hi ho, hi ho...

...it's off to work I go. Literally. I've been working. Can you believe it?

Emma has started school full-time (I know--she's grown up way too fast), so I decided the best course for me was to substitute teach. It offers the most family-friendly, stay-at-home-mother-type benefits that could come with a job (except the whole dependable paycheck thing).

I've only had one job outside of the home since I became a mother. I worked 20 hours a week for 5 months for a church member in Hewitt in 2001. It got us through a tough transition period. They packed up their business and moved it to Utah, and that was the end of that.

So...this "having a job" thing is exciting for me. So far, I've been called 3 times to sub, and I'm scheduled for this Friday, also. I'm signed up with both Lorena and Bruceville-Eddy, so I'm hoping to get called 4 times a week. So far, I'm averaging twice. But I've been told that near Christmas and after the first of the year, they will need subs a lot more often. I hope that's true.

Anyway, I've noticed myself using the phrase "at work" a lot. It just rolls off my tongue. And it makes me smile. I didn't know it would feel this good to contribute financially to the family. Sure, I babysat for five years, but for the last few years I haven't been doing it for the money. I was doing it for family. But now, I'm subbing for the money, so the money feels good! :) (of course I don't get paid until Oct. 25th, but at least I know it's coming!)

Actually, to tell you the truth, I'm realizing that subbing is much more than the money. It's a chance to make a difference outside of my home. It's a chance to get to know people and exercise my brain and just get out of the house. I've loved being home with my children, and I will always put that as a priority, but since they leave the home all day, I'm glad I can, too.

So...here's hoping for a bunch of teacher absences this year at Lorena and Bruceville-Eddy!