"T & D + 3": That's My Job

I was at the park this morning, enjoying a day off with my family, when Evan approached a little boy with a truck. Doing as Evan will do, he took it saying, "Evan's turn"...oh yeah, he's finally talking now! I'll get to that later. The mom of the little boy was one of those moms who won't talk directly to you, but will do it through their kid, said to her son, "Oh...we can teach this boy about sharing. Ask him if he wants to play." Perfectly well intentioned, but sort of rubbed on me like sand paper, so I said to Evan, "Give the truck back, Evan...let's go play on the slide". Her reply was, "It's okay, I can teach him." Hmmmm...my reply? "Thanks but that's my job." I realize this was a tad bit bitchy, but honestly I found her to be a tad bit sanctimonious so I only feel slightly guilty. So why is it that this comment, however well meaning it may have been, irked me so much? Because it is my job. I'm their mommy. I think in a way it brought out all the issues I have with being a working mother. Everyday my mom cooks for them, cleans them, changes them, wipes their boogers, plays with them, and teaches them. And everyday, I feel conflicted between going to the job I have, and staying to do the job I want. Don't get me wrong...I love my mom, and gratitude isn't a deep enough word for what I have towards her and all she does. She is amazing, and everyday I thank the Lord for giving me a mother, and my kids a grandmother, as wonderful as she. And I love being a teacher. I love my students, and my school, and the people I work with. But I love my kids more. And if I had a choice, I would be with them every day, all day. I realize I am luckier than others...I have the weekends, holidays, and summers. And I have my mom who loves them as much as I do and will always do what's best for them. And so I remind myself of this whenever I get jealous or bitter about missing so much of their lives....but some days are better than others.

Here's some photos of those better days~

I channeled my inner Betty Crocker and made cupcakes one weekend. The babies loved decorating them, although most the frosting ended up getting eaten before it got on the cupcake. Check out how adorable they look in Naunie's old aprons!

Cameron loves chocolate...just like his mommy.

Evan

Sophia...had to have pink frosting of course!

Sprinkle sprinkle!

The only thing more fun than cupcakes? Playing in a giant cardboard box!

Sophia helps mommy clean up.

Little Mommy

Cameron is going through a stage where he shoves things up his nose...mainly rocks. This one was a doozy-Daddy had to pull it out with tweezers.

Sophia is in a Minnie stage...she made this with my Minnie Bowmaker app on my iPad.

The kids love our neighbors...Caroline was giving them "hayrides" one day and I swear it was the cutest thing I've seen in a long time!

Cameron's turn!

Evan and Sophia giving hugs...and plenty of giggles too!

Lovey!

The emotions must have been too much for Evan...he decided to wrestle her instead!

Sophia catches some air on her trampoline (which sadly has to be retired after only a month of use...they broke the bar right off).

Oh my Evan...my little warrior. He has come so far since those days in the NICU! He is now talking in 2-3 word sentences, and is able to repeat almost anything you say. Much of it is unintelligible out of context, but he is just so happy to be able to communicate with us (finally)! We are so, so , so proud!