In the coming weeks my husband will be jetting off to Vegas.
I know right, I should win wife of the year or something.
People comment on his trip.
"You must be so disappointed you're not going"
"How did he get away with that"
"You'll have a few leave passes racked up, won't you"
and it goes on and on.
Reality is, when the opportunity came up, it was me that pushed the subject, me that suggested he go.
You see, I'm a firm believer that when we become parents, it shouldn't be the only thing that defines us. We are still more than a parent.
I love a family holiday, I do, really.
But anyone with young children will know that you don't really get to relax in the same way you did before children. And for the most part that is totally OK.
However, why not be adventurous. Why not go out there and enjoy experiences. Sometimes with your family, sometimes with your partner and sometimes, maybe sometimes with your mates or on your own.
I too get plenty of opportunities. Only at the end of last month I had a weekend to myself in Sydney. Sure it's not Vegas, but my time will come.
I'm grateful that we are in position to continue living our lives not only as parents but as individuals. We still spend ample quality time as a family, nurturing our bond. But I love and am truly grateful that we get to experience more than that.
And if I'm completely honest, whilst we enjoy our time to ourselves, and our own adventure. Time to ourselves in the big wide world is often a nice reminder just how grateful we are for our family too.
I'm linking up with Maxabella loves for 52 weeks of grateful and Flash Blog Friday.
What are you grateful for this week?
Cheers
Mandy.
I love your view Mandy. Our kids and family shouldn't be the only thing that defines us, we are still individuals. I hope Hubby has a fantastic trip.
ReplyDeleteI also think going away from your family makes you appreciate more what you have at home.
Yes so true. We all need our own identity and sometimes we lose ourselves once the children come along.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put.
ReplyDeleteYour husband is lucky to have someone who understands like you, and I'm glad that he affords you the same understanding :)
I love your perspective, Mandy.
ReplyDeleteI think it's so important to want one another to be happy and fulfilled - in and out of the home.
I can't stand when people refer to "why did you LET him do that?"
Let? He's my husband, not my child or dog!!
:-) xx
A lovely post Mandy. I think we sometimes forget to treat ourselves to a break once in a while, and remember we are more than just parents. I hope your husband enjoys his trip, and buys you something nice at dutyfree :)
ReplyDeleteLovely post.
ReplyDeleteEven just short breaks away make me realise how grateful for my family I am
great post and great timing for me! I'm really encouraging my husband to go to Italy on his own this year. We all went last year, and I don't think I could do it again so soon (with two small kids and all) but for one adult to go, see his family, relax and ENJOY himself would be so lovely!! Your post has inspired me to keep persisting!!! And I love what you said...parenting does not define us!
ReplyDelete'Time to ourselves in the big wide world is often a nice reminder just how grateful we are for our family too' - This is SO true. So beautifully said. As much as any break from the family can bring joy, there's no joy greater than coming back home to them :)
ReplyDeleteVery true hon. Three years ago my hubby sent me off to NYC to see my family on my own since we just could not afford 4 airfares (it had been 5 years since i had been home) - while i was on my own he took 10 days off work and road tripped down to sydney with the kids - everyone was happy! I hope he enjoys Vegas and you enjoy your next adventure too
ReplyDeletebeautifully put, a little absence can be a good thing.
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree, from someone who also sent her husband off to Vegas for his 40th! I think it's great to do things on your own as well as together! Absence does make the heart grow fonder! PS also love the new blog header! : )
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. It's nice to be allowed to spread your wings. Plus imagine the peace and quiet and the tidy house with no man wandering around making a mess for a while?!!
ReplyDeleteVisiting via 52 Weeks of Grateful :)
Sarah
http://acatlikecuriosity.blogspot.co.uk
It is great that he can go. I think I would be the same if my hubby really wanted to do something like that. I just know he would come back happier and would have missed us so much. I hope you survive the time he is away. I always seem to get sick when hubby goes away.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Love this post! And love that you support each other as individuals. There's so much happiness in seeing someone you love do something they've always dreamed of! xx
ReplyDeleteI have to agree, and I know I am a much better parent when I get to be the me that likes adventures too and am glad to see that there are so many likeminded folk here who agree. Unfortunately all I seem to hear is 'but how can you leave your kids' or 'but that is so dangerous'. Certainly helps build the mummy-guilt but the trips are worth it if only for the sanity! I also find that I parent differently when I am the solo parent for a time and it is almost like a holiday at home. I hope you have a great holiday at home with your kids. xo
ReplyDeleteLove your thinking. My husband had the opportunity to go to Greece and I whole heartedly supported him going - good thing was the opportunity then presented itself for me too go too. Even better! Thanks for liking up for Flash Blog Friday :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent thankful! Its funny the obligotary comments that are amde with this kind of thing - and the obligatory replies we give as well. I love the sound of your way of living W.C (with children!) I plan on doing somethign similar myself. *s*
ReplyDelete