Cruisin'--Part 2

The next day after CocoCay, we docked in Nassau. Unless you are going to purchase diamonds, perfume or cigars, there really isn't much to the shopping. Its either extremely expensive, or extremely cheap. And it was extremely crowded.

So we rented a little car for the day...and I do mean little.

We drove all over the island and had lunch at a fun restaurant/resort.

Joel had a conch burger....ummm, yeah....I'm glad it was his meal and not mine.

We had a nice enough day just laughing, talking and being together, but honestly, I couldn't see what all the hoopla over the Bahamas was about. Until we drove back into town and crossed over to Paradise Island. That's where the beauty, action and fun stuff is. Of course, that's also where all the people are and where everything costs twice as much.

So Nassau wasn't my favorite destination ever, but I wouldn't trade the time I got to spend with Joel that day...no phones, no kids, no worries. I just love that guy!

Cruisin'--Part 1

Back at the first of May, we got to go on a cruise to the Bahamas. I haven't really shared much from the trip, but I figure "better late than never", right?
We departed from Orlando and arrived early the next morning at CocoCay, a private island owned by the Royal Carribean cruise line. I could probably get used to waking up to a view like this!

We spent the day on the island. It was beautiful, very postcard-esque: crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, palm trees and birds.

Lots of birds...and you know how I feel about birds!

So BigJoel and I set off down the beach to find a spot away from the other tourists...and the birds. Did I mention the crystal-clear water?

We found a thatched umbrella with two chairs and made ourselves at home.
And this was my view for the rest of the day....I'm quite certain God created the Carribbean to give us a glimpse of Heaven!

The Good Ol' Summertime

Haven't blogged much lately. No excuse really, just kind of in a "blog funk" or blunk.

School is officially out for summer. Everyone on Facebook has been posting statuses like "...can't wait for my kids to be home all day!" or "...is so excited about spending time with my kiddos!" or "...woohoo! School's out!". And with each one I read, I squirm a little more in my guilt.

First of all, I cannot stand the word "kiddos". I think it should be moved to the top of the list of words that are blacklisted from the English language. It just reminds me of little kids with spaghetti-o's smeared on their faces, which brings back a childhood memory of the two weeks I spent in daycare where they fed us those foul little rings with a side of peas and carrots and then made us lay down for "rest time". I still remember "GranGran" walking around with a yard stick poking those of us who couldn't quite get settled in. My mother thought I needed some socialization, being an only child and all, so she made me go. But when I protested on the grounds that they made us take "the longest naps in history", she relented and signed me up for art lessons instead. But I digress...

Where was I? Oh yes, my guilt. Am I the only mother who has secretly dreaded the last day of school? Its not that I don't love my children; I'm just better able to express that love between the hours of 3:00 and 9:00 p.m. Its not that I don't want to spend time with my kids; I just prefer quality over quantity. And its not that I don't enjoy my children; I just have other interests (and a life) that don't always revolve around them.

Fortunately, we have some things planned this summer that should help us prevent any loss of life as well as protect Mom's proverbial "last nerve" from being shattered. Next week we are going camping. I've never been camping before, but BigJoel rented us an RV and we're headed to Beaver's Bend for a couple of relaxing days. I'm sure this will be the stuff fond memories are made of...

Later in the month, Hallie will be going to Pre-teen Camp with our church. She's very excited. And I am already praying for the brave saint who will be staying in a room with her and three other 9 year olds who've never been away from home before.

In July, we are going on a family vacation. We haven't gone on a true vacation together as a family since...I honestly don't know when. I've blocked it out because it was such a traumatic experience of whining and pouting and squabbling. Its still up in the air, but we're leaning towards a road trip to Chicago. I just know that now the girls are older and can more easily tolerate 15-16 hours in a car...right? All that matters is the Giordanno's pizza waiting for me in the Windy City.

Then HannahKate will go to Youth Camp. This is always bittersweet for me. Up until six years ago, I had been to Youth Camp every single summer of my entire life since 6th grade. Because Joel was a youth minister, it was in my wedding vows "to love, honor and go to Youth Camp". Now when that bus full of teenagers pulls out of the church parking lot headed for camp, all I can think is "I'm so glad its them and not me!"

By that time, it will be August and we'll begin two-a-day volleyball practices, shopping for school supplies and searching high and low for standardized-dress clothes that will fit a short, round 4th grader.

I guess looking at it all laid out like that, summer's not so bad after all. I think I might even be a little excited about it myself now. If nothing else, maybe it'll at least give me something to blog about and bring me out of this blunk I've been in for too long.

The Perfect Day for Pate

A few weeks ago, Joel asked me to go to the Pate Auto Swap Meet in Ft. Worth. I figure after all the craft shows, trade days at Canton and bead stores I've dragged him to, it was the least I could do. We had an amazing day. On the way we stopped at a cycle store and looked at a bike. I only wish he could have driven it off the lot.

Then we went to the "world famous" Ranchman's Steakhouse in Ponder and had the most delicious chicken fried steak! I got the half order, but Big Joel went for the real deal. It was the largest entree I've ever seen! Unfortunately, we ate so much, there was no room for dessert.

We finally made it to the Swap Meet at the Texas MotorSpeedway. It was the first day, so unfortunately not all the vendors were there yet. Joel wasn't really looking for anything in particular, so we just enjoyed the day. Of course the people at the meet were much more interesting than the items for sale. The only purchase we made was a set of large 3/4" letters for me to make stamped jewelry. It was a great day. Can't wait for next year's Pate.

Weekly Pic--Sit a Spell

An inviting chair on a pier in the Bahamas...all that's needed is a good book and a cold drink :)

Bittersweet

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
--Abraham Lincoln

I'm Back! Did You Miss Me?

I haven't blogged in quite a while. A few people have noticed, some even enough to ask if I'm alright. I'm fine. I have no excuse...except maybe trying to beat my high score on "Bejeweled Blitz". As if Facebook didn't already suck enough of my time, now I'm addicted to this crazy game that steals my life one minute at a time. Literally. Each round lasts one minute, giving you the false sense of security that you'll just occupy a few moments of spare time with a game or two only to realize 4 hours later that you've missed lunch, haven't showered and its time to pick the kids up from school. Its like Crack, I tell you.
I have lots to talk about, I just haven't been motivated to do so. I thought maybe if I made a "To Blog" list, it might keep me more accountable. So here are some ideas for blogs I should be writing in the near future (as long as my lead in the Bejeweled Blitz tournament holds).
*Pate Auto Swap Meet
*Ignite festival, David Crowder Band, tornado evacuations
*Explaining human slavery/sexual exploitation of 10 year old girls to a 9 year old
*Christian music cruise to Bahamas
*Flying first class
*Widows, orphans, and corners
*Widows & orphans vs. LasVegas
*Not just because I'm your mother: A letter to HannahKate
*Same Kind of Different as Me--and I thought it was going to be light-hearted beach reading.
*Trip to the Dallas Zoo
As you can see, I DO have lots of things whirling around in my little brain (besides trying to match up those crazy colored jewels in under 60 seconds). Hopefully, I'll finally get around to blogging about them, or at least put up some pictures to prove that I am still showering and that I do shut down the computer long enough to leave the house...occasionally.