Introduction

I was inspired by a friend's blog to start my own. She has the "Stay at Home Mom's Guide" and after reading it I felt compelled to share my tips for the "Working Mom's".

Let me start by introducing myself. I am Amy Ballenger, a 27 year old teacher, mother, wife, cook....and the list goes on and on. I have been married for 5 years to my wonderful husband Jack We have two boys; Parker(2yrs) and Graham (10months). We live in San Antonio, TX where I teach middle school choir full time. I also have a church job, teach for the Children's Chorus of San Antonio, and sell Mary Kay. That's right! I have 4 jobs, but all you mom's know that I have the best job in the world...MOM! Sometimes trying to juggle everything can be very difficult. But, there are many things that you can do to simplify a hectic schedule. I am the QUEEN of SIMPLIFYING!!! That is why I decided to blog about being a WORKING MOM!

It is a hard decision when trying to decided whether or not to stay home once you have children. My mom was a stay at home mom until I went to college. I did not know what it was like not to have her at home or at my beck and call when I needed something. Luckily, growing up we were in a financial situation that allowed my mother to stay home for 18 years. I knew the moment I got pregnant with my first son, Parker, that I was NOT going to be a stay home mom. For one, I loved my job too much. I teach middle school choir and the thought of not seeing my students, fellow teachers, and having the opportunity to make music everyday made me very sad. On the other hand, I was about to have a child and did not know what I would feel once he entered my life. I took 8 weeks maternity leave and that made the decision for me! I would DEFINITELY be going back to school after my leave and for the next year! It was not for me. I was so bored. I had no goals, activities, interaction with others, even though I was spending time with my son I longed for more. I am very blessed that I have an in-home sitter for my children. They go to her house and she is the only "sitter" they have ever known. She is like a member of our family and another grandmother to my boys. If I had to take them to daycare I may not be so comfortable with my job/family situation. All this adds up to where I am today. A working mom that can have both, a career and a family!

Follow me and together we can make life just a little easier!