That's What You Are, But What Am I?

It happened AGAIN. Twice, actually.

Tell me if any of you have had this experience - you are being introduced to someone for the first time and find yourself involved in this (or a similar version of this) conversation:

Stranger: "So, what do you do?"

Me: "I'm a mom. I have three little boys I stay home with."

This is usually followed by that look of "I'm trying not to be surprised and let her see that I think that's such a waste" and then an aquaintance will pipe in something along the following lines:

Aquaintance: "Yeah, but you do ________ too." Or "Yeah, but you use to work." Or "Yeah, but you'll probably go back to work when they are all in school." Or - you get the point. Like I was embarassed (or maybe they were) by my lack of career status or something.

This is usually followed by the stranger saying something like, "Wow! I would have never guessed!"

I don't really get that. Why not? Because my hair isn't in curlers and I have make-up on? Because I'm not in a bathrobe? Because I wear jewelry? What is it? Or is it because I don't seem the "motherly" type, whatever that is? I always kind of laugh at that remark. Talk about stereotypes! The only other stereotype that I battle more against than being a stay-at-home mom is being Mormon.

Or better yet, here is another scenario that happens often. You are walking through a store or some other public place and someone makes a comment like, "That's why I stopped at one." Yes, ugly weird guy at Target, I would have stopped at one if I was you, too. Or, this one really irks me, "Yeah, I couldn't do that. I have to get out of the house!" Yes, because as a stay-at-home mom you never leave your house, much less take a shower and groom yourself.

Since when did my choosing to stay home and actually raise my kids myself become something that needs an explanation or an excuse or an apology for? I am a mom. I chose to be a mom. I chose to stay home with my kids. I do not feel like I am missing out on "the real world" or that I have "lost myself" or any other things you hear.

I've had success in other areas of life. I got good grades, I worked in my field, I met all the goals I had for myself. I do not feel like I have wasted my education or my talents. I feel like I have done all those "other things" and this is what I want to do now.

I think it is funny that if you say you have more than one or two kids, it is considered a BIG family. Actually, I think that is sad. I feel like the family is becoming so minimalized now, that I am proud to be able to say I am a mom. And I never say "I'm just a mom" or "I just stay home." So if you say that, whether you are a mom or not, STOP SAYING IT. You are touching, shaping, and creating the future.

I don't think I am the best mom ever, but I try to be a decent one and I hope that my efforts will produce happy, productive people who choose the right. It truly is the greatest thing I have ever done. It is challenging and exhausting and exhilirating and so rewarding all in one. You can't get that ride from a paycheck!

Independence Day

The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays.

It and Christmas have always topped my list. Growing up, we would always go to my aunt's to swim and grill and make homemade ice cream (yum!) during the day, and then at night we would go to the UNT fireworks pre-show and show. I just remember feeling happy and blessed. And everytime the national anthem was sung, I would get teary-eyed.

This year, we had a fun, busy day. We started out with our annual neighborhood kids' parade where all the kids decorate their bikes and ride around the block. They end in the cul-de-sac and get hot dogs and popsicles and there is a fire truck to see.

Next, we went to some friends' pool for lunch and swimming. We got the kids good and tired so they would go down for a nap that afternoon. For dinner, a huge group of people (I think it was like 20) came over and grilled and then we all headed out to the Royals vs. Mariners game. It was the first professional baseball game my kids had been to, and it was a lot of fun. Even Little Man did great!

We got the boys each a certificate they give out that says it was their first Royals game, and while we were in the guest services office we saw some people we know. They said, "Oh, are you in here getting your free drink?" We told them we didn't know about that, so they showed us a card you can fill out saying you'll be a designated driver and then you get a coupon for a free small coke. Score! Those drinks are $4 a piece, so we will definitely be using this tip in the future.

The highlight for Little J was the animated hot dogs racing on the big screen. He was cheering on Relish, and Relish was victorious! Other highlights included the Kiss Cam that Big J thought was hilarious or disgusting, I'm not sure which, and then the chances to get up out of your seat and dance. Little J did his "Happy Feet" dance with much energy! I also enjoyed when my children insisted on becoming patriotic ninjas:

There was suppose to be a big firework show following it, but because of the rain earlier there were "technical difficulties." So that was a bummer, especially for the boys, but they said we get to use our ticket stub for a free ticket to a future game because of it. Sometimes they have fireworks after their Friday games, so we are going to try to hit one of those. On the way out, there were all the drunk tailgaters shooting off fireworks in the parking lot, so we were like, "Look, kids! Fireworks!" Oh well, we tried.

May we all remember how blessed and spoiled we are to live in the U.S.A.!!!

Update on Little Man

I just think he's stinkin' cute, so I put a picture up of him.

Update:

Little Man will be nine months this week. He's walking now, but he still prefers to crawl. Over the last week and a half he has been getting more brave, though. He'll let go and walk across the room before he decides he would rather be on all fours. He LOVES his big brothers and will get right in there and do whatever they are doing. It's hilarious to see him crawl up and "wrestle" with them on the floor. They are really cute with him and say in mock panic , "AAAH! Little Man's coming to get me! Help! Help!" as they "run" away from him. He's doing much better now after recovering from his post-op recovery issues. He has a little scar tissue the doctor says should be completely healed within 6 months, but other than that, all is well. He is still as sweet and happy as ever. Still no teeth, though.