4th of July

Dawson and most of his stuff got home safely from Boy Scout camp this afternoon.  He also brought home two new additions to our family ... two geckos.  This is now 6 new pets we have acquired in a week.  Last week it was four water turtles (that Kyndal and I have been taking care of while he was gone.)  ALL of the animals have to go to WIndsor with us so that they don't die while we are gone ... SORRY Mom!  We are looking forward to a fun week this week!  Tomorrow after church the kids and I head to Windsor to see my family for a week.  Yes, we did just get back from there.  Tim and Shawna will be here from Portland for a few days so we are really looking forward to seeing them!  It will be a week full of swimming and fun and the usual 4th of July festivities.  I just scrapbooked 2007's July 4th pictures last night ... 16 pages!!  I'm going to try to be a little more choosy about my photos this year. But they make such great pictures!  And it's the one tradition that we really never miss with my family.  It's always a lot of fun!  Rick will come and join us Thursday night.

Everyone have a fun and safe 4th holiday!  Posting will continue when we get back ....

Drug Problem

If the image isn't coming up below, I have e-mailed most of you this "article".  If I haven't e-mailed it to you, and you are curious about what I'm talking about, let me know and I'll e-mail it to you.

A Drug Problem I Desire ...

Got to go!

Okay, I've got to go get us ready to go to Big Splash.  Tonight I'll finish out our time in Bermuda! Have a great day!

More Bermuda, cont.

After the lighthouse we took the bus to Horseshoe Bay Beach ... FABULOUS!  We paid $20 to put our stuff on two chairs, but otherwise it was so beautiful!  Truly pink, powder beach with crystal blue (COLD) water!  We hung out on the right hand side of the beach that had a little lagoon surrounded by rock formations.  We climbed right up for some pics.  Since the beach was about a 1/2 mile straight downhill from the road, we paid a shuttle $5 to take us back up the hill when we left.

More Bermuda

Let me get back to Bermuda.  We were in Bermuda for the better part of a day and a half. You know me, I had done TONS of research before we left. So, I had figured out what I wanted us to get done in that time frame.  We got off the ship, which was docked at the Royal Navy Dockyard in King's Wharf.  It was a really cool view with forts and stuff.  We had purchased unlimited 2-day bus and ferry passes.  So, we jumped right in the deep end and got on the bus. In Bermuda, that's the transportation that everybody uses, unless they are on a scooter (more on that later.)  The bus system is great, but crazy!  There are little poles every 1/2 to one mile or so, and they are literally in the middle of the most dangerous streets sometimes.  We kindof knew where we were headed, but there really aren't many signs or anything.  So, with our map we decided to get off at a certain point.  We wanted to go to Gibb's Hill Lighthouse. We got of the bus and could see the lighthouse a few blocks to our right.  But the road up to it was curvy and treacherous and since we wanted to live to see the rest of Bermuda we decide to take a more visible road.  About 15 miles later, ALL UPHILL, we finally arrived at the base.  I should scan the map and show you the tiny route straight to the lighthouse we decided not to take versus the curvy, uphill, LONG route we did take!  But, the road less travelled ... !!  We saw some beautiful sights we would have missed otherwise!  And it definitely got our feet wet so that all other bus rides and walking commutes were a snap! 

doing the right thing

Here in Owasso we have a summer movie program at our movie theatre where they play 8 family movies, that are now on video, for $10 total.  It's all moms and kids so it's easy to take even your rambunctious little ones.  It's also a nice break in the day, once a week.  We went to see Charlotte's Web yesterday.  We all know that it's a movie about doing all you can for someone else, to form a lasting relationship.  It's very touching, and very good!  Last night, as we were turning in for the night, we had the pleasure of showing Eli and Brynne a real spider weaving her web in the corner of our garage.  They were fascinated!  Kyndal said she would never kill a spider again ... at least a cool one spinning a web.

You know, forgiveness is a hard thing.  I tend to have a very rebellious spirit.  I don't like to be told what to do.  And, when told, I typically will "refuse" in my spirit.  I do this with God too.  He'll be calling me to do something and I'll be defiant!  He normally doesn't outright punish me, but He lets the natural consequences of my actions take care of it.  And that's not pleasant.  But calling on someone, admitting your anger toward them, forgiving them, and releasing them (and yourself) from further burden, is one of the most humble actions to take. This being true, especially, since most of us would call the other person out for what a horrible person they are, and lay out the list of things they have done to offend you.  But yesterday someone taught me a continued lesson that holding onto anger does no one any good and releasing it and openly forgiving someone opens back up the line between you and God so that He can flow continued blessings on you, and it's just the right thing to do.  You do whatever it takes for another person, to form a lasting relationship.

Spa night

Kyndal was inspired from an episode of Max and Ruby to provide me with some organic spa treatments last night.  She got on the internet and found a grape mask and sugar exfoliating scrub. This is the mask.  She had to improvise on the ingredients (white flour instead of almond flour, etc.), but it seemed to do the trick.  She made me a pallet upstairs and played the music from my blog. I would like to say it was totally relaxing, but she kept dropping big globs on my face and some would run down my neck.  And Brynne was running around naked.   It was really funny!  We laughed a lot!  Afterwards she had me do a foot soak and then gave me a foot massage. MMMMmmmm that felt nice!  But it was what she said that meant the most ... As I said yesterday, I wasn't feeling good.  I had a really bad headache and a bladder infection and just felt bad.  But she told me that 'I deserved the spa treatment.'  She said, "You had a really bad headache today, but you did all of our laundry.  And, you have a bladder infection, but you cleaned the bathrooms."  It was just nice to hear a, typically, self-involved 13 year old acknowledge that I do a lot, even when I really don't feel like it.  It was a really nice treat, all the way around.  Thank you, Kyndal!

Cozy Coupe

I don't know about you, but my kids are like most, I think.  We have many toys that we thought would be a hit that haven't been played with at all.  But there are two big toys that have been played with to death.  The first one is the Playskool talking house.  It is really sturdy and stands up.  One side looks like the inside of a house and the other side looks like an outside front stoop.  It has a swinging door they can crawl through, windows that open, doorbells that ring, lights that turn on and off.  And it talks and plays music.  It's very educational and fun! We got it for Eli when he was a baby and him and Brynne still play with it.  The other one is the Cozy Coupe car and truck that are in the picture.  I bought them at the last JBF sale for $40 for the pair. They ride them EVERY day!  Brynne has ridden them in the rain, with no panties on, in the dark, you name it!  Eli is kindof big for it, but he still rides it everyday too! Well worth the money ... I highly recommend them!  They have provided hours of entertainment!  And check out the thing Brynne is holding.  It's a popcicle/ice cream cone holder.  I bought it at Hobby Lobby.  It catches drips and allows them to put their frozen treat down without getting them dirty ... BRILLIANT!!

Is 4th of July next week?

My goodness summer has gone by fast already!  We had been planning to go to my parents' for the week before the 4th holiday.  I didn't realize until yesterday afternoon ... THAT'S THIS WEEKEND!  Dawson is at scout camp and won't be back until Saturday afternoon.  We are planning to leave right after church on Sunday and stay until the Saturday after the 4th holiday. Rick will join us for the 4th festivities in Windsor.  I have so much to do to get us ready to go.  We just got back, didn't we?

On top of all of that, I have a bladder infection so I don't feel very good today.  I went to the doctor today and got an antibiotic, but it hasn't started working yet.  And I have some kind of fungus on my back that I am now taking antibiotics for.  

I am hoping my Dawson is doing okay.  I also hope he gets home with even a portion of what he took!

Kyndal is planning to stay in Windsor for the better part of July.  It will be strange without her here for that long.  I am afraid I have really come to rely on her to help me with Eli and Brynne.

WHO THE HECK IS THAT?

After three years Dawson cut his hair above his ears!  I've always felt that as long as the kids didn't do anything TOO weird, that their hairstyle was pretty much up to them.  There are so few decisions they are able to make, that this is one I have left to them.  He went in for a trim and said he saw a cup sitting on the hairstyling station next to his that said, "Take a Chance." So, he told Pam to go for it!  It was a successful haircut day all around.  For the first time EVER, Eli didn't wail the whole time he got his hair cut.  He sat still and did SO GOOD!  Usually we make the first appointment of the day so a full salon doesn't have to listen to him.  But now I think we are over that!  Yea!

Eli also had his first day of swimming lessons yesterday and he did great!  Swimming at grandmas last week sure made a difference!  Then we went to Big Splash for about 6 hours.  We were wiped out by last night!  But we had a blast because the weather was beautiful!

I am experiencing a rarity right now ... I am the only one in this house!!!  Rick took all four kids to see "Kung Fu Panda" and I am leaving in a little while to go have lunch with girlfriends. Aaaahhhhhh!!!!!  It's so quiet in here I could just cry!

This afternoon I will be packing Dawson for a full week of Boy Scout Camp.  I am sure he will be fine, but please pray for him.

Oh what a beautiful morning!

On the bright side of things (ha, ha), it is a BEAUTIFUL day in Owasso OK today!  So, we are heading to swimming lessons at 10:00 a.m. and then OFF to Big Splash!  Yea!!!

WHY FLY? walking takes less time from utah to oklahoma

Our flight to Baltimore was flawless, as I mentioned previously.  On our trip home the plane was delayed slightly coming in to pick us up and then delayed another 45 minutes or so due to weather.  People, of course, then missed connecting flights, etc.  Luckily, we were direct.  Yesterday Rick went on a day trip to Salt Lake City.  He was supposed to be home at 10:30 last night.  Now get this, before they could take off, the pilot came on and told them that he had been involved in an "altercation" and needed to take a "time out." A few hours later, they still had not taken off and people were scrambling to get other flights.  Rick wasn't one of the lucky ones. And they had already missed their connecting flight in Denver.  So, he and the guy he was with rented a car in UTAH and drove 7-10 hours to DENVER, last night leaving at about 10:00 p.m., to catch a flight that is leaving this morning at 10:30 a.m., so they can at least get home today.  CAN YOU EVEN BELIEVE THAT? Good grief!  

Cruise Life

There are so many things that I love about a cruise.  I love that the food is provided for you and it's free (or prepaid anyway).  There is no planning, reading reviews of restaurants, travel to and from, etc.  It's provided and yummy.  On this trip I loved that we had just the right balance of activities.  We slept just enough, we relaxed just enough, we saw just enough shows and we partied just enough (which to us is minimal because we aren't big partiers.)  But what I enjoyed most about this trip was that Rick and I were just two people, in love, enjoying each other's company.  We are extremely compatible.  And I think we had forgotten that.  We had forgotten that we have fun together!  Rick was pretty much the same on this trip.  I was the one who was so different.  Not really different, but the "me" who doesn't have four kids and other responsibilities.  I like this me and I wish I could see her more, or at least incorporate her into regular life more.  Rick told me he gained a new understanding of me.  I think he was shocked to see how I am with a very busy life versus how I am with nothing really to do.  You know, he tells me all the time how hot I am as a woman, and I just brush him off.  I truly don't feel too sexy when I have wiped poopy bottoms, cleaned up umpteen messes, done laundry and been mauled to death all day long.  But I felt sexy, and hot, and it was so nice to respond to those feelings.  (I know Rick appreciated it!)  I say all this not to gag anybody, but to say that if your husband tells you that you are hot or sexy, say "thank you!"  And give back to your husband ... he shouldn't only get to see the real you once every five years or so when you go on vacation. No, my life is not a cruise, but it's not too shabby either.  Allow your husband to catch a glimpse of "(insert your name), the wife", as often as possible.  My husband deserves to see me enjoying my life, and my kids deserve to see me happy and laughing.  This is the day the Lord has made ... let us REJOICE and BE GLAD in it!  No matter what the day is or looks like.  And I know this, but it became clear to me again, that Rick's mood is usually dependent on mine.  If I am irritable and crabby, he will likely be that way too.  If I am happy and jovial, he will fall in line with that as well.  If I have been a crab all day, the kids need someone to save them at the end of the day.  So, I really do need to adjust my mood when Rick is coming home so they get that comic relief instead of someone who feels like he needs to jump to my defense to rescue me. Anyway, Rick and I just so thoroughly enjoyed each other that we are already planning our next vacation, next summer, to San Francisco and Napa Valley.  And after reading the previous blog you will see why we will likely be flying for free.

The Grandeur of the Seas

Wow ... I got to sleep in today!  And did it feel nice!  And, I woke up to a sun-shiny day!  Thank goodness!

Since nothing happened yesterday, and not much is going on today, I thought I would do a first-installment of our trip highlights:

Rick and I spent Friday, June 6th in Kansas City with my sister.  She is a hairdresser in Overland Park, KS, and does a fabulous job!  We went to her salon and she colored and cut my hair and mowed down my eyebrows.  Then her, Rick and I went to and had manicures and pedicures.  I had about 3 full hours of pampering that day!  We went to Olive Garden for dinner and back to her house for bed.  We had a 6:30 flight on Saturday morning.

Up we arose on Saturday morning at 4:30 a.m., got ready and headed to the airport.  Our flight was flawless (which doesn't happen much anymore) and we landed in Baltimore right at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time.  We gathered our luggage and took a blue bus to the cruiseship terminal.  We met a couple of South Carolina on the bus.  Their names were Brad and Carrie.  They were really nice, and excited about their first cruise, but we only ran into them a couple of times the whole week.  Boarding the Grandeur of the Seas only took about 20-30 minutes, compared to the 2-3 hours it takes in Galveston.  It was so nice!

Once we boarded the ship we went straight to the buffet.  We were starved!!  And it was so good!  We checked out the ship, did the stupid muster drill, went down to our room to put on our suits and headed to the pool for the send-off.  Since we chose the regular dinner seating we had to get ready pretty early, so we were back in our room by about 4:30 p.m., got showered and dressed and went to dinner.  We were at a table with two other couples.  One didn't show, but the other couple was two colored ladies, they were sisters.  It's always a little uncomfortable sitting with someone you don't know.  But they were funny and we talked and carried on.  But they must not have liked us because they never came back any other night.  So much for meeting new people!

We had great thoughts of going to the 80's party and everything that night, but after the 9:00 welcome aboard show, we were just bushed!  So, we went to bed at 9:30 p.m.

The next day were were on the ship all day.  We got up fairly early and nabbed a couple of chairs at the pool.  Then we had an awesome breakfast.  Then we were back to the pool for the rest of the morning and early afternoon.  It was so foggy that clouds would literally envelop us!  It was weird!  Rick said we were going through the Bermuda Triangle.  But the temperature was so nice that we just hung out there.  We met a couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and we saw them and talked to them several times over the week.  Their names were Billy and Brenda.  We loved them!

After being at the pool, WE TOOK A NAP!  There is nothing like sleeping in a dark cave of a room with the air turned way down, the fan on and the hum of the ship's motor.  zzzzzzzzzzz.......  This night was formal night so we got up and got dressed in our "formal" attire.  We slept through the Captain's cocktail party, our only chance at FREE cocktails, but went on to dinner.  The other couple at our table showed up. And I am TOTALLY drawing a blank as to his name.  I think it was Greg.  Her name was Melinda.  They were really nice.  They are from Pennsylvania, have been married for 15 years and don't have any children.  We ran into them several times during the week, too.  But, really we just enjoyed being together ... more than we ever have.

After dinner we changed clothes and went to show, then on to the 70's disco party.  We were giving it a try, to stay up and "party", but it really was pretty cheesy so we went on to bed around midnight or so.  The next morning we would be in Bermuda and we didn't want to be too tired.

Up to this point Rick and I were just enjoying the lack of planning, stress and responsibility that surrounds every married couple with kids.  We were "getting to know each other" again.  We haven't been on vacation together since Eli was a baby.  We were way overdue!

Bermuda tomorrow ...

God bless my husband!  Interruptions in my scheduled day really throw me off and make me mad.  That's probably one of my biggest shortcomings.  Rick is much more flexible, which is probably why Kyndal got off the phone with me about the cheerleading thing (when I told her I could try to be there by noon ...) and called Rick for help.  He immediately offered to drive into Owasso to sign the form.  But, she just wanted to fax it to him for his signature.  He received the fax, called me for insurance information and such, and faxed it back to her.  He's a problem solver. And I am so blessed to have him.

Eli is really into Kung Fu Panda for some reason.  He hasn't even seen the movie, but he has been instantly attracted to it.  In his Happy Meal he got the karate cat, and was very sad that it wasn't the panda.  So yesterday I took the two little guys to town to grocery shop.  Usually I have the older two to help me, but they were both busy.  This was one of my first times to do a full shopping with them by myself.  (I am so blessed to have the helpers I have!)  But they were so good!  Eli walked alongside us with no problems.  Brynne just rode along.  But he found Kung Fu Panda cereal, that he had to have!  He carried that box around like it was a treasure.  I also planned to take them to McDonald's for lunch so they could get the panda.  He was very excited about that!  He's played with his new toys almost continuously.  McDonald's was a nightmare (there were two vans full of older daycare kids and they were WILD ... does that bother anybody else?)  Luckily they were leaving about the time we were finishing our lunch, so they got to play in peace.  Then I splurged and bought Eli (and Dawson, since he'll be the one showing him how to play them) the Kung Fu Panda game for our Playstation 2 and two used xbox games for our system that Eli plays in his room.  He is a HUGE xbox player.  We bought Finding Nemo and Spiderman.  That's what the boys are doing right now.  That's good for a rainy day.  But isn't it funny how kids get into something they know nothing about?  Good marketing, I guess.  We are going to take the kids to see the movie this weekend.

Otherwise, it's going to be ANOTHER rainy day today.  No Wednesday swimming (sniff, sniff) and no trip to the zoo (which was my alternate plan if it was cloudy today).  We're stuck inside.

You know, it didn't rain once in Bermuda ...

Rain, rain go away!!

Yuck ... another rainy day!  At least it didn't storm loudly all night (or I slept so good I didn't hear it!)  Nothing is fun on a rainy day!  All of my flowers are waterlogged and we feel that way too every time we go out!  And it's almost chilly ... I even wore jeans yesterday!  I guess I shouldn't complain, though.  Before we know it, it will be 100* and miserable!

It's amazing how quickly real life comes back to you after you've been on a luxuriously relaxing vacation.  Sure, I do a lot physically during the day.  But, I think it's more "mind use" that gets me exhausted!  My life involves so much PLANNING!  Most of it I enjoy (planning upcoming birthday parties, vacations, class reunions, fun days with the kids ... I even plan things out a year in advance sometime so I can be looking for good deals on stuff).  But then there's the planning that just overtakes every moment of my day:  Kyndal has cheer camp this week (make arrangements for delivery/pickup); Dawson leaves for a week of boy scout camp next week (lots to do to get him ready for that); Need groceries (that's a two day planned event); Rick has a business trip; I want to get together with some friends, etc.  I'm making lists in spirals, making notes on index cards, packing a bag everyday just to go to town with all of the errands I need to run.  There is no time for rest!

I was just interrupted by Kyndal's phone call from cheer camp ... they won't let her participate until I come into town and sign a form, a form they were supposed to send home with them during school.  This is the kind of stuff that stresses out my day!  Brynne is still asleep, Eli is in his pjs.  I need to go to the store today, so I don't want to have to drag them into town, then back home, then back to town to shop, then back home, then back to town to pick her up later.  This kind of stuff makes me so mad!!!  Why can't people get their acts together????  It really makes me made when I pay ungodly amounts of money for my kid to participate in something (that's ridiculous anyway) and then it's completely unorganized!  

Anyway, now I'm angry, and it's just now 9 a.m.

Wish I was in Bermuda ....

BERMUDA

This is Rick and I at the base of Gibb's Hill Lighthouse, before we climbed 183 steps to the top.  Look at that view of Bermuda!  You should have seen it from the top of the lighthouse!  We plan to retire here!

This has been a busy weekend for us!  Rick's 38th birthday was Saturday; Father's Day was yesterday; and today is Rick and my 7th wedding anniversary.  We were still at mom and dad's for Father's Day and Rick and the kids spend some time swimming.  They had a really great time!  But when we got home poor daddy had to mow our yard that hadn't been touched in 10 days.  Ouch!  I did DVR the US Open, though, so he finished his day watching Tiger do what Tiger does ... wow us all!

We woke in the night to storms!  And it has rained continuously since then (and looks like it will for most of the week!)  Brynne got up and looked outside and said, "It's rainy and COLD!"  She disappeared and then reappeared with her rainboots, snow jacket, gloves and snow hat to wear outside.  So, no, this picture was not taken in December.  It was taken on June 16th.  Notice she forgot her pants!!

Again, hopefully I will have time to give Bermuda info sometime today.  We'll see.  But, I have tons of housework to do to get caught up.  It may be later this week before I get around to it.  Have a great day!!!!

We are now back in the states, at mom and dad's, and seriously had the most amazing vacation of our lives. The kids were great without us, which made it so easy to relax. Hopefully on Monday I will have some time to sit down and give a blow-by-blow of our time on the ship, in Bermuda and in Baltimore, and include some pictures of the most beautiful views in the world. Thank you to all who took care of our stuff while we were gone (Steph!!) and our kids (mom, dad, Kris, Ry, Kyndal and Dawson). We feel revitalized both in our marriage and in our roles as parents and are ready to take on the world again. God bless you all and stay tuned for cool info!!

N.

Stormy night

How we would have loved to have started our vacation with a restful night at my parents' last night. Not the case! We were in bed about 30 minutes when the tornado sirens started going off. My parents live in a highly-tornadic area, so we were at least taking it seriously. Rick stayed up until who knows how late watching the radar. I finally gave up around 1:00 a.m. and went to bed, hoping we'd still be here tomorrow. All was well. We saw that Owasso was getting pounded, too! Hope everyone is okay and that you still have tree limbs. That's exactly what we need ... more wind and rain!! Then Eli was up at 5:55 a.m. this morning, for the day. So, after 4 hours and 55 minutes of sleep last night, I'm up and ready for the day. We leave Windsor at 1:00 p.m. today to head to Kansas City for my beauty session. Then we're off to our cruise early tomorrow morning.

Take care everybody!!

June 4, 2008

What do you think of what I have done to the blog?  I am a computer-retard and somehow figured out how to put on a playlist AND slideshow!  The slideshow may disappear in a few days because I sent it as a post instead of just downloading it into the site.  We'll see if I can figure out how to keep it on permanently.  I also want to add some pictures.  I did this late last night.

Well, we leave for our vacation this afternoon.  Yes, I am starting to get excited!  I have a lot to do this morning, so this will be short.

We went swimming at a friend's yesterday, and it was really fun.  The kids just love the water! I really enjoy getting together with lots of women and kids like that.  It's so nice to feel the companionship of like-minded people, all loving their kids and wanting to have fun opportunities for them.  For the most part the kids are absolutely great and have such a good time.  It sure breaks up the monotony of a hot summer week.  We appreciate you opening up your home Callerys ... we truly do!!

I may not get an opportunity to post until we get back from our vacation.  But, we'll see.  If not, have a great week!!!  Remember to kiss your spouse and hug your children lots!

N.

The fruit of my labor

I know you moms know how it is on most nights.  At least for us, we have so many different personalities trying to mesh together after a day where a variety of "things" have happened to us.  We all deal with things differently.  Kyndal is 13 so, you know how that goes on most days.  Can anyone say "attitude?"  Dawson is an 11-year old boy who bores easily, so he likes to raz everybody in the house which gets irritating.  Eli wants to be alone, away from Brynne and her singing ("Baby, stop, you're hurting my ears!!!)  So he's typically beside himself.  And Brynne is just so active all day that I am exhausted and ready for some peace and quiet.  Rick comes home to a house where I have put up with it all day and am tired and ready to go to bed at 6:00 p.m.  I know that must get old.  We sometimes struggle through the evening, just trying to put up with each other, getting done what has to be done, praying dinner dishes are put away by 10:00 p.m., dragging around until we get the kids bathed and in bed, so we can collapse in bed ourselves.  I over-exaggerate, of course, but it does go a little something like that on a lot of evenings.

But, last night was a rarity ... a mother's dream.  It's almost hard to explain because nothing really happened.  After a day of sun at Big Splash you would have thought we would have all been extra cranky.  But, not the case!  We got dinner done at a decent hour, although everyone kindof ate sporadically.  I looked out in the backyard and Kyndal and Dawson were sitting in the sandbox together ... weird!  Then they played in the sprinkler ... TOGETHER!!  No bickering, no fighting.  Nobody was asking me to do things they know I'm probably going to say no to and then stomping off in a huff because I did.  There was no stress!  Eli and Brynne just ran in and out in t-shirts and underwear playing "Super Bunny!"  No bickering, no fighting.  Rick did some mowing, but just seemed so relaxed and happy (could it be that it's because we are leaving for vacation tomorrow???)  And, I just sat back and enjoyed it all!  Rick took the girls into town with him from 8-9:30.  He went to just go tan, but then they ended up just running around and talking.  The boys just played quietly by themselves.  And I laid on the couch (yes LAID on the couch) during that whole time watching 48 Hours and Without a Trace.  I haven't done that FOREVER, it seems!  Everyone got to bed by 10:00, and Rick and I followed shortly.

I know this all sounds so lame to so many.  But it was so nice.  There was just a calm in the air, a peace in the house.  Dare I say we loved being together???!!!  Aaaahhhh!  So far summer is off to a great start!  However, it's only been 3 days.

Today we are going to our friends, the Callerys, to swim in their pool.  Then we've got to get in gear for our vacation.  Lots to do, lots to do!

June 3, 2008

Five more days until we sail ... can't wait!  But, like I said yesterday, I still have anxiety about leaving my little ones.  Things happen, you know?  The first cruise Rick and I went on together Dawson got stung by a swarm of wasps at mom and dad's the night before we left.  Not knowing if he would have an allergic reaction, it was scary having him five hours away and not being able to do anything to help!  Then the next cruise we went on Eli had his first bout of the stomach flu right before we boarded the ship.  Again, excruciating to be so far away and not able to comfort your baby.  Last night our friend's 18 month old fell at her grandparents and hurt her hand.  It just reminds me how easily accidents and illnesses can happen.  But, I have been pleading the blood of Jesus over my kids constantly this past week and have to trust that God has them in His hand.  My mom is fully capable of any catastrophe, believe me.  But, they are my babies. Rick asked me last night if I was excited and I guess that is holding me back, somewhat.  But, come on, right???  It's time to get excited!  We're going away ... alone ... to Bermuda!!!  And to the kids, grandma and papa's is better than any tropical island.  Enough of that.

Last night Dawson had boy scouts and earned his bicycle badge.  He had to ride his bike 10 miles and DID IT in about an hour and a half.  The leaders thought it would take a couple of evenings to earn the badge, but they all did it in one.  We were very proud of him!  Needless-to-say, he was exhausted when he got home.  I didn't have any trouble getting him to bed early last night! We put in a sandbox this past weekend and Dawson, Eli and Brynne spent a lot of time there yesterday.  Dawson is so good with both of them and they play a lot together.  I am so glad that we are coming along in our landscaping to be able to start getting some kid areas created outside.  We are hoping to have all of our sod and such done soon so that we can get a play structure set up for the little guys.  They have been so patient, especially with all of the play structures our neighbors have.  I can't wait to see the joy on their faces when they finally have one.

Well, we are off to Big Splash this morning.  It's going to be 96 degrees and sunny!  Ouch!  We love Big Splash so I'm looking forward to it.  If you are reading this I hope that you have a blessed day!

N.

June 2, 2008

Today is the first day of summer break from school.  Yes, I may lose my mind already!  With it being Monday, today is "Mounds of Laundry Monday" and "Mop it Monday".  The kids aren't going to like Mondays.  Not only do I have LOTS of weekend housework to catch up on, but today is also the days they are going to clean their upstairs.  That will start in a couple of minutes.  We actually have things planned for most every other day of the week, so boredom will be less every other day.  If I can just get through Mondays!

This is going to be a particularly hectic week, too, because Rick and I leave for a cruise to Bermuda on Thursday (praise God!!)  We are taking the kids to Windsor on Thursday night and then leaving Friday afternoon to go to Kansas City for Krissi to do my hair.  We're spending the night with her Friday night and then fly out of KCI Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m., going to Baltimore, MD.  Our cruise leaves that day for two days in Bermuda.  We port back in Baltimore on Thursday, but are staying in Baltimore for another night to see the sights.  Then it's home to get the kids.

It's bittersweet, really.  Rick and I haven't been on vacation by ourselves since Eli was a baby.  We are so ready to spend some much-needed time together.  It's been a tough year in some respects.  But, leaving the kids will be hard, especially Brynne.  They'll have a great time staying at grandma and papas, with the pool and all.  And they'll go to the lake for the weekend.  But, I'll miss them so much.  I am with someone under the age of 14 all the time, so it will be strange to actually be with Rick, alone, without having to worry about getting home to them.  

Do pray for the kids, however.  I am nervous about my parents' pool, getting sick or hurt while we are gone, missing us, etc.  Pray that all goes well and that we all have a great time with much-needed time apart.

I will attempt to attach a couple of funny photos from the past week.  Enjoy!