Hey hey hey!!! Looks like we all made it to Friday! Finally! Sheesh. This week lasted forever. But all that matters is that we made it…and that it’s time for Fun Fact Friday! Boy do I have some good ones for today.

Most importantly…

Today is Makenzie’s 3rd birthday!!

That news makes me a) teary, b) happy, and c) shocked. I don’t know how three years have passed already, but I do know that she enriches my life beyond measure. Except for maybe during temper tantrums??? Who am I kidding? Even then I love the heck out of her and can’t wait to celebrate her birthday!

And speaking of birthdays – I’m a terrible party planner. Makenzie’s party is TOMORROW and I have not a clue what I’m doing for food. We have the cake, but as for princess snack ideas….I’m at a loss. Decorations? You know they will be standard princess plates from the party store. Which I still need to pick up. Oops!

I wish I wasn’t so awful at party planning because I would happily host all of the following parties I have always wanted to attend:

• a murder mystery dinner party
• an 80s party
• a Halloween/costume party
• a tacky Christmas sweater party

I must have an underlying desire to dress up in crazy outfits. And I’m sure my friends are all breathing a sigh of relief that I hate party planning right now.

Peter killed Barbie.

Yes. A few days ago, I drove up to our house with that starting at me. I seriously considered getting back in my car and driving away. I knew an ugly scene awaited me behind our doors. At least I know I’m the favorite parent now.  

Jewelry hates me.

I could never get my ears pierced because I would inevitably get a terrible infection no matter what I tried. Necklaces always make me feel like I’m wearing a turtleneck. Now even my wedding rings are revolting against me! What is with that nasty, burning rash where my rings go?!

I do not take attractive race pictures.

Then again…does anyone?

When doing a run on the treadmill yesterday, I stumbled across a question in Shape that claimed 22% of women would rather have their dream body than a million dollars. Interesting. Very interesting.

Not gonna lie – if by dream body they mean one that will stay perfectly healthy on the inside and fit on the outside AND allow me to eat a giant cupcake every day without it changing a thing…I would go for the body.

Money can’t buy happiness. Frosting can. I can’t wait to see how many people take me serious.

I feel insanely happy right now. And, no, that is not code for “I just ate a tub of frosting”. I’m just…happy. I hope you are too.

• What type of party have you always wanted to throw/attend?
• Would you choose the body or $1 million?

One last Fun Friday Fact – the giveaway winner of the 4all by jofit workout gear is Lindsay @ Biking Before Bed! Congrats!!! Email me to claim your prize!

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a new workout top and capris from 4all by jofit! Ends tonight!

Normally on Wednesday nights we have our small group at church. Well, last night we ended up having to cancel because very few of us could make it. It felt like back in college when I would get the announcement that class had been cancelled. Suddenly, a whole slew of options to have some fun and relaxation came pouring in. Although I chose to spend my time a little differently than I did those days. No getting started on the pre-party earlier here.

Old school flashback…

Eeeep! I don’t even know that girl anymore. (I’m on the far right…)

I feel much better with how my sudden downtime went last night.

First up, I filled my time with even more play with the kids. After already feeling so much less pressure on myself and having the time to do what matters most, I couldn’t wait to soak up even more of that feeling.

We played Makenzie’s very first board game…

…then hit up the library for some new books.

I love this child’s love of books! I think that is why Belle is her favorite princess.

Of course that meant I had to read a bajillion books when we got home from the library. Although reading about surfing pigs or moons falling from the sky didn’t keep me from reading my own book.

I cracked open Heaven Is For Real (part of the gift exchange from Chelsey) for the last 30 minutes of the kids’ naps earlier in the afternoon. It had me hooked so after the kids went to bed, I immediately grabbed the book to read more.

I even welcomed the fact we had to scrounge up dinner in a fend-for-yourself fashion. I poured a bowl of leftover tortellini soup and read my book cozily over the spicy soup.

Yep. It was that good that even dinner took second place. And I finished it over the next 2 hours. Wow. What a good story. It made me sit in amazement. I wish I could talk to the kid!

As wonderful as it felt to have some extra down time when I needed it most, I still missed getting the chance to meet up with friends for support and discussion. Especially since we have had so many great topics come our way recently. Like this one that I simply must share:

Success vs Achievement

One of the biggest things that struck me in the group study we have been sharing recently is the need to not only use our gifts, but to use them wisely. It can be really easy for things like pride or a desire for recognition to get in the way. I know I can relate!

I know the passions I have and the feedback I receive affirm many of what I believe as my strengths. Even take blogging for an example. It can reflect some of my strengths in  connecting with and encouraging others, but, as I recently shared, I can easily let it overtake my happiness and other important parts of life if I’m not aware.

I loved this simple definition I found in one of my devotionals:

I think that about sums it up perfectly. I want to become the best version of my ENTIRE self. I don’t want to work on being “successful”. I want to work on being the best me I can be. And trust that will be more than enough.

• What is the last thing that sucked you in and you couldn't step away?
• How would you differentiate success or achievement?