http://waysquared.blogspot.com/: Blogs through July

July marked my one-year anniversary when I went part-time, and I'm still grateful for the opportunity every day (well, maybe every other day). :D Of course I sometimes feel like I'm not doing anything all that well -- that I need to be a more engaged employee, better housekeeper, or more present mom -- but I also feel like I'm better at everything as well because I still get adult time, make enough money to pay for daycare, have hours at the house alone to get chores done, and still have more time with the kids than if I were working full time. I'm lucky to be in the organization I'm in, work for the boss that I have, and am surrounded by the talent that is around me ... and to have a husband that supports me, kids that love me, and friends and family that are there sharing the laughter and memories that abound.

3.25 ft tall

2.58 ft tall

Looking at the July pics, some memories stand out. One is when Claire was doing her dance camp and we dropped Gavin off at school first for a couple of the sessions. Even though Claire is constantly wanting more "just mommy and me" time, she was quite concerned that we were out and about having fun without her baby brother and let me know (multiple times) how much she missed him.

Dropping Gavin off for Western Day at school before Claire's dance camp

Another is when Dwo and Crystal came to visit after Zong moved up to Dallas. It's pretty cool to have a weekend of play "just because" with my little bros. I hate to brag, but -- like Claire -- I think my baby brothers are pretty darn cool, and we always have a blast together even when we're not doing much of anything. Come to think of it, what these two stand-out memories share is the bond of family and the love we share. I guess my parents taught us right, and I'm hope that I continue to do right by my kids as well.

Family love