My day started bright and early at about 5:30 a.m. I got a jump-start on house cleaning and also took a shower before my husband and children woke up. I saw my husband off to work and just as he was leaving I heard the baby wake. I calmed my little one, fed him some breakfast and then gave the messy little guy a bath. Next, I heard my three year old in a whiney voice ask for a cup of juice. I brought her some juice; my son and I sat with her as she woke up. Then she had breakfast and a bath.

Just after 8:30 a.m. my father (and business partner) arrived to our house. 5 or 6 days a week my father and I run a dog grooming business out of my home. My father and I take turns grooming and watching my children. Our first dog to groom arrived just before 9 a.m. We had 3 more dogs to follow and we stayed busy grooming until about 3 p.m.

When my father and I were done working on dogs I took some special time to play with the kids. Later this afternoon I cleaned more of the house and made some important phone calls. Before I knew it I had to stop what I was doing and start preparing supper. I made a pretty nice meal this evening, lo mien noodles with veggies, as well as baked pork chops. When supper was ready the kids and I started to eat, my husband was not yet home but we expected him shortly.

I understand that my husband does not get off of work at exactly the same time everyday, however, I do expect a phone call if he is going to be more than 1 hour late. This evening he was home 2 1/2 hours late, and no phone call. Needless to say I am irritated that he did not call and let me know what was going on. I look forward to his arrival home from work each day. We miss him when he is gone, and yes, I have to admit, I enjoy the help I get with our children when he gets home.

Knowing where my husband is is an expectation of mine. As a married couple I believe we are a team, each player of the team should know what to expect from the other player. As a team member I get really bummed out and stressed when I do not know what my husband is doing, or where he is.

A word of advice to all husbands; never leave your team member hanging, chances are the other team member needs you, and may need a break as well.