Happy New Year!  Did you make any New Years Resolutions for 2008?  Did you reach your goals?  Oh, I  made my usual goal to eat healthier, to exercise and lose weight.  Some years it works and others... well, we will again attempt this lofty goal for '09.  One goal I was proud to accomplish however, was to keep my family first as much as possible.  Raising children is a full time job and for parents of kids with special needs it can be like having three or four jobs.  

The goal to keep family first in 2008 proved to be a challenge because my husband and I both started new businesses this year.  We work from home, which is a big help because we tag team parent in the morning and after school for rides to therapy and activities.  When Andrew goes to bed many times we will run off to our respective home offices to work while he is asleep.  So far it works.  Am I tired?  Yes!  Am I happy?  Yes.  It has been an interesting, productive and meaningful year.  I feel a bit like a juggler.  When I start to feel stressed - that is the cue to stop what I am doing and spend time with my son, because chances are that is what I am really stressed about.  He is also quite vocal about his need for me to be present for him and that is okay - at this very moment he has wheeled into my office to tell me that it is  five minutes to family game night and to please get off the computer.  Time to go play Sorry Sliders.  Have a great New Year with your families and if you have any tips on how to juggle work and parenthood - please send them  - I would very much appreciate it!