Recharging the Mommy-Batteries

Admit it, if you are a parent, as much as you love your kids, you need some time to yourself. Not want, need. That took me years to realize. There have been times when Riley, Dylan, and I were all in tears, Jake would walk through the door after a long day at work, I wiped my eyes and walked out with a quick kiss and an "I'll be back later."

Most of the time I went to a restaurant, ordered some food, breathed deeply, and read a magazine, relishing the peace and quiet. No one hanging on me. No one whining my name, turning 'mom' into a multi-syllablic moooooo-oooooom. No one wiping snot and tears on my clothes.

Now, before it gets to that point, I plan fun times with some other gal pals. We leave the kids for a spell and enjoy being something other than Mommy. Mom. Mamma. Mother.

A few months ago, with a discount through Groupon, I went to the Art Glass Center of San Jose with Jenn and Pia. We spent four hours working with glass. We did torchwork, we fused glass, and we soldered a stained glass piece. Here's the torched pendant that I made. It's now part of a hemp twine necklace that I knotted on another evening when I needed some time to myself.

I look at these nights sans children as a way to recharge the mommy-batteries. Sure it's time missed with the boys. But it definitely makes me a happier mom in the long run.

Next up for a moms' night: Bollywood Dance Night at One World Zumba. If you're local and want to join me, let me know.