Tracy, I'm so glad that you are finally starting to allow people to see 'the real you', it's such a huge breakthrough to be able to do that, but one that pays real dividends. Kym..I just though "wow" when I read about your family soltistic dinner - it is as much as gift from you to them, that you want to share this part of your life with them and involve them, as their presence at the meal was a gift to you (if that makes sense?) I'm so pleased and proud that you are able to give more of yourself to others, and that it is being well-received - it's really heart-warming to read. When I read this article, I found it re-affirming of my decision not to return to work until my children are both at school. It was a decision made because I valued being there for them, I didn't want them in day care - I wanted to give them my time, my caring, my love - I want them to never have a doubt in their minds how much they are loved, and to look back as they get older and know how much I loved being there for them. It's a decision that I always felt was right, but one that my ED let me feel ashamed of, I always felt that people judged me and that I was inadequate because I wasn't juggling a career alongside my children, I used to be ashamed to admit to people that I was a stay at home mum, that it was my choice, and that it was what I wanted to do until my youngest turns 5 ....I thought people thought I was either lazy, not v intelligent, or both! Thesedays I don't care - often people still assume that I must work until I tell the otherwise, but I just feel fortunate now, that we can afford to scrape by financially whilst I enjoy raising my children, and that I have the most wonderful children to share this time with!