Mama Gets a Break!!

I was feeling in DESPERATE need of a break!  While I loooove my time at home with my kiddos, not having a night away in over a year had begun to catch up with me. Between a year of nursing, a move, lots of remodeling, and the winter blues I was feeling ready for some warmth, sunshine, and a couple days or less responsibility, so Mat had an awesome idea to send me to Florida for a few days as my Christmas present.  Mat has one week completely off work between when J-Term ends and the spring semester begins, so it made for the perfect time for me to travel.  He was able to be home each day with the kids.  We got an unbelievable deal on flights, and I was able to fly round trip to Clearwater for about $125!  Yes, please!  I will admit that I had a lot of anxiety about leaving.  It's not at all that I don't think Mat is fully capable because he is, and he's amazing with the kids, but I was afraid Charlotte would have a hard time adjusting to me not being around.  Luckily, it all went SO smoothly.  Once I truly got away, I was able to relax and all the anxiety disappeared.  Charlotte and MJ both did great, too!  

 

 

 

 I was really worried I might not even make it to FL.  We had a storm the day of my departure.  This was them de-icing my plane.  Luckily we were still able to take off, and Mat made it home safely, but slowly from the Moline airport before the storm got too bad. 

 

 

 

 

I began my trip with a couple days spent in Lakeland.  My friend Kelley picked me up from the airport, and I stayed with her and her beautiful family.  I adore her kiddos, so it was great to be able to be in their home and live life with them for a couple days.  I was able to visit Highland City, where I used to teach, have breakfast with a former student, and visit with old colleagues.  I also enjoyed some one on one time with Kelley catching up on The Practice episodes.  It may not sound overly glamorous, but lying on the couch in my yoga pants watching one of my favorite shows with a best friend is my perfect idea of truly relaxing!  I was also able to have a nice dinner out with some other girlfriends, Sam and Lisa at one of my faves-Abuelo's.  Sam, Lisa, and I went to college together and are sorority sisters and continue to stay in touch.  Love them! 

 

 

After my couple days of girl time, my brother came to pick me up in Lakeland.  Of course, we had to eat at my favorite sushi restaurant-Gosh!  Mmmm, so yummy!  Jeff, Mat, and I ate here many times while living in Lakeland.  We then headed to Jeff's house in Wesley Chapel.  He had to work the next day, so I was able to just sleep in and get caught up on some work (hard to ever truly escape that), and then once Jeff got home, we were headed to the beach...

 

 

Ahhh, yes-now that's what I had in mind when I was thinking of my escape from the Iowa winter.  Low 80's and a beautiful sunny day on Clearwater Beach!  This was the view from our room.  Jeff booked us an awesome room at the Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach.  This was my Christmas present from him.  I'll take this present again next year, Jeff...just in case you needed any ideas.  ;) 

 

 

It was great to spend a couple days with my brother!  Such a goof!  :)  I'm so blessed to have a sibling that I am so close to.  He is too good to me and my family!  Love and adore him!

 

 He knew just what I needed to relax and really get-away.  We had dinner at Frenchy's on Clearwater beach.  It reminded me of my days living in Key West where the atmosphere is just so different and relaxed.  Best of all?  I had stone-crab claws to eat which I haven't had since leaving Key West.  Nothing like fresh seafood on the beach and nice cocktail to go along with it!  Oh, and the smores crockpot we shared for dessert was pretty great, too.  :) 

 

 This was the view from the beach looking back at Frenchy's

And our view of the beach sunset while eating dinner.  Hard to beat that!

 

Thanks, Jeff for a great time in Clearwater!

 

After my four days of relaxing, I was looking forward to returning back home more energized and ready to see Mat and my adorable kiddos.  At the airport they met me with roses and big hugs.  Such cuties!  It wasn't so fun driving home in the cold, snowy weather, but at least some sunshine followed me back to Iowa.  Thanks so much to Mat for not only holding down the fort, but having a super clean house with all laundry done for me to return home to.  I'm really thankful that he appreciates me the way he does and understands the need for a break for me and the importance it serves in role as a mother and wife.