Okay, so you know how teachers are allowed to call in and get “substitutes”?

Well, I’ve decided I want a “mommy sub”. I need a break. I haven’t had a decent break in over 8 years. (Yeah, I know, kinda whining … I’ll admit.)

Hubby got the day off last week and called in a sub. What!!?? And, of course, it threw off my WHOLE day because he’s now in my space for the day time when he is usually at work. Any other spouses get this problem? The other “working” spouse stays home and throws off your game?

So, I got to thinking … why can’t I call in a sub? Sure, there’s the sitter. But, then I have to pay – ack! and then I get more stressed thinking what it cost me to “get the day off” …

Maybe, just maybe, it costs more NOT to take the day off. Some days I’m just so run down and tired I need a break.

I gotta think about this  — I really need to plan for a sub! (And, SOON!)

I wanted to post something profound about mothers and families back this past weekend when it would have been most appropriate. However, being a mother myself, I found that each time I logged on, something (or someone) needed my attention.

So, today, in the few moments of peace (or not) I wanted to mention what a big job we mothers have. Sure, sure, sure – don’t get me wrong, fathers are important also, but today I’m writing about mothers …

Another mother talked about “legacy” and the kinds of lessons we teach our kids. Her kids are in college and/or young adults. I think she is speaking from a “been there done that” kinda place. I’m in the middle of the chaos of raising young children (ages 8, 4, and 1) – hubby’s here too — somewhere … and it’s hard to imagine a day when there isn’t a running nose to wipe or a whiny preschooler or an elementary student who needs help with homework. So all this talk about legacy … what does it mean?

A legacy is something we leave behind. It could mean possessions left to someone in a will. It could also mean family values. What family values are you teaching your children? What values am I teaching mine? What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your children and your children’s children?

Does that mean we can’t lose it and yell at our child(ren) once in awhile? Does leaving a legacy mean we must be “perfect” mothers? (As if perfection in this world even really exists!) No. Dig deep moms. The actions we take today may impact GENERATIONS to come. I, for one, have no idea how tying shoes, reading aloud, playing games, or answering the question, “Mom, what’s your name?” for the millionth time in five minutes will create a lasting legacy for my children, but I’m holding onto the thought that today’s positive action will create tomorrow’s healthy, happy, functioning human being that I helped raise.

One day when he was maybe 2 1/2 or three years old, my oldest son says to me, “Mommy, you’re the Advice President”.

And I thought, Oh, how sweet, he thinks I’m the ‘Vice’ President. Like, Daddy is the President and I’m the *Vice* President. How cute!

So, I say, “Mmmm. That’s nice honey,” with a smile.

And over several months he keeps saying it. “Mommy you’re the Vice President.” “Mommy you’re the Vice President.”

Well, finally I realize he is saying, “Mom, you’re the ADVICE President. You like to give advice.”

Really? I say. Who told you that??!?

“Daddy,” he replied.

(You can imagine the discussion with Daddy after that …)

Well, here it is … THE ADVICE PRESIDENT weblog.

“ALL THE ADVICE YOU NEVER KNEW YOU NEEDED!”