(No, I haven't fallen off the planet.  I have been posting entries on my other blog because I've had so much to write about our new puppy.  I like Blogspot for posting family pictures.  I can't believe it's been over a month since I've posted here though!  We have been schooling . . . kind of . . . well . . . OK, we're unschooling . . . not really, but it makes me feel better to say so.  When does summer start?)

I hate this question.  No, actually it's the occasional eye-rolling I get when I say I'm a full-time homemaker.  Would it help if I said I run a very expensive child-care agency?  (My ex-husband thinks I'm expensive anyway!)  How about if I do charitable work with special children?  (I think they're pretty special!)  Hmmm . . . I guess I could say my family is a missionary family to our local county.  But I really like calling myself a homemaker . . . because I think that's a pretty important job!  (Thanks Mom, for teaching me that!) So I'll take the eye-rolling, and just keep looking to my Beloved to approve of my work.  Meanwhile, I found this poem by Valerie Bendt.  She was one of the most influential homeschool moms in forming my personal philosophies and approach to homeschooling (even if some people . . . and maybe my kids . . . would say what approach?). 

I am a Professional

I am a professional
And I hold a high degree,
My clients are but children
And they’re very dear to me,
I work extended hours
And the pay is not too fair,
But the benefits are great –
No other job can compare,
So as I look around me
And see women at their jobs,
I gladly claim the title –
Full-time professional mom!