Slowing down

Vacation, long weekend, a get-away . . . call it what you will, but just a few days away from the house, the phone, the calendar and schedule is BLISS, and right now it's just what the doctor ordered. We're in St. George staying at my parent's home and the kids are in heaven watching as much television and movies as they can handle, sleeping in, playing games, going to the park, eating out of the stocked refrigerator, and allowing Ryan to watch college lacrosse on his own tv nonstop (seriously, he's logging hours - a little insane). It's good for the kids - they need to unwind, sleep in, spend time together, and just wake up with no expectations other than clean up after themselves ;-).

It's also some serious down time for Mom. It's in my nature to never stop moving, but down here I actually stop thinking of everything that needs to be accomplished; I'm not checking in to see if the kids are practicing piano, getting homework finished, or doing their chores . . . and believe it or not, I don't mind if the TV is turned on, which is a treat since they never watch it at home. It is only here where I can actually SIT and RELAX rather than make a lame attempt at slowing down while in my own environment. I do try that every now and then only to realize that something needs cleaning or organizing, a phone call needs to be made, someone needs a ride, or I just need to get out and do something. And that is exactly why this is the perfect place for me to slow down - it's not exactly a vacation (no sightseeing, no gathering everyone and heading anywhere, no worrying about luggage and hotels) . . . it's a retreat.

SO, in the spirit of our lovely St. George holiday weekend while the kids are out to a movie with their Grandpa, I will settle in with my book and a cozy quilt on this rainy day and enjoy a book. Ahhhhh :-).