Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Is it worth it?

I am getting ready to go on a little trip, and I am having a hard time getting excited for it. Which in turn means that I am of course feeling guilty about having a hard time getting excited to have a few days away with my husband. But as I surveyed my kitchen, I decided it was time to allow my stressed out self a little grace. In order for me to actually be able to get out that door, it has indeed required a lot of work. I have been cooking all day to prepare a few meals for my in-laws to feed my children. I have been attempting to make a path from the doorway of my guest bedroom (aka: Amy's junk room) to the bed, so that there is somewhere for them to lay their heads at night. I have been rescheduling carpools for school, dance, and soccer all week. And I have been shopping for a cute pair of stinkin' white wedges to wear on this little get away, a task that is harder than you might think considering my 18 month old thinks shoe aisles are great places for hide and seek. All that to say, I'm just wondering, is it worth it?

Last weekend my sister had to set-up 5 babysitters in order for she and her husband to go see Bon Jovi in concert. They only have 4 children, but I think she was predicting that her youngest (who is affectionately know as "the terrorist") needed 2 sitters. She told her babysitters that they were "wanted dead or alive"...he, he, he, I think that's pretty funny. But again, I am just wondering, is it worth it?

What kind of crazy arrangements have you had to make in order to be able to go on vacation?

Amy

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't think I have ever been away from my kids. In fact, I rarely even used babysitters (when I did it was my parents). Now my oldest are teens so they help out if we need them to.

But if we were to do anything overnight. YIKES. It would be a big mess of trying to find helpers.

Playing Sublimely said...

Ok, now I'm really feeling guilty...

Woodard Gang said...

Hi Amy :) I'm new to your blog...like, this is the first post I read but I can totally relate to it! My husband and I go away once or twice a year and leading up to actually leaving, sometimes I ask myself..."Is this worth it?!" b/c of all the preparation I have to do with the kids. But I can answer that question 100% with a yes! It is worth it to spend some quality time away just the two of us...which is rare when we are at home with the busyness of life (sad, but true).
I am going to Boston with him next month and I already have a bit of anxiety about organizing to leave...but it will be worth it once we finally get there! Enjoy your time together :)

Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife said...

It hasn't been worth it for me, yet. Hopefully, in the not too far off future, I can leave my son with grandma. I need a night off!!

Don't feel guilty...enjoy your time! Look at all the hard work you are putting into making it work out. That's impressive and admirable!

Mrs. Plank said...

My husband and I haven't had a real weekend off yet, just a night here or there. But I can imagine that it does seem like a lot of planning. But I only one 18 month old girl, but she can't give any babysitter a run for their money.

The thought of a trip with just the two us seems like it would be SO worth it. I work full time and we rarely spend true quality time together and never any time for real "relaxation". So for my sake, GO and have a GREAT time. Don't even think about the kids. They need a mom and dad who are rested and well-connected to each other. Don't even worry that a few things might not be perfect while you are away. Who cares???

Virginia Belle said...

You definitely deserve a few days away so don't feel guilty. I'm sure all of the work will be well worth it once you start your mini vacation with your hubby. Have a great time!

Oh and let me know if you find those perfect white wedges! I have been on the search for awhile with little luck. Have fun!

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Oh my...I remember those days! I know you don't believe me now...but you are going to miss the chaos! My home is as quiet as a tomb...youngest is 15. I am screaming for grandbabies just so I can have some noise;)!

Don't feel guilty...everything will still be there when you get back and think of all of the fun you and hubby will have!

I sound like my mom in this comment...I am way to young to sound this old...hehe!

Enjoy!
Cathy

Andrea @ The Dawley Fam said...

You deserve a few days and try not to feel guilty about it! I know what you mean about it sometimes being more stressful to leave the house and get everything situated. I'm sure once you actually leave it will be easier! Hope you have a great time! ~andrea

Jemsmom said...

You will have a fabulous time and it will all be worth it. It was so nice to see your kitchen that way! Makes me feel better about mine until I read that you are preparing lots of meals in advance! Good luck with the wedges. I can't say a whole lot because we have never been away from Jemma. I have for three nights once and Tom has a lot with business, but never both of us. We have never lived near family so it isn't as easy to leave her. We will one day and I know we should. It is healthy and it is great for you to have that time together. I'm jealous! Forget all the worries, your babies will be well loved by the grandparents for sure. Enjoy your time!

Unknown said...

Haha...i'm actually sneaking away this weekend...KID FREE!!! Into another state i go :)
I arranged to have their babysitter watch them for me. She's super-sweet and they love her...so it's A-O.K. in my book as long as you trust the babysitter and the kids know what's going on.

Jenn @ CozyCompanion said...

You're worth it! ;) and so is your marriage, hun! ;) I am happy to see that you are doing this, and I believe that you will enjoy yourself once you are there. much luv, Jenn

gretchen said...

Amy, I totally agree with you. I have 9 children and by the time all preparations have been made so that I can even remotely relax, it is not even worth it to even go to the hospital and have a baby! I hope you have fun in spite of the madness. Your kitchen is so nice, even messy, I love it about a 1000 more times than my own.

Between You and Me said...

have a blast with your husband!!! it will all be waiting on you when you get back!

Now, If I could practice what I'm preaching to you....cause I do the same thing before I leave for a trip.

Jill said...

Is it worth it? Heck yes! I haven't been away overnight without the kids in 8 years and back then I only had one child. I don't have anyone that I could leave the little crazy people with. But, girlie, I sure wish I did cuz I'd be outa here in a heartbeat! Now, go have fun!!!

Unknown said...

it's totally worth it - have a great time away with your husband. We have 2 boys and last year we had made plans to go away and had arranged for my parents to watch them 1 year in advance (that's how much notice I need to give). Anyways, 2 weeks before we are to leave my mom says that they can't take them for that weekend, something has come up. I start panicking as my kids have never slept over anywhere (without me) besides my parent's house. We were very fortunate that a very dear friend of ours and his wife took the boys for Friday night and they had a blast. They then dropped them off at my brother's for Saturday night and then my parent's took them on Sunday and we picked them up Monday afternoon. A lot of juggling and moving for my kids but totally worth it for my husband and I. That was a mouthful wasn't it LOL Have fun!

sara said...

It will totally be worth it - I hope you all have a WONDERFUL little getaway! Have you tried Zappos for wedges? They have a fantastic selection, quick delivery and excellent customer service - good luck!

Tracey said...

You are h.i.a.r.i.o.u.s....so real and so sweet! Enjoy your time away-I always pray the days will feel like weeks-so that we are sooo relaxed when we get home. Will pray the same for you ENJOYYYY!

Elizabeth said...

It is so worth it! When Todd and I went to Italy last August we sent our kids to different homes and thank goodness school and the activities hadn't started yet. They went with both my parents, then his mother, then my younger, and then older sister. I couldn't relax at first because if anything went wrong it would take me almost a day to get back. But we all need time away with our loves and try not to worry about the kids. Have a great getaway! Hope you found those cute shoes! :)

Richella Parham said...

It is SO worth it! But oh, my goodness, it's a lot of trouble, isn't it?

I need to chat with you when you get home. . . my husband and I are going on our 25th anniversary trip, leaving the end of May. . . and guess where we're going?!? I need to get the inside scoop from you!

PaminOh said...

My kids are adults now, but we have that 120lb. golden retreiver I told you about. I have a neighborhood 12y/o that will 'sit' for him. Last time we took a overnight, she forgot(!) and my boy was alone for over 24 hours. He was hysterical when we got home but hadn't did a thing in the house..I'm still trying to make it up to him.

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