my ode to stay at home moms

I'll tell you a little secret.  Well, if you know me, then it may not be a big secret. But for those who are just meeting me on this here interwebs, it may be.

I never thought I'd be a stay at home mom.  

I was raised by a working (and from the age of nine, single) mother, whom I respect and admire. I didn't know a different way of life, and I was just fine with that.  I saw myself growing up to be just like her, working daily and spending time with my family on nights and weekends, while entrusting the care of my children to trusted day cares and the superb schools that we are lucky enough to have in Minnesota.

Then my husband got an offer to move overseas for three years.  And I no longer was going to be a working outside of the home mom.

A new world thrust itself upon me, and I have to admit, I've been fighting it ever since.  Perhaps, for my last two months overseas, I'll embrace it.  Eh...maybe.  But either way, I want to make sure I remember this experience.  I want to remember it both for its glory and its trials.

So...a little essay:

* *


Why stay-at-home mothers will forever be my heroes

by Jenny H.

For the times when you are losing your mind, but you swallow your holler and sing that song or give that hug or fill that milk glass, because you know their precious eyes will startle from the holler.

For the times that you just about trip over your two year old daughter inevitably sending one or both of you to the E.R., but you save yourself at the last minute by grabbing ahold of that vacuum cleaner that you have to push around once too often, because you realize that there simply isn't time for a hospital visit.

For the days when they wake before dawn, and stay up past sunset with nary a nap or school to break up the day, and you maintain even an once of patience.

For the rainy days that seem endless and impossible, but your optimism reminds you that in fact, the sun may come out tomorrow.

For the moments it would just be easier to give in to the whining and crying, but you stand your ground so that your children learn that isn't the way to get what you want (even though sometimes you wish maybe that would work for you).

For all the photos you take and albums you make to remember the madness, that you barely are pictured in but thats okay, because you know you were there.

For all of those days and moments and all of the others that make you cringe, smile, cry, laugh, sigh and that give you goosebumps...you are my heroes.






* *

Linking up today over at:

the return of Five Minute Friday: Awake

Ooh, wow.  It has been a LONG time since I've done a Five Minute Friday. Along with a bunch of other bloggers at The Gypsy Mama, we all write for five minutes.  No interruptions, no editing, just writing.

Although I did add in a few photos.  Because I wanted to.

#  #  #
START

Being in this situation is interesting.  What situation, you ask?

I have the brilliant opportunity to spend a few years in Europe, as a stay at home mom.  Awesome, right?

When I was on the "other side" {i.e. a working mom} I wanted to be a stay at home mom.  I wanted to live without the stress of balancing, being stressed out and worried {because that is what I do, especially when I work} and wanted to be with my kids all the time.

Now, I am here.  I am stay at home mom, wondering what I am going to do with this time.  What am I going to have to show for the three years that I essentially had to be a stay at home mom. Because, right now, that is sort of the way I see it.  This in between time.

Please don't misunderstand.

I love my children and this opportunity, but I think I am meant to be a working woman.

But lately, I find myself awake.  Awake, because I have realized what I think I am supposed to do with these three years (that I am more than a year into already).  I am supposed to find my confidence, my balance, and be ready for what life brings us when we return to the U.S.

So, now I find myself with a plan.  To spend the extra time I have, since I am not working, to become the Mom and Wife that I have always wanted to be.  And most essentially, to be the Woman, and person, that I have always aspired to.

The question is if I can do it.

At least I have figured out the first thing.  I'm awake.

STOP

#  #  #
{Eeek!}  I am always so afraid to write {and publish} posts like this.  Because I worry so much about offending someone {anyone}, but its my truth, and that is what this blog is for, right?

Please stop on over to see what other bloggers are saying about "awake". Can't wait to see how other's used this word as inspiration.