I just got a promotion

Not really, but I'm thinking about it. I'm in charge at home, right? Well, I'm in charge until Dean and the kids get home.

I'm thinking of giving myself a raise, a corner office and an impressive title.

I have been playing with the idea of making up a job for awhile now. My make-believe job would be the reason I cannot volunteer for the 1,000th time this week because the excuse that I actually want to spend some time with my own kids doesn't seem to work.

And some of the working moms on the baseball teams cannot volunteer for ANYTHING because "I work." So do I, sister.

I have friends who work full time and believe my schedule is the ultimate in flexibility because I stay home (I'm rarely in the home. I have a dirty house to prove it.). My commitments are to my children, their growth and their education.

I want a little respect when I say I am working in my son's classroom and I cannot change it constantly. It is just as important as a meeting with a client. In fact, in my life, it is more important.

This is not to slam those who work full time. I did it for the first 4 years of Jack's life. But I also know you juggle, you adjust and you do your best to help your kids. I volunteered back then too. I have friends who work full time now and still volunteer. It's a matter of priorities. And "I work." is a convenient excuse for some.

I'm going to start saying, "I'm sorry. I can't. I have a meeting." So what if the meeting is with my 5-year-old and his race cars.

I'm the vice president of procurement (grocery shopping and frequent visits to Target required for position).