I had an amazing Spring Break last week, and am thinking I really need to blog about it, mostly for myself. So when I have moments like this one, where I'm feeling sad or sorry for myself, I can think how good I really do have it!!
So, last Friday, I took off for my big adventure. I was going to see my sister in Philly on Saturday, and since my plane left in the morning, I decided to take advantage of my child free moments, and stay in a really nice hotel all by myself. It was wonderful. I sat in a hot tub and watched other people's kids fight in the pool, and reveled in the fact it wasn't my kids. HA! Then, Saturday morning, I peacefully got up at about 8, drove to the airport, and boarded my plane. It was so relaxing to do it by myself. I know that sounds silly to people who've never traveled with kids, but the difference between traveling with and without 3 children is just unbelievable!! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to take my kids on trips, and I honestly love the stress that goes with it, but this was just plain...relaxing. It felt like a vacation!
In Philadelphia, I just hung out with my sister. We did not "do" much of anything....oh, well, we shopped of course, because living in Kirksville I had to get that in!! And she introduced me to a Wawa, which by the way (for those of you from this part of the country) is a gas station. Yep, a gas station. But they have a very cool sandwich section where they custom make your sandwich while you "shop". Still not quite sure the attraction, but the sandwich WAS good. LOL. We did the IKEA, which if you haven't been there, is an awesome store. I love IKEA's, and was amazed to learn there are 2 of them in the Philadelphia greater area. Huh. NOT FAIR. Share the wealth, people!!! We also did Target, and hit 2 outlet malls near Lancaster, Pa (yeah, where the Amish live. We only saw one Amish guy, though. It's ok. They live near here too!)
So, besides shopping, I spent a lot of time cuddling Helen, who has grown so much since Christmas!!! She's still a little peanut, but she's a growing peanut! I just loved holding her, looking at her, listening to her coo, watching my sister be a terrific Mom. Carrie and I also had some nice talks, not interrupted by my kids' needs for once! Again, what a novel concept! We went to her church, had dinner with her best friends (which was a ton of fun...thanks Kelly and Kwinn!), and went to a real tea with a real English Lady(well, she's not a Lady, Lady, but a lady....kwim?)! All in all, it was a great trip. I flew home Thursday afternoon.
Friday, I had the whole day to do whatever, and I did do some cleaning, and errands, and fun maintenance/ life stuff (you know, meal planning, oil change, bank visit, etc.) Not exactly an exciting day, but a good, accomplish-a-lot type day.
Saturday was the topping on the cake of a perfect week. My 4 bff's from high school and I all went to the Amana's for lunch, then shopped the whole rest of the day at the outlet mall in Williamsburg. I don't think I've had that much fun since high school!! We laughed, we talked, we planned, we had fun!!!!! I'm not sure why this friendship group got away, but I don't think any of us will ever let it happen again. We are planning to get together at least 2 more times, and I honestly think these girls will once again be my bff's forever. Wow. How blessed am I that I have friends like that? Friends that after 10 years of not spending time together, we can meet back up again and it's almost like the 10 years disappear! And how much I have missed in those 10 years by not having that? Never again, I tell you. I'm living for this. I'm living b/c it's fun. I'm living b/c I love and am loved. By more than just my kids. Unconditionally. Nothing can get in the way of that. Nothing.
So, now I have to get some papers graded, and get some sleep. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow, and a race to run after school. Nothing's going to bring me down...I don't have time!! :)