What I Did On My Summer (Parenting) Vacation

This past week, my husband Marc took our two kids away to family camp while I stayed behind at home. I didn't have the vacation time to go away this week, so they went without me. I cried at having to leave them on Monday morning, but by the end of a long work day, my mood had changed. I was determined to enjoy my week.

In the spirit of back to school assignments everywhere, here is how I spent my summer (parenting) vacation:

1. I got a mani/pedi. Because obviously.

2. I ate takeout on the couch in front of the TV watching everything from a documentary to trashy reality shows. 

3. I took a nap on the couch, too. 

4. On my work from home day, usually still a busy one with the kids at home, I worked in my pajamas until 2 pm. 

5. I ran multiple errands in a row, completing them all. 

6. I had time to peruse the racks at a discount retailer and to try on jeans before I bought them.
7. I met Kimberly, my friend at Red Shutters, at one of those step by step painting places where we were invited to come and create a masterpiece--more or less.

8. I threw a party. I really did. A dozen other mom friends from various parts of my life came together and spent a few hours catching up. It was awesome. 

9. I slept in the middle of the bed. 

10. I truly relished in the quiet.

Bottom left photo taken by Mia at The Paint Bar, courtesy of Kimberly

And here's what I didn't do on my summer (parenting) vacation:

1. Laundry. I will pay for this over the weekend, but five laundry-free days? I've treasured them. 

2. Cleaning and straightening up the house. I did it once when I got home from work on Monday night, and then the house magically stayed clean!

3. Tell anyone to turn off the TV or put down a screen. I probably spent less time in front of screens this week too. 

4. Break up any disagreements or yell. My children are 10 and 6 years old, and not totally angelic. No eye-rolling, whining or back talk for days.

And the most important thing I didn't do on my summer (parenting) vacation?

Photos taken by Marc

5. Feel guilty. I really didn't. My kids were having a ball, my husband was working on projects he loves with friends he rarely sees, and I was free to do what I wanted knowing that it would all come to an end soon enough. School starts in just over a week, and we have a few days of togetherness planned before then.

It's been a great week.