Bieng a Stay At Home Mom-

The other day, my son's friend asked me what I do for a job. I said I am a stay at home mom and I have lots of jobs. She then asked, "Ya... but what do you do to make money?" I explained that I don't really have a job that makes money- that my job is taking care of our home and my family. She seemed very perplexed by this- apparently it wasn't a very good answer. My son jumped in and said: "But she sells her aprons and makes some money that way." This seemed to finally satisfy her.

But it got me thinking.

When my mom wsa a child, it was very strange for your mom to work outside the home. My grandma was always there to kiss skinned knees, help with homework, comfort an upset child- my mom didn't know what it was like to have her mom go to work. True, she had 7 other siblings that took parental attention away, but she always knew her mom would be home when she needed her. Today, it is rare for a mother to NOT have a job. My mom worked and I was responsible for getting my homework done before she got home from work. (of course, I'd watch t.v. until I heard the front gate rattle, then bolt off the couch and dash into the kitchen and pretend I was laboring over my homework!) I also made the meals. My mom was a single parent, and she had to support our family. I appreciate how hard it must have been for her.

I always thought I'd be a working mom, myself. Until I actually got engaged, I always imagined I'd be a professional singer, or a psychologist. When I realized I was actually going to be a mom in real life, my priorities changed. I knew I wanted to be there for my little guy when he needed me. I didn't want to worry about getting work off to be with a sick kid, or let some day care raise my kid. I am very blessed to have a husband who earns enough for me to be able to stay home. We've certainly had to make MANY sacrifices to do this,(renting out the basement, driving old beat-up cars, not going on vacations, wearing Walmart clothes, not eating out often-) but it has been worth it!

I've never worked harder in my life then I have being a stay at home mom. Cleaning up after 3 people (and several little friends) is a lot more work than I ever imagined. I can't even begin to wonder what it is like for those with more than one child! I get bogged down in day-to-day life: laundry, dishes, mending. Then, there's being there for my son when he gets home from school. I have to put everything aside and listen to how his day was, his concerns, discerning his needs. When he's sick, I might as well forget getting anything done! Of course, it all happens again when my husband gets home. (They're really just like having another kid, right?!)

No. I don't get paid for any of it. (I started my apron business to do something for myself, but I don't have time to pour my heart and soul into it- I have too much to do around here! It's a nice creative outlet, though.) Sometimes it feels like thankless work, but then there's the hug from my son when he says, "Mom- I'm glad you don't have job. I don't know what I would do if you weren't here when I got home from school." It warms my heart, and I know I am doing something right!