Wednesdays with Mike

Inspired by the family here, my husband is going to be contributing to this blog on most Wednesdays. Some weeks it will be based on a walk in the woods, other times about what it is like being a work at home dad and other times about homesteading and simple living from a dad's point of view.

Here is his post today~

The snow is lightly falling outside. I am in my favorite chair next to the woodstove sipping my coffee, ready to start a new day.

I have had to learn to think differently about my day in the life of running our business. I had always had a job outside the house, reliant upon other people for our income. I now have control over the decision I make throughout the day and my success is partly based on the effort that Tonya and I put in.

The biggest hurdle (please don't take that word wrong, we are truly blessed) is our family size and that Dad is present physically most of the day. Dad can't play all the time and sometimes the children might not understand that, especially the younger ones. On the other hand, there are many times where I am able to let them get involved and help. I am also learning that it is ok to mix in some fun at times. Recently, I was sanding some products and our son, Isaac, wanted to play cribbage. My first instinct was to say, "No, I am working," but instead, I agreed and sanded in between hands.

I had a revelation as I sat playing a game and working at the same time with our son at home in the middle of the day. This is pretty cool. I am in control of how I spend my minutes. I am with my family and I am having fun. They are learning it cannot be fun all of the time, but I am working on fitting some fun in when I can.

Best wishes, Mike