Thursday, November 15, 2007

TFT - Need your help

I recently posted about our annual trek to get our Christmas tree. It's always a fun time. As I said before for the last eight years (except for last year) we have gone to Vermont to get our tree. We have also done it solo, meaning without the boys. Of course this tradition started before kids. Then afterwards, it was just a fun thing to do with the two of us. Our trip to get the Christmas Tree are the only times we have gone away without the boys in 7 and a half years. It's not that I haven't wanted to bring them, it's just that the time fulfilled two things: 1. to get our family a freshly cut Christmas Tree and 2. to have a day or two of "alone" time for me and John.

My thoughts today are whether or not we should take the boys out of school and make it a family road-trip to Vermont. In the past they were little and it just made sense to leave them, as it's a four hour ride, and we do a lot of walking at the tree farm in order to pick out our tree. Then when we come home, the family tradition begins. The boys help with the decorating, we listen to Christmas music, and we have a lot of fun. For them the tradition has been to stay with Mary, and they always have a blast.

The other day as I was trying to pick a date to go John suggested that we just bring them with us this year. I almost cried. My reasons for this are were and are two fold. Of course I love doing things together as a family and 99% of the time, that is how we operate. Whether it's going for a bike ride or going any where, we generally always go together. I love spending time together as a family. In fact, when John is off (which is very rarely weekends, we always try to spend the time all together). That being said, I also cherish the very little time I get, just with my husband. Due to the nature of his job, and working nights we don't go out as a couple very often. Therefore, once in a while I love to spend time with just him. Right now I am overwhelmed with by feelings of guilt.

Now taking all of my thoughts into consideration. What should I do. This issue is weighing very heavily on my heart, and I am torn. I am weighing in the direction of bringing the boys, though I would love a night or two without two little (or not so little) munchkins, hopping into bed with us. Your suggestions are kindly welcome. Thank you in advance.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

go alone with your husband - heck yeah! happy mommy = happy kids. :) have fun!

Happy Days said...

go alone!!! Cherrish that time. It is all yours!!!

Zoe said...

go alone. can i just tell you i haven't had a night alone with my husband in over 6 years. go alone.

heather said...

go alone. if that's your annual "getaway" time, don't give it up. like you said, the boys have fun with their own time away with friends while you have your time as a couple... i'd say keep up the tradition!

Kellan said...

I was gonna say, take the kids ... but I guess I'm out voted - go alone!! See ya.

Patois42 said...

Get the tree somewhere way closer to home, bringing the boys with you. Make that your annual tree getting tradition.

And go to Vermont with John, just the two of you alone. Not for a tree, but just to be.

Anonymous said...

I would say going alone would be a nice getaway, but it would also be nice to go as a family. Then again, it sounds like you guys do a lot together. It wouldn't be so bad for the two of you to have some alone time. It doesn't sound like I am much help. Whatever you chose, it will be right. :)

Mary said...

Go with just you and PJ. Leave the boys with me. I missed out last year because of Thomas' arrival. I love hanging with them :) You just need to pick the date so I can take a day off.

jenny said...

you and your husband need that time together - go alone! if the kids have never went they won't be 'missing' anything and their tradition will start when you get home. don't feel guilty about it either...he should be pumped you want to be alone! :)

AliBlahBlah said...

I'm sure if you mention some shagging he'll be more than happy to make it just you.

I think it sounds like a lovely tradition - and the kids get to dress the tree, so they're not exactly missing out!

Kellan said...

Hey Amy - so what did you decide? And thank you for coming over and leaving such a nice Anniversary wish. Take care and see you soon. Kellan