Audrey Poltor

So, my amazing husband had an idea to resolve to stop helping others before our family. ( you can find his photo next to the definition of Businessman in the dictionary.) Previously, his intentions were great but very taxing on our family and relationship. He is vowing to spend more time with me as well. Since we run our business hand in hand.....we're always together but usually talking about numbers or next month's goals or something related to work.

I think I am going to make my resolution something similar to his. I am vowing to spend real quality time with my daughter and husband. This is one resolution that I must keep. Yes, we need to focus on our livelihood....but my family is my priority.

What are you going to change this year?

Here it is, Christmas Eve and my family and I are not speaking......again. I am the youngest of 4 girls, this has usually been the reason for the drama between all of us. But the events that have happened this Holiday Season are probably the worst yet.

It all started when I told my sister that I wouldn't be making the 12 hour drive back home for Christmas. I have very valid reasons for not wanting to......1) I am in my first Trimester and have had quite a few rough weeks 2) I have a 4 year old daughter who's attention span is less than 3 minutes.....a 12 hr car ride would be torture for her 3) I hate winter weather......which is why I moved to the South 4) Holidays with my family are most often "throw down competitions for who is now NO LONGER the black sheep"

My step-father whines about how he received no gifts when my mother usually spends over $300 on sports memorabilia for him. Then he makes a rude comment, upsets my mom and retreats to the sofa, lying down so that no one else can sit near him. He then turns the TV up so loud as to avert any visitors.

My sister is always mad at something and usually ruins dinner by yelling at her kids constantly for looking at her, swallowing too loudly, anything.

So....this year I chose not to attend the "festivities". My sister then told my mother that I was rude to her and said some things that I never would have said. This morning my mother called me and told me that it's better that I stay here because I am not welcome there. Ho Ho Ho.....tis the season to be jolly....or not.

Now, neither of them are aware of this blog......and I needed to vent some frustration.

Was I wrong for my decision?

I say Bah Humbug to this economy!!!

My husband and I were extremely conservative this Christmas. We didn't purchase gifts for each other or our families. We only got the things that our daughter wanted .....she's only 4, so we spent less than $100. I feel really good about spending so little, but feel so slighted. Christmas is my favorite holiday and I love to give gifts to the people that I care about.

How is everyone else shopping this year? I have heard that most have set tight budgets and are truly sticking to them.

I have considered making my famous homemade cocoa and giving it in tins with mugs.....is that cheap?

Joey, my husband, is starting the process of getting his private pilot's license. Thursday, he flew for the very first time.......the best part was that I got to go too!!! The flight instructor was very impressed with Joey's skills and patience. I honestly couldn't tell the difference between the two of them and their handling of the plane. We saw Charleston from views that we never would have seen before. I highly suggest that everyone try this at least once!! I am so proud of him!

I already have a 4 yr old daughter, and am expecting another in July. Kaiti goes to preK during the day now and will go to kindergarten this fall. I have gotten used to working in solitude and being able to complete all of my work on time. I am concerned about what will happen when the new baby is born. How does someone who runs their own business take a maternity leave? My husband and I are the only responsible parties for our income and he can be very strict sometimes. My question for those of you who are working at home with your little ones is:

How do you do it and how can I get him on board?