"Pack Your Bags"

Friday morning Pat called early from work.  He had forgotten to pack some clothes and wanted to know if I could bring them to him.  Since I was finishing cleaning the house for possible showings, I thought getting the kids out for a trip in the car was a great idea.

Late that morning when we met up with Pat, he dropped a bomb on me.  After handing him his clothes, he said, "Go home and pack a bag.  We're going to Chattanooga this weekend."  I looked at him incredulously, ready to object.  But then he told me his parents were already flying out and would be there in a few hours to watch the kids.  

It would be completely accurate to say that I was freaking out a bit as I drove home.  I was in disbelief.  I have hardly ever left the boys overnight (except for hospital stays, medical tests that were out of state, and for a military ball or two.)  I was extremely worried how the boys would do, especially since I'll have another overnight trip away coming up in just a couple weeks when the new baby comes.  While it would have been easy for me to be irritated at Pat for dropping this on me, I knew that if he had asked, I would have said no.  The only way for him to do it was to surprise me, and he sure did that.  Even though I was nervous about leaving the boys, part of me was really excited at the prospect of some adult time and dates with my husband.  

We were checked into the hotel in Chattanooga at almost 10 p.m. because of the time change.  I was extremely exhausted from what had been a long and busy day.  After arriving I really wanted to curl up in the bed, but we hadn't had dinner and I knew Pat was hungry.  We went to dinner at one of Pat's favorites, Fridays.  It was so relaxing to be at a restaurant without kids.  After dinner we went back to the hotel to sleep peacefully without interruption.

The next morning we woke up around 8:30, which is late for me, ate breakfast, and headed out to the TN Aquarium.  We've been there before with the kids, but this time we could leisurely explore the exhibits.  I will admit though that at 9 months pregnant, it began to feel like death by walking to me.  The ligaments/tendons (whatever they are) connecting my legs to my body felt like they were on fire with each step.  And I am not exaggerating when I say I was literally waddling around.

After the aquarium we enjoyed lunch on the patio of a local restaurant.  It was a beautiful afternoon and a nice romantic date.  I was also glad to be sitting down for a while.  When lunch was finished we went to the imax movie that was combined with the aquarium.  I had never been to any imax movie, so it was a great experience for me.  We ended the afternoon with a nap.  I guess all the fun had tired both of us out.

That night Pat had already planned a dinner boat cruise for us.  It was a casual affair, but something so different from anything we can usually do and rather romantic.  The food was delicious.  I cleaned my entire plate.  After dinner we watched the sun set on the Tennessee River.  It kind of reminded us of our honeymoon.  When the cruise was finished we weren't quite ready to go back to the room.  We stopped by Ben and Jerry's for some ice cream.  (Can you say expensive?!?  A small cup is the same price as a pint at the grocery store!).  While it would have been nice to continue the date after that, it was already after 10 p.m., and I was exhausted.  We are now old folks I guess, but that is okay.

After breakfast on Sunday morning we headed back home.  I was so excited to see the boys.  They survived just fine, and I almost think it was good for them to experience us going away for a short while.  My in-laws were amazing to travel down here, watch the kids, and help out so much.   I am so thankful for my wonderful husband and his big plans for us.  I definitely needed a little getaway, and it was such a good reminder that I need to put our relationship as a priority in our life too.  This trip was probably one of the most romantic things Pat's done for me, and I will not soon forget it.

Fifty Shades of...Weird

I know, everyone is talking about it. It's been reviewed about a gazillion times. I read the first book last weekend, and I just have to share my thoughts on it too.

I didn't read too many descriptions of the book, so when I saw other bloggers saying that it was too over the top, too erotic, full of sex, I thought maybe they were prudish.  Sorry to any bloggers who tried to warn me, and I didn't believe them.  I consider myself quite liberal, so I thought it may have just been a difference of opinion.  After all, the book is being touted as "lady porn" or "mommy porn".

I honestly do not know what ladies or mommies those reviewers are hanging out with.  If you are one of the ones that love this book, please don't take offense.  I just don't understand the descriptions of it.  It's way more up my husbands alley than it is mine.

For the first 40 or so pages, I was completely taken with Christian Grey's charm, propriety, and of course the description of his good looks.  I even commented to my hubby saying "At least Edward Cullen had a known fault...he was a vampire."  Boy did I speak too soon regarding Christian Grey.

I guess I didn't expect a book being referred to as chick lit having so much explicit sex content, including bondage, and very little romance.

I will admit it is a quick, easy read.  It's slightly addicting to see what happens to the characters, but I'm not so sure I want to read the other two books.  I'm almost happy with where it ended after the first one, and I would rather just make up a quick ending and not waste my time reading two more books.  I'm sure my reading time could be spent with more quality literature.

For those of you who have read the other books, do you recommend I read on?  Or should I quit where I'm at since I'm not too impressed with it anyway?

InstaFriday

I know I've shared my ever growing love for instagram before on the blog.  What I really like about it is that it allows us to share a quick little insight into our daily life/routine.  We are able to show the regular mundane photos that may not be shared otherwise.  I love the bonds that grow from sharing a simple peek into our lives.  If you want to find me on instagram I'm @shellymotto.  Leave me your name so I can follow you back if you want.

I'm linking up today with Life Rearranged for InstaFriday.  I haven't taken too many photos this past week, so this will be quick.

Last night I made BBQ chicken pizza for dinner.  I had a refrigerated crust, but was feeling sick of regular pizza.  I had a left over BBQ chicken breast, so it was easy.  I really liked the BBQ sauce I had on hand.  It was a honey pecan flavor, which was the right amount of sweet and a bit nutty.  Unfortunately the kids didn't eat it.  They've been neglecting their dinners lately, and it's kind of driving me nuts.  I hate putting in the effort to cook and then be the only one eating it.  (Pat's been working late.)  Even though the kids didn't eat it, I thought it was really good.

After naptime our routine is usually to go out front and play.  Ryan found this toy in the back of the garage and wanted to use it.  It's always cute to see them smiling when they play with new or long forgotten toys.  

After Ryan's turn, Sean had to try.  He too thought it was fun.  I love that in the corner of the photo it looks like Ryan is clapping his hands for Sean.  

This one is a bit grainy because it was taken from quite far away.  In an effort to clean up the living room I asked the kids to put the cushions back on the couch.  With all their toys in storage, the couch cushions have become the new toy of choice.  When I walked out of the kitchen and saw they had only built a tower with the cushions I was about to roll my eyes until I noticed they were both perched on top looking so sweet.  I grabbed my phone immediately and got one of my favorite, although grainy, cell phone photos.  Nothing beats brothers being cute together.  

I hope you'll link up too.  And have a great weekend!