Mommy Time Out!

This past week was Spring Break. Russ was in Utah exploring practice opportunities and I was here with the boys. My friend Katie and I decided to take our boys (she has three and I have two) to Chicago to see Shedd Aquarium and the Science Museum. The places were fantastic, but my four year-old wasn't!! I have never seen Cole so defiant. He wouldn't even look at me, so listening was out of the question. He wouldn't walk by me, do what I asked him to do, or listen to a word I said. I was so frustrated that I started crying at the aquarium. The next day he was a little better, but he still was not listening like he should. I kept thinking to myself, "This is now what I signed up for!" and hoping it wasn't a foreshadowing of how Cole will be as a teenager. It was a rough couple of days. Then, the next day I took the boys to visit their cousins in Minnesota for two days. We went to a fun park and to a fun toy store with a carousel and unique toys. We were having a great time, but the second day Cole decided to bite his cousin in the back to see how he would react. It was the last straw -- I put the boys in the car and went home right then. Russ got home late that night. I was so glad to have him home and to have a little help. We have put the boys on "Boot Camp" and hoping that their behavior will improve.

Friday I had a day to myself. It was fantastic and much needed after the week I had had. I got my hair done, followed by lunch by myself and a good book (Eclipse) and I didn't even have to worry about cutting food or spills. It was lovely! Then I got a pedicure, got stuff for Easter baskets, bought new running shoes, and went to the scrapbook store. I seriously loved every minute of it and didn't miss the boys once! Not that I didn't think about them, but I needed a break!! I'm so thankful for Russ for taking care of the boys, cleaning up the house and even fixing the table while I was gone. I think having a little time to myself is something I will have to do more often, not just when it's associated with my mental breakdown!!

At the aquarium -- checking out the amazing creatures!


Pretending to be penguins and playing (this is where my crying began after Cole was so rude to me and Garrett ran off and I couldn't find him)


Mirror maze -- the boys loved it!


This is how the whole trip was -- me yelling and chasing the boys while they aren't listening - looks fun, huh!


With the cousins at the toy store (it had llamas too!)