Working Mom

I have a new perspective on life.  I had something that I had to do all day today.  I had to leave really early, so I had to get everything ready last night.  I packed food for Kelsey.  I wrote notes to the kids teachers.  I got up at 5:45, just to get myself and everyone else ready.  I left home at 7:00 a.m., even before Robbie and Emmy left with Jon for school.   I dropped off the two littlest ones at Mom's.  Then I was gone until almost 5:00.  A friend had to pick up Robbie and Emmy from school and watch them until Jon picked them up after work.  (Thanks Maria!)  I picked up the kids from Mom's (Thanks Mom!), and drove home in rush hour traffic.  Jon had started dinner.  We finished up, ate, did homework, and put the kids to bed.  I didn't have time to change, or wind down or anything.  I didn't have time to do any dishes or make any beds.  None of my errands got done.  I am exhausted.  And I'm crabby.  And I missed my kids. Is this what it's like to be a working mom?  Phew, I can't even imagine.  I suddenly have great respect for all those women who go to work every day and still find time to be a mom, and a happy mom at that.  Wait, is this what it's like for the guys who go to work every day?  I am suddenly very grateful that I get to stay home with my kids.  I am grateful that Jon goes to work every day, and still comes home and helps out, when all he probably wants to do is crash.  I guess what I've learned is that my life isn't so bad.  I think I should be a little more grateful for that.  I think I should complain less when I have a hard day.  And I will.  Tomorrow.  After I've had some sleep.  Good night!