Spring Break Cruise 2015 - Part 2

Where were we?  Oh yea, String Ray City.  This was not what I had expected.  I don't know what I expected but it was not it.  It was cool, don't get me wrong but... it's a sand bar in the middle of a bay with hundreds of sting rays.  Wild sting rays, swimming around... free. While I knew in my head there was really nothing to be afraid of... I was COMPLETELY FREAKED OUT!   

I'll let the pictures tell the story...

Annie and Jack's first touch...

  

Annie holding me seemed to help.

Jack is holding a sting ray.

I am holding on to Jack's back for dear life.

my turn to touch it...

and on the right side you'll see a GINORMOUS

sting ray swimming up.

just look how big it is! (on the right)

I'm terrified!

Somehow Jack convinced me to kiss it with him.

Look at Annie's face, even she's a little freaked out.

I'm holding on to Jack for dear life again.

The kids turn to get up close and personal.

 

Annie coaching Jake threw it... pucker up!

Ha ha!

And Jake got a backrub!

Me, at a safe distance, in the boat.

Sting Ray City

On to more snorkeling...

Annie (on the right) preparing to jump in

Jack and Jake got to feed the fish...

Annie enjoying the scenery.

Captain Marvin's Snorkel tour

Four thumbs up!

Jake has no fear and loved to dive down.

One of our guides swam down and

got a MORAY EEL to eat

it swam out about three feet before backing back into it's hiding spot.

I wasn't sure exactly what he was doing...

Jake heard me scream underwater.

Fun but exhausting.

Friday was our last port - Cozemel, Mexico.

Annie, Jack and I left Jake on the ship and did a bit of shopping.  Back to the boat to get ready for an afternoon of snorkeling.  We took a taxi to the Money Bar.   

we had a bite to eat and met our group.

Get ready...

attractive

ha ha!

Our first spot had lots of star fish.

the second spot was much deeper

Jake enjoyed diving down deep.

It was cool!

If I were to pick my favorite snorkeling, it would have to be Grand Cayman.  They water was clearer and not as rough.  And Captain Marvin's is top notch!  

Then back to the ship...

For formal night #2

 

 

It was a two dessert kind of night.

I just realized I forgot to post a couple pictures of formal night #1.

 

 

Annie pointed out her dessert said banana's yet only came with one.

So sweet Melissa corrected the situation.

It made us all smile.

Jake's review of the food...

bread thumb up!

Homeward bound.

It was a fun trip.  I think we all needed.  Time to rest, relax and reconnect.  The ride home was pretty quiet.  The kids were in the back seat with technology and headphones and catching up on all they missed.

Jack and I did make plans for our next cruise.  We will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary in January, 2017.  Unfortunately, the cruise schedule doesn't go out that far but we have decided to celebrate in October, 2016 and sail on the Harmony of the Seas from Barcelona, Spain. We are very excited!  2016 will be a big travel year for Jack and I.  We will be going with the kids and Jack's folks to Hawaii in June, after Jake graduates.

xo

Spring Break Cruise 2015 - Part 1

Annie and Jack are downstairs watching the Walking Dead finale (I don't watch it.  It's too scary for me) and I was asked to go (ok, banished) upstairs and told to blog.  (true story)  I apologize for keeping everyone waiting on our trip in review.  :-)

Navigator of the Seas

Spring Break 2015

After a leisurely morning we got on the ship around noon.  As veteran cruisers we don't have to wait in the long lines.  We simply drop off our luggage, go through security, stop at the inspection table - I always bring on a 12 pack of soda and they open the box and make sure I'm not trying to sneak on alcohol, then we check in and walk right on.  In our experience, the Port of Galveston seems to have it down to a fine science.  Smooth as long as there isn't any fog and thankfully we didn't encounter any fog this trip.

This was our first time on Navigator of the Seas.  It had recently gone into dry dock and gotten a face lift.  A couple new specialty restaurants were added.  And a new feature called FlowRider, which is basically a wave / surf machine.  We grabbed a bite to eat.  Yes, we had to start off our trip stuffing our faces.  It's a cruise.  That's what you do!  In all seriousness, we didn't gorge ourselves by any means.

After lunch we found a spot on deck and waited until we were allowed to go to our stateroom.  I posted a couple pictures in my last entry of the kids and Jack waiting.  It wan't long and the weather was pleasant.

Our room was the similar to one we have had previously, only on the opposite side of the ship, on Mariner of the Seas.  Everything felt very familiar except for the balcony.  It was a bit different.  But it didn't matter, it was just what we wanted.  This room is shorter and much wider than typical rooms and allowed us to bring in a roll away bed for one for the kids.  Sharing a sofa bed is no longer an option.

The balcony of stateroom 1388

Deck 10 Aft / Port side in the corner

Our balcony was very large with room for two lounge chairs, a short round table, two regular chairs with a bistro size table between them.  On Mariner of the Seas there was an opening in the side so you could see the out.  On this ship there was no opening but it provided shade most of the time. Yes, the view is a bit obstructed with the metal but we don't mind.  

Here are some other pictures of our room.  

Yes, there is a support pole right in the middle.

Wide room...

we like the space...

we don't mind the pole.

We had our first Muster Drill that did not require everyone to wear their life jacket.  

As you can see, the kids were less than happy

with me seeing this as a photo opportunity.

TOO BAD!

Ha ha!

Sunday night we had dinner in the dining room and met our server, Melissa and her assistant, Silvia.  They were fabulous and delightful and unfortunately I never got a picture of either one.  It was our first night dining with them and they got to see us in rare form. Annie was hangry.  If you're not familiar with this term it's when you are so hungry you become angry.  We had chosen the early dining and had to be in the dining room at 5:30 p.m. (CST) each evening so it wasn't like Annie was eating at a later time.  

Hangry Annie

Jake pretending to stab her in the arm.

Yep, this really happened.

She's holding a steak knife so I'm guessing she had steak.

After dinner the kids went to the Living Room, which is where the 12-17 year olds hung out. They played games and made friends.   Their curfew on the ship was 1:00 a.m., which meant Jack or I stayed up until they returned.  It's what we do at home, so why would this be any different?  Annie usually came back earlier than that but Jake was out every single night. They met up with their friends by 10 a.m. most morning, so I was surprised they were both generally up and moving by 9, so they could eat breakfast.  The only day I woke either of them up was the morning we got back to Galveston.  I have to say, I absolutely LOVED the not having to wake them up part!

While the kids went to their teen activities after dinner, Jack and I got to take advantage of our newly acquired "Diamond Status" and went to the Diamond Lounge each evening for Happy Hour.  Free drinks from 5:30-7:00 p.m. every evening.  And during the day it provided a quiet area to read or use the computer.  The kids could use this room during the day time as well and Jake found the espresso machine very handy, although he's become quite a hot tea drinker.   

Jack and I enjoying Happy Hour.

Another perk with our new status was three free pulls on a slot machine in the casino.

As you can see we were big winners.

We each won 6 cents!

Jack and I generally saw the show of the evening.  One night it was the singers and dancers, another was the ice show.  We saw an ex-American Idol contestant.  His name was Jerome Bell and he was PHENOMENAL!  He put on an amazing show!  He is actually their lead vocalist and vocal coach and had to fill in for a ballroom dance couple that had a family emergency and had to get off the ship in Galveston.  We also saw an a cappella group.  I can't remember their name but they were very good and put on quite a show, too.  There was a comedian, who looked really familiar but I think it's because he kind of looks like someone famous.  Ha ha.  That sounded funnier than I intended.  I guess basically I'm saying he wasn't someone I'd heard of, which may not be saying much.    

I realize I'm hoping around here and there but I'm only doing what when I can't remember exactly which night what happened.  Does that make sense?

Monday and Tuesday we were at sea.  I read most of both days.  I don't remember what Jack did.  Jake and Annie hung out with friends.  Monday at some point they had to turn the ship back toward the mouth of the Mississippi to meet a Coast Guard helicopter.  A passenger on board became very ill and had to be evacuated.  The helipad area was cleared for privacy but it was kind of wild watching a helicopter circle the ship before it landed.  

Tuesday night we went ate dinner at Giovanni's Table, a specialty Italian restaurant.  The food was spectacular.  The service however was sub-par and I don't think we will be returning.  The specialty restaurants are "fine dining" and come at an extra cost.  We never expected we would have to ask to have our water glasses filled.  Jack had to ask several times if he could have another glass of ice tea.  ?  It seemed odd having to ask for water.  Enough about this small bump in our trip.

Wednesday we arrived in Falmouth, Jamaica.  We didn't have any excursion plans.  We went into the market area and Annie got some souvenirs for her friends, took some pictures then enjoyed a quiet day on the ship.     

And the guys tried out boogie boarding on FlowRider.

they also did stand up riding

but I didn't get any pictures of it.

Thursday brought snorkeling in Georgetown, Grand Cayman!

While we waited for our excursion we had a snack at Dairy Queen

and watched this little guy in the tree.

    

Annie and Jack snorkeling

a parrot fish

Jake 

showing how long he can hold his breath

thank you tuba lungs.

Next stop Sting Ray Beach...

Think of it like a snack...

It has been brought to my attention that for my family members that don't have Facebook, they are missing out on the vacation pictures I posted.  So, in fairness, I am posting more pictures than I put on Facebook.  :-)

PRE-CRUISE

RodeoHouston - Carnival

Jake, Annie, and Grace are right behind us

and Jerry, Ann Marie and Maryn are following

with our friends (and former neighbors) the Haus family.

I haven't gotten to see Annie's pictures, yet.

The kids enjoyed playing games

We also ate food and walked around one of the Ag Halls.

We saw eggs hatching and kids showing their cows.

And the kids got a kick out of watching other kids ride mechanical bulls.

One thing is certain, it was H U G E !

ROYAL CARIBBEANS

NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS

Waiting until we can go to our stateroom...

Dad, Annie sure is enjoying your camera bag.

She used it as her purse!

enjoying the warm sunshine and the view.

These two crazies...

they had such a good time!

This is just a taste (or snack) of some of our trip.  More soon!

xo

INTRODUCING...

BIG NEWS!

BIG

BIG

BIG

NEWS!

I know it was quick...

I know we had talked about a rescue...

BUT...

We are pleased to introduce you to...

Pilot Kipling

Jake named him Pilot after his favorite band, 21 Pilots

Annie named him Kipling because she thought it was cute

He's a 9 week old mini labradoodle.

lab / poodle

He weights about 4 pounds.

They expect him to weigh about 18 pounds when he's full grown.

His birthday is January 20, 2015.

He loves belly rubs.

And we've only heard him bark once.

We are ALL in love.

I'm working on our trip post.  You can expect it soon - although not tonight.  I'm busy playing with our puppy.

xo

teaching life skills

It's 6:23 a.m. as I begin this. The room is dark and everyone is asleep. We didn't bring a computer this trip so I'm writing on my Kindle.  It likes to anticipate my text and I'm using the swipe typing method so it's messing me up a bit.

Our drive down was uneventful.  We hit rain south of Pryor, Oklahoma and it was steady. We had the wipers on most if the way to Houston. Our car was quiet. Someone was usually sleeping. When I drove I always had the radio on and would quietly sing along. Old or new, rock, country, Christian or whatever else was coming in clear.  I drove through a stretch of hard rain when we got into Texas and was a nervous wreck by the time it was Jack's turn to drive. The rain made no difference, crazy fast Texas drivers were out in force. I'm usually calm under pressure when I drive but I was white knuckling it. Jack tried to talk to me at one point and I snapped something back at him. I don't even recall what exactly.  Let me just say my shoulders were much closer to my ears when I got out of the car. And this morning every muscle in my body hurts.

We ate dinner at Torchy"s Tacos. Jack didn't want to spoil it and resisted snacks all afternoon. He'd been thinking about this meal since our trip to San Antonio. We had stopped in Austin for dinner on Halloween night. I wish I'd taken a picture as he ate... he loves their Baja Shrimp tacos and he"d found a little piece of heaven while he ate. It's entertaining to watch. Annie had them as well and her favorite Fuzzys Tacos have been dethroned. She also had an order of beans that looked enough like a brownie (with caramel and marshmallow sauce... actually taco sauce and sour cream) we were all confused when they were placed on the table.

The drive to our hotel was a short 30 minutes but finding the hotel was tricky. Darkness, poor signage and construction we all against us... even equipped with our GPS.  BUT we made it and we were all exhausted.

This trip I took a different approach to packing. Everyone did their own thing and I didn't micromanage anyone. I didn't double check. I only touched some of Annie's clothes because we are sharing a bag. I was good with that. (Did you notice I said WAS!?)  Jack and Jake are sharing an overnight bag. Jack likes to "move in" and places his clothes in a drawer. As I was walking by said bag on my way to brush my teeth I noticed something... "Jake were are your other clothes?"  All I could see in the bag were a pair of pajama pants, a t-shirt and a pile of socks. !?  Upon closer inspection there was one pair of underwear.  My first thought?  Thank goodness he brought the underwear.  My second thought was panic but I stuffed it back down.  Jake shrugged and said he must have forgotten. Panic would have won but I was too tired. I said, "fold your clothes you'll have to wear them again tomorrow. And the next day."

So, now here I am. Laying in the darkness. Wondering... what else did he forget to pack?  I'm resisting the urge to run outside in my pajamas and retrieve the suitcase. And inspect each chosen item. I'm also fighting it. It's a teaching moment.  Cause and effect.  An action and reaction. He's 17. There are worst things than wearing dirty clothes or teaching him to handwash his underwear in the sink and hanging it on the shower rod to dry.

Here I lay.

Listening to soft breathing.

It's peaceful.

How often do I get so wrapped up in details that I miss these moments?

I am embracing this peace.

I will remember this moment later this morning if/when Jake asks to go shopping for clothes.

I will smile, take a deep breath and tell him I will happily teach him to a life skill...

Sink laundry.

And next time I will only check to make sure everyone has 1) a packing list and 2) all items on said list has been checked off.

XO

Progress!

BIG News!

BIG!

Jake

got

a haircut!

Isn't he handsome!?

 I think so!

In other news...

we finished the closet!

my side

Jack's side

YAY!

I still want to find a large mirror,
but other than that,
this project is complete!

Double yay!

It feels great to have a project done.

My next project is doing a big purge in the basement.
Jack is already on board with that one.
And I'm hoping for the kids to join us, too.

I want to create an art space for Annie.

Something to look forward to after our vacation.

xo

Wild Hair

Before I start - here is a quick update in the closet.  The floors are in and look AMAZING! Jack and I worked together and got it installed on Sunday night.  

---

I noticed it a while back... maybe a year ago.  Who knows, maybe longer.  

I have one, crazy, wild, kinda long, ugly hair that is growing out of my neck.  It's halfway between my chin and collar bone, right smack dab in the middle.  

IT    IS    A BOTHER!

I pull out that sucker every time I get a glimpse of it.  

Jack calls it my 'Billy Goat Gruff.'  

A term of endearment?  I don't think so.  

Whether it's a real hair or a personality trait, a pet peeve or personal imperfection, we all have "wild hairs" that we aren't particularly fond or proud of.  To tell you the truth I can't believe I'm writing about this, but I'm going with what's on my mind.  And today's this is it.

Hopefully, you will never actually see it, but if you do, please, please, please tell me!  Great, now everyone's going to be looking at my neck... just don't make it obvious, ok?  

This crazy, wild, sometimes long, really nasty hair does not define who I am.  

THANK goodness!  

---

Today, I had a tough day at work.  The worst since I started.  I got pinched, scratched, hit, kicked and almost bitten (twice).  I had to use my Crisis Prevention Intervention training, which I am very thankful I have.  This kid is making amazing progress but then we have days like today.  From what I'm told these kind of days were much more frequent before I started. I couldn't help but think, the honeymoon is over, since his wild hair truly got the best of him.  Even on this tough day.  This horrible day.  I have to admit I love this kid.  And I'm so very glad I get to tell him I do and that God does, too.  It's my favorite thing about my new job.  I get to sing about God and talk about God and once a month, we go to Chapel.  (Chapel wasn't today.  It was last Thursday.)  On this day, amid the stress, I felt God working through me.   Maybe it's wasn't as bad a day as I thought.

---

Sometimes one of my own children gets a wild hair.  Yep, they are normal like that.  They do something that gets themselves in trouble.  And we ground them.  Yes, people still do that. And grounding means losing car privileges.  

Ya know, I would really like to meet the person that came up with this whole cockamamie idea.  Why?  Because while losing privileges is punishment for the teenagers with cars, it's much more painful for the parent that has to get up extra early and take the teenagers to school early in the morning.  And pick them up after school because they have this or that... 

deep breath.      

The worst part is, I can't remember exactly how long it was decided the car would be off limits.  I'm pretty sure it was more than three days... ugh!   Jack and I will have to discuss that later.   It will not be long enough to get my Mom taxi bumper stick back out.  (No, I don't really  have one of those.)

---

I'm getting a little rambly and tired but before I close I have a couple requests.  

Please continue to pray for Peggy.  There will be some tough days ahead for her and her family.  Prayers for peace and comfort would be appreciated.

Also, please pray for my dear friend Katie.  She's going to see a neurologist next week.  They don't know what's going on but she had a scary event this weekend and prayers for heal, healing and answers would be great.

xo