O, how time flies when you are having fun!
I’ve now been at work for nearly 3 weeks. With every ounce of my being, I would have loved to take the full year off with Mary-Anne but circumstances are such that I needed to make a choice. And in order to have the best chance at retaining a job that I enjoy I would need to sacrifice my leave and return to work 5 months early. It just brings tears to my eyes thinking all that I am going to miss over these next 5 months. Before you jump up and say, ‘Don’t go back to work’ please remember that I just took 3+ years off which nearly damaged my career. To be honest, I don’t mind working, in fact I like my job, would I like it more if I worked 3 or 4 days a week instead of 5, yes! but who wouldn’t?
My transition to work was also at one of our busiest times of the year. We have had family from England, ans Saskatchewan as well as friends from Chicago, Boston and NYC. Why all the company? Because Mike turned 40! We had a big party where I rented the basement of a local bar, hired live music and arranged for a slide show of Mike’s 40 years. It was a very fun evening with lots of friends and family coming to celebrate with Mike. There were a few times during the week leading up to the party that I made the comment that his party was a bigger deal than our wedding, and I was being honest. But Mike wanted a party so that is what he got, he also wanted a boat and he got that too. We have no regrets about having such a big party, it was fun, and we got to see people we haven’t seen in a long time. It was all worth it. I am so sorry that I don't have any photos, if you can believe it I FORGOT MY CAMERA. I am very disappointed!
Having company has been great! In my first weeks of work I have not had to rush home and make supper once. Fantastic!!! But all good things must come to an end and we are now back to the Mom Show. Now this is reality, and like so many other parents we are trying to find the best possible balance between family and work. Which brings me to the feeling of Guilt. My mom told me while I was pregnant with James, that motherhood, brings guilt. She is so right. No matter what the circumstance, not matter what the answer, there is always a feeling of guilt. Could have, Should have, Would have… well such is life and we do the best we can with it. I know my kids are happy, they have a nice balance. Monday’s with Dad, Tues/Wed/Thursday at daycare (Mae goes to Grandma’s) where they love their teachers and friends and Friday’s with Grandma. And I get them Saturday and Sunday.
Our plans for the next few Saturday’s and Sunday’s. Well the same that we would do during a full week, just squeezed into 2 days. Library, skating/swimming, walks, playdates, birthday parites…etc. I should probably try to fit laundry, groceries, cooking and overall housework in there somewhere. I am also in the process of planning a Halloween party and we have tickets for a kids music concert. Honestly I think I’m going to look up one day and I’ll be decorating a Christmas tree. Time is going to continue to fly by!
Here are photos.
Backyard fun.
Golfing with Grandad
Tire Swing Diva
Princess Smiles (probably smiling as she thinks what she can get into next)
Charlotte and her Grandma
Oh the bath, she now tries to drink the water from the tap.
Grandad was sneaking Mae some Ice Cream using his finger... and CHOMP!
We went to the Fall Fair.
There were the normal fair rides and I took the kids on the Ferris Wheel they had a blast! We also watched the Ox Pull, barrel riding, pole bending, and a dog show. That wasn't all, there was a petting zoo, cotton candy, bouncy castle, clowns, face painting etc... It was a GREAT day!
Charlotte on a Pony.
Robbie driving a 'truck'.
Robbie got to see a BIG truck... which he hugged and kissed.
Charlotte is a natural animal lover.
Robbie is not. And just like last year, managed to get chased by a sheep (well it was a goat last year) but both were pretty funny.
...but he wasn't afraid to help the Clown.
You wouldn't even know how many times I say "Where is the baby?" This time she was under Charlotte's bed.
Thanksgiving Sunday took us to the Valley where my mom and Mike both ran the 1/2 marathon. Their cheering crowd included the kids, me, Mike's parents, Mike's uncle Gerald, my Aunt Bridge and Uncle Kim and their friend Glen.
Grandma finishing her race and at the finish line with the sign the kids made.
Mike finishing the race and holding the sign the kids made.
You'd think we were up to enough on Thanksgiving weekend with the fall fair and the 1/2 marathon, but no. We still took in a parade.
We also braved the chilly wind to watch the pumpkin regatta where people race hallowed out pumpkins across a lake.
And the last bit of excitement for Thanksgiving was a big family dinner with Turkey, Ham, and all the trimmings. Again no photo of that, but I was so thrilled to have a house full of family from both England and Saskatchewan.
P.S. I need to get better at taking photos. I just seem to be either loosing my camera, have too much on the go, or missing the photo op all together. I'll work on it.
