And, off they go....... for an entire week.

The kids left this morning. I hope they have an awesome time.
Poor Brooke. She still wasn't feeling 100%. I honestly think that she had some type of virus. Her stomach was killing her for days. I pretty much thought it was just her diet, or something.... but today, my stomach has been killing me :(
I'm glad she's getting better. I haven't had much energy for anything... and the heat has finally kicked my butt. It was miserable out today...UGH. I can tolerate heat - but not feeling well made it a lot worse. Poor me. :(

So, needless to say, it's been a very quiet day. Hubby had calls to go on. Air Conditioners were failing, left and right.. and I just sat here trying to feel better. Now, it's almost 9:00 p.m. , and we haven't really had the opportunity to get out and enjoy our Child free weekend. :( Hopefully tomorrow will be different. I want to wake up, and feel fabulous. Keep your fingers crossed. I am!

We did run out earlier today. I picked up a beautiful Pottery Barn Salad Bowl set. It's very nice! I hope to get a lot of use out of it. And, tomorrow - I will try my best to get back on track with eating well. I've done terrible with my eating, since my trip. I feel like a slug!

Anyway.... Happy weekend. Peace!

Here's my salad bowl set:

Happy Saturday!

Ahhh! The weekend is HERE! I'm free!

So glad it's Saturday. I'm sitting in my bed, enjoying the fact that I don't have to get up and go! :) It's a beautiful thing.

The kids leave today for a WHOLE week. WoW! They're going to Ocean City with their Dad and his family. They all go every year. All the cousins, etc.... they have a blast. This year Brandon will bring his best friend. The biggest reason for that is, all 7 of their cousins are girls. Poor Brandon! :) So, now he'll have Justin to buddy with. It should be nice. And, it will be very quiet here for a week.

I think we might be getting together with our friends, Nate and Judie - tonight. We haven't seen them since Nate's big Birthday celebration. It's so nice when we see them. I look forward to it.

The rest of the weekend is a mystery! And....MONDAY, well -back to the regular, fall hours. Yuck!!!!!

And, next weekend, off to New York for my cousins Wedding.

Well, off I go!!!!!! Hope you have a great weekend.

Photo: Para sailing in Bermuda.

Very Interesting..................

It is very interesting how my litte "mini-me" has created a blog that appears very similar to mine. Seems SOMEONE is borrowing my front page pictures......

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..........

Looks like I might need to block my blog from my 11 year old. (lol) Just kidding, my little person.....

<3 Brooke, I will happily supply you with as many pictures as you'd like. :) Just ask me, Missy!

TGIF!

Bring It On Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!! The weekend, that is.......

I'VE HAD ENOUGH!

And, I'm going to let my hair down tonight, and enjoy myself. Don't have plans yet... but I'll figure it out.



Photo: Bon Voyage Party on the Pool Deck. You couldn't get those tropical drinks in my hand quick enough! (lol) Seriously, I think most of the week I had "virgin" Pina Coladas, but the first day, I did have a few strong ones! :)

Fun Story!

**Remember that you can click on the photo for a larger view. Fun! lol***




OK. This was fun, and sweet.

While we were on our cruise, every evening we'd walk into our cabin and find some sort of towel animal. It would always be displayed on Brandon's bed. Well.... we felt bad for Brooke (lol). SO, hubby and I made one for her! lolol! Well, we're no expert towel animal makers - so we did the best we could, with what we had!
Here's two pictures.
Which one do YOU think we created?


Well, it's obvious to me. LMAO!
We didn't do the best job, but let me say this: Brooke was SO thrilled when she saw the towel animal on her bed. It was so sweet. She loved it. I think mostly because she finally had one on her own bed.
Yes.... we confessed. We told her that we were the ones who put it together. Best part about that, she loved it even more.
Then, she ate the banana! :)

Happiness is inside us
in our minds
in our thinking.
It is not external material things or experiences
but the enjoyment of our thoughts and feelings.
This is good because our thoughts,
and therefore our happiness,
are up to us.

I wish
I wish
I wish

I were still on vacation!

It's SOOOOOOOOOOO quiet in here.

I'm the only one here... lol

And I am going crazy!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow is our last 1/2 day Friday! booo hooo!!!!!

Going for a pedicure. I do look forward to that. :)
I love a good rub and massage on my feet... and my calves....
That, coupled with my massaging chair.. woohoo!!!
*smiles

Yep.. it's been a long week!!!!!
lol

Sleepy head! Thursday is here - Thank Goodness!

This is Erin,Brooke & Brandon.
This is Erin, Brooke & Brandon just waking up.
Heck, Erin doesn't even have clothes on yet. lol!

This is how I feel this morning.
SO WORN OUT!!!!!!!

Now you've seen me straight out of bed. Feel closer to me now? lol

I am serious. This week has kicked my butt. I have had the most difficult time getting back on track.

I am SO much looking forward to the weekend. I need to feel refreshed. :)

Oh, but til then - Happy Thursday! What a beautiful day it is. I understand that it's going to be a hot one. Keep cool! Drink lots of fluids...... think happy thoughts... and have a super day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PHOTO: This is me and my precious kiddos JUST waking up. No bad time for a photo opportunity! I figured this. We all have sleepy bed head faces in the morning. You might as well see me this way, heck... 1/2 the time I'm blogging (from home) I am sitting there 1/2 asleep/awake.... with a towel wrapped around me. :) lol

What a long, hot day!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have visitors here today, so we can't much play around..... *giggles

However, I always find time to blog!

Today is dragging!!!!! We're about to change over from one system to another, here at work, so we're kinda just "waiting". Tomorrow we don't work at all on our programs. So, I just might be blogging lots and lots!!!!

I don't have lots to say. I'm still daydreaming every available moment about my vacation. I honestly loved it so much. I need to get away more often..... :) I don't relax enough. I need to "chill"

OK. I'm a little distracted. I better get back to work.....

PHOTO: This is a great picture I took from the Great Stirrup Cay private Island in the Bahamas. That is our ship, beyond the rocks & water. We had to take a Tender Boat to the Island. What an amazing day that was. I felt so free at that beach. Not a care in the world. And to see how happy my husband and children were.... priceless. It was simply amazing. Life..... what a beautiful gift. And what an incredible opportunity I was given, to be able to have taken that vacation, with my family. I am so blessed. :)

Happy HUMP day! Happy August!

August 1st. WOW. Where has the summer gone????

And.... the worst part about it being August is, THIS IS MY LAST 1/2 DAY FRIDAY!! Oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!! Flex time is coming to an end!!!!! YUCK!!

Beginning next week, I am back to FULL days! eww! Bleah!!!

Oh well...... a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. (lol)

Hump day picture - it took some guts to put that pic on there. But, it's me.... 100% natural, me. :)

Happy Wednesday.

Another work day down.....
:) I look forward to the weekend. :)

Today was peaceful at work. Nothing major. I did get a lot of things in order...

Tonight, the kids have their sidekicks with them. Heck, I think they've been with their best friends since we've returned from our trip.

It's like being a parent to 4 kids! Can't complain, I love those kids!!!!!

Running out.... catch up with my blogging later!!!!

Photo by Erin.
Peaceful picture from sea.
One of my favorite parts of my vacation. Relaxing on the Balcony, watching the sun set....over the ocean. Ahhhhh..... pure beauty. Incredible.

It's Official!

Yep!!! It's the real deal.... I booked our next cruise! (lol)
Sailing on the Dawn Again! SAME EXACT CABIN! 11066~ August 10, 2008.
This Cruise will take us to Bermuda ONLY! wooooohooo!!! 3 glorious days in paradise!!! It's over a year away, but watch how time flies!

Anyway, I thought I'd mention it. Nice to think about, and look forward to.

Picture by Erin :)
Fish

Ewww...

It's
Only
Tuesday?!?!?

UGH!

*smiles....


Happy Tuesday!!!!!!!

lol @ Myself in that picture. :)

Had to share it. Hope it makes you smile, too! Life just isn't any fun if you can't laugh at yourself....


So, last night I was so worn out. Funny thing was, I couldn't go to sleep until almost Midnight. I think my body is just used to being on vacation. I kept telling myself that I need to get some sleep, but I just couldn't do it. lol!!!!
This morning my smooth Jazz station woke me up, over and over again. Snooze button.... Smooth Jazz.... Snooze button..... Smooth Jazz.... lol. I finally sat up and had my coffee 45 minutes after the alarm had started going off. I only had 15 minutes to relax, watch the news, drink my coffee, and visit with my hubby, before hopping in the shower. I allow A LOT of time in the morning before getting up... why? Well, it's more relaxing and better for the body. There's nothing worse than waiting til the last minute, and having to jump right out of bed. I love my quiet time in the morning. I really do. :)

Ut-oh. I have to run. I have a meeting at 10:00. Be back later. I'm feeling much more alive today. lol! It only took me 4 days!!! :P

Monday After work

Long day. Tired girl....

First day back at work. It was not easy getting back on track.
I hope tomorrow is a better day.


Hope this message finds you in a happy place.

(note - you may be viewing my vacation pics a lot) :)
I have tons to share, so I'll be posting them along the way. This picture was taken on our walk up the hill, from Horseshoe Bay Beach. Beautiful walk, gorgeous views....

Happy Monday! Back at work. Yes, back at work. I can hardly believe that I am here. It feels like I've been away from my desk for a month, yet - it feels like forever since I was on that beautiful ship. It's so strange. Life is so strange.......

I'm still not feeling totally normal (partly because I'm not normal to begin with)... but I feel like my equilibrium is off. Not kidding. I feel so weird. Very similar to how it feels when anxiety takes over..... I hope I feel normal again, soon.


Be back later. Have lots of catching up to do.

photo's compliments of me. This one was taken at Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda.

A few pictures from my vacation!

I have about 600 more pictures!!! LOL
BUT, this is a good start. I actually made a huge movie, but it was to large to upload. :( So, I'll post a few, here and there.


Turn up the volume!!!There's fun music to listen to!

Sunday Afternoon

Good Afternoon World!!!! Hellllllooooooooooo!!!!!

Well, where do I begin????

We arrived home yesterday, early afternoon. I was completely exhausted, dizzy, and feeling really terrible. I don't know how many of you have cruised before.. but here's the scoop. When I cruise, I am 100% perfect feeling on the ship. When I get home: Totally different story. NO joke. lol! I feel so bad. Every time I stand up, I think I'm going to fall over. It's so weird. The term for this is: Sea Legs. They're not kidding. And, Brooke....poor poor Brooke! She was more sick feeling than me! She actually got really sick! She woke me up at 2:00 a.m. I had no idea where I was. lolol!!! I was so tired and confused. AND DIZZY! Recovery is tough, but well worth it. Heck, I think next time I'll wear that little patch behind my ear. I understand that it really helps a lot. It's worth a try.

So, My trip. It was awesome. We had our ups.... we had our downs... But, over all.... It was awesome!!!! And, the kids loved it so much. They really didn't know what to expect. Brandon came out of his shell, and was totally different the whole week Very outgoing, etc... not a care in the world. He really surprised us. If nothing else, watching him on the trip was well worth all the time and effort put into this vacation. I honestly feel that way.

We went to the Bahamas. It was "OK". Nassau was not very impressive. Not for any bad reason, but it just didn't feel like the place for me. Not very relaxing. And, somewhat dirty. I know, it sounds strange. BUT, if you've been there, you might agree. Now, the second stop in the Bahamas, the Great Stirrup Cay Island- that was beautiful. The water was crystal clear, and the pretty little fish would swim right up to us. I even got a few nibbles on my arm (lol). My gold bracelet with the dangle heart must have gotten their attention. They would bite at me a little. It didn't hurt. It was really cute. I stayed in the water most of the day at Great Stirrup Cay. I loved it. The only bad part about it was when I somehow managed to twist my ankle. It didn't bother me until that night. I woke up in a lot of pain. I have no idea what happened. But, luckily, it didn't last the whole rest of the trip. Only about a day or two.

And Bermuda.....oh, Bermuda. I LOVE Bermuda!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE Bermuda! The people. The sights, the beaches... oh my. Everyone smiles and waves. Everyone. The buildings are all pastel colors. The beaches are amazing. Pink sand, clear blue/green water. Breath taking......... paradise. :) Can you tell I love Bermuda?

I feel like it was a real successful trip. OK..... so I booked for next year! I just didn't secure a date. We do know that we'll be taking the same ship, and we'll be cruising to Bermuda only. I look forward to being there for 3 days straight. If you've never been there, you should go. :)

I have so many pictures! I will post them randomly. I have created a movie, but it's too large to post, so I have to have hubby split it, and then I'll post it. :)

I hope everyone out there is happy, healthy and fine. And a smile is planted on your face while reading this post~

Back to Life, Back to Reality.....

Home....

Safe, and sound. And - totally exhausted.

Will share soon. I have 647 pictures to go through & Lots of stories. I'm just too dizzy to do anything right now.

Be back shortly......

And so, off I go!
I am leaving very early in the morning, so this will be my final blog until I return.

Don't forget to visit next week! I'm sure I'll have lots of pictures & Stories to "show & tell"

This blog of mine. Someday I'm going to print it all out, and have a nice size journal of "my life". I look forward to it, because - It really does matter. :) It's the little things in life, that add up, to the "Big Things".

May happiness surround you, and hugs an kisses land on you, in all the right places.

Catch ya next week.

Our bags are packed. As a matter a fact, they are already packed in the van. :)

Hubby took the kids to Barnes and Noble for the Harry Potter events. Brandon and Brooke were troopers this afternoon. They waited for over an hour to get wristbrand for the book reservation. There must have been 1,000 people there. It was crazy. Of course I pulled out the camera and got a few pictures. I'll post them sometime. Fun stuff. And, tonight - at 11:15 p.m they will begin to line people up in some order based on their wristband - so at 12:01 a.m , they will all be able to buy their book! Very exciting time for Brandon. He's a die hard Harry Potter fan. He's been reading the books since he was only in 1st grade. It was amazing. Hubby would read a chapter, then he would let Brandon read it. He would ask Brandon questions, and he'd always know the answer. Super smart boy. 1st grade is very young to be reading at the level. (Mommy here, just bragging about her smarty pants boy). It's pretty cool. He reads and reads, until he passes out. lol Heck, they know us well at the Library. :) Good stuff!

So, now I sit in silence. No laundry to do, no packing, no lists, no cleaning. I just sit, and blog. I feel good about this trip, my health, and my life. I am just as content as I can be. Oh, and I found the most sexy swim suit this afternoon!!! I bought it, brought it home, put it on... ran around the house in it, and the kids laughed at how silly I was acting. :) It felt good to just be me. :) :) :) :) The silly Mom they have always known me to be.

Well, I think I might make myself a cup of tea. That sounds really nice right now.

I think I'm really ready for this vacation. FINALLY.

And you. I hope you all enjoy your weekend. I hope when the sun rises, it shines bright, upon your face. And I hope, it makes you smile.

:)

HAPPY WEEKEND!

LMAO @ That picture!!!!!!!

LOL!!!!!

Well, I have been given a clean bill of health. Yippie!!!!! You go girl!!! :)

Only thing is, I have shrunk! lol Not in my booty, or any place like that.... I have been 5' 4" for years. Not anymore!!! I'm only 5' 3 1/4" now. Hmmmmmmmm not funny! I thought I felt short because I always wear high shoes, and when I take them off I feel short. But, nope..... I'm just shrinking! SO, I have to take more calcium - and a good multi vitamin. That seems easy enough. Oh, and higher shoes. lol :)

But, everything else is beautiful. So, I'm happy :)

Ok, I'll blog more in a bit. I think I'm all set for my trip. :) It's such a refreshing feeling.

Gonna run a bit more. I love it. I love it love it love it!

:)

Hope this message finds you in good health, and happy with life. C'mon, give me a smile :)

Adios!

Happy Friday!! Oh happy happy day!!!

Actually, a little nervous. I have to see a Doctor this morning. YUCK! 10:45 a.m. I do not enjoy going to the doctor. Especially "that kind". :P But, hopefully I will get a clean bill of health (lol, I am VERY clean). :) Funny. I'm like a porn star (down there). When I have these appointments, I usually let some grass grow (lmao) but no time for that! Well, it's beautiful this way - and it's all tanned and stuff.. so why should I worry? I guess I just don't want to feel judged. But, it's a personal preference. So, who cares!!!!! And, I love it this way!

Other than that......Almost ready to go. Whew. I am so excited. SO nervous! I can't wait til tomorrow morning!!!! I may blog a lot today, just to relieve some mental pressure. It helps me relax. Deep breath! :)

AND, tonight, HARRY POTTER! Book #7. Brandon has his book on reserve at Barnes and Noble. So, we have to get him there at 5:00 p.m to get his wristbrand. Then, at 8:00 p.m the events begin. AND, at Midnight, he gets his book - and home we go! I'm in for a long day! lol. He is soooooooo excited. I'm excited for him.

Brooke is wearing me out. :) (not really) But, having a girl is a big job. I had to paint her toes last night, as well as take her shopping yesterday, for... EVERYTHING! We had a great time, however... it is exhausting!


And hubby.... well, today is his last work day. He's beside himself with excitement. I'm looking forward to him coming home, and being on vacation - with me! He rarely gets a break. So, this is huge. wooohooo!

Gotta run. More blogging later.

This is my life.

Crazy or not, here I am!

And a HAPPY THURSDAY TO YOU!

Oh, this is nice. I'm sitting here at 8:45 a.m, in my towel! Nope, not rushing off to work....not sucking down my last sip of coffee as fast as I can... Just sitting here, fresh out of the shower, smiling about the fact that I am on "leisure time". lol

You??? Enjoying life? I sure hope so.

As I've heard all my life (from dear ole' Dad)......

Life is not a dress rehearsal
------------------------------

So, I say..............
This is it, baby!
Live life to the fullest.
We don't have yesterday, anymore. It's gone.
Today, we must dance. Or, hug. Maybe just smile.
Because we don't know about tomorrow. It's a mystery.
So love one another. And be your best you.
Today.

Happiness comes from within.
Our hearts can hold more than you think.
Embrace it <3

Happy Thursday.

Just be yourself.

It is official!
I am home from work, and now I can say with 100% certainty - I AM ON VACATION!!!!!

Wooohoooo!

Let's Celebrate!

WOW!!! It's STORMY out there.......

I hope the wind and rain doesn't sweep my car off the highway and throw me into space, on my way home from work.

THAT would be just my luck!


lol

So, it's 1:00 p.m, and I have 3 hours to go. I am very excited about this time off. I haven't had a vacation in 7 months. A whole week. SO, this is going to be a huge treat!

About my trip. I'm pretty nervous. I worry about things that "normal" people may not even think twice about.
Here's a few......

The Hallways to the Staterooms. Narrow. Oh my. Scary. Closed in. Can't stand the thought of it. However, I think since we're in a Suite, on the 11th deck - we have an open Atrium type of layout, not the closed in hallways. Mental note *Bring a brown paper bag. (lol) breath in - breath out......

The Balcony, in our Suite.....
Suddenly, I worry that my Almost teenage kids, will slip, and fall off. Um... Erin... They are designed in such a way that nothing like that will happen. It takes effort, for someone to go over.... *mental note: Kids will not be allowed to wear Heelys during this trip... (lol) As if they even wear them anymore!!!! lol. See, I'm a freak! Need meds! (j/k)

Forget about the stress over missing the ship. That is the most hysterical part. I'm not the one that stresses over this subject so much. *clears throat. We're leaving at 7:00 a.m on Saturday. We have to drive into Manhattan. The trip, door to port - 76 miles. It's an hour and 20 minute ride. We leave at 7:00 a.m. Why so early? Well, we have it all figured out. If the Van has mechanical issues, we can call AAA, and still have time to walk there and arrive on time! LMAO! :) Or, if we get lost.... even with the use of our handy GPS, and MAPQUEST, and directions from NCL.... you just never know. Heck, you know how those female drivers can be! lol! Oh, here's the best part.... if we DO get lost, even with all the backup, and we ask for directions.... each and every single time (no fail) we get back on the road, and hubby will ask... "Were you paying attention?" I always answer, "Nope, were you?" ... "nope" L-M-A-O! Would we call that ADD (Attention deficit disorder) or what???? :-) (( Did I mention that the ship is set to sail at 4:00 p.m.)) I think we'll be okay.... *wink

Ok... and then, what if all goes well.. we get past the check in point, and I have forgotten something important? C'mon.... Even though I have packed as if we're on a 6 month "holiday" (lol) and have made a list, and checked it 1,000 times..... I will forget SOMETHING of importance. And, nobody will be able to convince me that it's not so important... toothpaste? No problem... we can pick it up on the ship. But, still... I worry. :)

Okay. This is just the beginning of what goes on in this head of mine when it comes to planning a trip, and getting it to work out, without a flaw... And then I think... Is all of this really worth worrying about? And I know the answer right away.

Of course not.

SO, I relax..... and I enjoy the few days before the journey....

And, I so love the thought of relaxing, and soaking up each and every new adventure coming my way.

:)

Happy HUMP day!!!!!!!

It's raining, it's pouring - but this little girl aint snoring!!!! It's my LAST work day!!!! At 4:00 p.m - I am officially on Vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wooohoooooo!!!!!!

So, let me begin this day with a sexy hump day picture! Can you find me in that mix? Oh.... wait, I'm not in there! Silly me ~
Oh well, maybe next time! :P

Happy Wednesday!

Silly Erin.... What am I still doing up??? It's 11:30 p.m. It's way past bedtime.

Yeah.... It is. It's been quite a day. A nice day. Lot's of good stuff. Nice emails, not to busy at work. Nice evening. What more could I ask for?

It's late. I am so guilty of not blogging like I normally do. Lot's on my mind. So much going on. I Will catch up.

I have so much to say. Nothing ever really thrilling... but still... I'm full of stories, and thoughts, and ideas. This is a nice place to share. I hope you stick with me. I'm not a genius, but I hope that my "stuff" counts, and matters.....

Good night.

Sleep well.

Sweet Dreams. Now, and always.