When Corporate Dad Needs His Mom . . . and other Mentors

Our kids are growing faster than we can keep up with.  Our oldest is learning how to read, our middle is potty training, our youngest is learning to sleep (resisting really).  We are exhausted.  I say "we" because I've always thought it was important to take a very personal interest in my kids.  That may seem strange, but there are dads out there who think these things are "the wife's job."  That may work for them, but I'm just as interested in my son reading, my daughter moving out of diapers, and my other daughter sleeping as my wife is.  I'm not sure I understand how it can be any other way.  But add to that the reality that this clerkship is really another year of education.  My schedule isn't bad, and our finances are relatively simple.  Next year, however, is full of unknowns.  A young associate is not going to get away with only 40 hours, especially if he must bill by 6 min increments.  We are now house hunting and developing a financial plan based on next year's salary.  We also wonder how involved and scheduled we want our kids to be.  Karate, soccer, art, dancing, music, etc.  How much is too much scheduling of a child?  In sum, we feel a lot of physical, mental, and emotional strain.  So, as my poor exhausted wife was taking a well-deserved nap, I decided to call my mom for advice.  She and my dad raised eight kids from very humble circumstances, managing to raise a close family with a strong foundation of faith and a good moral compass.  I knew she could give a young father of three some perspective.  I wasn't disappointed.  What a great confidant and friend!  I can't imagine a time where I'll never need my mom.  (I'd like to insert here my love and appreciation for my dad, knowing as I do from my own kids that dad's sometimes get overlooked because they are not the comforters of the family).  I turned as well to my mission president--I was a missionary for my church for two years.  He lives in the area, and started in humble circumstances as well.  This exercise taught me that as capable as my wife and I are, our vision gets clouded at times.  We cannot see the forest for the trees.  But turning to wiser people whom I know care for me and whom I trust, help to raise our visions again, especially now when we are just starting out.