Pensacola 2012 ~ A Change in Beach Plans

We intended to go to Pensacola Beach today. As we crossed the bridge we were informed, however, that it was a Red Flag Alert day meaning the surf was dangerous. We decided to go ahead and check it out. The waves were HUGE and no one was allowed in the water. I had Eli and Brynne pose for a quick picture, and then we decided to go on the non-gulf side to a public beach there. I figured the kids would want to actually play in the water if we were at the beach.

This beach was not nearly as nice. The water wasn't crystal blue. But, the waves were enough that the kiddos were super happy.

We stayed for about two hours. They jumped in the waves and played in the sand collecting pieces of shells.

It was a fun day for them, although they were tired, ready for baths, and to have a Wii marathon.

Mom and I went on a bike ride. I haven't done that in YEARS so .... Ouch!! I'm getting ready to fix us a yummy dinner of salmon, veggies, and rice. We're hungry after our hard day!

Pensacola 2012 ~ Grandma's Beach

We have been in Pensacola, Florida, since Saturday evening, enjoying Spring Break at my mom and dad's vacation home. The drive down was nice and easy, except for our short time in Louisiana. I've never liked Louisiana, and now I can say I pretty much despise it. You don't really need to know why I do ... just know that I do!

Anyway, once we hit Florida, it's been been wonderful! We have been needing this break!

So far our time has been spent doing some shopping, reading, relaxing, and going to "Grandma's Beach".

My parents' house is one block off the bay in the Navy Point area in Pensacola. The Naval Aviation base is just across from it. There is a tiny little beach a short walk away. It's straight ahead where you see that bench.

If you turn around right here, you can see my parents' house with the orange roof.

The little beach is perfect for us! There is a rope swing that occupies the kids forever. My mom and I take our little beach chairs down to sit our feet in the water, or sit on the park bench in the shade. Eli and Brynne jump in the waves, swing on the rope swing, or play in the sand. Both days we've gone, they have played with other children who are there. It's usually pretty quiet, though.

One day we saw a hermit crab, another day we saw sea gulls swooping down into the water catching fish.

And then we had the pleasure of seeing the Blue Angels fly over. SO COOL!

Tomorrow we are going to Pensacola Beach. Then on Wednesday we are getting up to go watch the Blue Angels practice and go to the aviation museum.

One of the Hard Parts

I remember one time when I was in college and I got sick, I mean REALLY sick! I had the full-out flu! I was an independent young woman, living in an apartment all by myself in my college town, going to school full time taking about 18 hours a semester, and working between 30-40 hours a week at a law office. I could pretty much handle anything. But I got so sick! I missed two weeks of work and school. A secretary at my office did a good job of acting as surrogate mother to me, bringing me food, popcicles, medicine, and magazines.

After a full week or so, I thought I might be getting better. Then I took another turn for the worse. I finally gave in and called home. I talked to my dad and told him how sick I was. He asked if I wanted him to come get me (they only lived 30 miles away), but I told him, "no". Then my mom called me back later after she got home and the moment I heard her voice I burst into tears. She asked if I wanted her to come get me and I immediately cried, "Yes!" (I remember learning later how much that hurt my dad's feelings.) I just needed my mom! She and my sister drove up and picked me up. We had to stop a few times for me to throw up. I threw up all night, and then went to the doctor the next morning. I spent a few more days recuperating at home.

No matter how old you are ... no matter how independent you are ... no matter who offers to help you ... when you are sick, you want your mom.

I talked to Kyndal today, after she had tried to get ahold of me several times yesterday, and she is really sick ... again. She has been sick a lot since she moved. She sounds horrible. She needs rest, a humidifier, some vapor rub, a steady dose of medicines, soup, and juice. And she needs someone to take care of her.

This is one of the really hard parts about her being five hours away. I can't do anything but give her advice when she is sick. I'd give anything to have her here, wrapped up on the couch, making sure she was taking her medicine and getting rest. She's so independent that she might not let me. But, maybe she would. There's nothing better than mom when you're sick.

I am praying for her to get better soon.

Date Night

Yep, I had TWO date nights this week, with TWO DIFFERENT MEN!

On Thursday night, Dawson and I got to spend the evening together, eating dinner out and doing some shopping.

Last night, Rick and I did the same thing. However, we skipped Taco Bell and went to Charleston's instead. We had a nice, quiet meal together, after I visited his new office. (He is so happy at his new job and that makes ME happy! One great perk is that they work a longer day Monday through Thursday so they can have EVERY Friday afternoon off. AND the golf course is a block away from his office. Hmmmm ... wonder if I'll see him on any Friday afternoons. Probably not.)

After dinner we went home to get the kids ready for bed, and then went to do a little shopping ourselves. I needed to return a swimming suit of Brynne's to Old Navy. We picked up a few more goodies while we were there. And then it was time to get groceries for the bachelor pad that our house will become at about 3:00 p.m. today.

I've mentioned before how much I enjoy our grocery shopping dates. I see a lot of married couples together and they are usually fighting and so grouchy and undeniably miserable. But to me, it's just another opportunity for Rick and I to squeeze in some time together ALONE (well, with hundreds of other people and their screaming kids). It's hard to carve out time when you have kids ... we all know that. And getting groceries together is just another time for us to hang out. Rick's a constant comedian, so he actually makes it fun.

It was a nice evening together! And now I'm getting all packed up to leave him behind for a week while the Littles and I bask in the sun of Pensacola, Florida!

You have a wonderful week next week! I'll be back ...

Date Night

But, it wasn't with who you might think ...

Dawson and I had a little date night last night. I dropped him off at church (to practice running the PowerPoint for church service on Sunday) and I ran some errands until he was done. Then I picked him up for our date.

We went to Taco Bell for dinner. (Ambiance is not required when you are with your teenage son. In fact, it's kind of discouraged.) Then we went to do some shopping. Dawson just continues to grow and grow, and he needed some new summer clothes. He's so fun, because he just loves all the quirky t-shirts that are out there. So he stocked up. His other two clothing-items-of-choice are cargo shorts and beanies. He scored on both.

Dawson loves to shop, so he's a lot of fun! He even helped me pick out some things for the other kids, including swimming suits for Brynne.

I think one-on-one time with your children is so important. As they get older, it seems to get harder to get them to make the time for you, especially when you spend most of the day with them already! I am blessed that Dawson likes to spend time with me. He's a great companion!

He'll be staying home from Florida this next week for Spring Break .... his choice. He looks so forward to long school breaks because his two best friends come over for the entire break and they have some very important guy time. His only request is that Rick take them to see Act of Valor, and then they want to go with him to play in a pool tournament at church tomorrow night.

I am grateful for the time we were able to spend together last night. I have learned not to take those moments for granted.

Now, tonight .... Date night with my man! Ambiance is required.

Thankful for Love

I sit this morning feeling a deep settling feeling of peace and thankfulness. Do you ever have those moments?

I am thankful for a marriage of honor and respect. Things may not always be perfectly perfect, but I always feel like there is a giving and considerate attitude between us. I love Rick very much and I really love that he loves me. I know that I can always count on him.

I am thankful for the long conversations I had with Kyndal yesterday. She is such a strong young lady. I am also thankful for her boyfriend, who seems to be very intent on taking care of her.

I am thankful for the incredible young man Dawson is becoming. I love his friends and their relationships with Dawson and our family. Dawson is someone I have the pleasure of spending time with.

I am thankful for the news we received yesterday that Dawson's cyst/tooth issue is going to be able to be handled in an efficient and effective manner.

I am thankful for my little two stinkers. They find such joy in such simple things! They give 100% to everything they do and just truly enjoy it. Watching Brynne draw, Eli play with his toys, hear their heart-felt thanks when they get a new pair of pjs or a new pair of tennis shoes. I am cherishing this time with them.

I am thankful for the opportunity to spend time with my mom and sister next week in sunny Florida. We are so ready for some rest and relaxation that I know we will get!

I am thankful for the privilege of educating my children. I am excited for what they will learn every single day. I can't wait to have them all home next year.

I am thankful for my husband's new job. He is so happy there, so fulfilled, and one block away from the golf course (which makes HIM thankful!)

I am thankful for buds on the trees and spring shrubs. It's about time to start my garden, get my flower pots planted. The beauty of Spring is upon us.

I am thankful that it's now warm enough that I can resume my spot on my back porch. It is such a peaceful and relaxing place for me. I just sit and have a beverage, read, and watch the dogs and kids play.

I am thankful that I am feeling a little better every day, and that I have lost the last of my pounds I wanted to lose before summer.

I am SO thankful for God who takes care of things for me. I am thankful that I have been able to BE STILL and let God BE GOD. He has proven faithful to me again.

I am thankful for all of these things because they make me feel loved, protected, and at peace.

Nicole's Daybook

Outside my window... it's going to be another beautiful, sunny 80 degree day! Lovely!!

I am thinking... about how sometimes you just have to chuckle at the absurdity of a situation. I mean, really?

I am thankful ... for Rick's opportunity to enjoy watching Amanda play volleyball this weekend. He was so proud of her!

I am wearing... my jammies and robe. I'm sitting in bed having a nice, first cup of coffee before I start my busy day.

I am planning...  a really fun and interesting month of May for our homeschool. It's student-request month.
 

I am creating... (with Brynne) some yummy treats for an English tea party we are having later this week.

I am going... to read as many books as I can while in Florida next week!

I am reading...  The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom, My Name is Mary Sutter by Robin Oliveira (I am SERIOUSLY going to finish it in Florida next week!), City of Orphans by Avi (Dawson's daily read-a-loud), The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (Brynne's daily read-a-loud),  Stepping Heavenward by E. Prentiss (my daily devotional), Beautiful in God's Eyes by Elizabeth George (book study I am doing with a friend, doing one chapter every two weeks), For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn.

I am hoping... that Dawson's best friend starts homeschooling next year. Now that online high school is available in our town (through our local high school), a few of Dawson's friends are thoroughly considering it as an option. I think many, many parents are starting to see the downfalls to a public school education and are taking the big leap. I know it's a decision we (and I mean me AND Dawson) have not regretted for one minute! He says all his friends are jealous!

From the learning rooms... Dawson has moved onto the building of, filth and gangs of New York City in the early 1900's. He is also learning about the Feedback mechanisms of cells. He has finished up Slaughterhouse Five, so is doing some summary activities of it. Then he will move on to a new novel that he is excited about, Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne. Brynne and I have launched into a HUGE study on The Secret Garden, which is perfect for Springtime! It has definitely given me Spring Fever.  It will keep us very busy until the end of April. Eli met his AR goal yesterday! He had to read 25 books to meet it in just one quarter. And, he finished it early! Way to go Eli!!!

Noticing that ... I have absolutely no reason to be fearful anymore.

From the kitchen... will soon be boys eating guy stuff on their Spring Break retreat at our house. Dawson always looks so forward to having his two best buddies all to himself for days on end to hang out with, play Xbox, and just relax. I'll stock the fridge so they are happy boys. They gave me their grocery list last night. Both boys have to bring a 24 pack of soda for their weekly rent. Life is good as a teenage boy at our house!

Around the house... are laundry baskets ready to be packed with Spring Break clothes! Florida, here we come!!!

One of my favorite things... going for a nice afternoon walk with my kids and Crusoe. Something so cool about watching your little ones scooter ahead and hanging back having a nice, easy conversation with your 6'3" son.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Today I have Bible study, and then need to drop off my grandma's birthday package at the post office. Dawson also has a consultation with our dentist about his cyst issue. He wants to stop and get a few new clothes. Brynne needs a new swimming suit for our trip. On Wednesday afternoon, Brynne has a tea party birthday party to go to for one of her friends. On Thursday evening, I am going in to Rick's new office to meet his new bosses. Then he has asked if I would like to go out for a nice dinner. Yes. I. would. Can't wait! On Friday we have Co-op and then we are zipping home to get everything ready for our trip to Florida. My mom and sister are driving down to our house Friday night, and we are leaving for Florida at about 4 a.m. on Saturday. You won't be hearing from me all week. I am taking a blogging and brain break. Much needed!!

From my picture journal.

Hope it's warm enough to do THIS next week!

Lots of women Daybook. See what they have to say at The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Menu Plan Monday

Yeah, okay, I don't like just having a list of dinners and us picking one each morning. That's not enough planning for me.

So, here's what I am PLANNING for us to have this week:

Monday ~ Burritos

Tuesday ~ Homemade chicken and noodles

Wednesday ~ Chicken and bows

Thursday ~ Date night for us, pizza rolls for the kiddos

Friday ~ Bacon, egg and cheese biscuits

Saturday and Sunday (and all next week) ~ Rick and Dawson are on their own cause the Littles and I will be in Florida for the week. Hallelujah!!

Mother and Daughter

Kyndal was here very briefly today. Her boyfriend and cousin were with her. So while they were upstairs playing Xbox with Dawson, she and I had the chance to just sit and talk for a while. It was nice just to talk, and to feel a strong relationship despite our physical distance. Things are just how I knew things would be for her, both the good and the bad. But, she seems happy and as secure as possible. And, ultimately, that's all I can hope for her. There are realities that are difficult, circumstances we both have to live with. But a mother and daughter we still are ... probably stronger than ever.

At the NKOTBSB concert this past summer.

An Unfair Game of Tug-of-War

Since the beginning of the year, I have been involved in a situation.

It's really a situation I have been dealing with for many years, because of a consequence of my past.

Unfortunately it has involved "the one" and "the other one", "innocents" in the situation.

I've always tried to make decisions based on what's best for the innocents. I haven't always done what's right. I have made mistakes. I freely admit that. But I have never made decisions or mistakes because I was trying to hurt someone or "be right" or to get the "one up" or be in control or retaliate. Truly the decisions have been made out of LOVE for the innocents.

The current situation brings me to a fork in the road. Go one way or the other.

A right of the one has been denied, unfairly. On the one's behalf, I could do something. I have seriously considered doing something. I even started doing something.

But what I have found over the past few months is that I have been pulled into a tug-of-war in which I do not care to be. Pulling on my end of the rope is love and responsibility. Pulling on the other end is spite and control. I started calling on my own spite and control to help me, and both quickly came to my side to help me pull. But, the tug-of-war has continued ... and will continue with more heavy hitters being added to each side. And I don't want to be on the side of spite or control or worse. I have felt sick at my stomach since those two joined me. Because spite, control and love cannot ever be on the same side.

When I practiced law, I would have clients come in and fight to the bloody death because of the "principle of the point". I would always tell clients that "principle" would cost them a lot of money. What they always found out was that it ended up costing a whole lot more.

I could continue this, and maybe I should. But, ultimately, the one who will lose the most will be the only one who matters. And I love him too much to allow that to happen. The other one has already lost much in this tug-of-war, more than she may ever know, and will continue to lose.

So, I am letting go of the rope. It is taking more strength to let go of it than to keep pulling.

I am giving up a right that I have on behalf of the one I love, because I love.

Rick and I have discussed this at length and it is he who gave me the advice and courage to do it. Why? Because of love, and integrity, and responsibility. I am so grateful to him. Without him, I would have to continue to fight. He is an amazing man who supports me in so many ways ... physically, emotionally, financially. He is willing to step up and let his rights be stomped on, because of love. He's not happy about it, mind you. But, to him, it's more important for our family to have the freedom to live our lives how we choose without someone else having a hand in controlling it.

I know that I have a God who loves me. He will protect me. He will obtain His justice in His time. He has not called me to be the one to take care of it. I will trust Him.

So, congratulations to my opponent. He wins. Or does he? I think, in the end, he will have lost much more than he has gained.

"The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still." ~ Exodus 14:14