I have had some really sweet emails (And comments!) from people who ask me how I seem to get it all done. There is mention of the blogging (Like, um, HERE), the photography (here, and there), cooking (Here…some of it), and you know…the family, work, etcetera.
How do I get it all done?
That is the burning question on these people’s minds.
Most emails are of the encouraging nature. The peeps? They think I am Superwoman. Let me assure you that I AM NOT. I am, however, married to Superman.
I have also had a few emails from trolls angry people jerks other people who have accused me of spending time here at the expense of my family.
I think it is time to set the record straight.
Honey and I work as a team. He and I both work from home, so this does wonders for work/life flexibility for us. I won’t bore you with the mundane details of our daily life, but we are both here all day long. This means that we are both available to parent our kids…and to get breaks from those lovely monkeys.
One example of this is meals/cooking/baking. I like to cook and bake, and he likes to eat what I create. He leaves the office (downstairs) around 4 every afternoon and takes over Parental duty. I cook, he plays. He gets to connect with his Inner Child, the kids get Daddy Time, and I get to be creative in the kitchen. Everybody is happy.
As for the creative side that I express here, the bulk of what I do is done in the evenings. Well, the actual photos are taken during the day (mostly), but the editing and writing are generally done after the kids are in bed. Sometimes I don’t publish posts until the next day because I want to proofread it with fresh eyes, or because I cannot think of an ending that is not lame. I fail miserably most days, but I am trying.
I must confess something right here. Occasionally I (Gasp!) sneak on here while Honey does bath time. Most days he also gives me a break at lunch time, which I (Gasp!) often use to check email…and possibly a few blogs. Bad Mommy.
Apart from that, everything is done after the kids go to bed (8PM at the LATEST). Honey either goes into the office or into his shop. When he goes outside, I sit down the laptop. I get a couple of hours to myself because…
I watch about two to three hours of television. Per week. Those hours are often on the weekend. We have a PVR, and record LOST, The Office, and (sometimes) House. We usually watch them on the weekend, in lieu of renting movies. On the movie note, we rent/watch a movie about every three months or so. If that.
It is not that I do not like TV or movies (Though there is a lot of crap out there), or that I think it is bad or judge others for liking it. I just have limited time where I do not have to be Mommy and want to use that time to its full advantage.
I love to take photos, and then edit those photos to evoke the emotion that I felt when I took them.
***
I also like to write (Obviously). Therefore, I choose to use my “free time” in the evenings to do what I love.
Not only do I get to dabble with my creative side and feel refreshed and recharged, I have also made some great connections with wonderful people (YOU) and amazing communities.
Like Shutter Sisters. Thursdays are Love Day over there, which fits in nicely with this post about doing what I love.
What do you love to do?
Don’t you dare let anyone make you feel bad about how you parent. What you do needs no defense because it works for your family and your kids are happy and taken care of. Boo to the trolls.
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I’ve seen it in action, people!
You’ve got a set up most people should be jealous for. You guys are insanely lucky to both work at home…you know it, I know it…let the trolls say what they want
songsinblue’s last blog post..You Know You?re Canadian When?
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1. Trolls SUCK. (I haven’t dealt with them on my blog yet, but I have in a pregnancy message board)
2. Your daughter is BEAUTIFUL.
3. I don’t watch TV either. Well, okay, 2 hours per week. One Tree Hill and Survivor. Yes I’m a nerd. I also watch DVD TV series when I fold laundry. I need to get some enjoyment out of it! But I’m with ya, TV takes up too much time that could be spent writing/reading blogs!
4. That is SO cool that you both work from home! I’d love that. One day I hope it will be so. I will be doing something and Noah will be a brilliant sports writer in high demand (his dream).
5. Have a wonderful day!
Jen’s last blog post..Because I’m a nerd
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You shouldn’t have to ever justify your means of time to others…you are an amazing mommy who shows greatly your love for life to them and your hubby. People who take their time to put you down for ‘having Angella time’ should be ashamed. : )
You are truely a gift to many with your encouraging photos of your cute kids and zeal for life.
My hubby is home a lot too and I’m telling you, I feel so blessed to have a great partner in this life to share daily joys and sorrows with. You seem equally happy!
Thanks for sharing your heart with us!
amy~
Amy’s last blog post..My hubby was right~
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I find it strange that anyone would have the nerve to question your parenting skills/time management. As if it is anyone’s business? Why do people feel like they have the right? Or, more so, that they are even privy to the entire picture when this is just a blog- a slice of our lives. Right?
I don’t think you should have to justify a single thing.
sizzle’s last blog post..This & That
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I love to read your blog! I think you guys are amazing parents to amazing kids – you’ve done well!!! I love the buttercup picture and the one of sweet Miss E.
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It amazes me that there are “trolls” out there who spend time accusing people of neglecting their family responsibilities. Do they have families? Are they neglecting their families by forcing their negativity on innocent people who are making the internet and brighter and happier place (like you are doing)?
BTW – I do think you are superwoman.
Jill – GlossyVeneer’s last blog post..Daytrippin’
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Why don’t I ever get hate mail!? I feel so unpopular;) Blah..
Is it OK if I still think you are Superwoman?
I think you handle it all very well, and Praise God for good husbands who can help handle it with us!!
Doing what we love makes us better mommies. Keep it all up.
Randi’s last blog post..An Ode To My Not So Little Brother?.
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I love the irony. You’re supposedly taking time away from your family with your blog…but what are the trolls taking time away from? It’s not like they’re devoting 100% of their time to changing the planet if they’re taking time out to be crappy to you.
So. In sum…suck it, trolls.
(also, I got your email and I WILL write back!)
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I have a strict policy of not feeding the trolls, no matter what scathing or brilliant comebacks I have for them. I just do not want to give them the exposure. Let them get it on their own site. I want my blog to be a safe place for commenters to express themselves. I love the dialogue. Trolls just want to suck attention.
witchypoo’s last blog post..The Drive to Crazy? Not a Long One
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Sounds like the perfect set up to me.
As usual love the pictures.
Kristin’s last blog post..Pictures!
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everyone does what works for them. if someone feels the urge to spread negativity based on what they THINK happens in someone else’s life, then I choose to believe that they are the ones missing out on something… wouldn’t you agree?
my kids will know more about their mom because of my blog – my online diary, my expression of life….
Holly’s last blog post..Idol Recap: Oh Baby, Sing David Sing! (Cook, not Archuleta)
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Good grief!!!! What is it lately with people needing to be mean???
Several blogs I love have been inundated with “hate mail” – I just don’t get it. I especially liked Holly’s comment about her kids knowing more about their mom from her blog….yours also.
Additionally, it is good for all of us to share family experiences – family and committment is so tough – I have failed in this…and I so appreciate reading and sharing in the lives of those who are achieving it.
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I have one word for the trolls… jealous?
You are an amazing mother and I don’t know how you do it. I am on here far too much and should take a lesson from you!
Love and hugs!
Kami’s last blog post..Exhausted and Relieved
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I love heading to the park with the fam and enjoying what little sunshine we get here. I don’t think there is anything wrong with your time management skills and for that matter I don’t think it’s anybody elses business.
I’m pretty sure they don’t have someone following them around timing how long they take to go pee to make sure they aren’t wasting valuable family time. Your family is happy, you are happy so what else matters? (Oh, and us addicts of yours…we’re happy too – woot! Bonus.)
Ashley’s last blog post..The Barfing errr, I mean Blushing Bride
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Trolls really need to get a life. Sounds as if they would like yours.
I love the fact that you and hubby are both there and able to juggle things in such a way that everyone is happy. Kuddos to you and thanks for sharing your gorgeous family, photos, and writing ability.
TheAngelForever’s last blog post..Fevers, coughs, nebulizers and the flu – oh my!
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Some people honestly just need to think before they speak.
If you make money from your hobbies, are they still hobbies or a fantastic job that makes your heart sing?
Many moms have to work away from home, taking time away from our family.
Everyone should devote sometime to ourselves…shouldn’t we?
GEEERRRRR !!!!
People make me so mad sometimes.
You are a fantastic mom, @#$%^%$ to those that think otherwise.
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I don’t see WHY you have to explain yourself on here! Man! What is wrong with all those trolls/angry people/jerks who even feel they have the right to say that stuff? Far out!
As another busy working/blogging mum, I completely understand how you find time. You are organised. Like me. And you have an awesome hubby who actually, oh, DOES SOMETHING AROUND THE HOUSE. Like mine. I guess some people aren’t so lucky, huh?
Hannah’s last blog post..Yo, word up!
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I’m so envious of the time that you and hubby get to spend together. When I was off on maternity leave it was like heaven…and we got so much more done, in the same amount of time during the day because like you, we worked together, and had some free time after the kids went to bed.
Now, we are single parents all the time.
I’m sorry that people think you aren’t parenting. That’s just insanely ridiculous. Wow. You can see the love and interest in your children in nearly EVERY post.
Lisa’s last blog post..Mom, DON’T read this!
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I love the feeling of getting into a freshly made bed after a good long day. Although, that’s not really a “doing” thing is it? I, too, like to write and take pictures and books… man I love me some reading. And watching tv shows on DVD, no commercials, yay!
Victoria’s last blog post..Wha?
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Trolls suck.
I love that first picture. It totally instills a peace…
Elizabeth’s last blog post..Walls are high? the walls are strong
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Lately I feel that I have lost the balance. I don’t quite get anything done well, on time or completely.
I find myself racing against the clock.
Sigh … time to make some changes.
Love the picture of Emily … soooo sweet.
MK xo
mommyknows’s last blog post..Haiku (Refresh My Memory).
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That first picture is fantastic!
I love photography, and am trying to experiment more with that. I love to run, read, and listen to music, which I do every day.
Thanks for sharing a little slice of your life with us. I agree with everyone who’s already commented on this.
Sharon’s last blog post..I’ve got nothing
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Hello. I just popped over here from Shutter Sisters. I am at my job (which is currently deader than a doornail hence the web surfing); this place takes me from my children for 15 hours at a time. How lucky are you to work from home and it sounds like you have a fantastic hubby.
I also needed to say that your photos are gorgeous. Kudos to you for blogging, photographing and being an awesome parent.
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Everyone else has already expressed what I am thinking about trolls and having to explain yourself, so I will just say that I think you are fab and that you probably spend more time with your kids than most people on the earth.
(And come on, it isn’t like the TROLL isn’t on the internet reading you, right! So they are a wee bit of a hypocrite, right?)
Loralee’s last blog post..Sideblog: Have you ever ?Tagged? me on your blog?
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In all the time that I’ve known you (how long as it been? Decades now, you say?) I have never once remotely thought of how/when you do all that you do. Because it is none of my business. Shocking but true. So eff ‘em. The end.
Heather B.’s last blog post..Anger management
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I love how people seem to rant about parents having any kind of outside personal interests. Parents are people too, ya know?
slynnro’s last blog post..Mo’ Money, Mo’ (Admittedly, more easily managed) Problems.
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I COMPLETELY agree with Slynnro, parents are people, too.
For me, and I am ONLY speaking for me, the minute I loose who I am as a person, is the minute I fail as a mother.
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i love to read your posts.
(haha. look at me. bringing the cheese)
ali’s last blog post..the big sleep
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Ignore the trolls; you (and the rest of us) know that you’re a kickass mom, wife, photographer, writer…I COULD GO ON AND ON. Have a great weekend, pretty lady.
metalia’s last blog post..Dear Internet: Help!
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Do people actually tell you spend too much time on the net and neglect your family? I would think that they are wasting their time sending negative comments to people instead of just not visiting your site if it bothers them so much. People are weird.
I actually think quite the opposite of you, I think your site illustrates just how much you love spending time with your family.
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I love to kick people who say you are on here at the expense of your family. Give me names and I’ll do just that. You are one of the best mothers I know (and I MEAN that). You, SINGLE HANDEDLY, make me think I want three kids.
I also love afternoon naps, uncorking champagne and chips and salsa.
She Likes Purple’s last blog post..I’m Somewhere Else Entirely
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I loved this post and I wanted to say something insightful or witty in support of you, but everyone has already said it before me. I guess that’s what happens when you come late to the party…
Thanks for sharing.
Carolyn’s last blog post..phew! that was tough.
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I am totally surprised you get troll mail! I think you’ve got a really great sense of what works for you and yours and it would be easy to get jealous of it, except you totally realize how blessed you are by it! I can’t wait for some summer Summerland pictures! This city girls loves living vicariously through the BC you capture!
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Anyone who criticizes you for taking time ‘away’ from your family to blog are really just criticizing themselves. They probably feel guilty about all the time they surf the net / watch t.v. and feel better about themselves by finding anything at all to criticize in others, even if there is nothing to criticize.
I LOVE going to school. And, in retrospect, I really do believe that going back has done so much good for my family, for my daughters.
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