Can't serve from an empty platter ...

This past weekend was what I really needed.  A weekend at the beach and then listening to General Conference; how could a weekend be more perfect?!

Lately I've been running on empty.  I've created a go go go atmosphere and haven't been able to get my foot on the brake pedal.  Everytime I felt like I needed to stop, take care of myself, and get a breather, there was no possible way.  Something was constantly on my calendar that "HAD" to be done or gone to.  And then Glen suggested we take a trip to Corpus Christi to go to the beach.  As much fun as it sounded, I wasn't sure I could handle another thing in my crazy schedule.  I hate feeling busy.  Some people thrive on busyness, but I get grumpy and feel so run down; it's just not a good thing.  A trip would mean packing, getting the car cleaned out just so that it would turn into a big mess covered with books, crumbs, and random socks for the whole trip and then a major clean out when we got home.  Plus, the house has to be cleaned with laundry completely done before leaving.  When we get there, we'd be crammed in a small hotel room and what do you do about naps for the baby?  Can you feel the stress too???

But the thought of a beach and someone else cooking with no dishes or laundry to do, it sounded really nice so ... we made the trip.  And boy am I glad we did.  Somehow the packing and housecleaning got done without too much of a hitch (I think Calvin or Alex only emptied one bag that was completely packed).  When we were there, we weren't on a schedule.  We just did whatever, whenever and enjoyed the beach.  If we hadn't gotten so sunburned, we may have stayed an extra day.  Coming from a girl who grew up in Florida (right across the street from the beach) and Hawaii (I was thankful I was driving age during those years because amazingly enough, the beach there wasn't as convenient), I miss the ocean.  I find the salt water intoxicating and I don't care how bad the sand is, as long as I have my beach towel and another pair of eyes to watch the kids (thank you so much Glen.  You're the best husband in the entire world), laying in the sun with the sound of the water, I was able to relax on the beach.  The kids have gotten old enough that I don't have to be as fearful of drowners.  Andrew and Izzy are able to hold onto their own tube by themselves so we can go past my knees and just ride over the waves TOGETHER.  It was so much fun to enjoy a love of mine with my kids and husband even if we did have to take turns on the beach.  Calvin didn't like the water, but he thoroughly enjoyed the sand and the freedom of not being cooped up in a hotel room.  Alex loved the water but wouldn't dare go past the break on the beach without someone holding her so I didn't have to worry about her trying to venture into the water by herself.  It made me want our next moving adventure to be closer to the beach.  (Izzy has already made that request too.)  But we're missing family and want to be close to someone.  Whatever Heavenly Father has in store for us, we'll go where He wants us to go.

The trip was wonderful which I'll blog with pictures later, but getting home was even better.  I was already relaxed and feeling some of the pressure off and we were able to watch General Conference on the internet.  I love the internet.  There's so much good that comes from this thing.  We missed Saturday's sessions due to traveling home (and disappointed we couldn't get an AM station that carried the conference) but I was able to watch the Sat. morning session before Sunday morning's started and can watch what else I missed (or talks that were interrupted by kids trying to talk to me) whenever I want.  There were a couple of talks thatI felt were just for me but my favorite by far was President Monson's talk Sunday morning on Finding the joy in the journey.  These kids are already growing so fast and I know they'll be moved on before I know it.  I'd hate to miss the joyful moments because I'm stressed because I've overloaded my plate.  To top off the weekend, Andrew and Izzy had high fevers last night which may sound like a bad thing.  Call me sicko, but I love it when my family gets sick.  It's always a great excuse to say "Sorry we can't go out and do anything."  No classes to attend.  No errands to run.  As long as the kids are happy just sitting on the couch watching tv all day long, sicknesses are a good thing every once in a while.  It's a good reminder for me to slow down and take that much needed break so I can enjoy the journey now.  In a few days, we'll get back to a less crazy filled life because I've decided that just because something is good, doesn't make it the best.  Wasn't that a church talk from somewhere as well.=)  For now, we're enjoying our (or my) much needed break.

***General Conference is a worldwide conference The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds every 6 months.  It consists of 4, 2 hr sessions filled with inspired speakers, including the prophet, broadcast from church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.  If you're interested in learning more, check out www.lds.org and click on general conference and you can watch, listen or read their sermons.