I did a little research about the going rate for the services I provide for a family our size in the area I live in and I also looked at Denver Concierge’s affordable maid service to have a comparison. So, here’s my version of one of those “how much does it cost to replace a stay-at-home-mom?” lists that comes out every year around Mother’s Day:
Full time, live in nanny: $600/week for up to 50 hours. $18/hr for additional hours or weekends
Personal cook: $250/week
Housekeeping – 18 hours/week: $300/week
Laundry service – 25 loads/week: $100/week
Lifecoach/therapist services for children – approx 5 hrs/week: $350/week
Personal Assistant approx 8 hours/week: $100/week
Tutoring – approx 4 hours/week: $100/week
Cost to hire people to replace mom: $1800/week or $243,600/year. Of course, if I were making almost $250K a year, I might feel obliged to cut back on the time I spend on the internet. I might even be prodded into giving a rip about the Bush tax cuts expiring! But I don’t get paid that way. But I’d still say that I’m a bargain! And if I, or any other mom, wanted a new washer and dryer for Mother’s Day (hint, hint), it would be a wise decision to make that purchase without flilnching, don’t ya think?
(And for the record – all respect to the working mom. I don’t know how you do it all!)
The Upside Down World 
A joke to make you smile. I’ve collected some good ones:
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Leon and his wife Vicky are awakened at 3 o’clock in the morning by a loud pounding on the door. Leon gets up and goes to the door where a drunken stranger, standing in the pouring rain, is asking for a push.
-”Ag nie, not a chance,” says Leon, “its 3 o’clock in the morning!”
He slams the door and returns to bed.
-”Who was that?” asked Vicky.
-”Ag, just some drunk guy asking for a push,” he answers.
-”Did you help him?” she asks.
-”No, I did not, it’s 3 in the morning and it is pouring outside!”
-”Nie Leon, you have a short memory,” says Vicky. “Can’t you remember about 4 months ago when we broke down and those two guys helped us? I think you should help him, and you should be ashamed of yourself!”
Leon does as he is told, gets dressed, and goes out into the pouring rain.
-”Hello, are you still there?” shouts Leon.
-”Ja,” said the drunk.
-”Do you still need a push?” asks Leon.
-”Ja, please!” answers the Drunk.
-”Where are you?” asks Leon.
-”Over here… on the swing!”
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And to find your country:
http://damantigui.wordpress.com/2011/01/08/encuentra-tu-pais-%E2%80%93-es
If you don’t recognize one of them leave a comment
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