Randomness...my favorite kind of posts

- So there is this article swirling around good ol' Facebook about how "The Blog" is a thing of the past. When I read it I literally Lol, because I am always so 10 years behind the times! 
- Who knew life would slow down for me this much with the use of only one arm. I feel like half of the time I am in sss-lll-ooo-www motion. This isn't entirely a bad thing, I mean God does tell us: To be still and know that He is God. So I am trying to be still... just didn't realize it would be so damn hard. 
- Last weekend the big Gaspirilla took place here in Tampa. I still don't know if I completely "get" what Gaspirilla is all about, but from what I picked up it is this crazy celebration of the invasion of pirates, starting with boats decorated as pirate ships on the water and then with a land parade following. Basically, it seemed to consist of LOTS of happy people who start drinking at breakfast and throw tons of cool beads for all to collect. We ended up watching the boats from afar with ice cold sprites in our hands. It was a gradual introduction into this all day affair, baby steps for us native Naples people.  

- Since moving to Tampa my amazing mom started a women's prayer group with some equally amazing gals. We are reading a book called "Discovering the Feminine Genius" (highly, like super highly, recommend it!). The other night while us women were in discussion the topic of praying the rosary came up. It got my wheels a-turning that I SO want to be that family that says a nightly rosary together. Not just to be that family, but because we Boda's SO need all the grace that God has for us, which I know comes through prayer. So Thursday night I blurted out to our clan: "Gather around and grab a rosary because we are going to pray!" And to my surprise it went amazingly well. After the first decade I asked the kids: "So, do you want to do all 5 decades??" And without a moments hesitation they all screamed yes! Matt and I glanced at each other with a dumbfounded look of "are these really our kids?" and then just quickly smiled, trying not to break the moment. Grace, all on her own, stood up the whole time holding the crucifix out in front of her. It really was the cutest thing and I am praying that this act of holiness translates into her everyday three year old life.  Ps. I did notice Matt caught a few Zzzzz's during our family rosary, but really how can I fault the man who works all.day.long and comes home to a one armed wife. 

- Speaking of Grace, we went to a princess birthday party last night for one her favorite friends Rachel. Rachel's mom and dad are nothing short of AWE-some people, who Matt and I have secretly been trying to make as our new bff's here in Tampa land (besides Laura and T-dog, of course). Sadly for us though, they are taking a 3 year adventure to Germany, so our dreams of shared date nights and play dates have come to a shattering halt. But we are happy for them, a begrudgingly happiness, if thats possible
Back to Grace and her friend Rachel's party... 
We trekked into their lovely, clean home with not just our 4 little squids, but with 2 cousins added into our mix, doubling the amount of kids that were currently there to celebrate, which of course was just fine with our cool, laid back hosts. Did I mention that Rachel's dad brews his own beer? Super cool and had me at hello when I walked through door wanting nothing more than to get my hands on a mug.   So our kids were really great at the party, the boys ran around outside all night while Hope and Grace were in princess heaven. Then came "Game Time" for all of the 3 year old princesses. And who's child was the only one to make a scene and I mean full out crying and howling scene when she got out in hot potato/pass the fairy wand? 
Yes, you guessed it mine.
All of us parents were watching out sweet little girls play their cute little game until Grace lost her grace and literally had a cow that she was indeed out. What's a mom to do in that situation? After 4 kids I still don't really know. My first thought was to grab her out of the circle as quickly as possible and run her to a different room, which would let the other kids keep playing. But, I was blocked by a couch and already holding Hope with one arm. My second thought was to just slowly back away and act like she belonged to someone else's. 
So what did I end up doing...  I just stood there praying she would stop...  Literally my hands as well as my tongue were tied.  Stephanie, the host then came to my rescue moving right on to a different game where sadly Grace's temper pretty much ruined that one as well. 
It is just so embarrassing when my kids behave poorly in front of other people. Please tell me I am not alone!! I like to pride myself on my children being pretty well behaved, respectful, and kind when we are out in public. Of course we have run into many a public tantrums, whining and crying while out and about, but usually a swift look, a small squeeze of the arm, or a quick timeout puts them right back into place. But when none of the above work, I just kind of stand there looking dumb and helpless. As my mom says: "There is nothing like your own children to bring about true humility." 
So, to all the families that were at Rachel's birthday party, who don't read this blog or even know that it exists, I am sorry my Grace ruined the games, but we are trying really, really hard over here :).
And with that awkward ending to a post of randomness, happy weekend to all of you!