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February 23, 2009
my raise
I got a raise! Or at least thats what it feels like. At the end of March I will be spending a glorious 4 days in New York City meeting up with my older sister and cousin Liz who lives there! I am super excited. Obviously. :) Oh did I mention the key part? I will be alone! All alone, well until I get there. I'm even looking forward to the flight alone. This will be the first flight in I don't know how long where I'm not entertaining someone or worrying about someone else.
Mothering can be a pretty unappreciated job, NOT by my husband of course, I mean by those who you work with or for. Granted we do get glimpses of growth and receptiveness but I would venture to say more often then not its a relentless stream of problem solving with illness, quarrels, back talk, is it an ok time for a snack? has everyone gone potty? what was that splashing I heard in the bathroom? is that an ear ache or is she scratching her head? did that punishment fit the crime? and on and on.
It's not like Julia approaches me at the end of the day and says, "you know mom, when you sent me into time out I thought that was an appropriate way to handle me hitting Lizzie. I felt the hurt I caused her and sought out forgiveness. Thanks mom, you're doing a good job." That doesn't happen, or at least in my home.
I like feedback and I am motivated by incentives and as silly as it sounds to my husband, this trip to me is an incentive. It's a bonus. More importantly its motivating, which I think is one of the purposes of raises. I want to be worthy of the sacrifice that Andy is making for the days he's taking off and taking on our 3 daughters, solo.
So I find myself going that extra little mile to keep the house running. I've been working a lot lately on freelance which has been a blessing, all while keeping my sights on my little trip ahead. Where I'll be a sister and a cousin and for a short time I won't be a driver, waitress, cook, nurse, referee, maid, rule enforcer, and all the other hats we wear. I think that's one of the things I'm looking most forward to, being a sister without kids around. I don't remember when Heather and I have hung out without kids.
Thanks in advance to my amazing husband who is a wonderful partner in this parenting adventure. Not every husband would take off work to spend 4 days alone with 3 small kids and I appreciate you so much.
More planning posts still to come. I will bore you all with our plans. At this point I think my sister is passionately committed to seeing a broadway show and we are currently looking at West Side Story. I'm trying to decide this time around (I went twice in college with the art dept) which museums I want to see in our short amount of time. The MoMA is definitely on my list and for those who know me best you'll get a kick out of this. I looked up the Cooper Hewitt National Design museum which had great exhibits the previous 2 times I went and guess what its showing while we're there? Fashioning Felt! I kid you not. Oh it just makes me smile to think about it. :)
| By JennR | 10:02 PM
Comments
You are right on about the thanklessness of parenting. You are an amazing mom, and deserve this bonus!!! Can I fit in your suitcase?
Posted by: Sharon at February 24, 2009 10:18 AM
YOU GO GIRL!!!! i'm so excited for you ...and a tad jealous! haha!!!
Posted by: erin at February 24, 2009 4:06 PM
I agree with so many things you said. Being a mom/ housewife can at times be a thankless job. We are on the job 24 hrs a day every day and don't really get away from our work unless we remove ourselves physically and even then there are calls to check up on how things are going back at the office. Scott and I remind ourselves constantly about how we didn't appreciate our parents and all that they did until we ourselves became parents. I imagine some times what those phones calls will sound like. The ones from my daughters who are grown up and have children of their own. They want to know how in the world I did all that I did. I will simply tell them because I had the best job in the world and I loved every second of it.
Posted by: Heather(the sister) at February 24, 2009 6:42 PM
Well, guess who just came on board...the real MOM! I want you both to call right away and ask me just how I did it..."It was just the most wonderful job in the world," she sighs as they hand her the Academy Award!
Have a wonderful time in New York. Go see Broadway, and I'll put on my Mama Mia DVD. Just remember to bring me back a New York magnet for the frig. I love you both dearly!!
Posted by: Nann at February 25, 2009 1:17 PM
Loved every second of it? Really Heather, come on now. See, this is why I can't wait to travel with you and get to see the world through your optimistic and often positive perspective. When my girls have small kids and call me and ask how I did it, I'm going to say I reached out to friends and vented- A LOT! Community and family got me through it often while reminding me to rely on God. I don't even know that I would say its the best job in the world. I think when the Lord made a plan for me He thought, what will continue to challenge her and stretch her and cause her to rely on me for everything. Oh, motherhood, obviously. :)
Posted by: Jenn at February 25, 2009 4:22 PM
I loved all the stuff you wrote, Jenn. Agree with all of it and I'm cheering you and Heather on about your lovely bonus! You so deserve it!
P.S. I am obsessed with West Side Story- it's so great!
Posted by: Christy Younger at March 1, 2009 10:00 PM