Last Friday we loaded up and headed out to take the kiddos down south for a few weeks of "R&R" and all-out spoiling at the grandparents! They have been counting the days since Christmas and I think it was from their sheer excitement alone that kept me from falling apart and cringing at the thought of letting them go for so long. This will be the 3rd summer when they spend 2 weeks on "vacation" away from us. I confess at times I crave, dream, and fanatasize about this during the year; however, when push comes to shove and it's time to say that goodbye, I go into complete panic, stressed, and posessive mommy mode. LOL! The kids were all content with a quick hug and kiss and the reassurance that they can call us any time and that we would call regularly to check in.
We have our first week under our belts and everyone is happy and having a blast!!! The kids absolutely LOVE it out "on the farm". They are avid bug catchers and according to Colby have ample opportunity to catch every species of grasshopper, beetle, etc. Chloe's favorite "chore" is to check cows in the morning, and more specifically Annabelle - our cow. Oh yes, we actually have a cow! Jarred got her as a Christmas present a few years ago to start the "Karnei herd". Madeline was excited to report yesterday that they have started "sewing"... Granny has been letting them "help" her quilt and apparently now they are learning how to embroderiy. Maybe when they get home they can teach me how to sew a button on a shirt - something I've yet to even come close to "mastering"! LOL!
Jarred unfortunately is still having to work this week, but I on the other hand have really had some time to rest, restore, relax, & refresh as a woman, mother, and wife! Over the years I've learned that you can't give what you don't have. If you don't take time to pour into yourself, you will not be able to willingly pour into others. I used to feel guilty for taking time out to take care of just me and not multi-task the many demands of all the different "hats" I wear in my life, but not anymore - well, for the most part. I admit I still feel guilty a little, but after these little breaks from the normal demands of my life I always come back recharged and I ENJOY and appreciate my kids SO much more! Maybe it's a flaw, but at least I'm honest enough to address my needs and prevent "burnout" which for me only leads to chronic frustration and jealousy.
Ok, enough of that blah stuff! Here's what I've been up to this week!
Monday I spent the day enjoying some of my favorite things: shopping, Starbucks, lunch with friends, and quality time with my husband. I finally convinced myself to give golf a try. This was my VERY first time to attempt golfing and because of that we stuck to the driving range.
FORE!
After a LOT of balls, I actually managed to drive a ball 150 yards in 25 mph winds!
I felt SO accomplished that I let out a BIG "WHOO HOO!!"... apparently based on the looks I got, that isn't really appropriate golf "ettiquette". LOL!
Ugh! I take back all the times I gave Jarred a hard time about golf not being a "real" sport. I was sweating and even got this huge blister. Someone forgot to tell me not to wear jewelry. Oh well... it was fun!
Oops! I missed a few times! LOL! And in my defense not all of those holes are from me -- probably just the bigger ones! LOL!
After golfing Jarred & I went home and cleaned up to go on our first of many dates this week. It's been SO fun to just get to spend uninterrupted, quality time together! After 10 and a half years of marriage I'm still finding out new things I love about my husband. And today we celebrate 15 YEARS of being a couple! How about that???!!!
Tuesday I made a trip to Lubbock. It's hard to cram in 3 years worth of favorites in 5 or so hours (especially when getting your hair done takes up over half of that! LOL!), but I did my best! I managed to have lunch with a wonderful friend at my absolute favorite restaurant.
I would LOVE to eat here EVERY meal of EVERY day! It's just good fresh comfort food done with a gourmet twist. My personal favorite is the roasted chicken salad!!!
Oh yes! I clean EVERY speck of food on my plate every time! YUM!
After lunch it was time to hit my favorite sweet spot - Cake! It's a gourmet cupcake store! Mmmmm! I actually bought the store out! LOL! However, I guess I should say that they only had 7 cupcakes left when I got there! I finished the day off with another fun date with Jarred and a nice LONG (5 mile) run! Perfect!
Yesterday I dedicated the day to the kids. I promised them room make-overs and I think it's safe to say the transformations are WELL underway! However, you'll have to wait for that post... I seriously need to go pack! We have a 6 am flight tomorrow morning for our week in Playa del Carmen and I haven't put a single thing in my suitcase! Yikes!
Adios Amigos!!!
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