New Job Description

I have been a stay at home mom now for 10 years! I have had on and off again jobs, but basically a stay at home mom! I haven't really traveled alone, but once when my kids were 2 and 4. Scott and I have only ever had two weekends away! So, really I have been at home raising kids for 10 years!

This has been an amazing journey of watching firsts, helping when needed, hugging when sad, and teaching when possible.

However, over the last 11 months that we have been here in German, things have begun to change! Not change with my desire to be a stay at home mom, not with the way people view me, not with my husband, but more in the ways in which the children need me! My son turned 9 last year, and instantly it hit Scott and I that he has crossed the half way point...in 9years he will be on his way to University! CRAZY....It wasn't like on this day; my son was like see ya...but slowly over time things changed!

Over the last year we have collectively gone from playing with toys, and dress up to reading and projects. My daughter has already given up on American girl dolls, and now spends most of her time writing stories, songs, listen to music! My son has a passion for electronics and all things nature, even going so far to declare he would like a laptop and a Swiss army knife! They want more things of their own, walks to the store to buy candy, friends over all the time, in their rooms with the door shut, and of course cell phones (not happening as of yet)! Over the last year I went from the one always entertaining them to the one having to find my own entertainment, a nice change but weird.

This brings me to the point! In the German education system class trips are a rite of passage. Starting in third grade the children at ISS (International School of Stuttgart) take an overnight class trip! My son's trip departed almost 4 hours ago off to the Switzerland, German border for two nights and three days of fun, and education! I have been prepping myself for this since the day we signed up, not because I am scared or nervous, but simply because this is so new for me. Like I said I have gone a total of 10 years and only missed 8 days of my kid’s lives!

Two months ago the teacher began to prepare us for this trip, asking for volunteers to go with the class. Scott and I asked our son and he quickly said no way! So, what else can you do but carry on, knowing that he is excited for independence! Over the weekend, we packed our son, told him how loved he was, and prepared him for this journey. Than today I take him to school, because it is traditional to do the wave off as the bus pulls away! As I head into the school with my kids, by son turns around and says "ok, bye Mom." WHAT...hold the phone you don't need me? Ahhh, Ugh....Independence!

And off he went....

I know that my job as stay at home Mom, as helper, hugger, friend, and teacher isn't ending but more so changing! I now just have a new job description!

And off I go...