No boys allowed!

So my hubby is away at the moment on a 'Men's weekend'. 2 1/2 days of hiking, camping, fishing and spear fishing at Wilsons' Prom with a whole bunch of guys from church. I love it when Nathan gets the chance to get away, because it really builds into our relationship. Having a few days apart helps me to really appreciate him, and when he has a chance to do the things he loves and hang out with the guys, he comes back so much more connected and happy in himself. Not to mention, its kinda fun to shake the routine up a little.

It seems so much easier to cook for just Hanny and myself, and the house is easier to tidy, too. A kind of fun, girly atmosphere settles over the place and suddenly it doesn't seem to matter if Hanny has a late night tucked up in my bed with me watching a movie, or eating a few more bikkies than she should! It just takes the pressure off for awhile, as I recognise that when nath is away, I can't do it all. I tend to settle down with my high expectations and sense of duty and I begin to rediscover pleasure in simple things, like enjoying a picnic on the carpet, blowing bubbles, dancing or just being silly.

The other evening, nath was working late and I had had a crazy day and it was quite late before I got to pick Hanny up from creche. I was a little hassled at the thought of going through our evening routine when we were both so tired. So I ditched it. I ran a bath and we both jumped in, me with a cuppa and hanny with a bowl of grapes floating in a toy boat. It was so fun to change the order of things, just breathe and realise there are no meal police who are going to beat down my door if I don't serve up meat and 3 veg every night! Obviously, I don't do this too often, but honestly does it really matter if we eat cheese and fruit and crackers one evening? I think not. It was so refreshing and I found time to really enjoy my little girl. I encourage occasional 'skipping of the routine' to freshen life and remind you what really matters in life.

<---- Dinner, anyone? Day #1 of our girls weekend; Me and Hanny made plastercine meals. Guess which one is mine? hehe