Grateful wife

You may have thought from my last post that maybe I don't get enough support from my husband.   The truth of the matter is I probably have more support then most wives.  How many of us can say they come home most nights to a cooked dinner even when they're late? That they haven't grocery shopped in years? That they don't organize the kids schedules or know where they are supposed to be or when?  That they aren't responsible for keeping track of school events, driving to dance and sports events? That they don't do the yard work?  And the list goes on. The truth of the matter is that the kids have been so fortunate to have their dad stay at home with them while I worked outside of the home.  I have many friends who wish they were in my situation.     Sometimes I forget how hard juggling all of those responsibilities are. My husband and I made a conscious choice to split responsibilities in this way. I remember when the kids were little, another kindergartener asked if my daughter had a mother....that hurt.  I guess the truth of the matter is that sometimes I wish it was me at home. My life is just so much easier with my husband by my side.  And for that I am eternally grateful.

Summer Trashed?

It's the time of year that I love and hate the most. My favorite season: summer. But I have to work while my kids and husband get the summer off. Sometimes life isn't fair! But I guess I have it lucky in many ways; my kids are home with Dad not off at a daycare or camp, I get to sit in air conditioning and the kids are at home without any, and you don't ever hear "I'm so bored there's nothing to do" from me. I came home for the second day to two trash bags waiting to get put down cellar for trash day. While I barely have enough time to get done everything I think I should, I am wondering why hasn't anyone brought this trash downstairs? What are they all doing that is so important that they can't take less then five minutes to do this? Well one kid slept till 10:30, the other got home from a class mid afternoon. My daughter who was home has no idea what my husband did all day but we know he is out for a motorcycle ride with the guys now. Hmmm... something is wrong with this equation. And then I remembered. When my uncle was dying a few years back I asked him if there was anything he needed me to do for him. His reply was simple "There's always a lot to do but most of it isn't important" I get it, the trash can wait while we do all the things that each of us thinks is important- it's all about priorities. Here's to summer and finding joy in it.

A Gal needs her Mom

My daughter got me thinking the other day. I've been searching for a new job and one of the "opportunities" which presented itself was a job that would require a significant amount of travel. Being the good mother I decided to ask my kids what they thought. My 12 year old gave me an adamant no! When I asked how come, the answer was simple..... "A gal needs her mom." So I started thinking about that. All the times when I knew I needed my mom even though I'm 50 years old. I'm not sure that feeling ever goes away. When I first got married I remember having a chest cold and calling my mom about the Vicks vapor rub. She said sure you can have it, I'll bring it over. But no that wasn't good enough for me. I asked her if she would rub it on my back for me. Her reply; " Your married now, can't your husband do that?" I don't know about you all but there are just some things that mothers do best. Like: Listen to me ramble on and on, telling me I'm wonderful when I'm not feeling that way, watching the kids when I need help, and always being there to support the family and be a role model for the way mothers should be. Mother's Day is just around the corner. I didn't take the traveling job. Sometimes 12 year olds can see things so clearly. Not only do gals need their moms but boy does this mom need her daughter too!

Hot Topic

I have a teenage daughter that loves Hot Topic. You know what I mean the store where everyone who works there is tattooed and pierced? Where when your 50 years old and you walk in you feel about 100? I try to blend but don't do a great job. Well the other day my daughter came home with her new Hot Topic black laced tutu on over her black jeans and asked me if I would take her to the book store. Sure I said. Let's face it. I'ld rather take her to Borders then Hot Topic any day. Then I had second thoughts. I looked at her outfit and said, "But you're not really going to go shopping with me dressed like that. Are you?" Of course I was the picture of style dressed in my sweat pants and tee shirt. She turned to me in disbelief and said, "Well were you planning on shopping with me dressed like that!" Good point and off to the store we went. The most amazing thing happened. I watched her walk into the store and thought everyone would be doing a double take. It never happened. No one turned and stared. In fact no one seemed to notice at all. It must have to do with how comfortable you are in your own skin. And boy is she ever comfortable. Good for her. Wish we could all be that way. She tells me when she is old enough to work she wants to work at either Hot Topic or Borders. Her two favorite stores. What do you think my choice place of employment for her was?