Mommy "MTO"

I've come to a brilliant conclusion this evening. BRILLIANT I TELL YOU!!!

I am a stay-at-home mom. I have been since my first child was born a little over 2 1/2 years ago. That is 32 months, which would come to 64 pay periods.

Before I had Alden I worked a full-time job. Every pay period I accumulated 2 hours of paid-time-off (PTO). We would hold onto these hours for special occasions and sick days.

In the 32 months of Aldens life, I have accumulated 128 hours of time-off. I am going to call it "MTO" : Mommy-Time-Off. Every 2 weeks I am giving myself 2 hours of uninterrupted time-off. I am not doing anything mommy related. No grocery shopping, running errands, etc. It is exclusively ME TIME. I can add up the hours and have more time during the month.

I just feel like I have been run ragged and there is never time off. With Lyndon's job now, I am able to have a little more flexibility. I am able to drop the kids off with him for a little bit to get things done. I am cashing in those 128 hours and keeping track of how much MTO I get.

Don't get me wrong, Lyndon is great with helping with the kids. But, I always feel guilty when I go somewhere or do something and I should be doing something for the family. This way I can tell myself, "No. You have earned your MTO. Sit back, relax, and enjoy." Guilt free time for me.

Why haven't I thought of this sooner???

(Just a fun picture of the boys tonight.)