My boys are 15 now… yes we are on the homeward straight to freedom and an easy life… or are we?? Life is certainly easier than it used to be. I like to say that we are ‘getting some return on our investment’. My boys can mow the lawns now, wash the car, help with the washing and even, on occasion, cook dinner. Best of all, they even help out in my business… for money of course

For those that know me, you will know that my number one priority is my family. It always has been. For most of the last 15 years my family has come first. Before friends, before my business and often before myself.

Having kids was always just a given and we couldn’t have been happier when we found out we were having twins! For my husband Richard and I, we wanted to be there for them and have been lucky enough to be able to spend as much time with them as we can. I didn’t want to go back to work when I had the kids and we knew this before they were even conceived… years before. In fact, when we bought our first and second house (one in the UK and one here in Aus) we went small. We made sure that the mortgage and all living expenses could be covered by Richard’s wage so that I didn’t have to make the choice about returning to work. I would begin work when I wanted to. I know that not everyone has this luxury or even wants this as an option. I have plenty of career-driven friends who have kids and always planned to return to work. The best part about your life is choosing what you want to do! I commend them although I don’t know how they do it! Working and looking after little ones is hard graft.

I was never a great house wife… my husband knows this… he is tidier. I spent the early years of our boys lives playing cars, painting, building lego… the washing and cleaning was often at the bottom of my list… I prioritized playing with the kids… and still do! These days hanging out with two teenage boys involves a lot of physical activity!!! Aqua splash, trampoline, swimming, running, music, you name it we do it together… and better than that, they want me (and Richard) to be part of it with them. Things may change in the next few years as they grow and form lifelong friendships, learn to drive and potentially fly the nest… or maybe I’ll have those kids who are still at home at 30, happy to hang out with Mum and Dad on a Saturday night watching a movie or playing a boardgame.

All I know is that I will savior every minute that I spend with them. You never know what life is going to bring. My own Mum passed away when I was just 6. It is really important to be present when you’re with them… and yes, do things that they love to do… just like those Dad’s that have pamper sessions with their young daughters, I will run around a gel blasting field shooting people, just so I can spend time with my family. Remember that they are only young once and grow so quick. Hug them everyday and tell them that you love them and make spending just a little bit of time with them your priority.

The most important thing to remember is that above all, you are doing a great job and have the best job in the world!

Go Mum Go We’re proud of you!