The Sigalovada Sutra is a must for Buddhist lay practitioners, as well as monastics. Experience a contemporary/traditionalist view meant to bring this important teaching for engaging relationships into moment-to-moment living. Ask for a FREE copy (pdf format) by emailing v.wayne.hughes@gmail.com.
Engaged Dharma Insight Group (EDIG) 
Hi EdamommyHope all is well! What struck me is that you refer to the great Buddhist tarehces as though they are of the past, removed from our daily experience. They do exist, living the lives of the present, that we know marriage, children, the issues of the west. Trungpa Rinpoche taught beautifully to and from the heart about many things we live with in the west. My own precious teacher, recognised and enthroned, was born in the west, has been married, raised kids, has a multitude of pets .knows what we live with and through more intimately than I. And so teaches from that place of wisdom that reflects our lives.Living life in contentment, joy, mindfulness and compasion seems to me to be a great method. What the life looks like is perhaps not so much the issue, as the qualities that we bring to it.