Meanie Moms

Since Ryan started Kindergarten I have had trouble with some mom's at his school. They don't talk to me, usually they just ignore me. I don't think I've ever done anything to offend them either. I think I may have blogged about one mom before - "Mouth" - and her endless opinions and shrill voice. Last Spring Ryan had some activity at school and I went quickly before I went to work, so I of course had to go in uniform. A few days later I had the pleasure of hearing Mouth talking about the joys of having a husband who was such a good provider so that she could stay home with her children. Ouch.

Now this may have been totally harmless but I couldn't help feeling like I was once again being snubbed by this woman and her friends - the Meanie Moms. I don't think that her ability to be a stay at home mom makes her any better or worse or parent than those who do work however, I can't say that I think she believes the same. Throughout the summer those feelings of inadequacy when stacked against the Meanie Moms had quieted but unfortunately they came flooding back when I faced them today at the school.

I so enjoyed my time as a stay at home mom but that life was not meant for me. My husband is an excellent man, wonderful father, husband, and provider. He does not make me work nor does he resent that I work. I help to provide for our family, put food on the table, clothes on our backs, and fun in our lives. It's a wonderful feeling! And my work is very rewarding; I couldn't ask for more.

But it's a hard trade to make. I would so love to be the mom who went to every school function, signed up for every event, and got to be the class parent during fun holiday activities. I try my best. It may be three days before my laundry gets folded. We might eat left overs and frozen meals more often than good home cooked meals anymore. I may show up to the school in my Navy Blue's and only stay for 20 minutes. But I try. I stay up days and watch them play, even after hours and hours awake. But in return, I have to send them to daycare so that I can sleep at some point. But I do try.

So in evaluating how I am as a parent I have learned that I have mad multi-tasking skills; I can sit in the back yard, enjoying the last minutes of summer, watching my kids play, while I blog and plan my grocery list for the week, after cleaning the kitchen from a day or two of lost time and getting caught up on laundry. Oh, and I'm growing a human being in my belly. All on just four hours sleep in the last 30 hours. I do a good job and teach my children to be strong, smart, and confident. I am raising little boys that I hope will grow up to be wonderful men. Even with a job.

I guess I just want the same respect that I hold for all moms who do their best every single day. Being a mom is hard work no matter how many kids you have, the job you have, single mom, married mom, a super mom, or a meanie mom. Now if we could just treat each other that way.

Now what?

Here we are again...nearly six months gone by since the last post. It's not that our lives have not been busy or been full of fun days, new stories, and exciting starts; rather, our days have been so full that I have had no time sit back and relive the moments. Being an old married lady, Friday night at 11 pm is the perfect time I suppose. :o)

The most exciting moment of the last six months happened about six weeks ago when a little white stick developed two little pink lines. I always know so early, which is a blessing in some respects but it makes the days and weeks tick on longer. Now at nearly 10 weeks I am starting to get comfortable with the idea. Two weeks ago I got to see a tiny, beautiful, gray circle with a quick, strong heartbeat. Amazing how something that sounds like that can make your heart quicken and a tear fall. Even if it is the third pregnancy, it is just as exciting each time. Of course with the ever so sweet moments must come the nauseous, bloated, never-been-so-tired-in-my-life moments. It gets a little better each day, thankfully.

In June I finished the last class in my journey to BSN. I completed the nursing course in May and had to finish a Composition class over the last five weeks of the quarter. How those five weeks drug on...but the end finally came and I'm so excited! Last weekend the paper copy of my degree arrived - another beautiful thing to see. I am now applying for a Master's program for Family Nurse Practitioner. Maybe after I get that degree, I'll be satisfied and can spend more than five months not going to school.

And now it's almost time for the boys to go back to school. Ryan will be entering the third grade! My sweet baby boy will be *8* years old!! He is so fun to spend time with. I have loved watching his little personality grow. And Austin is a never ending spout of fun; so full of energy and laughter, you just can't get enough. I have so enjoyed the summer, as quickly as it has gone by quickly. I wish I had had more time to spend with my favorite boys but the moments spent were some of the best. <3

Along with our own moments of joy, I was able to share in the joy of some of my very best friends. My dear friend Amber had a beautiful baby boy in May. He is so precious! My oldest friend Angel got married in early June to a great guy. I couldn't be happier for the two of them! Most of the Spring was spent planning, throwing, and attending parties: birthday, baby shower, bridal shower, bachelorette party, and finally a wedding ceremony & reception. As fun as it was, I am glad it's over - I have only just recovered from all the fun. :o)

So, now what? Well with Fall coming (YAY!) it of course means a lot of busy days lie ahead. Football, hikes at Charleston Falls, pumpkin ice cream, Trick-or-Treat, jeans & t-shirt nights, and maybe a few surprises?

No pictures this time...but hopefully with our next family update.