Iberostar -- The Grand Collection

I brought my computer on vacation so I could possibly, maybe do a few things.  I thought about tackling my paper for school, there was a small chance I could read my email and if I was really insightful between pina coladas and mai tai's I could write the blog.  I was actually able to bust a few paragraphs of my paper out on our trip down here, my work email is not giving me access, AND I decided to post a few of the random pictures to the blog.  So here goes......

1. My morning run

Yesterday morning my run was miserably hot.  I started around 745 or 8 and goodness it was just too much.  This morning I started at 715 and decided to run on the beach.  I did a quick 20 minutes and figured that was better than nothing!  How can you not be grateful for this?  My body is working and though at times it feels desperately old -- it is still working.  

 2. The amazing food & drinks
One of the goals was to come back the same weight as when I left.  At this point I have realized that is basically impossible.  The drinks are heavenly and the food is absolutely amazing.  AND you don't even have to walk to the bar -- they bring you the drinks.  

3.  FaceTime & technology
I am so grateful that I am still able to connect to all of my boys.  Cameron has lost 2 teeth since I have been here so being able to actually SEE his crazy smile makes me happy.  I have also been able to connect with Rouzer at all hours of the day.  He is pretty freaking wonderful and whenever I talk to him it makes me walk a bit lighter.

4. Time with Jo
The trip was planned so I could actually spend some time with my mom.  It has been great spending time with her and just hanging out.  I had to add the picture of her when she fell at the pool and needed a band-aid.  It was a hoot.

5. BOOKS
I finished my book.  On to the next.  All of this time reading seems over indulgent.

Is it crazy that the TIME relaxing seems indulgent and not the insane amounts of sugary drinks and boat loads of food?

6. Rouzer
I could not post this without a shout-out to my husband.  He is holding the fort down right now.  The twins are in Chicago but Mike is working 12-14 hour days, taking care of Jack and still has a smile on his face.  I feel so freaking lucky to have a husband who supports me, sends me to the spa, makes sure I am doing well and then takes care of any loose ends that haven't yet been addressed.  To say that I feel loved is an understatement.  He is the absolute best.

The tripS

1. 8 am bedtime

Goodness I was exhausted yesterday after work.  It was a long week of working, birthday celebrations and Mike getting ready for his first huge job.  I am also still getting over this damn cough & congestion.  Basically, last night I was way too excited to be in bed, asleep by 8:15.  

2. The trips

So to catch up the few readers of this blog....and to help me remember the details in 30 years....

We had to cancel Hawaii.  Towards the beginning of March Mike put in a bid for a post construction clean.  We know that these things always get pushed but we decided that the reward of winning the bid was worth the risk of it over lapping with Hawaii.  We found out he got the bid and then a few days later we found out that the start date was pushed to March 23rd.  That was the first day of our vacation.  

Here's the thing.  This is a good problem to have.  And though a had a few tears from disappointment it was an easy decision to make to cancel Hawaii.  Mike has been working so hard for things like this and we could not pass it up.  Since I already had the time off I decided to take a 4 night girls trip with my mom to Dominican Republic.  This was a quick decision that all fell into place a little too fast giving me a tad bit of anxiety --- but now things are set -- and we leave on Monday morning.  

The boys are still in Chicago for Spring Break and Jack will stay here with Mike in daycare.  

So basically, it is a little bit of low and disappointment (and Mike doesn't get a vacation which is sad) BUT overall it is absolutely HUGE for RCS.  I could not be more proud of Mike.  He is a freaking beast.

3.  Mike cleaned the kitchen last night

When I sit and type my blog I try and think of not only the huge things going on in our lives but all of the tiny, day to day things that make me happy.  This is one of the many.  Last night I legit did NO housework.  My legs hurt from working all day and I couldn't muster the energy to do the dishes.  Knowing I would be up bright and early I urged Mike to just "leave the mess" for me in the morning. That doesn't go over so well with his soul and when I woke up this morning.....the kitchen was completed.  Thank you Mike!

Yes, I am an ass because I should of sucked it up and cleaned the dishes knowing that he has been working ALL DAY LONG.  

4.  The sunshine

Yesterday after work Jack and I headed straight outside.  It was heavenly.  Mike stopped home for a short break and was able to give us some kisses.  Mandy and the kids came out before dinner and we were all able to catch up while OUTSIDE.  Hopefully the boys build fabulous decks this summer and we can spend lots and lots of time together.  **I would like to note, even if they don't build fabulous decks -- we will be spending lots of time together.**

5.  The last drive up to 201 or 215.

So this is a strange one and it's been on my mind a lot lately.  On Wednesday, Mike took the boys up to meet Greg.  If things go according to plan, it will be the last time we drop the boys off.  Even to type it out is strange.  For almost exactly 7 years Greg has been living in Chicago with his parents he has always talked about moving back but about a month ago he told me that it was actually happening.  When we first heard the news I will admit that there were lots of tears.  Changing this up after so long is terrifying to me.  Terrifying.  As tears continue to flow down my cheeks as I type, I must remind myself that it will all be just fine.  Clearly, it is just the fear of the unknown.  ...well and more things that I don't want to type out.  Either way, it will be interesting to see how this change shakes up life a bit.  

The boys had to do a project a few weeks ago about their family.  They could do anything to the shamrock to represent any part of their family.  This was Cameron's.  In the morning Owen and I asked if he wanted to change the picture to EVERYONE in the family.  He agreed.  Before I ripped his project apart I snapped a quick pic.  I think that my favorite part is how he cut the picture of us into a heart and the pip cleaner on the bottom is shaped as a heart as well.

"What happened to your blog"

1. Cincy Wedding

A date weekend with my husband was pretty wonderful.  Mike was in a wedding on Saturday night so we headed to Cincinnati Friday afternoon for the entire weekend.  We had so much fun these two nights.  We stayed in a really posh hotel, I was able to do NOTHING for an entire day and we had almost 48 hours to just talk with each other.  It was pretty wonderful.  

2.  Laughing until my belly hurts

I had to post two of the many out takes that we had from this weekend.  We constantly have pictures like this.  Though they show my double chin and forehead full of wrinkles I decided that every now and then I needed to put these pictures into the world.  Constant laughter.

3.  My laptop
I am pretty sure that this has made the list before but I am grateful these days that I am able to bring my work along with me making life significantly easier.  For example, right now I am sitting in my pajamas, in bed. I am maximizing my comfort and hoping to knock out an hour or two of work.  This weekend I did the same thing -- but I was in bed at the hotel.  **Clearly I love being in bed.**

4.  The haircuts are so much better
Recently I have been looking at Cameron and Owen thinking, "holy shit--you are OLD."  While they are telling me some crazy story about Ninjas I am legit just staring at them wondering where my baby went.  It is crazy -- and to be honest -- not all that wonderful.  Don't get me wrong, I want them to grow up, but yikes it is happening fast.  Anyways, I decided to blame the haircuts.  They are so much better.  On a side note: please stop growing up.

5. Jack's vocabulary
Holy moly his vocabulary is insane.  A few weeks ago he started talking in full sentences.  It happens over night and if you are not careful you just completely miss it.  Don't worry -- he is still my sweetest little one.  I mean he is still two.  But he is able to clearly tell us no he doesn't want something or no leave me alone.  Yup, I think that his favorite word is still NO.   Now we just have more words to determine his exact feelings.

6. My parents
I need to add in the awesomeness of my parents.  Right now they are dealing with the terrible illness that ran through our house.  Trust me, it was not fun at all.  But this weekend they stayed with the boys so we could travel to Cincy for the wedding.  Watching all three boys is no cake walk especially when you feel like ASS. Thank you for being the best.

Avid Blog Reader

This is a few days behind....because that is how I have been rolling lately....just a tad bit behind.  

Rouzer turned 30!!  Birthdays are a BIG thing for Mike.  BIG.  On the other hand, I have a hard time wrapping my arms around them.  This year we were planning on doing a huge trip for Mike's birthday.  The trip ended up being Hawaii and the plan was the leave on the 23rd.  That was the plan. I even purchased Mike the BEST birthday card representing this fabulous trip.  Well 2 days before his birthday we sadly had to cancel our trip.  A few tears were involved but it also left me high and dry on a birthday plan for my husband.  

Before I tell you about the day, I want to jot down a few quick words about why I am in love with Mike.  It goes without saying (and is not why I am in love with him) but my husband is sexy AF.  His beautiful green eyes make my heart melt every time I see him.  On to the parts that are actually about the things that make Mike so wonderful.   ...He makes me laugh until I am crying, he is dedicated to his family, he is the hardest working man that I know, he is passionate, he is TERRIBLE at directions, he is always always prompt, he is consistent, he is a great cook, he is an avid blog reader and he is insanely easy to be around.  

Last night we were talking as we were getting ready for bed.  As I was half listening to him I was thinking, "ahhhh--I am so lucky that he is my best friend."  Cheers to another 30 years with this man by my side.

I found out that these were not actually his glasses.  He just wore them in the picture so he could look like Rick!

Breakfast before he headed to work.

I took off work so we could celebrate his birthday ON his birthday and without kids.  He was able to pick anywhere he wanted to go --- he decided to go to GiGi's.  We played pool, watched basketball, ate gross bar food and then he wanted to do a shot.  Gross.  I asked for a SMALL shot.  This is what we received.  I only took a few sips.  Basically -- I can't hang with someone who just turned 30.  Clearly I am old.

One last thing about Mike's birthday.  I didn't mess his cake up this year.  I made 2 days in advance and it turned out perfect.  I have ideas for improving for next year (like adding MORE frosting) but overall it turned out pretty wonderful.

days filled with nothing

1. Baking with the boys

I have been craving cake pops for over a week.  Strange craving -- I know.  Yesterday morning I decided to act on this and the boys and I tried our hand at these bites of heaven.  First, they were not as simple as I thought.  Second, we made WAY too many.  Third, I had a lot of fun in the kitchen with my littles.  

2. Friday Night with my parents
Friday afternoon Mike needed some peace and quiet in order to write up a bid.  At the last minute the boys and I decided to drop by my parents and crash their Friday night with our shenanigans.  It was great to sit and catch up with my mom while the boys played iPads and Jack ran around crazy.  Eventually Mike joined the party.  We had Some Guys for dinner (YUM) and everyone was on their best behavior.  It was great!  Fingers crossed that Mike gets the bid!!

 3. Saturday of NOTHING
We are all a bit under the weather this weekend with a terrible cold.  Jack even had to hit up the doctor this week and was put on steroids for his breathing.  Yesterday we did a lot of nothing and it was beautiful.  I was up before 5am with Jack who never took a nap -- that part was sad.

Pile of boys.  We stayed in pajamas all morning until heading to get ingredients for cake pops.

 3. Sunday Goals
I have the same goals for today that I accomplished yesterday.  Nothing.  Just sit around and be together.  This morning Owen made muffins while Jack helped.  Mike is still asleep.  I have a hair appointment this afternoon.  Burgers on the grill.   Doing a lot of just being together.  Legos, coloring,.... Basically -- just enjoying the day to day life.  Oh, and I am wearing my hiking boots around the house to break them in.

4.  Owen's immune system
I used to have the immune system made of steal.  This has been passed to Owen and mine has been on a down hill slope the past few months.  I am super jealous of his ability to watch the rest of the family get sick and not be affected in the slightest bit.

5. Cameron's imagination
Last night I was building lego's with Cameron and was instantly impressed by his imagination.  He is able to make ships, buildings, create stories and have entire worlds that are formed in his head.  I sat and tried to create a lego house.  It was rough. It made me instantly impressed with his creations.  He always makes it look so easy -- and it probably is in his own head.  After sitting and watching him in awe I realized that this his one of his many great creative talents.

NO title --got nothin'

1. I am alone in the house right now

I needed to add a bit of Mike in the blog today.  Making him the first on the list will save some time so he doesn't have to scroll through the blog looking for his name.  Anyways, the point I want to make --- I am grateful right now that I don't have to smell his farts that make the entire house smell terrible.

That's it.  Love you babe.

 2. Homework is relatively easy
People ask me all of the time how I help the boys with their homework. My usual reply is that they are in first grade and first graders usually don't need help with homework.  Maybe down the road we will be on the spanish struggle bus more.  Well every now and then we have to pull out google translate and figure out some vocab. Yesterday the pictures were absolutely insane.  We could not even determine what words were to translate.  At one point I said, "I can see that it is a basket holding umbrellas but what a strange thing....what word do we use."  Later in the evening I noticed that Sra Isley posted intrusions/help on ClassDojo.

3.  Afternoon coffee

Rouzer had coffee ready for me the past two days when I woke up.  It's pretty wonderful and makes me happy.

4. A night off

I have learned to cherish the hell out of Tuesday night.  I am always a bit exhausted but spending time with all of my boys makes me so happy.  It's like this break in the week that keeps me a bit rejuvenated. 

5.  The exact same spot

I am zoning out and tired and just sitting staring at my computer having a hard time concentrating.  Mike just came up and said with a big smile, "Are you are on the exact same spot that you were when I got home?"  YUP -- I have been just sitting dicking around for 40 minutes.  Clearly I need to buck up and move one.  Grateful that I have the time to just sit and "BE" for a few short minutes before moving on to the next.  

Now I am going to go refill my coffee.

Shark tooth

1. Mustache Day

The boys have been celebrating Dr. Seuss week and on Friday they had mustache day.  After drawing on Cameron's mustache he backed up and admired himself in the mirror.  Then he said, "With my mustache and my shark tooth necklace I look like a real man."  

Then when I got to school for lunch Friday afternoon his mustache was barely there and he looked like a preteen trying to grow his mustache.  Basically -- all day his mustache made me smile.  

2. Lunch at school

Another surprise lunch under the books.  This time the kids ate lunch in the classroom so Cameron joined us in Owen's class.  I was also able to talk with Sra Isley about Owen being extremely chatty in class recently.  I had no idea he was getting in trouble at school so it was a good thing I showed up.

3. Raincoats
This has been the forecast recently for Kauai.  March is the rainy season.  Hopefully Kauai gets all the rain out of the way before we show up.  If not -- we can use raincoats.

4. Ibuprofen on hand
Jack woke up with a temp this morning.  He has been absolutely perfect all week so I am hopeful it's just a fluke since we have the cousin slumber party tonight.  Grateful that I have a thermometer and meds on hand and it was a relatively low stress situation.

5.  Rick helping us with our finances
Three years ago we made a trip to Columbus so Rick could help us make goals and get our finances in shape.  We have pretty much followed his advice but have found ourselves with more savings, a new company and need more ways to invest.  I was able to send him all of our information so he is fully taking everything over.  Yay!

6. Starting School
This weekend I plan on paying to start school and begin my journey towards getting my Masters.  Yikes -- yes, I am adding MORE to this already full plate.  I know, I should reread some old posts.  I can't be a night shift manager forever so I am hoping to bust this work out and then hoping that more doors open with this on my resume.