Zumba Diaries

A while back I posted some of my random thoughts during a Zumba class..  well, that same white girl still laughs at herself (and others) as we try to shake it. 

 

 It's fun! 

 It's a great workout!

...

I just need to start having a margarita first :)  LOL

 

Speaking of margaritas.. yesterday I was headed into Zumba class when I saw a text for our neighborhood party for the month of May... cinco de mayo of course! A friend of mine and I try to pull our allotment together once a month (or every other) to actually chat with the neighbors we so often wave to.. it's great!  So I told her I would get my Mexican thoughts flowing and come up with some great ideas!  I didn't get her text back till after class... but yeah, I was in the wrong Spanish speaking area.  oh well! I'm not very well versed in geography.. can ya tell?

I started to figure this out when the cute instructor with the Jamaica braids said something about Africa.. and the next song kept repeating "this is Africa!"  Ok! so I'm thinking tribal.. but the song was sort of pump you up.. so I thought about yelling "futbol!"  but decided to conserve my energy (and what little dignity I had not danced away).  Just when I was getting into a "grove" (pun intended) the next song played needed maracas.. shaking like that just doesn't happen without them.

Right-Left-Right-Right.. pretty sure it was an old school move .. I can't remember the name.. but i so had that one down!  However, leading with the left and the heel is not natural at all for me.  Switching.. step-step... hummmmm.  At one point I did kick ball change and called it good.

Slowing it down at the end, I'm thinking it was Spanish rap.  There were a lot of "look like you are in da club" type moves.  You may think I failed here.. but since Snoop is my all time favorite rapper (that's for you aub!) .. i was da bomb! <clearly lying>

So... I haven't improved all that much. I still have no clue what culture this is mimicking.  But it's fun.   And I'm not the only one out of my element.  There was a middle aged woman of Asian decent who possibly had less of a clue than me.  And then there was Buddy the Cake Boss' mom and sister Mary .. with their patron Saint of Zumba necklace...they have us all covered!

Have fun this weekend!

 



A little frustrated, I'd say

I'm going to cough up a confession right now...  Full blast, can't take it any more.. Frustration. With. Myself.

My house is so not ready for visitors. Visitors that are coming tomorrow.  My sister would be so mad if she knew am stressing like this. (Sorry Meg!) She's so laid back and not the type at All to judge if my house is cleaned and in order or if there are toys and piles throughout..  ahem.. the ladder.

Its a disappointment in myself. I wanted to have it ready for when she came.
That was the goal.

No, i didn't think it would be all organized and each room painted and decorated with all the Pinterest ideas i have... I'm not that delusional.  But a general neatness would be nice.
And folks, that is NOT what we have.

I should have organized the guest room last week.. it is kind of a catch all since its the loft and out of my daily sight.  Instead, I decided to paint the living room and laundry room.  I should have cleaned and organized Monday when the kids were off. Instead I decided to start painting Micah's room.. because it was going to be "easy".  Well... let's just say I upped the ante in there. It is going to be Great... at some point. 

So there we have it. My confession of the messiest house ever before guests arrive. I don't want to whine here... but ya know,  it's not all happy little crafts and cute kids here all the time. ;)

Can anyone identify?!?!?!? 
Thanks for listening (if you read to here.. you rock!) and hey, don't judge! Unless of course you have it all together all the time... then i invite you to throw stones... throw lots of stones! ;)

Ps... why did i take time to write this??  Well besides feeling much better... i multi-tasked and did it on my phone while rocking Micah!  Boom! Break out the caffeine.. (or wine?!)   It is cleaning time!!

going to attack the kitchen first!

Steelers Sunday

While we were in Ohio a bunch of us cashed in on a great Christmas present... tickets to a Steelers game!! (To be fair a few Griffin boys considered them tickets to a Browns game... poor souls.)  Garrett was SO excited!! I was too... though a little nervous about the 20 something temps... I've become a Florida girl ya know!
It was so fun to spend the day with "the guys".. Matt, Garrett, my dad, Matt's dad, and his brother.  We were evenly divided: team Steelers- my dad, garrett, and me. The Griffin boys made up the losing team.. oops I mean team Browns.  Personally I am glad to be a Steelers fan... but even more so because the relentless teasing Garrett did had to have been annoying!
Garrett was in awe even as we approached the stadium,  wanting me to snap pictures of everything. Here are some from a great day!!  (Ps: the Steelers won) ;)

Oh, and look out if you ever sit next to Garrett at a Steelers game.. he is wicked with his terrible towel!!! 

our seats were high, but still good and the crowd around us was very kid friendly

inside the stadium is tons of memorabilia

1978 Super Bowl Champs.. good year ;)

the exact spot where The Immaculate Reception was caught in 1972

J-O-Y!!

It was Christmas

Time escapes us when it is the Christmas season. Some time flies because we are enjoying time and fellowship with family and friends.  Some time flies because we are so busy getting ready for those times. Attempting to keep that balanced is hard for me.. actually doing it is even harder.

To be honest I have a difficult time during the holidays. Fuses are short and tempers ignite quickly, erupting into full blown fires that never really get put out completely.  The embers are hot the whole season long.. waiting to engulf a spark needed to flare up again.  Sometimes it is just easier to speed through, put the checks in the box, and wait for it to burn out.  But each year I join many well intentioned moms in saying "I'm going to enjoy this year and not get caught up in the craziness."  Honest... Did you say that?  Well, I can't say that there weren't times of getting caught up and or stressed out.. It happens. It just does.  And if you never had that happen to you this year... Wow!

I do think, however, that by just being aware of the way this time of year can affect me really helped.  Striving not for a "perfect holiday season", rather, an enjoyable one. A real one.  Taking with it the stress that is rushing to get gifts bought and wrapped in time,  but remembering to pray for the special person it is for while doing so instead of complaining about it helped keep my mind on the reason we celebrate. Trying to take things one day at a time, having small goals to accomplish, helped move me through all the To Dos.  Taking time for myself and working out we're also key... Even if I was going over lists in my head!

It was a fast month of preparation and decoration.  There have been Christmases in the past that have flown by and after I ask, "what just happened?" Only to realize... That was Christmas.   This year I didn't place specific expectations to leave me feeling let down.  I tried to just take it as it was.. And you know,,, it now answers the question with "it was Christmas!"

10 years!

Last week, November 30, was our 10 year anniversary :)  In some ways it is hard to believe it has been 10 years.  I wonder where the time went.  Then, I think of all the things that have happened over the span of 10 years... and it's hard to believe it all fit in! ..  3 beautiful kids, 7 homes, 6 duty stations, so many trips visiting the surrounding areas of our temporary homes,  too many friends to count blessing us richly, deployments and various times apart,  and memorable homecomings!
We have learned to take life as it comes and roll with it.  I used to be so not flexible when life threw curves.. it really messed me up!  But between having kids and living a military life, I have learned to be "a willow and not an oak" (a phase that used to annoy me in grad school when my supervisor would say it).   I wish she knew how I appreciate that phrase now!
Last night Matt and I got to enjoy a night away thanks to some of those dear friends I mentioned...  they kept all 3 kiddos! Basically saints ;).  Matt arranged for a stay at the Bayfront Westcott House, an adorable little bed and breakfast right on the water in St. Augustine.. America's oldest city.
We had a great time talking to each other (wow) and not using a stroller!  And the weather was perfect to walk around till 11.. yes.. all kinds of crazy!

down town st. augustine

sipping some wine on the porch

the bed and breakfast at night

view from the porch during breakfast

Tales from a white girl at Zumba...

So I have added Zumba to my workout routine recently.  Love it!  It is so fun.  ... or is it just so funny to laugh at myself through out the class?  Either way.. It is a Great workout!  But let's get real here.  I have 0.0% Latino in me.  I am 100% old school cheerleader and an ex tap dancer.  Sharp motions come naturally. And it is just hilarious to see me try to move my hips or shake my rear the way the uninhibited instructor does!  Man.. I wish I could let go like her.  Oh and speaking of her.. she did P90X just before teaching class .  Again, I shake my head at myself .. not my hips. Today the running commentary in my head during class was just interesting...

Actual thoughts during Zumba

*What the ..??

*My hips seriously do not move

*oops.. I just looked way too cheerleader again

*step touch.. got that

*Is anyone else dizzy when they spin?

*squat. jump. jump.  ooo.. i like that one. "Go Ohio!" (cheerleader again)

*that girl in front of me wasn't even born when this song was released ("Beat It")

*and why isn't that girl in front of me sweating??

*bonita.. i think that means pretty (testing my Espanol)

*salsa.. yeah, that sounds good. Margaritas anyone?

*even belly button high pants mom shakes better than me.

*I think i just did the Roger Rabbit.

*I think my vitamins just came up.

*Man, new respect for Kirsty Alley.

*Even Mark Ballas would want Bristol back if I was his partner.

*How do they do this in heels?

*Why do i keep thinking of Dancing With the Stars??

*Whooo.  that was good.

3 little words

This morning got off to a not so great start.  It was raining out and crawling back in bed seemed like the most desirable plan.. it could not happen of course.  What needed to happen was an extra quick get ready performance by the big kids (hahahaha.. i laugh at myself).  Typically I bring them to school because the bus comes at 7:45 and school doesn't start till 8:30, in which we live a distance of 5 miles.  So I know hurrying to get to the bus stop would result in a lot more nagging, yelling, and whining.. which is just a bad way to start off the day.  I chose to avoid.  Well, this morning.. my suspicions were proven correctly. Today I needed the kids to ride the bus today so that I could take Micah to a friend's house so I could volunteer in Garrett's class. 

*** Enter nagging, yelling, and whining. ***

After loading them up in the car (their stop is .5 mile up the road- we'd have to start at 6am!)  We get there
and......
We Missed The Bus! (of course). 

Driving to the school, knowing I was going to have to do some serious backtracking and would most certainly be late, was painful. Painful because I told them that buses, trains, planes, and ships will not wait for anyone... which echoed the voice of my swim coach on summer mornings telling me that I would miss the ship even if it were headed on a cruise.  Probably true.

It actually was a good lesson for all of us.  But I felt so terrible showing up so late for Garrett's teacher! I absolutely love helping in the classes.  Maybe it is because I grew up a "principal's daughter", but I get excited about the inner workings of the school.  Room mom, field trips, PTO.. sign me up!  crazy.  Anyway, there was a mix-up with the students id numbers for the computers that I needed to do testing on books they had read.  Garrett's teacher felt just as bad as I had because I couldn't do what I had come in for.  I read with some kids and that was fine.  Things happen.  life.

I was walking out the door and Mrs. H said sorry one more time.  And then she made my day.. heck .. my week!  3 little words.  She said "I appreciate you."  It resonated so much more than a simple "thank you" would have.  "Thank you" would have been fine.  But I bet I would not have thought much about it passed that moment.  But what she intentionally said stayed with me the rest of the day. "I appreciate you."  It made me smile.  It brought purpose to a crazy morning.  I felt valued. 

As our day to day life flies by we so often forget to tell those we love that we appreciate them and what they do.  We take each other for granted.  We rush out the door, and we miss the bus.  We miss so many opportunities to acknowledge someone, even in a little way.

 I wonder what would happen if today we told someone in our lives that they are appreciated.  Would that someone feel valued?  Would they then pass it on to another?   A chain reaction may be on the horizon!

Try it, would you?  It won't be comfortable,  "Thank you" is easier.  But it will be intentional and meaningful -and it might just leave a greater impact.

Just a thought to Pass IT On!

day 31

Today is: Day 31 of Pass IT On!


I'm glad I took this 31 days of writing on one topic challenge.  It has been fun... coming up with things I think are worth passing on.  Things crafty, helpful, informative, or just interesting.  It has been surprising.. surprising in that there really is something every day that can be shared!  and It has been rewarding.. I have had some really kind comments, and for that I am very appreciative!

Thanks for reading!  I am Passing On my gratitude :)

Amie

Speak a note

Today is: Day 29 of Pass IT On!

I am forgetful.  Very forgetful.  I have tried about every different way of remembering to do things that there is.  But still I find, nothing beats writing it down.  Making a list.  Crossing it off!! It is a great feeling.  Yes, I confess to having many lists going at one time.  Lists of lists.  Consolidating lists.  It's probably a clinical diagnosis.  I have little note pads (the kind you get in the dollar bins at Target and Micheal's) stashed all over. And Post-Its!  Well I love them!! (I was slightly obsessed with Post-Its in college.. especially during exam time.  They kept me sane, but they may have slightly annoyed my roommates... ;)

One of my biggest annoyances is when I think of something I need to do, remember, or worse.. a really good idea and I can't write it down.  Because 99.9% of the time... that thought is lost.  This happens a lot when I'm driving.  I can do some good thinking then, provided my passengers are happily entertained with a movie (don't judge).   So someone told me what they do in situations like this... and I instantly wanted to yell, "why didn't i think of that?!  duh!!"   and because information like this is not earth shattering , but may be life altering... I'm Passing IT On!

Cell phone.  Use it. 
There are plenty of recording apps and some that are specifically for lists.  I have been using Evernote on my android phone.  It is great in that i can record a message (a yellow post-it, if you will) and it is stored right on my home screen.  It's been working really well ...when I remember to check the note!  LOL..

Just a little tidbit for ya.. try it out and take a load off your mind! 

.... now I just need something to help with those great lists I make in the shower.  dry erase marker!?

Fall Mantel (or mantel like..)

Today is: Day 25 of Pass IT On!

I am enjoying everything about our new home so much.  Everything.. but one thing.  NO Mantel.  I actually had never had a mantel until our last home, in Nevada.  And with the cold winter months in full gear I challenged myself to change it at least monthly.  Loved it.  A friend once told me "I don't think I have ever come to your house with your mantel looking exactly the same as the last time I was here."  Ultimate compliment!!   So I am not sure how I over looked  the fact that this house doesn't have a fireplace.. and thus no mantel.  In fact, I swore it did!  After we got back to Nevada from our house hunting trip to Florida we were out to eat with some friends and we were telling them about the house.  It was there that I learned we in fact, did not have a mantel.  It was quite traumatic for me.. and knowing me so well, my friend Jessie realized immediately this was going to be a moment to remember.  She whipped out her phone and took a series of pictures of my facial expressions as I realized I was going to be "mantelless".  (oh i wish i had those pics now.. funny!)  I believe I took a long sip of my margarita .... sigh.

Fast forward to today in said no mantel home.  Luckily (?) for me we needed a new entertainment center for the tv and knowing my desire for a central decor spot.. my husband found the perfect one.  Drawers for some storage under the tv and above is a mantel replacement.  There.. happy wife.. happy life ;)  lol.

So for fall I was ready to make something fun and colorful (the entertainment center is white and the wall behind it is still the boring light beige .. and it is driving me crazy!).  I'm happy to say I think I accomplished my goal.   I sometimes find my self looking at it instead of the tv!!

fall mantel

These pumpkins were so easy and turned out really great.

***Mod Podge Alert!!!  It's so fun :)
I had some fallish fabrics that i wanted to do something with.  So I went to the Dollar Tree to find some really cheap hideous pumpkins.   I didn't want to use real ones in case they turned out fabulous so I could save them.  And if they weren't a hit, at least I didn't pay a lot for them.  Check out these bright things!

I took my fabric and cut it into strips that would fit from stem to bottom of the really ugly pumpkins. Then I brushed on the Mod Podge.  That's it.  Totally simple After it dried I filled in a few spots and painted the stems brown.

The Autumn Blessings was a gift from a sweet friend... it made me smile.

 And How Bout Those CUTE OWLS?!

 Another Total dollar store find.. transformed!  I knew the kids would like to paint them.

Cute Owls and added a glittered curly thing (technical craft term) to the pumpkin

 So these little friends started out maybe more hideous than the sad pumpkins... but lucky for them, I saw something more.  I buffed them with a sander so the paint would adhere better and buffed them again after they were dry to dull them.

Here's something funny.. last night I was checking out some links to the craft parties where I linked my Halloween Mesh wreath

and i stumbled upon another cute little owl!  Great minds think alike...check out Katie's cute little green owl at The Crafty Blog Stalker

Love that it's finally looking a little like fall here.. even if my mums aren't taking the heat so well out front :(

Passing it on at:
Do something Crafty
Categorically Crafting
The 36th Avenue
Cherished Bliss
Today's Creative Blog
Someday Crafts

tanks in oct..

Today is Day 24 of Pass IT On!

I am still wearing tank tops here in Jacksonville :)  Part of me likes it.. but there's a big part that misses long sleeves ... and come December there will be a really big part that will miss sweaters.  But that's neither here nor there.  The point is I still wear tanks (though recently I've worn jeans a few times!) 

Do you hate the low scoop of some tank tops?  oh my.. i hate it!  I'm constantly bending over picking up kids and messes from them  that i feel like I'm always readjusting. ;)  I was talking about this with a friend the other day and I told her my little trick.. she liked it!  So i thought maybe you would as well :)

When I layer, I turn the bottom one backwards.  That's it.  Nothing earth shattering here.. but a good TIP none the less :)

Now, I do not claim to be a fashion expert.  And I didn't run this by my fashion bloggin friend, Mollie (check her out!)  but i still think it's a win.

the other day Addie was taking pictures outside with my phone and .. here is what she did :)

see the tanks :)

she is so artistic! lol

I love this sweet unique girlie!

Dance Mom

I am a dance mom.

I sit and wait in the lobby while Addison takes her classes. First is jazz class. I look forward to her bouncing out to change her shoes and get a quick drink of water before returning for ballet.

I don't mind sitting.. (let me rephrase. If Matt makes it home in time to stay with the boys... i don't mind).   I love to hear the ballet music from the back room. I know when they are at the barre .. that music is distinct.  The older girls in the front room are working a modern routine.  Hearing the counting.. 5 6 7 8! And 1 2 3 4........ it brings back memories. I danced for a long time growing up. I tapped. I liked it, but I always wanted to try jazz and ballet. (Actually, I think I would love modern.. but that wasn't a "thing" then). 

It never worked in my favor to try jazz and formal ballet.  But the turns and leaps of both -so different- intrigue me, even today.  I love the emotion of ballet.. the poise, free and connected at the same time.  Jazz is so up and spot on.. the placement, exact.

If i weren't so chicken now i would sign up for an adult class... but alas.. I'm old, much heavier, and get dizzy when i spin! So instead I sit a few more minutes and wait for Addie to come out.. undoubtedly on her toes and wanting to show me something she learned. She'll say she loves her class and had so much fun. *sigh*
I'm a dance mom now.. and I'm joyful seeing my daughter dance because she wants to.

Olympic time!

I LOVE the Olympics.  Absolutely Love.  

Sport.. Love of the game

Pride.. for our country

Underdogs.. the comebacks

Bios.. the amazing stories to become an Olympian

Ceremonies.. medals, flags, podiums, & anthems

Tears.. of joy

Unity.. of the nations

 Celebrations.. of personal & national achievements 

Records.. the unbelievable performances by the athletes.

Song.. the Olympic song

I just love it all.  

Firecrackers & Friends

I Love the 4th of July!!  

This year we spent it with our friends, the Stangers, that have become extended family in Lake Tahoe.  Not a bad place for the 4th :)   It was awesome.  So relaxing. We spent the entire day on the beach watching the kids have a blast!  The water is way too cold for my liking but the breeze kept us cool and the sun was hot!  The kids braved the lake, the pool, the hot tub, and a boat ride!  Snacking and sipping cold drinks was the extent of "work" for us... and we were all just fine with that!  We had a delicious American meal and headed back to the beach for the fireworks.. which did Not disappoint.  A great display!

A nostalgic day .. loved hearing Addison refer to it as "America Day" while waving her flag in her "American babing suit" (no that's not a typo).  But a twinge of sadness crept up often .. though successfully suppressed for now.  I can't bear to think about saying good bye to my dear friend Jessica and her lovely family.  So it's hard not to think about it being "the last" or that we won't be able to do things like this in the near future.  We've agreed not to deal with it right now.. so i'll move on to cute pics of the kids!   and very uncharacteristic of me, I didn't take many pics :(  but here are a few faves.

Miss America

chillaxin

Cutest Patriot Award

Happy America Day!!!

Beautiful Lake Tahoe at sunset

Toes lookin festive!

Waiting for the fireworks.. with swimming eyes

joined by a friend..... sigh

Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July as well!!!  Happy Birthday USA!

These are my thoughts..

We are getting ready to make a cross country move. From the high desert of NV to the coastal area of northern FL.  I haven't talked much about our upcoming change ... basically because I do not like change.  But... I'm getting better.  A few years ago i would have said  "I hate change" and that is so not the case now. I have had practice.

I never have liked "ending" something good... a relationship, a good book (don't you always want to read the happily ever after?), a TV series... who didn't cry at the end of Friends or ER?!  I hated the end of high school and college (though i must say i'm glad now for those endings!).  One f the worst "endings" for me was when we had to move from our first duty station in Brunswick, ME.  We loved it there. I mean LOVED it.  It is so beautiful.. the summers are short, but amazing. Everyone is outside.. sitting in Adirondack chairs :) The coast is beautiful.. rocky, lush, and green.  Something i had not seen as i was used to vacationing in the southeast.  The falls are a gorgeous pallet of colors.  Some of my favorite memories have colorful foliage as the backdrop.  The winters were indeed cold and icy.  I like winter though.  I love sweaters and I wore one nearly everyday :)  Spring was wet.. blooming.  My allergies kicked in but the rain smelled good.
sigh... we just loved Maine.  As good as the surrounding small northeast town was.. the friendships we kindled were far surpassing.  It was our first duty station out of flight school.  We were taken under some wonderfully seasoned wings.. and stood along side of some other completely green newbies.  We went through deployments together, took care of each other, crafted, laughed, cried, and many of us entered another new stage of being a mommy!  Basically, we grew up into adults :)  and that was the worst part for me... leaving all those wonderful people.. even if some of them left me first or were moving soon after. (such is military life).

2 of my favorite pics.. Gull Cottage where we stayed in beautiful Oct. right before we left

I felt like if i left the place.. i was leaving the friends and with that the memories.  I had a warped view.  And man did i wallow in it.  I cried at the drop of a hat.  I was mad at Matt (I guess it was his fault because He was in the Navy and the Navy was making me change). ... yep.. warped.

I remember leaving and crying all the way to Boston (2 hours).  I would have loved to turn around, but of course we couldn't.  What i didn't realize at the time was how much I was robbing myself. I was so self absorbed in all the things i didn't want to leave that I had not given one thought to what was ahead for us.  I had no joy in the adventure of moving to a new area (hello.. there are a lot worse places than San Diego!) But i didn't want to hear any of that.  I let no excitement in.  I decided i hated San Diego before we got there, which lead to a miserable first 8 months or so.  I had decided I did not want to go through leaving friends that had become like family again.. so i would just go through this tour with out letting anyone really get to know me.  After all, Matt wouldn't be deploying this tour, so I was good.

 Not so much!  I am a "girlfriend" through and through!  I am a friend of other moms. I am a Navy wife who enjoys helping other families when the inevitable things go wrong during deployment. I am a friend who will sit and have some wine .. for no reason at all :)  I will watch your kids and i thank you for reciprocating. I need girls nights out!!  I'm not saying I'm a great friend... I'm saying I NEED girlfriends and the love that comes with a true friendship.  And once i realized that was what i was greatly worried about missing... I realized it was exactly what i was missing out on!

It was a slow process but i started letting people in and before I knew it .. I was happy in San Diego and I had some wonderful friendships too! (and .. yes.. I cried hard leaving there too.)  I started letting God work on my perspective and asked Him to "change how I viewed change".  and He did.  I stopped seeing it as an ending.  but as a beginning and most importantly a chance to continue.   To continue friendships from far away and to continue new beginnings for our family.   Sure, I can't keep up with everyone on a day to day basis.. but facebook sure helps!  And the friends that really became family.. we went through real day to day life together.. it doesn't matter how long it's been since we've seen each other or talked. 

So.. here i go again.  I don't want to leave my friends here.. but this time I am excited about our new beginning and the opportunity to continue.

linking to:

Mama May I?

Remember that game "Mother, may I?" .. didn't you say "No. You may not." ... at least some of the time?

Gosh,  I felt like we were playing a day-long game the other day!  and.. I wasn't very good at saying No. 
 Matt was away for a weekend hiking through the Ruby Mountains (which he said was beautiful and quite a work out!) I figured it was better to wait and do some Father's Day shopping after he left.. less of a chance Addison would tell him what we got :)

I think my lack of "No" use came from the fact that the whole weekend I was thinking about how I am so boring to the kids.  It was just another weekend for them.. nothing special.  But... a few weeks ago when I went to Denver with some girlfriends (insert reminder to post some of the awesome pics)... they had a weekend of Fun with Daddy!  He took them to get ice cream, made pizza, camped in the living room in a tent, went to the Discovery Museum, took them to church (3 kids.. on time!) and McDonalds.  OH.. and.. the house was straightened up.. dishes and laundry done!

I basically decided early on that I couldn't compete with that.. so we had a pretty low key weekend.  But the whole time.. i was providing an internal dialogue of why i should feel guilty for this. Talk about doing the opposite of what i try to teach the kids! Totally comparing myself and not extending an ounce of grace.

but alas... one of my closest friends and "give it to me straight" sisters  .. spun a different light on it!
She reminded me how often Matt leaves.  and that IF i made it "Fun Crazy time" when Daddy leaves.. the kids would expect that every time :)  .. see why she's such a good friend?...  Duhhh.. i was totally looking at it wrong!  Now there are no precedents.. no expectations.. and nothing for me to live up to next time Matt has to leave!!!   I mean really.. can you imagine 6 months of that!?!   And just look what he has to Top NEXT time i leave (and there will be a next time!) 

LOL!!  Ok, I'm half joking here :) 
Basically He's the more fun one.  and I am OK with that. The kids and I are beyond blessed with the best Dad and Husband.  and I am glad they have that special fun time!!

so back to "Mama may I?" ... here's some snapshots of how it went...

Mama may we eat at the little cafe in Scheels?

Ma-Ma   (that's all he said.. what did you expect?)

Mama may i pour water on baby brother's head?

Mama may I play outside after bath because it's finally cool enough?

Me too, Mama?

Mama, may we sleep in your bed....

Of Course I Said YES!!  I had to compete somewhat!!.... hey, I guess I did camp out in the living room... 

on the couch!