A tradition was started (I'm not sure how long ago), and the Parker mom's began taking weekend retreats once a year. It is fun to learn, chat, laugh, and make memories with these top notch ladies. It would have been fun to itemize all of the family events we had to miss seeing or hearing about collectively in order to make this getaway happen. For me alone it was Olivia's Kindergarten program & soccer game, as well as playgroup; Lily's activity days, soccer practice & game; Mason's soccer practice & game and his scout campout; let's not forget JT's constant need for entertainment; Lexi's soccer game & practices, as well as a birthday party. I say this to recognize how aweome the Parker Men are in our lives – who are so willing to pick up the slack with transportation, keeping house tidy, making sure everybody eats, and being there as a referee and to lend emotional counseling when called upon – all while holding down a job. We could never have these getaway's without them and awesome/good kiddos at home. I came home to Lexi doing the family laundry and also found out that she had organized a cleaning brigade to get the house ready and clean for Sunday (without being asked). Bless HER HEART!! I am so proud of her initiative and support. She has figured me out – happy kids and clean houses make me feel so happy and loved for some reason? 🙂
This year it was decided that we would attend BYU Women's Conference for our annual retreat. What an amazing place to fill a bucket that needs refilling. The theme was, "And they were armed with righteousness and with the power of God in great glory" 1 Nephi 14:14. Many talks were prepared and presented to help us women understand the need to be armed in righteousness. I loved the theme and the program cover – it inspires me to want to be better and try harder. At night when we returned to the lovely home of Stephanie's sister in law, we talked about life's mysteries and problems until well past midnight – it felt like a mom slumber party. I'm motivated to try new ideas in my home and have an even greater determination to strengthen my home & family because of these few days. Good times with good women.