I've learned that when friends offer their help, you should say yes. Everyone needs support once in a while.

Eileen is a mom, professor of nursing, runner, butterfly gardener, beginning sewer

Now that Isabel's old enough, I share my interests with her. I can spend time with her while doing what I love, like running, cooking, and gardening.

Medals and ribbons help! I run races that have children's events. All of the kids get a medal, and Isabel hangs hers proudly in the kitchen.

Plant flowers that self-sow. It's a huge time- and money-saver. Black-eyed Susans and zinnias are great for that.

My husband's schedule. As an anesthesia resident, he averages about eighty hours a week.

I've learned to savor the moments we do get to spend together.

When we travel, I use the Universal Packing List Web site (upl.codeq.info). Enter some basic info about your trip, and it'll customize a list for you.

Marigold necklaces. We threaded the flowers onto pipe cleaners. They were so simple, but Isabel was just tickled! (To get Eileen's instructions for making marigold necklaces, click here.)