{A Working Mom's Juggle}

For the past few weeks it feels like our household has had many of eventful days and moments. The week before Thanksgiving, Landen and Caroline came down sick and followed by pink eye.Then we had the fun of the holidays and tree hunting and my trip last weekend.   This week is now competing with the rest (insert sarcasm). 

Caroline came down sick Monday, our tree toppled over Tuesday, Wednesday we put the tree back together (hopefully for the final time!) and today when getting ready to dress the kids for school, I noticed Landen was on fire-not literally of course!  I looked at my husband, for the third time this week, and asked, "What do you want to do (as in who is staying home?)."

{Daddy On}

Last night we were getting ready to load up in the van to go for another trip to see Christmas lights (this age is amazing and so fun at Christmas!!) and Caroline was standing in the kitchen with her coat, hat and gloves on. I was digging for keys and Caroline shouted, "Mommy On Daddy!" 

Dad means a lot around our house. While I was gone to Chicago this past weekend, my husband, Aaron, ran our ever busy household. He even sent a picture the first day that said, "pick up kids-check!" 

 

While I was away he picked up from school, threw a little pizza party, gave baths, did laundry, took the kids to ride a train, and out to dinner with their Paw Paw Rob.  And NO I didn't not tell him to do any of that! There was no list left for him! To top it off, his sleep was interrupted by one of the twins every night...I think they just wanted to keep my spot warm! 

Dads are amazing. I don't know about you, but I have to admit that I have been known to grunt and groan here and there about how 'I'm the one always prepping and planning' but it really comes down to me being 'wired' differently than him and possibly that type A personality has something to do with it. But thats not his fault. 

I often think Dads catch more flack than they deserve and not enough recognition for the things they do. Are all dads created equal? Unfortunately not. But in honor of those awesome dads out there: 

Xoxoxo

Danielle 

  

{Mommy Confessions: Being Away}

Last Thursday I did something I never do at work. I seeked my children out so I could give them one last hug and kiss before I left for my conference in Chicago. I squeezed them tight and kissed them. I rubbed the top of Landen's head and brushed Caroline's off her sweet face. I knew I was leaving but they really didn't have a clue. After about four running hugs from Caroline, I blew them a kiss and walked out the door-and I didn't cry!

I spoke to my husband today who now is sure he does not want to be a stay at home dad. From what I hear, he is exhausted but the kids are having fun. They had pizza and movie night on Friday, dinner and a train ride tonight with their paw paw Rob and lots of 'days of the week' review. They are now familiar with Friday, Saturday and Sunday since they've been keeping track of when I come home. We've face timed a few times and Landen and Caroline had fun with it. Caroline showed me her dog, her dog's tail and of course the paw. Landen ran around the house screaming- about right.

While all that fun was being had at home, I have certainly enjoyed the hospitality of those in Chicago (especially my co-worker, Lisa, family!) I love it here. City life is fun and just makes sense to me. Chicago is nothing like the cities I've grown up around. It's an amazing melting pot of eclectic people, stores, and small shops. The community is rich in arts and design. It's stunning even on a cold dreary day. I can only imagine how beautiful it is in the spring. 

I had the opportunity to ride the train to and from the city the day of our conference. Lisa and I had coffee on Michigan Aveune, ventured in to the most amazing candy shop, took our picture by the Trump building (and all of those other necessary selfie sight-seeing spots), visited the bean and watched police patrol a group of protestors. Today I got to take a nice run to Lincoln Park.  

The change of scenery was lovely and the run it self was totally necessary as I have enjoyed some Chicago deep dish pizza, Thai food as well as Italian.  There is a lot of necessary running in my future-but it was So good! Ooooo-and I polished my nails! 

So did I have a great time? No.I had an amazing time! I can now mark Chicago off my bucket list and I have great memories to go with it. I feel refreshed and I have to say I am looking forward to kissing my sweet babies face...and certainly my husband to!  So leaving for a long weekend wasn't so bad, ask my amazing husband tomorrow...he may say it was great but I assure you he is tired from not having a break (thank you honey!). 

Keep Calm and Mommy On! 

Good Night Chicago!

Xoxoxo 

Danielle 

Keep Calm and Mommy On: {Mommy Guilt}

Keep Calm and Mommy On: {Mommy Guilt}: Why is it I can't ever do anything for me without feeling guilty?  I have been so excited for my weekend trip to Chicago for a conferenc...

{Mommy Guilt}

Why is it I can't ever do anything for me without feeling guilty?  I have been so excited for my weekend trip to Chicago for a conference, but as it drawls near, I am starting to feel bad. I have never left the kids for a long weekend-with Aaron yes, but not without the three of them. I keep reminding myself that professionally I need this trip but most importantly I'm going to be having fun with my friend. I think I am one of the only people in my social circle that has never been to Chicago.  I am going to be that geeky person who wants to do all the touristy things. I am hoping to even go for a run! Gotta love a change of scenery!  I can't wait! 

I guess as Moms, we are going to be just that-a Mom.  I suppose it's our instinct to wonder, worry and miss our little people.  Moments like this makes me realize how very much I love Landen and Caroline.  I'm thankful for technology, because I see some face time in our near future while I'm gone. I will certainly need it more than the kids.

I have to say I'm so thankful I can leave and know Aaron is holding down the fort and I really don't have to worry about any logistics there. I've said it before, but I can't help but mention what a great dad, husband, and overall man he is. 

What has your latest challenge been as a Mom? Have you conquered it? Still working on it?  I hope you are having a wonderful week. Tomorrow is hump day! Hooray! Enjoy! 

 It's time to keep packing....


Keepin' Calm and Mommin' On!


xoxoxo
Danielle

Keep Calm and Mommy On: {Temper Tantrums}

Keep Calm and Mommy On: {Temper Tantrums}: Cyber Monday. As a Mom, days like today have become life changing! There is  nothing like being able to shop online paired with awesome stea...

{Temper Tantrums}

Cyber Monday. As a Mom, days like today have become life changing! There is  nothing like being able to shop online paired with awesome steals and coupons.  I really can't imagine enjoying Christmas shopping with the kids. Standing in line, dragging kicking and screaming hungry children into one last place does not spell Christmas cheer-at least in my mind. To my parents who took us shopping when we were young-you're a saint.

Tantrums. Around here, they come and they go.