Ellie goes to Middle School

Still playing blog catch-up...

Back in August, right before Hurricane Harvey, Ellie had orientation at her new school.  It is weird for me to think of Ellie as old enough to be in middle school.  Luckily for her, she currently has 3 cousins attending with her - Kolby is in her same grade, Kinleigh is in 7th, and Aidyn is in 8th.  We all attended orientation together (except for Kinleigh who was on vacation).  Mia and Aidyn even helped Ellie figure out how to open her locker.

A Surprise Party for Jack

I gave Jack the option of having a big friend party, like we have done in the past, or inviting two friends to go with him to iT'Z where they would have unlimited buffet, rides, and games.  I was so thankful when he chose the latter because I just did not have it in me to get creative this year.  Then I set about trying to find a time for a family party, but this is a crazy time of year.  I decided to have Jack's baptism be his family party.

Earlier in the week, however, I started to feel a little guilty that I wasn't making a bigger deal of his actual birthday.  Tom had the district cross country meet on Jack's birthday and Jack and Ellie both had to be at soccer by 5:00.  But, I still had an hour from the time Jack got off the bus until he had to be at soccer, so I decided to throw together a quick surprise party.  I texted my family and asked if any of the cousins could be at our house before Jack got off the bus at 3:45.  Amazingly, all of the local cousins could make it!  Being a bus-rider really adds a lot of time to the commute home, I guess.

I woke up a little earlier than normal so that I could take the kids out to doughnuts before school.  Normally, I would have decorated the kitchen and had all the birthday goodies sitting out when Jack woke up the morning of his birthday, but since I wanted to surprise him, I had nothing.  I told Jack it was a really busy day, but we would celebrate on the weekend.

During my conference period, I rushed to the store and bought cupcakes, ice cream, drinks, and balloons.  I then raced to the house to quickly set up and decorate before having to get back to school for my afternoon classes.

After school, we got all of the cousins in the house and hidden with 5 minutes to spare.  Tom even finished his district meet and arrived home in time  Jack was so surprised when he walked in the front door and family popped out from everywhere.  It was awesome.  I love that my kids have so many cousins living right in the neighborhood.

Happy 8th Birthday, Jack!

Jack's 8th Birthday

Dear Jack on your 8th birthday

Dear Jack,

Happy birthday, sweet boy! Eight years ago today, I went in for what I thought would be my final prenatal appointment before my scheduled C-section in a week's time.  However, the doctor had other ideas and she sent me to the hospital to run some tests.  I still thought that I would be out of there in time to meet Daddy and Ellie for lunch, but the doctor popped her head around the curtain and said, "Are you ready to have a baby today?"  I was not ready, but I was excited to meet you anyway!  You were born with the cutest, wrinkled forehead...like a shar pei puppy.  I couldn't get over how cute you were (and still are!).

Jack, you are such an awesome kid.  Everyone that meets you is so impressed by you.  You are thoughtful, kind, and polite.  Your heart is bigger than your body, I think.  You are so sensitive.  Sometimes I get after you for being too emotional, but I hope you never lose your sweet, sensitive spirit.  

You recently went on a Disney cruise with your grandparents and cousin Naomi for a few days.  I missed you so much while you were gone.  You are the peacemaker of the family and we count on your calming influence. 

You are still doing great in school.  I met with your teacher for parent-teacher conference this week and she kept saying how bright you are.  Your switch teacher also said how kind and bright you are and that you loved to read, but that you needed to remember to put the book away when it is time to do Math and Science.  I remember my teachers having to tell my mom the same thing.  Overall, you are a lot like your Daddy, but your love of reading is all me.  You always have a book in hand wherever we go.  

This is a big birthday for you because you are getting baptized!  You have a sweet testimony and a strong desire to do the right thing.  I am so proud of you, Jack, and of the wonderful young man you are growing into.  But you still have to always remember you are my baby and never stop giving me hugs.

I love you forever,

Mom

My dream vacation

I have always wanted to go to an all-inclusive resort.  The idea of paying for everything upfront and not worrying about meal costs or activities while on vacation just seems ideal.  Normally, Tom and I take our couple trip to New Orleans each summer, but I managed to talk him into an all-inclusive, adults only resort in tMexico.  I contacted a travel agent in March who recommended El Dorado Seaside Suites. As soon as I booked it, I started reading the TripAdvisor reviews, searching for new pictures on Instagram, and watching YouTube videos posted by guests.  It became my daily ritual.  No one was more excited about a trip ever, I think.

We flew Spirit airlines, which has a bad rap, but our flight went smoothly.  I even won 5,000 free miles!

When we arrived in Mexico, we were greeted by a guy holding a sign with our names on it.  It was like in the movies.

The ride to El Dorado Seaside Suites was a little long, about an hour, but it was neat to see the countryside and cities.  We arrived at our resort and were greeted with scented towels and an offer of champagne.  While our room was being prepared, we explored the resort.  It was so beautiful and we saw several large iguanas.

We spent most of our time at the beach on Bali beds.  It was so peaceful reading my book or chatting with Tom, taking a break every 30 minutes or so to go play in the ocean.

We didn't do much of the activities offered at the resort, although we did attend a guacamole making class.

 And in the evenings, we liked to hang out at the 4th Floor Bar where they would have various activities like trivia, dance lessons, or live music.  We'd find a dark corner to people-watch and make-up imagined lives for the other guests.

The resort had 10 upscale restaurants. All of the ones we tried were delicious.  Two of the required advance reservations. Unfortunately, on our 2nd to last day, Tom got violently ill in the afternoon.  He was down for the count so I cancelled our dinner reservations, ordered room service, and watched a cheesy chick-flick.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

At the resort, every room had an ocean view and an infinity pool on the balcony.  So, when Tom was at his worst (think bathroom), I retreated to the balcony and read my book with the peaceful sounds of the ocean waves as my backdrop.

Clearly, I am a sympathetic wife.  I got my comeuppance a few days after we got home, though, when I came down with the same bug.  It was vicious, but it did help me lose those vacation pounds!

Thankfully, Tom was fine the next morning so we could enjoy our last full day and night at the resort.

Although I missed the kids, and I was happy to get home to them, Tom and I really enjoyed our kid-free time together. 

But, I'll be honest, I totally went into post-vacation depression once we got home.  I missed having something to look forward to and dream about.  So, I guess I'd better start planning next summer's vacation ASAP.