September 2014

Sometime during the middle of last school year Evelyn was feeling like she was the only one who had to go to daycare after school. While this wasn't exactly a fact it caused me to pause and reevaluate my priorities. When I switched jobs to the university I was no longer available after she got off the bus at Little Wonders for hugs and inquiries about her day. For a whole year I worked 9:30-5:30 and it began to wear on my girl. Sure my income was allowing for every necessity of life, plus extra for our Disneyland vacation, but at what expense?

In the spring I was offered a promotion... Suddenly I was faced with two options. Either I accept the promotion and continue working eight hour days with daycare picking the girls up after school or drop to 28 hours/week allowing me the freedom to both take the girls to school and pick them up. The choice weighed heavily on my mind for a few weeks and in the end it really was no choice at all. I needed to be a mom. A mom who works yes, but thankfully a working mom with the flexibility of a career that is both fullfilling and enjoyable while allowing me to meet my obligations as a mom. I have never regretted my choice.

Our new schedule allows for days like yesterday! When we got home after school Sophia dilligently completed her homework and we had a snack. Then, because I knew the girls would be tired early due to three late nights in a row, we decided to bump family home evening early and visit Zollingers. We got there right at closing time, but were still able to tour the orchards and learn about the trees and varieties of apples. It was joy - pure and simple. Walking around in the mud as we breathed the cool, crisp autumn air. Taking that first bite of juicy apple plucked right off the tree. Hearing the laughter of my children as the wind carressed our faces.
No job in the world compares.