Reasons I'm Glad Tim's Away.

Tim is away this week - serving in New Orleans alongside the youth from Bethany Church as they continue to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina...yes, there is still MUCH work left to do even six years later!  So, instead of reflecting on all the reasons I hate having Tim away from home, I've decided to post on some of the reasons I'm glad he's gone for the week:

• Because of Tim being away this week I've felt inspired to write my first blog entry in over a month!
• The toilet seat is always down.
• 1/3 less laundry, dishes, and general clean-up.
• I realize all the things I CAN do by myself (even if I'd rather Tim was here to do them for me).
• He's never late coming home from work when he's not here.
• Catching up with friends and not feeling any pull to get home because I want to spend time with my husband.
• The fact that Tim is not here to get mad at me for accidentally downloading nearly 400 pictures and videos onto his work laptop so I could get two pictures for this blog post...ooops.
• God's grace manifested in the form of Grammy Susan who will take Stella tomorrow so I can have some "me time"...this is true nearly every week, but it's especially appreciated during the times Tim is away.
• I can listen to all the country music I want and not feel ashamed of myself.
• My mom came to town to help me because she knows how hard it is to do it alone.

Look who is a beach baby afterall...we literally couldn't get her out of the water (Stella liked it, too...hehe)!

• Our neighbors invited me to dinner tomorrow night because they know Tim is gone (yay for not having to cook for myself and for not having to eat cold cereal/yogurt/nachos every night this week).
• Lots of great one-on-one time with Stella, including a trip to our local ice cream shop this afternoon.
• I learn to appreciate the multitude of ways it is easier having a partner in parenthood: an extra set of hands, a break, someone to help care for the dogs, a husband who can miraculously get our child to let him brush her teeth (it's going on four nights without a good brushing...sorry Stella...I hope your teeth don't fall out someday because I cannot get you to open your mouth when I try to brush them).
• I fully realize how much I love Tim - he is my very best friend, the love of my life, and I cannot wait until he comes home (and I happen to know a little girl who feels the same way about him, too...)