Everything Keeps Changing

Ever since we moved to Alma, the idea of me quitting my job has been floating around. Moving here made this idea an option in some ways. The pros and cons were beginning to be weighed. The middle of September I had to switch my hours and instead of working 3 days a week, I had to work 5 days a week between school hours so I could be home before and after school for Caleb and Amberly. The thought of it sounded great, but when I began this schedule, reality hit, and it is hard. I'm constantly on the go, rushing through things, doing things, preparing things, and leaving no time for me to enjoy the kids, the moments. I wake up at 6am, to get myself ready, not long after that, someone with little hands and feet are up and needing me. I get all three dressed, fed breakfast, pack school bags/diaper bags, feed the dog, let him in and out, prep supper, brush hair and teeth, change another diaper, get on shoes/boots/coats/umbrellas/ and we fly out the door at 8:40am to make it to the school where the bell rings at 8:45am. Then after walking Amberly/Caleb to their respective lines, I march Joel (and Amberly on her off days) load them back in the van and scurry off to Elmira where I meet Christa at our old School for 9am so she can take my kids. Then I make it to work. I work, some days I'm on the phone all morning (getting beat up thru the phone sometimes) and then maybe get to my work load, which seems to grow more than dwindle. I leave at 3:00 to swing by and pick up Joel (and Amberly) and rush back to Alma to get Caleb/Amberly at the bell for 3:30pm. Once I am home, I unpack bags, looks at notes, throw away lunch garbage, give kids a snack, let the dog out, put coats and boots away. Prepare for the evening events (Tues-skating lessons, Wed-Awana)work more on supper, either starting it from scratch or getting the final touches together. Try to get home reading done. Referee fights, watch all 4 kids (yes I said 4 because the next door neighbour girl has become a part of the Snyder household almost every day after school and on weekends) set table, pour drinks, set out food, get all kids at the table. Daddy walks in the door at 5:35ish. Supper may be done at 6, then clean up starts again. Dishes, table, floor swept. Play with the kids a little if lucky, otherwise we start baths, then jammies, then a little tv time, books, prayers, bedtime. Kids in bed, I make the lunches for the next day. When all is done, it is usually 8:30-9pm, and I'm ready for bed myself. Only to start the same routine tomorrow.

Not having any fun. Not having any time.

So after a couple of weeks of this, and some other serious conversations, I was encouraged to make the jump and resign my position as administrator at rwam. Although some may think this was an easy decision. It wasn't. I love the people I work for and with. They have helped me find my identity as a married woman in a town that I called home. My friends are there, I see them every day. They are supportive, loving and hilarious. When I told my boss, I was weeping the whole time. She has been so good to me, has always helped me when I needed it, and allowed me to have flexibility in hours. Even now, she is supporting me, after I let her down and told her I was leaving, she told me to consider it a leave of absence, and that I would always have a place there if I choose to come back. How generous is that? Even the president of the company signed her email to me, "Looking forward to your return". November 2 is the day I say so long. I will enter into the world of "stay at home Mom".

I will need to find a new identity.

Woah, Welcome October

I can't believe it's October. This coming weekend is Thanksgiving. It's one of my favourite times of the year. The beauty of the fall colours surrounds us every where we go now. I love it.