Choose the kids first. Always, always, always.
Source: kaleyann.com via Toni on Pinterest
*****
Timmy’s pulling on my arm, directing me to sit on the floor with him. I’m going “Wait, baby! I’ll just finish this report!” He doesn’t take that as an answer and tugs on me more strongly. I press one last button, get up from my desk, then join him on the wooden floor to watch Toy Story. He jumps into my lap and positions himself in a way that I can’t stand and leave him again. I look back and forth at my phone, checking for e-mail and YM alerts from teammates. He’s looking at me with puppy dog eyes. I toss my phone on the couch and snuggle him in my arms. He cracks a smile and snuggles closer. Yep, there’ll be time to work later.
“I can’t stop Andy from growing up… and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” — Woody, Toy Story 2
Wise words, cowboy. Work will always be there in one way or another. How often will I get to sit on the floor with my son and the whole cast of Toy Story in stuffed toy form?
So I sit on the floor while he acts out the scenes on TV. I watch him use his toys to mimic what’s on-screen. We laugh at jokes together. We snuggle when Andy’s Mom comes into the scene. After the movie we continue to play together.
Thoughts of work enter my mind once in awhile but the quote above pushes thoughts of work away. I can work when he’s asleep. I can work when he’s with his aunts and grandparents. While he’s with me though, we play.
You’re first, always, Timmy boy. You will always be first.
Hi! I'm Toni Tiu,
and I've been blogging at
at Wifely Steps since 2003. This started as a blog to help newly weds adjust to married life. It has evolved into a home and parenting blog. I write about things close to my heart -- good eats, good reads, family, marriage, and the little things that make everyday happy.
sheng
June 6, 2012 at 8:00 am (11 years ago)i love the quote: When in doubt, choose the kids. I need to choose the kids over work and everything else. Great to be back on bloghopping.
sheng´s last blog post ..A Quick Visit to Hinatuan Enchanted River
Truly Rich Mom aka Teachermama Tina
June 6, 2012 at 10:20 am (11 years ago)Love this post!
Just what I needed in the midst of all my backlogs at work and other projects! 😀 Thanks for the reminder, Tonigirl! 😀 Blessings on you and your boys!
Truly Rich Mom aka Teachermama Tina´s last blog post ..Truly Rich Tips: How to Communicate Effectively with School Officials
Mariel @ The Learning Basket
June 6, 2012 at 12:59 pm (11 years ago)Thank you for the lovely reminder. Between work and kids, my kids will always be first! I might get fired from my job (for being so kids-centric even at work hehe), but I don’t want to be fired from my children’s hearts!
Mariel @ The Learning Basket´s last blog post ..Bring Out The Diva In You: Making Stories Come To Life
Erlaine
June 6, 2012 at 1:03 pm (11 years ago)I can really relate to the scenario above. Being a work-at-home mom has its perks and on top of the list is being with our kids anytime they need us. So we got no choice or we choose to make them top priority
(And secretly wishing they take a nap soon hehe)
Erlaine´s last blog post ..An Affordable and Decent Place to Stay in Tagaytay
Katie B. of HousewifeHowTos.com
June 16, 2012 at 12:55 am (11 years ago)Well, I’d left a comment recommending that you wear a gorgeous evening dress and go somewhere fabulous so you have the whole Cinderella experience before the 40ish metabolism makes evening dresses unthinkable.
But it disappeared. Not sure why.
Katie B. of HousewifeHowTos.com´s last blog post ..How To Eat More Vegetables: 10 Ideas
Toni
June 21, 2012 at 2:33 am (11 years ago)sheng : I should visit your blog soon!
Truly Rich Mom aka Teachermama Tina: Blessings to you too!
Mariel @ The Learning Basket : Aaaaaah I love your line! “I don’t want to be fired from my children’s hearts!” I certainly don’t want mine to do that!!!
Erlaine: You got that right about that secret wish! Applies to bedtime too!!!
Katie B. of HousewifeHowTos.com : Hi Katie! I saw your comment about the gown. It’s there!
Mec
June 28, 2012 at 10:58 am (11 years ago)I read at a homeschooling FB group one mom say…. at the end of my life, God will not ask how many things I accomplished at work, but how was I as a wife and mother…
as mothers, it’s raising good kids in love that will be our greatest work, our greatest legacy… and it is an everyday struggle
Mec´s last blog post ..Extreme Couponing Makes Me Cringe
truth
August 24, 2012 at 6:59 am (11 years ago)That’s really mature of you. It’s because of cows like you that women can’t get taken seriously in the workforce. Just stay home, play with your toys and and let the adults run the world, ok honey?
Toni
August 24, 2012 at 2:20 pm (11 years ago)Mec: Agree!
truth: This is my opinion. I understand that you have a different view, but you don’t have to be disrespectful about it.