Hello, fellow bloggers and readers!  Today marks my return to the blogging community. I had a blog a loooooong time ago when I in college and the concept was relatively new. Like I said, a long time ago.

So first, a little about myself.  I am 32 years old and a mother of five. 
...Yes, that's a lot of kids.
.....Yes, I know what causes pregnancy. 
.......No, we did not have cable when we first got married.
...........and I have been married to an amazing, wonderful, rule-enforcing man for 12 years. 

My husband and I always knew we were going to have a large family, mostly because we already had our first three kids when we got married and weren't looking to have a celibate marriage.  Obviously we didn't have a honeymoon, and our married lives have always revolved around our kids.  Now our kids are somewhat grown and self-sufficient, and my husband and I are spending more time together. 

Recently my husband and I went to a shindig where we spent the night dancing and laughing with some of my former coworkers.  We had so much fun and danced so much that my legs and mouth were sore the next day!  "And? So what?" you may ask.  So, the point is that we spent a few hours without kids and spent some quality time together.  We spent the evening with other adults, had adult coversations, told dirty jokes, and danced to music of our generation.  We never had to worry about who punched who, who had basketball workouts, laundry, dishes, or who had to poop.  It was just us.  And do you know what I realized?  I had fun, and I really like my husband, heck I may even love him.   

Now, I am like every parent.  My life revolves around my kids, and most of my 'fun' stuff involves my kids' events.  We tell our kids to enjoy life; have fun; spend time with people who are important to you.  But we don't often take our own advice.  When is the last you belly-laughed or hung out with your friends? Without kids? 

How many marriages end in divorce these days?  How many adults are depressed? It's not hard to understand why.  Adults get so caught up in and distracted by the little stuff  of our lives that we lose the big stuff...like how to be a friend, how to have fun, and how to love and be loved. My hectic schedule leaves me so frazzled that somedays I find myself unhappy at home.  I might sulk or cook angrily or shut myself in my room and stare at the TV, and my family becomes physically and emotionally separated. 

The night I spent with my husband and friends reenergized me.  I was so happy, and that happiness transferred to my husband and family.  Even today, as I type this, I am smiling and content. Now I am not advising anyone to neglect their children, that's the other end of the spectrum.  But I am telling you to take time for yourself and for your significant other.  Go on a date.  Spend a weekend alone. Stay up late and then sleep in.  Don't give in to the small stuff.  It's easy to make excuses for unhappines, discontent, and even divorce, but it is so much more fun to be part of a family and to have friends.