I'm not alone

On both Sunday and Monday nights I went out with friends for some get away time. On Sunday night, it was margaritas with my wild and crazy friends who make me laugh hysterically and we always have the best time going out. We ate delicious Mexican food, drank our margarita limits (there's a limit of 2-3 at this place) and then took our pregnant designated driver out for an ice cream cone at Ben & Jerry's. It was a much needed break. We laughed, complained, vented, but mostly goofed off and laughed so hard we cried. I am so lucky to have this group of friends in my life because without them, I would be one miserable person.

On Monday night it was wine and cheese (mocktails for those who didn't drink) with mostly playgroup friends. It was a more relaxed night with lots of conversation. We ate spinach artichoke dip with fresh spinach from the host's garden (it was awesome), ate cheese and vegetables, cheesecake squares and talked the whole time.

On both nights, not only did I get a much needed break from my family, the much needed time to unwind and relax, but I also got a much needed reminder...

I'm not alone.

Whenever a group of moms get together the conversation always includes discussion about parenting issues that are being dealt with, like discipline, the stupid things our husbands do and say, how tired we all are and how do we all manage to do the things we do. It sounds like a massive venting session, but really, it's a time where a group of stay-at-home moms (or mostly stay-at-home) can connect because we're all experiencing the same challenges. It's a time where we are listened to by women who understand and these moments are vital to a mom's sanity level.

I needed this more than anything. The last few weeks here at home have been beyond draining. Then with Bill coming home and making comments that make me want to give him a concussion (like how I am the only one doing what I do), it's amazing that we're back on speaking terms (because we weren't for a while there).

Much like the comments that I get on this blog, all of my friends are in the same boat. Our kids can drive us nuts, we get frustrated, often find ourselves yelling more than we'd like and grasping at straws to keep it all together. Different things work for different kids and families, but we all understand what each other is going through. Getting that confirmation that I'm not the only one was more comforting than anything.