surprise.

I have had spring fever. So very bad. I have grown so very tired of the daily, monotonous routine. I have been truly sick of J saying, "I have to study." Day in. Day out. I have been a complete beast of a wife and mom. It's true. I continued on thinking I would eventually snap out of it. Maybe I was just being nasty in the mornings and I'd feel better after I worked out? Maybe I was just having a bad day and tomorrow will be better? Nope. Just a beast. For a few weeks. The semester has just started to drag. I found myself desperately longing for the my hot summer in Arizona. Two months was feeling like two years.

One morning I was sitting at my computer and I received a new email. This email came from one of my best friend's husband. In this email he asked what I was going to be doing for the weekend... since it was going to be my best friend's birthday and all. He then proceeded to ask if he flew me up and surprised her, would J be willing to watch the kiddos. As I read, and reread the words, I completely freaked. I immediately got out of my chair and was jumping up and down and screaming. "WAS THIS FOR REAL?!?!?!?" I was going home and I was going to be there for 6 days. And J was completely supportive...he probably was thrilled even that his beasty wife was going to be gone for a few days. So the arrangements were made and I was going to return to Arizona, and the best part was...nobody knew!!!!! I didn't sleep for two nights.

I flew into Sky Harbor and the feeling of pure excitement totally came over me. Who knew I'd be so thrilled to see cactus, desert, and flat roads? When B picked me up from the airport and we drove to their house, I was overcome with so much happiness, it was obnoxious. Driving by ASU, seeing In and Out Burger, I mean, all of it was making me happy. I know B could understand my state of mind, as he served a mission in the Dominican Republic, so while I may have been ultra crazy with my happiness and excitement, he was probably remembering similar feelings himself.

The best part...the surprise. B goes inside to tell my dearest friend, Jenesey, her birthday present came a little early and it was in the garage. So she comes down and I couldn't help myself...I screamed when I saw her. And, of course, instant tears. And when I saw her kids, I had to squeeze them. It was the best. And I think I kept hugging Jenesey. The other wonderful part is that she just had a baby a week ago so I was able to see him. I was loving the feeling of her house, the smells (her house always smells so good, even her garage smells good!). I wanted to kill her for looking so amazing, being that she gave birth to a baby less than a week prior!
Then, my other best friend lives right next door! So of course we had to go surprise her as well. Again, instant tears. Her reaction was priceless. You know, I knew I missed my girls...but I didn't realize how much until I saw them. You spend time cultivating relationships and I had this small fear that my absence would make things different. Not at all.
Then... my sister, who lives down the street was next. I almost didn't bring Lola, but I knew my sister would kill me if I didn't so she came and surprised her too. We got to stay at her house and it was perfect that way. I got to spend time with my sweetest, fattest, most delicious nephew, Jack. And I completely enjoy my nieces. I love the ages they are in right now. So helpful. So sweet.
Then I surprised another beautiful friend of mine, who's reaction was sord of delayed. I think it took a whole minute for her to recognize that I was actually standing in front of her at her door. She and her husband are truly some of my favorite people in the whole world and to spend time with them both is something that really makes me happy.
I also got to see my mom and mother in law, and even though I have seen them more recently, it was still wonderful to see them again...in Arizona.

So here's what I realized during my time in Arizona:

• I love Trader Joe's. They have the best selection of yummy, yet somewhat healthy treats. 
• Food. Some of the places I went to: Costa Vida, The Coffee Shop, Pita Jungle, In and Out, The Tortilla Factory, Nielsen's, and Yogurt.
• Flat roads. Really. It's no joke. Driving in Mexico is such a nightmare. The roads are so bumpy and there are topes (speed bumps) everywhere. 
• Lifetime Fitness Gym. The machines worked so good. It has air conditioning! The people are amazing. The classes are awesome. Love this place.
• The radio. I never listen to the radio down here. It was so nice to turn it on. I especially enjoyed the jam sessions with my ghetto-sister. So glad she will still get down with me. Even though we are getting old.
• Carpet. Having this in your house really helps with a lot of things. Mainly, keeping the noise out when the baby is sleeping. With tile throughout, you can hear EVERYTHING. Thus, waking up sleeping baby. Not cool.
• Family. Friends. The time spent with the people I love was completely and totally what I needed. I didn't realize how homesick I was. I wanted to stay up every night to absorb as much as I could.

Before I left to Mexico, I remember asking B what he would miss the most about America if he had to move away. He laughed and said, "Um, AMERICA." I didn't fully understand what he meant until now. 

So has anyone ever done something so significant, that you're so overwhelmed with gratitude. And you don't know if there's any possible way you can express it that will make them understand? That is how I feel. All I can say is thank you. Thank you Jenesey for having a birthday. Thank you B for flying me home. You made it possible for me to see friends and family who made the time to see me and allowed me to interrupt their busy schedules. Thank you Jessica for being the sister that you are, and for loving Lola.

I feel rejuvenated. I feel like the beast is gone and I am once again ready to conquer this insanity. I feel like I can handle 6 more weeks here and it will go by a little faster now.

Here are some pics...sorry about my bad camera! 

LoRo on the plane...she has no idea :)

My girls.

Dinner at Tortilla Factory. Thanks Kris for always liking the same things I do so we can order and share our food. You are a beautiful person. I appreciate you. I love that you can always read my mind. I am glad we are friends.

When these two are around, it's a guarantee for some entertainment. Club 4 :)

Birthday girl. Love you. (One week postpartum..hate you) Jenesey, the only person I know who can do it all. She makes everything seem so effortless. She is an example. She is wonderwoman.

B and Jenesey at Tortilla Factory.

Yes I am totally the third wheel. It was totally fun anyways! And Jon Sarager...always make me laugh...

Ugly pic but really...Jon Sarager...always makes me laugh!!! In fact, I laughed this hard the whole night. Dallas...great idea with the youtube videos.

Sweetest, newest member of J's family. Baby girl Lucy. She was perfect.

Easters.

Can you believe we used to hate each other? We fought all the time. Who knew we'd ever become so close. I was so sad to leave her at the airport. I felt a little empty.

This little person is so fun to be around. I especially loved hearing her chain-smoker voice again.

This little man is my boyfriend. He wouldn't leave my side. He followed me to the bathroom. He sat on my lap. He kept hugging me and kissing me. He told me I was cute. I could have boxed him up and taken him home. He is seriously the cutest little man. He has little man muscles. He is tender. He is going to be a heart breaker. I love it.

Love love love for these ladies. (and little people)

Baby boy Bode. He was so good the whole time. I think I heard him cry once.

CHEESEBURGERS! Krew...smart, thoughtful little man. Cash...happy, silly little man. Loved having dinner with Kris and the kiddos. 

Again...THANK YOU.

XO