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Clarke Littles
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July 1, 2015

Returning To Work

IMG_5074I have been dreading this post for awhile now.

 

Today is my first day back at work.

 

It even sounds weird saying that. The past 12 weeks have flown by. I can’t believe that Brooke is 12 weeks old and that I am back at work. I have a mixture of emotions about the whole thing. Part of me is excited to be working again, because I love my job. Part of me is extremely sad to not be with Brooke all day. Part of me is glad she is starting “school” early for numerous reasons and the other part is sad.

 

See, Mixture.

 

I know the whole going back to work or staying home thing can be controversial and I totally see why. Kevin and I were both raised by moms that worked full time, so for us, that is all we have ever known. While I was pregnant and we were trying to make decisions on this issue, I struggled immensely. I felt like going back to work gave the outward appearance that I valued work over my family. I know that is absurd and totally satan getting in my mind, but that is how I felt. I had to tell myself over and over that it was a lie. Going back to work doesn’t make me a bad mom, and not going back to work doesn’t make me a good mom. My status as a mom doesn’t depend on this one thing.

 

After staying home for these past 12 weeks, I know that being a mom is more than a full time job – it is constant (& so rewarding). Some of my best friends are stay at home moms and some days I am super jealous of that and others, I want to still work. I am a weird one.

 

For today, I am back at work. I might have left out the fact that Brooke is with me at work today, so today really isn’t a true test of how I will about the whole thing. And Brooke will be with Kevin all day tomorrow. But, she will start “school” on Monday. Sigh, that will be the real day of emotions. For today, I know this is the right decision for our family, and Kevin and I will continue to communicate about what is best for our little family.

 

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8 Comments
  • socalledhomemaker
    July 1, 2015

    These feelings are completely normal! You are not weird for wanting both. We want to spend time with our kids but at the same time having a job kind of gives us our own live in a way.

    Reply
    • Marquis Clarke
      socalledhomemaker
      July 1, 2015

      Yes, thank you! I’m glad i’m not the only one.

      Reply
  • Melanie Davis
    July 1, 2015

    Hi!

    Can I ask what you do? I’m not pregnant yet, but staying home vs. working is something I think about all the time.

    I love your blog! You’re so honest and encouraging.

    Thanks 🙂

    Melanie

    Reply
    • Marquis Clarke
      Melanie Davis
      July 1, 2015

      I am in Children’s Ministry at Oak Hills Church. Thank you, I’m so glad you like it! I try to be as transparent as possible!

      Reply
  • Ashley Servis
    July 1, 2015

    What do you mean by “school”? Is it like day care?

    Reply
  • Alyssa Guttendorf
    July 1, 2015

    Aw, that is definitely a tough decision to make, but your choice helps to inspire and support working mommies everywhere! I just read “Lean In,” which has a lot of great insight about this situation. Good luck momma!

    Alyssa
    http://www.alyssawithana.com

    Reply
  • Chelcey Tate
    July 1, 2015

    Such a difficult decision!! I’m actually working so hard on my blog + business now so that I can stay at home with our future kiddos! Best of both worlds! Granted, I don’t have a passion for what I’m doing at my current full time job + I would be trying to work towards working from home regardless of our future family plans. 🙂 Do what’s best for you, momma! Congrats!

    Chelcey Tate | http://www.chelceytate.com

    Reply
  • Emma @ Ever Emma
    July 7, 2015

    This is one of those things that makes it so incredibly hard to be a woman! I want it all!

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Marquis Clarke

Hi, I’m Marquis Clarke

I'm a modern mom of two, who strives to encourage women throughout marriage and motherhood. I embrace life as it comes with kid meltdowns, family dance parties, and snacks galore. I believe that laughter is the best medicine, simplicity is perfection, and that life is breathtakingly beautiful.

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  • Yesterdays La Dolce Vita Brunch at @zanticucina was so much fun!🍋💙

The atmosphere was filled with joy, the restaurant was decorated with so many cute details, they had live music and the food was beyond delicious!

Make sure to follow @zanticucina and watch for their next themed Brunch in July and August!! 

But don’t wait until then to try them out - their menu is amazing and their pizzas are next level!

#houston #houstonmoms #thewoodlands #thingstodoinhouston #houstoninfluencer
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Just such a cute way to get your kids excited about the holiday. I love making these sweet memories with them.

#4thofjuly #kidbasket #targetfinds #targetmom #tarhetdoesitagain / https://liketk.it/5gN9h
  • I dunno how I blinked and went from 25 to 35 😳💗 so thankful for another year and excited to see what 35 feels like…. Prob the same as 34🙃

COMMENT “shop” for the link to my dress 💗

#happybirthday #hbd #summerdress / https://liketk.it/5gL2N
  • Today is #WorldRefugeeDay. 🧡🌎Did you know that number of refugees has TRIPLED in the last decade, making this one of the most urgent and escalating global crises?

The Sudan Crisis is at the forefront. As of last September, over 14 million people have been forced from their homes due to the ongoing conflict - over half of them being children.

@WorldVisionUSA is responding with lifesaving support—and we can help! 

3 Ways to Help: 
SHARE this post, PRAY for displaced families and children, or DONATE using the link in my bio to support World Vision’s lifesaving work.#WorldVisionPartner
  • 💙You can use PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long!💛🎟️

We truly love @Splashway Waterpark so much!💦☀️ 10/10 always recommend #splashway because it’s so family friendly for all ages (toddler - adults).

Their slides are awesome. 😎 The dueling splash blasters are our favorite!

We rode so many slides this year and when we weren’t on a slide, we were in the lazy river or by the wave pool.🌊

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark #houstoninfluencer
  • 💙You can use my PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long!💛🎟️

We truly love @Splashway Waterpark and Campground so much.💦☀️From their fun family friendly waterpark to their lively, activity filled campground. There’s never a dull moment.

You can camp in a tent, bring your RV, rent cabins, bungalows, houses, etc - they have so many lodging options.

& at their campground, you can:😎

Eat at The Hideaway
Play Bingo
Play Putt Putt Golf⛳️
Play on playgrounds
Watch a family movie 🎥 
Play life size games
Play Laser Tag
Eat s’mores
Listen to live music
Rent Golf Carts (a MUST in our book)
Go Biking or Fishing or Paddle boarding
Play Pickleball, Volleyball or basketball 🏀
&& MORE!!!

We’ve made so many awesome family memories here over the years! Highly recommend planning your next getaway to Splashway!💦☀️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
  • First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
Yesterdays La Dolce Vita Brunch at @zanticucina was so much fun!🍋💙 The atmosphere was filled with joy, the restaurant was decorated with so many cute details, they had live music and the food was beyond delicious! Make sure to follow @zanticucina and watch for their next themed Brunch in July and August!! But don’t wait until then to try them out - their menu is amazing and their pizzas are next level! #houston #houstonmoms #thewoodlands #thingstodoinhouston #houstoninfluencer
2 days ago
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@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
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4th of July Kid Basket 💙🧨 COMMENT “shop” for the link to everything! Just such a cute way to get your kids excited about the holiday. I love making these sweet memories with them. #4thofjuly #kidbasket #targetfinds #targetmom #tarhetdoesitagain / https://liketk.it/5gN9h
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/7
I dunno how I blinked and went from 25 to 35 😳💗 so thankful for another year and excited to see what 35 feels like…. Prob the same as 34🙃

COMMENT “shop” for the link to my dress 💗

#happybirthday #hbd #summerdress / https://liketk.it/5gL2N
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
I dunno how I blinked and went from 25 to 35 😳💗 so thankful for another year and excited to see what 35 feels like…. Prob the same as 34🙃 COMMENT “shop” for the link to my dress 💗 #happybirthday #hbd #summerdress / https://liketk.it/5gL2N
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
Today is #WorldRefugeeDay. 🧡🌎Did you know that number of refugees has TRIPLED in the last decade, making this one of the most urgent and escalating global crises? The Sudan Crisis is at the forefront. As of last September, over 14 million people have been forced from their homes due to the ongoing conflict - over half of them being children. @WorldVisionUSA is responding with lifesaving support—and we can help! 3 Ways to Help: SHARE this post, PRAY for displaced families and children, or DONATE using the link in my bio to support World Vision’s lifesaving work.#WorldVisionPartner
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
💙You can use PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long!💛🎟️ We truly love @Splashway Waterpark so much!💦☀️ 10/10 always recommend #splashway because it’s so family friendly for all ages (toddler - adults). Their slides are awesome. 😎 The dueling splash blasters are our favorite! We rode so many slides this year and when we weren’t on a slide, we were in the lazy river or by the wave pool.🌊 #houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark #houstoninfluencer
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/7
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
💙You can use my PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long!💛🎟️ We truly love @Splashway Waterpark and Campground so much.💦☀️From their fun family friendly waterpark to their lively, activity filled campground. There’s never a dull moment. You can camp in a tent, bring your RV, rent cabins, bungalows, houses, etc - they have so many lodging options. & at their campground, you can:😎 Eat at The Hideaway Play Bingo Play Putt Putt Golf⛳️ Play on playgrounds Watch a family movie 🎥 Play life size games Play Laser Tag Eat s’mores Listen to live music Rent Golf Carts (a MUST in our book) Go Biking or Fishing or Paddle boarding Play Pickleball, Volleyball or basketball 🏀 && MORE!!! We’ve made so many awesome family memories here over the years! Highly recommend planning your next getaway to Splashway!💦☀️ #houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/7
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊

It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙

🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️

#houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
@marquis_clarke
@marquis_clarke
•
Follow
First 24 hours at @splashway has been a success as always!! We’ve been coming here since 2018 (little kev was only 1!)☀️🌊 It’s so family friendly and we’ve made the best memories here 💙 🎟️ PROMO // CLARKE15 for 15% off #splashway waterpark tickets all season long! 🎟️ #houstonmom #houstontexas #texasvacation #waterpark #texaswaterpark
6 days ago
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