No, it’s not what you think, lol!
Wow, it’s hard to believe that it’s been nine months since I was laid off from my full-time job. In some ways it’s been easier – but in a lot of ways being home has been so much harder than I ever thought it would be. But, I wouldn’t trade this time for anything.
I don’t know what the future will hold. Jobs in Michigan are extremely scarce right now – I heard today that the unemployment rate here hit almost 12% in February, still the highest in the US. And I know that so many people have been hit harder than we have – I’m so thankful for Ron’s job. And for unemployment benefits. We’re struggling, but so is everybody else that I know.
It’s been interesting to think back to what things were like at this time last year – the hectic race to and from daycare every day, getting the girls shuffled to and from their activities, trying to coordinate sick days, personal days, snow days, doctor’s appointments, etc. with Ron’s job not being flexible at all.
I can’t believe how much my life has changed since then.
Here are a few examples…
Instead of picking the girls up at daycare at 5:15 and feeding them a quick snack on the way to whatever evening activity we have, I can feed everyone dinner at home before we head out.
On the other hand, actually getting myself to have the motivation to pack everyone up and leave the house when we’ve been there all day – not always the easiest thing in the world either!
I don’t have to request time off to take someone to the doctor. Although Becca gets dragged to every appointment, whether they’re hers or not – she’s going to have quite a sticker collection going…
Paying $30/week in daycare costs versus $300+ is a great feeling! Although our daycare provider isn’t exactly thrilled, lol. 
I don’t miss every little milestone the girls hit anymore. Even the ones I wouldn’t mind missing out on (*cough* potty training).
Instead of feeling guilty for blogging on company time (not that I ever did that…*wink*), I feel guilty for blogging/tweeting instead of spending every second with the girls.
Becca doesn’t have to be rushed and packed off to daycare every single morning. But we’ve gotten way too familiar with weekday morning cartoon offerings… The fact that she knows pretty much every single Imagination Movers song by heart = probably a cause for concern.
Being unsure about whether I’ll find a job vs. being unsure about whether I’ll lose it…
I’m not exactly a ‘working’ mom anymore, but not really a ‘stay-at-home’ one either. At least not permanently. Hmm, does blogging make me a ‘work-at-home’ mom? Then again, what use are labels anyway? How about simply ‘Mom’. 
I can visit, help out at, volunteer with the girls’ school without having to take vacation time. Although I do have to take a certain 3-year-old, which is just as difficult to manage.
Somehow my house isn’t any cleaner even now that I have ‘ample’ time to work on it. In fact – it’s actually in worse shape, since we’re here making messes much more often.
I can wear jeans and t-shirts every day, not just on (casual) Fridays. But, I now don’t have any decent ‘nice’ clothes when I do have a need (or excuse) to dress up.
and…
Instead of spending my days in business meetings, managing projects, making maps and editing data, I play hide-and-seek, make stuffed animals ‘talk’, draw with crayons and sidewalk chalk – and get to snuggle with the three cutest little girls whenever I want to.
Yep, no matter how you look at it, this is the most difficult, stressful, rewarding, truly incredible ‘job’ that I’ve ever had. And no matter how much longer I have this ‘job’ versus one that takes me out of the house again – I will always cherish every single second of the past nine months.
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March 25th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
I cannot believe it’s been 9 months. Time sure does fly, doesn’t it. Except of course for the days when it seems to crawl by, LOL!
Thea @ I’m a Drama Mamas last blog post..Sisters Weigh In
March 26th, 2009 at 6:07 am
I understand about economy and having a paycheck to rely on to make things good for the family, but when you listed that you now cook a meal for the whole family at one time so y’all can sit down together….that is super to me. I used to say one thing about when our kids were home with us…it’s important to have that time together.
Mine are posted now…hope to see you there sometime if you can find a bit of your day to stop by! happy Thursday.
March 26th, 2009 at 7:35 am
As unfortunate as losing your job is, having that time with your children must be amazing!
maps last blog post..happy st. patrick’s day!
March 26th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Sounds like a very special 9 months you’ve had with your girls! I wish you the best of luck in your job hunt.
Enjoyed your Thursday 13!
Sarah C.s last blog post..Thursday Thirteen #3: Random Pregnancy Tidbits
March 26th, 2009 at 8:49 am
You are putting a great positive spin on your situation. I love this list. I work four days a week and being home on Fridays and getting to spend time with my little guy before and after kindergarten is the highlight of my week!
I hope you find a new job soon, this economy is awful! Have a great week…
perpstus last blog post..TT#33 – New York is My Kind of Town
March 26th, 2009 at 9:33 am
Great post! I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Jean M.s last blog post..Bummer
March 26th, 2009 at 9:48 am
My friend is really close to her college age son and she believes it’s because she was laid off when he was four. He still brings up the time when he and she had all kinds of adventures together. I hope you find a job soon, but I’m glad you’re seeing good things in your current situation.
Brenda NDs last blog post..Animals to Watch in Spring
March 26th, 2009 at 9:49 am
What happened to your nice clothes?
March 26th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Sometimes the greatest blessings happen because of things we would have avoided. I am glad you are able to have this time with your kids.
Kristens last blog post..Freezer Sandwiches
March 26th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
I love how you compare the differences between working inside and outside the home! Well put and I can totally relate. Like the army slogan, “It’s the toughest job you’ll ever love!”
Shannons last blog post..Enter to Win Slumdog Millionaire: This Year’s Oscar Winner for Best Picture
March 26th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I can so identify with all these…I just returned to work after being out 8 months! Go check out my Thursday 13 about returning to work; the ying to your yang, I guess you could say!!!
March 26th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Very good thoughts – so very true. I stayed at home until the kids were in junior high/high school. The down side is that they were less independent than latch key kids, but I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.
March 26th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
What an awesome attitude. I have always written around the kids, if that makes sense. Fitting in writing time while they play… having them in school all day is such a luxury. I almost dread the summer — but at the same time, I can’t wait for the adventures we’ll have.
Susan Helene Gottfrieds last blog post..Thursday Thirteen: Inspiration
March 26th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Wow has it really been 9 months..
My DH has been laid off for just about a month now.. and we here in Ohio are in the same boat as MI. I think for Feb Ohio was over the 9% mark and we live in the worse county with an unemployment rate is 18.6% it is so crazy.
March 26th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
I still have some of them. But none of them fit terribly well after Becca was born, so I got rid of most of them when I was laid off, figuring that if/when I get a new job I’d need to buy new ‘work’ clothes anyway. Besides, it’s entirely (ok, somewhat) possible I could lose 50 pounds by then…
March 26th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
being a SAHM is a hard job but to me I wouldn’t change a think, I really am a WAHM but feel blessed to be home w/ my kiddo.
Kristen Andrewss last blog post..Are you a Night Owl?
March 28th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Wow, this is an amazing list of things to be thankful for about being at home with young ones. I know it’s cliche, but when one door closes, another really does open. In your working life you were missing out on these moments that will never happen again for your girls! It’s a bittersweet thing.