Sometimes I wish my house was quieter when I am trying to write an email or a blog post (for reference, right now, Lydia is next to me at my desk, coloring a picture and singing her thoughts into an impromptu and never-ending song). Sometimes I wish that I didn’t have to replace an expensive print because some small person drove a hot-wheels over it before we could package it. Sometimes I wish that the sound of sibling squabbles, the Wii, and a million home-work questions didn’t waft up the stairs to my office all afternoon. Sometimes I wish that my kids didn’t have to tell me EVERY detail of their day, in my ear, while I edit photos. Some days, when the clock tells me its time to ride my bike down to the elementary school to pick up my daughter, I wish I had a few more minutes to finish what I am doing. But everyday I am glad that our crazy lifestyle is what it is.

I am thankful that I get to hear those beautiful songs about life, sung to me by my rapidly growing preschooler. I am thankful that I am the one who helps my kids do their homework, resolve their conflicts or learn of their latest Wii accomplishments.  Everyday I am thankful that my kids want to tell me about their day, and that they can.  And every time I ride along Milwaukee River Parkway with my daughter peddling hard in front of me, my heart swells a little with happiness and contentment.

This self-employed, work-from-home-life is a recipe for complete chaos; especially when you have four kids, your youngest doesn’t go to daycare and you are a complete softy when it comes to moms-at-work interruptions. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

* Yesterday, Brian and I slipped out into the back yard to attempt to hold a strategy meeting at the picnic table. Within 20 seconds, this was what our “meeting” looked like! I had to run for the camera, because this moment is a perfect example of our everyday reality; and what a good one it is!!