Happy Mother's Day!

I want to wish you all a Happy Mother's Day! (you too, Kirk, b/c with four kids you've gotta play "mom" sometimes too!) I hope you're all spoiled by your loved ones today and many other days as well. I had the luxury of sleeping in (and I mean for-real sleeping in, like almost 8:00! Think my body might go into shock!), going on an independent run (no kids in stroller this time, however, it was not pretty...), having some time to catch up on this blog (kids are watching movie and hubby is doing some cleaning--yes, he rocks), and hopefully getting some much needed studying done later. Life is good! As much as I love my new job, being mommy will always win out.

So Happy Mother's Day to you all who are setting such a wonderful example to your children about how important health and fitness is to you. You're making it a priority in your lives. You're showing them that the choices they make about diet and exercise have a profound affect on how they feel, how they look, and their overall health.

So I'll leave you today (and I probably won't be back for awhile again) with the story below in honor of one of my favorite holiday. Happy Mother's Day!

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office,
Was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.

'I'm a Mom.'

'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,

'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.


I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself

In the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
Efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'

'What is your occupation?' she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the fiel d of
Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
Looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words..
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
In bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

'Might I ask,' said t he clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
And already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
And I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers

And the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
Completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
Testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more

Distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'

Motherhood!

What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers

'Senior Research Associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'
And great grandmothers
Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts

Associate Research Assistants.