Friday, August 18, 2006

A Big Step. . .

It is a big day. Tonight we are leaving Hayley and Jack with their first non-family/friend real live babysitter. Tra and I have committed to start going out on dates every other Friday. I have been praying for awhile that God would lead us to a babysitter so that Tra and I could have more time together and not feel like we are imposing on our friends/family while we are out. God was faithful to lead us to not just one, but TWO girls who live minutes away from us, who are extremely reliable and responsible, and who are sophomores in high school! We get them both for 3 whole years!! I met them at church and already love them both dearly. I just finished typing out the 3 pages of instructions for sweet Jessica. I am a little nervous, but I know that everything will be just fine. I'm very thankful for cell phones. How did our parents leave us with babysitters and not have a way for them to be contacted most of the time?? YIKES!

I am so excited about being able to look forward to our new date nights. It is VERY easy to see how I could get so wrapped up in my kids that I could start putting them before Tra on my priority list. It is something I really struggle with and have to make a conscious effort to work on. My parents had date nights frequently growing up. I remember watching my mom get ready and putting on her "pretty" clothes and putting on her make up and smelling the scent of her perfume. I remember feeling really bummed out that they would leave, but the positive about that was that I felt good to know they liked going out together. It made me appreciate the times we all had family nights together too. I also remember, for the most part, liking my babysitters. It was kind of fun to have new routines when my parents were gone. I know they left instructions, but would you really be a fun babysitter if you followed them completely?? : )

Alright---time to go and figure out what to wear on my date tonight!!

10 comments:

Courtney said...

Good for you! I hope you guys have a wonderful time! I'm sure your kiddos will have a great time with the babysitters!

Chesley said...

I am so glad you guys found a babysitter! Poor Mary Shawn! Me and Cade used to terrorize that poor girl. We were so bad but she always left us gum. It was the first thing we asked for the next morning. It is such a great thing for young girls to get to do.

tara said...

Your precious children are never an imposition - we always love having them! That said, we completely understand and we hope they had fun and we hohpe you guys had fun too.
We love all 4 of you.

Hollie Reese said...

That is a great idea! Have fun.

Shelly said...

Tara--of COURSE they are not an imposition on you guys! But every other week they might be. :) Maybe at some point we can do the trade off thing. We would feel much better leaving them with y'all if we could return the favor! They had a great time with the babysitters (both girls ended up coming) and Tra and I had a good time too! We can't wait for week after next already!

Ryan & Abby said...

Hi! I just read your delightfully sweet blog for the first time and found your rejoicing to be so encouraging! I also noticed that our wedding anniversaries are just a couple of weeks apart and that you will soon go through surgery with your little ones. Advice for surgery: prepare yourself as much as possible for difficulty, but, as you said, trust God incessantly! Thank you for your kind support of our family.

Summer said...

Hooray for date nights! I miss you and have been a horrible blogger lately, but I have been checking in periodically to see what's new with the Willbanks family. I've been praying for Jack and Hayley with their illnesses and possible surgeries coming up. Thanks for the Birthday call. It was sweet of you to think of me.

Kendra said...

I found my way to your blog and loved reading about your big girls birthday and your resolve to be on dates with your hubby - that is so great! Here's a random, unsolicited tip that has sure blessed us for the past 5 years. We started a "Date Night" group of 4-5 couples who mark their calendar for the 2nd Friday night of every month of the year and rotate childcare and dating. Two couples keep the kids, and the other 3 couples get a date. We actually go so far as to have a printed out list for the year of who is dating / keeping kids when, so if you need to swap with someone you have the dates in advance. We love that our kids get to consistently be with the same group of kids one Friday night a month, and we love being with the other couple when we are in charge of the kids. Plus, there is no childcare cost, and I feel a lot better leaving my kids with their friends and couple that I trust completely. I'm with you- it's hard to leave your babies with teenagers (even though I'm sure they are so very capable - it's just hard, especially for moms!). Anyway, just a thought I felt compelled to share. Your family sure is beautiful - I pray the Lord continues to bless you!
Kendra Vaughn

Shelly said...

Kendra---
Great idea!!! I'm so glad you shared it with me. I look forward to sharing it with my friends!

Heather said...

Shelly,
I heard about your date night from the other end--my cousin Jessica's end. I'm jealous that you live close to her, I would trust her with my two kids--she's great.

I'm sure each night will get easier and easier!!!!!!!!