The snow finally stopped. The threat of snow has popped up in the last week or so, but we will have a warm no-jacket day and then BAM another cold day will slap us in the face. We had a lot of school closures and delays. It only kind of affected us, in terms of school. But when it came to making plans, having appointments, etc., it messed up our weeks.
In between the crazy weather, there were quite a few things going on. Namely me not being here. I happened to have an opportunity to go to Charleston, SC for a Nature's Pearl training in February. I had to get myself there and the rest was pretty much taken care of. I'm happy to say I know people who have a "vacation house" who let us use it for business purposes. So my friend Gillian and I spent a couple nights there. She lead some great training, the owners of the house spoiled us with great food, and we were able to get out and enjoy some Charleston night life. It was a really relaxing weekend for me. The first of many eye openers as well.
A few weeks later, I was on the road again. Mom and I drove to Myrtle Beach for the International Convention for NP. The hotel was beautiful, on the beach, pools, hammocks, palm trees. Just the setting was amazing. The training and the company of fellow NP business owners was top notch as well. I realized what a big deal this is; the cancer research attached to our products, the care involved in creating them to be the best, and the idea that there are so many people that want and need them. Light bulbs! The weekend didn't end well, unfortunately. I haven't been sleeping well away from home and Sunday morning it caught up to me. I tried to sleep in the back of the car while mom drove but that resulted in my regular nausea from being in the car. It was the longest car ride of my life. But we made it home in one piece. What I gained from the weekend made it worth it.
About the end of February, I met with a personal trainer for an assessment. Actually having a personal trainer has never really been on my to-do. It's expensive and, frankly, scary. But the guy seemed to have a pretty good feeling about what he could do for me in a relatively short time, and offered a really good price. So, I'm doing it. The first session was grueling. But every session since has been...fun?! I look forward to sweating it out and feeling the burn afterwards. The reward of doing something at your highest capacity, knowing you absolutely did the best you could possibly do, is a great feeling that I wish everyone could experience at least once.
The boys are growing and growing. We went to Amy and Dan's yesterday for Natalie's 2nd Birthday Party and everyone kept saying how huge my kids are. You don't see it when you're with them everyday. But they are. They are big, growing boys.
Nathan turned 5 last weekend. He asked for a surprise party a couple times, and so, we made it happen. Gigi and Grandpa took the boys overnight and all day then came when everyone else was at the house. Nathan was shocked and confused, had a momentary look of tears, then regrouped quickly and lead his friends upstairs to play. He rallied fast. I don't even know if he fully understood it. But everyone got a kick out of his request anyway. What 5 year old asks for such things?!
And for 5, he knows it all of course. At least he acts like it. He pushes back at every turn along the way - which I guess isn't really new. But he becomes more head strong and adamant that he's right. Ugh. The days are long!
And Benny....he's definitely 2! He has his whinny spells where he won't get what he wants and then cries for at least 10 minutes, if not more. The other day, Leo just put him in his room. He stopped out of confusion, then started up again, opened up his door on his own, then came out to cry at us again. But not for long. That may be the best option. Maybe in a random room or closet each time to shake him out of his silliness.
The two of them are playing so nicely these days. This weekend it is rainy but we went out in the morning anyway to do a few things in the garage. While Leo and I transplanted some seedlings we started this winter and had sitting in our tub (!), the boys were crouched over a mud pit, digging, in their PJ's and boots, in the rain. I have better vibes going into the warm season. I can see the two of them playing together outside and me being able to do a little yard work finally. Last year their ages were too different. But now they are slowly catching up and enjoying each other. I might actually be more sad about Nathan being in Kindergarten than I thought since they can actually play now.
This week is Spring Break for Nathan so we will be out and about in the world doing stuff. Leo and I are going to a hockey game on Saturday, possibly a concert on Sunday and then our anniversary is Monday. The Garcia's insisted on taking the kids that night so we can celebrate. But with our busy weekend I don't know we'll need it!
Off to enjoy this sleep Sunday. Nathan is begging to play Mario Galaxy 2. He's officially a real kid now - game obsessed!
