Tales from the McWade: February 2009

2.20.2009

Hannah's First Day

Hannah started a weekly preschool program and today was her first day. We figured we would work her in slowly since she'll be going Tu/Thur starting in the Fall. She was super excited and had a super blast.

The teacher said that Hannah was quite vocal with her requests and ideas...not sure if that's a good or bad thing, but all went well. Hannah was really excited to show the art project she brought home and we look forward to doing some of the homework she got in the next few days. I can't believe this little lady is growing up so fast!!!

2.07.2009

In our thoughts...

Elbert Handy

January 1, 1933 - February 5, 2009

As many of you know, my grandpa has been fighting a rapid and aggressive cancer which spread from his lungs and liver to his brain. Originally given 3-4 months time, cancer took him after only 45 days from the time of diagnosis. Many hours were logged in the hospital by his side and it was a very painful experience to watch this illness progress. Please keep us in your prayers during this challenging time.

2.03.2009

Jack is ONE!

I can't belive how time has flown this past year.

It was fun and a bit sentimental thinking about where I was this time last year, and especially the days leading up to Jack's birth. I half hoped for snow to re-live the snow shoveling element. Ryan probably hoped to be on a plane to Tahoe as well...haha!

It has been a very busy, hectic past 2 months. Just when I thought I was partied out, (counting 4 preschool b-days, Thanksgiving in Clayton, Christmas Eve & Day family events and a New Years get together -- whew!) I rallied back with the enthusiasm for Jack's First Birthday. It went really well and was a very wise decision to break the party into 2 groups: a morning playdate for friends & kids, and an evening dinner with family. Both parties were successful and low key enough that Ryan and I both actually got to visit with our guests and enjoy the party.

For those of you who didn't know, we did a Classic Rock party complete with VIP passes and Guitar Hero. It was a really fun theme to run with (thanks to Ryan for thinking of it).

That's Domestic Director...

Originally posted on my smidgegreener.blogspot, I needed a pep-talk. I have been recently applying for some part-time work and wonder why I didn't add this to my resume? I thought I would post here in case anyone else needed the same pat on the back. You mom's do good work!

As you may or may not be aware, I stay at home and care for my kids, the household and food. Along with those not-so-simple responsibilities, I also facilitate art projects, home-made cookies and accessibility to clean clothing -- to name ONLY a few.

I manage not only my time, but that of at least 2 others(sometimes 3...) and keep all schedules as insync as I know how. I coordinate meetings with grandparents and inlaws. Set-up play dates and social interactions for my kids. Fearing a 2pm meltdown, I consolidate outings and events into neat little chunks of time, taking into consideration naps, snacks and quiet time. I brainstorm new meal options to avoid the snack traps of goldfish crackers and string cheese as well as break through the tediousness of chicken for dinner, again. I ensure that little minds are being challenged and enlightened. I attempt to teach and try to slow down enough to play. So much more than changing diapers and running bubble baths!

Through the course of this often thankless and constantly demanding and needy position I hold, I find myself missing the work world, all shiny and sharp. Downtown traffic, high heels and always a few minutes late. Morning coffee, office meetings and real-world chit chat. I miss the competance I once possessed for jobs I excelled in. I miss the adult comraderie and conversations over current events, music and what's for lunch.It's always easy to see the grass as greener on the other side. And nothing quite says 'boring' like "stay-at-home mom". I shrink a little anytime someone asks me what I do. Answers like "mom" and "I'm not working" seem to immediately end the conversation. No one seems to find interest in a job such as this. Someone would much rather talk about driving a UPS truck than the ins and outs of raising children and managing a home.

A good friend of mine was speaking to me about the importance of having a title as she is embarking on the beginning of a family and no longer plans to work. She is embracing the notion that we aren't "just moms" and we don't "just stay home with our kids". I really like her way of thinking and it's been making me wonder about a title for myself. So no longer will I be a "stay-at-home mom", I will now be Domestic Director. Afterall, doesn't that much better sum up the myriad of roles we play? Though we may be at home, I would hardly call it 'just staying at home'.

So to all those moms out there looking to reclaim a little bit of their former 'working' self: grab a thesaurus and make a title.

Then own it.

Tales from the McWade

2.20.2009

Hannah's First Day

2.07.2009

In our thoughts...

2.03.2009

Jack is ONE!

In all my free time:

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That's Domestic Director...