The kids spent the night at my Mom’s house last night! Hooray! So Mauricio and I got a very much needed date night in last night. Sadly, I can’t remember the last time we had a date night. We love our kids and we ENJOY our kids and everything we do is for our kids, so don’t feel too bad for us! 6 kids is A LOT though and sometimes (a lot of the time) I wish I had more help. I wish I had the regular date nights that our friends have. But I get it. And when you have 6 kids, it’s not an easy undertaking to secure a babysitter. The logistics of 6 kids is overwhelming. And on top of the sheer number is the fact that our kids have trauma backgrounds and triggers and behaviors and while they thrive in our highly structured environment, they are master manipulators and highly skilled at taking advantage of teachers, daycare, etc… So we have to get creative about investing in time together. Sometimes it’s an early morning puzzle over coffee, or breakfast on the deck, or an hour in the hot tub after the kids are sound asleep (or at least pretending to be). Sometimes it’s playing hooky during a week day and doing brunch and a movie or adventure elsewhere. I’m so grateful, though, for this mini break. To catch up on sleep, to unwind in peace and quiet, and to get things done without “helpers”. The house is clean, the laundry is done, back to school supplies have been organized, laminating projects for the kids’ routines are completed, and now it’s oh so quiet. (I LOVE IT!!! *Insert a thousand confetti emojis*) WHAT A TREAT!!!

My mom sent this photo of the kids getting their back to school shoes. So grateful for this blessing! (And lucky for them because this Mama is more of a Walmart shopper.)