A Glimpse At The Way It Could Be

I have to say, going to work each day with a husband at home makes me realize just how all-consuming I've permitted my job to be and what a hamster-wheel of an existence we've had.

Cue the dramatic music. I know, what HR professional has a 40-hour-a-week job and what dual-income family has a stress-free existence? None that I know of . . . but still.

When we were both working, it was just the way things were. There was not a lot of flexibility to when the day started and ended or how things occurred during the day. Midday doctor appointments, after-school activities and and unscheduled illnesses or school closings put a wrench in "the schedule."

Now, that all stands in stark contrast to the glimpse I had of another way that it could be.

My husband, who by the way claims to be rather stress-free at the moment, is able to let the kid sleep in another hour - which is golden to a growing tween - and she can stay for after school activities without much ado. There is more dad/daughter time for ice skating, sliding, four wheeling and leisurely before school breakfasts and we are able to share chaperoning duties for evening activities.

As a family unit, there is something to be said about trading what ever it is we need to trade for us to be able to be home - and together - more.

If you had a glimpse of the way "it" could be for you and your family and then took the leap  - what was the "it" for you and what trade off's did you make, if any?

Photo credit iStockphoto

Laughter and Thanks: A Day in the Life Sunday

Parenting. With the trials, tribulations and tons of responsibility that come with the gig, there are also unending opportuities to laugh.

Here's a peek into my world last week:

Jumping into the backseat of the car after school, the kid informed me she wanted a "Yonk." You can imagine the mother-daughter exchange with my, "you want a what?!!" being met with the incredulous "don't you know anything" stream of descriptors of the middle schooler . . .

I had one today at school. They're at the store. They are my favorite. I love them. Yonks, you know.<insert eye roll here> It's candy . . . they're chocolate. . .  and minty.

I couldn't stop laughing when I quickly realized what she was talking about:

And there we have it - the ties that bind. I can see it now . . . candy dishes, graduation, wedding and yonks all around!

On this Thanksgiving weekend I give thanks for my husband and daughter, that they hang with me no matter what and above all, their ability to always make me laugh.

Who makes you laugh?

Give Thanks

 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Give thanks to those in your hearts from near and far who share your table throughout the year.

What are you thankful for?

Melting Smores

Melting smores is exactly what I am going to be doing the next few days. I will be boating, swimming, sleeping late, hanging with family, relaxing and biking. I am self imposing an Internet restriction and although I am getting the jitters just thinking about it, I know I can do this.

Have a wonderful rest of the week and weekend. I'll be back on Monday - marshmallow sticky fingers and all!

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Photocredit istockphoto