After 17 years...

Yep, that is right.  It has been 17 years since I last worked outside the home.  And those years have been great and worth everything to me.  But I always said that when my last child went to school full time, I would get a job.  Okay, well, K is in 3rd grade this year and that means that I am 2 years behind schedule.  But I want the perfect job.....

The criteria...

1.  I want to be home for my kids
2.  I want to be able to go to all their sporting events and school functions 
3.  I want to help out in the kid's classroom and chaperone field trips
4.  I want to have at least one day off during the week to run errands, do laundry and watch a movie while eating bon bons!  :)
5.   I want to be able to have all school holidays off, including all their breaks and the summer.

So what job could I get that has all these requirements and still bring in decent money.
Hmmmmm........Does it really exist?

Well, it does and I have been working for a month now as a Substitute Teacher!

Yea, I never thought I would be doing this. I started out as an El Ed major at BYU and changed after taking the first 2 classes---decided that being a teacher was not for me.  Funny, how time changes things.  This is the perfect job cuz I get all those perks mentioned before.  Who Knew!

It has been a long process that wasn't suppose to take as long as it did (I started it back in January).  Many problems and setbacks that were very frustrating and I often wondered if I should really be doing it.  But with a lot of persistence and time and prayers, I got hired by the district. I decided that I would start at the elementary level for now and then if I want to, I can add middle school and high school to my profile.  I can add any schools I want to my list or take some off.  I can even put what grades or subjects I want or not. 

So far, I have subbed for Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 4th grade, and the librarian.  I have done 2nd grade multiple times and I must say, they are my favorite so far.  (Although I really loved the library) I have only worked at K's school so far and that is fine with me.  I know almost everyone there and so I feel very comfortable.  But I look forward to doing more grade levels and different schools in the area.  K can hardly wait until I sub her class.  I have been requested numerous times and have had to turn down some teachers because I already had a job for that day.  But I am thrilled that so many are asking for me....I hope they will keep that up even after I sub for them once.  (Although I doubt a certain Kindergarten teacher will--long story)  It is sometimes hard as the kids always try to get away with things they know they shouldn't do.  But I can always count on at least one child in the class to keep me informed of what the routine is. It sure makes the day interesting at times.  But I am enjoying it so far and so grateful that I was able to stay home for all those years and just be a mom.  And with this job, I get paid AND still get to be home with my kids.  The best of both worlds. I am very lucky!  

Here I am off to my first day at work back in September!