So...just how do we do it?!

This is a common question that everyone seems to need an answer to...how do we manage everything? Some days, I ask myself this exact question - it can sometimes seem like a mystery. Let's break it down, shall we?

In addition to being a stay-at-home mommy, I am a part-time college student pursuing a second degree in Journalism and Digital Media and a Freelance Journalist for NPR/WFAE and SOCIETY Charlotte Magazine. That sounds crazy, right?! It is.

I am committed to my children and I love them more than life but I am also committed to advancing my career. Apparently, I am striving for "super-mom" status - you know, finding that balance between kids and career that everyone swears doesn't really exist. What can I say, I'm hoping for the best.

My situation is unique because of the role my husband plays. When we were dating and living in an apartment together in Wilmington, he had been laid off from his full-time job and was working several part-time jobs to make ends meet. Finally, a local job fair offered a promising opportunity to work for a large cell phone company that was opening a call center in the area. Verizon Wireless hired Bryan as a full-time Customer Service Rep in 2003.

Fast-forward ten years and here we are; we now live in Charlotte and he is still working for Verizon but now he is a Major Account Rep in their sales channel.

His current position allows him a great deal of flexibility - his ability to be with our children when I am at school or working is the single most important ingredient in our recipe. Sprinkle in some benefits from Verizon and a decent salary and you have a full pie. An extra income would obviously make life a bit easier but since he worked his way up in the company and makes enough to support our family financially, I am able to go to school and work as a freelancer - building my career one published piece at a time.

It's not all rainbows and butterflies though - even with Bryan's salary and what little I bring in on the side, we can't afford professional childcare. I'm not even kidding. I don't know how people do it.

At one point, I actually considered going back to work full-time when money was tight, only to realize that almost my entire salary would pay for childcare only. Since I feel that I am the best caregiver for my children and my returning to the work force would not really contribute to our financial situation after paying for outside childcare, this was not a sensible solution.

So, for now, it is a juggling act between Bryan and I. It is great for Anniston and Brayden because they have ample time with both of us...not so great for my husband and I because it seems we are never together at the same time. When he is with them, I am at work or school and when I am with them, he is at work or running errands.

Regardless, we realize that this time in our lives is precious and we cherish each moment we are able to spend with them. I have a feeling, our time together will come when the babes are otherwise preoccupied with friends, school, extracurricular activities, dating, parties, college, etc. We will be begging for them to spend time with us, I'm sure!

It also needs to be stated that Bryan and I have a solid foundation built on strength and trust. We've been through more than the average couple; so, we know how to work as a team and make things happen. Even when it seems as though we can't possibly take anymore, we find a way to persevere - even in the most trying of circumstances: the babies are melting down, the dogs need to be fed, the bills need to be paid, we need groceries, the house needs to be cleaned, the car needs an oil change and deadlines are looming...

As our life evolves, we will have to adjust accordingly and like always, we will do what we have to. That's the thing about us - we are quite resilient.