Control Freak? No, not me. O.k., well, maybe. I've been thinking a lot lately about the busy schedules moms have and how to simplify them, or at least get the laundry done and dishes put away while keeping up with it. While going over my own schedule and chores to be done, I have to wonder how much of this I bring on myself? How much more would get done if I would let just a little control go?

Maybe instead of sitting at open tumbling on Saturday for two hours with my 13yo, I could let go a little, and leave her there with her very capable instructor and get a load of laundry done and the floor vacuumed? Does being a good mother mean I have to be there every moment of the day?

Maybe, instead of sitting in the waiting room at karate while my 8yo son practices, I could run to the grocery and pick up those few items I need to finish dinner? If I did, I'm make it home at least a half hour earlier in the evening and have time to unload the dishwasher.

And then there is delegating chores. Does it really matter if the dishwasher isn't loaded perfectly? Why can't I delegate that to my kids? Is it really quicker just to do it myself, or am I cheating myself and the kids here?

And maybe, just maybe, if I'd quit spending time overanalyzing myself and my life and spend more time living, I could really get more done? Hmmmm........maybe.

I've been at home with my kids for almost 8 years now. I've decided it's time to re-enter the workforce. I want to work eight hours a day, and leave work at work. I'm tired of 16 hour days and the non-stop flow of people in and out my door. We have no privacy. We have no life. Our furniture and carpet are in ruins. But, I don't like daycare. Isn't that strange coming from a daycare provider of 8 years? I worry about putting my eight-year-old son in daycare.

I know my house will be cleaner. How could it not? I'll have more time to actually spend with MY children. No one peeing or puking on the floor any more. No kids sneaking into my children's rooms. No kids stealing from us. No more parents who won't pay. No more parents poking their noses in my life. Nothing is private here. Sounds pretty good.

But it will be a major life change. From a work-at-home mom to a working mom. I should learn a lot. I'll share as much as I can.