Mr. Mom? / Living the Dream

I call it volunteer work. You know, when you work and don't get paid? That is what Hubby's work has been since December. I have tried to be patient, but am at my wit's end. I resent his family for putting us in this position. I am angry. I hate being angry.

I told Hubby that if things do not change we will need to go into counseling. I can't handle being the nag. How sad is it that he can make more money on unemployment than by going out and getting a job? How sad is it that it will be cheaper for him to stay home this summer with the kids than to work? IF he can find a job it will not cover the daycare costs for our two kids.

So summer is a month away and I'm thinking we are better off if he stays home and collects a check. Unemployment will carry us through the summer. At what point do you just say, what the hell? Take the check, forget the daycare, have a fun summer honey! It looks like this will have to be our plan. Hubby will be our daycare and he will take the summer off work and will be our childcare. You go Mr. Mom!

With the fall comes much lower childcare costs. The after school program is not nearly the cost of the summer program. Hopefully this summer Hubby can take an extra class and find a decent paying job for the fall (when I will be student teaching).

I discussed all of this with my Dad today. He looked so stressed. I let him in on what has been going on. It is strange to talk to him like I would talk to my Mom. I worry though, the stress is hard to share because I don't want him to be stressed too. I told him not to worry, this too shall pass.

It is funny how you can reassure others about that which is so stressful to yourself and your spouse. I just don't like Dad to worry. Hubby is without a degree. He is starting on the path to being a nurse and will be leaving the black hole of construction. It will be a long road, but he will be wonderful.

I am proud of him for making this change. The transition will be hard. Hopefully my kids will learn from this... seeing both of us pursue more rewarding work will hopefully set an example that will benefit them. Seeing our hard work balancing work and school will hopefully teach them lessons as well. It is currently a difficult path, but it will be worth it. I hope!

And then hope springs eternal. My niece will be born on TUESDAY! Two more babies due in June. How can depression linger when we are on the cusp of such great joy? Hopefully Hubby's depression will lift as we solidify the Mr. Mom Summer gig for him. I think he will be so much happier when the stress of the business dying has ended. Somehow it is easier when something is over and done.

Can I admit that I'm jealous of him that he will be home with the kids this summer? They are at such a GREAT age (10 and 11). What I would give to be the one staying home! Ah well.... I know I was evil in a past life and don't deserve that treat :-) My jealousy is genuine. I will live through their stories....

Other mundane things: So the other day my wonder children are playing basketball in the back yard. Wonder Boy is setting up two chairs court side... I ask, "What is up with the chairs?" He says, "They are for my coach and his wife." Dead pan serious. I reply, "Oh!" Wonder Boy has SUCH the imagination. Please dear Lord, don't let him ever change!

Super Girl has fifth grade camp next week. Will I survive her being gone? I can not believe my first born is so old! She got an A+ on her science class "medical board exam." My daughter the doctor!

I'm taking two literature classes currently. I have enjoyed "The Scarlet Letter" and "Huck Finn." I wish I could get unabridged copies of all my books to listen to in the car! What a GREAT use of my work drive time!

We are living the dream here at The Grim Reality ;-)
Look what hubby got for me!