In our family...

In our family....we do second chances...we do grace...we do real...we do mistakes...we do I'm sorry (and I forgive you)...we do loud really well...we do hugs...we do family...we do love.















Monday, January 31, 2011

Guilt Free

I had a fantabulous weekend with my girlfriends. Every second of it was purely amazing. We toasted with good drinks. We ate good food. We laughed. We sang & danced. We talked and talked and talked some more. We were loud. We talked all at once. We played a game. We watched movies that took forever to get through. We had moments of peace & quiet. We comforted and encouraged. We were silly. We laughed until it hurt. At one point, I literally felt like I was going to have a heart attack. At least I would have died doing what I loved to do most. Laughing.

I soaked myself in all the goodness that surrounded me and I did NOT feel guilty for one second. These women who have been my friends through births, deaths, divorces, abuse, marriages, child rearing, becoming a grandma and sickness are amazing women. These friendships make me a better person and how good to know that time nor distance can separate the bonds we share.

Each one of us is different and we each bring to the table our own individual flavors that together create an amazing feast of fun.The beauty of our friendship is that whenever we come together we each come to the table as we are…no fronts or pretending to be what we are not…no expectations…no facades…no judgments…no artificial words or actions…lots and lots of love and  pure realness that says you are always good enough… and lots and lots of grace that allows for us to come to the table to share what we have and are.

It was a complete guilt free weekend.

Now that I have soaked in all of that for almost 2 full days, I have caught my breathe. I am ready to continue seeking.

My husband and little’s were happy to see me when they picked me up Sunday afternoon. They survived without me, which I already knew they could but the crying and carrying on that took place on the trip to drop me off was almost funny. Being told that they would not sleep the entire time I was gone because “how can I ever close my eye’s to sleep if you haven’t kissed and hugged me?”

I had no expectations of what the house should look like when I got home and while I did want to dig in and start cleaning right away, I opted to leave it for Monday. Instead I played games with them and just enjoyed the kisses and hugs, while my husband made us a nice supper.

It’s a good thing they survived my absence because they will be getting to experience it again this coming weekend! Except this time, my husband and I are getting away for one night. We are going to go visit my sister and her husband and enjoy time with other adults, while my son and his fiancĂ© watch them for us. I am looking forward to having another guilt free weekend.

Before I rush off to start my day, I share with you some familiar sights around my home these days. 

 

 This is a familiar sight at our house these days. They tell me they are writing on their own blogs. I ask what they are writing about. They tell me,“I’m writing about what it’s like being a kid.” They also tell me they have lots of really nice blog friends just like I do. Sweet. I would hope everyone could know the wonderfulness of people like you and you in the blog world.

 

Do they not look intense?

 

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I find these 3 little monkeys in my bed on occasion. Most of the time they are jumping on it but they do call it the cuddle bed. They are pretty darn cute little cuddle monkeys that have themselves wrapped around my heart.

 

 

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We have lots of snow and when it’s actually warm enough they love to play in it. Especially when their uncle helps them dig tunnels and builds forts with them.

 

playing in snow 004

 

Life with Riley is simply wonderful. He loves to cuddle and little lady takes every opportunity to do so with him.  This is a familiar sight at our home. I think Riley has a pretty good life.

 

Christmas 2010 013

 

Did you do anything fun this past weekend? What puts a smile on your face today?

 

Happy Monday!

 

Until next time, love & hugs, Lori

37 comments:

Joyce Gray said...

I am so happy you got your girlfriends weekend, there is nothing like it to restore your soul. While I don't have my best friend here I did get a fun day of shopping Saturday with a couple of friends out here. We all need a little "girls time" every once and a while. Hope you have a good week.

Jeni said...

Kudos to you on the great weekend just passed and also, on the coming weekend getaway too! You deserve every last bit of each of those rewards!

I Am Woody said...

The older I get, the more I value my girlfriends. I am SO very happy that you had a wonderful weekend!! I can't think of anyone that deserves it more:)

Anonymous said...

I am SO GLAD you got to get away for the weekend! Sometimes you just need to decompress.

We played host to a houseful of 16-year-old boys overnight on Saturday. Exhausting, yes, but a lot of fun - The Young One's friends are nice, smart and funny kids.

Jan

Brian Miller said...

woohoo...glad you had a such a great weekend...and even for the adult time weekend coming up...that is so important health wise....the little will survive...and looks like they are having all kinds of fun..smiles.

Busy Bee Suz said...

I am so happy that you had a lovely time. YOU needed it. YOU deserved it.
Sorry to hear your husband cried about you being gone...surely he did sleep. Right??? ;)
Those kids are fabulous, I can't wait to read their blogs. LOL!
Another weekend for you??? HOW can you stand it??? So happy for you.
We had a good weekend, two of our 4 was sick...so lots of tissues were used!

Hilary said...

I'm thrilled for you that you had such a great weekend and that you're planning another outing with you hubby. Good for you. And it's good for the Little too, to know they can cope without you for a few days. Love the photos. Those faces are just too cute for words.

Jeannie said...

We had an evening with friends and yesterday I did mostly nothing although I had things I should have done. But I did them today instead and all is well.

FreeFlying said...

That's awesome that you had such a great time! My girlfriends got together this weekend as well, and our friend who was planning to move in June is now reconsidering solely because she feels like the change wouldn't be worth the loss of her closest friends right now. Friends make everything better. :)

Laura said...

Lori I love that you got away and had a blast with your friends....so important to our well being as grown ups.... I remember when I used to travel for trainings, and my kids were little...oh such a fuss! But they had a wonderful time with their Dad and I came home renewed. I'm excited that you are going out again this weekend. This is healthy for ALL of you!!! And the blog writing comment is just adorable. You are so blessed to have these three sweet wee ones in your life, there is no doubt about it. But as you are realizing, it is valuable to everyone for you to have some time away, to heal, to grow, to come home with a more expansive heart:)

ain't for city gals said...

What puts a smile on my face is what an incredible job you are doing with the littles! You are AMAZING Lori...really and truly! You just don't realize how few people would be willing to step up to the plate and take this responsiblity on and then to do it with such grace. You have come a long way, my friend! So glad you are starting to take some "me" time..only makes everything better!

My Aimless Infatuation said...

WOOOO-HOOO,SOOO happy that you let go and had a good time,and you,my dear,put a smile on my face today!((hugs))

Suldog said...

Lori, your weekend (at least, the part of it) sounds much like mine was, just plain fun and relaxing. Good for you! Everybody needs one of those every so often or our wiring goes haywire.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Good for you...getting away with friends over the weekend. We all need those breaks from time to time. And good for you, too, for letting the clean-up wait until after spending some one-on-one time with the Littles. And good for your hubby for fixing dinner for all of you on the night of your return. Kudos to everyone!

Deborah said...

Hi Lori, Welcome back from your weekend! Sounds like it was awesome. I am so glad you were able to do that, and how great to have another wonderful weekend to look forward to.
Thank you for all the kind comments you leave on my post. I am glad I started my blog if for no other reason than to have met you and be able to share in your journey.
Hugs to you!

Natalie said...

Hooray! I am so glad you had fun. I am REALLy glad you are gonna do it again.! :)

The kidlets are adorable with their little blogs....awww.....

LPC said...

So glad you had a good weekend! And enjoy your time with your husband too.

Claudya Martinez said...

I am so happy you are taking guilt free time to enjoy yourself. You deserve it, it's good for you and good for the littles.

Ash said...

adorable pics esp the last one. :) glad that you had an awesome weekend. sometimes we need that "me" time. hugs back x

Garnetrose said...

Nothing fun here but I am glad you had such a great weekend. My girlfriends live too far away and the ones around here are all busy with their families but we do enjoy what little time we do spend together.

Anonymous said...

Overjoyed to hear you had a wonderful weekend away - and have another one planned!

Love those rosy-cheeked kids in the snow fort. There is nothing more magical in winter than building snow forts and hiding in them...

Just Be Real said...

Lori, so glad you had a guilt free time. Blessings.

Sueann said...

Congrats on your getaway weekend! That is super and I am glad you enjoyed yourself fully!
Great family pics by the way!!
I spent the weekend in San Diego...we had fun. It was good to get away! And I finished my book! Very cool!!
Hugs
SueAnn

SciFi Dad said...

I'm glad you enjoyed your weekend, and didn't let the guilt seep in.

Unknown said...

I love that you could go away and have fun. I think it is so adorable that they told you they wouldn't sleep without you : ) HILARIOUS! : )

mommytoalot said...

I'm thrilled to hear you had a fantastic weekend and even more thrilled to learn you and your hubby are going to spend some quality time together as well.
I make sure I have "me" time..or i'd literally go insane.
..
LOVE their blog pics..they do indeed look so intense.
The snow fort reminds me of when my older sons were younger and used to make forts.
I sure hope you have a wonderful week
xx
Hugs
Lisa

Liz Mays said...

Your girly weekend sounds so completely fun and rejuvenating! I'm so glad you had that. I'm also thrilled that you're off with the hubs this weekend too.

Love the tunnel in the snow for the kids!

Anonymous said...

Hooray for a girls weekend and now a weekend with your husband to look forward to! Big smiles and high fives and hugs from me. You did it! You're doing it! :) Hooray!
The little ones with their blogs makes me smile.

I spent much of last week (snow) and then today and tomorrow (ice) stuck and home with children. I had to put myself in time-out and take a nap.

"Cuddle bed" - I like that.

Farmgirl Paints said...

love the pillow pet pic. my girls them...so cute!

Buckeroomama said...

I'm so happy that you had a super wonderful time with your girlfriends. The soul needs a girls' night (or weekend!) out every once in a while. :)

Your little's are SO sweet. I love the pictures you showed of them "blogging" away. SO cute!

CiCi said...

Good for you to get away and have some time with women friends and NOT feel guilty. And hurray for you and your husband to have a night out too. These are healthy things to do. Enjoy them.

wolfie185 said...

Great to Hear!!!!!
Hugs

Colleen said...

Lori you littles are so so beautiful! The smiles on their faces melt my heart!

I am so glad to read how much frun you had with you wonderful girlfriends...the way you described friendship is perfect. It's exactly what I feel but haven't ever been able to put into words. I am so happy you have those women in your life. Friends that you can truly be yourself with are such an awesome and incredible blessing.

Take care my friend and yes, my last post was just a touch sarcastic but I had aimed for a bit of humor too!!:)

Anvilcloud said...

Women have kinship bonds that are far deeper than men's. About all msny guys can do when their together is belch, fart, swear and tell dirty jokes. I am exaggerating, but I think I am making my point. Eh?

ellen abbott said...

time away from those demanding your time is essential. I'm glad you went and had a wonderful time.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Now this just makes me want to call up all my girlfriends and have an old time slumber party!!!

It's gotta wait awhile, were diggin' out here on the Ponderosa. It's gonna stay at these sub~zero temps! UCK

God bless and I'm just thrilled ya'll had a great guilt~free time!!!

Unknown said...

I am so very happy for you , Lori..
there is such a joy here.
It's good.