Finding alone time while raising a family

It's official!  I seem to require several hours of alone time to function properly.

[Burst out in laughter]!!! :-) :-)

How on earth can I possibly get these quit hours while being married to my wonderful, high-energy, super-visionary, over-the-top social, stay-up-late husband???  While raising 6 boisterous, loud, breakfast-needing, high-energy, lunch-needing, quality-time-wanting, mess-making, snack-needing, industrious, dinner-needing boys???  And enjoying 1 new-born, delightful, 8 feedings a day nursing, I want to be up in your arms precious little girl that I just want to smile at all day?

Let alone ... EVERYTHING ELSE!! :-) Like company, laundry, cleaning, adventures, business, organizing, shopping, cooking, cleaning, crafts, homeschool, music lessons, etc, etc, etc.  I try and try and try to get everything done, to fix and fenagle anything that might be in my way of accomplishing all.  Whew ... exhausted!

Ok, so it's not practical.  But, I think I really need a wee bit more alone time than I've been getting to avoid this frazzled, frustrated, short, less-enjoyable, got-no-time for anyone me that I've been seeing lately.

I've finally succumbed ... to the possibility of thinking... that I might, maybe, need ... to get up early in the morning.  The dreaded waking up early thought.

Vienna helped me this morning by waking up at 5:30-something, and not being able to go back to sleep.  So, we left my cozy, dark sleepy place and went out into the cold living room to play and visit.  When I would typically be frustrated and annoyed that my baby wasn't doing what it should be doing (AKA sleeping!), I actually enjoyed this time with her, considering that I should enjoy what the Lord gives and when.  I also enjoyed the quiet and the feeling of having no pressure - since I was sure that everyone else would sleep for another 2 hours or so.  It felt like a gift!  2 hours to myself!!!  Thank you, Lord, for this unexpected gift.


I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading up on how to be a good wife.  And, I was reminded that my focus on trying to get things right in my life is only going to be fruitless - as I get more and more discouraged that perfection cannot be attained.  But, if I simply embrace what is my calling and just have fun with whatever is before me, much joy ensues.  I was so inspired, I made myself a reminder poster on how to love my man (isn't he cute!).

 Made me so happy!  And, I was so happy, that when I heard the munchkins waking up and playing upstairs, instead of being frustrated that my alone time was ending, I raced upstairs and started tickling and playing with my darling little charges!  Life is FUN, folks.  I feel alive and well.  Thank you, Lord.

Will I wake up early tomorrow??  I hope so!

PS - the boys were so happy, that they went to milk the goats together (letting Daddy sleep). While they were gone, I hastily wrote this blog post.  (My hubby loves it when I post, by the way).  Now ...off to make breakfast and it's only 9:28am!

Our Date

How long has it been since we were on a date???  I honestly can't recall. Oh, wait, I remember .. it was at the end of the Fortified Families Marriage Retreat held the beginning of May.  Rachel Z was babysitting, so  we moved the wheel-lines together then went to Sisters for dinner at Takoda's.  We stopped in that nice park and walked across the covered bridge hand-in-hand. Ah ... that was a nice little walk down memory lane. :-)  I'd forgotten!

Ok, so 1 month in between dates isn't that bad ... but it feels like forever. :-) :-)  We tend to pack our months fuller than is reasonable.  One month feels like 3 round here.

Let's face it, the main reason we don't get out more is that we don't like to leave our favorite people!!! :-)

They're so fun!  If we have any extra time left after chores, cleanup, farm projects, lawn maintenance, etc ... we want to do something fun together!! :-)

Dwight got the idea one evening, when we were both enjoying a private conversation at the end of the table.  We were all googly-eyed and romantic and felt like we were on a date - ignoring the cheerful banter from the boys.  He then got the idea to serve a little Apple Cider Vinegar (NO!) ... Sparkling Apple Cider, that is.  He poured our champagne flutes and we continued our "secluded" visit. :-)  The once oblivious boys soon became aware and began to participate in our impromptu date in their own ways.  Burnell decided to pretend to be our waiter and serve us ice-cream.  Others thought that we should share our bubbly with them.  Ahhh.... :-)  The bottle of sweet liquid quickly disappeared and our moment became more public, but it was so much fun that I decided to recreate a similar "date experience the next week.  No babysitter, no expensive restaurant ... just lots of fun with our favorite people! :-)

So, the above picture is our wait staff. :-)  Amid preparing the meal, feeding the baby, decorating the table, and getting ready ... we did't have time to dress them (or clean them up, for that matter).  But, they're adorable anyway - dirt and all!

Me and my love

Our "booth" on the front porch

The boys at their table - decorated, too.

Our waiters always "close" in case we need anything. :-)

 Dwight with our meal of Roasted broccoli and sweet onions and Pasta with meat sauce.  I didn't get a picture of our awesome House salad.

Another dirty little waiter (Ty) checking in on us.

Burnell learning to serve bubbly.

Quint was learning, too.

And ... Wyatt wanted to taste-test our banana splits - quality control and all.

Our glasses from our wedding.

Can't wait to go on another awesome date!