My Mommy Vacation

Lincoln recently sent me away for a few days. Oh, how excited I was! Although nothing makes me happier than being a Mommy, sometimes I need a time of quiet and refreshment so that I can continue to be the purposeful, intentional mom that I set out to be. No one can do their job 24/7 without getting burnt out...and my job is being a mom. I escaped to my cousin Jayna's house in Northwest AR (see Jay, I'm catching on...). I left around 1245 on Wednesday and for the next four hours I saw a lot of this...

It was nice, I surfed radio stations and sang to some good oldies as well as some country songs that I used to listen to growing up. I was able to get in an hour long conversation with one of my friends who is leaving for Ethiopia this Friday. I can't explain how wonderful it was to have a conversation without being interrupted a million times over!

Finally I saw this...!!

I arrived just after she had gotten home from work. After climbing the three flights of stairs (no wonder she is always in shape!) and getting inside we got ready to go out to dinner. First we hit a really cute outdoor mall and found her a sweater to wear over her dress for a wedding she had that weekend. Then we met our other cousin, Miranda, who also lives there, at Carrabbas for dinner. Feeling like a real adult, with no children and none to take care of at home after dinner, I enjoyed a blackberry sangria. It was the first alcohol I'd had in I don't know how long, and it was actually mighty tasty.


My beautiful cousins...I'm so lucky to have family!

We hit the sack early (because what mother doesn't dream of doing that?!) and the next day was full of quietness and slowness. I slept in until 8:15 and then woke up and ate a bagel while I watched some A Baby Story. I laid on the couch and read my book for awhile and then slowly got around (well, if you consider putting on clean sweatpants and a long sleeved t-shirt getting ready...!). I ventured out on my own and went to Starbucks where I sat in a comfy chair in the corner and read my book and drank a coffee.

Ah, it was glorious. As I watched business people come in and out at such a fast pace I thanked God for giving me this time to wind down and relax. I let everything slip away as I entered the world of the characters of my book. It was awesome.

After I finished my drink I went to a HUGE Goodwill and slowly walked around. I found a wicker chest, several books, a movie for the kids and a movie for Jayna, two sweaters, a few plates for Brittany, a brand new Christmas Ornament for Gray, and some other treasures. After leaving there I ventured to Target to get spray paint for my new chest...but they don't carry it!

So, I put Walmart in my TomTom and had a hay day! In Bentonville, Walmart headquarters, it first took me to the Distribution Center. After choosing another Walmart it took me to the Home Office. Luckily there was an actual store just across the road! I got my spray paint and a few other supplies for a craft I've been wanting to complete.

I went back to the apartment and decided to just chill! I watched some more TV (we don't have TV and it was really nice to actually watch some of my old favorite shows). I took a bath and read my book.

Jayna got home from work and we went out and spray painted my chest. Then we packed her for the wedding she was attending this weekend. As she pulled out these shoes I was a bit jealous. Can you imagine me wearing these? Running after four kids?! I must say, I daydreamed for awhile about being able to wear shoes like this someday...

We made dinner together, and then headed to the movies to see The Switch with our cousin Miranda. It was funny, and I really enjoyed seeing a movie in the theater again! The next day I took my time getting up and around and headed home around 11:30. I got home just a few minutes before the boys got home from school and it was wonderful to see everyone again.

Jayna was a wonderful hostess! Thank you Jay, for letting me sneak away to your place for a few days. I so enjoyed seeing you and catching up again. Let's not make it that long (for just the two of us) again okay?!