Two of my kids are competing in the Philadelphia Youth Regatta this weekend, and all three kids and my husband will be there, either rowing or cheering. I am going away to Charlottesville, VA for the weekend — my dear friend Pam and I are sneaking away for a wonderful weekend for two with excellent food and laughter and games and conversation.

Can I be two places at once? I do SO LITTLE right as a mom, but I have been at regattas, and I have CHEERED for my children. And I will be again! They will both compete in the Canadian Henley in two weeks, and the third child and I will be there the whole week with them … but I am just so sad to miss them this weekend (and SO GLAD that Pam and I prioritize our friendship!).

We haven’t gone away since we went to Annapolis — YEARS AGO. It was supposed to be a whole dinner with our 5 friends, but it was impossible to plan so the two of us decided to sneak away. Julie and I are going to New York City in October — and we’re going to see Pam’s daughter the amazing drum major on our way!

So I get the value of friends, and I appreciate my friends so deeply … AND I am just cognizant of my time leaking away quickly with my children …