In case you’ve been following my blog you’ve probably heard me whine a little (okay, a whole lot) about my unpaid stay-at-home mom job. To quickly recap: I love my kids and feel grateful that I get to be home with them…but I sometimes question whether I had a lapse in sanity when I made the decision to quit the world of the duly employed in exchange for full-time mommy-hood, i.e. poopy diaper duty.
And with my hubby out of town, I’ve been ever so reminded at how hard this job can be. I’ve been trying to kill some time and stay busy, thereby alleviating the immense feeling I have to count down the minutes days until Jer gets home.
So, last night I decided to organize our digital pictures. Oh. My. God. My husband has an addiction to the shutter release button on his camera. It’s like he can’t physically stop himself from taking a picture. So I saw A LOT of pictures. Some of the kids, some of weird-looking bugs. Some of the house, some of a dandelion. Some <ahem> not real flattering ones of me, but I digress. With most, I clicked on by, but then I found this.
And she used to be this…
Yet, she was also this…aptly named “The Unfortunate Baby Powder Incident of 2005.”
And, I was here for almost every moment in between.
And then there’s this little guy.
Who used to be this wittle guy…
And now, is more like this guy…
And, I am here for all of it. (Thank God, or that Tupperware would probably still be sitting there.)
I learned some valuable lessons while looking through pictures, old and new.
1) Mindy, stay away from the CheezIts. They are not your friend.
2) For the love of God clean out your cabinets. You obviously have more baby powder than any home could possibly ever need. Or, at least, you used to.
But most importantly…
3) Value who you are and what you are doing. Right now, you are meant to be exactly where you are.
One little caveat to this epiphany-of-sorts: I am extremely happy being an “at home” mom but that doesn’t mean that I have to love every aspect of it. I think it’s perfectly acceptable to stop and have a little pity-party for yourself, no matter what situation you may find yourself in. The funny thing about these little “feel sorry for me” sessions…they more often than not lead to a little self-reevaluation. They may cause you to make some life changes, or stay smack-dab right where you are. Some day in the future when I reevaluate, maybe I’ll decide to make a change. And that will be okay. But for now? I’ll continue to clean up baby powder, put away Tupperware and change those dreaded poopy diapers. Shoot, at the rate potty training is going at this point in time I’m fairly certain Jack will be about 36 years old when I can check that off the list. Pray for me. Please.
Love to all, Mindy
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Brandy
Going through the digital archive is very, very dangerous. I can’t do it without tears.
Yep. You’re right where you are supposed to be. How many people can say that with such certainty AND photographic evidence?
Yeah, that’s what I figure. If anybody needs proof of my need to be home, I can show them both the baby powder and tupperware pictures. Those kids need supervision! =)
Mindy
I love this post, Mindy! It sounds like you’re comfortable with where you are AND open to positive change. I think this is really wonderful. Your kids are gorgeous.
Thank you Daphne! I am really settling into my role here…after 3 years! Hehehehe… =)
Mindy
Great post today. I went through my old pictures this weekend and have to admit there were some tears. I really miss my days of being exactly where you are. It’s easy to say, “Cherish them, they don’t last,” but it’s harder to actually do it.
Thanks Brandy! I try to remind myself, almost hourly, how lucky I am to be home. Jack makes it a leeetle difficult to cherish it all. =)
Mindy
Isnt it grand when we come around to the conclusion we are right where we are supposed to be? I used to dance around “should of, would of, could of” quite a bit. It seems to lessen as we get older thank god. You have a nice family.
Thanks Christina – yes, things are definitely starting to make sense. Finally! I still play the “shoulda/coulda” game occasionally but I think that’s all part of the process. Keeps life interesting! =)
Mindy
Wanna come help me with ours? We can be like, stay-at-home picture organizers buddies.
http://www.booshy.wordpress.com
Oh, yes please. I am so unmotivated when I’m by myself. But I think you would run away screaming when you were confronted by ALL my pictures. I’m pretty sure my husband has violated some sort of regulation somewhere…
Mindy