Can you babysit my kids?

Dh is going to Seattle this week for some job training. When he told me, I saw the unique opportunity to be kid-free for a a day, a night, and a day to relax, read a few books, and visit a few blogging friends; so I begged him to get a plane ticket for me too. Suprisingly, he obliged, and I started my hunt for a trustworthy babysitter.

Although my sister, Heidi, lives with me, she does have a full-time job. She would normally be available at night, but she has another commitment this week.

I thought of my older sister who lives on the other side of town. My children would love to stay there, but I don't think they would actually sleep there, especially Cutie (since she hasn't been able to sleep anywhere but right next to me in my bed since she was frightened by a bird).

Then I began calling the few responsible young women at church who have not started school yet. One could do it the first day, but not overnight, and had a doctor's appointment in the middle of the second day. Great! so I just needed to find someone to stay overnight, and maybe my neighbor could take the kids for a few hours during the girl's appointment.

I left messages with a few single girls who had full-time jobs during the day, but were available to tend kids at night. No one returned my calls.

Last night at Applebee's, I saw a family who are friends with my older sister. There are a few young women in their family, and I knew my sister has hired them to babysit for her before. So, as they were perusing their menus, I interrupted to ask if one of their daughter's could babysit overnight. She was willing, but had an end-of-summer sleepover planned for that night.

My next thought was to ask some local message-board ladies for babysitter referrals, but stopped myself and realized I was acting out of desperation---but I had already made lunch and dinner plans to meet my blogging friends, bought some new clothes to feel comfortable, and chose which books to pack to read.

This morning, as I made it a matter of prayer, I realized that staying home would be the best thing for me to do for my kids. So I now have credit with the airline to get away another time. Common sense would tell me that I could use it at the end of September when I go to the Church Primary open house and training in Salt Lake City, but I could drive there.

I think Seattle is calling me. If I can't go this week, I will go soon. Who else wants to go? Let's make plans.