i took more than one picture today. most days i do. especially on days we do something new. today brandon went to his first day of mother's day out. for the last year, brandon and i have been partners in crime. we do everything together. but we're at this point where i need some time to myself. i need to be able to run errands, go to lunch with my girl friends, go to doctor's appointments...ALONE. james, crystal, and mom really encouraged me to do this and so i took the leap this morning.

i got brandon's nap mat, bag and supplies ready early this morning and mentally prepared myself for leaving him in someone else's care. i prayed that these women would love him and teach him new things in my absence. i took a few minutes to tell his teachers about his schedule and then took a few pictures. i didn't want to linger for long, so i picked him up and gave him a big hug and kiss and put him down next to this big yellow bus. as i walked away, he looked up at me and smiled his big smile and was totally fine with me leaving. i dropped lauren off at her class and then i was off.

off to run errands! ALONE! i went to target and yes, i behaved myself. then i went to the grocery store. it was so nice not having to keep brandon from pulling things off the shelves. or standing in the cart! i returned home to clean out the fridge and put away the groceries. then a long, hot shower. i stayed in until there was no more hot water! lunch was amazing. it was just a weight watcher frozen dinner, but i got to eat it HOT out of the microwave! i spent a little while writing thank you cards and thinking of you notes for some friends out of town. and then i treated myself to this:


ooohhh la la! skinny cow now makes their yum ice cream sandwiches with cookies and cream ice cream. i loved eating every bite of it in peace and quiet. nobody to interrupt and ask if they could have a bite. no one asking me to stop in the middle of my snack to get them a snack!

i love my kids, but i love my "me" time. i NEED my "me" time. today was a reminder that i am someone outside of being a mom. i'm someone that needs to be taken care of and tended to. and just like everything else in my life, if i don't take the time to take care of myself...no one else will.