End of an Era

This week we said good-bye to Patricia. Again. But this time I'm pretty sure it's for good.  It was a decision that was one part practical, three parts emotional, and ten parts financial. 

Playing with Patricia and her daughter Bianca

In terms of practicality, it's just plain nonsense for her to continue.  For one, Brandon's mom will be here in T-minus eight hours and will be able to help me out around the house.  Then the girls and I will be gone until the end of July.  And then Bailey will most likely be starting pre-school. While we've yet to decide if she'll attend every day, or just a few days a week, it doesn't make sense for Patricia to come and help me in the mornings, when Bailey's gone and it's just Boston and me.  THAT would be ridicules. 

The original "good-bye pic
from last December

Emotionally, I am gaining more and more confidence that I can do this.  I can take care of my children and my house and my husband on my own.  And if Bailey is gone a few morning a week to school - and Boston will still be taking a morning nap for quite some time - I'll have more "free" time to do the laundry and dishes and cleaning and such.  "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..."

Showing her how to sweep, Bailey style

And then there is the finances.  Now, having Patricia around wasn't a huge expense.  We actually spend nearly three times her weekly wages on our groceries.  But we are planning on purchasing a car when we return in July and are unsure what that will do to our monthly budget.  And Bailey will be starting school. And I want to take Spanish lessons. And...  We just can't do it all, you know?

Helping Patricia with the leaves in the yard

I would be lying to you if I didn't admit to being a bit sad about having to say good-bye.  And while I won't miss Bailey mistakenly calling her "mama", I will miss being spoiled.  It's nice to be able to play with your girls all morning long while someone else mops your floors, sweeps your patio, washes your dishes, and scrubs your toilet.

Final good-bye on Monday

Thank you, Patricia for all of you help and the blessing that you have been to me and my children. You will be missed.