Tuesday, February 26, 2008

A Novel, by: Nikki

So, I officially had my first day of work yesterday. It was seriously great. I walked in and there were a bunch of flowers and a card on my desk from the staff welcoming me to Alliant and saying how excited they were that I was joining the team. It just brightened my day right from the start. I pretty much bawled all weekend thinking about taking my girls to daycare, and how hard it would be for them and everything. But Taylen did GREAT. She didn't even cry when I left her with Ms. Gina :) She was sad, and was telling me she didn't want me to go, but she did not have a melt down like I was expecting (based on how she is when I leave her just for nursery, I was terrified. She seriously screams and pulls my hair and clothes clinging to me...not pretty). Anyway, she was just bouncing around when I got her, and Ryah was happy as usual. I didn't get home until 7 (bleh), and then got dinner, jammies, some quick quality time and to bed for the girls by 8:15. Then took a shower, listened to voice mails, checked emails, opened bills...and before I knew it it was midnight. Wow. My days are going to be really busy from here on out. Which is actually a huge blessing, because it will make the time go by quickly, and before I know it, life will be more stable for us.

I am just so thankful that this job came into my life, and I am feeling really blessed. My boss is just a really good person, and I was telling her a little bit about my situation and she said, "We are all about families here. You do what you need to do to take care of your kids, and we will support you. There are lots of ways to be a good mom."

I almost started crying when she said that. She's right. All I have wanted, my whole life, is to stay home and raise my kids. Life threw some challenges at me, and now that's not an option for a while. But I am being the best mom I can by providing for my girls and by being a good example to them and by holding my head high through adversity. There really are lots of good ways to be a good mom.

I love my job :)

26 comments:

Julia Kelly said...

i just love your outlook on life! drop me a line sometime and let me know about your new job. glad that you love it, and glad that your cutie kids are doing well.

thinking of you...

Leslie said...

I am so happy to read this post. You have been blessed.

Leishman family said...

I'm so glad that your job is turning out better than you thought. Let us know if you need anything. Good Luck

Loren said...

I have been thinking about you this week as I knew you were starting your job. I am so glad to hear that things are going well - you are such an example to me and to all those around you. Keep your chin up and please if you ever need anything, let me know.
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Every time I read your blog I realize how lucky and blessed I am to be your Dad, and how much I wish I could see you more!!! I'm so thankful things went well the first day. Kids are resilient. After all, you survived me!!

Suz said...

Nikki-

I'm so glad to hear this! And I'm glad you love your job! Nothing is worse than leaving your babies to go somewhere that is a drag (which is why I'm moving on, soon...)

Anyway, I am so excited to come play for a few days and I can't wait to hug those cute girls. I hope you know I'm proud to be your friend. :)

Suz said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kristin said...

I am so glad to hear your first day went well. I have been thinking about you! I hope today was just as well. Call me if you ever need anything!

Chantri said...

You are such a strong woman and such an example to all. I had to work until my son was almost a year old so I know the feelings you are going through. (like the weekend before the first day spent crying.) I had to call my mom (she was watching my son while I was at work) to comfirm with her what time I would be there and couldn't even talk as I was crying so hard. Now some days I wish I had a job outside of the home-- at least for a few hours a week! Anyways I thought I would tell you I'm so proud--and your girls will be proud of their mommy too. You are a great example to them. And...just because one is a stay at home mom--doesn't mean that they are a "good" mom... You seem to be one of the greatest moms around.

RachelBarker said...

I'm glad to hear you like your job. That's always a plus and makes it alittle bit easier to actually go. Yeah for Tay, she didn't fuss to much! I so wish I could be watching them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We shall see and hopefully that wish will come true.

Requel said...

I'm so glad your job went well! Your boss sounds like such a good person. I'm glad she made your transition that much easier for you. And like your Dad said kids are resiliant! They will be fine! You are a good person and they are lucky to have you as their mommy!!!

THE HAGES said...

Nikki,
I love you! You are so strong! I am so glad you had a great day and that the girls did well. I have been thinking of you non-stop since monday! let me know if you need anything!

Heidi

Anonymous said...

You're a good mom, Nikki. I love you :) Tay and Ryah are the cutest little snots ever. ttyl <3 Calee

Cathi said...

Hallelujah!! You did it and you survived! You will be blessed for all the good choices you are making. I have never met anyone who moves so quickly in the right direction while facing adversity. You are a stalwart example of a strong woman and daughter of God. Your girls will do just fine and will always know you love them as long as you are doing your best to provide for them. You are awesome!! Yahoo for Nikki!

lindsayfam said...

I'm so happy to hear you had a good first day and that the girls did well. I know that must have been hard to leave them. You are such an amazing mother, the girls are lucky to have you as there mommy :) Best of luck to you with the job and Grad school. We're always thinking of you. Ray forwarded your message, I'm glad to hear you are doing good. You are a strong woman. Keep us posted. Give the girls a hug and kiss from Aunt Jenn.

Megan said...

Nikki you're awesome and such an inspiration to those around you! It is not easy being a working mommy,I know because I work too! But it will get better and it totally helps that you have a job that you like and where they support you! And your girls are absolute dolls and are so lucky to have you as their mommy!!!

April said...

That is so wonderful that your first day went well. I was thinking about you all week and hoping it has gone well! Let me know if something comes up with daycare and you need to drop the kids off with me. We would love it!

You're doing great and these are such wonderful tender mercies from the Lord. :)

Morph This said...

Ummm, can I just say that in the last 4 or 5 years you have not changed at all. You have one of the best attitudes of anyone I have ever met. It's absolutely amazing.

I wish we lived close so I could watch your girls.

Glad the job went well, just remember if you ever need a career change, you could be a therapist. You did great with C and I. Ha.

Kari said...

Nikki~ you are AMAZING!! I am so glad to hear that your job is going well and that your girls are doing well at daycare. I just love your positive outlook on everything and how strong you are! The Lord is truly blessing you and the blessings will continue to come, I'm sure of it! PLEASE let me know if I can help with anything and if I can ever watch the girls for you here, clean your house for you, whatever you need please don't hesistate to call!! You truly are amazing!!

Wilder Family said...

Nikki- I am glad to hear that you found a job, and especially one that you like! That always is a plus. Your girls are adorable and look so happy. You are such a positive person and a great mom!

Amber said...

I'm glad your job is great. Your children are so beautiful. Good luck! Vaughn sends his love and support as well. Let us know if we can do anything for you & your sweet family.

TiffanyM said...

I'm so happy for you and your new job. Your girls will always admire you for what you are doing for them!! Keep smiling!

..Kris Naven.. said...

Good for you. Your daughters are beautiful, and I always get such a kick out of reading your blogs! I showed so many people your apple bottom blog with Taylen, it was seriously one of the funniest things I have ever seen! And my two and a half year old, Elliott will always say, "Mommy I watch my girlfriend!" He loves it! Anyways, I wish we could have gotten to know one another better when we were in the ward, and actaully go visiting teaching together, but it's all good! I am glad you are doing what works for you family, and that is so awesome that your boss is supportive! I added you to my link list, and keep posting because I enjoy reading! Take care, and have fun at your new job!

Love Always,
Kris

Kandis said...

Nikki, you crack me up! You and your girls are too cute. That's awesome you were able to find a job that you enjoy. Good luck with it all! I think about you and your girls all the time

whitney said...

Nikki,
This is a little late, but I've been meaning to write you and tell you that my mom has worked as a social worker for most of my life. Not only do I think I "turned out" okay, but I've always been extremely proud of my mom and have learned so much and gained so much from watching her work so hard. You are so right that there are lots of ways to be a good mom! I think about you all a lot and hope things work out for you all!

whitney said...

Nikki,
This is a little late, but I've been meaning to write you and tell you that my mom has worked as a social worker for most of my life. Not only do I think I "turned out" okay, but I've always been extremely proud of my mom and have learned so much and gained so much from watching her work so hard. You are so right that there are lots of ways to be a good mom! I think about you all a lot and hope things work out for you all!