One of the greatest challenges of having young kids is finding a way to carve out time for Colin and I to spend real time together, alone. I must admit, it’s been higher on his priority list than mine the past couple of years. While we are struggling to make all the puzzle pieces of school, work, writing, camp, speech, and money fit together, I sometimes forget that there’s another “us” that also needs attention.
Yesterday was Mother’s Day. My best Mother’s Day so far! Colin was up at 5am making sure everything was just perfect. And it was. Then we ventured out to go shopping, with two hungry kids. It wasn’t our smartest move, but eventually we were back home and naps made everyone less grumpy, including myself. While I napped, Colin cleaned and out away laundry (not something he only does on Mother’s Day, by the way). I woke up just in time to get dressed. And then, magically our sitter showed up at 5pm.
I had been reluctant to get a sitter on Mother’s Day. In fact, I probably judged myself harshly for considering it. But man, was that everything I needed! We enjoyed a dinner for two, quietly. We talked about things we never get to talk about…Things that go beyond a calendar and a bedtime plan. We needed that. It’s so easy to get consumed in what it takes to raise children, but one night out reminds me what I’d be missing if I lost us.
I’m thankful Colin keeps our time at the top of his list. 
Joyful Striving 