Saunders family balances home life with two careers

by Christen Jackson

SBJ Contributing Writer

After 13 years of marriage and the birth of four children, juggling a career and family life has become a way of life for Ann Saunders.

As director of major gifts at Drury College, a position she has held since June 1997, Saunders sometimes works long hours cultivating current and prospective donors to the college, Saunders must occasionally take overnight trips to visit with Drury alums individually or to participate in alumni events.

Her husband, David Saunders, has an equally demanding career. A sales representative for Phifer Wire Products Inc., he spends an average of two nights a week traveling.

"I've become an expert at organizing," Saunders said. "Sure, our lives get hectic, but David and I are both committed to our family, and family always comes first."

The last two years have brought a variety of changes for the Saunders' family, which includes David II, 11, Lauren, 9, Ryan, 5 and John, 16 months.

Although Ann and David had lived in Springfield during the early years of their marriage, they returned to their hometown of Monett in 1989 in order to be closer to their extended families.

David's position at Phifer Wire allows him to live in the city of his choice. Ann opened a gift shop, The Stone Cottage, and later became the administrator of Monett Physical Therapy.

"We were always happy in Monett," Saunders said. "We had built a home and all our family is there."

But at a Monett Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Saunders learned of an opening in the development department at Drury College. A 1986 graduate of Drury, she was intrigued at the thought of returning to her alma mater.

"I had always loved Drury, and I liked the idea of being able to give something back to the school. I saw myself as being able to help move the college into the future."

After talking with her husband and children, she decided to take the job.

"It was a big decision for all of us. It meant a lot of changes in our lives. We made the decision as a family, and it's turned out to be a good move for all of us."

The Saunderses juggle their sche-dules so that if one has to travel during the week, the other stays home in Springfield.

"David is just as involved in our children's lives as I am. We share every responsibility. We are both totally committed to our family."

To keep everyone's schedules in sync, all activities are written on a calendar. Keeping the house running smoothly is a family activity. "Everybody has a job. These kids are very self-sufficient."

Some simple rules keep Saunders from becoming frazzled. For example, if one of the children wants to bring a sack lunch as opposed to buying lunch at school it's up to that child to prepare it.

"The kids are all active members of the household. We give them real responsibilities."

Laundry is a family activity. "We do three or four loads of wash every day. David and I take turns throwing the laundry in, and folding is everyone's job."

While long hours are part of Saunders' job, she is able to turn many evening and weekend working hours into family activities.

"Going to a basketball game or a homecoming activity is part of my work. I'm able to bring the kids along, and it's fun for everyone. My kids have become huge Drury Panther fans."

In addition, the Saunderses try always to sit down together as a family to eat dinner.

"We may just eat pizza, but we do it together, and we discuss whatever took place during the day."

On weekends Saunders tries to spend as much time as possible with her family. Sometimes, she said, that means the lawn doesn't get mowed or the floors don't get waxed.

"There are times we take road trips," she said. "It's not that we go anywhere special, we might just get in the car and drive around. But if we stayed in the house there would be dozens of chores distracting us. What's important on the weekends is spending time together."