Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Tuesday, Tuesday

I managed to pull myself up by my bootstraps and out of my glum yesterday, by bundling the kids up and bringing them outside. I pulled the Weekids up and down the road in the wagon and then played soccer with Ben while Clara systematically coated her body with mud created from the rains the night before. It was worth it. The fresh air and exercise did us all a wealth of good. Then, after giving the mudpie a scrub down, I loaded up all 5 kids (my own plus one more) and brought them to Burger King for more exercise and a healthy dose of grease.

This too was a worthy trade off. Tired, and with their bodies full of food lead, Ben and Clara slept most of the afternoon. Allowing me to do some work on my Bible Study and have some down time. I didn't get much of anything checked off the Monday list: Clothes to tag for consignment, 64 loads of laundry (I completed one) but it turns out those things are still there, patiently - or not so patiently, in the case of the laundry - waiting for me today.

Today, however, after I drop Ben at the church where he attends preschool, I have to go to my own church and put in an application to work in their preschool next year. I enrolled Clara in preschool for next year with Ben and when I suddenly realized what their combined monthly tuition would be, it left me reeling a bit. It was, in fact, a fairly low number and shouldn't have been a surprise, but with money still tight in the Chaotic household it would be difficult for us. So I decided to apply to work in my own church's very large preschool program where my paltry salary and, more importantly, discounted tuition, will offset this expense.

I am a bit disappointed that I would have to change Ben's school to realize this savings, but the sad truth is, I am not confident of my ability to get a job where he goes to school now. It is a much smaller program, and well, I am not sure the last two years have left them with an exemplary impression of me as a together mom. It is not uncommon for me to drop Ben off late with Clara screaming at his departure, and I, at least partially, still in my pajamas.

And so I will apply at my own church, where I have served many years as a volunteer in the children's program and have many people on staff that, I hope, would vouch for my reliability and heart for children. And, most of all, no images of me bedraggled in a baseball hat and bunny slippers fresh in their mind.

In short, after 10 years, I think I still have most of them fooled that I've got my act together.

Oh and if you go to my church and are reading this...You're on to me now. Shhhh.

7 comments:

Chrissy said...

I love that you let Clara play in the mud.

I thought about working at preschool for about five minutes last year. Instead, we decided to forego preschool altogether, which is a decision I have questioned repeatedly. I think you would be good at it, though, and hopefully you would enjoy it. Maybe you could show up in your bunny slippers AFTER you get the job.

Unknown said...

Preschoolers love bunny slippers. That should be teacher uniform on dry days - just to make them giggle. Everyday I think about going out and getting a "real job" as opposed to hanging around hoping someone will hire me as a doula - which makes a great income windfall a few times a year, but is very sporadic and not reliable for paying January's gas bill. bummer.

Beck said...

I volunteer RARELY at my kids' school - they're not that eager to have me and my unruly toddler in their classrooms, for SOME reason...

Kyla said...

I hope you get the job, Joy. I'm having to toy with the idea of Night Job and goodness, it does not sound appealing.

painted maypole said...

i'm always suspicious of the moms at preschool that are all made up and dressed to the nines when they drop their kids off (unless they are on their way to work themselves, in which case, of course...) I like the moms who clearly are waiting to take their shower in peace when they go home. Like me. ;)

the dragonfly said...

What's wrong with taking a kid to preschool wearing your pjs?? Seriously? :)

I hope you get the job..

PJ said...

You are very funny!!! I'd hire you in a minute -- pajamas, screaming child and all!! :)