesterday...there will always be time for that. And she is right, they are only going to be little for a little while and if I can stay at home, that is a blessing. While they will always be my babies no matter what their age is, I am blessed to be here for all the moments and realize how precious they are. I have friends who both stay at home and those that go to work, some who have no choice, and some that have had to return to work after years of staying at home. I do not take this blessing for granted, as life can change in an instant. I don't know how my friends go to work and then come home and do all the things that I know they do, they must have super powers! I have friends that say they don't know how I do all the things I do, having a child with special needs and all that entails. I think as mothers we are equipped to adapt to any situation life throws our way because we are forever thinking of our kids and what we feel is best for them. I know one day I will return to the workforce and my boys will see that a Mom can do it all. I grew up with a mom who worked until I was 7 and then she became a Stay At Home (work from home) mommy. I was able to see the pros and cons of both. I saw the sacrifices both my parents made, we didn't always have the best but we never did without, they made sure we had what we needed and showed us how to make the best of everything. I feel extremely lucky and blessed to be able to stay home, as I know many would love to the same. Those that have been able to stay at home, know that it is not an easy job but one with great rewards and sacrifice (it is not all bonbons and soap operas). Today at awards day, being able to sit and watch the boys get their Principal and Honor Roll Awards, I felt so honored and privileged to be able to be there. Many parents were there and you could see the kids faces lighting up as they panned the crowd searching for their moms and dads. After the awards assembly they kids were treated to a reception in the cafeteria and we were able to go hang out with them. I love Fridays because for the past 4 years I've had a standing lunch date with my little men. I enjoy packing my lunch and sitting at the cafeteria table hearing all the kids sharing their stories and laughter. I felt blessed to be there and thankful that I have seen so many moments of their lives...and look forward to seeing many more! I love this poem from Diana Loomans "If I had my child to raise over again, I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less. I'd do less correcting, and more connecting. I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes. I would care to know less, and know to care more. I'd take more hikes and fly more kites. I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play. I'd run through more fields, and gaze at more stars. I'd do more hugging, and less tugging. I would be firm less often, and affirm much more. I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.I'd teach less about the love of power, And more about the power of love.It matters not whether my child is big or small, From this day forth, I'll cherish it all" ♥