My three year old son, Oscar, had his annual check up this week. The doctor remarked, "I haven't seen you since your last annual visit!"
Then it struck me. My family has been amazingly healthy all year. I have three kids. Not one of them went to the doctor for ear infections, colds, etc. My husband and I have been healthy, too.
Reflecting on this, I think it has a lot to do with our support system -- namely Tara and Cathy.
PICTURED: Tara, who calms, teaches and nurtures our kids as their nanny.
Tara is a mom of a three year old boy and a certified pre-school teacher who comes to our house with her youngster during the week to nanny our three children. As a result of her care, and the healthy environment the kids are in, they're eating well, sleeping well, getting their homework done on time and receive an extra dose of attention and love. Her little one, Zayven, is the same age as Oscar. When the girls are at school, the boys are in "Tara's School;" they call each other "brothers."
PICTURED: Cathy, who helps us keep our heads slightly above the water line on the home "to do" list.
Cathy is a mom of three kids. She helps us keep up with life's stuff like keeping the house and laundry in order. She remarked that when she started working with us, we were a heck of a lot more sick than we are today. Tara's little boy and my kids cheer when they see her minivan drive up the street. She -- a certified teacher as well -- surrounds them with love. When we're tossed a curve ball, we can count on Cathy to fill in.
I'm blessed to have found such wonderful people to help keep our family whole and healthy. There were a lot of years where we felt we were being more cost-conscious doing everything ourselves. In those years, I can tell you there were more illnesses, more snapping at each other, and fewer obvious signs of full-out love -- beyond what Kurt and I provide as parents -- enveloping our kids.
My frugal mom once told me that investing in this type of support system is well-spent money. After witnessing this year of health, I can agree even more.
The economy is beyond tough. Decisions to have an A-team helping families will become more difficult. For me, I was just reminded that wellness and love might somehow be needed to be added to the equation when factoring cost and value.
PICTURED: My family: Oscar, Kurt, Sophie and Margo. A few years ago, when we were doing everything ourselves, Kurt had some pretty serious health challenges. I realize while writing this, he hasn't had an unscheduled visit to a hospital in a couple of years.
----------------- Talk Back -------------------
How do you keep your head above water with family and work? How's your system working?
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