Milkshakes & Tummy Aches: Story Time

One of the top priorities for Patrick and the kids was making sure that Momma always had time to recharge and rest.  With such a large family and a packed schedule, solo time to reset was hard to come by. Whenever I was given a night away, I'd usually try to fill it by meeting up for mom dates or sister dates, but rarely did I get time just to myself.  Patrick often encouraged me, "No, YOU go. Just by yourself, you need that time. Time where you're not pouring, you're just existing." I can never quite express how grateful I am to have been loved by the best. 

So, one time, I finally put anxiety aside and committed to a night away. A staycation.  Patrick was always amazing with the kids, so I had to fight being in control and banish the guilt I felt for getting away.  Hotel number one was a disaster and so I ran away. Hotel two was reputable and I knew I'd get a good night's rest and be safe. I didn't even ask what Pat's plans were with the kids, I just knew they'd have a blast.  About four in the morning, I woke up and checked my phone and the text read something like, "Don't panic, but the kids are throwing up. I think they have the stomach bug. If you can drop off some Gatorade at the doorstep that would be great. I'm so sorry Babe." 

It wasn't the stomach bug per se, it may have been the triple thick homemade milkshakes he made with twix bars, kit kats, chocolate syrup. Paired with the "movie snacks" that included Swedish fish, mike n' ikes, gummy bears, and pork skins! He doesn't even EAT pork skins; I have no idea why he felt led to add that in.  So, I left the hotel, ran home with the Gatorade and tummy meds, and went back to the hotel to get a late checkout and to enjoy just a little quieter before I headed back home.  Kendall told me that once they got better, he asked, "Would you do it all over again?" And of course, they all replied "Yes!" 

                                                             Daddy and his girls (2017)