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I have a neighbor wife/mother who is really a sweet Southern girl but who has her one 2 year old demure little girl at mother's day out 2 days a week, with either in-laws or her parents for 2 more days each week. That only leaves her with the child for 3 non-working days per week. Yes I know quite well...toddlers are indeed work...big work. Anyhow on those 3 days she's usually at the Y with the girl in the nursery while she plays tennis. On Sunday, her husband does most of the "mommy work".....and yet just the other night at dinner she complained about needing to do something more "meaningful" with her life. I about barfed. My wife pinched me and gave me those "warning eyes" to not say anything controversial. I simply do not understand why so many young women (she's 35) who really have it "all" have to complain because they're not the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or curing cancer. It's self absorption beyond a level we're accustomed to. Many single or abandoned women have to go it all alone and struggle and I think they whine less.

Many single or abandoned women have to go it all alone and struggle and I think they whine less.

Been there, done that. It's horrendously difficult, didn't have time to whine much.

My husband and I married early (we eloped instead of attending our college graduation) and we were on the family track two years later. Now in our late 30s we have children from toddler to teenager.

I can honestly say that staying at home and caring for my children and now, educating them myself has been singularly the most rewarding experience of my life. There is no material possession or peer accolade that I would trade for the privilege of having my children.

Every Sunday at church, when people comment on my children's exemplar behavior, I am reminded of the priceless treasure that my husband and I have.

It's not always easy when children's needs take precedence over my wants and desires. The biggest surprise has been how my children have helped me become a better human being.