It's raining, It's pouring

I guess this blog is one of the many things I have neglected over the course of the last week or so. You know the saying, it doesn't rain, it pours, well my life has, well, been pouring.

I'm trying to find one significant thing to write about but in truth the whole week has been one big significant conglomerate of happenings all of which do and don't lead up to this weekend and all of which have to be completed by this weekend. It's Snuggle Bug's birthday coming up and this is one of the times of the year that the family make their exodus from all over the country to.... my house.

Time wise it is the worst time, but memory wise, the best and to make those memories extra special, I have, of course, gone completely overboard and brought the world and a few neighbouring planets (thanks to school events) upon my shoulders. I am very excited about the weekend, as a belated Mother's Day gift, we have planned something extra special for the two grannies, two great grannies and a great aunt that have made a special effort to be here to share my Bug's birthday. More about that next week, not letting any cats out of any bags just yet (so Ma, if you're watching, sorry, you'll just have to wait and see!)

My four day chaos weekend;

• Sorting out details for Bug's party on Monday, with cakes and party packs for 25 children.
• Pulling a few strings and finalising the "Big Secret"......"Big Job" I can tell you.
• Preparing all the trimmings for the Sunday family get together here on Sunday with a full buffet, roasted and curry lunch, with cake, deserts and, and, and....lots of wine for me!
• Fetching and shuttling everybody from the airport and squeezing in their little shopping trips, coffee dates, chatting and catching up.
• My Granny is very frail and needs regular medi care and blood test at the local pathologist to check her blood and medication requirements. (her medication is adjusted according to her blood count)
• Madam fluff has cake sale today and guess who's class' turn it is to bring cake?...yup...you guessed it...her class.....send 50 baked goodies to school for cake sale.
• Helped Kade prepare for his school project due today. Technology week, learn about sunglasses and how they are made, design your own pair and bring materials to school to make your specs in class.
• Then there's the usual day to day must dos like waking up, getting everyone off to school, doing some admin, cleaning up the house, homework, after school activities....blah blah blah....you get the idea.

Please forgive me if you feel neglected, I know, you have been. I have been. The coffee has lost it's magic and I'm slowing dropping gears as my body becomes immune to the effects of the caffeine. But I promise I'll be back.....with all the news of the weekend........

Just a Mom

Just for Mother's Day today I found a little something that makes one stop and realise that "just being a housewife and Mom" is a pretty high profile job.

I am not sure who it was written by.

Happy Mother's Day to all you "career gals"

JUST A MOM?

A woman, renewing her driver's licence at the County Clerk 's office,
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. 'What I mean is,' explained the recorder,
'do you have a job or are you just a ?' 'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman. 'I'm a Mom.''We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically. I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself
in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.' 'What is your occupation?' she probed. What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.' The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire. 'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?' Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers
and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.' There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'
Motherhood! What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door. Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
' Associate Research Assistants.'