Thankful....Simply Put!

THANKFUL

Well, after spending the past year at home full-time with our kids, I returned to work full-time outside of the home at SCSU last week with mixed emotions.

Being home was the best decision we ever could've made last year for countless reasons.

It's sad to see a good situation come to a close. I absolutely loved being home with the kids and they helped me become a better person, inside and out.

I have an entirely NEW RESPECT for all parents who stay home full-time (I'm so thankful my mom chose to stay home with my brothers and me and I respect Jake's mom for staying home for 7 years). 

I also have the utmost respect for my sister Megan who not only has chosen to stay home full-time with my nieces (and now newest nephew), but she also Home Schools - what a GIFT!

Staying home is a lot more difficult than others would think and it was worth every second. And some day I'll figure out a way to be home again.

But for now, I'm incredibly thankful I had a job to return to and who welcomed me back with open arms last week.

I'm thankful I got to have lunch at school with the big kids last week.

I will miss these opportunities at school and being able to attend the weekly children's mass in the mornings.

I'm thankful that I didn't have to miss ONE milestone that Carrine reached in the past 18 months.

I miss her something fierce!

I'm thankful I got to spend the last two summers at home with the big kids and watch them grow and develop and continue to stay best friends.

I'm thankful I got to spend every day with these two ladies for the past 12 months.

Roslyn is an incredible big sister and loves Carrine more than anything.

Yes - even loves spending time on the "naughty rug" with her!

I'm thankful that Carrine has an older brother and sister to look up to.

She wants to do everything they do - she is a determined little gal!

I'm thankful that I got to be home every day last year and watch Andray get off the bus after school.

I'm thankful I got to spend every school day with Roslyn at Pre-School last year and got to experience her first week at Kindergarten with her!

And I'm thankful that my mom was willing to come and stay with Carrine during the week days until Carrine can return to Angie's daycare the end of October.

I'd be lost without my mom!

Carrine cried pretty hard when I left for work last week and trust me, I was crying just as hard on the inside. But for now our family embarks on a new journey - it just takes time to adjust.

I'm thankful that my husband supported my decision to stay home.

And I'm thankful for all the amazing "quality time" we spent as a family the past 18 months.

We didn't go on any big trips or purchase expensive toys.

We spent time together enjoying the "little and simple" things in life, and I don't care what anyone says, that time truly is PRICELESS. 

I'm thankful for three healthy and happy kids...they are my life...I miss them.

God works in mysterious ways and it always works out!

I don't regret one thing about staying home and I'm thankful to have had the opportunity.

Until next time...