We're Cruisin'...

We're off, well, 3/4 of us are. 

We are headin' to port. 

Just me, the hubs, and my eldest child. 

This will be Cam's and my first cruise.

My claustrophobic anxiety is already setting in.

I hope the cabins are "big enough."

I hope I can navigate the ship without having to get in an elevator.

I hope I am having too much fun to care (like I do in Vegas...elevators don't bother me there).

I hope Camdyn has the time of her life.

Although, how could she not.

Fun is the only language she knows.

Plus - her "boyfriend" will be there.

Gramma & Grandpa are holding down the homestead with Chloe Belle.

It's only a few days, but I'm going to miss her like crazy. 

Wordless Wednesday - Generations

"If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors.  All of them are alive in this moment.  Each is present in your body. 

You are the continuation of each of these people."

~Thich Nhat Hanh

When we were in Illinois a few weeks ago, we finally connected with my grandfather.  He was doing yardwork when we pulled in to his driveway and he immediately put down his leaf blower and pulled up a chair.

We spent nearly an hour talking

and sharing that afternoon. 

And what a blessing it was,

to spend that time,

four generations together.

The Reason For Our Trip

I wrote last week about our experience coming home from our trip, but I never got around to writing about WHY we went on our trip. 

We went to Illinois to help Gramma celebrate her retirement.  She spent 20 years teaching mostly 3rd grade.  Whew.  And.  Hip Hip Hooray!  Camdyn and I flew in at 3:30 that afternoon, and by 6:30 I was dolled up and enjoying adult conversation in an upscale banquet room.  And for the first time ever, Camdyn was enjoying one on one time with her other set of grandparents.

Here Mom is beaming after receiving her certificate of excellence, or completion, or both!  I like to think that she is smiling because she knows she's going to get to spend more time vacationing at our house now.

I hope she doesn't kill me for posting this blurry photo, but I had to.  She is looking at my Stepdad and just finished reading the card he gave her.  I don't know what it said, but it must have been pretty sweet, cause Momma's about to cry.  He then followed that up with an Ipad 2, so she wasn't teary for long.

Then we woke up to a Saturday morning, with a wide open schedule, and chilly temperatures.  We didn't know what we were going to do with the day, but we did know that we wanted doughnuts...and coffee.  Well, the local Dunkin Doughnuts was closed, but as we were driving aimlessly in search of another doughnut shop we happened upon Dandy Doughnuts.  We pulled in and thought we would give it a try.

It turns out that this is no ordinary doughnut shop...it's special.  Special in that it serves Mini-bite sized doughnuts that are virtually calorie free.  I'm not lying here...only 185 calories for a half dozen of these scrumptious little bites of heaven.  And that's not the only bonus, they are fried in soy bean oil, so no trans fats or cholesterol.  Can you hear angels singing?  I can. 

So, we bought a dozen and grabbed a table toward the back of the shop.

Each table has a game on it.  Cam grabbed a deck of cards are we started playing Go Fish.  I didn't even know she knew how to play Go Fish with a deck of cards, but she does, and this game took us nearly 45 minutes.  45 minutes that I got to spend sipping coffee, nibbling angelic doughnuts, and enjoying the company of my 5 year old who is growing up faster than I care to think about.

The doughnuts can be pre-dipped with cinnamon sugar, or you can buy a sauce and dip them yourself.  Cam was a big fan of the chocolate sauce.  She's totally my kid.

We spent about an hour and a half in that little doughnut shop that morning.  It was the perfect start to a day that had nothing but unscripted good times lying ahead of it.  Don't you just love it when you do something unexpected and it turns out to be so much more fun than you had ever thought?

That was this particular Saturday...and it started at Dandy's Doughnuts.

~if you are ever in the neighborhood stop by and support this family-owned small business.  There is no better way to spend your hard earned dollars than in support of the American Dream of the small business owner.

Our next stop was to the local museum...

Wordish Wednesday - Horse Love

The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact

with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire.

~Sharon Ralls Lemon

On Sunday afternoon, Gramma, Cam & I made a spur of the moment stop by the local history museum. "The museum campus consists of a Victorian village with 26 historical buildings filled with artifacts of the era as well as several beautiful 19th century gardens that depict life in northern Illinois from 1890 to 1910. " (Midway Village website). 

The paper said there would be a Wild West Show at 2:00 and....horses.  We all know how my girl loves horses.  We stopped by with no expectations and the "We'll just see what's going on" attitude.  We ended up spending hours there.   

After the Wild West Show which featured a dozen horses and cowboys shooting balloons, Cam was allowed to pet the horses.  There was a boy giving pony rides on his Shetland Pony, but she wanted none of it...she wanted to ride a Quarter Horse.  Well, she didn't get to ride around on one, but a very nice cowboy who recognized her love for horses let her sit on his beautiful horse. 

This made her day.  More photos and details from this event to come.

**Thanks to all who commented on my post yesterday.  Although I know I should not have let that lady bother me so much, she did.  I appreciate the supportive words and the humor. I am putting it behind me.  Much love to all. 

Wordless Wednesday - Laughter

"Laugh as Much as You Breathe and Love as Long as you Live"

~Author Unknown

This photo of me and my Momma was taken in Vegas.  I was supposed to be looking at the camera and smiling, but I was goofing off instead.  I think I look a lot like Mr. Ed in this photo. 

Here I am following directions and doing the right thing.  We were both still giggling from my antics, so these smiles are genuine :)

Wordish Wednesday - My Cowgirl

The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire.

~Sharon Ralls Lemon

Last Thursday, I kept Camdyn home from school so that we could have a "Big Girl Day" with Gramma.  When I asked her what she wanted to do the first thing she said was "Bake Cookies!"  So, we did.  Then, we met a friend at the park for a picnic and play date. 

And, then we surprised her with a 1:00 pony ride.

She was in heaven.  My girl loves horses and loves that we now live in horse country.  The stable was walking distance from our house. 

For her birthday, my Mom gifted her with a pair of pink cowgirl boots (that light up) a hat, and an adorable denim skirt.  She chose to wear the boots and the hat on her special day.

Cuteness overload.  She looks the part and she is the part.  My girl knows A LOT about horses, including the wisdom that you should never walk directly behind one.

And we had a lovely day at the ranch and with each other.  It was one of those days that I'll always treasure, and I'm hoping that years down the road, the memory will linger for her too.
Happy Wednesday, Ya'll!

Thankful Thursday - An Open Letter to My Momma

Mom,
You left town just over 24 hours ago, and Camdyn has already asked me a gazillion times "Where's Gramma?"  You are missed already. 

It's always so amazing to me how easily you just blend right in to our family life when you visit.  You anticipate what needs to be done and where you should be, before I even have the chance to ask.  Case in point, you must have emptied the dishwasher 5 times in 12 days, and never once did I ask you to.  Although, I try not to show it, you can tell when I'm exhausted, or overwhelmed, and you remind to take care of myself.  You know me.  You know me, like maybe only God knows me. 

That night when we spent a half hour playing 2 different types of Memory Games in Cam's bedroom and we concluded that memory really does go downhill with age, I was a bit saddened.  Saddened that we don't live around the block, saddened that you can't take the girls out to pizza on a Friday night, and then just drop them back off at home.  Saddended that these moments only happen 2 - 3 times a year. 

And, just as I begin to reflect on the choices that I made in my life; The choices that brought me to California for 4 1/2 years, the choices that lead to marrying a man who didn't live in my hometown; the choices that brought me 2 babies whom you love like they are your own.  I am THANKFUL.  I realize that the choices are blessings, and had my path led me to a different destination, the 2 little girls that brought our lives full circle, wouldn't be here.  The happiness that I feel when we are all together wouldn't be there.  The moments, like Belle's belly laughs during tubby time, wouldn't resound the way that they do.  Those moments would be lost in the casualness of everyday life. 

One day I hope that something will change, maybe the retirement years will allow you to spend more time down here.  Or, maybe I'll find myself a SAHM, and can spend more time up north.  But, for now, I'll treasure the moments, visit and revisit my pictures, and THANK the heavens that you are the type of Mom & Gramma that invests your time in your family.

You are the Momma I am learning to be.

Love,
Your baby girl

PS:  And when I found that 100 bucks that you snuck behind my cell phone as I took your suitcase out of my truck, I smiled.  Because that's what you always do and I could even hear you saying "buy something that is just for you."  And, then I laughed as Liz checked her cup holder to see if you left her $100 too. 

The Enchanted Garden

Last Saturday, we packed up the kids and my parents and drove 10 minutes up the street to the Botanical Gardens.  Now, I've lived in this town for 7 years, have driven by the entrance gate hundreds of times and never once stopped to see the beauty that lies behind the gates and right on the coast. 

I gave Cam a five minute lecture that went something like this:

Me: Camdyn.  We are not allowed to touch the flowers and the plants inside this Enchanted Garden.  If we touch them they will kick us out.

Camdyn:  Kick us out?  But, God says it's not nice to kick.

Me:  I mean, they will ask us to leave, not really kick us.  It's just a phrase.  But, please, do not touch anything. Please.  Please.

So, we grab the umbrella, pack up the buggy, and head in.  We tour their indoor greenhouse, the butterfly garden, and a house that was built back in 1936, all the while dodging tiny rain droplets, and breathing the fresh air.  We take in the view of the water, the boats, and the gorgeous flowers.  Camdyn, is quick to remind me that I shouldn't touch anything, even if my shorts inadvertently graze a plant.  She asks questions about the plants, and she looks but never touches, which is huge for her, because she is known for popping the tops off of every flower she sees.  All the while Chloe sits in the buggy and points at herons and flowers.

Now, I'm not a Botanist or a Professional Photographer, so I can't do these plants

justice.  But, I do know that they were a sight to behold.

Especially, two giant trees, they may have been Banyan trees, I'm really not sure, but their roots systems were exposed, and the trees were intertwined in each other like they'd been the best of friends for centuries.  The kind of friends that grow in to each other and the kind that know that they will always be side by side and weathering it all for years to come.   It was spectacular to view, and even more fun for the kids to climb and wander around. 

We spent the bulk of our visit under these trees where the earth was dry and the air was cool.

And here's Gramma and Cam - that's one HUGE Tree

And after we'd spent two hours wandering the garden, only slightly soaked, we headed back to the car and Camdyn asked, "Mommy, why weren't there Princesses in the Enchanted Garden?" 

Because, my love, God was there instead.

The Trip - Spotlight

We are back from our trip to "Illi-norf" and it basically shook down like this:

Wednesday - PM
It's okay Cam, you can sleep in the car, we have an hour drive to the airport
Seriously, you can sleep (please sleep)
Do you think you can roll that suitcase by yourself?  Ok.  Good job.
How did you think you were going to manage 2 carry-on suitcases down the aisle, along with 2 carry-on bags?  You're an idiot.  You should've paid the $40 to check a bag.
You want me to draw you a picture of a horse? Ok.  I can manage that.  Maybe not.

Hi Mom!  Thanks for pickin us up
No, Cam, there isn't any snow because it isn't winter.  I know you think there should always be snow in Illinorf, but it doesn't snow here in the spring.  I know, kiddo.  Please don't cry.
Love being home.
Bed - Sleeping in my childhood bed with my kid is just weird.  It's always weird.

Thursday
Ugh.  The sun rises in Illi at 5:30 am, note to self to cover that window with a blanket.
Cam - go see Gramma.  Momma needs more sleep
I need coffee.
Drop Cam off at the Step Sister's house.  Don't worry, she's a nice step sister, not like a Cinderella Step Sister
Drive to the hospital
Gee, Dad.  You look like shit.
Pick up the kid
No, we can not bring one of those cats home.  Kenzie would kill a cat.
Head to the school
Why is Cam so shy?  Oh, 26 3rd graders eyeballin her.  Guess I would be too.  Have a seat in Gramma's class Cam

That was nice of Emma to give you her glasses. 
Finally, she's outta her shell.  That's the Cam I know.

I know you love that class, sweetie.  We'll come back another day.
Back to the hospital
Yay - Uncle Choco is here.  I need a pic.  Cute.










I can't take a pic of you dad.  I just can't.  It's not how I want to remember you.
Out to dinner.
Melanie is awesome.  I hope she sticks around.
Go to bed on time for Gramma, Momma is going out for a bit
Oh, I almost forgot to hang up that blanket.  There that's better. 
Good to see you, Justin. 
This place never changes.
How come I don't recognize anyone.  Strange?
It's 11.  I'm tired.
Home
Bed
If only I could snuggle her in bed every night

Friday
It's 7:30.  That's better.  The blanket helped.  Coffee.  Please.
It's cold.  What month is it?  May.  Huh.
Hospital
Looking better, but you still look like shit. Going home?  Wow.  Okay.  See ya at home later.
Gotta squeeze something fun in here.  Oh, I know.  Monkey Joes.

I wish I could bounce.  Why won't they let adults bounce.  I need to get my energy out too. At least she is having fun.
Why didn't I bring a jacket? 
Hungry.
Momma's favorite fast food











Mall?  Why, I'd love to.  Fannie Mae is havin' a sale.  Yes, I will have 2 lbs of chocolate please.  Why do I do this to myself?
Home
Gramma let's go shoppin.  Ahhh, like the old days.  I've missed this.  It's so nice to shop without kids.
I haven't bought this much Brighton at one time - EVER!  Retail therapy...it works.
Cam Momma will be back later.  Go to bed on time for Gramma.
You look better at home, dad.  You can sleep.  I just want to stare at you and remember what you look like
Home
Why is this so exhausting?
Bed

Saturday
It's wake up time.
Yes, Cam.  I know you Miss your Baby Chloe.  We are taking the airplane home tonight.
Wow.  It's really cold. Can I borrow a sweater mom?  It's freezing here.  Are the plants going to die?
Swedish Pancakes....how are they so thin but they make me feel so full?
Home
I need a nap
I should pack
Nap
Pack
Let's visit Dad one last time
Seriously, dad.  I want to come home and visit you again, alive.  Did you hear me?  Please.  Alive.  Make good choices.
Home
Cam needs to get her energy out.  Oh, you bought her roller skates?  Let's try it even though it is 41 degrees out and it's May










Hold on to her.  She's not wearin a helmet
Dang it's cold
Okay, let me try.  She needs to go faster on those plastic wheels

That's better.  We should go soon.
One more picture in those crazy skates
It's too cold here for me

Let's grab dinner.
Maybe the lemonade was a bad idea.  Seriously, Cam.  Control yourself.
What?  You'll let me check a bag for free.  Abso-freakin'-lute-ly!
Are you really gunna make Momma do the hokey-pokey in the middle of the airport?
Fine
You too Gramma, join the fun, it's dancing time
That was kina fun.  Glad there aren't any pictures of that.
At least the flight is on time
This is so much easier with one suitcase
You have to go to the bathroom?  Maybe the lemonade an hour before takeoff was a bad idea.
Dang these Twinkle Toes the plane looks like a disco.
Watch your movie, Momma needs to rest her eyes.
You have to go to the bathroom, again? Geez kiddo.
Hello strobe light shoes, wake up everybody at the back of the plane, Cam has to pee.
Palm trees, water, 85 degrees, humidity, I missed you.
I'll wake you up when we get there Camdyn.
Home, really home.
I hope Chloe wakes up so that I can see her
Ahhh.  Sweet baby.  I've missed you so much.
Bed

Mondays...

Feel Like This....

Doin' Da Disney Thang

It's hard to believe that a week ago today we were recovering from an exhausting day at Disney World. It was attempt #3 to do Disney this year and it finally worked out as planned. If your memory is good, you'll recall that attempt #1 in December was cancelled because the kiddos had the roto virus (hello diarrhea). Attempt #2 in January happened on the one weekend that it actually snowed in Orlando (hello coldest winter ever). And, attempt #3 was a success! So, we took Gramma with us, left Chloe and Daddy at home, and headed to Orlando!

We arrived last Friday and headed for Downtown Disney. Cam loves this part of the trip. Eating, Shopping, plenty of things to see, and it's all free (well, except for the eating and shopping part). So, we ate at T-Rex, because Camdyn LOVES Dinos and she made a pink build-a-dino (think Build-a-Bear, but with dinos) and then we shopped. We bought Chloe the cutest little Minnie Mouse onsie (you'll see it later) and Camdyn bought an Ariel shirt, and then we headed to the movies. The theater at Pleasure Island houses 20, or is it 25 movies theaters, and it is HUGE and pricey ($40 for 3 tix), but we sucked it up, cause this is a special trip, and saw How To Train your Dragon! It was an awesome movie! A little scary for Cam at first, but then when she saw that the Dragons were really nice, she fell in love with it! After the movie, we grabbed some chocolate covered strawberries, and then headed for the hotel!

We stayed at Mike Ditka's Runaway Beach Club and it's my most favoriestest places to stay in Orlando. Think, your own private 1,2, or 3 bedroom condo, complete with granite kitchen, upgraded bathrooms, and SPACE! Oh, and did I mention it's CHEAP. I've paid as little as $89 a night, this time it was more like $129 (spring break season) but it's so worth every penny. So, we slept 3 deep in the king sized bed, and woke up ready to tackle the Magic Kingdom!

Here we are waiting in line, enjoying the Dumbo Ride, and the Carousel, and then, of course nap time! This was an oddity this time around. Usually, we have to walk Cam in circles in the stroller to get her to nap. This time, we just told her to rest her eyes and BAM! 45 min nap! SCORE. (yes, I realize I have the same pic of me and Cam in this post twice...my memory is not what it used to be). Camdyn also rode her first roller coaster this time around and she LOVED it. She wanted to go again, and again, and again, and again!

For the first time, Camdyn met Ariel! She looked so cute with her and it was definitely a highlight for her. In the last picture, Gramma and Cam watch the Celebration Parade. It was a fantastic little trip and actually an excellent day to do Disney. The spring breakers must have been headed home that Saturday, because we were blessed with relatively short lines and light crowds. WHOO HOO!

I'm so grateful that we got to do the Disney Thing this year and that Gramma got to enjoy the Magic from a child's view this year!

Hello Cold Pool

The pool is now open! It's crazy, but it's true and it's only open because kids are resilient and can apparently tolerate 72 degree water. My mom and I would only get in up to our knees, the chitlins, on the other hand, couldn't wait to get completely soaked.

On this particular evening, we were out by the pond feeding bread to the turtles and then Chris said to me, "distract the kids while I get in the pool." So, he sneaks off, puts his swimmies on and gets in the pool. Suddenly, I say, "Camdyn! There is a giant turtle in our pool!" She runs over to the lanai with the greatest concern, peers through the screen, and then shouts, "It's not a turtle! It's DAAAADDDY!" That was quickly followed by a few "I wanna swim(s)" and she was stripping her clothes off before I could even bring her suit out of the house.

Now Chloe is no dummy, and she wants to do what her sissy does, so she started squawking for some swim time too. Luckily, daddy can handle them both in the water!

This summer is really going to be a ton of fun!

Don't you just love this picture of Gramma! I think she should use it for her FB profile pic, cause it is that good. And, Gramma is cool like that. I shot this using my zoom lens that I received as a Xmas gift from the hubs. It's been patiently waiting in my camera bag for months, and I decided to give it a try. I think I really like this piece of glass, although I'm dying for a telephoto lens with a wide aperture (Note to Hubs - Mother's Day is comin' up)!

Camdyn works on her kicks and her scoops. That missin' tooth still cracks me up. She really does look like she is 6 instead of 4.

So, this zoom lens has a bit wider aperture than my stock lens does, and it does a better job blurring out the distractions in the background. Did I just refer to hubs as a distraction? Why, Yes, I did! And, he totally is, and on so many levels, and in an awesomely good way!