Today this Mama had to prove to herself that she really can do fun things all by herself, put away the anxiety and have fun!

I’ve gotten into a habit of always inviting others to come with us places… sure, the companionship is awesome and probably the main reason.. but, also  another set of eyes and hands to hold on to kids is so very welcome!

It has caused me to think I can’t go places and do things with the boys without help!

My awesome mama or friends, whose kids don’t seem to use every public opportunity to show how much of a handful they can be, can be my comfort zone!

There is something I should say about myself here. I have a pretty big problem with anxiety! especially in public places. I envy anyone who can be in a crowd and not have to fight off fears. Some of them, I will argue are legitimate, this world is a scary place. But of course there are also some that are just plain ridiculous and I’m working on it! 🙂 My brain is always working over time with issues (mostly imagined) that can happen , might happen, whatever. I definitely read to many news stories so that doesn’t help things either. But trust me when I say the number of possible (and even most unlikely) scenarios running through my mind at any given moment is astounding!

And then you add in the crazy variables that come with two toddlers with minds of their own… the struggle is real (as the saying goes these days).

So, today we went to the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento! If you haven’t been, you really should check it out. This is the second year we have had family passes because the boys just love it there! They run from train to train. Some you can climb in and even turn the brakes and things.. walk through and it feels like you are on a train ride. And then on the second floor there are lots and lots of Thomas and Chuggington trains and tables to play with! It’s always a great time! Also, with the passes we get to ride the 1 mile train ride that goes along the river, when it is running!

We (ok it was Mommy)  really felt like we needed out of the house today and so we drove up there! The Lord blessed me with both boys having great attitudes and we all stayed safe and had a blast! The boys shared with the other kids at the toy tables, listened when I asked them to slow down. It was so wonderful!

And guess what I discovered?? I can do it!!!!! yay!

 

 

We even walked down the cobble streets and picked up some ice cream before heading back to the car where there was a fire truck and lots of firemen.. the boys got so excited to see them!! (course they were only at the parking garage because the elevator was stuck.. yikes!!) So, we walked up three flights of stairs and even though the boys were so tired they did a great job!

I’m sure some of you are thinking that it isn’t a big deal. and that I only have two kids… and I am certain there is some level of over reacting on my part for sure.

But, I’ll celebrate this little victory for myself and hope it’s the start of some great growth (and release) for this mama!

 

 

James was a sleep before we even made it to the freeway and William was out less than 10 minutes down the road. I enjoyed the ride home with my iced tea and an audio book!

We’ll go ahead and file this day away as a success! 🙂

 

Oh and here’s a weird little trick I use when I’m somewhere all alone…

I take a picture of where we are parked.. so in case I don’t remember or I get confused I have something to help! (yes, this is part of the over stressing, over worried part of my brain.. Can you imagine if I couldn’t find the car with two tired and worn out tots in tow??? anyways, it helps me a lot!)

How about you? Are you way more relaxed and can conquer the world with all your kiddos in tow without a second thought? Or do you over think everything and stress when it isn’t necessary?

 

If you do struggle, what are the kind of things that have helped you in dealing with your fears and hesitations? I’d really love to know!

 

 

 

Shared at the Mommy Monday Blog Hop