After dealing with their hair, my next biggest worry was choosing clothes. I'm not much for matching styles and colors, so I secretly hoped Stacey would set out five days' worth of outfits for the girls before she left. But she didn't have time, so she just told me to remember things I had seen them wear before and use the same combinations. I nodded confidently, because I didn't want to admit that I never really paid much attention to what they were wearing, other than to think they always looked cute. Luckily, our oldest knows what does and does not match, and she gave her OK on everything I chose during the week.

The next big issue was feeding them. Again, I was lucky, because the 8-year-old had lunch at school for several of the days, and the younger girls don't mind eating noodles often. Really often. Also, all of the girls like the fast-food restaurants close to our home, so we had a chance to visit them and experience several different play places.

The last issue was figuring out what to do with them all day. I'm not much of a craft guy, but I also didn't want them staring at the TV all of the time (although we did view the Disney princess trifecta of "Cinderella," "Snow White" and "Sleeping Beauty"). Surprisingly, I found that we kept busy. We made a couple trips to the store and spent more time than I expected on the road taking children to and from school. We read stories. We played games. And we just generally spent time together. In fact, our 5-year-old was sitting on my lap as I typed most of this column, and our 3-year-old was squirming on a chair next to me.

So, were my five days as a stay-at-home dad a rich experience? I'd have to say yes. I was able to spend more time alone with my girls than I can remember. They drew me enough pictures to wallpaper my entire office. They gave me lots of hugs and told me repeatedly how much they love me. And my youngest daughter told me several times that she thinks I'm handsome. (Hey, I know she's 3 and doesn't get out much, but I'll take the compliment.) They snuggled with me on the couch while we watched movies, and they told me they liked the basic meals I "prepared."

We had a few tense moments. A few spills. Some words of discipline. And I was exhausted at the end of each day. But looking back, I wouldn't trade my experience of that time with my daughters for anything. And I have a new appreciation for the wonderful job my wife does while I'm at the office each day.

As I return to work, with its comfortable routine, I'll still find fulfillment in my chosen vocation. But I know that, if you're looking for occupational "richness," there's no place like home.

Back to answering your financial questions next week. Please send them by e-mail to gkratz@desnews.com or by regular mail to the Deseret Morning News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110.

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E-mail: gkratz@desnews.com