This past weekend I attended my very first blogging conference, Blog Elevated, in Galveston, Texas. To put the location in perspective, Galveston is only about an hour and a half away from our home. The stars aligned for me to be able to attend this conference, and M/the hubs was able to watch Charlotte while I was away. He is off every other Friday, which worked out perfectly with him having his Friday off this past weekend. I left Thursday afternoon as soon as he got home from work, and away I went. I was away from my loves for two nights, gone for more than 48 hours. That is eternity in mom hours.
After a very fun filled weekend with some amazing girlfriends and so much learning and growing going on (I’ll share my recap of the conference soon), I was happy to return to my people on Saturday afternoon. I could not get home fast enough. Of course Houston traffic slowed down my swift return, but I was over the moon to see my baby and the love of my life again after not seeing them for two nights in a row. Are you gagging yet? ;) As soon as I pulled into the driveway, I jumped into our SUV with my two favorites waiting for me to go to dinner. It’s a weekend tradition to go to Willie’s, our favorite neighborhood American food dinner destination, so I was thrilled that I made it back in time for the festivities.
This smile is what greeted me in the car. So silly she is. And daddy did a great job dressing her.
It didn’t take me long to notice that Charlotte had turned into a big kid while I was gone. Seriously. I blinked, and she grew up into this active, amazing little person. When you blink, the whole world changes. Most times, you don’t notice it. But sometimes you do. I was not even gone for very long, but distance and a little mama alone time can do amazing things. It resets your system to be able to notice the little things again. It’s like going to the eye doctor, getting fitted for a new pair of fresh lenses, and seeing the world a little bit clearer. I needed that. I think we all do every now and then.
That Saturday night after dinner, I put Charlie Bear to sleep, and I took my time. I didn’t rush, thinking of my never-ending to-do list, because my little muffin is growing faster than I can type. I want to take it all in. As I read her favorite books two and three times over, I savored each moment I had with her before I put her down in her crib for night-night. I then enjoyed a nice date night with the hubs at home. It was perfect.
Charlotte before bedtime that night.
The next day, I savored every minute of our Sunday Funday. We had a great breakfast, went for a walk, then went to our local nursery for some new plants. I always think, “I couldn’t love these people of mine more if I tried,” but God always proves me wrong, every single day.
Later that day, we attended a fun party for Houston Moms Blog at a trampoline park, Sky High Sports. Charlotte loved jumping on the trampolines for the very first time, hanging out with big kids, and eating too many sweets. I’m pretty sure that was the first time she had that much sugar, and talk about a pin ball. It was all worth it though.
The long, jam-packed weekend with a little time away and tons to do with my family was definitely worth it. And that’s how I want to live my life every day. Making life worth it. Don’t you? Because when you blink…
***See where I’m linking up here.
When you blink, the whole world changes. – LOVED THAT! I have been gone over night a couple times in the past few months and every time I returned Jack was that much more of a BIG BOY. Glad you had a great time though and made it back in time for family night!
Thanks, Jamie! :) This was my first time away from them for more than 24 hours, and I definitely came back refreshed. It's funny how when you come back, your kids are still doing great, just being a big kid. I'm slowly understanding what my mom must go through every time we reunite. ;) Lol. Hope you're having a good week!
Eek, I know what you mean, sister. It's so hard on me during the school year when I am staying after school for rehearsal and I get a max of four hours with Kennedy. I feel like I miss so much and it brings a lot of guilt. I don't know how I'm going to do it with two kids.
It's amazingly difficult, but you do it, and you do it fabulously! And I look up to you so much for being a teacher/coach/friend/wife/etc. etc. and wearing all the hats and doing life so well. No guilt needed. Your girls are thriving and will continue to do so because they have a mommy who loves them to no end. Because you make life count. ;)
I wish I had known about that blogging conference! I'm only about 4hrs from there. I was at Crystal Beach just two weeks ago.
Yep…they grow up WAY too fast. It's crazy. bittersweet.
Aww, darn, Leslie. Would have loved to meet you! It really was a great conference, very informative about growing your blog as a business.
And yes, these little babes growing before us are sweet miracles to watch, but it's like watching sand pass through an hour glass. Bittersweet for sure. ;)
This is the cutest! And it's amazing to hear how much can change over the course of only a few days! Love that you're cherishing those simple moments as your little girl grows:)
Thanks, Daisy! I really do try to cherish it all. :)
I took LB to the park yesterday and took a few pictures of him. Looking through pictures I noticed he has changed in his looks just in the last day or so. And he learns and does new things all the time! Time never slows down, and I'm just so thankful to be able to take it all in with him. :) Thanks for sharing this sweet post.
Isn't it the craziest thing ever? I can't get over how quickly things change. She is such a big girl now, not even a baby. And her reach is now getting farther onto my countertops. Yikes! I'm so thankful to be able to watch it, too. How lucky are we?
I can't even handle it… I try not to blink anymore… lol :)
Thanks for linking up with WYWW!
Haha! Yeah, I'm trying to be Fred Flintstone with the pencils holding open my eyelids. ;) But good thing she's a sleeper. I get my rest when she does. Thanks for stopping by, Stasia!
I completely agree! Everyday it seems like she is doing/saying something new and I can't keep up. Trying to document it all and even that isn't enough. Just trying to soak it up as much as we can. With you, mama! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for that, Ann! Just trying to soak it all in, one day at a time. Have a great weekend!
Your little Charlotte is such a sweetheart.
I’ve never spent extended time away from either of my girls… I can only imagine what it was like to see Charlotte and your hubby again.
I’m looking forward to hearing about your conference update. I’ve never been to a blogging conference… maybe in 2015.
Thanks for sharing and linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Thanks so much, Jennifer! It was the best to be reunited. :)
I am working on the wrap-up. I think I have an idea of what my recap will look like now, so it’s in the works.
Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Your little Charlotte is such a sweetheart.
I've never spent extended time away from either of my girls… I can only imagine what it was like to see Charlotte and your hubby again.
I'm looking forward to hearing about your conference update. I've never been to a blogging conference… maybe in 2015.
Thanks for sharing and linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Ahhhhhh, I love her little smile in the car, lol!!!! Sooooo cute! I’m glad you had some time away for yourself, we definitely all need that every now and then! It always definitely helps me recharge too and appreciate my little family even more! I also can’t wait to hear about your blog conference experience, I can’t wait to go to one of those!
I’m telling ya, Jess! This little lady is going to make me have to keep dying my hair forever to cover up all the grays she’s giving me. I came back recharged for sure. And you would absolutely have loved this conference. Wish you lived closer!
Ahhhhhh, I love her little smile in the car, lol!!!! Sooooo cute! I'm glad you had some time away for yourself, we definitely all need that every now and then! It always definitely helps me recharge too and appreciate my little family even more! I also can't wait to hear about your blog conference experience, I can't wait to go to one of those!
Thanks so much, Jennifer! It was the best to be reunited. :)
I am working on the wrap-up. I think I have an idea of what my recap will look like now, so it's in the works.
Hope you're having a great weekend!
I'm telling ya, Jess! This little lady is going to make me have to keep dying my hair forever to cover up all the grays she's giving me. I came back recharged for sure. And you would absolutely have loved this conference. Wish you lived closer!
It does go by so fast! My youngest just turned one — what?! Cherish all those little moments! Glad to have found your blog through the Blogger’s Digest link up!
Erin
http://www.itallmattersmom.com
It does go by so fast! My youngest just turned one — what?! Cherish all those little moments! Glad to have found your blog through the Blogger's Digest link up!
Erin
http://www.itallmattersmom.com