Julie Stauffer

<<But sometimes you really do have to put on your shoes and get in the car
and schlep around with Mom.>>

Of course you do. But those instances are less often than we tend to think.
I have 5 kids (3 too little to be left alone at all) and a husband who
travels quite a bit. Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet. When that
happens I try to make it as easy on the kids as possible. Bring whatever
they are playing with along for the ride. Stop by the library on the way
back. Turn the radio way up and roll the windows down. Make sure we go on
the really hilly road with all the curves. Whatever.

But mainly, I try to point out that I know the kids are inconvenienced, I
know it it a pain for them and I appreciate their sacrifice. I also try to
make sure that when I suddenly have to schlep around with one of them (coach
didn't say what color baseball pants were needed until day before the 1st
game) I am not a crab about it.

Julie