The ramblings of a work-at-home parent...

To all of you who have been work-at-home/stay-at-home parents, you know what a blessing it can be...and also how challenging it can be, too. I try to balance everything, but sometimes it feels like I'm not doing a very good job. I know that Max is starting to dislike my laptop, because it means I won't be playing with him. I wish I could only work when he's sleeping, but I'd never get enough hours in. Add to that the fact that most days lately, it's been extremely hot and the air quality is horrible even in the early morning, and we can't go outside, and you have a boy that's not always so happy.

Yesterday we went to lunch with one of our good friend, Amy. It was great to get out of the house. We had a nice visit while Max people watched and flirted with a pretty blond at the next booth. You could tell how much he loved having a change of scenery. After we ate, I let Max out of his stroller, and he almost ran the whole length of the mall and back, only stopping to watch a guy that was dancing with a video game and to meet a little boy with a Thomas train like his. It was so great to see him so happy and free.

 Max is a boy that only needs wide open spaces, fresh air or a little dirt to make him happy. He's strong, independent and adventurous. I admire all of these qualities, but they also make it more of a challenge to keep his playtime interesting and engaging. I've recently split his toys up and stashed half of them away.  I plan to rotate them, so he has some new things to look at once in a while. While I'm typing this, he's eating a snack and throwing raisins and Chex on the floor, which he'll be picking up when he's finished eating :)

 I'm praying that I'll find a balance to this new way of life to keep him happy and occupied so I can bring in the extra money we need. It's going to be extra challenging when Baby 2 arrives to find the time to work, but I know that we are living God's plan and He will provide and will help me find a way to do it all.

I'll add to this that I know that being a work-out-of-the-home parent brings it's own set of challenges and emotions. Travis doesn't get to see Max all day like I do, and I know he cherishes the nights and weekends when they can wrestle, read books and play cars together. I know he misses seeing some of the firsts that I get to witness, too.

I just think that being a parent, in general...juggling everything that comes along with it...is one of the hardest, most unselfish things anyone can do...but that it is also one of the most rewarding. I would never want to go back to being without my boys! They are God's gift to us...perfect and beautiful, in a world of sadness, war and discontent, and I am so thankful for the blessings they are to my life. I hope that they'll always feel how much they're loved, and when they're all grown up, they will look back at their childhood and know that I did my best to raise them to be loving, kind, and respectful human beings.