Last Minute Weekend Changes .... maybe??

UPDATE: We won't be able to go afterall. Craig's plane won't be arriving until late tomorrow morning. Its not like we didn't have plans. Saturday the girls have group piano class and Isabelle has youth night at church. And all the kids (minus Catherine and Veronica) sing at mass on Sunday. It was just nice dreaming of cancelling it all and running away to the middle of no where. But, seems like God needs us to stay put. ;-)

So, instead I think I'll pull out some sewing projects I have up my sleeve. I'm still working on Christmas projects, too.

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I thought I knew what our plans were for this weekend BUT I just found out that THIS weekend is the family retreat I've been waiting ALL YEAR to attend. Somehow, I missed the memo and now I'm trying to squeeze our little family *snort* in.

It had me thinking that this time last year I was trying to convince Craig to let us attend even though I was 1-2 weeks away from my due date. And the year before we had attended and I experienced my very first camping trip.

My, how time flies. And now here we are with Veronica, my toddling almost 1 yo.

Yes, she is toddling! She is now taking 3-5 steps. She should be running soon.

Anyways, pray that we can squeeze into a spot. I am dying to go spend time with other Catholic families to pray, worship, learn, and enjoy nature (and see friends, too).

H/T Michelle (who called me today and clued me in about the retreat)

Missing my little chicks

Tomorrow morning, before the sun wakes, I'll be heading out with Craig on a business trip/vacation. All week I've been looking forward to this get away. I've been dreaming about all the quiet time I will have during the day while Craig is meeting with co-workers. I've been thinking about the fun we'll have in the evenings as we dine and enjoy the city.

But as he was driving off with the kiddies to take them to grandparents' houses, Anna started crying, followed by Kolbe. And I started doubting whether I should leave for so long (5 days). I asked them if they wanted me to drive them to grandma's/abuella's instead of Daddy. They all nodded yes and Sophia started crying. I was on the verge of tears when ......

"Enough!! They'll be fine, Lillian. Now go inside with the baby and let me take them. Say good-bye kids. Tell Mom you love her."

They all waved and the noisy chorus of good-byes and I-love-yous sounded so beautiful.

I miss them already and can't wait until Wednesday. I know they'll be okay but I wish I could have one more day. I should have held them, read to them, and just sat with them on this last day. Instead, we cleaned, packed suitcases, organized school books/schedules (no school holiday for them), and went to see a children's play (Roxaboxen).

In the past 11 years since we've had children, I've never been away from ALL my kiddos for this long. When I do go for a workshop, swim meet, convention, etc., its never more than a night or two. And sometimes I go alone so Craig can stay with them.

But this time its 5 nights and I'll be with Craig (and baby, of course!!).

Tonight I cry until I know they're asleep. Tomorrow they will wake up excited to be having a long slumber party with their favorite people. And I'll wake up excited to have time to myself and with my sweetie. Bittersweet is the grass on the other side.

Meanwhile, I'm making reservations at Nola's!!! ;-)