Solo time

Sorry for the lack of posts. I don't even have time to blog this right now but I have to keep in touch so you know I am still thinking about you all. I promise to do better when I return.

I am leaving. I am packing my bags and going away. No kids. 4 days. 5 moms. The beach. A book. A whole lot of guilt.

There is one thing that I was not created to do and that is leave my kids. The strings that are attached to my babies are extra strong for me. I was given a triple dose of the bonding glue that comes when a child comes from your womb. In the 16 and 1/2 years since I have had babies, I have been away for a total of 5 nights from them. I just don't like to miss the "good nights" and "good mornings" but this trip is necessary. I am forcing myself to go out that door tomorrow bright and early. Don't get me wrong, I am going to have a great time and the kids will be just fine - I just wish I didn't feel so wrong about the whole situation.

I am going because......

I am tired and want to sleep for 4 days

My kids need to miss me

I need to miss them

I need quiet time to think, to be inspired for them and for me

I need to remember what it is like to be just me, not a mom or a wife

My 8 year old looked at the one page of instructions I typed up for the Mr. Mom who will be caring for the brood and said, "Is that all the instructions you are giving dad?" Yep. I assured him he will do just fine.

"Who is going to do the laundry while you are away?"

"The same guy who is going to make your breakfast."

"But I won't be able to yell, MOM! and Dad won't let me yell, DAD!"

"That is why I am leaving, so no one will yell MOM! for four days."

"But I like to yell it so I know you are there."

(heart melting)

My kids don't know what it is like to not have a mom to yell for at their every whim. Precisely why I need to be absent for a few days. Wish I could take all you overworked moms with me. Maybe we will have an Enlightened Homemaker cruise next year. Save your bucks. We all deserve it.

So I will talk to you all on Monday, refreshed and inspired. My 10 year old will no doubt be wearing his favorite football jersey everyday while I am away since I ban it on a daily basis and my 16 year old won't shave, the glass door won't get cleaned 3 times a day and no one will get gourmet pancakes in the morning. But, I know they will be loved and bellies full. They are in good hands and I think the man of the house will miss me a little too, and that is also a good thing. I really want to be missed.