Oh, is this what it's about?

Last Friday I think I got why some moms wouldn't give up the SAHM title.

I awoke to sit with Gigi and Mister Rogers. She demanded I sit right next to her and eat her cheerios. So I did, except I was the one who actually watched the show, she wandered off after a few minutes. The characters sang a song about being glad they were the way they were and being pleased with themselves. I tried in vain for almost an hour to find the song online. I found similar songs, but not that one.

Anyway, it made me feel so good about myself that I cried. Only Mister Rogers can work that kind of magic.

Later that morning I called a mom in my group who lives down the street to see if she wanted a ride to Seattle Center to see The Green Sheep. Another mom had arranged for a group of us to get a discount for the show.

We had a nice ride downtown and made it to the theater with ample time (always a good feeling when kids tend to slow you down). The waiting room before the show was crazy. I was drowning in children, yet I was calm because my child was so well behaved. Gigi weaved around the kid-packed room a few times, checking everyone out. When it came time to move to the show room, she reached for my hand and we followed the crowd like, um, sheep.

I didn't know the story of The Green Sheep, but no matter. It was splendid! And, I cried again because of the experience. I was a little embarrassed. No, I'm not PMSing. G was in wide-eyed wonder the entire time. I stared at her and grinned some silly grins.

At home I put her down for a nap, but after almost an hour of her playing and singing in her crib, I tried reading her a few more stories with warm milk. It worked, even though I had to wake her up to pick up H at school.

That evening we went to Harrison's Montessori Last Day of School picnic. At the beginning of the picnic, the music teacher led the students in a round of songs, starting with My Country Tis of Thee (just the first verse). And yes, I cried again. Harrison stood just a few inches in front of the others and enunciated, with active lips, every word. Then they sang all the songs that Harrison had been sharing with us over the last month. I loved it.

Spending a day like this, uncluttered with thoughts of another job, makes me truly appreciate the opportunity to do this full time. Most days are more challenging, with tears not of joy, but thank goodness for these brilliant few that compensate for the rest.