I’m sure there is a way to put the photo on the website.  I’m sure I don’t know how to do it.  I have tried and tried to no avail.  All I get is a little box with a X in it and the photo does not show.  So YOU’LL just have to do a little work here.  Just click on this link here…  http://www.learningresources.co.uk/Index.pasp for a little look at Ross - his U.K. debut!

I went online to Learning Resources to try to order the UK version of their November catelog, which Ross is supposed to be in.  I was unable to order it - the website kept telling me I needed to order the US version of the catelog.  I emailed customer service and explained that I needed it for a keepsake and as an addition to his portfolio, I am hoping they will send it.  And then, lo and behold, when I looked at the home page  - there he was- front and center (ok, front and right- he’s on the right side captioned “Teacher”) on the website.  I know that I should be a little more used to seeing him on things like this, but I still get really excited.

I keep looking at Toys R Us for the V-Tech video, he is in the Disney Create a Story part, (just don’t blink!) and the Toys R Us locations by us don’t have the video up.  I showed Ross the photo on the website and it’s so funny - it doesn’t phase him.  We have seen his “mom” and “sister” from the V-Tech video on separate TV commercials and he always says - “look- there’s Savannah” or “there’s Kim”, so very natural and normal to see friends on tv.   

For him, it’s a chance to “play” even though it’s work - he loves it, and what fun for me to see his photo in a catelog or on a website.   It will be cute for him to look back on this when he’s older.  And it doesn’t hurt to add to the old the college fund either.

When I worked outside my home I envied the friends who were able to work from home, or even better - stay at home and have their children with them.  A good friend of mine, ironically enough, envied me it turns out.  She envied me being out and about in the corporate environment, working and having adult conversations with adult colleagues, lunches with business associates, creative brainstorming sessions and enjoying the perks sponsorhsip brings.  Funny that.

And now, by a turn of events uncontolled by me, I am home with my children.  It has been wonderful, we miss the second income for sure and it has not been easy, but none the less it has been wonderful.  And I have taken on projects.  I am good with projects - I like to be busy.

It is not easy working on projects when you have little children.  Oh it’s easy enough to place phone calls when they are occupied, or napping.  Most of the time though you get voicemail and have to leave a message.  No big deal right?  Oh but wait.  It is Murphy’s law that when the return call comes in and you are trying to be your most professional self, one or two of your children will be wrapped around your leg, screaming and yelling and otherwise trying to gain attention.  It works.

It makes me just a little overwhelmed.  My current project will be over in less than two weeks and things will get back to normal - or at least for what passes for normal in our house.  I’ve enjoyed the adult conversations, lunches and collaberations.  I’ve been stimulated and able to enjoy the work that I love.

I hope to remember though, that when I am feeling a little envious over something, that the grass just seems greener on the other side.  Our grass, weeds and all, is  indeed green enough and just fine with me.