Denver

We are busy busy around here!  I just got back on Friday to a work related trip to Denver for 4 days!  This is a HUGE deal as I have not ever been away from Amelia or Gemma overnight.  being that Amelia is now 6, this was a pretty big event! 

I left Tuesday morning and came home Friday afternoon.

In November, at a staff meeting, the director of our program asked who would be interested in going to a conference in Denver, Colorado.  All the names of people willing to go were thrown into a bucket.  It didn't even really occur to me that I might be selected to go out of all the people in our program. 

I was very surprised to find out in February that I was selected to go - I was then scrambling away to see if I really COULD make it happen.  There were a lot of details to iron out in order to make it happen.  I had a lot of help - I have to first say a huge, huge thank you to my husband for being so supportive.  He works full time and works very hard to provide for our family.  On the other hand, I get paid 8 hours a week to work at a job.  I care very deeply about my job and I think the work I am doing is absolutely critical.  However, while I am passionate about my job, I can also see that my job is not what is keeping the roof over our family's heads. 

When John heard that I was selected to go to this conference and I wanted to attend, John didn't need to be convinced.  There wasn't any real discussion.  He told me we would figure it out and make it work so I could go.  He is 100% supportive of my job and work.  It feels so great to know that while I am not bringing home a lot of money, my husband respects the work I do and how important it is to me.  He was willing to take 4 vacation days so I could attend a work conference - even if I didn't get paid anything to go.

That brings me to a second round of thank yous.  When we found out I was picked to travel and John was going to miss work, I talked it over with my parents.  They were able to juggle their many responsibilities around and come to help for a few days. They have a lot going on with work and a move on the horizon.  However, when they heard about this opportunity, they rearranged things so John wouldn't miss as many days of work.  (It does work out for them as now we will have vacation days to come and visit them this summer).

They made sure the kids got where they were supposed to be, put kids on the bus and followed an incredibly detailed schedule I left for them.  Knowing the kids were in such good hands with my parents and their dad let me really relax and enjoy myself at this conference.  I did miss the kids, but I wasn't worried about them. I knew they were being cared for and that was a very good feeling!

We also had our childcare provider help a little extra as well.  When she heard about this opportunity, she said she could watch Gemma all of the days I would be gone.  She didn't want me to miss out either!  We didn't end up needing as much help, but it is good to know it is there.

I am so fortunate to have such a supportive "team" on my side!  Thanks to everyone who helped make this trip happen!