It’s been an amazing 11 days since school let out. I almost feel guilty saying that because isn’t Summer suppose to drive me crazy(and yes at times it does). Do you want to know why it’s been better…and no, not just because my kids haven’t been whining.
I’ve taken some time for myself. I’m running of course and I also added another 30 minutes each day for some strength and resistance training. May I just say I’ve never felt better. I got a haircut(first one since last July) and even a pedicure and manicure(my once a year splurge).
I’ve also put my phone down and picked my camera up. I’m doing things that make me feel healthy – strawberry picking with my kids, making jam, cleaning out my kitchen cupboards, and donating piles of toys and clothing.
I hear my kids running around playing with each other and the neighborhood kids, I’m keeping my freezer stocked with popsicles and I think I bought an endless supply of sidewalk chalk.
We’ve spent time at the pool and time in the movie theatre. We’ve probably eaten far too many donuts but we’ve also gotten out on a family bike ride. Did I mention I got a new bike?
What I’m saying is – things are good. My mind feels healthy without negativity and stress. Summer is good.
I know I mentioned to all of you on here and on Facebook(you do follow me on Facebook, yes?) that my post “Together Forever” won a full sponsorship from Brica to attend the Type A Parent conference this coming weekend.
When I wrote this post a few months ago I meant it so deeply – how these girls are together, but can I just say that it’s even better now? Insanely good and possible.
It pains me to leave my kids. Pains me. Like pains me in a way that I don’t get haircuts(and yes Astrid sat quietly on my lap for the whole salon appointment). But I’m really looking forward to this trip. Sure I’m looking forward to it because it’s a great conference and I look forward to connecting with other people and brands in social media and blogland – but I’m really looking forward to representing a company like Brica. I love their motto “Making Together Better” and really how it fits in with how we are having such a great Summer. Together.
Whether at home, on the go, or at the park – Brica has products that help parents and make kids happy.
I would love for you to check Brica out online, on Facebook and also on Twitter.
And while I will miss the most important people in my life for a few days…I know that they are happy and safe at home and that I am doing something good for all of us.
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So am I weird that I hate leaving my kids? And if you had just one product for your kids..what would it be?



























As usual your words are beautiful! I cannot wait to meet you and the whole Brica team is so excited. Hey, if you need some hugs, all of my kids will be there and they love to hug!
Brittany recently posted..Questioning the Food We Eat
Congrats on winning the trip. I totally know what you mean about not wanting to leave the kids – even though you want to go. Have a great time – and … It looks like summer rocks.
Kristen recently posted..And then I got stuck in the butt with 8 big needles….
I’m happy you’re happy and looky, your picture is beautiful!
Have fun at the conference and I’m jealous of all those lucky people who will get to meet you.
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Memories Captured – June Link Up!
That photo of you, my friend. Well, it just couldn’t be any better. You look so happy and carefree and I just love that for you.
Have a great time at the conference and report back!
Elaine recently posted..Dad Love
Gorgeous photography. Love all your summer joy. And no, it’s not weird that you hate to leave your kids. I think it’s endearing. No doubt they hate to have you go. xo
Cath recently posted..The Other Half
So happy that you are enjoying your summer. I always hate to leave my children and at 10 and 12 my oldest two barely tolerate me being nearby. Doesn’t matter I still hate to leave them!
Lovely post! So glad you’ll be at Type A! Brica couldn’t have picked a better person to attend for them!
Nicole @MTDLBlog recently posted..Things I Wish I Could Change About Myself {Listable Life}
Wooh! Congrats, that’s so exciting! Sounds like it’s been a lovely, peaceful summer – and I adore that bicycle dress!
Megan (Best of Fates) recently posted..I HATE (Surprise!)
So happy you are having such a lovely summer. And you, dear lady, look so lovely yourself. I can see how time doing wonderful things with your beautiful kids makes you feel good and healthy. Enjoy the conference, and no, you’re not weird. I always feel sad to leave my kids. (Even when I need the break.)
christine recently posted..A Jar of Apricot Marmalade
I am going to be a rebel and not answer your questions, as I just LOVE the fact that you are carving out more time for YOU! I also am so happy about your previous post, and what a great summer you are having-the memories you are making with your girls this summer are so important, and fleeting.
Have a wonderful time at BRICA, they made an excellent choice in you! Can’t wait to hear about it when you return.
maybaby recently posted..dreaming of flowers
Not weird at all; I feel that way EVERY DAY. Literally. My issue is more disliking my job but overall, when I go someplace (I went to two blog conferences this year so far), I just feel bad about being away (until I come back and they’re all oh, hey, look at Mommy, you were gone?).
Congrats on the win, enjoy the conference, and Astrid makes me smile. Also, if there were one thing I could have for my kids, it’d be comfortable, coilless mattresses.
Diggin’ your photos!
You got mad skills.
m.
Mark recently posted..The Settlement
one product for my kids? does a nanny count?
because apparently you’re an awesome mom and I suck….but what else is new?
Not a Perfect Mom recently posted..Why I Have No Self Esteem….Or Why Hope Should Wear a Muzzle
I always have these grand plans of taking a vacation with only my hubby but by the time I start thinking of all the planning involved leaving kids behind, how much i would miss them, not to mention trying to line up the grandparents for babysitting…I shelve the idea for another year.
The best product that we have bought recently was a tag a long so my daughter can ride behind my hubby and I pull my son in the bike trailer. We have been able to go so much farther and have fun, family time, too. We still let her use her own bike but this has given us more family outing options.
I miss my kids so much that when I’m away from them, or they’re away from me, it feels weird.
Like I forgot my purse or something.
Alexandra recently posted..List of Summer Fun Ideas For Your Kids by Me
I love that you are having a great summer so far. I can feel the happiness and ease coming through your words. Sigh…got some to spare for me??? I’m excited for you to go to the conference this weekend. No doubt it will be an incredible experience. Have fun my friend!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Preschool Graduate
You all look so happy! (and adorable bike dress, just adorable!)
I don’t think it’s weird that you don’t like to leave them. I THINK I don’t mind leaving. But when I do, I miss them a ton, even when I’m having fun.
angela recently posted..A Year to Remember
I always hated leaving my kids… in fact, rarely ever did. I feel your pain. It is so much easier when they are older. Enjoy your conference. You’ll have a nice reunion when you return home. ;o)
Rachelle recently posted..Mid June Flower Update
I love your bicycle dress. And no you are not weird. The opposite of me, but not weird. I went on a week long work conference six months after my first child was born. I had to pump at the conference. But I didn’t have to go. I wouldn’t have lost my job by any means. It was both an opportunity professionally and personally I didn’t want to miss. I’ve had lots of those that have taken me away from my kids and I’ve never regretted them!
Marta recently posted..Favorite Summer Things
You are sooo not weird. Even though we all need a break here and there, it is hard to leave them behind. Our summer has been amazing too. I’m actually stressing over it going too quickly. My girls are at such a great age with not only each other but with me. We have some great talks and I am really enjoying their company.
I hope you have a great trip!
Kristen recently posted..The Last Resort in Lake Anna
I totally hate leaving Boo Boo.
mommylisa recently posted..It feels good to be a Gangsta…
I am in deep awe that you are having such a fun summer. Our is about to begin next week and I hope I will too.
Lady Jennie recently posted..Farms Are Dusty