Anniversary Trip?

I tend to have better "Mommy Moments" when I have had some time to relax and unwind without my boys. Don't get me wrong - I love them dearly. However, I need time away from them and I believe they need some time away from me. Right now most of my away time consists of short shopping trips and the occasional family trip with my parents (football games, my cousin's wedding last September). Chris and I are trying to change this but it is hard to do.

This year Chris and I will celebrate our 10th anniversary. For the past couple years we have been dreaming of a trip to Hawaii. When we moved to Portland last year we thought our dream vacation was within reach. There are a few airlines with direct flights to Maui, our Hawaiian destination of choice. Most were relatively inexpensive, which would make for a relatively inexpensive trip. Remember: Relatively inexpensive - not inexpensive!! Well, I guess it wasn't meant to be. Our dream of a trip to Hawaii was pushed aside when Chris was laid off in January. We held on to our dream trip until Chris could not find work for 3 months. We visited the trip again, recently, only to discover it is more expensive when flying from Texas. Ah, maybe another time.

Chris and I would like to go somewhere nice - and new - for our anniversary. We have found several trips that are within our reach but probably not in time for our anniversary. We don't use credit cards so we have to have the money up front. It isn't hard to save but it takes a while. So I have put out a plea for frequent flier miles, just to see if anyone can help us.

I would really like to go on a relaxing trip with Chris, especially in August before we start school. I love homeschooling my boys and truly believe it is the way God wants for our children to be educated but it is hard work and draining. A nice trip would help me get revved up for the year. Too bad homeschoolers don't get any kind of education credit. I'm sure a pre-school year trip would count, really!!

I'll keep you updated on our plans. We may have to tone down our plans or put them off for a few months. That's OK. It is not the date that is important but the vows we made on that date. We should celebrate each other and our vows every day, although we don't. We should be excited that, with God's help and strength, we have made it for 10 years. Marriage is very hard work and we are doing it; some days better than others.

I know that a trip for Chris and me would make us better parents - and better spouses. I know the time away from us would be very good for the boys. They need some snuggle and spoil time with the grandparents. We all need a break from the stress of the year.