It has been a rough week at our house. Actually, that is a bit of an understatement! Rene has caused her share of drama with the kids. We finally ended up letting them go home to her house because it just became too much. I sat wondering last night why she insists on playing harmful games with the kids. I just can't seem to figure it out. So, we decided enough time and energy had been spent on trying to figure her out. So we are off for the weekend! No phones, nobody we know, no obligations or responsibilities...ahhh...peace :) At least for a couple of days! We are headed to Red Wing for the weekend! It is so beautiful there; I haven't been there in several years so I am really looking forward to it! We are going on a wine tour too! Last night we were talking about how much fun we're going to have! It's been a long minute since we've gotten to spend two full days together with nobody else...or anything else to run interference! So our plan? To do NOTHING! Well, maybe that's not exactly true....we're going to shop, walk along the river, play some pool ;) have a VERY long lunch on Saturday accompanied by some great conversation I'm sure. Can't wait!

It's so easy to let things from the outside creep in and cause a lot of havoc on life. I think it is so important for marriages to have time like this! Something as simple as a 48 hour break from reality can bestow so many blessings on that relationship! It is important and I know for us, it can be forgotten...neglected....life just gets so hectic. Work, kids, cleaning, yard work. But if you sit back and look at the bigger picture, the kids will benefit from you taking the time away, work can wait, the yard work, housework, laundry etc will be there after that little weekend getaway.

As Mark said in his vows, we have the Trifecta: Love, Partnership and Respect. Without one of those things, the others get weak and fail. So take time, take time to nurture each aspect of your marriage/relationship to ensure that all of those things, which are critical for a successful marriage to stay in tact!