Working

I haven't had a "real" job since I was pregnant with Michael. When I found out I was pregnant with him, in March of 2000, I decided I would quit my job at a day care center at some point in the pregnancy and be a stay-at-home-mom. I ended up quiting much sooner than I had planned because every time I went to work I threw up and was sent home. After a week of that I decided I might as well go ahead and stay home. I didn't just have morning sickness, I had all day every day sickness for the first 16 weeks of my pregnancy.

Four kids and almost 15 years later I have a "real" job again! I think I prefer to say I have a job "outside the home". It's really the perfect job for me. I work at a small produce store. We sell fresh, local produce. Much of it is organic. We also have things like eggs, honey, grits, a few hand made items, and hopefully other things soon, like natural soaps. There is so much potential for a little store like this!

I work part time, Tuesday through Friday. 2-5:30 PM. The school work that the boys need help with gets done in the mornings while I am at home, and the rest they can do on their own. At 14, 12, and 9 I feel comfortable leaving them home alone for those few hours, especially since our nearest neighbors are their great-aunts. This week I have decided to make a point to bring each of the boys to work with me one day a week. Michael on Tuesdays, Jason on Wednesdays, and Gideon on Fridays. We can work on extra school work between customers, and the boys can help me with things like sweeping up around the store.

I wasn't looking for a job but when this opportunity arose I jumped at it! Party because I selfishly want the store to stay open so I can get my fresh local and organic veggies every week! I also think it is a good experience for our family and a learning opportunity as well. I don't know how long I will work, I don't know if the store will be a smashing success (although I hope it will be), but for now I am happy to be working there and enjoying my one on one time with each of the boys every week.

Come by and see me sometime if you are local! The name of the store is Southern Bloom and it is on the corner a few doors down from Andy's in down town Lyons.