Bahama Mama and her Bahamian Princes

Mama scratched her tropical trip itch with the funnest little boys I could take along with me. It really was "The Trip" for us. So memorable and so needed. Disney does everything top notch and cruising does a single mom good. I decided to put those things together tossed with a water park and amusement park thrown in tailored to our vacation requests. I wanted a place in the tropics with white sand and clear waters where no one can interrupt my time with my family. Benny requested water slides and The Sergeant just wanted somewhere he could wear a wet suit to. The Sergeant had an odd request but he doesn't have much body fat and gets cold easily. Warm Atlantic waters on an island country would satisfy my high maintenance boy. Taking a Disney Cruise through the Bahamas was... the glorious verdict. 

Flying to a climate with constant humidity could be disastrous for vascular migraines. I was most certain to be full of thanks that I prepared this time with Triptans in all of my carry-alongs. The babies had a surprise in store for them. We were supposed to stay in Florida on Cocoa Beach for a few days preceding the cruise. However, there was a recent shark attack near shore too close to that area for my vacation comfort. So mid-flight after a game of Phase10 I broke the news that we are going to Disney World!! They were ecstatic... me too. 

We stayed at a wonderful Disney resort surrounded by giant sports in front of a lush tropical garden. Our room was near the basketball court. My boys found some other boys from Argentina to play a competitive soccer game with on our arrival at the football field. 

Just when I was about to change our room to be near these sweet people from Argentina I found that they like to be loud, bold and I needed my peaceful sleep at night. 

The three of us explored The Magic Kingdom and it lived up to magical. We started our thrills out with Space Mountain and ended it at The Haunted Mansion at night after a wonderful Italian dinner meeting Mickey. I missed fireworks on the 4th this year, but the Wishes fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom Castle prior to park closure was enough to awe me for many years to come. 

Disney World was a tasteful side dish to our 2014 vacation entree. The main squeeze was coming up. I knew the ship was going to be big but seeing it with your own eyes was absolutely magnificent. The Disney Dream is a 130,000 ton vessel measuring 1115 feet by 125 feet of pure family fun and entertainment. Our room was an upgraded beauty with a breathtaking verandah. As the ship was in Port Canaveral and everyone finished boarding we went to one of the movie theaters located on the ship and watched Million Dollar Arm. We watched a few other live Disney Theatre Shows prior to dinners on the ship and had a pirate party with more fireworks. I met another single mother with two darling boys of her own, and we came to find out that our rooms were right next to each other!! What a dessert. The boys enjoyed playing together and zooming down the ship's Aqua Duck slide at day and night hours. 

Daytime excursions were planned by mom. Our first stop in Nassau Bahamas was at Paradise Island's Atlantis Resort and Water Park. There, we were welcomed into Cartoon Network Lagoon where an obstacle course similar to Wipe-Out was created in the Atlantic. It looked easy standing at view of it on the beach. Not so... I couldn't even master a portion of it, no matter how hard I tried. I slid down and at times right into the ocean. My body hurt in so many places from unfamiliar muscle use after those obstacles. We all agreed that was our most fave side dish on the trip. So fun.

Castaway Cay took the scenery prize. In fact... it looked so beautiful it seemed fake. It has to be one of God's finest creations for us. It's better than what the pictures look like and the feel of it is unexplainable. I started the beach day with some time at the spa... heavenly. When we went to explore the island, we rented bikes and rode around the entire place... it even sprinkled! There wasn't a lot of people there because this was Disney's private island where just our ship had for the day. What a luxury. We snorkeled, played soccer and lounged after a BBQ. 

The dinners and company on the ship were spectacular. I almost had my Sergeant who wore his suit and tie every night eat escargot. It's so fun to go at our leisure by day and dress up by night with one another to chat it all out. We even took Kevin and Calvin along with us... they had their own suitcase. 

After dinner Ketut, our room steward would have them in a different place in a different position. That and the towel art with chocolate on our beds was such a sweet tid bit to open up the door to. Benny got his room service every night. And that verandah... ugh. I loved that area. That quiet area I frolicked about on sipping my pre-dinner sunset wine and enjoying the breeze and sunrise with a cup of Earl Grey. What a start and finish to everyday. 

I packed too early and forgot an important pair of shoes. Yes, my running shoes. So I was forced to do nothing but relax. No deck 14 work-outs on this ship. It was total mind and body relaxation. I think I needed it and it was fabulous. I was concerned about the weather as we were there but prayers were answered and it rained on our arrival, when we did inside rides at Disney World and sprinkled on our bike-ride. 

I wanted to stay there, but it's always comforting to come home, when you get there. The boys missed the smell of our house and took a big whiff when we walked through our home doors. It really was a magical time... and I hope I re-live our moments in my dreams and thoughts forever. It was a busy year for us all and we came together to wholeheartedly focus on what really matters in life: family and all of those moments that possess it. 

What a Treat

I have never been so happy to see the abbreviation “LOA” coming up. This means Leave of Absence from school… yippee! It has truly been the chapter of life’s fullest plate of mine with this educational addition. It is a goal however and when you put your mind to it, you can do it. I tolerate a dirty house at times and my arrangement of priorities is altered… but it is temporary.  I am fully thrilled to dive into abundant home cooking in my kitchen, sleep better, and enjoy moments instead of being attached and active to a laptop during my daily excursions trying to squeeze assignments in. That LOA was the perfect welcome to our break and the pace we love of summer.  It also creates time for a different sort of writing that I dearly love… free writing about my family and reflecting. It’s good to be back.

Back to more nuggles with my Snuggle Bugs. Instead of wisking them off to school they get to jump into my bed if they catch me in it and I get to kiss their sweet faces until my heart is content.

 The boys get to sleep in and have a hair nest until noon if they want…. And they do. The summer fun box is out but not utilized as often as last year. This is last years:

Benny created the face and we added the hair for our activities we chose out of the box. My Sergeant has already developed Mr. Summer Fun for this year, but he will be balding. Swim Team and Football Camp are good blames for that. We also just completed another family triathlon. Sergeant Stink took 3^rd place in his division!! Grandma Jana came to be our biggest fan for race day.

I am near to concluding our dear summer break with another LOA representing Leave Outta Arizona. It’s hot and our pool is nice but mama’s got an ultimate craving for a tropical beach with a bit of amusement park thrill in the mix. I have a deeper craving for complete uninterrupted, indulgent family time with my two men. After working hard it’s time to play hard together… we are off!!

Still Thankful for Thankless

Happy Mother's Day... It was off to a rough start for me to be fully human with all of you. I went for a beautiful bike ride... it actually felt like I was near a beach. The air was damp like a healthy sea breeze and a sight of haze in the air to cloud any of my usual mountains in sight.  I've been craving a good beach lately and I pretended I was in it for just a few moments. Then, I came home to...

Both of my boys awake. Which, is fabulous. But my counter tops were dirty with the remnants of breakfast that they have clearly made for... just themselves. The TV's were blasting and without peeling their eyes from the tube my older son yells, "Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!". My heart sank as I felt totally unappreciated. I am a huge first impression person. The initial always sets the tone of anything for me and the day just didn't start out as I had hoped it would. In previous years, my boys always made breakfast for me accompanied by homemade gifts and all without prompting. So... I continued pretending I was in the midst of an ocean nearby and took my usual oatmeal outside. I forgot to make my tea I was so upset. My Benny was sensitive to my feelings and met me there outside eating my breakfast and said mommy, "Can I make your tea for you?" This is where I melted and the day started to turn around. 

I put my heart and soul into Motherhood, everyday... I choose to do this because I love it. It truly is the most favored job of mine. For a brief moment I didn't realize that I have everything that I need on this day which is: my two sweet boys. That's simply it. It's nice to have more but really not needed. Every day it is mostly a thankless job, yet so fulfilling. And I'm addicted. It got to me because I merely like to feel appreciated this one day throughout the year for my hard hearted work. 

We went to go and watch my step-mother sing in church this morning and I held my dear babies... one on each side as we worshiped. I even periodically niff-kissed their heads, which when smelled deep enough still has the scent of baby in their locks of hair. The tables were turned and they gave me arm tickles during the service. We came home to some quality family moments ahead of us. 

Mama loves her pizza. It's a tradition in our home to make pizza together on Mother's Day. The days ahead I chop veggies and prepare sauces and dough for the right Mother's Day Moment. The babies decided to make "heart shaped" pizza for me this year... a hit. This was actually the BEST pizza I have ever tasted. 

As we were eating and chatting the babies gave me a present. Well, I thought it was one present. I opened it and there were two very special things in there from Francesca's. 

Benny likes to get me rings:

He says I love a lot so I would love this. Baby, I love you.

My Sergeant likes to get me earrings:

He likes to pick simple, yet elegant gems to dangle on his mom who he just adores. Baby, I adore you.

I valued both... but enjoyed dwelling in the fact that they personally chose these gifts and bought them with their earned money. 

I'm a sucker for sweet words. Instead of a card I was blasted on social media... I'll take it. I still picked up after my boys, broke up quarrels and did laundry as well as dishes on this day because that's what I'm happy and feel natural to do. 

We spent dinner with dear friends of ours... laughing and playing. 

Then I tenderly snuggled my babies to sleep. I told my loves that I wanted to end my day in something that is really important to me... reflecting and writing. These boys of mine have made a mad dash for growth that I have really noticed within this last week. I fit into their bikes and shoes comfortably now. Their hands are about as big as mine. They are wearing deodorant and using facial soap. But I will always remember swaddling them, rocking them... and nurturing them every step of their ways... they will always be my babies no matter what.  My eyes will forever see them different than any other person will in this entire world. And... they are all I need on this beautiful day.

Some Bunny Loves You

Happy Easter 2014... He has risen and so has a blog post. The requirements of school has wrapped it's tentacles around my free-time. I finished with assignments early this Friday and decided to enjoy this special weekend with my dear babies that I love so much. I can't think of another better ending than to write. I love Sundays, diving into deep thought and hearty reflections. 

You give me some time and one of the first things I think of is what I can cook for the people that I cherish. I was grocery shopping and eyed a bunch of organic carrots. They looked so pretty and appropriate that I tossed them right into the cart. They were quickly transformed in my kitchen to carrot pancakes, carrot cake and I added it to a fantastic pasta sauce or properly called "bolognese". My mouth also waters over anything coconut and I baked these coconut cookies with dark chocolate chips. They were definitely different and deelish. As much fun as it was wholeheartedly embracing my kitchen, my company who appreciated it was top notch.

These two handsome things:

The Sergeant looks forward to any occasion that he can dress up to and wear his suit. He is so particular and even has to have the right boxer briefs underneath of it all. My Benny fusses and attempts to wiggle out of any formal attire and I'm lucky if he even wears underwear. But we know the rule: ties on Easter boys. I made it as casual as I could for him. My Benny was counting down to the moment where he could jump into the car after church today and untuck that shirt. 

We went for a gorgeous morning hike. I love to do that on Easter. We cut it short however because bugs were attacking us on the trail. Benny brought a water bottle fan which came in handy as he was trying to spray them off of us... didn't work. But we had a good time trying and on a beautiful mountain all together. 

The egg hunt was the boys' favorite part they declared. The bunny hid all of the eggs in the backyard... high and low. The boys were not allowed to get up before 7am due to previous premature disorderly conduct on Easter Egg Hunt Sundays. They are competitive and need boundaries with this event I have found. The Sergeant goes right for the gold eggs and he got them both. Benny was upset because he couldn't find any of the silver ones. I couldn't either... I had no idea where they went. It wasn't until the afternoon when we went back outside where he found them... Benny was determined and it payed off. I made baskets for each of them... I shopped for weeks storing little things away that they both like in a closet and whipped it all together the night before. 

My favorite part was snuggling my boys at the movies and the Easter Service directed by my passionate pastor. Singing with my two angels by my side. Remembering that to make an end is to make a beginning. A new set of eyes on life, a different direction and certain peace that is offered to all of us. Oh how I love and guard my peace. We are truly blessed and have everything that we need with direction and protection. What a love. What a weekend at home together. For our home is a house of the Lord and we are a tightly knit trio who celebrated just that.

Winter Wonders

It sort of feels like I'm ditching school tonight… all for innocent reason. My glass dome on the kitchen counter top filled with holiday baked goodness is swapped out for the fruit bowl. The dinner leftovers are completely gone from Christmas', Birthdays, New Years and our winter trip. There was a good dose of cardio from my favorite gym instructor today. I cooked a fabulous meal to music while my babies played in the background, coming in smelling like hearty boys should. 

My children have been eye-balling my new comfy nap blanket I received as a present. I tried to occupy them with dessert as I grabbed it fresh from the dryer. I wrapped the warm coziness around me and darted for my room as they spotted me... I squealed as they ran. Oh, they chased. Mom won with Scarlet's help. Benny really tried to unravel it from my embrace. His feet stunk, which almost made me surrender. They are both determined to adopt this from my possession. I will not give it up but only swaddle them in it with me of course, for sweet snuggles. 

Those babies and I had a wonderful winter trip recently up North. I had a terrible feeling moment at the start. We had just settled into our place of stay and went out to find a nearby snowy hill for a quick 20 minute play. We found it, and we surely played. On our way back I could hear my Sergeant's voice change into this dreaded tone I always recognize. He tries to minimize it, but I can always tell. Then I heard him wheeze. Then I felt my heart sink as it dawned on me that I forgot his nebulizer equipment and inhaler.  I always panic more than he… the Nurse leaves me and I become a worried mother. I have made it a habit to sight the nearest Urgent Care when we vacay from past experience. I was headed there and my son stopped me. The Sergeant told me he is tired of always starting our trips out like this and that he is going to be okay. I would have proceeded but he looked at me right in the eyes and told me to trust him, so I did. He was okay. I was not. I barely slept that night as a matter of fact. The next day was a big day too. 

Benny and Sergeant Stink learned to snowboard… mama learned to ski!! I didn't plan on it. I was hesitant due to the above mixed with the boys' ages and my inexperience, but it all worked out to be a fantastic and memorable day. S Stink purchased snowboarding goggles years ago and has been waiting to do this. He packs them just in case. Benny begged to go and try when we were there. Each of us took lessons for what we wanted to do the first half of the day. My instructor's teaching method was quite different than what I've experienced before. I learned to ski quickly by flying down the white slope at a fast pace, turning just to dodge people and falling only to stop. It was fun. I practiced grace on my own the remaining day with the boys on the small hills. Benny was quite cautious. Stink was ready to take on a mountain… and he did.

I thought it might be nice for the boys to experience the ski lift, just for a ride only. They were ahead of me and got off at the other end because they were told to by the lift assistants. They darted for the downward hill and I chased them with one ski on and one ski off trying to stop them. This was a mountain for next year to conquer. Benny agreed, Stink did not. Benny and I rode down with help as we watched the Sergeant glide halfway down this mountain. He did fabulous and made it far, but I halted him to join us for the rest of the way. It was unforgettable. We spent all afternoon exhausting our bodies back on the bitty slopes… and I surely felt it the next day. 

I hunted a fun place in the woods for sledding. It was magnificent and as perfect as could be. There was this area in a half circle, with the center being flat and the edges carved right for gliding down. Big and beautiful matured trees all around but out of our ways of course. Benny and I tried to make a snowman but it was too icy and not enough fluffy stuff to mold with. Instead, we got the Sergeant's bow and arrows out, made targets out of lined up pine cones on a fallen tree and practiced. 

It is always nice to be back home, even after the most wonderful of trips. I certainly savored them during this time. I enjoy saturating each of us in love with new things in new places… all together. Now it's back to the grind of school and work, which we still appreciate… it's just a pace that requires these types of intermissions. It was just right, and a fabulous start to the new year.  

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!

I cannot end the year without my column of thanks. I worked on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and have been falling asleep on my computer finishing school work at the end of my days. Now that I have a wink of a break I can take a cleansing breath and sleep a full eight hours. Delightful. My hands and heart are excited to type here at this special place and share our family happenings of this wonderful season. 

We have so much to be thankful for. This Christmas was truly the best ever. I had my babies and the  majority of my family over, which was enough itself. On top of that, every dish of food came out absolutely delicious. Then on top of that, thoughtful gifts were given and received.  One of my favorites was a fresh eucalyptus wreath that was delivered to me. I love the smell of eucalyptus and especially the scent that flows through my home by my open door after a good rain. It is truly the gift that will keep giving. We had an Apple Christmas here. MacBook (another fave), iPad minis and Apple TV. Thats enough tech to take me until next Christmas to really figure them out and how they all work together! We have enjoyed our days exploring and spending quality family time with the season's givings. 

Seaside lego house building, squap, and ultimate fighting trashies have been the hit around here. I don't get the boys everything they want, but they were pretty spoiled this year with things and of course as always, my love. I must include the Christmas Lists below. The Sergeant was working on a two pager months before Christmas, researching as he erased and remade his list several times. Benny created his late December with only a few things on it. Both boys wanted a new trash can for our kitchen. Our kitchen can is one of a kind and getting the garbage out of it will push a saint to sin. Santa didn't deliver, so I'm guessing he is wanting us to use what we have and keep the humor. The boys were verbally disappointed. 

The Sergeants':

Benny's:

Today is my birthday and I couldn't think of a better start then taking the time to reflect and think of all that God has placed into my life to take care of and experience out of His great love. My son taught me something during his birthday just a few weeks ago. I always plan a party for the boys with their friends but when asked, Sergeant Stink said he just wanted to spend his birthday with his family this year. How simple, yet meaningful. Just when I thought that it couldn't get any sweeter, he showed me the sweetest. He told me to make sure that I wear my running shoes that day so that I can play with him. He had reservations on me and his day, and I was thrilled to play. We went to go and explore Flipside with each other and one best friend, who is family to us.

So today... I am going to spend my day with my family and indulging in them, a bike ride, piano lessons and dressing up for dinner. It will be a lovely day... here goes that column of thanks:

~My Family
~Good Health... Family AND Friends
~Faith
~Grandparents
~Candles
~Christmas Lights
~Boots
~Christmas Socks
~Piano Teachers
~School Teachers
~Karate Instructors
~Good Nurses
~Caring Physicians
~Meticulous Surgeons
~Talented Photographers
~FROYO
~Triathlons
~Massages
~Chiropractors
~Albuterol
~A Good Book
~Baths
~Challenges
~Failures
~A Good Kiss
~Men in Suits
~Dresses
~Hugs
~Love Notes
~Time
~Vacations!
~Bling-Bling
~My Jobs
~Christmas Cookies
~Snuggles
~Mint Hot Chocolate
~Anything Coconut
~My Sweet Scarlet
~Lap Pools
~Good Friends
~Orange Blossoms
~The dirty smell of my playing boys
~Nail Polish
~Boats and Lakes... together
~A Good Movie
~Responsibility
~Elf on The Shelf
~Nursing Journals
~Consequences
~Rewards
~Accomplishments
~Scarves
~Music
~Spa Days
~Good Days... the bad ones too
~Trust
~Teams
~Accountability
~Eucalyptus Wreaths
~Snow Fun

By the way... we have been making memorable moments with our Christmas Elf, Wayne Peppermint that comes to visit us every year. ;) The boys each created something with their new gifts and a touch of mom's help... enjoy... we did!