I love being a mom and being a "taxi driver" in the afternoons, but I do need time to myself and to not "be needed." At least twice a year I go out of town with a group of ladies and we CROP TIL WE DROP. That means we sit around scrapbooking. For me it gives me a chance to get away and sit do a hobby that I truly enjoy. There are times that I might go for an hour and not even say a word. Also it gives a chance to slow down a reflect on the experiences on the memories our family has made. (remind me that we really do love each other...HAHA) I leave that weekend crop with a feeling of accomplishment. My family love to see what scrapbook I have made. I get such joy when I watch my husband and two girls look through the scrapbook together upon my return. So in order to recharge..... I load up my car with snacks, scrapbooking supplies, and whole of family pictures ready to find their way into a book that will give us all great joy for years to come.

Wendy McDowell