I officially, for the first time in ten whole years as a parent, lined up babysitters for my kids next weekend. And yes, I said babysitters. With four kids, I figure maybe there might need to be backup. Also that will make it fun for everyone, right? The kids get TWO new big people to play with and the new big people watching my precious brood can be friends and keep each other company. One can tend to injuries while the other dials 9-1-1. Things like that.

As long as everyone’s happy and alive, I won’t worry. As much.

All these years we’ve only left our kids with family, and as I think of it, only the grandparents. But next weekend is my Listen To Your Mother show and everyone we know that could watch our kids (the grandparents) will be in the audience. I’m so thankful that the new church we’re attending has eager babysitting candidates. We are good to go!

Only, what do you pay babysitters these days? Especially two at a time? Is there a standard hourly rate? It will be for about 3 hours. I want to pay handsomely, too, a) because I like to say the word “handsomely” and b) this night is crazy important to me and I am THAT MUCH appreciative, you know?

I will also be sure to have pizza and tons of snacks on hand so no one will die of starvation or boredom.

Stephanie is Mom to three boys & a girl in Valparaiso, IN and blogs daily at Adventures In Babywearing . Follow her on Twitter- she’s babysteph .