Soles of a Mom

So this has been the week for frazzled nerves.  Lot’s of life changes going on here for everyone in our family.  First off this week I am in the process of exploring my work options.  I am looking at a full-time job that is slightly out of my comfort zone and new to my “resume”.  I know I am a good fit for it, my hesitation is how will it affect the family.  I have been fortunate enough to stay home for the past 7 years.  

10.20.2006 The birth of Griffin Xavier... Better known as Mr. Fin

During this time we have added 1 little cutie to the mix and I have tried many smaller business endeavors.  I opened my own nutrition private practice and I consulted for many doctors for about 3 years.  I also worked for 1154 LILL Studio as a Rep which was awesome!  I got to go to Chicago many times and the people I met were incredible.  The cutest custom handbags ever.  I also started my own hair accessory business, Princess Diva Bows 6 years ago which I now sell in several local boutiques and on my website.   Currently I work as a dietitian and diabetes educator 8-20 hours a week and have dubbed myself the official household manager.  So it’s not like I’m busy.  One of my interview questions this past week was “what do you think it will be like to go from working 20 hours a week to 50-60?”  I wanted  to laugh and say “Hunny I already do that.  Focusing on one thing versus multiple would be a welcome relief”.  But questions like that get you thinking.  How will you do all of it and do it all well?  Is that possible? 

We also have made the decision to send our children to Catholic school next year.  This is an exciting time  as our family gets acquainted with new friends and families, as well as bringing more of a Christian upbringing into our home and our lives.  The kids will now be in school with their cousins which I am thrilled about.   I never had the opportunity to go to school with anyone cousins or siblings.  So that prospect means the world to me.  During this transition I am converting to Catholicism and have been actively going to bible study and reading the bible.  Many people  have asked me why am I doing this?  It’s such a personal choice and one that has been 16 years in the making since I got married in a beautiful interfaith ceremony.  I feel that the timing is right for myself and our family.  However for this past week the challenge is that my 10-year-old is making the transition to a new school with new friends.  He has been with his friends since kindergarten so needless to say he is nervous.  

Waiting for their new friends at school.

Thursday all 3 kids went to the new school for a “shadow day”.  Benjamin was a wreck the night before, not able to go to sleep.  He didn’t want to eat breakfast in the morning although I finally got some banana bread in him.  (Not the healthiest I know, but it was something.)  We sat on the bench in the front hall of the school after announcing our arrival to the office.  A friend from each class came down to get the children and escorted them back to class.  Benjamin’s face was pale, he looked like I was throwing him into the water without a life-preserver.  My heart braked.  Gosh are we doing the right thing?  My younger two took it all in stride.  No issues, no complaints.  My 7-year-old said “this is fun, so many new friends, I love my new school”. 

Good news was that later in the afternoon Benjamin got in the car and had lot’s to tell me.  He really liked the boy he sat next too and he met his soon to be 5th grade teacher.  I asked “Do you think you’ll like it here?”,  he said “Yes, it’s really nice”.  That made me feel better. 

So now for today, I go on to ponder all of these life changes that affect our entire family.  One thing I have learned this past week is that my children will adapt.  We have given them the love and tools to do so.  So if I want to make this leap to the next career level I know they will be fine.   For now I pray for god’s grace to lead me to the right decision and the strength to follow his path for me.