Trials and Tribulations

As I sit down at my computer today, I realize that I haven't talked lately about the secrets of a working mom. I haven't forged into the details of the trials, tribulations, frustrations, guilty feelings,jealousy of moms who get to stay home or the joys, the feelings of accomplishments; all of the different emotions that come with being a working mom. I try to stay positive and not dwell on the things that maybe are a bit more difficult or are not the way I would have things if I could live the perfect life. Being a mom is hard, probably the most difficult job in the world. You are responsible for raising other human beings. You are responsible for teaching your kids morals, respect, how to be contributing members of society. Along with this you are carting them to school, doctors and dentists appointments, school sports, after school sports, birthday parties; the list goes on and on. When you're a working mom, many times you are exhausted as you roll into the house at about 5:00, but you don't have an option to rest. I know for myself, as I pull into my driveway, I have to tell myself that it's time to not think about my day at work. It's time to focus on the kids and spend time with them. I walk in with a smile on my face and ask the kids how their day at school went. We then eat dinner, do the cleanup, start homework , and if the kids have any activities that day, we head off to that sport. The day continues until you no longer have an ounce of energy and you can't do anymore.
This weekend, being the long-weekend, I have made a point of not doing anything and not going anywhere! With Matt being away, I wanted to spend some quality time with the kids and it has been wonderful! My mom picked us up yesterday and we all went out to our local ice cream shop for some ice cream. We sat outside in the beautiful sunshine and just talked. After church today, the kids and I came home for a bit. While we were sitting on the couches in the living room, I decided to take them out for lunch. It's not very often that I have the opportunity to go out for lunch with just the kids and me! We sat there, over coke a cola and french fries, and talked about what they wanted to be when they grew up, talked about their friends at school and even talked about different universities that they want to go to after they graduate! It was so fun and I am so grateful that they are my kids!
As a working mom, I think it's so important to still stay involved in your kids' lives. It would be so easy to come home after work, lay on the couch and have no energy for them. That's not to say that I have never done that. There are days when exhaustion does over power some of my other responsibilities. On these days, I just explain to the kids that it was a hard day at work, and mom just needs a few minutes to rest. They're at an age where they understand and they give me some time alone just to regroup.
I have enjoyed spending the weekend alone with the kids. I have one more day to enjoy before the work week begins again. I am looking forward to tomorrow and what it brings. Once again, I haven't really delved into all of the emotions involved for me as a working mom! Some are good, some not so good! I guess those are the secrets of a working mom...