But today is Monday, and according to Aileen's inspired system — in which each child rules one day of each week, making all the important decisions about games, meals, and videos (the older kids jointly channeling baby Emma's wishes when it's her turn) — that's Anna's day. "I get to pick whatever I want, and then they have to do it," the kindergartner explains as she comes in from the backyard to wash up, her hands black from the future tomato patch. "Do you know who else loved to garden?" Aileen asks her, dispensing the soap. "Granny Annie." Anna, who has a proprietary interest in her namesake, beams. She then announces her choice for dinner — a concoction of couscous, refried beans, and sour cream, rolled in tortillas.

All the kids' meals and incidentals are partially funded from a drawer in her sister's kitchen that Alison stocks with cash. Aileen has also, with the help of her sister's marketing savvy, hung out her shingle as a photographer, specializing in children's portraits. She loves her current life but quickly points out that her schedule is far from restful. "I have less free time than when I worked," Aileen says.

Across the street at the Webers', the household rises early. Because Alison won't see her children again until evening, mornings are especially important to her. She makes a point of spending meaningful time with Anna, Mac, and Emma before heading into the city. That might mean walking Anna to her bus stop before changing out of pajamas and into work clothes, but Alison always tries to keep the pace unhurried. She'll play games with Anna and even bake the occasional batch of Scottish shortbread.

Who, in the end, is better off? Is it Aileen, who makes money caring for five children she loves? Or is it Alison, who gets to combine motherhood with a satisfying career? "There are days I drop the kids off and think, I wish I were just going to the park to play," Alison says. "And I'm sure there are days she wishes she were going in to work, to interact with adults." Aileen says that's true, but adds, "I definitely think I have the better end of the deal. Except, of course, when there are five little crying mouths and nobody's happy. Then I think, If only…."

But the frustrations on both sides are transitory, and both sisters feel fortunate, especially to have each other. "Every day I have comfort," says Alison. "Not just with my home and kids and husband, but I have my sister. And I think she feels the same way."

Aileen does indeed. "Every day I'm reminded of our childhood," she says. "Every day I think, What would my mom do in this situation? I try to achieve the same type of environment that we grew up in, and I think she would be proud of how we are raising our kids. They're happy, and they're dirty, and they love life!" Alison and Aileen expect to continue their present child-care arrangement until Emma is ready for school.

That is, unless someone has another baby. "I told Alison and Peter: No more kids!" Aileen says with a laugh. "Or else they'll have to buy me one of those big full-size vans to haul everyone around in."

As for another kid of her own? "I'm done," she grins. "I have my five."