The three days before Thanksgiving were parent-teacher conferences. Then I hosted Thanksgiving. From there we returned to school with students high on life and so much fun/craziness.
There was the Christmas Pageant with the world's cutest angel ever.
Then a piano recital. Linus played "Linus and Lucy." Eileen played "Jingle Bells." At school there was practice for the caroling competition, the actual competition, and so.much.energy. The first weekend of break was my mom's side of the family Christmas party. My kids love this event so much, especially the white elephant exchange. My sister and her boyfriend graciously hosted.
My favorite pic -- my Aunt Molly played a guitar (given in the exchange) with Robin.
Robin was a huge ham.
Snuggling with Eileen under her new blanket.
After 3 straight weeks of a mad rush. This mom was done.
Judge all you want, but I put all 3 kids in day camp for the first week of winter break even though I didn't have to work. It was the best decision I ever made!! While the kids were busy having the time of their lives doing things like visiting the Teddy Bear Suite, the Gingerbread Houses, and going to the mountains to play in the snow, I got to be by myself.
I am an introvert. I need solitude in order to refresh.
Monday I started the week with a trip to the spa. Families donated scrip to me as a Christmas present. I felt it appropriate to spend it refreshing myself with a massage and facial. It was glorious.
Tuesday I worked out at the gym. Took a long shower. My friend, Kate, came over. We drank hot wine and watched "A Christmas Prince" on Netflix.
Wednesday I went to the aquarium with a teen mom that I am a companion to (a great program called PREPARES if anyone is interested in learning more). Then I took her to the library and got her a library card.
Thursday I had joked with Dave about taking a sick day so we could hang out. Unfortunately, Dave went and got sick for real. I went to the gym and then we went out for a late breakfast. He then slept on the couch all day while I wrapped all the presents. I have a strange ritual for Christmas wrapping where I binge watch the most recent season of American Horror Story. This year was "Roanoke." I like the juxtaposition of it with the holidays.
Friday/Saturday After 4 incredibly relaxing days, it was back to being mom. It's been back to constant go-go-go for the last 48 hours. Today Eileen and I spent some quality time together. First we had swim lessons, then we went roller skating (my first time since 1994 and I rocked it), and then a little retail therapy at Old Navy. I also squeezed in grocery shopping and mass since I didn't want to go twice tomorrow (Christmas Eve has the gall to be on a Sunday).
I finished the day at MOD Pizza with these two. They are pretty cute.
Eileen took this pic of me. I think it captures the look of "Mom" quite well.
I really enjoyed my special break for just me. I will definitely do it again next year. I am so grateful I had the option of some serious self-care. I know not everyone does. It takes a village people. To all you parents out there, there is no shame in taking time for yourself. Your kids need a well-rested, happy version of you. If you don't have kids, give the gift of time to a parent. They will love you forever and feel indebted to you.
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