results of a day at the office


full sink I came home to after work today



As I was sitting in my quiet classroom today, planning and organizing, I realized how good I have it.

During the 18 years of my 24-year marriage that I was home with my children, I loved it. I am not a perfect housekeeper and homemaker (I give myself an A-), but I am a nurturer, and I fully enjoy making my home a comfortable place where people want to be. Where meals are cooked and books are read and music is played. It mattered so much to me that I was able to be home with my kids all of those years. Even with the days of anxiety and claustrophobia, which surely show up here and there, I think of those years with all of my boys home with fondness. It was sweet and sugary and yummy.

But now, as my life is changing in its demands on me, I enjoy the time I spend at my job August-May. The kids are squishy and loving and brimming over with potential, and the progress they make is so satisfying it is hard to put into words. I love my technicians that work with me, my other coworkers in my school.

I count my blessings backwards and forwards when I reflect on the serendipity that allowed me all of these blessings. My first choice? Home. Even now with almost grown kids. It is the absolute best place to be. But while we have a need for me to work, I will go the half mile to my job with a thankful smile and ready heart.

13 comments

Barbaloot | August 15, 2011 at 10:47 PM

I struggle when I come home to a sink of dirty dishes---but kids that are squishy and loving might make it all worth it:)

mermaid gallery | August 15, 2011 at 10:52 PM

attitude is everything...and knowing how sweet it is...i just love people that appreciate life....that's you!...best, susan

Becca | August 16, 2011 at 7:02 AM

I feel so much the same. That those years of being home have been a great gift - for them and for me. And that being in school while they're in school can be a totally fulfilling way to change the game.

Kimberly Vanderhorst | August 16, 2011 at 11:39 AM

This is beautiful, hun. I need to invite this attitude into my own heart more. Too many claustrophobic days lately, more gratitude needed.

Joanie | August 16, 2011 at 6:19 PM

Isn't it wonderful to be so happy with your life. Hope you have a good school year.

Lesa | August 17, 2011 at 11:08 AM

Here is to a great school year!

And your post made me think of a comment an older woman said at church one day: 'No need to get undone about the dishes...even if the dishes get done today, they will have to be done tomorrow too.' :)

I think you have a great attitude!

Lara Neves | August 17, 2011 at 12:30 PM

If that were all the dishes in my sink I would be one happy woman. :) I think they multiply when I'm not looking.

That said, I love your thoughts. so many things are so much better than doing dishes!

Heidi | August 17, 2011 at 2:07 PM

Love this! You have such a way with words and conveying your thoughts. Hugs!

Melanie Jacobson | August 17, 2011 at 11:25 PM

I could learn from you about how to BE at home.

You're a blessed lady.

Connie | August 18, 2011 at 12:52 PM

That half mile drive to work is a real blessing!

Hope this year is filled with super squishy kids! It's good you have other hands to help with those dishes!

Rebecca Blevins | August 19, 2011 at 9:51 AM

I love your positive attitude, Kazzy!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan | August 22, 2011 at 12:20 PM

That was a great post Kazzy.
I love that you would put a picture of a sinkful of dishes.
Awesome!

Kim | August 30, 2011 at 8:12 AM

I am right there with you girlfriend. I too, was a stay-at-home-mom for the 16 years of our married life. I too have returned to the work force, because that's been the plan. I love my job! I love feeling needed and caring for my patients! I couldn't ask for a better job! Yet, everyday I leave for work, I want to be home. I don't want to miss a single thing that goes on in my families life. Interesting thing, it wasn't until being a SAHM ended that I realized how much joy I found in HOME and MOTHERHOOD.