should I go or not?

I would go...just for the simple fact that moms have a hard time getting some time away for themselves. Also it is a free vacation. You may meet these other ladies and make some good friends. It is also a plus that your husband is saying go and have a great time, he will take care of everything. Not a lot of husbands think like that. I would definitely go. That is just my opinion of course.

I would take the free opportunity and go. I think it will be okay with the others at the cabin and it would be a good way to network as far as work goes. Not that a vacation is supposed to involve networking but there is also the chance of everything going right and you make some really good friends. Your kids will be fine by the way, and you are not selfish for wanting to have time for yourself. I say go for it!

You should go because this vacation is a networking function of your work, and you are expected to go. The husband and kids will be fine for a week, and you will be able to network with other women who work at the company. Further, you will reassure the higherups that you take all aspects of working for your company seriously. It's like going to business dinners as a lawyer, it's not really optional, even if they say it is.

No out of pocket expenses...gas, flight, etc.?
I would probably go for it...an opportunity like that just doesn't come around that often, especially when your hubby is agreeing, too.
I just finished b/f last month, and my husband wants me to go somewhere...but I can't find anyone to go with me. I hope the offer is still on the board when I finally get something figured out.
I think you would be able to find someone to click with there...and if anything, maybe it'll be a good time to catch up on some reading.

DEFINITELY go. Stretching just a little is very healthy, you'll have a blast. The family will survive. I just booked a spot at Camp Getaway for women and am excited to be with women I don't know.

I think it's something to think about. List the pros and cons of going, maybe discuss with husband and a non-biase person (us) and then make your decision. GO !! ;)

There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one!

GO!!
...a little re-charge...peace and quiet...sanity...SERENITY NOW!!!!!!
If your husband is okay with handling things on the homefront, and it sounds like he is, DO IT! You never know when an opportunity like this will come up again.

ENJOY!

Whoa! Thats a very hard decision. I can't leave my one child, so I sure don't know if I could leave my 3 children and husband and go away for that amount of time.
My husband always tries to encourage me to do things. I just started bowling on a league and the 2 hours that I'm away is missing my son.
I rather spend time with my son and husband because that is my priority.
This is a tough one. I'm glad its not my decision.
I guess it depends on whether or not you are needing to get away by yourself. If you are needing a break from the entire family, then go for it. I really don't think I could do it. I agree with you about spending the entire time with ladies you don't know vs. the family that you love more than anything. Let us know if you go and how it turned out. I know a lady that took a trip with her best friends to Florida for 3 days and left her 13 month old home with dad. I would be so miserable without my husband and son, I probably wouldn't enjoy myself, but all ladies are different. I know its healthy to get recharged, but going to the grocery store by myself helps me with that. Any trip that I go on will be enjoying it with my husband.

One Happy Mom in Arizona.

I think the hardest thing for me would be the not knowing the other women. I am kind of shy so this is a leap I probably wouldn't take. But if the only thing holding you back is worrying about the kids - definitely go! It's a great gift to you, as well as your family if you come back recharged.

sure, fine, whatever

I think it would be good for your children (as well as for you). I'm sure you want your kids to grow up embracing the opportunities that come their way. Yes, you'll miss each other, but you'll also appreciate each other a little more.

Go fish.

I say go. It's not like you do it all of the time, and dad can spoil the kids and have fun being a dad. The house will probably be a disaster when you get back, but at least you had some time to relax.

Lisa - Mom to her spunky little Scarlette

i want to work for your company!! :) go have fun, relax! clear your mind, get refreshed! the kids will be taken care of!!
Have tons of fun and we want to hear about it when you get back!

GO!! I think it will be hard, but so worth it. The kids and husband will be fine. You will look back and think was a great decision. It will be good for the whole family to see what you really do around the house!

KarilouMomof2 is a discussion leader for arizonamoms.com living in Tempe. Her daughters are 9 and 6.

Go.

Sometimes we dont realise we need a break until we are in the middle of taking that break!

Leaving your children with their daddy for a week will be good for your family - your husband can bond with his children in a way that reassures them that even if you arent around they are loved and safe. Your children and husband will miss you because they love you and you will miss them, it's only natural to have those feelings. When you get back you will all be so happy to see each other and you can organise to do something special with your family when you get back.

Go and enjoy yourself, even if you dont click with the other women it wont be a horrible experience. You will already have a couple of things in common - work and missing your families - so you may even make some great friends.

Go. You'll have fun. ; -))

I would not go, but that's just me. I couldn't leave my 2 yr old, wondering why I wasn't there to tuck him in. BUT, I'm pyscho when it comes to stuff like that. Many of friends routinely drop off kids (even babies) at grandma's for the weekend. I've never left my kids overnight (my oldest is 9!)

"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein

Please don't think I'm being critical of Moms who just don't want to leave their children overnight in someone else's care. I'm not.

But, especially being the middle child and having a sister so close in age that we were usually lumped together (who knew that some kids got a whole bottle of soda pop or both sides of a popsicle?), I really loved being dropped off -- all by myself -- at my Grandparent's or Aunt's/Uncle's houses for a few days in the summer, or taken skiing for a couple of days during Christmas break.

We also had cousins come and spend time with us -- always individually. The only time there was a gang was Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, a wedding or a funeral, etc. when seniority dictated who got a bed, a couch, or a sleeping bag on the floor. I remember many times when my parents would sleep at my grandparent's house, and we'd sleep with the rest of the kids at my aunt's.

If you can bring yourself to do it, it's a wonderful thing for kids to feel safe and secure in more than one house. Heck, until my aunt died just a few years ago, I was free to grab the hide-a-key, let myself in, raid the refrigerator, and take a nap; I could do all of those things even if I left before she came home -- I just left a note (and took care of a few chores while I was there).

I'm lucky that my Dad was devoted to his sisters and my Mom's philosophy is that there is no way that there can be too many people to love her kids and grandkids.

Just something to think about.

Thanks for all the advice and support. It really helps me in my decision making process. I decided to go ahead and go on the trip. Thankfully my husband has been very supportive. The trip is not until September. I am going to try and plan something fun to do with the kids the weekend I come back so I have that to look forward to. I think it will be hard but I just know I would regret not going. I know when my husband was gone for a few weeks on business I did get to bond more with my kids and I think my husband will enjoy the time alone with the kids also. This is something that I will remember forever and my kids when my kids are older they will probably not remember when I was gone. I will let you know how the trip was.