Saturday was amazing. Jeffrey and the kiddos went to Bear Lake for a family vacation. Unfortunately, I was not able to go.
As I watched them drive away, I got a little excited. For the first time in nearly five years, I had a chance to rediscover myself. I had a chance to be just me. Not Mommy me, not wife me, just Amy!
The options of what to do were endless, but fortunately, I had my day all planned out. My dear friend Lisa was braving a two hour drive with no A/C so we could finally meet in real life.
I love her even more now that I have met her. She is wonderful! While talking with her, I learned we have a connection. She knows my oldest sister, and used to babysit my nieces! They are 19 and 17 now, so that was a very long time ago. But my niece and her little brother are best friends. It made me happy and laugh. It truly is a small world!
When she got down, she needed to feed her baby (Jeffrey, if you are reading this, I want one). He was so cute, and all smiles and calm and made me so baby hungry! My goodness, I just wanted to play with him and squosh his cheeks. Adorable, I tell you. We decided to take an hour drive to visit our friend Evelyn who was not there. But it was fun to spend the time together. I was a little worried before meeting her about awkward pauses and nothing to talk about, but Lisa and I must have been friends in another life. We are already trying to make plans for our next visit!
I have to say, I am so grateful for technology and the wonderful friendships I have made over the past few years. It is magical.
Lisa went home, and I had all intentions of going to bed early. But somehow, that didn't happen.
Sooner than expected midnight rolled around. I sat on my bed, doing some last minute getting ready for sleep. Er, watching some very creepy Doctor Who. The perfect thing to do while home alone, right? As I was drifting between the land of David Tennant's dimple, and sleep, I heard a gentle snoring. Instinctually, I leaned in to my pillow, and reached out, feeling for a little diapered bum. When I felt nothing, I jerked awake. It was the dog snoring on the floor, not my little Faye. I sighed, and readjusted my attention to the dimple, but my mind would not focus. I marveled at how fortunate I am.
My day was glorious. It was restful, and stress free, and happy. But at the end of the day, I did miss my family. Knowing they would be home the next day gave me such security. I thought of the difference for people who have their families torn away from them by death, or other circumstances beyond their control. I said a little prayer for the safety of my family. I would much rather have them with me with a little break once in a while, then to have all the free time in the world, and now little ones to tickle, and no Jeffrey to snuggle into at night.
Having said that, I have also come to the conclusion that breaks are necessary for the sanity and mothering of mothers. At least twice a year. I have noticed a huge difference in the way I act and react to my family. I am much more patient and calm and happy.
I think this weekend was a success!
Minus the fact Jeffrey took the camera with him. :)
