Sunday, November 16, 2008

Sometimes a girl just wants a little pampering - of the non disposable kind

What is the common denominator of:
A massage

A fire place

A chocolate fountain (brilliant invention)

No cooking, cleaning, or diapering

and Beautiful soft fluffy snow

You're right - lots of common denominators. All very desirable (well, if you are into white, cold, fluffy stuff any way). Here's what I was looking for though:

They were all a part of my weekend. :)
You may ask "How does one get these fabulous experiences integrated into their weekend??"
Well, Let me tell you.
I have the amazing privilege of working for and with some really incredible women. Each year the director of client and volunteer services at the crisis pregnancy center where I work organizes a retreat for all of the volunteers who work there. And seriously you guys, she makes it so relaxing, warm, beautiful, and let me add - delicious!
For 24 hours I had quiet (compared to life here at home...), learning, pampering, sweet fellowship with very like minded sisters, and delicious food served to me.
I can not even put into words how much this meant to me. Folks, I have been tired. My days have been sprinkled with so many joys, but the intensity of life with three young boys has proven to just really not be an easy thing to keep up with. Some times at the end of the day I quietly admit to myself, "Oh how I would love a little break - nothing long, nothing big, but just to catch my breath..."
And such a beautiful thing was granted to me. And my heart is thankful.
I love the work that I do at the Center for Women. It has become so much a part of who I am. It truly is a joy to be serving there each Monday. Fifteen months ago, when I began my training and work there, I was so excited to be given the opportunity to help join the others who worked there in ministering to the women who walked through those doors. Never could I have imagined how much I would learn in the process. Never could I have anticipated the bonds that would be created between myself and the women I would be working with. I didn't know. I knew God was going to use me, stretch me, and teach me. I did not know that I would be gaining a family.
This weekend I sat in front of a warm crackling fireplace and looked around the room at the faces of some of the most beautiful giving women I have ever known. I thought about the richness that has been added to my life since God has led me to the Center for Women.
For the first few hours of the retreat I felt strange. It felt unnatural to relax. To not be following little people around with a broom and dust pan. To not be making food and just constantly tasking. It almost felt wrong.
I mean really - a massage, chocolate in front of a fireplace, a gorgeous lake view, cuddling two precious little babies (A four month old and ten day old and oh my - did baby fever hit...), conversations with people older than 5?! Serious indulgances.
And then it just felt so, so right. :) So, I relaxed. And I enjoyed.
As sweet as my 24 hours off was, I did miss my little guys. Today we awoke to big fluffy snow flakes falling out side. This afternoon I pulled my lil ones in a sled. We made a snow man. We had hot chocolate. I really really enjoyed them. I felt ready to take on this mommy thing again, because of the gift of relaxation I received this weekend.
Here is a photographic glimpse into my weekend:
I wish this picture could impart the warm ambiance of this room - but it doesn't quite do it justice. Just use your imagination.

Oh baby Ben - I have fallen pretty hard for you sweet mini person. your mommy is pretty special too.

Mmmmmm, chocolate - falling in smooth waves of goodness. And Kathy - what does one even say to the hard working, tender hearted mommy lady behind it all. I just love you. Way more than chocolate. It's a big deal - I'd take that seriously lady.

Oh, this moment was priceless!! Jay and Noe asked if they could go out to play in the snow while Dave and I fixed lunch after church today. We let them go out by themselves, but kept a close watch on them out the window. With out any parental coaching or help, Jay went and found the sled, helped Noe into it and began pulling him around the yard.
Okay, just don't judge. It was a dusting of snow, but we were all giddy about it and I happen to think he's pretty cool.

24 comments:

Anne Elizabeth said...

Your weekend sounded so wonderful! I have never had a chocolate fountain. I have heard they are so good:) I love seeing some pictures of the first snow. It snowed the other night but nothing stuck:(

Amanda Hoyt said...

Looks like you had a great weekend!
Hope you have a wonderful week too.
Hugs and prayers,
Amanda

Anonymous said...

Your title cracked me up! Glad you had such a wonderful weekend! :) I'm a little jealous of all the chocolate and snow! :)

Jackie said...

I cannot tell you how happy I am for you that you got to get away, recharge your mommy batteries, and indulge in a little "me" time. It is so important and I'm glad you realized that it's ok to enjoy it!

I love snow so much and we rarely get it here. You better be posting some pictures when you get the first big snowfall of the seasons - so dreamy.

BaronessBlack said...

Lovely post!
For some reason it made me think of that old Rolling Stones about how "You can't always get what you want. But if you try, sometimes, You get what you need!"
So pleased for you!

Kristy said...

You are a wonderful mommy and I am so glad that you were able to enjoy a little pampering too. And, I loved the snowman. I am not judging in any way. I promise.

Grace Acres said...

looks like a fabulous time.

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

sounds almost heavenly!

Tonya said...

That is awesome! Glad you had a relaxing time. And you had enough snow to make a snowman? Even if it was a little one! Wow.

dani said...

what a wonderful treat for a wonderful girl, wendi!!! i just love this time of the year and am thrilled you had the opportunity to enjoy it and relax:)
love,
dani

Mozi Esme said...

Looks like a wonderful retreat - especially that chocolate stuff!

creative gal said...

I love your post and the snow!! I didn't know you volunteered at a local preg. center!! Me too!! :o) Hugs from NC!

Joy Junktion said...

I am so happy for you. It sounds like a weekend from heaven. Just exactly what you needed.

You are such a devoted and special mom and you really deserved that special 24 hours away.

I'm sure it helped you feel refreshed and ready to rejoin your beautiful family.

I'm going to a Women of Faith Conference this weekend. I really need the time away also.

Bless you, Cindy

Jules from "The Roost" said...

How wonderful. It sounds like you really needed it too! I am so happy for you :)

Sara@iSass said...

Your 24 hours of bliss, sounded well blissful! I see that you got all the snow the weatherpeople have been talking about. You lucky duck!
You mentioned everything on my delightful list. Fireplace, chocolate, QUIET, snow...ahh I'm in my happy place!!!

Rachel said...

So glad you were able to take this time. It sounded wonderful!

Love you!

Jessica Jean said...

Hey your weekend sounded very relaxing I'm sure you deserved one...It reminds we of the ladies retreat our church organization (upci) does every year in January where hundreds of christian ladies get together and relax... very nice.

Amanda said...

hey wendi...just noticed your comment on the domestic bliss swap post...i haven't heard who my partner is yet, so maybe there is still time to get in on the fun if you e-mail them...just a thought! :)

Lisa said...

we all need a little time away to recharge - sounds like yours was amazing!!!

Denise B. said...

the weekend sounded wonderful..


the snowman....he's...uhhh...he's....well, it was only a dusting! hehe

Amanda said...

oh how excited i am to hear that you and my dearest jilly are paired up! i wondered if she would be paired with one of my dear bloggy friends...and i am just so glad you were able to get in at the last minute! :)

Rach@In His Hands said...

Aaaahhh, that sounds wonderful. It is so important to "recharge" with some needed pampering, isn't it!? So happy that you had a great weekend.
And your boys with their sled is too adorable!

Nathan and Jill said...

I was just reading up on your blog to start planning your swap gift. Apparently we have a few things in common. First of all, I too have the willow tree nativity as the center of my decoration. Secondly we just had the experience of hitting a deer and totalling our car. I love that God is our protector and provider. I look forward to getting to know you!
Jill

Sarah@Life in the Parsonage said...

Sounds AMAZING Wendi!

So glad you got a break...you so deserve it my friend!