Reflections, continued

However I also know......
........that my job is helping my kids with school tuitions
........ that there are souls at work that The Lord wants me to witness to
........ that if I did not work at all I would probably go stir crazy with my kids all in school
........ that if my kids were still small I would not do half the things I listed in my previous post because I'd be too busy
......... and that while I was glad for the opportunity to be home with my kids, I took it somewhat for granted (but I wouldn't have traded it for anything!)
Most of all, I know that "My times are in Thy hand"(Psalm 31:15a) and that God will take care of my work situation, my schedule, and my family! Praise Him for His faithfulness!

Reflections, Continued

More importantly, it's what I'm missing because of work that really bothers me sometimes. If I were a stay-at-home mom, I would.......
..... stay up later with my family at night, knowing that once Erin was safely dropped off to her carpool I could get a nap.
..... get my house clean and organized.
..... not have the mental exercise of "who's getting who where, and who's picking up who when" because I would be doing the chauffeuring.
..... work in my garden more
..... be guaranteed time with my family during the holidays
..... take off to PA to visit my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter
..... go to ALL my kids' sports and school events
..... play my guitar more
..... participate more freely in the activities of our church
..... travel with my husband on occasion when he goes on his business trips

Reflections

Sometimes I wish I were a stay-at home mom again. Work has been stressful lately. It can get "fast and furious" in an eyeblink, and it is too easy to make mistakes. I know God is in control, and I do trust him, but I must admit to getting frustrated and discouraged at times. In addition, it is VERY difficult to get the time off (even unpaid time) that I need to be with my family over the holidays. I've thought of looking for another job, but haven't found anything that would work for me just yet. Also, I would lose vacation and personal time, which at this point is desperately needed for various family things. And would it be any better elsewhere? Furthermore, I don't like interviews or walking into a situation where I don't know anyone.
Don't get me wrong. There are many aspects of my job that I do enjoy, such as the interaction with my customers and coworkers. I DON'T enjoy making mistakes despite my best efforts, nor policies that make it difficult for me to spend time with my family when I need to and/or they need me to. I DON't enjoy having to be up by 5am during the school year no matter WHAT time I work that day or what time I went to bed the night before. I DON'T enjoy worrying about whether or not I'm going to get in trouble for yet another mistake, some of which are beyond my control.

Book Review: The Nativity Collection by Robert J. Morgan

The Nativity Collection comprises six short stories by Robert J. Morgan. The book is published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee, 2010. Each story involves a family's experiences at Christmas, and a Nativity scene that plays a significant part in the story. From the family who changes their Christmas plans to give an elderly woman a family celebration, to the grandfather and grandson who burn the figures of their cherished Nativity scene to survive a howling blizzard, to the story of "Sugarplum", Morgan's stories will uplift and entertain his readers. Each story reminds us of our God Who gave His beloved Son so that we might be freed from our sins and restored to fellowship with God the Father. The Nativity Collection was illustrated by Koechel Peterson Design, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The illustrations are full of exquisite detail, light, and joy. The Nativity Collection would make great reading alone with a cup of tea or cocoa, or aloud with the entire family gathered in the living room. This book will add a festive and reflective touch to any one's Christmas celebration. The Nativity Collection was provided to me for review at no charge by Thomas Nelson, Inc. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and I have received no other compensation for reviewing this book.

My Birthday!

My birthday this year was a blessed time. It was on Saturday, September 25. Al had asked me what I wanted to do, and I said that I either wanted us all to go out to Old Country Buffet, or the two of us to go out to Chili's, or to have Caroline, Janet, and Erin cook dinner at home for us. I left it to him to decide which of those options he would pick. Meanwhile, he asked me to write down a few things I would like, and Janet asked me what I wanted as well. One of the things I mentioned was a nice spring/fall jacket. When I shared this with Janet, she said "Oh, we're gonna have FUN with this!" So she went with Al to help him shop the night before.
While on my last break at work on Saturday, I got a text from Al saying that he and I would go out to eat, followed by birthday cake at home with the girls. I got home from work, showered and changed, and Al and I got in the car. I was expecting him to go to Chilis in Windsor, but he turned towards Enfield. I thought he might have decided to go to Olive Garden, but then he "missed" the turnoff to Enfield. Then I knew he was going to surprise me. We went to Carabba's in Riverdale, Mass! It's a really nice Italian restaurant, and it was delicious. We went home and had cake. When I opened my present, it was..... a peacoat and scarf! Gail and Missy couldn't come, so Gail and her boyfriend, John, came the next day. Gail brought a bouquet of one dozen pink roses, and a beautiful card. Well, I put the roses in water, set the card on the halfwall in the living room, and we ate dinner. Gail and John had already eaten, but Gail did have a piece of cake. While I was putting things away, I picked up the envelope Gail's card had come in. I saw something blue in it and thought it was a picture. When I pulled it out, it was a gift card to Red Lobster! Caroline gave me a charm for my bracelet that the girls had given me for Mother's Day. Missy invited me to her apartment on Tuesday night and made a birthday dinner of chili and cupcakes for me. I was so blessed by all of their thoughtfulness and the unexpected surprises! Now it's two weeks later and Al and I are planning to use that gift certificate as soon as he gets home!