Out the Norm!

2 posts in one day!!! I got some catchin up to do! So, one day last week it was finally above 60 degrees - my car was spawning stuff on the inside and I couldn't take one more day of it! What's a girl to do when her car is a moving trash can? Well, you take matters into your own hands of course! Hence a trip to the Dollar Store to purchase a bucket, sponges and some other essential car cleaning materials all while on the way home from school. It turned out to be one of the best evenings we've had yet! Who knew putting on bathing suits to wash mom's car would be so much fun?

JUST BE!

Sometimes it's hard to "just be" and to let life "just happen." Easier said than done but after a great mother's day weekend and some much needed family time I can see how this can actually be a reality.

Friday I came home to my mother's day gift: a gift card to Run On for new running shoes, a big ole bottle of Barefoot Moscato (I know, not the best for those wine connoisseurs out there but good enough for me!), a sweet card that was written and not bought and Sprinkles! And yet, I was slightly annoyed b/c.....well, it wasn't MOTHER'S DAY!!! My husband, over the years has decided that he is impatient and cannot wait for the actual "holiday." This is kind of funny though b/c in the past it was the other way around. I am not quite sure what that says about us as people. Maybe he's becoming who I used to be and I am becoming who he used to be. Anyway, I normally would have said something about this but really who I got great stuff that I wanted and he was excited to give them to me so it doesn't really matter when it happened.

Saturday I had a long run with my friend Theresa and we always have lively conversations about random things. Her question to me was: are we doing 7 or are we doing 9 b/c you have to run a 1/2 not me! (keep in mind that she has already run 3 1/2 marathons this year alone and it is only May) My reply was 7 but when we got to 3.5 I knew that I didn't want to run the same path we had just run so it changed to 9. Ultimately when I am running I start out pretty conservative and doubting my ability to really complete the challenge that's ahead. I mean, when you stand back and look at that big lake, you really just want to stand and look at it and not run around it but after I am done, I usually feel much better about the day and my accomplishment. I returned home to get ready for a birthday party and it was great b/c we all went to the party and although we have to talk around kids, over kids and translate conversations, I was able to spend time w/my favorite people. We came home to prepare to have folks over for a small cookout. I would love to say that we were ready and prepared to have people over but if you know anything about me and my husband.....we try....we really do try! Needless to say, I spent 30 minutes assembling a small pitt for my husband who replied when I expressed frustration: "we are doing this together as a team." I could only smile b/c although I asked him to buy the pitt 4 days earlier, he was right. We were spending time together, creating memories in our backyard and working as a team. Everything turned out fine and it was another reminder of how much we are enjoying our new life in house with our own 4 walls!

Sunday was very special. My dear friend Rani came over to watch the children while Shannon and I enjoyed breakfast out and we actually went to church! I opened Mother's Day gifts from Dylan and Camille. Gifts they made at school! It was really special. They were 2 framed pictures and a card from Dylan that said, "I love you mom!" It was super sweet and what was even sweeter was that there was no crying, fussing or falling out before we left; just a simple bye mom and dad! (They love Rani!) The rest of the afternoon was great b/c I got some "girl time" in and Camille and I ran some errands! She has been extra sweet lately giving out free kisses and hugs.....not sure what that was about but I'll take them while I can.

So, this weekend, in short, we just let life happen and didn't really stress about the small things. It was relaxing and fun and everything I had imagined being in a house would be like. There's so much to look forward to and so much to appreciate in the small things. It's great to "just be" in the here and now and to enjoy it!