jamaica part I

It's been about 5 years since Michael and I have taken a vacation. We've been on some weekend trips here and there, but not a REAL vacation. Alone. No kids. No family. No friends. Just us. We met with a travel agent and told her what we were looking for. A beach that I can sit on, read a book, sleep, and not do anything else if I didn't want to. She talked us into going to an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica. At first I was against it because I eat and drink a lot less than the average person. But since it was our cheapest most frugal option and had everything we wanted we went for it.

The view from  the porch of our room. It was so nice to just walk right out to the pool or the beach whenever we wanted.

Since the resort is all inclusive, you can eat and drink as much as you want. For me that included one or two fruity drinks a day and a plateful of sweet treats at midnight. All of the food was amazing.

Most of the mornings we had breakfast at the buffet. They had everything you could think of, plus some. Michael even tried the fish they were serving.

Lunch was usually pizza at the Italian restaurant or outside seating at Bluefield Beach Club. I had the jerk chicken quesadilla's twice. So yummy. Keep in mind that when you live in a bathing suit for days you don't worry about fixing your hair and just look rough. And this day I was really worn out. Sorry about that.

Another lunch at Bluefield's and an afternoon coffee break.

We both cleaned up pretty well for dinner each night. We tried all of the restaurants and each had something different to offer. The first night I ate these little octopus looking thingys. It was tough, but I did it.

Each night they had some kind of entertainment. A band, the newlywed game, talent show, karaoke, even a big beach party. Keep in mind that one of our reasons for going was to get some good sleep so we didn't stay out too late. Except that one night. Different post.

This is me pretty much ready for bed.

my baby daddy

Yesterday was Father's Day, but for Michael it started on Saturday afternoon. You see, the U.S. Open was on and I had to hear over and over that him sitting on the couch, watching golf and doing nothing was part of his Father's Day gift. Fine by me. It's cheap. The girls made gifts at school. Addison's was this sweet little book about her dad. I was shocked to find out that Michael is a Justin Bieber fan. Morgan brought home this sweet picture in a handmade frame.

We went to church yesterday morning and then to Mojo's kitchen for a barbecue lunch. Five minutes into lunch Morgan reached for my sweet tea for a sip. The nice full glass of tea spilled all over her and left a small lake on and around the table. The waitress says it happens all the time. I'm sure it does, but she was still probably cussing us under her breath. I left her a good tip.

After naps we went for a hike. We saw a giant snapping turtle and a boy in a boat that Morgan was insistent we take a picture of. For the record, he was a man in a kayak, fishing and drinking beer. I'm sure he loved my kids yelling hello at him.

Michael stayed up way past his bedtime to finish the U.S. Open. I went to bed. I hope you had a great Father's Day honey. You keep us grounded and sane. I probably would be in a loony bin without your awesome fathering skills. You truly are a great dad and we all know it.

Shout out to my dad. There was some miscommunication this weekend, but he knows I love him. We all do.Thanks for understanding me. You're a great dad and grandpa to the girls.

Jim - We all love you and appreciate everything you do for us. Thanks for being there and spoiling my girls.

Hope all you dads out there got some time off this weekend. You deserve it!

3.1 miles = 5k

At the beginning of the year I set some resolutions for myself. I don't put them on paper or take them too seriously because most are broken by mid January. But something about this year was and is different. I've committed to making some things happen and reaching some goals.

This weekend I accomplished one of my goals. I ran my first ever 5k.

It was raining Saturday morning and the 7:30 a.m. race looked horrible on the news, but I was running the 9 a.m. race whether I got soaked or not. I'm not on a strict exercise routine, but I have been training. I started at the gym and worked my way up to 3 miles on the treadmill. Then I transitioned outside, which is a lot harder than it looks when you're a treadmill runner. This past week I hardly ran because of the migraines and the weather so I didn't feel as prepared as I should be. There was definitely a knot in my stomach on the way to the race.

My first ever 5k and I signed up for one on the beach. I ran twice on the beach while we were on vacation. That was the only sand training I had. Turns out it's not that bad. It was a little slushy in some spots from the rain and soft at the turn, but I didn't really have any problems. I am feeling it in my legs today. That's me on the right almost to the finish line.

I was going to run the race with a mom from school and her gym group, but I was never able to find them before the race. And since I didn't have my phone I couldn't get in touch with anyone. That includes Michael after the race. We failed to make a meeting point and it took me forever to find him and the girls. I was so happy when I saw them.

Other than complaining about the rain and the wet sand sticking to their feet the entire time, I think they were happy to see me too. Addison and those gloves. With me being nervous and trying to get out the door that morning I didn't even notice that she had those on. Michael said they got a couple of really nice comments.

I have a love/hate relationship with running. I love how I feel and I love the great workout, but I really hate doing it. I think this race changed that I little. Setting a goal and committing to it sure does make it all worth while.

My official time. I used my iPod to track my run and forgot to stop it at the end of the race. After a minute or so I looked down and it said 33 minutes. My best guess was 32 minutes. Just under. Now I have a time to beat for my next one.

I feel like this was the kickstart I needed to really get into running. The excitement during the race is so much fun. And I need the goal to keep me motivated. I'm already on the hunt for the next one.

graduation ceremony

It's so hard to believe. Addison graduated from VPK last Thursday and we were so proud of her. She got up on that stage and sang her little heart out. Underneath it all she's still shy, but she's come a long way. They even did a little dance with a partner which included bows and curtsey's. The cutest ever!

The weather here was so horrible last week and it was pouring that afternoon, but I had to stop and get her some flowers. Morgan was equally proud of her and so excited to give her the flowers after the ceremony.

I'm in desperate need of a haircut and the flood outside wasn't helping either. I'm so happy that Addison was willing to take a couple of pictures.

Addison and her daddy.

Addison's fabulous teachers, Mrs. Cathy and Mrs. Ashley. They are awesome! They're so understanding and patient with the kids and really do put a lot of time into getting them ready for Kindergarten. We love them and so does Addison.

She was over the hair bow and the pictures, but was super excited to get a new book from us.

Afterwards we went to dinner at Moe's to celebrate.

Kindergarten here we come. I guess I should work on getting her registered. I'm so excited to see what's in store for next year and all of the new things she is going to learn. I know she will do great.

VPK graduate

Addison graduated from VPK last night. She sang and danced and looked so grown up.

OMG! I'm going to have a Kindergartner. I have no words. Just tears.

what a migraine looks like

This week has been rough for me. Really rough. The headaches started on Saturday. I'm not sure if it's my hormones or the storm lingering in the air. Not being able to figure out what causes these monsters is part of the problem. I would take my meds and the pain would go away, but the next day it would be back. I felt like a drug addict living on my migraine cocktail.

Yesterday was the worst. I couldn't get out of bed to get the girls ready for school. I couldn't get out of bed to get myself ready for work. It had all gotten to me and I couldn't take it anymore. I slept all morning only getting up to heat up my corn bag in the microwave. I felt defeated mentally, physically, and emotionally. I cried a lot.

This is what a migraine really looks like.

I often wonder if the general population think people with migraines just have a headache. That we can tough through it. I do tough through it, a lot. In this case I toughed through it for four days before I finally broke down. I never stay home because of a migraine, but my body couldn't take the pain anymore. I called my neurologist who told me to take the Prednisone I had saved for a spell like this. When that and the previous 26 pills I had taken over the past 5 days wasn't working I was very close to going to the ER for pain meds or whatever else they would have to do.

The Prednisone says to take with food or milk. I decided to play it safe and cover all bases.

Finally - FINALLY - last night around 8 I started to feel better. I got up and ate something other than the Oreos, took a shower and went back to bed. This morning I took another steroid and so far today I am migraine free. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

toofers

Morgan had her first dentist appointment Tuesday morning. At first she was a little nervous and not sure what to think, but she still sat in the chair all by herself. She did watch the girl's every move.

Then they gave her a piece of cotton swab. Somehow it changed her mood and she was completely fine.

I was really shocked at well she did. I was expecting a hand over the mouth episode like we got with Addison's first time, but she's a little older than Addison was. She let them take x-rays, clean her teeth, floss and even get a little plaque off with the explorer.

Look at those pearly whites. She sat up for the fluoride treatment and then it was time for the prize box.

Showing off her loot. Her and Addison have this deal that when they go to appointments they have to get the other a prize too. So far none of the offices have had a problem with this. They think it's sweet. Morgan picked out a tooth ring, one for each of them.

They found that she has a slight cross bite on her left side, but at this point they will just monitor it. The slight discoloration I found on her top teeth and prompted this entire visit is also nothing to worry about. In fact, they didn't even notice it. She must have just needed a good cleaning.

recent quotes

Morgan was eating a cupcake this weekend and like usual was covered in icing and crumbs. Out of nowhere she looks at us and says "I'm a hot mess". She was correct. 

I thought that was the best quote of the weekend until last night. She had just brushed her teeth and spilled some water on herself. She looks at me with her hand on her chest.

Mommy, my heart hurts.

I was a little confused and worried so I asked her why her heart hurt.

Because I got water on my nightgown.

She got the biggest hug from me. And reassurance that her heart would be fine.

jamaica

Michael and I went to Jamaica. A Sandals resort in Whitehouse. Five days with no children. I missed the girls, but I knew they were in good hands so I didn't worry one bit. This was our first real vacation in 5 years. If you're doing the math, that's when Addison was born.

I'm still going through pictures, but this is my favorite one of the trip.

I got up the first two mornings and went for a run along the beach. It's so peaceful and quiet and just plain gorgeous. Also really hot. A part of me didn't want to leave, but I could gain any more weight.

Stay tuned.