It's off to work I go.
I recently received an email from an old work colleague. I knew that she had started her own business a while back. A bridal shop. She wanted to know if I was interested in some dressmaking work. I wasn't sure. When she rang me I said no, sorry, can't do it, my kids need me. I argued with Mr Pixies. He said he could have the kids on Wednesdays. I still wasn't sure. Did I really want to go back into the world of the Bride. An often unpredictable creature. Anyway, I called in to see her about three weeks ago and told her I was available on Wednesdays if she still needed me. She said she would get back to me. I thought I wouldn't hear from her, going into winter is usually a quite time in bridal for obvious reasons. She phoned me last Thursday and said she needed me. Slight freak out moment. I wasn't expecting it. I tried not to think about it too much in an attempt to hold the nerves at bay.
Anyway!! Long Story Short...I left the kids in the capable hands of their father and headed off to work :) and...
I LOVED IT!
It was peaceful, it felt good, it felt productive, I had some adult conversation, and I felt needed...in a different way.
So I guess I am officially a "working mother". Ugh! I hate that distinction.
I have very strong opinions on this! I don't see the point of dropping the kids off at daycare and going to work all day, then picking them up, bathing them, feeding them and kissing them goodnight only to do it all over again the next day.
I want to raise my children, I want to be there for them, I want to teach them their core values, I don't want them lost amongst 20 other kids at such a young age.
The ONLY reason I took this job is because it is one day, and their Dad will be caring for them, NOT a stranger.
I will admit that after experiencing a day away from them at work I felt a great temptation to look into some daycare for them, just for one other day in the week.
I think people imagine full time parenting as a pretty cruisey existence...well it isn't. The demands are constant, you need to be mediator, nurse, counsellor, climbing frame, cook, cleaner, taxi driver, teacher, source of food, and above all patient and nurturing...I'm the first to admit that I don't always do a great job at parenting, it's tedious and frustrating, but I chose to have children, and I choose to raise them. The rewards for me in raising my children are immeasurable. There are the obvious rewards...the hugs and kisses, the love, the pride in their achievements. There are also less tangible rewards, the knowledge that you are making a difference, moulding them for their future lives, trying to ensure they are valuable and valued members of society.
To all those people who tell me I'm not a valuable member of society, I would like to ask...Why is raising the next generation of future employees, employers, leaders, not something to be valued? Some of the MOST important jobs are undervalued in this society. Teachers, nurses, carers and stay at home mums amongst them. I don't like where many of the values in our current society lie, we have become a nation of selfish, self serving, money driven individuals. I happily sacrifice not having the latest and best car, house, television to stay at home with my children. We live within our means.
Wow!! That wasn't meant to turn into a rant, but it feels good to get that out! Just my opinion, if you don't like it...well that's your business :)
On a less serious note...I tried to take some photos of the middle child during the week. She's a difficult one. Not so keen on the modelling. She is so different looking, very angular...no rounded edges :)
Oh! and in case anyone actually noticed, I didn't post a self portrait for March!! Because I forgot to take one...Oops.
Aprils will be coming up very soon, It will be done :)
