Brent recently went on a vacation business trip to Washington DC that lasted TEN days. By far the longest we have ever been apart. While things were a little challenging at home (Lindsay cut three teeth) – I’m pretty sure Brent had it worse. Flying first class, staying in a big fat suite, sightseeing for a day or two, eating out every meal, and sleeping/thinking without any interruptions must have really been rough.
Do I sound bitter? 
Cuz I’m not. Actually I’m very proud of myself. I bucked up and was brave – I hardly complained, and tried extra hard to be patient, relaxed, and happy for the kids. And amazingly, it seemed to really pay off. The kids were good and we all survived. I never cried or even called my mom having a melt down. I did however one night eat almost half a 9 x 13 pan of brownies along with a huge bowl of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup ice cream. Hey, whatever works right?
Here are a few things that helped me get by (besides ice cream, peanut butter, and DAILY two hour gym visits):
Cute (and increasingly mobile!) Lindsay Jo and crazy hair day Danny. He rocked that neon mohawk!
My sweet, sweet, boy Jake. One morning as we rushed around getting out the door for school, I noticed him walking around with a pad of post-it’s and a pencil. Here is what I found after he left:
The first was in my bedroom, the second on Danny’s bed, and the third was in Lindsay’s mouth. I think he tried to stick it on her while she was in her car seat.
On day seven sans husband I finally broke down and hired a babysitter for several hours. A little therapeutic shopping and lack of screaming/crying/yelling/non-stop talking really does the body good.
Needless to say, by day ten the novelty of a clutter free kitchen table and a big bed all to myself had worn off and we were all ready for Dad to come home! So we surprised him at the airport with signs, hugs, and fresh homemade cookies. I’m not sure if we made his day – but I think we made just about everyone else’s getting off a plane that day. We got so many smiles, “so cute!”s, “how sweet!”s, and twinkling eyes that I felt like Santa Claus on Christmas. People love to see love!
Two days later I celebrated my survival with the girls. We hit the streets (literally)! After all that responsibility it was important for me to be as free as a teenager for a night. Go here to read/see all about it.
Sidenote: Twenty minutes into my escape I received the following text from Brent, “I don’t know how you handle three kids. I’m going back on travel.”
HA! It’s good to be appreciated. And even better to have you back, husband.
you get first dibs next time.
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Just the thought of Lindsay trying to figure out what Jake was doing putting a sticky note on her made me bust out laughing. Thanks for being such a great Mom babe!
That was the greatet post to read. And Jake is so sweet with his notes! I went to the vampire post–that was really great too. I laughed at Brent’s text! And I can vouch you never ever called me and even complained. Good job!
Great post Tami! I can’t believe you never called Mom! Well done!!! I need some sticky notes
My favorite part is how Jake only “Likes” Danny, where as everyone else got, “Love.”
yeah don’t point that out to Danny. he treasures that note and still has it posted on his bed. i’m guessing jake thought it was weird to “love” another boy. gotta respect those manly men.
Oh my goodness! Way to go 10 days sans husband! I think I would go crazy! Oh & I loved your friends post about going to New Moon! You guys are so funny! I love all of the t-shirts! Let’s be friends =)!
aw Tami, you made me look bad!! when greg came back from Utah he had a little secret hope that me and ethan would be waiting for him at the airport… oops. no such luck! now i gotta try and convince him i’m a nice wifey!! i checked out your friend’s blog for your twilight fest, and then got distracted by her amazing button headband. i now have a big button headband crush!
Jake is such a sweet heart, and Danny posting his note on his bed? bless his little neon head!
see you guys soon!
I know, that button headband is freakin adorable – and guess what? I’m gettin one!! at least that’s what Chantel said. i have the BEST friends.
oh SCORE!! good crafty friends really are the best! let me know if she plans to make and sell any on her etsy store. failing that, it may be button and glue fumbling time!!