My biggest fear is my family being split due to death, especially if I’m still alive without them.  A few weeks ago I began thinking about writing lessons I have learned to pass down to my kids.  What if something happens to me and my kids are left behind without my guidance?  I just wrote the first post on my personal blog, The Domestic Engineer’s Union.

I came across this story today that really touched me.  Jemma was only 29 when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer.  She would be leaving behind a husband and 2 young kids.  In true mommy hero mode, she created a “master class” for her husband.  She planned ahead by writing future cards and notes.  She created instructions for her hubby on even the mundane housework.   The whole story is a must read!

I know it’s not something we want to think about.  Unfortunately we don’t know when and where that moment may be.  I would prefer to be prepared instead of my kids wondering who their mommy was.

If you died what would you want your kids to know about you and life in general?

I saw this in a magazine and thought it was to good to keep to myself.  Isn’t it amazing what our kids can teach us?  People wonder why I want a handful of kiddies and I am always mistaken for being younger than I am….hhhhmmm

8 Eternal Truths We Can Learn From Tykes

1.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Even when there isn’t a prize in the box.

2.  Your world can be half-real and half-imaginary.

3.  If there’s even the slightest doubt, hit the potty before you leave.

4.  Homeworks blows.  Bring work home with you and it’ll ruin your night.  And your marriage.

5.  There’s a reason they don’t give credit cards to 8-year-olds.  You’re supposed to save up for a new toy.

6.  The coolest adults are the ones who listen.

7.  Adrenaline is the greatest drug.

8.  Rain isn’t something to curse but to enjoy.  Hurry up, before it clears.

by Mike Zimmerman and Duane Swierczynksi

Especially with the craziness of the season, take some cues from the little ones around you.  Have fun with life!  Your kids will think you are a pretty cool mom too:)

Tags: life • raising kids

i know politics are all people are talking about, especially Sarah Palin. Will you indulge me for a moment and leave your opinions? i adore this woman for many reasons, one of which she is a mom just like me. She reminds me of someone i would run into at the grocery store. Her speech last night was inspiring!

She is coming under criticism.  People question if she can handle being a mom to 5 kids (one with special needs), and the responsibility of a vice president.  Would this be a question if she was a man?  i heard this morning that fellow women are even questioning her.  This really saddens me!  It almost seems we as women are hindering the breaking of the glass ceiling Hillary Clinton cracked.  What happened to women being able to do anything a man can?  My neighbor has a child with cerebral palsy, she is a single mom and has to work (the seperation is amicable and both parties agreed).  Is she judged for her decisions?  my mom used to watch a little girl with severe disabilities.  Was her mom judged for working?  Perhaps a double standard..hhmm.  Sarah Palin has an amazing husband (not to mention easy on the eyes *wink*) and he is very hands on.  If you are a mother who has a child with special needs, wouldn’t you want an advocate that close to the top instead of questioning if she can be a mom and a vice president?  Was JFK questioned about these things, if he could handle being a father and a president with young children?

Politics aside (i am having to bite my tongue because she has already been a successful Governor with an 80% approval rating), she represents the very lesson we teach our daughters.  You can do anything you want!  my 4 year old daughter talks about how she wants to “be a doctor who helps mommies have babies” and wants to have her own babies when she “gets big as you (me, her mommy)”.  i don’t say well, honey, i’m not sure if you can handle the pressure and time commitment.  NO, i say awesome (and in my head think, i hope she can get some scholarships)!  Actually, my fabulous OB-GYN, Dr Wentross, her hubby is a stay at home dad who does an amazing job.  i suspect Todd Palin (First Dude as he likes to  be called) will be one as well, if he isn’t already.   Wouldn’t you want a mommy at the top who understands what its like raising kids and being a working mom?

If you missed her speech….part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4

i am really curious to hear what everyone else thinks about this subject.  This is about being a high powered working mom, not politics.  Please no political statements.