Vacation without ME?!?

[mmcphee]

We are spending two weeks at Disney at the end of August. My husband suggested that he leave a week early (driving) and stop to visit his mother along the way as well as his aunt, uncle and grandfather. I will fly down myself a week later and meet them at FW.

While I am all for the kids spending time with extended family, some they have never met, I must admit I am feeling a little agnst being alone at home for a week. I have to work so joining them for a third week of vacation is out of the question. I've never been away from them that long, I nearly died in April when I went on a business trip for 4 days.

Any words of wisdom from someone who has been there done that?

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I'm divorced and my DD spends every other weekend and an occassional vacation week with him so I've experienced being alone without my family. It was very difficult in the beginning, but now I enjoy the time alone. It's great for getting projects done around the house. DD was with my ex over the 4th of July weekend and I regrouted the master bath. Okay, not the most exciting weekend, but I was glad to have the time to get it done. I can use the time to make dinner plans with friends, read a book, work in the garden, etc. I won't have DD next weekend and I was already making plans today for what I want to get done. It's a tossup between emptying all my kitchen cabinets and reorganizing or removing one of the crabapple trees in my front yard.

Since you had trouble being alone on your business trip, I'd recommend you make some plans with friends for an evening or two that week. Or book an appointment for a pedicure or something to pamper yourself. Just make plans to do something, anything, so you aren't sitting at home feeling lonely.

 

[NMAmy]

You need to look at this another way. Instead of thinking, "Rats, I'll be all alone," you need to think, "Whoopee! I'll be all alone!"

Really, when dd was young, I'd take that opportunity to do all the stuff I didn't normally get a chance to do--take a bubble bath, watch a dvd that's not kid appropriate, read for an uninterupted period of time. Sure, you'll miss them but take advantage of those evenings alone and plan some things that you like to do.

 

[mom2travel]

You need to look at this another way. Instead of thinking, "Rats, I'll be all alone," you need to think, "Whoopee! I'll be all alone!"

Really, when dd was young, I'd take that opportunity to do all the stuff I didn't normally get a chance to do--take a bubble bath, watch a dvd that's not kid appropriate, read for an uninterupted period of time. Sure, you'll miss them but take advantage of those evenings alone and plan some things that you like to do.

ITA

Look at it as a positive not a negative. An opportunity to do things you'd love to do but never have time for.
Our children spend at least a week with my parents without us every year since they were babies, so I have been away from my children before. No separation issues here - I miss them, but it's good for all of us to be independent. I did unexpectedly end up with a long weekend home without DH and the kids last year. I was a little lost as I hadn't planned it, but spent the weekend doing "me" stuff. So do some fun things, plan to have dinner/drinks/movie with a friend. Do nothing! You'll survive, have a chance to have fun on your own, and will be recharged for your two weeks at WDW!

 

[kevschickee]

Oh man can I have a week alone PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE lol live it up girl!!!!

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

Ok - a week with no husband or kids - all alone - no responcibilities other than going to work........ Yeah, that must be HELL!!!! LOL I say get yourself some yummy take out every night, and settle in for some nice piece and quiet. And think of me, and every other mother on here every night in a hectic loud house!!!

 

[LWatson]

Oh man can I have a week alone PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE lol live it up girl!!!!

DITTO. I love my kids and all and would deff miss them, but i've been with them 24/7 pretty much for 9 months straight. Actually out of 28m I've had them 24/7 for 22m....CRAZY!!! Oh well. But yeah I would give anything for alone time.

 

[jen2207]

I am a SAHM for the past 3 years. But I was a working mom that traveled a lot before I decided to stay home. So I totally get how lonely and depressing it can be to travel for business without your family. You're in a non-descript hotel room, in a strange city, attending (often) boring seminars during the day with nothing to do at night.

Now, HOWEVER, being home alone in my own house would be heaven!!! I love being home now and thankfully am in a financial situation where I can enjoy my time. If my dh offered to take the kids to see his family - and I didn't have to go???? That alone would be a gift from the gods!!! But to then meet up with them in Disney the next week - perfect!

Don't sweat missing them, it won't be the same loneliness you felt when you were the one away from home. And it will just make your reunion that much sweeter!!

 

[3boymthr]

DH gets one more week of vacation than I do so he took the two younger boys to NH for four days then spent part of the week at Boy Scout Camp with the oldest. This was my first time ever at home alone without my kids. My oldest is now 13.

I loved it.

Sunday I read 2 books without interruption. I hung the new rods and curtains that have been taunting me from the counter for four months. Monday I went to work. Came home. I had a pint of ben n jerry's phish food for dinner . I went shopping. Similar doings the next two days. I had a blast. I did what I wanted when I wanted. I had the whole bed to myself. I got to watch what I wanted on TV, or not. I actually didn't turn it on the whole time

DH and I kept each other up to date with e-mail the first half of the week (there was wi-fi but no cell service) and phone calls the second half of the week. I actually was wishing I'd had the whole week to myself - selfish but true. It was my vacation from being a mommy. So much fun.

Send them on their way with good wishes and meet them in FL.

 

[momofrrr]

Where can I sign up? I would love a little time without "MOM, where are my shoes?" "MOM, make her stop looking at me" "MOM, what is for dinner" "MOM, did you do the laundry?"......and that is just my husband! I would just focus on the reunion at FW and how much fun it will be...Have a great time and great trip!

 

[disneynewbee]

As long as I felt my dh could handle the task, which I know he can even with 4 girls, I would be in heaven. Plan some fun stuff for yourself, don't cook, relax and when you get to Disney you will be ready to go and I think it will make your vacation as a family even more enjoyable.

 

[dougsmom98]

My DH went to Boston with my 3 boys last year while I stayed home with my DD. It was really hard. Time seemed to stand still. The boys and my DH had an awesome time though. I think it would have been easier if my DD wasn't home with me because I had to entertain her and she missed the hustle and bustle of her brothers. It would be very hard to let my DH and kids go on vacation for a week without me, but I would have to let them go because it is a great opportunity for them. You will most likely be working quite a bit while they are gone, so it won't be too bad. You will have a chance to get the house clean before you leave on vacation so you are going to come home to a nice clean house. It won't be horrible. You can do it!