You know those days when you have a gazillion and one things to do, and your husband is working, and the kids are arguing over the one toy that's been collecting dust for months? Those days when the house is a complete and utter disaster, the laundry is piled higher than Mt. Everest and you haven't even begun to think about what's for dinner? It is during those desperate times when motherhood seems the most daunting, when all you feel like doing is throwing your hands up in the air and running in the opposite direction. Sometimes, all you need is some good old quality 'me time', a break from the every day routine, a solitary walk in the park, a soothing cup of coffee alone in a café or even just an hour of yoga and meditation. Serenity now? Maybe. Grandma now? You bet!

Having moved to Toronto from my hometown of Hamilton, I don't often resort to dropping the kids off at my parent's whenever I'm in despair since it's at least a one-hour commute. I am, however, incredibly grateful that my mother-in-law lives literally five minutes away. And that she loves children. And that she's an amazing cook. And that she's always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. For this, I am truly grateful.

Last night, my husband and I went out to celebrate my sister-in-law's 40th birthday. It was late at night, during the kids' bedtime, and we ate at a really nice Greek restaurant in downtown Toronto called Volos. Who stayed behind to watch the kids? Grandma, of course. Even after running about all day, she was more than happy to take the kids off our hands for the night. They absolutely love sleeping over, too. I actually stopped by her place earlier on and watched Portugal face Germany as they battled for the Euro 2012 while the kids played with her dog. (I think I even dozed off for a half-hour at some point.) After Portugal's disappointing loss, I went home and decided to take advantage of the empty house and actually did some cleaning. Yes, I vacuumed, I mopped, I tidied. I also folded laundry, I showered, I did my hair. None of which I would have accomplished had I needed to prepare dinner while mediating brother-sister clashes.

This morning, after sleeping in for an extra half hour or so, I was reminded about how fortunate I am to have my mother-in-law in our life. I sat up in bed, listening to the birds chirping through the window, and soaked up the peace and quiet that manages to allude me when the kids are up at 6:30 fighting over something or other. I managed to have an uninterrupted conversation with my husband, stop by the bank to get a new debit card to replace the one I had lost, and buy a couple of birthday gifts before picking up the kids and heading out to a pool party. I returned home to a clean(er) home, let out a sigh of relief and decided to dedicate this post to one of the most kind and selfless people I know. Thank heaven for grandmas.