Back Home, Finally!

This past week, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to Washington D.C. for the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy. For those of you who know me well, I have only left my boys a few times since they were born, and I absolutely dread it when I do. They are my everything, and going even one day without their hugs and kisses is very hard for me.

The Academy was wonderful and very beneficial. There were 200 teachers in attendance from around the country. We were treated so well by the people of ExxonMobil, as well as NSTA and Math Solutions. I learned a lot that I can bring back to my classroom and hopefully make a difference in the lives of the children I teach.

I was lucky enough to go with two good friends of mine, with whom I teach, and we did A LOT of sight seeing while we were there. We went to Arlington National Cemetery and visited the grave of a brave soldier, who also happens to be the friend of one the people I was with. That place takes my breath away. Thanks to my wonderful brother, my two friends and I got a private tour of the West Wing at the White House. That was incredible, thank you Steve! Another colleague of ours got us a tour of the Pentagon, which was amazing as well. Seeing the 9/11 crash site really puts things into perspective. We also walked up and down the Mall and saw all of the monuments and things while we were there. My favorite, by far, was the Vietnam Wall Memorial, where my friends and I did rubbings of the names of the men with whom my dad served.

Ok, now you see what an amazing opportunity I had and what a great time I had while I was there. However, there was such an empty feeling inside me as I did all of these things. I kept thinking, "The boys would love this!" with each and everything thing we did. A week is just WAY too long to be away from my little monkeys. Talking to them everyday on the phone made me feel better and worse all at the same time. But I kept a smile on my face, knowing I would be home with them Friday night. At least that's what I thought.....

A delayed flight and a missed connection left me in Houston Friday night (with no luggage). Another delayed flight brought me back home later even than expected Saturday morning. But two beautiful little boys running up to me yelling, "Mommy!" and giving me the biggest hugs and kisses you can imagine, made it all feel a lot better. I am so thankful to my sweet husband for taking such good care of our little guys while I was away. The last day and half have been filled with lots and lots of cuddling. I can't think of a moment where one of them hasn't been hanging on to me. I fell asleep on the couch this afternoon with one of them beside me and the other laying on my back. It doesn't get any better than that. I won't be going anywhere anytime soon. My heart just can't take it. I love you Mauri, Jake & Brady! I am so happy to be home with you!