My Picnic

I work a flex schedule at TKCG which is something that is increasingly important to me, even as the girls get older and more self sufficient. Right now it's 80 hours a month, which currently equals Monday/Wednesday working 5-7 hours and 4 hours on Tuesday/Thursday. I've kept my Fridays off since the fall of 2005 and really enjoyed that. I am constantly rewarded with more responsibility and get plenty of recognition for my work, which as a mom, is NOT always something you get at home!

It makes me feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to work outside the home, because i am just not cut out for the 24 hour mommy role. I'm a better mom, when i have that time to reflect on how wonderful they are, instead of just being frustrated by all the food on the floor.

I plan to increase my hours this summer when they start an extended day program at St. Andrews. Although I'll be putting in almost 50% more hours (28 a week), I plan to keep Fridays off. I know we'll really appreciate that in the summer when we can hang out at the pool. In the fall they'll go to school 9-12 on Fridays but we'll still have our afternoons together, and I will enjoy some unadulterated alone time to perhaps accomplish some projects around the house or attend to my many unfinished hobbies.

The photo above was from this past Friday-- we had a wonderful day just playing with toys around the house. They have been cooperating really well together and games like this ("let's make a picnic") are a great example. It all started with setting up a grocery store, then going home to put the groceries in the kitchen, then cooking up this feast which we enjoyed together.

Friday was also a big day as Sydney finally gave in and pooped on the potty (too much info, i know). Every one at Mellow Mushroom Northlake now knows about this success as well.

She was promptly rewarded with the much loved Princess Fruit Snacks (glorified candy, oh well) and although we haven't had a repeat performance yet, I know it will all come together at some point. She has been successfully wearing underwear though for the past week (minus the #2). Really, it HAS to all get dealt with before June 4 when their extended day session starts at the school!