Puttering

The Big Boys, as Toddler Child refers to his older brothers, have been in school for almost three weeks.  Routines are in place and loosely strictly followed.

Toddler Child misses the older boys during the day but roams the house freely with Mary [our dog] and enjoys pillaging their rooms, sitting in their chairs at their desks or the kitchen table, in general trying to assume their identities.  I scurry at the end of the day to erase evidence of Toddler Child's presence in the Big Boys' rooms and return any loot to its proper place.

My days are fragmented.  I feel like much of what I do is - Dig a ditch. Fill it up.  Dig a ditch.  Fill it up.  I putter around the house, straightening, folding, putting away, wiping, feeding or thinking about feeding people and pets.  I putter around the yard, pulling weeds, snipping things, making note of what Chris can do to help me when he's home.

Even though it's mid-September in Utah, the weather has been warm so things are still growing in our yard.  I have roses that are blooming like crazy and shrubs that need trimming.  There's one tree though, that every leaf has turned red and many leaves have fallen.  I think it's less about the change of seasons and more a signal that we'll be replacing the tree next year.  Chris?  Something for you...

I know this work that I do, this puttering, is important.  I made a conscious decision to leave a career so I could wife, mother, and homemake.  I'm thankful I have the choice.  It won't be long before I'll have more time to myself and can return to more intellectually stimulating things.  I'm amazed by the women and men who manage a career as well as raising kids, pets and maintaining a home.  I'm honestly not that capable. 

I sometimes tire of the puttering - my little blog helps with that [pat, pat, pat on the head] - and yearn for my old office, a project, a meeting that's not school related.  [I know, those of you who are working, are thinking, shut-up.]

I guess curly-haired girls will always want it straight, straight-haired girls will always want it curly, and the bald guys just want some hair.

Comments

[Corbie]

Well I am curly and could go for straight. Also red-headed and could be easily talked into brunette. Most importantly, since we are talking about hair, I could use a little less on my lip. As I recently told someone - if my lip is cold, I would happily buy it a scarf. Loved the post - I can relate to it all.

[Jennifer]

It's nice to know that the weather is still lovely in Utah. We'll be moving down there sometime next year.Things are slow in the weight loss department but improvements are coming.

[Connie @ Young and Relentless]

What good looking kids and a beautiful yard you have!

This puttering job is the best one I have ever had. I never want to return to the 'outside' world.

And I'm with you....I could never do all of this and work a job. Never.

[csquaredplus3]

Corbie - You may NOT complain about hair. I have male-pattern baldness setting in and you grow a new wig for a kid every two months. You're incredible.

Jennifer - slow is better than no movement at all. Good job.

Connie - Thank you.

[Webradio]

Hello Chris !

Nice and pretty pictures...See You later...

[Mrs.D]

I just went back to real work after 6 years. (I had a couple part time evening jobs that sucked, but this is M-F days)I work at my son's school, though, and it doesn't feel like work. I just feel like I "go to school" with my son and "busy myself" until he's done at 3 and we can go home. So I am happy, he's happy, and husband's happy (2nd paycheck). But I LOVED staying home. Working sucks. Beautiful yard!

[csquaredplus3]

French Guy! - Hi. Thanks for stopping by, even though I can't read your blog...

Mrs. D. - Did you see it was French Guy that commented right before you? I left a comment on his blog earlier today telling him about your ruffled feathers. His blog's in French - it's probably raunchy and I don't even know it.

Your work situation sounds absolutely ideal! Lucky you!

[Da Goddess]

You're succeeding where I failed after my son was born. After a couple years, I ran back to school and work. Then got hurt and am back to staying home. Funny how I think I'll really miss this if/when I have to return to a regular job (which I will...eventually).

Sigh.

There's something to be said about knowing you're there for the family when they need you, even if it means waiting in the wings with too much time on your hands.

[vodkamom]

I LOVE the pics. They are adorable. Your shots are really lovely. I want to come hang out in your yard. (I'll bring the martinis.)

[Tristan]

Well, if you feel the need to pull or snip something outside of your yard, feel free to stop by and help me with mine. I'll be at my new job, but make yourself at home. And if toddler child wants to sit in my kid's chairs or play with their toys that is no problem :)

[csquaredplus3]

Da Goddess - I think you're right.

Vodka Mom - You are welcome ANY time!

Tristan - I sometimes reach through my fence and pull neighbors weeds. It's so gratifying to yank a big weed out of the ground. I asked my neighbors if it offended them and they said, nope. I can pull all the weeds I want.

[we_be_toys]

I feel you girl - when finally all the kids are in school, it will still be hectic in the mornings and afternoons, but there's that oh-so-sweet middle to be blissfully ALONE again!!My garden is at that point where I'm not doing much, but making mental notes for next year. Does it usually get autumnal in Utah in September? Here in NC it's still summer weather until well into September, sometimes October. The tradeoff is outdoors weather throughout most of the winter (though beware cookouts in the summer - the 'skeeters will carry you away)

[ALF]

You yard is gorgeous. I am so jealous. So very jealous. My husband will be home any minute and we will commence dragging trees up our giant, dirt hill. Ugh.