Sunday, November 18, 2007

The ultimate sitter



A few months ago our favorite babysitter, Jenny, approached me saying that she would like to watch the kids for a weekend so Sean and I could get away together. She is a sophomore nursing student who works and has a busy life, yet she perceived that we really needed some time away. Why would she do this? Her friends think she is crazy to even try! She would do this because she wants to serve God and she loves others more than herself.

Sean and I took a week long trip to Florida in 1999 leaving our oldest two with my parents. Since then I think that we have had a weekend away twice without children. Once was for a wedding and the other was a backpacking trip. But other than that if we have gone somewhere a baby has been along with us.

So this was a much anticipated weekend for us. What did we do? Slept in until 10:30, went to a movie, sat around at Starbucks, went out to a nice restaurant, and played our favorite card game several times. We gave eachother 100% of our time and attention. No interruptions. No schedule. No duties. We did this 10 miles from our home, but it felt like we were at a vacation resort. Wonderful.

I knew that Jenny was at my house busy as she could be and taking wonderful care of our children. As she has watched them over the years she has taken the time to get to know them as people. We can talk frankly about issues and conflicts. I know that she loves them.

I pray that my children remember these times with her and come to appreciate the ways that she is blessing our family. More than that, I pray that my children grow up to be like Jenny.



8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very sweet! I wish all parents were fortunate enough to have a sitter like that and to raise daughters to BE a sitter like that...how wonderful for you guys!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you guys got away!!!!

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

Does she want to move to B'ton?

Mary@notbefore7 said...

Wishing I lived close enough to steal Jenny... :)

Cute Cute shots. Your kids are so adorable.

Sounds like you two used your weekend well. Bless her heart for providing it.

Catherine said...

What a great thing! I'm glad y'all got a nice weekend away!

mindi said...

Wow - I need a Jenny too. Hmmmm . . . I don't live too far away (insert evil laugh). But tomorrow hubby and I get some time together, just the two of us, and I'm so excited!
I'm glad you guys enjoyed your weekend, you deserved it.

Jen said...

Monica, I am so humbled. Thanks for your kind words.
I wish I could say my motives were as high and pure as you say, but the driving force was really just wanting to spend time with your kids :)

Unknown said...

Monica, I red all your entries and feel priviledged to be there for your sweet children's performance. Thanks for spending the time to post all that neat stuff. Your babysitter is such a blessing and I'm so glad she did that for you. So where did you and Sean go 10 miles from home? I love vacations like that and we rarely get them either.