...or maybe I should say my first day with only one job...because as one of my other friends pointed out, it really does feel similar to two full time jobs when you work full time and are a mom full time. Not that having a job AND being a mom makes you better - or vice versa...it just means you do things differently. And now I am doing things differently being just a mom right now.
I have a schedule for the day - with pictures so the kids know when we do what. I know this may seem like overkill, but it helps me - and the kids seem really excited too. Titus kept running to the refrigerator asking "What's next?" And the best part - the day actually went really fast!!
We have a deal...one of the kids get to pick out breakfast, the other gets lunch, and I get dinner. And if one of them doesn't eat what the other picked out, then that person doesn't get to pick out their next meal. So far that has gone OK...but neither of them wanted to eat dinner, so it looks like I get all three meals tomorrow :) But I plan to start fresh the next day so that they can pick the meals again.
I only have one goal for the day - not to yell and lose my temper. And overall, I think I did really good today! I didn't want to set myself up for failure or frustration, which is why I only set one goal, and I set it for me - because I can't control how my kids are going to act, but I can control how I am going to respond. Kind of like trying to fix your spouse - it doesn't work...you have to fix yourself and your own attitudes. I took that same principle and I am applying it to myself and the kids.
Having the kids all day definitely makes for some funny and crazy moments...like Titus, on the way to the bank. Our conversation went like this:
Titus: Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet???
(Who teaches kids this stuff?!?)
Me: Titus, if you ask again, you are not getting a sucker at the bank (only because I have told him before to not ask over an over again, and he knows better)
Titus: Have we gotten to the bank yet?
Me: Titus, that is basically the same question. I mean it, no sucker if you keep it up!
Titus: When are we going to get to the bank?
Me: TITUS! Stop!
Titus: Are we at the bank now?
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Does he get creative points?? What a nut.
And I don't know if God is preparing me to be a stay at home Mom for the long haul, but in the past few months there have been jobs I apply to but either don't hear anything or don't get the job - but now I am not even finding jobs to apply for - either way over my qualifications (president of a university nearby??) or way under (pizza delivery is just not what I had in mind :) ).
Just trying to take everything a day at a time...more soon - with pictures :)
6 years ago
3 comments:
Love this post, Michelle! Titus is a creative little fella, cracks me up. Hope you continue to have successful and fun days with the kids! Love you all, Valerie
It sounds like you are doing great. I wish we had more of a schedule. Well, we do, but the problem is that I have a hard time keeping to it every day. Keep up the good work :)
Sometimes secretarial jobs come along at the prisons in Ionia...It's a ways away for you, but you're closer than I am! You wouldn't have much contact with the prisoners and it's safer than walking the streets in Marion! Well, hopefully see you guys soon.
-Jonathan Athearn
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