In addition to my normal roles as wife, mom, step-mom and dog-mom, I have found that this year I have taken on some larger responsibilities that don't add to my paycheck.
Additional R&R for 2013/2014:
1. Soccer mom. Both of my kids began playing soccer for the first time last fall. This is their first time playing a team sport, and I am very pleased with how they are acclimating to it. Annie is really enjoying it. The jury is still out for Will, but it gives him a legit reason to wear his sports goggles. Last season, I was just a sideline observer/cheerleader. This spring season, I volunteered to be "team mom" for Annie's team. WHAT?? Luckily I can use Shutterfly Sharesite to make this easy squeezy to get other moms to sign up for snack duty. Picture day ran itself, and Annie's coach knows what she's doing, so it's okay if I don't. As I will do today for two games, I've gotten to be somewhat of an expert at packing up my folding chairs, water jugs for the kids, and camera so I can catch some of their awesome actions shots. See below for a couple.
2. Homeroom helper. Annie's class has the sweetest mom as the homeroom mom. I have enjoyed being her little helper this year. My official job is "co-classroom photographer". Admittedly I'm not that great at that, but I was a good backup for the room mom at this. I enjoy this little job - its like being a Christmas elf for the classroom. And Annie thinks its awesome that I spend a little time at school - bonus points for a working mom.
3. Girl Scout Troop Leader. WTF??? I mean, really people, can anyone truly believe that I somehow got roped into/signed up for this?? I'm still in shock to tell you the truth. I am mostly just helping with finances and running to the GS store for badges, etc, but this is something I never wanted to sign up for. The process of becoming a leader is excruciatingly painful, but I somehow made it through. Annie is elated - thrilled really - but this is not a long term gig for me. Hoping to pass off the "co-leader" title to someone else for next year, and I'll be happy to quietly do the books in the background. There's a huge back story to this, but its several bottles of wine worth, so you'll have to come over to hear the whole thing.
As you may have observed, most of these activities are centered around Annie. For Will's class and soccer team, there are other awesome moms who stepped into leadership roles so I was able to avoid them so far. I plan to avoid Boy Scouts like the plague for Will lest I be sucked into some role there due to my "scout leader experience." Eek!! Regardless, Will is most happy that I make appearances at his school activities like Field Day yesterday. So at least he doesn't feel slighted yet!
I'm off to make massive improvements to my front flower beds this morning - three freezes were not kind to our institutional plants, so some rework is required before I head to the soccer fields.
To all other soccer moms, scout leaders, homeroom helpers - you rock, and you must know you are appreciated!!
Stay classy, rocking moms.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
