Birthday

Last Saturday was my birthday. My daughter made me an awesome birthday cake, all on her own. Isn't it beautiful?? I had a lovely lunch with a dear friend at the "special restaurant" in town that everyone talks about, but I had never been to. Hmmm ... uninterrupted adult conversation, yummy food and drink, while my dear husband was doing parent duty at the ballgame. Wow. I don't think that I've ever felt so loved as I did last weekend. Saturday evening we were invited by some long-time (not old) friends mountain cabin for family fun....(and LOTS of creek play for the kids!) Not one of them came home clean OR dry. Don't know why I didn't think about that and pack extra clothes! We took the special birthday cake with us to share with the crowd..and Gail (who's birthday is right after mine) and I were wished a Happy Birthday!


On Sunday afternoon, my husband pulled off a great feat. A surprise party for me. Yep. He gloated. And well he should, because I didn't have to do anything to prepare for it. Except get over my shock, die a little..(cause the house wasn't as clean as I would have made it for a party), oh...and run change my shirt! After I got over it, I had a grand time. Who wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by all your people!?? Wonderful. Plain and simple. I am rich. Wealthy. Blessed. Thank you, Lord!

Third time's a charm...

RIGHT?

Three posts in three days, wow, a record. Don't go getting all excited on me or anything yet. There are still days to come. Today starts three days of standardized testing for our Home School. Three days of the timed-but-really-not-timed-new Stanford 10. Whatever. It really is a fun time for us, because it means a change in the normal routine around here. And afternoons off. WHOO HOO! (whoops, did I say that out loud??) This year we also are involved in Farm League Baseball, after a multi-year hiatus. This time is different, because it is my baby. This time I have no little ones running around to keep out of the ball field, or the parking lot. It feels a bit sad. I think I am a little bored. What to do with myself? Just sit there? How do you do that?
(don't feel sorry for me, I'm certain I'll get over it...:-)

Chicken update...

I know, I know, you are just dying to hear about the chickens, right?
Well, here they are. In all their glory. They are completely feathered out, and display the unique characteristics of their individual breeds. It has been fun trying to identify them. My children love to play with them, and show them off. These, actually, are S's photos. These spiderwebs are the reason she took the camera out...but couldn't help taking photos of her pets, too.

The Cruise

Yes, it's been forever since I've written. Ahem. Sorry. No good excuse. Just silly ones. :-)
We did go on the cruise. It was fabulous. If you have never cruised before, you should. It is the most relaxing form of vacationing that I've ever experienced. And if you like a bargain, (or need one) there are plenty to be had. Of course you can spend a lot if you want too, also, but it isn't necessary to have a good time.

We sailed from Miami to Key West (a place I want to visit again!) and Cozumel. We didn't spend any time in Cozumel, though, because we hopped aboard a speedboat to the Yucatan Peninsula and then a bus down to the Tulum Ruins. We had a great guide who was very familiar with the country's anthropological history. Brian and I kept remarking, "amazing" and "this guy really knows his stuff", we enjoyed ourselves immensely (even though it was hot!)

We were able to dine every night (except when we were in Mexico) in the elegant dining room at our table for two. Our waiter, assistant waiter and Maitre d'hotel were wonderfully accomodating, and friendly,( and it was great to order anything off of the fancy menu each night.)

Each morning we ordered room service for breakfast. Poached eggs, Kipper, Salmon...mmmm. Tablecloth, linen napkins, tea in your jammies....sweet!

We loved our room. Marble bathroom, that was cleaned for us constantly...up to three times a day. The exterior wall was a floor to ceiling window with sliding glass door...out onto a private balcony! (where I slept as we left Key West on Friday and burned my legs in the sun!). Yes...sleep! Every mom's dream. And I did LOTS of it! Where else can you go to bed in one place, get rocked to sleep and awaken in a new location to visit? I'm telling you, I see a future cruise on my horizon!

A long way....{From the archives}

Was dusting around my house today, and found these blog drafts from the past....um....wayyy past!... So. Ahem. Here they are.....Drumroll please....April 2009

We left April 1-6 for our 20th anniversary cruise. It was, in a word...wow.
What a great time. I have spent the days since trying to unpack and analyze just what about it was different than any other vacation or trip, and figure out why it was so much better than anything we've ever done before. Was it the timing? Was it the season in our lives? Was it because I've always wanted to try a cruise? The amazing service? The neat people we met?
I can't say. But it was the most relaxing, enjoyable trip I've ever taken. I can't wait to go again. And, believe it or not, we are in agreement on this one.