Weekend Surprise

Last Thursday began like any other weekday. I had just put Ryan down for a nap, and was getting ready to fold the laundry when I got a call from my mom. It went something like this.
"Hi, mama."
"Hi, Katie. I may or may not be about to de-board a plane in Salt Lake City, and I was just wondering if you had plans for lunch."
"What?! *cue tears* Are you really here?!?"
"I'm really here."
"Wait. What??"
"I'm really here. Are you free for lunch?"
"Um, yes!! I don't have plans. I can't believe you're here! I love you!"

Yep, it went something like that. As it turns out, my mom brought my brother's girlfriend out for the weekend, and while he and Brenton both knew about it, she kept it a surprise from me.

So now that we had all the ingredients set up for the best weekend ever, a hour later Mom was at my doorstep. I have never been so excited to open the front door in my entire life. The weekend was full of shopping, swimming in the hotel pool, more shopping, playtime with Ryan, eating out, and mostly just wonderful time being together. My mother lavishly spoiled me every minute. I felt so pampered and loved.

On Friday, we went to Gardner Village in West Valley. I had always wanted to go, but had never got around to it. We met my mom's sister, Shelley, there and hit the shops. I was so happy to simply spend time with them. We looked at all the funny witch displays, enjoyed some amazing Snickers fudge, and Mom bought me a few exquisite pieces of vintage-style jewelry.

Later in the evening we all had dinner together. It was lovely to get to know Nicol, Joe's girlfriend, a little better. She is a wonderful girl. It's a new thing to see my little brother head over heels in love, but I'm so happy for him. He is at such an exciting stage in his life, and it's great to be a part of it while we're both still in Utah. Ryan charmed everyone with his smiles, giggles and new words. Grandma bought him lots of fun animal toys, and he had a blast making the noises for each one.

Saturday, Mom and I shopped til we dropped. She purchased several gorgeous things for me, including a stunning black-tie party dress and a lovely new parka. I was so grateful. We were very tired upon arriving home, so it felt great to relax in the pool and spa at the hotel. Ryan loved spending time in the pool with us. Brenton shot a few pictures before he jumped in, too.

All too soon it was time for goodbyes, but it was truly one of the best weekends I've ever had. I feel completely rejuvenated and grateful for my amazing mother. She knows me so well, and understood how much this weekend would mean to me, especially by making it a surprise. Just when I feel like my life couldn't possibly be more like a fairy tale, something wonderful like this happens, reminding me that I truly am the luckiest girl in the whole world.

A Super Mom Day

Most days I'm scrambling to get a few tasks accomplished while taking care of my sweet little boy. But every once and again I have a Super Mom day. Last Monday was one of them.

I woke up early, fed Ryan breakfast and went for my morning walk with a friend. After an invigorating walk, I caught up on a weekend's worth of e-mails, played with Ryan, then put him down for his nap. I got a shower, got ready for the day, cleaned the upstairs, made the bed, started the laundry, and tidied up the downstairs. Then Ryan was up.

Later, I had a friend over and we worked on crafts while playing with Ryan. I finished a sweater I was crocheting, and taught Ryan how to say, "moo," when he saw the cow in one of his books. My friend and I then diced several tomatoes, and I let them marinade in their juices with garlic, basil, salt, pepper and olive oil for the next four hours, to be served for dinner with angel hair.

In the meantime I finished the laundry, and washed the mountain of dishes in the kitchen from a whole weekend of being lazy. Then I scoured the kitchen counters and sink, and while doing so saw the bread maker. "Hmmmm," I thought. "Fresh bread sounds delicious!" So, I put in the ingredients and pressed start.

After doing so many dishes and cleaning the kitchen, I wanted to make sure my little boy didn't feel neglected, so we played for the next hour and a half, laughing and playing with the hose as I watered the garden. Then we went inside and ate handfuls of fresh cherry tomatoes, giggling at how good they tasted.

Before I knew it, Ryan was ready for his afternoon nap. I placed him in his crib and went downstairs. Suddenly, I realized I had nothing left to do! The house was clean, laundry done, dinner made, bread cooling on the counter. Could I actually have some free time? In amazement, I curled up on the couch and read a book until Brenton came home and Ryan woke up.

I wish every day was this fabulous and productive, but then I probably wouldn't have appreciated it as much as I did. Brenton came home to a charming, beautiful, happy wife, and we had a lovely evening together.

So here's to having Super Mom days! Though they may be few and far between, they are worth every minute, and I feel it's the Lord's way of telling me I'm doing just fine.

And as a side note, did I mention I'm down to my last 7 pounds of post-pregnancy weight? Oh yeah!!