General Session of Stake Conference

Chris left the house this morning with Brennan and Kerstyn at 6:30. I'm so glad that he took them so I didn't have to run around like crazy getting them where they had to be. I don't like mornings...

Anyway, I arrived at the stake center about 9:10 with the younger 3 children. Brennan and Kerstyn were already in their youth meeting, which started at 8:40.

The kids did pretty well this morning, considering that they sat in their seats about 2 hours and 45 minutes total. That is a long time.

The meeting was wonderful. The spirit was there and the messages were simple and inspiring. Released today was the stake presidency. President and Sister Carter have been called to serve a mission in Buenos Aires so they had to release him and call a new Stake Presidency. Today, they called President Ingalls, Stake President, Derek Berge, First Counselor and Bishop Jackson, Second Counselor. We feel blessed to have such wonderful leaders.

Church weekend

Chris got up and headed to the gym. I really like that he goes to the gym on Saturday morning so that he can save my bike for cycle class. He got my bike and worked out himself. I got there later than I had planned and rushed into cycle class. I absolutely love that class! The teacher is great and the music is always just perfect! Following cycle class, I went running for a little over 2 miles on the treadmill. While running, Chris came out of the locker room in his suit headed for the stake center. He looked so handsome!

He went to the stake center and then came home for about an hour before he had to go back for the Priesthood Leadership meeting. He needed me to go to Lowe's with his trailer and get some plywood to help complete the ramps that he needed to construct for the cars at church to be able to get over the curb to park. I did not want to drive the Pilot with the trailer, but I did, out of love. I guess that I looked way out of place in my dress and heels at Lowe's because the people there were very eager to help...

I delivered my Lowe's purchase back to the church parking lot and then went to Chili's to meet Danette, Debbie and Madison for dinner. We had a nice time and then headed to church for the Adult Session of Stake Conference. The meeting was wonderful!

It was a very busy, but good day.

The girls

I love my girls. They are both quite a bit like me, which can some times be hard. But, I am very blessed to have 2 daughters!

Temple night

Chris and I rushed to the temple this evening to go through a session with the Stake leaders. I can't do the experience justice with words. It was wonderful. It was perfect. It was needed.

I love the temple and even more, I LOVE going there with my eternal companion.

Gotta love her!

I truly believe that she thinks she is a person.

She loves attention.

She is super sweet with the kids.

She is the perfect Shipley dog!

Loving Florida!

The weather is gorgeous, so we went to a water park. Yes, in February!

Good times were had by all! We sure did miss Brennan this weekend though. But I am thankful for the opportunity he had to attend Youth Conference.

A nice visit

Our ward had to attend church in the Apopka building this morning since the youth were at the stake center. We started 30 minutes earlier, which was 9:30 and I was glad that we made it on time.

We were scheduled to have a few youth arrive at our house for a discussion in the afternoon. We were blessed to have 3 young men come and share a discussion with us. I'll tell you what, the church is going to be in good hands! These boys were on top of it and had the spirit with them.

Brennan was out doing the same thing. I hope that he got to share his great testimony with those that he visited too.

For dinner, we had baked spaghetti, garlic bread and a pumpkin pie for Chris that Grandma made. Tasty!

Youth Conference and Solo and Ensemble

The oldest two kids and I were up bright and early this moring. Brennan had to be dropped off at the church for his first Youth Conference at 7:30. He will be spending the night next two nights at a host home and spending the next 3 days doing church things. I'm pretty excited for him.

I had to take Greyson and Lauklan up to the church this afternoon for an activity for the children aged 6 - 11 that the youth were doing for them. When I picked them up, Brennan was pretty upset. That, of course, upset me. I told him to call after he got to the host home and he did. He was doing a little better at that time. But, he did tell us that he did need a sleeping bag and a right dress shoe. He appartently took two left dress shoes. So, Mom to the rescue! I delivered a sleeping bag and a right dress shoe to the church. I had a really bad headache, and ended up going to the wrong meeting place, but in the end, he got his stuff and he ended up having a better time.

After I dropped off Brennan, I headed to Tavares High School to drop off Kerstyn for her first ever Solo and Ensemble Competition. She was going to play a French Horn duet and a Piano solo. I took this picture after I picked her up around 3. She got an excellet score in both of her pieces. I was quite proud of her considering it was her first time. Way to go Kerstyn!

Yuck!

I had one of those days! Yuck. I was super stressed and overwhelmed and then when I got to the gym, later than I usually do because I was doing too much, I couldn't get in my favorite spin class because all the bikes were taken!

I then proceeded to have a pity party for myself. I can't do everything that is asked of me from my children and do something for me. That was how I was feeling. I don't want to be fat again. I want to exercise. I feel better about myself. Call it shallow if you want, but I need it. I crave it. I deserve it. Don't I?

Anyway, I ended up being paged in the gym. Somehow I ended up getting a bike. I was so glad! I was determined to earn that spot so I pushed myself really hard even though I was already sore. I'm going to be feeling that tomorrow!

After talking to Chris later tonight, I felt better and he gave me some good suggestions for my stress.

Tomorrow is another day.

Valentine's Day

Good job babe!

I saw on someone's status today something that I thought was funny. It said something to the effect of "Happy Singles Awareness Day!" Haha! That sure is true.

I'm sure glad that I have Chris. It's not perfect and it is far from easy, but it is certainly worth it.

Saturday?

Chris headed off to the gym this morning and I followed about an hour later. I did my cycle class and then ran a mile.

I wondered why Chris didn't stop by when he was done so I texted him to see where he was. Guess? Work. Meeting with clients.

He worked today from 9:30 - 5. Saturday? Really? I don't think so!

However, when he got home, we all loaded up and went to eat dinner. I finally did make it to Publix this afternoon, so I did have some food in the house, but it certainly didn't mean that I felt like cooking.

I even bought myself some pretty flowers while I was at Publix. It was my little Valentine's Day gift to myself.

Already?

We just got back yesterday and the stress has already returned. Can't I get back on that ship and just not face reality for a little while longer?

The office was crazy.

Chris is over worked.

Too much to be done and not enough time.

Ugh!

Back to reality

It was time to say good bye for another year this morning. But it certainly was great!

The weather was awful again. But we got back to the house around 11 and Aislinn and Lauklan wanted to go to school and I took them. The other 3 stayed home unpacking and doing chores while Chris and I went to work.

Guess what? The office was still there!

I went to the gym this evening and missed my cycle class, but climbed some stairs and ran my 5k. It felt really good.

Day at Sea

I didn't take any pictures today, but we had a great time. Chris spent time with each Child individually today, which I thought was great. I layed out by the pool and went on the water coaster with Lauklan. We all just did our own thing and then met up for dinner. Well, some of us did. Greyson and Aislinn didn't want to come, they were having too much fun at their club, so they stayed and played.

We had a great relaxing day, but are sad that we have to get off the ship in the morning.

The good news? I already booked our next cruise. We leave January 28, 2012 for a 7 night Eastern Caribbean Cruise. We will spend 3 days at sea, one day on Castaway Cay and 2 days in the Virgin Islands!

Can't wait!

Castaway Cay

The weather today was absolutely beautiful! We got off the ship about 10 and got situated on the island. The kids played with us for a while and then the younger 3 went to the kids area. Kerstyn took off to go hang out with the tweens and Brennan stayed with the old people. We had a super relaxing day for Chris' birthday!

I think this was one of the most relaxing birthdays Chris has had in at least the last 9 years!

Tonight's theme was pirate night and the boys got into that. There was also a pirate party on the top deck where they shot off fireworks and everything. It was great fun.

Brennan watched Tron Legacy today. I'm not sure how many times, but he says he's happy. The other kids play and play.

The wait staff sang to Chris for his birthday which was really cute. He doesn't really like it, I guess it embarrasses him, I think it's cute.

Down to Nassau

Aislinn thought it was great to lay in the porthole in our room and look at all the water.

We didn't get off the ship today. I was awaken by Aislinn around 7:30 and we headed down to breakfast a little after that. Well, some of us did. Following breakfast, Chris and I went to the gym while the kids did what they wanted to do.


I had a spa appointment at 11 something and then our couples choice appointment at 12:30. Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed that.


We spent the rest of the day doing exactly what we wanted to do.


Dinner was still sparsely attended by the children and Chris and I had Remy reservations right after dinner so the kids played in the clubs and Grandma did what she wanted.


Did we even bring Kerstyn? I haven't seen her much at all except for passing in the ships halls.
Dinner at Remy was fun, but Chris and I have absolutely no idea what we ate. Well, we have some idea on some of the stuff, but most, nope, no idea.

It was good and I'm glad we went, but next time, it is back to Palo where we have a better idea of what we're eating.

Bon Voyage!

I finally dragged Chris out of the office this morning about 10. He went up there about 5:30 and worked until I almost lost my head.

Mom met us at the house around 11 and we were off to Port Canaveral. The weather is absolutely ugly so I am hoping that it will be better on the cruise.

We were so excited when we saw the ship. We got registered and loaded that thing as soon as they would let us. It was super busy.

Below, you see us waiting in the terminal to get on the ship.

Once we got on, which I think was about 1, we walked around some, Chris and I got reservations for Remy and then we went to the buffet for some lunch. Tasty!

You see our relaxed faces? We are now on vacation!
I think Greyson was gone getting more food... ;)

The girls went off doing things, and the boys did the same, so Chris, Nancy and I headed to walk around the ship. I headed us to the spa, of course, and we got the tour. I booked a facial for this afternoon and another treatment for tomorrow and a couples choice, which is a massage and other stuff for Chris and I tomorrow.

Let the relaxing begin!

For dinner, it was just Aislinn and the adults and Aislinn didn't even make it all the way through dinner before she wanted to head to the Oceaneer's Club.

I think the younger two were in bed about 10:30 and the older three didn't make it until about midnight.

Getting ready

Chris and I both went to do things that had to be done this morning. Tomorrow is the day that we leave on the ship. I needed a manicure and pedicure and Chris had to do some stuff around the house and we both went to the gym.

I packed us all up and took Shelby to get boarded then tonight, we went out to eat with the Lugos and Higleys at the new Mexican restaurant here. We had a nice time.

On to some ship fun!

Ladies and Gentleman

Aislinn had her Ladies and Gentleman Celebration today at school. It is their 100th day celebration and she wanted me to come.

They learned how to dance and worked on their manners for weeks.

I was glad to see her.

Preparation

Aislinn had to stop doing the nebulizer in the morning before school because she was getting on yellow the days that she did. It makes her quite hyper and therefore, she is a behavior problem. Since her coughing had improved, I was able to do that, but she has still had to do it twice in the evening and it is helping. I'm praying that she will be totally well by Sunday.

We give her a notebook and crayons and she makes us sweet masterpieces while she does her treatment.

Just awful!

I had a relief society meeting tonight which I totally forgot about until my sweet mother in law sent me an email and reminded me. Because I feel that I should do my best to attend my meetings, I went, even though I was late.

I knew that Chris had client appointments scheduled until 7 which meant that he should be able to leave the office by 8. So, I had the kids all showered and bathed and the last few eating and I ran off to my meeting.

I texted Chris about 7:30 and told him that I was leaving the house, thinking all the while that he should be there in about 30 minutes at the latest. However, I called all the kids together before I left and told them to be in bed by 8 if Daddy was home or not. I mean, seriously, the older 2 are 14 and 12 and all they have to do is make it 30 minutes. Right? Wrong!

At around 8:20, I started getting text after text from Brennan and Kerstyn telling me who was being bad and what was going on. It's after 8! They are supposed to be in bed. Nope.

So, I had to leave my meeting and go home. Of course they were in bed by the time I arrived, but I called them out and went on my rant. It wasn't pretty.

I called Chris on my way on his cell. No answer. So, I called the office phone. No answer. I looked at the office on my way home and he was there. FRUSTRATING!!!

Finally after I got all the kids in bed and was certainly at my limit, Chris calls about 9. I was trying to be nice, but really, it was hard. I told him, again, how important it was that he answer me when I call. I can understand the text, because if it is really important, I'm going to call. But, I really need him to answer the phone when I call. He said that his cell was in his office and he was still with clients at almost 9 p.m.

All I can say is that we're having a family meeting in the morning and that we can't get on that ship soon enough on Sunday morning. Take me away! Literally.