little fall adventure

This afternoon, the children helped me with the compost. Regular chores "can" seem so much more fun when children participate (not to mention the learning they take away from it!). For our little trip we piled Mateo and compost bucket in the wagon. Sophia pulled everything and everyone over the green. Sophia felt strong and helpful. Mateo had a happy time riding in the wagon. For me, I felt grateful to be there at that moment and it got me thinking about balancing working outside the home and parenting. How difficult does it have to be?

All my life I thought of myself as a stay at home mom. That is what my mom did and I couldn't see why I would want to do it any differently. When I had my first one, I spend the days with her at home and went to school at night. I treasured the times with her, being at home, creating an environment the way I knew it from my childhood. But, I also enjoyed my time at college, meeting people, and learning. Yes, sometimes I felt like I should be there for my child to take care of her every night and bring her to bed. But I also knew that I had to take care of myself and do what is important in my life as well. Besides it was her dad who put her to bed not a nanny!

Now that I have two children and I am working full time, I can hear myself wondering what it would be like being a stay at home mom, and truly do that! There are so many wonderful projects and ideas that I could explore.... And yet, somewhere I know it wouldn't fulfill me. Money plays a part as well, but it is not just that. I feel to reach to society and be of service, to provide help and betterment to children. I think teachers have one of the most important jobs. I have always known that if I do anything in life that I would want to give my best to it. Frankly that is still what I am trying to do. I can't do everything together at the same time, but I can do my best when I am doing what I am doing.

This afternoon showed me that even though the time with my children alone is concise I can enjoy and do my best at it right then! While they are cared for by their father, they are striving and I do my best and contribute to the lives and experience of other children.

I appreciate both my jobs, similar and very different in deed. Overwhelming at times but overall tremendously rewarding all together!!!!

After several attempts to climb the tree, she finally made it a top! Standing proudly!

Ready to roll along....

On our way back.... Look we found another big round pumpkin by the compost!!!!