Family Vacation - Day 3 (Key West)

      Before we left on our trip, Spencer and I did a lot of research trying to find the best shore excursions for us.  For our time in Key West we booked a 28 mile jet ski tour around the whole island.  The tour lasted 2 hours on the water.  Most companies we looked at charged $99 per person, however, the company we went through charged us $99 per jet ski.  I thought that was a smokin' deal!  Cameron was my partner, and the other two boys rode with Spencer.  The Caribbean Sea was so warm and the most gorgeous turquoise color.  Seriously, all the hype I had ever heard about the color was true!        

       After our jet ski tour they gave us a ride back to the Port which allowed us time for shopping.  Spencer found a shop that sold frozen Key Lime Pie dipped in chocolate, and we all got several souvenirs to take home.

      Because we had to be back on the ship by 1:30 p.m., there was still plenty of time left in the day to play.  We immediately hit the water park and swimming pools.  I remember laying on one of the lawn chairs by the railing looking out at the blue sea and thinking is this for real?  How can the water be so gorgeous?  I was just in awe! 

Family Vacation - Days 1 & 2

      Three weeks ago today I was on the BEST vacation with my family!  Our destination was the Caribbean Sea aboard the Carnival Imagination cruise ship.  By far, the most frequent question I am asked about our trip is how did the boys do?  In all honesty, they were awesome!  They were so good, and we had so much fun, that I actually want to take them again.  In fact, in my opinion, if you have a family cruising is the way to go. 

        I was a little surprised by how well the kids behaved while on the airplane.  The flights were long, but they kept occupied and thankfully didn't get too bored.  Southwest Airlines doesn't fly directly into Miami, so we flew into Fort Lauderdale, which is close.  We arrived at 12:30 a.m. eastern time and I immediately felt the humidity once we got off the plane.  The weather in Florida was wonderful; 78 degrees with a slight breeze ... perfect for a winter escape.  That first night we stayed in a hotel near the airport and the following morning we caught a shuttle to the Port in Miami.   

        We arrived for check-in around noon and the process was so easy.  Once on board we ate lunch, walked around the ship, then hit the pools and water slides.  All while passengers were still boarding.  I didn't really know what to expect when it came to our room but I was assured that all five of us could fit in one cabin.  And it was true, the way they maximized the space was brilliant!  Each of the boys had their own bed that folded down, while Spencer and I shared a king size one.  I loved it!  We set sail at 5:00 p.m. that night.

      Camp Carnival was another one of the highlights aboard the ship.  They offer tons of activities all day long specifically designed for kids.  Every morning at breakfast we would go through the list of activities and pick out the ones they wanted to attend.  Activities they went to include:  A Magic Show, Break Dancing Class, Color your Own T-Shirt, Wii & PlayStation Game Time, Kids Only Dinner & a Farewell Party.  The Camp was free of charge and it allowed Spencer and I some quality time together while they were gone.

 

      Hands down, one of the best parts of the cruise was the food.  All you can eat, 24 hours a day, and good quality too!  The boys especially enjoyed the 24 hour Pizzeria and soft serve ice cream machine.  Every night after we picked them up from Camp Carnival we stopped by for a slice of pizza and ice cream before bed.  Not good for the belly, but oh so much fun!

 

My Commitment!

Today I made a commitment to myself; I will not read any fictional novel until I have read The Book of Mormon. Only one time have I ever read The Book of Mormon from cover to cover, and I am due for some serious refreshing! Giving up fictional novels may not sound like much of a sacrifice to others, but I LOVE to read and so for me this will hopefully drive me to finish what I've set out to do.

Update: I finished reading the Book of Mormon tonight! 4-1-13.

I Can't Decide Which Is Funnier?

      I can't decide what's more funny, the story behind this photo, or the look on Nalani's face?!  Let's start with the story behind the photo.  So my friend Misti bought her daughter, Lyndie, a My Twinn doll for Christmas.  Misti sent this company a photo of Lyndie and they handmade a custom doll to look like her.  Spencer thinks the doll is CREEPY and absolutely hates it!!!  Every time we go over to their house, Lyndie is brushing her hair and playing with it and it drives Spencer crazy.  So one night when no one was playing with the doll he sat it between Ryan & Misti on the back of the couch and placed a steak knife in its hand pointing towards them.  We all got a good laugh from it!

      So Nalani hears this story and while we're at Taco Bell one night she sneaks up behind Spencer with Lyndie's doll.  That's why I can't decide what is funnier?  The crazed look on Nalani's face, or her reasoning for sneaking up behind Spencer?!

Halftime Play Time

      Austin plays on a boys 5/6 grade basketball team this year, and Spencer is their coach.  Their team was invited to play during halftime at a High School Varsity game this season.  The boys were excited, but I don't think they played quite like they would have liked.  The kids were kind of thrown out there and told, "Go", so it took them a while to get their bearings.  It was fun to watch them play in front of a larger crowd then normal, and I think it was a good experience for them. 

Portland Pilots vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs

      Spencer tends to root more for individual players when it comes to sports as opposed to teams, with the exception of Gonzaga University.  Why?  Because Spencer grew up in Colville, WA and lived in Spokane as well, and Spokane is home to Gonzaga University.  Not to mention, they run a good program and play well year after year.  So each year when Gonzaga comes to Portland to play against the Pilots he likes to go, and I enjoy going with him.  We ate dinner at the stadium this year and shared a table with some die hard Portland fans.  Spencer of course showed up all decked out in his Gonzaga gear so some friendly banter went on between the two of them. 

      Part of the fun of going is who you go with.  The Crouse's who have a VIP membership got us into their halftime club where they served unlimited drinks and desserts.  They certainly know how to live it up!  The stadium was packed, the game was great, and ultimately the Bulldogs crushed the Pilots.  It was money well spent.        

I Love You, Too!

I stumbled upon this cuteness one night.  They sure are adorable! 

Made from Jenga Blocks.

Birthday Wishes

      About a week and a half ago I turned 34.  And aside from my 28th birthday (the year Spencer threw a surprise party for me) this has been one of the best birthdays ever!!!  So many people went out of their way to make me feel special and I appreciate each and every one of them! 

     I am thankful for the birthday breakfast that my dear friends put on for me!  Creme brulee french toast with blueberry compote, along with sausage and a breakfast casserole.  Not to mention the 2 dozen donuts brought by Sheila.  It was so delicious and I just LOVE Jenn's table settings and Facetime with Shannon.  Thank you ladies!  Click, click, click ....

      I was scheduled to work on my actual birthday which didn't bother me at all because I get off at 2:00 p.m. anyway.  That morning as I was getting ready for work, Spencer says to me, you might want to look outside before the boys leave for school.  Okay.  What I found was some love from my visiting teachers, Jenny & Sarah.  The decorations made me feel so special and loved. 

      After lunch while I was sitting in my little cubicle working away, the whole office came over with a red velvet cake and flowers and sang Happy Birthday to me.  I love the people I work with, it's one of the main reasons I keep going back and I appreciate them going out of their way for me!  Another reason to feel special.

      Later in the evening Spencer invited several friends over for an ice cream cake, my favorite.  Calories don't count on your birthday, right?  Regardless, I enjoyed every minute of the day.  It's amazing how special other people can make you feel by simply just saying Happy Birthday.  Thanks for all of the love, everyone!!!   

My Goal for 2013

     I like to choose one word to summarize my hopes for the new year.  One word I can think about and strive towards.  And so for several months I have pondered what it was I felt like I was missing, and the word that kept popping into my mind was, Contentment.  To be satisfied with things as they are.  But, ironically, I wasn't content with Contentment, the word just didn't feel right, and I wasn't sure why until I read this quote:

"If God gave you contentment then you would never pursue your life purpose. 

It is your restlessness that pushes you to take action, change your life

and seek more of what you could possibly be."

Shannon L. Alder

 

      I knew after reading that quote that Contentment was not the right word for me because I am continually striving to be a little better each day.  So in its place I have found my new word for the year that describes what I'm yearning for, it's Peace.  I love this word because it doesn't imply that life is going to be perfect, or that I can be perfect.  It's simply a reminder that even through the highs and lows of life I can be free of distraction & anxiety if I continually work on the things that bring me peace.  That is what I am striving for this year!     

 

"Peace.  It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. 

It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart."

(unknown)

Welcome 2013!

      It hit me the other day when I was watching Back to the Future Part 2, that we are now only 2 years away from the "Future".  How can that be?  It feels like just yesterday I was watching that movie as a child and thinking the year 2015 sounded so futuristic.  And yet, we're another year closer, crazy!

      A lot happened around the world during the year 2012.  Here are a few highlights: 

• The Summer Olympics were held in London, England. 
• President Obama was re-elected to office.  Obviously my vote didn't count! 
• Hurricane Sandy tore it's way through the East Coast. 
• The new iPhone5 was introduced. 
• Gangnam Style became the most-watched video in YouTube history.  
• The Hunger Games movie was released. 
• And the most popular reality TV show was "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo". 

      On more of a personal side, 2012 was also a great year for personal & spiritual growth and hard work.  I really feel like I learned a lot this past year about what's important, and what's not.  We were able to spend quality time with extended family members and work towards strengthening those relationships as well.  

      So to ring in the New Year we invited some friends over for the evening.  We ate a nice dinner and played games all night long.  Spending time with family and good friends is a great way to start out a new year!