Our family: John (digital communications manager at Youth Villages), Marci (self-employed portrait photographer), Margret (11), Audrey (9), and dog Lexi.
When school is in session we have a pretty firm schedule, but during the summer we relax. It's one perk of having a home business. Here's a typical summer day:
7:00 a.m. – I’m up and out the door with our dog, Lexi. It’s the happiest part of her day.
7:33 a.m. – Wake up John, feed dog, empty dishwasher, sort laundry, make bed. Whew! I like love getting stuff off my to-do list early.
8:07 a.m. – Make breakfast for John and myself, exchange witty banter. Crack open my sole source of caffeine: Diet Coke.
8:35 a.m. – John’s off to work while I go to my home studio, check my schedule, and answer emails. I also connect with friends online. Though scattered across the U.S., Canada, and France, we “speak” every day. Isn’t technology the best?
10:07 a.m. – The girls are up and fixing breakfast while I shower and go back to office.
12:15 p.m. – A fight erupts. I tell the girls to dress and tidy up their rooms. I feel very lucky they get along so well (most of the time). It’s important to me to nurture a strong bond between them.
1-2 p.m. – We run errands. When hunger pangs erupt, I cave to their pleas for McDonald’s, a once-a-week summer treat. I order salad. It’s possible I steal a fry or two.
2:30 p.m. – Quiet Time: one hour of reading, drawing, or playing alone. No screens allowed! I don’t have portrait sessions today, but when I do, the girls frequently help.
4:30 p.m. – Quiet Time lifted. I edit a session and contact clients, then suddenly remember I still have laundry in the washer.
5:15 p.m. – The TV goes on for the first time today and girls watch for 30 minutes.
5:27 p.m. – John gets home and we share. I tell the girls to make sure they pick a husband who can make them laugh.
6:02 p.m. – We run out to Shelby Farms to see Venus transverse the sun through telescopes, a once-in-a-lifetime event. Very cool.
6:30pm – Veggie tacos for dinner! John is our family chef; I make sides while the girls set the table. Mealtime gets pretty interesting here. We discuss mythology, movies, historical events, childhood stories, and word meanings — all over one meal.
7:30 p.m. – Back to the studio for me while the girls play. It’s now that I feel the constant struggle between balancing family and my business.
8:24 p.m. – The girls get ready for bed while I fold clothes.
9:03 p.m. – They call a sleepover in Audrey’s room. I’ll agree to anything that involves some quiet. We kiss our sweet girls goodnight.
9:22pm – John and I watch TV. We’re enjoying the first two seasons of Modern Family on DVD and love laughing our heads off.
10:30pm – To bed! I rev up in the morning; John is great at winding things down in the evenings. So by the time he’s crated the dog, started the dishwasher, and locked up, I’m fast asleep. Gotta be ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
What I'm reading now: More like what I'm not reading! But on my list is Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.
My favorite treat is: Diet Coke and mmm, chocolate.
I love to browse: Target
Our favorite family outing: Eating out on Saturday nights. We usually end up at Huey's, Swanky's, or Garibaldi's, and often invite friends along.
I most cherish: Watching my girls turn into the people they are meant to be. I know I'm making all sorts of mistakes but I hope the huge amount of love I have for them will make up for that. I'm excited about what their future holds.