The husband just called...he said he was on his way home (coming home early from hunting camp) and could pick up the kids from the sitter. I was happy he'd be home and...yet, felt a little cheated out of one last girls night.

I used to hate when he went to hunting camp. (Um...actually as recently as last year, I think), but I've had a change of heart. Perhaps it's because the girls are getting older...so they're easier to take care of. We can go do cool things now and, aside from the frequent whining and sister-bickering, it's actually becoming a fun girls-only weekend tradition.

Here are five reasons I've grown to love hunting camp:

1. Queen size bed...all to myself...with freshly washed non-man-smellin' sheets. God...for three nights it's just....Heaven.

2. No-cook, no-clean (no guilt) dinners. When the husband is around, he cooks real meals. When Mom's in charge ... anything goes. Waffles for dinner? Sure. Popcorn for lunch? You betcha. Whatever is easy to cook (and clean up) wins. Hey...it's only for the weekend.

3. Shopping! I imagine this will become a lot more fun (and much more expensive) when the girls actually enjoy it, too. But, for now, I'm content to wander the mall halls and window shop with the girls. This year, we made the reindeer Build-a-Bears, sat on Santa's lap and splurged on tickets to the good movie theater.

4. Jammy pants...all day, all night, all weekend (except when I go to the mall and feel obligated to put on pants without drawstrings).

5. Blaring stereo. My husband is highly annoyed by my affection for loud rock music. I say...what's the point in listening to Nickelback if it's elevator-volume? The girls love it when I crank it up and scare the hell out of the cats.

Oh...and, of course, I love having control over the TV. I can watch all the news shows I want ... or nothing at all if I just want a little peace and quiet.