Thursday, May 21, 2009

The DO's and DON'Ts ....

Of Cruising...(in my opinion)...
We went on our first cruise a couple of weeks ago and it was a NICE, RELAXING, time-away, esp. so because we had no kids! So...


DO go on a trip without children once in a while. We did miss our kids near the end, but this time together -without interruptions or distractions -was really needed and therapeutic. We saw other couples on board with strollers and crying babies and thought -wow, so glad that's not us. Thanks to our family who watched our little ones!

DO go with someone else though. Particularly someone you enjoy being with and talking to. We went with Marty's sister and her husband-who live in California and we don't get to see them often. I 'm so glad they came. It made the trip more exciting and fun. At dinner each night we sat together, just the four of us, and had a GREAT time. I looked around at other 'couples' (just 2 people) and they just looked bored and ran out of things to talk and laugh about.
DON'T order wine unless you realize it's going to be an 'extra' charge on your bill...ALL drinks are NOT included. (Russ posed for this picture actually to be funny. He knew 'his' drink each night would cost him (but it can really add up fast.))
DON'T go on a Mexican cruise when there is a pending swine-flu pandemic. We only stopped at ONE port in Catalina Island. I was 'grateful' we didn't stop in Mexico (Ensenada) but it made for 2 whole days on a ship.
DON'T sign up for an 'onshore excursion' (thru the cruise line) unless you know it is impossible to do on your own when you get off the boat. We went kayaking, which was AWESOME, but we paid a hundred dollars to do it. When we got off the boat we realized we could rent our own kayaks for 40 bucks for the same amount of time! Yes, it was nice to have a guide tell us the history of the Island and paddle around with us, and we got a really yummy cookie/snack halfway through. But in the end I would have rather paid less than 1/2 the price and made my own experience.
DO dress up for the dinners. We always sat in the restaurant for dinner each night and it was really nice. There is one night where you can dress really formal. We didn't go all out but still wore a dress. The other nights I wish I'd have brought nicer shirts to wear to dinner instead of a bunch of T-shirts.
DO keep covered. It's nice to lay out in the sun and relax/read, but I've learned the hard way about protecting my skin. A little sun is nice but too many people got fried on board. I wish I could go back in time and chill out about being so tan. Believe me 3 surgeries and melanoma cancerous moles later...I am an advocate about being careful in the sun.
DO try the slide - just once. We did but the boys were too chicken. It was ICE cold sea water! Not what I was expecting.
DO bond as much as you can with your hubby. It's a special time to be without little ones.
DON'T get 'accidentally' pregnant weeks before the cruise. It doesn't make for the most comfortable of times on ship. AND the food doesn't have quite the glorified affect as everyone tells you it does with the underlying 'yuckies' lurking. Seriously sometimes when I think about the food on board I want to puke and it's not because of the food; it's the fun of pregnancy.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

MADRE DIANE

TE AMAMOS!!! (WE LOVE YOU)
BECAUSE YOU ARE SO SPECIAL WE WANTED TO TELL YOU IN 20 WAYS-WHY IT'S SO EASY TO LOVE YOU...

1. YOU ARE SO VERY PRETTY IN PINK! 2. You are SUCH A GOOD COOK! You make incredible dishes from scratch! You are such a healthy chef too and always trying new recipes and fun foods when we are around. I LOVE it! Even a simple breakfast at the lake is always some egg/omelet creation and sooo yummy.3. I am amazed at your strength! You have had QUITE the life and so many experiences and trials no one can even imagine. You found the gospel and raised such an incredible family and have such a stalwart testimony.

4. You have an AMAZING talent of knitting. I am so fortunate to be a receiver of your work. I LOVE to dress my kids in these hand-made treasures. It is such a special thing to me. Here is the latest, BTW, you wanted to see Liam in his sweater...so cute.
5. You are so good with your grandkids...they love you. Ruby loves when you let her cook with you and not fuss about the mess or the time it takes to do it. Liam loves your snuggles and book-time you give him.6. You have always loved me and accepted me from the beginning. Yes, you are true to your word and will speak your mind or opinion about things. And I have learned to really appreciate that and cherish the relationship I have with you. I tell people how close I am with you and they are amazed (most in-laws are scary)- the fact that I can go potty while your in the bathroom says alot. ?

7. You gave me Marty...He is such a devoted father and husband and his testimony is REAL and deep and I KNOW it stems from you. You were and are such a good example.

8. I love that you read and read and love to read new books all the time. You have kind of a corky taste for books and sometimes movies. But I love your 'different' taste, it expands mine.

9. I love when you get laughing so hard that you cry. Your so fun to be around and your kids can really get you going.!

10. I really appreciate all you do for me and our family. Your always so thoughtful to send cards and holiday packages and it shows how much you really care and think about us. I've been so blessed to marry into such a fun-loving, loud, Californian family. And you are at it's head. You are such a delight and I love you so much...Please know this and never forget. Happy Mothers day, Mom. Love, Mindy


Ten things I love about my Mom (by Marty)

1. I love it when my mom cooks! She always adds a little something to make it fun and delicious.

2. I love how my mom can be spontanious. She comes up with little ideas or little gifts out of nowhere and just for fun.

3. I love talking to my mom. I can talk to her about most anything and she will always listen.

4. I love my mom's unique taste in clothing and decoration. It's fun and spunky. I think she needs to move to Oregon.

5. I love my Mom's smile!

6. I love my Mom's positive outlook on life. Life has not been easy but she continues to smile and enjoys each day for what it is.

7. I love my mom's bluntness. It's not hard to guess what she's thinking and you always know where you stand with her.

8. I love it when my mom gets laughing so hard that she doesn't make a sound and just shakes. It makes me laugh.

9. I love my Mom as a Grandma. She is the best Grandma a kid could have. She makes life fun and unpredictible. Ruby loves spending time with her Grandma Diane.

10. Most of all, I love my Mom's testimony. It has always been a strong example in my life. I don't know where I would be without it. Thanks Mom.