Ahh, back to reality.

   This past weekend, Randy and I were privileged to attend the child-free couple's retreat with our Sunday school class out at the coast at Twin Rocks Camp.  It was a wonderfully relaxing, recharging time, and the weather couldn't have been nicer.  Well, I mean, it could've been 80 degrees, but for Oregon in January, it was as nice as it could possibly be.

   My DSLR wasn't working and my phone was dead most of the time, so I only got a few pictures.  Pitiful, I know.  But it is was it is.

   Randy and I have found in our 3 short years of parenting that time alone, just the two of us, is a high priority for our relationship.  It never fails to amaze me how quickly people can lose themselves in the roles of Mom and Dad.  It becomes their identity.  Their driving force.  Their anchor.  Their sense of fulfillment.  Of worth.  And it's easy to do because parenting is such a GOOD thing.  A noble cause.

But even good things that cause us to drift from one another become bad things.
 
   Before I was their Mama, I was his Wife.  His friend, lover, and companion.  And all of the diapers and bath times and Cheerios and Good night Moon can make me forget…..forget what it is like to just be HIS.  So friends, do yourselves a favor (do your children a favor!) and remind yourselves.  Remind yourselves how it all was, before you forget how.

   The best thing that parents can ever hope to offer their children, is a good relationship with their spouse.



   Ironically this walk alone on the beach almost didn't happen.  Randy wanted to go and I got talking with some ladies and supper was quickly approaching, and…..you know how it goes.  But we took a break to just get away for a while, and I'm so glad we did.  I'm so glad that he still wants me for me.  Not just because I am the mother of his children, but because he loves ME.

  Plus, it always feels like a shot in the arm for my parenting endurance.  I get back and I get a giddy little feeling in my stomach as we hurry into the house to see the girls.  I still have those moments of reuniting emblazoned on my memory from previous years, and they are so special to me.  This year the girls were napping, so it wasn't the usual triumphant return.  But after they woke up and I went to get them, they were so happy to see us it made up for it.  ESPECIALLY their Daddy.  I think it's safe to say he's the favorite around here right now.  And I watch them adore him and my heart swells with the thought of what a wonderful father they have.

   As for the rest of the retreat, it was a lot of the usual…..board games, overflowing snack table, fireplace crackling, people laughing, meals I didn't have to cook, thought-provoking sessions and of course, long walks on the beach.  My favorite moments though, were probably just the deep, soul-stirring conversations I was able to have in those short days.  It was like free therapy.

   In other news, can you believe we're practically through the first month of the brand, spankin' new year of 2014?  Seriously.  And I never thought I'd say this, but I'm quickly beginning to like January better than December.  Who would've ever thought??!  But December is just SO full, frantic and frenzied, and January is nights at home, popcorn and movies, and little getaways like the retreat.  So December of 2014, you're gonna have to bring your A-game to try and win your place of honor back!

Well folks, nap time moments are precious, so that's all for now.