Being Productive is Over-rated

Our decent computer bit the dust last week, and it needs to be rebuilt.  My sweet hubby dragged our ancient computer out of the garage, and set it up so we could have access to the Internet, but unfortunately, that is all I have access too.  I have taken a ton of pictures lately, with the intent of blogging, but they will all have to wait.

Last month, I visited my sister with my kids.  My husband stayed home alone for several days.  As I drove home, I started thinking about how nice it would be to have some time where I stayed home alone, and my husband took off with the kids.  Of course, as a mom, I don't get vacations.  Even when my husband takes time off work, it is for us to take vacations as a family.

We currently have two cars.  (I know it seems like I am heading off on all kinds of tangents, but bear with me.  I am heading somewhere with all of this.)  We have a van that we bought used in 2001.  It is barely hanging in there for us.  Hubby used to take the bus to work every morning, but he got sick of the horrible commute, and decided to buy an old missionary car with some stock he sold.

This month, Hubby's family had their annual reunion.  Once we decided to go, we had to figure out a way to get there.  I didn't feel like our van was a reliable choice for the 12+ hour drive, and our little car only fits 5 of the 6 of us in it.  I arranged to borrow my parent's van for the trip, but then, driving home from my sister's house, I came up with a brilliant plan.

I asked my husband how he would feel about taking the kids for the week, and letting me stay home.  ALONE!  He really loves our family time, and it has been a long time since we have seen his family, but he recognized that I would really appreciate some time to be by myself.  He also really owes me.  Last year, he left me for a week to go spend some time with his brothers at Six Flags.  So, my very brave husband drove 12 hours in our good car with 4 kids, and let me stay home.

So, what did I do for my week of alone time?  I worked my butt off!  I spent the week cleaning.  Our house hadn't been thoroughly cleaned since we put in our yard.  There was a very thick layer of dust covering everything.  I organized the kids bedrooms, and I even braved my fears, and painted my kitchen.  It was a very productive week.

For the first few days, I had the time of my life!  I listened to my music.  Ate what I wanted.  Slept when I wanted.  And I didn't hear a whiny "Mo- ooom" once.  It was a lot of fun.  But by day 3, I was done.  I missed my husband, and my kids!  My house was much too quiet, and there was no one to hug me!  I continued to get a lot done, but my life felt very empty. 

My family was supposed to get home last night.  They got a late start, and then the "good" car that they were driving started acting up.  I got a call from hubby a few hours ago, and he let me know that every time he stops the car, he has to have someone jump the battery in order to get the car to start again.  He has to stop one more time to get gas, and it is 2 in the morning.  We are both a little worried about him finding someone to help him jump start the car in the tiny towns he will pass.

Hopefully, my family will be back together again in the next few hours.