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AH, it feels like a small slice of heaven lying in the hot, bubbly water, as it cascades off your body, into swirling pools. You could lie here forever, alone, in the sun, surrounded by palm trees, with their leaves gently swaying in the tropical breeze. A good looking, young waiter comes over with your drink, one of those that only can be drunk in a tropical paradise such as this, with one of those cute little umbrellas.

You are plummeted back down to earth by your four-year-old daughter standing in front of you looking really mad, while she says, "He hit me." She points to her two year-old brother who is already crying. As you stand up to handle what in your mind isn't a problem, you think, "I need a vacation." One entire week without crying kids, changing diapers, having adult meals, even some adult conversation would be nice. How about an uninterrupted 15 minutes alone?

GUILT TRIP
Every Mom needs time for herself. Being a Mom is one of the hardest, most demanding jobs and the most rewarding. It is also the most stressful, exhausting role a woman will ever have. Even going to work all day is easier than handling several children who don't know just how tired you really are.

Don't feel guilty about taking time for yourself. You're only human. Even though we Moms feel we're supposed to be Super Woman, or the Bionic Woman most of the time, you can't possibly be everything to anyone if you don't take care of yourself. You can only give so much until the well runs dry.

ASK FOR HELP
Call a friend, tell your partner, get a babysitter, but ask someone to watch the kids so you can leave the house for several hours and do something you want. It can be as simple as going for a walk, to going out with a friend. You can go shopping, go for a long drive, go to the beach and hang out alone for a while. You can get a manicure, or get your hair cut by a stylist. When you get home, you'll feel so much better.

START A HOBBY
You could start something you always wanted to do, like a new hobby. What have you always wanted to do that you never had the time for? Even though you think the kids won't live for two hours without you, with a competent person at home taking care of them, go for it! Take a writing course, painting lessons, horseback riding lessons, crafting, scrap booking. Do something that interests you, and then you will feel like a new woman.

MOM TIME AT HOME
Even if you have to grab some time for yourself when you're home with the kids, that's a sanity saver too. One day it

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