A Sucked Out Juice Box

Back in the day, I used to attend a mother's group called MOPS (Mothers of Preschool Children). It was a wonderful part of my life that still holds very special memories for me. MOPS groups are alive and well, I am just not a member at the present time. I am pretty sure that I heard the term of A sucked out juice box to refer to the way that moms feel sometimes at one of the MOPS meetings that I attended. It basically was referring to the outweighing of the many demands of a mom and the lack of activities that fill us up, or refresh us, if you will.

I surely felt like a sucked out juice box last week. With a sick child at home for over a week straight, a consequently adjusted schedule, and also two to three kiddies waking up nightly, etc., etc., etc. I realize that it may sound like I am complaining or whining. I have surely lived through far worse and I do have that perspective. Don't get me wrong, it is my place and I wouldn't have it any other way. But...I won't lie, it is still hard sometimes. I am not always the Mom that I want to be or should be. I am not Supermom or perfect.

Last night we had Parent- Teacher conferences. My parents offered to babysit our kids so that both of us could attend. I do think it is very important when at all possible, for both parents to attend these conferences. I was honestly prepared for only one of us to be able to attend since one of our kids was still somewhat under the weather, but I was pleasantly surprised that we were both able to go in the end. The bonus, we even got an opportunity to grab dinner afterwards. I dressed up and Hubby made reservations. We even had a bottle of wine. Isn't this funny?
We are total label shoppers, almost always throwing all wine knowledge aside when choosing our selection. This label made us laugh and with it being Valentine's Day weekend and all we thought it was most appropriate. It really was a good choice after all. I would buy it again. Dinner was romantic, delicious, and amazing especially since I didn't have to cook it or clean it up one single dish. Nope, not even one! I especially love the ability to stay local in our community and support a restaurant right in our own hometown. Last night was the best night's sleep that I have had in awhile and so that was refreshing too.

Today, I celebrated the birthday of a dear friend. I was so focused on her and her influence on my life. I marveled at the time when we met, all that we have been through together, and how how our friendship has blessed me a million times over in almost seven years. I never considered how much fun I would have too just being there with her celebrating her special day. It was great to see and spend time with another friend that I don't get to see as often as I would like to. I had meaningful conversations with several other friends as well. I am grateful for the authentic friendships that I have in my life. Real moms, real women, and the real opportunities to be brutally honest about life. It was refreshing to just relax among my girlfriends. I had the best time. It was so refreshing, more so than I had even expected.

I came home to a table set for dinner, kids playing peacefully, and a hubby making dinner for us. I almost thought I came home to the wrong house. HA!

I am refreshed. We all NEED this. I still need to figure out why we fight the opportunities to take care of ourselves. The time away is nourishing to ourselves and refreshing, allowing us to be better wives and moms for it. Sick child is on the mend, not totally herself, but better.

I am grateful for dear friends, for the dinner made for me again tonight. Hmmm how can I get this to stick??? I am grateful for my beautiful family, good soothing music, good birthday cake, and yes, even a bottle of good wine! I am most grateful that I no longer feel like a sucked out juice box! I hope this feeling lasts for awhile!

What refreshes you?