• Little Blessings

    Dunkin Donut Coffee

    Dunkin Donut Coffee Treat

    Sometimes it is the little thoughtful things that you do for another person that will most brighten their day.  My husband was a big blessing to me this morning.  It was a busy, cool, and rainy Monday morning and he went out of his way to make sure I knew how much he loved me.  I know it is just a cup of coffee from Dunkin Donuts, but the little random acts of love and kindness speak volumes to my heart.  Thankful for a husband who takes the time to demonstrate how much he cares.  The coffee was amazing and hit the spot this morning.  Thanks Babe!

  • Travel & Vacation: Ice Skating Show

    'Great times with my sweetheart!'

    Celebrating with my best friend!

    Loving our time together on the cruise! Thankful for a time to celebrate! We had a great day on the ship watching the ice skating show, going to various activities, getting a massage, and so much more!

    'Ice Skating Show'
    Watching the ice skating show aboard the ship!
    'It was a small ice skating rink but they did an awesome performance!'
    A lot of interesting costumes and neat performances during the show!
    'I am blessed to have this amazing man as my husband and best friend!'
    Thankful for a time to get away and spend together!
    'Loved these costumes!'
    Fun characters.  Jake and I went ice skating, but we did have any fancy moves or costumes!

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!

  • Travel & Vacation: Exploring Cozumel, Mexico

    'Good morning sunshine!'

    Beautiful ocean sunrise in Mexico!

    Exploring Cozumel, Mexico! We had a blast sight seeing, meeting people, shopping, and going Snorkeling at 3 different reefs during our day in Mexico. We even got to talk with the girls for a tiny bit because we got cell phone service while walking through the area!

    'We had a little stow away on the balcony.  The bird stayed there for over a day.  Whenever we came out on the balcony it would just hop around our of our way.  Guess it thought we weren't too much of a threat.'
    This little guy caught a ride on our balcony and stayed there for several hours.
    'Port security worker telling us about the bird he is holding.  I even got to pet it, super cool!'
    Talking with one of the security guards about the bird he was holding.
    'Chatting'
    Ready to go on our snorkeling adventure.
    'My man all ready for our adventure!'
    I get to check out Mexico with this hot guy!

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!

  • Travel & Vacation: Cruising the Gulf of Mexico

    'Love this guy!'

    15 years and counting!

    We cruised the Gulf of Mexico on our 2nd day of our 15th Anniversary Celebration! We woke up to a beautiful sunrise, explored the ship, played card games on the balcony, tested our surf boarding skills, tried a round of Bingo, took a nap, ate amazing food, saw a gorgeous sunset, went to shows and more fun. Thankfully I married a man that not only loves me, but has a large amount of patience!!! It was our first formal diner night and I “attempted to do a new hairstyle” (let’s just say it didn’t turn out great after over an hour working on it so I went back to my usual style for that night).

    'Hanging out with my man!'
    Loved having a balcony!
    'He is such a sweetheart and even played a round of Bingo with me.'
    My bingo partner!  He was a good one and was only 1 away from winning a free cruise!  Thankful for the extra time with this man!
    'Heading out to dinner with my Handsome Man!'
    Hanging out on the ship for the evening with this awesome man!  He looked amazing!
    'Love waking up to a beautiful sunrise in the morning!'

    We enjoyed watching both the sunrises and sunsets from the balcony.  Gorgeous and peaceful!

    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!

  • Travel & Vacation: Space Center Houston, Texas

    Our trip to Texas! Space Center Houston and Galveston. Jake and I had a great time exploring the area.

    'Cool display at Space Center Houston'
    We would love to take the girls to Houston, TX sometime with us so they could see the Houston Space Center.  Karlie especially would love it!
    'Checking out the neat equipment at Space Center Houston!'
    Jake by a piece of the Saturn 5
    'Yes, I got to touch a piece of a moon rock!  So cool! :)'
    Touching a moon rock.  Sweet!
    'Wall of all the astronauts!'
    Wall of astronauts and various missions.
    'The newest Mission Control Center for NASA!  Awesome!'
     Watching the actual ISS from the Mission Control Center.
    The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable.  Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away.  Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories.  It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine.  Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn.  You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
  • Be My Valentine: I Will Always “Root” for You Handsome!

    Every once in awhile I like to get a special treat for my man!  It doesn’t have to be for any specific Holiday but this would be an easy way to say “I Love You” during the Valentine season.  For this special treat I picked up a six pack of IBC Rootbeer for Jake and put a sticky note on it that says “I will always “root” for you Handsome!”   I stuck the six pack with the note in the refrigerator, when Jake opens the door to get a drink he will find his cool treat.    He appreciates the thoughtfulness and the treat reminds him that I love him.  I am truly thankful for all he does for our family!

    I will always “root” for you Handsome!

  • Gift Giving: Small Spontaneous Tokens of Appreciation

    I love celebrations…..birthdays, Holidays, anniversaries, and more!  Most of the time I have a reason to celebrate, but other times it is just as much fun to surprise someone with a special unexpected treat.   Every once in awhile I will put a gift on the table or on a person’s plate or some other random place (in this case it is one sitting on Jake’s plate before dinner) for the fun of it.

    It doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive to be  meaningful.  A favorite box of candy or a roll of coins or a sweet note to greet them on their plate when they sit down for dinner is always appreciated.  It really is the thought that counts.

    During the Christmas Season I like to spread out the fun, so at various times throughout the Holidays my family may find a special surprise waiting for them in random places.  Yes, I do specific activities like our 12 Days of Christmas 2011 or 12 Days of Christmas 2010 to help spread out the gifts so it is not so overwhelming the day of Christmas, but these more more like small spontaneous tokens of my appreciation.  How do you show appreciation and spread extra Holiday cheer in your home throughout the season?

  • Song: “Lifesong” by Casting Crowns

    Great song that makes you think about your life.  How do I react in certain situations?  What does my lifesong look like?

    Our families probably see our “lifesong” more clearly than anyone else.  Let’s remember that we the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our spouse, kids, extended family, friends, neighbors, and anyone we come in contact with throughout our days.