Recently, I spent some time in San Francisco with my sister, brother-in-law and niece. It was wonderful. We ate yummy food, saw good sites, watched my niece in a play, went on a hike (saw lots of elk up-close) and just enjoyed the city.

Before I left for my trip, I prepared what I call my "substitute lesson plans" for my husband, my daughters and my in-laws. Sometimes the preparation for a trip makes the trip a little less desirable, but in the end, it was all worth it.

My children and husband got to spend time with the grandparents and I got a fun little trip out of the deal.

I actually came back refreshed and somewhat energized.

I needed that.