Take Your Daughter to Work Day

Every day of the week, you are at work with me------in the midst of all of my duties as a Stay-at-Home-Mommy: Grocery shopping, cleaning (One day you were quick to let me know that it was okay to make a mess on the floor---"But Mommy, you love to mop." No. Really. I'd rather be reading, writing, traveling, or watching you play and learn. However, I do love a clean house. Thus, I'm always mopping to maintain our home. Now, each time I mop, I think of you saying that---silly goose!), cooking, tidying up the yard, washing/drying/ironing clothes, recycling paper goods, donating items to the mission, giving back to the community through donations, preschool drop-off/pick-up, voice lessons, speech class, appointments with doctors, etc. The list goes on---and of course, clipping coupons and watching deals to make the family budget work while I'm continually blessed beyond measure to be able to stay home and do all that I do all while watching you grow up!! And blogging.......for Renae on How to Have it All! All of these tasks and many others are on my list of lists------you watch me like a hawk each day and follow in my footsteps-----although you too love Daddy's line of work!

You haven't experienced being a teacher's child yet (as I've been home with you for five years now). When we work on skills together at home, you often ask, "Mommy, are you the teacher?" But, you just view me as role playing that part. I'm sure you and I both will love (and hate) when Mommy has to return to the classroom to work. We'll have to both work hard in finding the balance of Mommy working both in the home and out of the home. 

But today, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed just being home. After preschool drop off this morning, I ran steps (a quick a.m. workout routine), showered, and pulled the kitchen together to work on your birthday invitations! We've planned a picnic at the park for your preschool classmates (and if the weather cooperates it'll be delightful). If not, Mommy will come up with plan B! Although, we do have a destination birthday event planned for you when you turn five in June! (I have to insert here that I've corrected you a few times this past month saying, "You are five now....you must....!" And you've come back with, "I'm not five yet........" I love your quick wit! Although you are eager for another birthday celebration, you are quick to note that you don't want the added responsibility that comes with age! Ha! Who does?) 

Crop, Cut, Paste...Picnic Blanket Invites for YOU!

A Preschool Picnic to Celebrate YOU turning Five in June

Well, this week your behavior has been wonderful and you have been careful to point it out yourself! I think it started on Sunday, when Daddy called me to tell me he was coming after you so that you could go to work with him (at the river). I had to keep you super busy because every second you wanted to call Daddy and/or ask if it was time yet!?! Right before Daddy arrived, you were whirling through the kitchen saying, "It's so exciting!" You could not contain your eagerness----you almost left me behind without a hug and a kiss! I loved these two pictures that Daddy sent me of you on the job site!

Hard Hat

Boat Captain

One day this week, we stopped by Daddy's shop to tell him something. He had a drawing of the river project in his hand when he met us at the truck window. You said something to him about it and called the project..." a long, thingy-thingy"! You silly girl! When the two of returned home from the river, it was time to work again around the yard planting flowers, mowing, and more!

Planting Petunias with Daddy at Home

And as we've counted down your preschool days, you've mentioned returning to work with Daddy as we've promised you. And today as I was watching The Today Show and creating your picnic birthday invites for your classmates, I heard about the annual Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day! We didn't have something super special planned but I sent a quick text to Daddy and he said that we could do something after work (since his plate has been full lately)! After a play date with friends outside this afternoon, you were ready but we stole another thirty minutes or more at the park and another hour or so outside cleaning off our front porch----talking through a "punch list" for our porch for this spring (fingers crossed)! You couldn't wait to finish the work talk at home and get to WORK---at Daddy's shop! 

Dirtwork Equipment for the House

An unexpected work issue at home---and a little delight from you! All of this was part of Daddy's full plate this past week----and we're still waiting for our yard makeover!

Pondering which direction to dig next!?! Luckily, after a swimming pool-sized (almost) hole was dug, the plumbing issues were corrected with Daddy's expertise!

Selecting wood at Daddy's shop for the wooden practice box!

Daddy's Helper

One project, two pair of hands---pure joy!

Practicing!!

The three of us loaded up and headed to the shop but not before you requested your project picture that was hanging on the refrigerator. Daddy wasn't prepared to tackle your project with you today but he did show you how his nail gun and staple gun worked to piece together a box (it was just a makeshift project for the evening for you to see how Daddy builds items). However, it was full of adventure and wonder for you! It was only Tuesday when you flooded the truck with questions on the way home from voice. "Mommy, how do they build trucks? Mommy, how do they build houses?" You're not fond of loud noises (just like Mommy isn't)! However, your interest level in how things work and how things are made are astonishing. And you love beautiful pieces around you........I found an azalea branch tucked in my ponytail. Somewhere in our evening, you managed to pick a branch and tuck it in my hair (for me to find in a passing reflection) as we filled the evening with memories! 

Your dollhouse lays waiting at Daddy's shop and today's project awaits too (for Daddy's cutting saws that are on another project)---------but when we came home for a quick dinner of tuna sandwiches and chips, Daddy's eyes lit up as he asked me yet about another project for you (a playhouse equipped with a swing set attached to it)! His vision for all he wants to do for you---for us is full of love! We may have a dozen unfinished projects but every time we take you to work with us, we pray that you'll gleam one perfect morsel of work ethic from us! And chances are you too will have many projects you've started, many that you are in the midst of, others that you dream of accomplishing---------yet you'll find yourself embracing the moment, making the most of what's before you as you're giving and serving others.

A Dollhouse, Your Dollhouse waiting.....

Plans on an outdoor kitchen/gardening design

Sophia & Daddy---and our project in the works

Pointing towards the shop when it was time to go home (although you were worn out too). When it comes to working on a project with Daddy at the shop---"Now!" is the demanding word! You didn't care that it was dinnertime and that Daddy's cutting tools were on another project....although we had all worked up an appetite and needed to return home to eat... And I'm sure tomorrow, you'll remind Daddy of our project promises!

May you find as much satisfaction, blessings, and joy in your work as we do ours! 

We love you!