Mr. Bear & The 'Honey Do' List

Although I'm yet a bit salty over the death of my arbor vitae at the hands of my over zealous husband, I do have to take a moment to acknowledge what a champion he has been, especially over this past year.  Our household is typically dual income, with the exception of this past year while I've been at home recuperating from foot surgery.  Although I am certainly now available to my family and my husband at their whim, as opposed to our typical schedule which is a boon in many ways, there are some distinct disadvantages to our current situation as the Hubs would be quick to point out.  In fact, over the course of this past year, he has developed a penchant for bearish grumbling and his concerns for his own well-being are increasing.

Photo Credit:   Ryan E. Poplin

Top Bear Grumbles ~ The Ever Present Wife

Over the past months I have certainly come to appreciate the extra time I have to coordinate our family, sans my typical 60 hour + career time, according to Mr. Bear, my skills in delegation are cramping his style.  In fact, I've noticed he is beginning to grimace each time he hears me sweetly call, "Honey", knowing full well what is likely in store.  Another addition to his 'Honey Do' List.

He most certainly has a point.  With atypical leisure time on my hands and our home mid way through renovation, I have more than enough time to consider, contemplate and create new game plans for our remodeling efforts.  Hence, the list grows.

Intrusion upon his Bear time is certainly another contender for the top of his grumble list.  In a pattern started long ago, our work schedules are typically timed to maintain the maximum parental presence in the house that our careers allow.  Although this arrangement can add to Mr. Bear's less than sunny disposition upon occasion due to lack of a full night's sleep, over the past year I have come discover there were some inherent positives to our arrangement - Mr. Bear time.  

With his arrival home from work much earlier than either the kids return from school and certainly much earlier than my usual weary end of work day, Mr. Bear had grown accustomed to have a bit of peace and solitude in the nearly empty house during the day.  Free to kick back and lounge with the Lab, relaxing with any number of guy shows, from the latest sports report to some fishing channel, Mr. Bear enjoyed his quiet sanctity.  It's not a wonder he quickly disappears to the den after work, for fear of being corralled into someone's latest grand idea. 

Photo Credit:  Siona Karen

I can certainly understand his point of view as I know how much I looked forward to the quiet evening house with the rest of the family snuggled in and sleeping.  Although he may be a bit bearish, he is still such a Prince Charming to me.  Even though his is still stuck with trips to the grocery, I might just have to add a few extra items to his list and appeal to his sweeter side with something special from the kitchen.  After all, a gal can certainly get more on her 'Honey Do' list completed when she applies a bit of honey herself!

How are the household duties shared in your house?
Do you stick to gender traditional duties or mix it up?
Tell me in a comment below!  I'd love to hear your thoughts!