What do you do all day?

I used to despise being asked this question. I mean, can people not understand the amount of work that a stay at home mom does? Do people have to imply that we sit there eating candy while watching soap operas? However, after being a stay at home mom for almost 3 years now, I take pleasure in answering this question. I find that many people honestly do not realize just how much is accomplished in one day, and that is alright. For me, it is now the norm. I would be lost if my life were any other way. I have realized that yes, my husband and I have given up A LOT so I can do this, and we can have our children in a happy and loving environment. But despite the few gripes, and my hair turning gray at 28, my life is amazing.

This came to my mind tonight, as I was asked by a regular customer at work if I enjoyed my day lying in the sun...after all the enormous sunburn I have could have only been accomplished by drinking a few beverages and laying in the sun. This was my answer:

Today started off with me being a personal chef. Made breakfast for the house, cleaned up the dishes, and then I turned into a housekeeper and referee at the same time. I scrubbed our bathroom, cleaned the living room, and accomplished this while moderating races up and down the hallway.

I then turned into an art teacher, while the boys squealed in delight about using markers, gel pens, and glitter glue to make some fantastic pictures. Then I turned into a personal assistant, helping them brush teeth, pick out clothes, get dressed, and open the doors so they could go outside to play. We had an idea to go have a picnic and play at the local park, so I turned back into a personal chef as I started taking orders for what needed to be packed in the lunch.

Obviously, the boys then needed a chauffeur to drive them and their dog, to the park; and voila! That was me too! I the. Turned into a physical education teacher while helping them learn to climb ladders, stair cases, navigate rock walls, tunnels, and use a fireman pole. Then I led them on an adventure through the woods to teach them about rivers, algae, and why there is always a splash when a rock is thrown into the water. I guess that would make me a science teacher?

The rest of the day continued on with me switching roles with ease. More of being an art teacher with finger paint, a physical education teacher with the teaching of lacrosse, and yes, even a chauffeur and personal chef again. Then I went to my job I obtain a paycheck for.

Maybe it was a bit of a cynical answer, and I hope that one day my boys will find the humor in how I responded. And my customers response? That is more than I accomplish in a week. So, what did you do all day today? :)