Is it over already?

Tim and I spent our week away on our cruise for our anniversary. What an amazing time, we went whale watching in San Diego (that will be a post all to itself, as there is so much to tell), we walked around Catalina...ate fish and chips and drank a lot of margaritas. We went to two wineries in Ensenada, beautiful beyond my expectations, and ate wonderful chicken tacos with the best chips and salsa we have ever had. Yes, we ate a great deal of food. In preparing for this cruise we discussed whether we would pack our work out clothes, as have been watching what we eat and getting in exercise when we can. However, I told Tim that I has no intentions of "being a conscientious eater" or spending precious time that I could be taking a nap or relaxing on working out. Needless to say I begrudgingly stepped on the scale when we got home and, well, it wasn't pretty. A whole 5 pounds in one week, but boy was it worth it...most of this came from a chocolate buffet on the ship on Wednesday night. We went through the line and after admiring tables full of artwork in the form of chocolate, I took a sample of everything. In a very conscious thought, I told myself that I would just take a little bite of everything, just to try it. Who was I kidding? After I started tasting, I just gave into my stomachs desires and consumed it all.

We ran into some less than desirable weather in Catalina and things got pretty rocky, it affected Tim but I didn't seem to mind. But when we got home it took a good 24 hours for my body and mind to stop rocking back and forth, but now I am back to normal and moving back into the routine of things again. It really went too fast. We had two cameras with us, one with film that I am waiting to get developed, so when that comes I will be back on with delicious stories of our adventure. Until then, this in Tim and I on our formal night, and the following is a tiger made out of chocolate and butter, from the chocolate buffet of course, mmm...

counting down the hours...

As I write this we are 9.5 hours away from dropping our children off and beginning our journey to our cruise. I can not tell you how excited I am. Especially packing for the kids to go over to their grandparents for a week and getting myself together, I need a vacation just for that. I hope we return refreshed and and with lots of energy. I can't wait to share our pics and stories from our much needed vacation. Until then...

a cruising we will go...

Tim and I are quickly approaching our 5th anniversary. I know, I know, where has the time gone. I ask that question to myself quit often. So back in November I was telling my parents that I wanted to go to a really fancy restaurant and have a great night out without the kids, ( I love 'em, but need a little break here and there). So Tim happened to come home that night and say "What do you think about a cruise for our anniversary?" My response, "I'm sorry did you say something? Could you say that in my good ear." You see, if you know my husband, you know that he is very fiscally responsible or cheap, however you want to look at it. Anyways, I was sold on the idea, asked my parents if we could drop the kids off for the week and the plans were made.

We leave on Monday from L.A., sail down to San Diego and go whale watching, then to Catalina Islands, down to Ensanada and back home. I keeping telling everyone that Tim is spending this money so I can sleep on a boat, but all joking aside, I am counting down to spending real time together.

I am apprehensive about leaving McKenna since I am still nursing, but have been collecting a freezer full of reserves for the past two months. So I am hoping she will not be too fussy. I really do think that all parents should do this. I think so many times we get lost in the everyday routine of life and forget that while our children are an incredible gift from God, we need to take a break, get away and remember that a strong marriage only makes you better parents. And as my friend Jessamyn told me, you will all come back together happy and refreshed. Plus, Tim and I never got a honeymoon because of my student teaching and his military commitment, this will be a happy week.

Thanks mom and dad for taking on our babes, for 5 fun filled days!!!

for my little man

On this day 3 years ago after 18 wonderful hours of labor, you were introduced into this world in a room pouring out with love for you. Other than your daddy, your papa, grandma and aunt Jessica and Rachel were there to witness this most spectacular event. One that forever has changed our lives. Your daddy teased me the entire time I was pregnant with you and said that he wanted to nickname you "Kooter", from Dukes of Hazards, he would talk to you during those nine months and call you that. It was after you were born and were crying, your daddy called you kooter...you stopped and calmly began to let you eyes search around. I am thankful that nickname didn't stick around.

But when the nurse handed you to me a flood of emotion surrounded me. A feeling of pure joy, love and contentment filled me up. As we have both grown these past three years, there are many things that continue to draw me into you and embrace you for all time.

I love your spirit, your sense of humor. You are only of the funniest kids, and you have such great timing. I love how you try to be independent but continue to look to me for reassurance. I love your kind spirit and how you embrace your role as a big brother. I am in awe of your perseverance as you have been through so much in your short life. Every time you have been to a hospital or doctor, you are so calm as I try to be on the outside, you never cease to amaze me with your strength. I love that you have a stubborn side just like your aunt Jessica and Papa, and I really, truly appreciate this stubbornness when you are sleeping. I love how you challenge me to be a better mom and a better person.

I love you, my superhero, enjoy this day...

too good

Tim's dad and step mom supplied funds for us to get an awesome swing set for the kiddos, and we have had it sitting the back yard waiting patiently to be assembled for several weeks. We had bad weather a few weekends in a row, and family in after that, then the holidays, so needless to say it was screaming out for attention.


With Griffin's birthday approaching faster that I am ready for, I was hoping that it could get up and ready before his party. So with the unbelievably wonderful help of my dad, and Tim of course, and three days of hard work, it is steps away from being done. All that is left is putting the hardware on after the sealant dries. I am so excited because it will help keep the Griffinator occupied.


But the best part was the assistance that Griffin was able to contribute.

This little picture was just too good. This is one of those pictures that I may tease him with when he has his first girlfriend...

And speaking of too good, this little princess has been pulling herself up on everything for over a week now, and is just so proud of herself...