It’s true I managed a team of about 25 people in Shanghai. However, I never felt like I was making a difference, that I was using any of my ‘management skills’ to better the company. I didn’t have control over most of who was hired, that was left to the Chinese manager under me. I also didn’t control when wine shipments arrived or how much we ordered. My idea to come up with an ordering system based on past numbers plus new business was shot down. I’ve realized now that I was essentially a figure head for both staff and customers to complain to.

But since we’ve had four kids I’ve actually been had a chance an management again. Not just the daily running of things, but also on someone to help me. A staff member, if you must.

I don’t think I’ve completely figured out what good management is as far as keeping my kids in line. I know I could do a much better job of keeping the fridge inventory up. But I think I realized something about staff members. It’s about hiring good people. If you do that, you barely have to manage at all.

Yesterday after the twin’s 9 month check up I rushed down the stairs to find this…

Angelica getting wrestled by Jack and Ben

I left Angelica with the older boys so Adam and I could take the twins to the appointment. I felt rushed on the way home. Sam cried the entire time and by the time we slugged our way through the slushy mess of snow/rain/traffic both twins had fallen asleep. We were late to serve the older boys dinner.

Every night Angelica feeds the babies so I can sit and have dinner with the others.

Hearing them in a fit of giggles downstairs put me at ease. Angelica didn’t just sit them in front of the TV. She engaged them. She did Jack’s homework. She put dinner in the oven. She cleaned up the basement toys. Later I found out that she did the laundry and dishes too! How did she do it all? Maybe I should be taking lessons from her?

After Adam put the older boys to bed he came downstairs and sat next to me on the couch. I told him of all the wonderful things I came back home to.

He replied, “Gee, what are you going to do without her?”

I hope we don’t have to find out for a long time.