Yes, it's another list

I know I haven't blogged in a while but I have been busy. My little family went on a summer vacation and it was delightful. We went on a cruise to the Caribbean. We have never cruised before but we hope to again. Here are some things I have learned about taking a cruise:

1. Totally plan your flight through the cruise company. That way if you have flight delays ( which we did) the cruise co. will make every effort to make sure you board the ship- even if it means departing from the port a half hour later.

2. If you are going for the food remember that the chefs are preparing food for a multitude of people. Our chefs prepared over 22,000 meals a day on our cruise. What does this mean? Well don't look to have 5star meals. The meals were fine and we enjoyed them but I would call it upper class cafeteria cuisine.

3. You don't need to pack a ton of clothing. I would suggest packing the following
a. 2 swim suits
b. Swim suit cover-up
c. One moderately dressy out fit- 2 if you are going on a 7- day cruise.
d. 2 pr. undies per day on ship- if you're a chick don't forget bras.
e. 1pr. jammies
f. comfortable light weight outfits for each port stop
g. 1 pr. dress shoes, 1pr. flip-flops for casual wear. 1. pr. rugged shoes/ water shoes for port stops. ( you could add more if you are a shoe maven or fill the need to match your shoes to your outfits.)
h. 4 pr. casual shorts and 4 casual tops for hanging out on the ship during the day.
i. 2 sun dresses if you're a chick and 2 pr. slacks/ 2polos if you a dude- if you plan on doing dinner in the dinning room. I saw a lot of people in shorts and shirts but I wouldn't wear cut-offs and t shirts- tacky.
j. Hair dryer
k. hair conditioner, toothbrush and tooth paste. Also hair products and tools (they supply you with shampoo, and shower gel and razors)
L. Sun screen- you'll fry yourself if you're not careful.
m. Dramamine- non-drowsy-- Even if you don't think you'll need it- trust me on this one.
n. Camera and if you are doing water excursions you'll want a disposable waterproof one as well.
4. If you plan port of call excursions research them thoroughly. We Went to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum and most of our time was spent traveling to get there. In the end we only had two hours at the actual site. You can go it on your own if you are confident with your knowledge of the area.
5. Purchase the drink card. It's totally worth it. $20 for kids, $25 for adults.
6. Order food that you normally wouldn't- it's part of the adventure- takes photos of it too.
7. Watch out for the ship paparazzi- they will hunt you down and take picture after picture of you and charge you your life savings to purchase them.
8. Be careful with your purchases with your sign and sail card. It is easy to just keep charging to it.
9. Have a car service take you to and from the airport or boarding site. We were fortunate to have a very good friend take us to the airport and pick us up. It was so nice not to have to worry about leaving a vehicle and we were tuckered out when we arrived back home so it was nice to not have to do the driving back to our home. THANK YOU, SANDY!!
10. Have a great time and don't sweat the small stuff- it's your vacation after all.

It takes a village!!

A couple of years ago a certain former First Lady wrote a book entitled, "It takes a Village". I have always thought it to be a bit silly. Anyway, I often make reference to the title. If I am helping a friend or a friend is helping me with various parenting issues I usually make the remark, "It takes a village" doesn't it?

Well, let me tell you about my village. It is filled with loving,caring and wise people. They offer encouragement, a shoulder to cry on, and when counting to 10 or saying the alphabet does cool the jets a listening ear. They don't cast judgment but offer advice. The common bond in this village is our love for Jesus.

Having a village is important and I am thankful for mine.

My little buddy, Mason is doing well. The village went to see him this afternoon. He is a trooper!! I would be in a mood most foul if I were two and in a hospital bed. Anyway, I know he is on the mend because he did "jazz hands" for me. I love to teach him dance moves from time to time and he was all about the "jazz hands" today. He was a smiley, happy bumble- I call him a bumble because when he runs it's more of a bounce and his hair bounces too. His parents are doing well and I am so glad to see that weight of worry gone from them. He may be able to come home tomorrow night!! Raise the roof!!

Our friends from AZ are here. It's funny how when you haven't seen someone for a long time and then when you finallysee them, it's like you just saw them the day before. I am trying to come up with a way to keep them here- for good! They are an important part of our lives and are like part of our family. I wouldn't be part of the village if it weren't for the Petersen's. They are truly a blessing .

Have a most wonderful evening.

A new day

Hello and good Tuesday to you.

Today, I am feeling very thankful. Why you ask? Well, let me tell you.

Our little friend, Mason, had heart surgery yesterday. It was a long day of waiting- I can't begin to imagine what his mom and dad must have been going through. Surgery went well and I suspect that my little friend will be up and bumbling around in no time. God is good!!

Also, our good friends from AZ are coming for a visit. We haven't seen them in over 4 years.

My kids are helping each other and being kind to one another. This makes me smile

I am thankful for so much more let me tell you- I am overflowing with thankfulness. Take time to think about what you're thankful for-- It will make you smile !!

Free to be ME

Happy 4th of July!!

Today is the holiday all about freedom. As I was thinking about all that I am free to do as an American- something often take for granted- I began to think of all the freedom I have as a Christian- something I really take for granted. I have the freedom to talk to God and to listen to him every single minute of every single day. I have the freedom to love. The freedom to forgive. The freedom to help others. The freedom to encourage. The freedom to stand up for what I believe in. The freedom to be forgiven. Because I know Christ is my Savior, I have the freedom to walk away from sin and spend eternity with Him. How awesome is that?

Thank you, God!!

Have a nice 4th!

Enjoy your freedom!!

Free to be ME