WOW! It has been almost 3 years since I had a blog post – the time has flown and I just am not sure where it went. I started this blog with the BEST intentions and then I suppose that life got in the way.
You see, I am a working mother of 4 (yes FOUR) children. Our oldest at home is 15 (we have a 28 year old as well who is well off on her own in the world), then there are the “middle children”, 16 months apart ages 7 & 8. Finally, our sweet Shelby Sunshine. She is our 4th and final child and 16 months old.
Interestingly enough, the last time I shared a blog post I was in Florida. Well, I am back again and just happen to have some “free” time. Given my family size, free time is a rare commodity and time alone with my spouse is equally as rare. But, while walking on the beach with him last night I reflected on how GRATEFUL I was for this time away and remembered “It takes a village”.
I am traveling for work and was able to stretch it a few days and have my hubby here too. I can barely remember the last time we were away alone with nothing to do. I LOVE my children and there is actually nothing I love more than being a mommy. But, sometimes I just need some time to unwind.
There are so many hands that have helped to make this weekend away happen. Seven people actually… They picked up my kids, dropped them off, stayed with them overnight, changed diapers, cooked meals, took them to baseball, soccer, Jack and Jill, got them off of the school bus and back on, combed hair and settled arguments – I am sure there were a few. I hope that I can thank them and that they know how important they are to us.
So, in this short stint away, I am reminded of what is important to me: my family, my husband, and me. I am important to me. My health, sanity, spiritual health, mental health, emotional health, physical health are all important to me. I have to take time to nurture me – as much as I nurture my 4 children. I have to take time to nurture my marriage- just as much as I nurture my 4 children.
In short, life is about balance – easy to say for sure. I suppose that will be my focus over the next few weeks – paying attention to my life and balancing things. For now, I am going to enjoy the next 24 hours away and just relax.