Stay tuned for more of our "Heaven on Earth" vacation!!!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Muey Bien
There is nothing good about waking up in the morning at 4:30 am, unless of course you are headed to the airport to board a plane heading to MEXICO!!!!! It is so exciting to be heading off and starting the vacation that you have been planning, preparing and waiting for, that is it is exciting until the moment you enter the airport only to see the security line 10 x's longer than you have ever seen it and find yourself going into panic mode, trying to calm yourself with words of comfort; "we will make it, look at how fast the line is moving (insert sarcasm here), I think I can see the end of the line (in my binoculars)." So our flight was at 7:10 am and usually they close the doors to the plane 10 min. before take off, thankfully for us they extended the time and we got there with literally 1 min. to spare, so all was well panic staved off.................................well right up until the time the pilot came over the PA to announce that there was something wrong with the airplane and that we would be delayed 20 min. - 1 hour. So far NOT so good :( We had a layover in Phoenix, AZ that was exactly 1 hour and the bad part of that situation was that if we didn't make our next connecting flight we would have to wait to fly to Cancun until the next day, shortening our vacation by a whole day----PANIC!!! Our flight finally took off from SL and on our way to AZ our stewardess let everybody know that our plane was going to be waiting for us (and 10 other people that were trying to make that connection), so once again we found ourselves wiping our brows with a "whew" close-call. I really think that airports should make exceptions when you find yourself running late or cutting it close for connecting flights, I feel they should just open the doors and let you use the slide, it would be way more convienent for all involved, right!!! We then make it to our next gate out-of-breath, needing to use the restrooms, hungry and thirsty, ready to board the plane willing to sacrifice our comfort in order to just be on our way to our destination, when upon checking in at the gate they inform us that this plane has an issue and we will be delayed 1-2 hours..............my heart sank, but my bladder was doing the happy dance!!! Really I shouldn't complain because I would never want to be flying in something that was not safe, but come on I am on Vacation, things like this are only suppose to happen to people who have nothing better to do than spend their time in the airport ;) After all our fiasco's with planes we finally land in Mexico and at a pretty decent time despite everything so our last obstacle is just going through customs, shouldn't be hard right; wrong. The line for that was outrageous too, and lucky for us they had 2 people manning their station (again sarcasm), about the time that we were feeling pretty good about how much further we had to go they finally brought in more workers and the best part was that we got an awesome lady who literally just said "Hi, welcome to Mexico" and then stamped our passports and off we went. Even though our day started early and seemed long and chaotic, it all seemed worth it once we entered our resort and saw what was waiting for us there!!!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Bloom where you are planted
17 years ago I entered the Salt Lake City Temple a young girl who was naive in many ways about the world and what it held, only to join myself with a boy who had stolen my heart, swept me off my feet and made me feel like nothing was impossible as long as we were together.
In the time that Scott and I have shared we have had many learning experiences, some speed bumps, some small hills to climb and some Mountains so steep that you literally pray everyday to just have enough energy to get to the top so you can coast down the other side. In these years I have learned a few things about Love, myself, Scott and the things that really matter. I used to think that Love was it, it was all you ever needed, well that and a good sense of humor. But Love is just the seed you plant for your marriage to grow and it is within the roots of your seed wherein your marriage blooms.
Respect - I have a profoundly deep respect for Scott as a husband, father, son, grandson, brother (in-law), friend, priesthood holder, business owner and so many other ways.
Friendship - When Scott and I were dating I knew I had something special because of the deep connection we shared, one thing for sure is that no matter how long we have been together we never run out of things to talk about.
Listening - No matter who is talking if there isn't someone willing to listen all you are doing is blowing hot air.
Commitment - Whether it is a big commitment (house) or a small one (what to make for dinner) we both are learning to be comfortable with our choices, even when we make bad ones, we learn, we grow, we move on.
Fighting - I know, I know, this should not be a root in any marriage, but really when you think about it, it is essential to know how to fight fair. Scott and I have our "disagreements" but we have always been really good about working through, keeping to the facts and sometimes even daring to admit we were wrong *gasp*.
Protection - Is there nothing better in this world than to feel safe, in our marriage we have had to learn how to protect our family, our values, our hearts, our feelings, ourselves and each others self-worth. Even with Scott as my husband I don't need his vault of guns to feel safe, I just need his arms wrapped tightly around me.
Sense of Humor - Sometimes all you can do is laugh because if your not laughing your crying, and you all know Scott so you can imagine how important this is for me ;)
Over the course of the 17 years we have shared there have been many more roots to our marriage, and I am very fortunate to have a good foundation in which to continue to build our relationship on. So until next year ---Happy Anniversary to you Scott, thanks for being the protector of my heart, for keeping me grounded and for still being the one I dream with!---
In the time that Scott and I have shared we have had many learning experiences, some speed bumps, some small hills to climb and some Mountains so steep that you literally pray everyday to just have enough energy to get to the top so you can coast down the other side. In these years I have learned a few things about Love, myself, Scott and the things that really matter. I used to think that Love was it, it was all you ever needed, well that and a good sense of humor. But Love is just the seed you plant for your marriage to grow and it is within the roots of your seed wherein your marriage blooms.
Respect - I have a profoundly deep respect for Scott as a husband, father, son, grandson, brother (in-law), friend, priesthood holder, business owner and so many other ways.
Friendship - When Scott and I were dating I knew I had something special because of the deep connection we shared, one thing for sure is that no matter how long we have been together we never run out of things to talk about.
Listening - No matter who is talking if there isn't someone willing to listen all you are doing is blowing hot air.
Commitment - Whether it is a big commitment (house) or a small one (what to make for dinner) we both are learning to be comfortable with our choices, even when we make bad ones, we learn, we grow, we move on.
Fighting - I know, I know, this should not be a root in any marriage, but really when you think about it, it is essential to know how to fight fair. Scott and I have our "disagreements" but we have always been really good about working through, keeping to the facts and sometimes even daring to admit we were wrong *gasp*.
Protection - Is there nothing better in this world than to feel safe, in our marriage we have had to learn how to protect our family, our values, our hearts, our feelings, ourselves and each others self-worth. Even with Scott as my husband I don't need his vault of guns to feel safe, I just need his arms wrapped tightly around me.
Sense of Humor - Sometimes all you can do is laugh because if your not laughing your crying, and you all know Scott so you can imagine how important this is for me ;)
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
There is nothing better..................
THAN MY KIDS!!!!!
So Scott and I took off for a week to go have some fun and sun in Mexico and believe me when I say IT. WAS. INCREDIBLE!!! (Look for a post about that soon, I have to get some pics from our friends)
But man I have not seen my kids since the 19th when my Mom and Dad took them home with them, I know the kids have been having so much fun and I am sure that they even barely notice that we are not there but I miss them sooooooooooo much. I miss their faces, their smiles, their voices, their laughs, their quirky sayings, and yes even their fighting ( I know crazy huh!), I can barely talk to them on the phone right now without crying and longing to see them and hug them. I am so lucky in the fact that my Mother-in-law and Scott's step-dad aka Grandma and Pappy will take the kids for a week every summer they call it "Week with no Parents", I feel the kids are so lucky in so many ways because of this tradition. It all started with Scott's Grandma King, she would take Scott and his brothers every summer for a period of time and Scott has so many memories of the time he was able to share with her and his Grandfather (before he passed away), when Robin became a Grandma she wanted to help out and do some of the same things that had meant so much to her when she herself was in the throughs of motherhood, so thus Week with no Parents was a tradition she upheld. I know the kids probably don't really grasp the full impact of this time spent with their Grandparents but I do and I know that one day they will look back with great fondness for the relationships that were formed and the special moments that they shared with the wonderful people they have as Grandparents. They have been able to spend alot of time with both sets of Grandparents on this trip and I have enjoyed listening to all their tales of the never-ending fun they have had. Thank you, thank you Dad and Mom and Robin and Everett for being ever so willing to take on an extra 4 kids, well really 5 since I will claim Katie too. I don't know how to convey how much I appreciate all you do for them, I am very spoiled to have such wonderful parents and in-laws!!!
Now.................please; GIVE THEM BACK!!!
So Scott and I took off for a week to go have some fun and sun in Mexico and believe me when I say IT. WAS. INCREDIBLE!!! (Look for a post about that soon, I have to get some pics from our friends)
But man I have not seen my kids since the 19th when my Mom and Dad took them home with them, I know the kids have been having so much fun and I am sure that they even barely notice that we are not there but I miss them sooooooooooo much. I miss their faces, their smiles, their voices, their laughs, their quirky sayings, and yes even their fighting ( I know crazy huh!), I can barely talk to them on the phone right now without crying and longing to see them and hug them. I am so lucky in the fact that my Mother-in-law and Scott's step-dad aka Grandma and Pappy will take the kids for a week every summer they call it "Week with no Parents", I feel the kids are so lucky in so many ways because of this tradition. It all started with Scott's Grandma King, she would take Scott and his brothers every summer for a period of time and Scott has so many memories of the time he was able to share with her and his Grandfather (before he passed away), when Robin became a Grandma she wanted to help out and do some of the same things that had meant so much to her when she herself was in the throughs of motherhood, so thus Week with no Parents was a tradition she upheld. I know the kids probably don't really grasp the full impact of this time spent with their Grandparents but I do and I know that one day they will look back with great fondness for the relationships that were formed and the special moments that they shared with the wonderful people they have as Grandparents. They have been able to spend alot of time with both sets of Grandparents on this trip and I have enjoyed listening to all their tales of the never-ending fun they have had. Thank you, thank you Dad and Mom and Robin and Everett for being ever so willing to take on an extra 4 kids, well really 5 since I will claim Katie too. I don't know how to convey how much I appreciate all you do for them, I am very spoiled to have such wonderful parents and in-laws!!!
Now.................please; GIVE THEM BACK!!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
My three obsessions 03-13-11
Here are my 3 obsessions this week:
#1
I watched the movie "The Last Song" a lot while I was sick and I fell in love with the song that Ronnie (Miley Cyrus) plays at her Dad's funeral. So I got online and searched for the sheet music, Voila, found it..................or did I??? While the sheet music I found was called "Ronnie's Song" or "Steve's Theme" it isn't what I wanted. It is in some sense the same song, but not the same rendition of the song, if that makes any sense. So I have been obsessed with finding the sheet music for her rendition and I am failing miserably, so if any of you out there know where it can be found, PLEASE, put me out of my misery.
#2
The Scale - So you know when you are sick and can't hold anything down, your first thought is usually "YAY!!! I am going to lose weight!" (that is if you are a woman), and some of you already know that I was steadily losing weight before my illness, but sadly in this case for whatever reason, my body just literally shut down and therefore I was getting on the scale 3-4 times a day, a DAY people, because I was so nervous that if I wasn't losing any, that I would eventually gain some back since my diet consisted of alot of crackers, white bread and of course, ice cream! (I just re-read what I wrote and it totally sounds like I am pregnant, but NO people there are no more babies coming!!) So anyway back to my point, since feeling better I still find myself on the scale alot mostly because I fear that all that food will somehow come back to bite me, probably in the butt :(
#3
#1
I watched the movie "The Last Song" a lot while I was sick and I fell in love with the song that Ronnie (Miley Cyrus) plays at her Dad's funeral. So I got online and searched for the sheet music, Voila, found it..................or did I??? While the sheet music I found was called "Ronnie's Song" or "Steve's Theme" it isn't what I wanted. It is in some sense the same song, but not the same rendition of the song, if that makes any sense. So I have been obsessed with finding the sheet music for her rendition and I am failing miserably, so if any of you out there know where it can be found, PLEASE, put me out of my misery.
#2
The Scale - So you know when you are sick and can't hold anything down, your first thought is usually "YAY!!! I am going to lose weight!" (that is if you are a woman), and some of you already know that I was steadily losing weight before my illness, but sadly in this case for whatever reason, my body just literally shut down and therefore I was getting on the scale 3-4 times a day, a DAY people, because I was so nervous that if I wasn't losing any, that I would eventually gain some back since my diet consisted of alot of crackers, white bread and of course, ice cream! (I just re-read what I wrote and it totally sounds like I am pregnant, but NO people there are no more babies coming!!) So anyway back to my point, since feeling better I still find myself on the scale alot mostly because I fear that all that food will somehow come back to bite me, probably in the butt :(
#3
You know all those little things that somehow always get put off 'til tomorrow, like for instance cleaning "the junk drawer", the top of your fridge, the top of the washer and dryer. I know you know what I am talking about and I know that you have already named 3 of your own places, well I have been trying to tackle those one at a time, and so you may be asking yourself "what about this makes this an obsession?", well I will tell you, it is because when I think of the project I want to do for the day, I am constantly thinking about it all. day. long...so why don't I just do it in the morning and get it over with, well because then my name wouldn't be Melanie, I live for procrastination and I do it well. Maybe one day you will see me all organized and put together but for now, I am just glad that I actually think of these little things!!!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Chapter 89: ZACH (ary)
So my little Z man came home from school and pulled from his backpack a certificate and this is what it said;
- Is always the first one up in the mornings
- Likes breakfast immediately (I have really loved the fact that he can cook himself simple meals)
LYNX OF THE MONTH
March 2011
Name: Zachary K.
Reason for Honor: Zach obeys all class rules and is a
great example to all the students in his class.
I can always count on Zach!!
Love, Ms. Braithwaite
so cool, I love when others appreciate that I have good kids, it helps me think that maybe, just maybe something is sticking. The first thing I noticed this year in school, is the fact that Zachary was no longer to be, for whatever reason he signs all his papers just Zach, his teacher does the same thing and when I questioned her about it, she said that she just assumed that must be what we called him since that is what he started writing :( I don't know why this is such a big deal to me, I don't care if he is called Zach, I often find myself calling him by that name, but for some reason he will always be Zachary to me.
Some fun facts of Zach:
Some fun facts of Zach:
- Is always the first one up in the mornings
- Likes breakfast immediately (I have really loved the fact that he can cook himself simple meals)
- Will always play a key or two on the piano when he passes it
- When he finds a song that he really loves to play, he does. all. day. long......
(song of choice this week the "Star Wars" theme song, which happens to be Zane's piano piece, go figure.)
- his bladder is now trained to never be full when at school, but suddenly almost explodes upon his arrival home, it's that whole block that gets him everytime!!!
- is the most creative kid, ever. You can give him anything and he will turn it into something. I sometimes wonder if Phineas and Ferb is actually based on him...?
- has a big heart, but is very reluctant to show that side of him to anyone.
- is eerily similar to his best friend Zane.
- Hopes to go to BYU one day.
- and although he is sometimes (okay always) loud and rambuctious (at home, apparently never at school), I absolutely and totally LOVE that kid.
Monday, March 7, 2011
My 3 Obsessions 03-06-11
I am officially BACK!!!!
Now I don't know if this is good news for any of you, but I am sooooo excited to be blogging again!!!
#1 - GSA
I am obsessed with how little I am obsessed with the Girl Scout cookies that are in my house right now as we speak............I don't know if it is because I am still reeling from the effects of being sick or maybe my body has decided that it doesn't need a cookie to feel good about itself, so take that Samoas!!!
#2 - Celery
I am obsessed with Celery this week, my vegetable of choice right now!!! I especially love it paired with the Laughing Cow Garlic & Herb Cheese Wedge, so crispy, crunchy, and yummy!!! They have been so crunchy in fact that Scott has given me the evil eye during shows because it sounds like I am crunching on a piece of ice with my mouth open wide and into a microphone. :)
#3 - Baths
(okay for some dumb reason this is not letting me change the color and size of the font so just imagine please that this is blue. :)
There is something to be said about having a nice long soak in a hot bath. I have almost made it a daily ritual now, using the steam to help with my sinuses and the heat for all my other problems, the biggest problem with taking a bath is that my kids don't seem to understand the need to just relax and soak, they want to talk or tell me very, very long winded stories, or in Lainee's case she just props herself up on the side of the tub and gives me a run-down of whatever is on her mind, clothes, school, walking, what she had for breakfast, why I say "it's not on sale", shoes, books, why she sleeps with Kennadee, why her feet are cold, the list could go on and on forever, you can test her if you want but don't say I didn't warn you. I do actually like to hear the kids' stories and such most of the time, and I try hard to stay patient through it all, but I do have to say that I relish alone time as well.
Chapter 88: In sickness and in health??
So much has gone on lately and I have really wanted to get on the blog and update it, but somehow the days and weeks just slip by and I find myself with not one post in the year 2011, so sad :(
But today was a turning point when I noticed that my sister Kari updated her blog, now really how sad is that, she has done 2 posts this year alone and she is one who NEVER updates, so I was spurred into action to at least say something.............................?
This past couple of weeks have been really rough (to say the very least), and trying to muddle through has been somewhat of an agonizing feat. But through everything that I have had to deal with I have grown a new level of respect and love for the one person who had to take on a few (or twenty) new roles, the role of:
- care - giver
- nurse
- teacher
- listener
- homework checker
- laundress (my personal fave)
- Primary President
- dishwasher
- meal planner
- short order cook,
and that is just to name of few, but Scott can now say he has "done it all", with the exception of the almost daily carpooling (hey he needs a few faults, right), I have been sick and most days barely able to manage a shower, but everyday he has gone to work (dealing with some stressfull issues there as well) and then came home to a house full of chaos, he usually asks me what I thought we could do for dinner and once I give him a run down on what is available he cooks, feeds, clears and cleans the kitchen, he has even gone to the grocery store for more than just milk and bread, when I handed him my grocery list he had to take a deep breath and I know he was wondering how long this trip was going to take him, I just think he should feel lucky I didn't have the energy to clip coupons because I think that would have sent him over the edge. When I am at my worst, having no energy, sleep deprived and barely holding on, I am so thankful that he will just come and sit with me and hold my hand or talk, just having him near is one of the best medications I can have (mostly because it is NOT another pill) I have been extremely blessed with Scott and I hope that he knows just how much I appreciate him. When I see him cooking Breaded Pork Chops and Pasta for dinner just because it looks sooooo good to me, know ing full well it is probably going to be a huge fat waste of time, and spending 1 whole day trying to catch up on laundry and even folding socks with the kids, putting up with my whining and complaining about how unfair it is that I have to be sick and miserable, and again just being the one thing that brings me the most comfort, I feel blessed. What an incredible man and wonderful husband he is, Maybe it is nice every once in a while to really see someone in a different light and to be reminded of just how special those we love are. Thanks honey, I really appreciate all that you have done for me lately, I hope to be able to take back a few responsibilities but if you want I will gladly let you have a few to keep as well :)
But today was a turning point when I noticed that my sister Kari updated her blog, now really how sad is that, she has done 2 posts this year alone and she is one who NEVER updates, so I was spurred into action to at least say something.............................?
This past couple of weeks have been really rough (to say the very least), and trying to muddle through has been somewhat of an agonizing feat. But through everything that I have had to deal with I have grown a new level of respect and love for the one person who had to take on a few (or twenty) new roles, the role of:
- care - giver
- nurse
- teacher
- listener
- homework checker
- laundress (my personal fave)
- Primary President
- dishwasher
- meal planner
- short order cook,
and that is just to name of few, but Scott can now say he has "done it all", with the exception of the almost daily carpooling (hey he needs a few faults, right), I have been sick and most days barely able to manage a shower, but everyday he has gone to work (dealing with some stressfull issues there as well) and then came home to a house full of chaos, he usually asks me what I thought we could do for dinner and once I give him a run down on what is available he cooks, feeds, clears and cleans the kitchen, he has even gone to the grocery store for more than just milk and bread, when I handed him my grocery list he had to take a deep breath and I know he was wondering how long this trip was going to take him, I just think he should feel lucky I didn't have the energy to clip coupons because I think that would have sent him over the edge. When I am at my worst, having no energy, sleep deprived and barely holding on, I am so thankful that he will just come and sit with me and hold my hand or talk, just having him near is one of the best medications I can have (mostly because it is NOT another pill) I have been extremely blessed with Scott and I hope that he knows just how much I appreciate him. When I see him cooking Breaded Pork Chops and Pasta for dinner just because it looks sooooo good to me, know ing full well it is probably going to be a huge fat waste of time, and spending 1 whole day trying to catch up on laundry and even folding socks with the kids, putting up with my whining and complaining about how unfair it is that I have to be sick and miserable, and again just being the one thing that brings me the most comfort, I feel blessed. What an incredible man and wonderful husband he is, Maybe it is nice every once in a while to really see someone in a different light and to be reminded of just how special those we love are. Thanks honey, I really appreciate all that you have done for me lately, I hope to be able to take back a few responsibilities but if you want I will gladly let you have a few to keep as well :)
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