This Smarty is ready to come home…

My mommy sabbatical has come to an end and I feel completely rejuvenated. I have to say, it has been wonderful on so many levels. I have a deeper respect for my husband, my children and myself. I think my favorite thing was to read about Randy’s experience and in his own words. I could tell that he truly enjoyed himself despite the mayhem, although I’m thinking this may be an every other year kinda gig if I’m really lucky – any takers for next year?

Keeping in line with Randy’s blogs, here’s my summary of hi’s and lo’s and everything in between:

Highlights:
-Receiving numerous compliments on my CSP Smarty pink polo throughout my trip – “love that shirt!” I think we could start selling it and create a Smarty fashion trend!
-Being whisked away as soon as I got off the plane to a fabulous seafood restaurant, Captain Charlie’s. Here’s to our cool waiter who was so intrigued with my mommy detox trip and Charlotte Smarty Pants!
-Waking up to Randy’s refreshing blogs every morning!
-Realizing that I have the best husband in the whole entire world! Not many guys would ever think of or even agree to do this. I know, I’m one lucky Smarty!
-Long phone conversations with my children, something I have never experienced since they are usually hanging on my legs!
-Bonding with my big sis, nothing compares to it!
-Witnessing one of nature’s true miracles: a mama sea turtle laying her eggs on Juno Beach.
-Fishing off Palm Beach and catching a tuna and bonita.
-Shopping in Lilly Pulitzer’s home town and feeling her pink & green presence all around me. I found the perfect Smarty summer indulgence that I will blog about next week…
-Visiting the Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Busch Wildlife Sanctuary – two incredible animal rescue centers that exemplify the beauty of volunteerism.
-Saying good-bye to my sister’s cat who I used to live with 15 years ago – Godspeed little Clem…
-Sleeping with two crazy jack russell terriors every night.

Lowlights:
-Sleeping with two crazy jack russell terriors every night – these little critters jockeyed for position and wouldn’t budge an inch!
-Not being able to sleep past 7:00am, ever. Maybe it was the dogs!
-Record levels of rain over the entire state of Florida during my visit. Although I’m thankful for the pockets of sunshine that I had and definitely seized the moment when they were here.
-Eating out way too much and realizing that my 20-year-high-school-reunion-no-carb-no-life diet kicks in when my plane lands…(reunion is in July – yikes!)

Thank you, Randy for being so incredibly supportive and for blogging your heart away. You have raised the bar for all hubbies in Charlotte and I’m afraid you may lose some friends over this project! Thanks to my big sis, Kathy, and BIL, John, for taking me in for a week and showing me the town. Thanks to my children for being pretty darn good for daddy. And thanks to our CSP readers for commenting on Randy’s posts and welcoming him with open arms. I’m back, Smarties and it’s good to be home!