Mommy always, always comes back.

Kids say the most wonderful things.  One time when leaving for a date-night, I told a distraught Ashton, "Mommy always, always comes back."  I didn't realize how much that meant to him and comforted him while I was gone until he started saying it himself.  He says it to us when we leave, actually telling us, "Mommy always, always, always comes back, right, Mommy?"  He gently grabs Reagan's checks as she whimpers and tells her, "It's ok, Reagan, Mommy and Daddy always, always come back."  

I'm so happy I went back to work.  My job is so vastly different from my former career, that I -- gasp -- look forward to going to work.  It has to be a combination of things; being ready for a change; challenging myself to be great at something new; and no longer being completely, totally, utterly burned out.  I didn't realize how much I hated my last job, and the person that it made me become, until I stayed home.  It's so different to work  for a company who supports their employees, provides incentives to succeed, and has opportunities for advancement.  I was brainwashed to think that my last job was so great, when in actuality it was torture.

I've been enlightened.  My negative experience at my former career was not just the culture of the organization, it was also me.  I allowed people to take advantage of my "disease to please."  I had no idea how to say "no, I don't have time to do that." And I never voiced how I really felt to my boss because I felt indebted to her and the organization.

I'm a new person this time around.  I'm confident and clear with what is important to me and I'm dedicated to working hard, but on my terms.  Ryan Homes makes it easy, though, because they're a huge company.

1. My hours are amazing: 10-6 three days per week and 11-6 two days per week.
2. I love the kids' "school."  When I was home, teaching the kids was laborious.  I tried, I really did, but I had to all but lasso Ashton to sit and listen (even for 1 minute) and Reagan does a fantastic job following his lead.
3. I'm enjoying learning new things at work and sharing my day with Jimmy each night.
4. The kids get more alone time with Jimmy.  Because our schedules crisscross, Jimmy has one day every week where he is alone with the kids all day, and I know the kids are loving being with him.
5. Money is sweet.  Even 10 cents helps, and Jimmy gets to sleep more now that I'm working.

Playing with the library boat.