Monday, May 26, 2008

Time away with ME

ME and I took off last week for a quick getaway before all the "big Kids" got out of school. For those of you that do not know her, she is my strong-willed, loud, vibrant, vocal, dramatic, smart, and enthusiastic 5 year old biological daughter that keeps us going from sun up to sun down.


(I failed to take my camera with me this past weekend, so here she is last summer at the beach!)

She is a social child by nature and wants so much more of me. I just don't have enough of me to go around, so J and I decided some time away with just she and I might help the situation.

I had a free night voucher for a Marriott Resort, so we headed to my college town Birmingham to stay at Ross-Bridge resort for two nights. Upon our arrival to town we stopped at some dear friends house for a quick visit with them and their daughters. I hated we did not have more time to spend, but we had to get to our destination as we quickly learned that the pool indeed had a water slide. Once we checked in, ME declared, "let's just throw on our bathing suits and don't even unpack." She was the boss, so we did. She must have gone down that water slide 48 times that one day. It was a sight and she even talked me into doing it, only twice. After our session at the pool, we decided a night in the room with robes on and room service would fit our needs. We ordered yummy food and even an episode or two of Hannah Montana. (fun times) After a great night of sleep, (of course we had to sleep in the same bed, even though we had to QUEEN beds)we headed back out to the pool for a day of fun and swimming. We tried out the hot tubs, indoor and outdoor, the swimming pools, indoor and outdoor, and of course once again, the water slide. We were thrilled to find out the pool snack bar was open for the day and in crewed a $45 tab as we enjoyed burgers, sweet tea, and gelato for the day.

After a full day, we headed in for showers and then a dinner at The Cheesecake Factory. We of course split a piece of divine cheesecake and even a decaf coffee. We then enjoyed a fun time shopping for bathing suits and even enjoyed a trip into Claire's. When you have little girls, a shopping trip is not complete until you hit Claire's. Luckily on this day, the store had a 10 for $10 sale, she delightfully selected items she could bring home to her siblings. Precious. After an evening of shopping we headed back to the hotel to enjoy "Horton Hears a Who". Did you know you can save your movies that you order in a hotel? That is fabulous because she was of course too tired to continue the movie and conked out quickly. The next morning we ordered room service and dined on bacon and cheese grits. Sadly, we had to leave by noon, so we headed to the pool for TWO MORE hours. They went by so quickly and ME cried when we had to leave as she had finally made friends with several girls that morning.

I loved my special time with her. She can be so demanding of me, but I realize so often that all she needs is me, my time, and my attention.

( I forgot to thank my awesome husband that funded our shopping spree and trip, Thanks J, and thanks for helping me get away, making it happen, and keeping up with the gang, so we could go.)

Dear Lord, give me more hours in the day, so I can spend more time with all of my children, especially those that need me more than others. Thank you Lord for special time with my little live wire. I pray for more times in the future where we can spend those quality times together.

12 comments:

S.Good said...

You said you went to college in Birmingham - me too Samford:)

elizabeth said...

Sounds like a delightful time of girly stuff! I'm glad you had the opportunity to do this. You inspire me to do the same!

E

Mom of Eleven said...

cookingmama,
I went to SU too. Go Bulldogs! I loved, loved, loved Samford. What year did you graduate? I graduated in 96
wendymom

Joni said...

What a great idea and one that ME will always remember. At times, it takes concerted effort to give each child the individual attention they deserve.

I'm with Elizabeth - you inspire me to do the same.

Laura said...

What a great time! I just took my almost 15 year old away for a weekend trip to Memphis for a little shopping. We had a great time and it was good to not have the other siblings around! She will cherish that time with you!

Anonymous said...

That sounds like so much fun. I would love to take my Rees there too sometime. See you soon.
--Big.

Sibi said...

Love this post! Can't imagine how your sweet girl must have felt, having Mommy all to herself! I love my time alone with each one~ just wish it could be more often.
How are you doing? Sounds like you all are enjoying the ending of the school year and the start of summer!
Many blessings!!

Lauren said...

You have inspired me to do the same! Thank you for sharing your wonderful idea...what a special time for you two!

Patty said...

What a wonderful time! She is a doll!! I am glad you had that special time with her. They grow up so fast but I know she will always remember this special time with her mom!!
Blessings,
Patty

Anonymous said...

she might be strong-willed and demanding as you say...but i think ME is absolutely adorable & precious...i know she must have LOVED having mommy all to herself...it's hard to not get lost in the shuffle of life...just remember, you is all she needs.i'm so glad you got to get away. i hope you are all doing well.
jennglenn

Jennifer said...

What an awesome weekend--a 5 year old's dream vacation. Precious!!!

Jennifer said...

I just love the entire image of both of you swimming, cuddling, and shopping! How fun that you did that! I still remember "dates" with my dad from when I was little...