Back to normal

Today is the first time that we have had a normal day in three weeks. With Doug and I going out of town and then we all went out of town to a cabin for a week. Well during the cabin time we find out that Taylor has the chicken pox. She was out of school all last week. Fortunately for her she had a very mild case. She ended up with only 23 that we counted. Today she was finally able to go back to school. So we are back to normal life, getting all the kids up early, taking Jessica to Seminary, getting Taylor and Spencer off to school, getting Hunter off to school, taking the seminary students to school, going grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry, phone calls, doctors appointments, homework, volleyball practice, football practice (it just got cancelled for tonight, so now our day is not a normal day, but pretty close), and in between having a dinner (enchiladas tonight, that I still need to make). The best thing is that we get to have Family Home Evening tonight instead of on another night, like we usually have to. Hey at least we do it. I might have a busy life, but it is my life and I would not change it for the world. I love my husband and children so much and appreciate each one of them differently. I hope you all have a great normal day too!!

Beach Baby

Doug and I were went to Sandestin, Florida. He went for a work conference, I went for a vacation. We went from Sunday to Friday and it was heavenly to me. We did have some bumps along the way, but it ended up fantastic. When we showed up our room was OK for one person, but it was a small studio with a kitchen, but it had a broken toilet seat, no iron, and it smelled a little funny,come to find out the smell was from paint, but it did not smell like paint to me. It had a gorgeous view of the water though. We complained and they fixed the toilet seat, and brought us an iron. We were not really in the room at all, so we didn't complain anymore. Sunday night we relaxed and got ready for the next day. Doug went off at 7:30am to his conference and I headed to the gym to work out. Then I headed back to get cleaned up and then I headed for a day at the spa. I know these are some scary pictures, but hey I felt fantastic afterwards. I had a massage, salt glow body treatment (which was heavenly), and a facial. I forgot to ask for pictures till the end so I look a little worked over. Well, I lost a key to our room so we went to the front desk to receive a new one. We told the guy of all of our complaints and so he upgraded us immediately for no extra charge. Here is what our new room looked liked and it didn't smell. A living room, with a full kitchen, one bedroom, two bath room. It was so much better than our last room.

A few different views from our balcony.

We were able to hit the beach for a few hours, before having to go to dinner. It was very, very relaxing to me. Unfortunately Doug was there to work, but he did have each afternoon and evening with me.

We enjoyed every evening on the beach taking walks and just enjoying each other and what Heavenly Father has created.

I of course enjoyed shopping every day. The outlet stores were just a mile from our resort and I found some great finds. I got three new pairs of shoes, a new dress (three sizes smaller), two pairs of shorts, four new shirts, and a few other things. I also purchased beach chairs, towels, and an umbrella. It was cheaper to buy these things then rent them from the resort everyday.

Well hurricane Ike decided to make waves for us. The beach ended up being closed to swimming on Wed. afternoon and by Thursday afternoon this is what the beach looked liked. The resort staff started to collect the trash barrels, chairs, umbrellas off of the beach. The night before the water had made its way up to the stairs leading to the resort.

We took a walk on the beach that afternoon and I came across this bird with only one foot. The water up to the stairs to the resort. Yes I got wet taking this picture. In fact I was soaked from the waist down. Well since the beach was closed to swimming, we hit the pool. It was still humid and hot, but not unbearable. I could have stayed there all day, but Doug needed to do some work and I wanted to spend every minute I could with him. Double red flags were flying. Water is closed to the public and you could be arrested.

Every other day the yellow and purple flags were flying. Which meant there was dangerous marine life in the area, we did see a jelly fish washed up, but I did not have my camera with me.

All in all that was a very fun, relaxing, and enjoyable vacation I have had in a long time. The only other thing that would have made it perfect was if Doug did not have to work. I can't complain since everything was paid for except my food and trip to the spa. Thank you Doug for giving me a trip I will always remember and cherish. I love you!!! I did not want to come home. Of course while I am writing this I am in a cabin up in the Georgia mountains on another vacation. Yes, I am spoiled. The kids have their fall break this week. My mother came in to watch the kids for us last week while we were on vacation and now we are enjoying her company and relaxing up at a cabin where the weather is a nice cool 70. I will post more later. I almost forgot, we found this chocolate store who had the most amazing carmel turtle apples. I had to bring one home.

What the??Already??

I know I don't look old enough to have a daughter that is old enough to drive,

(at least that is what people are always telling me, keep it up) but here is the proof. Jessica has had her permit for almost a year now. She is finally getting very comfortable behind the wheel. She can have the radio on now while she drives and sure is singing right along with it. We still need to work on the freeway driving, but she is a pretty good driver. She will be able to get her license in about 8 weeks. It just seems like yesterday that she was walking. Anyways you could be glad you don't live here or be sad that she can't help you take your kids where they need to be. I am for one so excited that she will be able to drive herself to school from seminary, volleyball practice, track, and to the many many other things that she is involved in. She will end up being just like the rest of us and end up hating to drive, but I will take advantage of it for as long as I can. It brings me a little more freedom and time.

Four eyes are better than two

Taylor has worn glasses for a year now, but it was time to get her some new ones. Of course her prescription changed and now she pretty much has to wear them all of the time, except for reading. She would not let me get a good picture of her with them on, but I finally managed a decent one. She loves them but has a hard time remembering to wear them. I catch her squinting all of the time and have to tell her to go and get her glasses.

Sequoyah Volleyball Classic

I have been trying to post this for over a week now, but I have been so busy that I would start to put pictures on then I would get called away for one reason or another and just save it. This was Jessica's first volleyball game/tournament of the season. I did not put up any more pictures. Here are a few: Her warming up, her team in a huddle getting ready for the game. Jessica is the one in the white shirt #8. Her shirt is different from her teammates because she plays the position Libero. (I am sure I spelled that wrong) What is the Libero? In the dictionary its definition is: free from difficulty or obstacles. I had know idea and I still don't understand all of it, but it is the person who is the digger or passer (passes the ball), who only plays the back row. Jessica loves the position. She plays the whole game and only rotates out when one girl on her team serves the ball, then she is right back in. Her coach put her at this position, because she is fast and passes the ball the best. This is her first year of playing real volleyball. She loves the sport, the girls on the team, and her coach (who happens to be LDS).

Jessica with her two best friends Alyssa, who is the team manager, and Seth who goes to a different school, but is in our ward. His mom and him came to watch her play. I just erased the picture of them from the front and I am sick of this post, because I keep messing up so here is one from the back, they are checking out the competition.

Jessica and Seth Jessica serving the ball. They one their first two matches, then lost out there last two. Overall Jessica did great.