As I was dipping pretzel rods into melted white chocolate a few moments ago, I recalled a conversation with my husband's Grandmother a few years back.  I had just had MJ, and Nina was 3 and hubbie was managing our business non-stop to support us all.  At the time, MJ was coming to work with me so I could nurse him in between doing payables and payroll,  and Nina was at the sitters.  I was a 40-year old Mom coming to grips with the concept of 'balancing' work, kids and domestic duties.

Now Charlotte, 88 at the time, is a class act.  Having raised 6 kids, one who is handicapped, and helping run their farm for many years, lets just say I respect her opinion.  Which is probably what I was fishing for.  But, like I said, she is a class act.  So she politely nodded and smiled and listened to my drama until I finally came to.

"I am so sorry, Charlotte, listening to me, having only two children, and you having raised six.  You must think I am a sissy".  And without a beat she answered, "No, honey, just sensible".

Well, I dont' know about sensible, but her comment penetrated my memory.  I think she identified that every one's struggle is suited to the times.  That child-rearing in her generation was physically and financially difficult, in a predominately man's world.

And while my generation has made great strides in technology, economy and the whole women's movement, raising kids, 2 or 6 or 1 is still work.

Her statement was likely nothing deeper than an acknowledgement that having 2 is smarter than 6, but to me, the wisdom in her simple statement was much more.

Being a mother is work, yet work, if you love it, is thrilling.  And hence the philosophy behind the Title of my blog.  To me, being a mother and running a household in this modern age is no dissimilar that pursuing a liberating career.  And there is so much to draw from the wisdom of women who were in our shoes years ahead of us. 

So the fact that I am "only making snacks" for a Christmas party for Nina, when I could still be at the office is moot.  I will make them with pride and love and enjoy every little sprinkle-covered smile that enjoys them!