I don’t like filling out those long forms at doctor’s offices. That’s definitely one of the bummers about having cancer.
On most days, I remember to write my married name. Yeah, even after 25 years of marriage on a frazzled day I might write my maiden name. I’ve even spelled my name wrong – more than once. On a good day, I can even rattle down my address and phone number without hesitation. The six kids’ names and birthdays? Another trick question. Just because I don’t remember their birthday and the year they were born doesn’t mean I’m a bad mommy, does it?
DOES IT?
The worst line to fill out is occupation. After reading one of those email forward things years ago about the value of a mom, I started putting down Domestic Engineer.
Then, I decided I don’t need to come up with a fancy, impressive sounding title to try to make myself look better. I’m proud of my profession. So now I write down, boldly and proudly, MOMMY. I am a Stay At Home Mommy.
I’ve seen eyebrows raised, but not heard any feedback.
However, sometimes when the paperwork gets back to me, I’ve noticed they’ve changed my occupation to UNEMPLOYED. Unemployed means you’re not working. I work every minute I’m awake. Even if I’m sitting, I’m refereeing disagreements, listening to hear who didn’t flush the toilet, trying to remember how old the milk really is, and wondering if there is any chocolate still hidden in the house somewhere.
Mommies even work when they should be sleeping, taking children potty, giving drinks, soothing nightmares, stopping sleepwalkers and all those other things nocturnal offspring like to experience just the moment you are finally in REM sleep.
I will not be swayed, I still put MOMMY down for my occupation.
Imagine my delight to receive something in the mail honoring me in my chosen profession. No, I didn’t get Mother of the Year. I think you have to have matching clothes, a clean house, consistently call your kids by their correct names and make dinner more than once a week to qualify for that. I was asked to represent my city at a glamorous conference for the NAPW.
I was hoping you would ask. National Association of Professional Women.
I was SO impressed! They finally are acknowledging that being a Mommy is a Professional Career!
For a split second, I was considering joining Ivanka Trump at the Waldorf Astoria for the First Annual NAPW Conference to benefit from the “exclusive and powerful networking forum” and to “achieve social and career development.” I was wondering if all that networking would provide a powerful cure for diaper rash, a newly developed recipe for homemade playdoh or see if anybody has an exclusive idea for making a craft out of dryer fuzz.
However, going out in public for powerful networking with Ivanka means I would have to have matching clothes, remember to enunciate and spell my entire name, and talk in complete sentences. I’d be once again defending my claim that being a MOMMY is a profession to high-heeled lawyers and polished real-estate agents.
Christen, thanks for those details! That is amazing.
Christen, thanks for those details! That is amazing.
I heard on the radio today that Stay at Home Moms work an average if 97 hrs a week(I'm guessing that doesn't include homeschooling) and with all the overtime they would be paid $115,000 a year! I thought that that was incredible!
I heard on the radio today that Stay at Home Moms work an average if 97 hrs a week(I'm guessing that doesn't include homeschooling) and with all the overtime they would be paid $115,000 a year! I thought that that was incredible!
I'm applauding.I'd like to see one high-faluting attorney try to do all you do in a single day. Go Girl!
I'm applauding.I'd like to see one high-faluting attorney try to do all you do in a single day. Go Girl!
Beautiful! Loved this, love your blog, love your spirit and your humor!I've been telling my mom(a PROFESSIONAL amazing mama to nine kiddos) about your blog and just sent her your blog URL. I know she will be encouraged, uplifted, and grateful for your perspective just like I am!hope you feel better soon!
Beautiful! Loved this, love your blog, love your spirit and your humor!I've been telling my mom(a PROFESSIONAL amazing mama to nine kiddos) about your blog and just sent her your blog URL. I know she will be encouraged, uplifted, and grateful for your perspective just like I am!hope you feel better soon!
Best job ever!
Best job ever!
Awesome! Thanks for your encouragement. 🙂 Hoping you get better quick. Is Rebecca up for playing nurse??
Awesome! Thanks for your encouragement. 🙂 Hoping you get better quick. Is Rebecca up for playing nurse??
Praise the Lord Jesus! Thank you for posting Mrs. Peltier- He has answered my cry. (I realize this may not make sense to you or anyone else, but it does for me. 🙂 ) I hope you get well soon.<3 Melissa <><
Praise the Lord Jesus! Thank you for posting Mrs. Peltier- He has answered my cry. (I realize this may not make sense to you or anyone else, but it does for me. 🙂 ) I hope you get well soon.<3 Melissa <><
When people ask me what I do I say I have the best job EVER! I get to stay home with my kids. If the woman cleaning my teeth looks at me a little funny I don't care, because I don't have to pick gunk out of strangers' teeth every day for a paycheck.
When people ask me what I do I say I have the best job EVER! I get to stay home with my kids. If the woman cleaning my teeth looks at me a little funny I don't care, because I don't have to pick gunk out of strangers' teeth every day for a paycheck.
I'm with you on the sick day! Have a sore throat and a monster of a headache…so am teaching in my pj's. 🙂
I'm with you on the sick day! Have a sore throat and a monster of a headache…so am teaching in my pj's. 🙂
I forgot to add, thanks for this post. I am the ONLY stay at home mom on both sides of my family. Even my own mom worked part time as a nurse. Sometimes, I really feel like they value what I do a little less. But, I am doing what others used to pay me to do…teach children!
I forgot to add, thanks for this post. I am the ONLY stay at home mom on both sides of my family. Even my own mom worked part time as a nurse. Sometimes, I really feel like they value what I do a little less. But, I am doing what others used to pay me to do…teach children!
AMEN!!! Only problem with this job, we don't get to call in sick. I REALLY could use a sick day 😉
AMEN!!! Only problem with this job, we don't get to call in sick. I REALLY could use a sick day 😉