Sometimes it’s impossible to get my entire gang together between work and school schedules. I accept that and grab some fun with my three kids whenever I can, even if it means all five of us aren’t all together at the same time.

This week, for example, I’m in Telluride, Co (www.tellurideskiresort.com ) with my two daughters and my older daughter’s boyfriend. I wish my husband and son were here to drink in the amazing mountain views and for the laughs we usually have on ski trips. But with one daughter in California and another in Colorado–across the country from the East Coast where I live–I am really glad for any time together.

So what if they don’t want to ski with me all day (too slow mom!). We play scrabble at night in the condo, curled up on the couch and linger over coffee in the morning, all the while they catch me up on their lives.  

Yes ski trips are expensive. But every snow-loving parent I talk to here tells me it is worth the money and the effort for the time together on the mountain and off. I think so too.

I’m going to make it my resolution in 2010 to grab time with my kids–even for a weekend–whenever I can and not worry when all of us can’t make it at the same time.

Besides, there’s something to be said for some mommy-and-me time–even when they’re grown.