Ava Grace's Closet: Mama Monday : Katie from Minivan Diva
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Monday, December 3, 2012

Mama Monday : Katie from Minivan Diva

Shortly after I started blogging, I came across a blog of a woman who was (at the time) on vacation with a group of women friends in Palm Springs. The post I read is here. I don't know why but she intrigued me.
I wanted to learn more about her story. About her 3 sweet boys. About her life's challenges. And joys.
Her's was one of the first personal blogs I began reading and has always been bookmarked in my favorites. Now that's friendship

Please welcome Katie from Minivan Diva with whom I hope to share a mojito one fine day!
blog...bloglovin...pinterest
Do you work outside the home or are you a stay at home mom? What led you to either decision? 
I went back to teaching after our first son, Luke, was born. I was a wreck and was determined to find a way to stay home with him. I worked a 50% contract the following 2 years and then stayed home full-time after that once our 2nd and then 3rd son were born. I didn't want to miss a moment and the cost of daycare was more than my teaching salary!

Did you always see yourself as stay at home mom/career woman? Was it a dream of yours? 
I saw myself as working mom prior to having kids. I just thought I could do both well. I quickly realized that the juggling act was too much for me. I had no problem admitting that the balance was nonexistent. I didn't want my kids to suffer because of my work commitment and I didn't want my students to suffer due to my family commitment. I felt like I was doing teaching and my family an injustice while doing both. Now, I am back to teaching 1st grade. I work where all 3 of my boys go to school. I see them throughout the day and they are in my classroom while I finish up work after school. I also bring home some work and do it while I watch them play outside. The balance has been much easier to find now that they are all in school. I also don't think I could have gone back to work if it was not a teaching position at my kids' school. I don't regret my time at home one bit. That time was precious.

What frustrates you most? What would you change if you could? 
I am frustrated by moms judging one another. Each family has different needs. I also think it is dangerous to assume that every family has the luxury of choosing whether or not the mom works. 

Any words of advice for mama's who are struggling with this decision? 
Go with your heart and make the decision based on your family's needs. Don't be afraid to make drastic changes if you want to stay home. We had to be very creative and frugal at times in order for me to stay home for eight years. Either way, don't let fear guide your decision. Be bold and stand firm as a family given either situation.

The decision to work outside the home or stay home with your children is such a personal one. There is no right answer or right decision but rather, I truly feel each woman must do what is right for her and her family.
I commend each and every mother out there for this. It is not easy.
We are women and man, we're amazing.

Katie, I know how full your hands are. And I'm thankful your heart is just as full and that you made the time to share this with us today. 
see previous Mama Monday interviews:
MAMAMONDAY

17 comments :

  1. Such a great interview! I truly love the comment that we shouldn't judge. It's sad that there is still so much of it going around.

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    1. It's crazy actually! Women are so judgmental of other women I find.

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  2. I always like reading the stories of other stay at home moms. Life as a stay at home mom can get lonely at times.

    http://www.momfever.com

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  3. Wonderful interview. Katie sounds wonderful and her words are wonderfully inspiring. Women tend to be each others worse critics ~ I love Katie's positive attitude and re-enforcement that one has to do what is right for "their" family and not to worry about what others think.

    Susan, this is a wonderful series! Hugs, wishing you a fabulous week! xo C. (HHL)

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  4. ty for the intro--I like meeting new bloggers =)

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  5. Susan,
    Thank you for the invitation to share on your blog. I am so thankful for you and our friendship. Yes, the mojito date is a must!!!
    Love,
    Katie

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  6. I can agree with Katie when I thought that I could juggle work and motherhood too. It broke my heart when I have to send my son to the other room so that I can focus on my work. I know, I had it easier because I worked from home, but even that took a lot of my time of the day when I could be just taking care of him instead of paying a Nanny to do it. I now work part-time so I can be with him during the hours that he's up and playing. I work when he's asleep. The best of both worlds that I can have right now.

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    1. Roxi, you're fortunate to be able to have the best of both worlds! I worked f/t with my 2 eldest and always struggled to find balance. So hard.

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  7. So true that we're so hard on other moms and the decisions they make for their family. The beauty of family is that each one looks different, right?:)

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  8. What an inspiring interview! Working or stay-at-home, being a mom per se is not an easy job. To each his own. :)

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  9. I absolutely love hear interviews because this something I struggle with every single day every single month, every sonle year! Appraiser hearing the other points o view. Thanks Susan for a great interview

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  10. That interview inspires me, and gives me consolation that I'm not the only mom who gets frustrated at times. It's a validation of my humanness.

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    1. I so agree! And I think we all get frustrated at times.

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  11. I agree 100%, I never have understood the judgement thing. Every family, every situation is different and everyone's needs are different.

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  12. "I also think it is dangerous to assume that every family has the luxury of choosing whether or not the mom works. "/// love this!

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I love reading every last one. Thanks so much for stopping by our little blog. xo.