Can I Do It??

So today was my last official day of being a stay at home mom.  I can remember when I made this decision 4 1/2 years ago, I went back and forth on it.  My original plan was to work after one kid and stay home after two.  Well after checking into day cares and talking with Brandon, we decided it was best to stay home with Ashlyn.  I can remember the first few months were pretty boring(I can say that now).  I went from teaching full time, coaching an 8 year old softball team, playing in a volleyball league, tutoring either before or after school two days a week, taking a class for my gifted endorsement, and hanging out with friends that didn't have kids to staying home with a newborn(period).  The other things stopped too.

I remember people saying they were envious of me being able to stay home and me feeling like I needed to do more.  So, then SURPRISE! I found out I was pregnant.   Then I found out I had low progesterone, next preeclampsia, very high blood pressure, bed rest at home, bed rest in hospital, and a premature baby.   My perspective changed.  I can't imagine having had to work that year.  It was in God's plan all along and I wouldn't have changed a thing.  I've made it a point over the last 4 1/2 years to do things with my kids.  I feel like I've made the most of these precious years at home and I truly can't believe how fast they have gone by.  I know everyone always says that but it's true.  I feel like I've blinked and boom we are at this point.

My next step in the plan back then was to go back to work when the kids were 4 and 5.  Last year I worked part-time (8-2 M-TH) and this year a full time job opened up at the school my kids will go to.  I had mixed feelings about it but I felt like I couldn't pass up this opportunity(there are over 100 schools in our county). So, tonight, as I look back on things, I am counting my blessings.  Blessed for healthy children, wonderful friends that will help watch kids in the morning, a great school that will care for my children while I'm at work(and offer aftercare), and a teacher schedule to help this transition.  (One week off at Thanksgiving and more at Christmas). I also am blessed to have a great husband who supports me is a great Dad.

So look out Cooper Elementary, here I come......