I love Thursdays

My day-off-duty just changed to Thursdays. Aaron takes over dinner, clean up and bedtime routine (which usually means the kids get to stay awake until midnight..) I get to do whatever I want and it's an emotional lifesaver.

Since becoming a mom, sometimes I feel like a loser when I don't have anything to do on a night off. Granted, I try to plan a girls night at least once a month and that is always fun. But most of the time I just want to relax with a bubble bath and a good book.. it's amazing how much you can look forward to a little PEACE and QUIET! But after a few unsuccessful attempts at hiding up in my bedroom away from the kids (if you're home, they don't realize it's your night off) I have had to force myself OUT of the house every Thursday night. My struggle has been planning something fun to do.

After my date night with Zack a few weeks ago, I realized that I really need more one-on-one time with each of my kids. Simon and I get hours and hours everyday of bonding time. But I decided to make monthly date nights with each of the older boys... We scheduled them on the calendar because when they are written down and planned ahead of time, no one forgets. It doesn't have to be anything fancy.. it can be a quick trip to get frozen yogurt.. or a drive in the car.. just spending a little quality time together. I realize that I am around my kids 24/7, but it's different when it's alone time. Last night was a date night with Luke and it was F.U.N.

He wanted to go to Taco Bell for dinner. I can't complain about spending $4 on dinner. Taco Bell obviously isn't luxury, but we were the only ones inside and it was great. Luke and I talked for over an hour. I asked him how he liked having a new baby and if it seemed like life has changed since Simon was born. He said he loves having a baby around about 98 percent of the time and it's hard about 2% of the time. I loved his estimation because that's exactly how I feel.

On the way home, we picked up a few items for the ward Valentine party (which happens to be tonight.) Walking in and out of the store, we held hands. I wondered how long it had been since I held Luke's hand. I am usually carrying a car seat or keeping Zack from getting hit by a car. It was nice to be out with my mellow Luke.. just what I needed. I think he had an okay time too-- at least 98% of the time, anyway.

I love this kid..

We came home to a sleeping baby and three hyper boys (Aaron included as one of the rambunctious ones.) Then we all curled up in bed to watch the premier of Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains.. another reason to love Thursdays.

ps. Did you know I applied to be a contestant on Survivor? If they have a season 21 (or beyond) I would jump at the chance to go. Could I sleep in a jungle and leave my family for 39 days? definitely. I would do anything for a million dollars. and I think it might be a great way to lose the baby weight....