The Climb
Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;
I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head
Thats saying"You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments
That I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on
'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!
Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Never Forget
Today marks the one year date for the worst life changing event I ever experienced, other than death. To be truthful, I felt like a part of me died that day. You see, one year ago today I was officially homeless. It was Tricia and I, living in our car...
From November, 2007, until late August 3rd, Tricia and I were living with various relatives and friends. I'd lost my job in November 2007, right before Christmas. To top it all off, the company I worked at set it up so I didn't get unemployment. Basically, I had bills, my daughter, no income, no place to go...
When I first created this blog I decided to use it to make sure that memories would be something I would try to show others how to cherish. Never was I planning on having so many negative memories become a part of this. But they are important. Life had another plan...
The day we were left homeless I made several promises, both to myself and to Tricia. First, I would NEVER forget that day. There was so much anger in me I was afraid of my own emotions. So I made Tricia a promise. Some how, some way, I knew God was not going to punish us for doing the right thing. I promised her that one year from that day, our life was going to be better. I promised her we would not be homeless, we would not live in fear, and we would never forget the feelings we were feeling that day. Those feelings were what was going to keep me focused on our future. It was going to be only about the two of us, that was all we had left, surviving and changing the future in so many ways.
Living in a car in Florida in August is far from pleasant. To say it was hot is such an understatement. With $2.12 to our name and 6 days until payday, we were going to have to go through hell. But hope was going to be on the other side. I promised Tricia we would have a home of our own in one year. I promised her I'd have a job that would sustain us. I promised myself I wouldn't give up. That would be too easy. Honestly, if Tricia hadn't been in my life then, I don't know where I'd be now. She became my only reason to carry on.
By the end of August the plans were set up to get into a house. Thank God for the friends who took us in for awhile. They understood the situation and will never be forgotten for how they were there for us. Not just with what little financial assistance they had, but because they taught me who really cares, and who just says they care. I mattered to them and so did Tricia. We weren't just trash to be thrown out in the street and forgotten. Most importantly, they didn't lie to me. Those memories are emblazoned in my mind and will go to my grave with me. I WILL NOT FORGET!
By September we were in a house. My part time job picked up. Yes, there were weeks when ten dollars was all we had, but together we made it. November gave us another financial blow, but as I said before, I'll never forget. We had a very poor Christmas, gift-wise, when you speak of material things. But one thing happened that Christmas that I will never forget. A very elderly, dear friend of ours gave us a table top Christmas tree. She told us the story of how she was given one when she was young, going through some rough times. She said that tree was her reminder of the rough times and her celebration of how much better her life became. We took it home, decorated it, and remembered... every time we looked at it. Some days it made me cry, others it made me hopeful. Christmas eve, Tricia and I sat in our room, with our tree lit, and just thanked God for all he had already done for us. We felt hope...
January first we woke to some long awaited good news via an email. Things began to turn around. That little table-top Christmas tree was working hard! I had two jobs and we were beginning to get on our feet. Since then, things have continued to improve. I've re-payed many of the people who were there to help us when we had nothing. There are still two people left to repay. Then we are caught up. It will happen. I have hope...
Recently I've had so many memories running through my head. Five years ago I had just finished chemo from my second type of cancer. Dan didn't even know he was sick. The eight people we lost that year were all still here...
But today it's a different world. We are sometimes bored with how simple our lives have become. But never a day goes by that I don't thank God for all He's given us. Most of all he taught me humility and understanding. He taught me what real friends are. He taught me who I can trust and who I cannot. He taught me to be thankful every day, just for being alive. Now I pray He can teach me to forgive. I still haven't been able to do that very well. But I'm working on it.
And yes, wherever we are this Christmas, our Christmas tree will be with us...
From November, 2007, until late August 3rd, Tricia and I were living with various relatives and friends. I'd lost my job in November 2007, right before Christmas. To top it all off, the company I worked at set it up so I didn't get unemployment. Basically, I had bills, my daughter, no income, no place to go...
When I first created this blog I decided to use it to make sure that memories would be something I would try to show others how to cherish. Never was I planning on having so many negative memories become a part of this. But they are important. Life had another plan...
The day we were left homeless I made several promises, both to myself and to Tricia. First, I would NEVER forget that day. There was so much anger in me I was afraid of my own emotions. So I made Tricia a promise. Some how, some way, I knew God was not going to punish us for doing the right thing. I promised her that one year from that day, our life was going to be better. I promised her we would not be homeless, we would not live in fear, and we would never forget the feelings we were feeling that day. Those feelings were what was going to keep me focused on our future. It was going to be only about the two of us, that was all we had left, surviving and changing the future in so many ways.
Living in a car in Florida in August is far from pleasant. To say it was hot is such an understatement. With $2.12 to our name and 6 days until payday, we were going to have to go through hell. But hope was going to be on the other side. I promised Tricia we would have a home of our own in one year. I promised her I'd have a job that would sustain us. I promised myself I wouldn't give up. That would be too easy. Honestly, if Tricia hadn't been in my life then, I don't know where I'd be now. She became my only reason to carry on.
By the end of August the plans were set up to get into a house. Thank God for the friends who took us in for awhile. They understood the situation and will never be forgotten for how they were there for us. Not just with what little financial assistance they had, but because they taught me who really cares, and who just says they care. I mattered to them and so did Tricia. We weren't just trash to be thrown out in the street and forgotten. Most importantly, they didn't lie to me. Those memories are emblazoned in my mind and will go to my grave with me. I WILL NOT FORGET!
By September we were in a house. My part time job picked up. Yes, there were weeks when ten dollars was all we had, but together we made it. November gave us another financial blow, but as I said before, I'll never forget. We had a very poor Christmas, gift-wise, when you speak of material things. But one thing happened that Christmas that I will never forget. A very elderly, dear friend of ours gave us a table top Christmas tree. She told us the story of how she was given one when she was young, going through some rough times. She said that tree was her reminder of the rough times and her celebration of how much better her life became. We took it home, decorated it, and remembered... every time we looked at it. Some days it made me cry, others it made me hopeful. Christmas eve, Tricia and I sat in our room, with our tree lit, and just thanked God for all he had already done for us. We felt hope...
January first we woke to some long awaited good news via an email. Things began to turn around. That little table-top Christmas tree was working hard! I had two jobs and we were beginning to get on our feet. Since then, things have continued to improve. I've re-payed many of the people who were there to help us when we had nothing. There are still two people left to repay. Then we are caught up. It will happen. I have hope...
Recently I've had so many memories running through my head. Five years ago I had just finished chemo from my second type of cancer. Dan didn't even know he was sick. The eight people we lost that year were all still here...
But today it's a different world. We are sometimes bored with how simple our lives have become. But never a day goes by that I don't thank God for all He's given us. Most of all he taught me humility and understanding. He taught me what real friends are. He taught me who I can trust and who I cannot. He taught me to be thankful every day, just for being alive. Now I pray He can teach me to forgive. I still haven't been able to do that very well. But I'm working on it.
And yes, wherever we are this Christmas, our Christmas tree will be with us...
Friday, July 10, 2009
Cousins at Disney World!!!!
When I was a child, we lived pretty far away from all our relatives. That meant when we got to see family, we had fun! Our girls lived far away from their relatives as well, due to military life. When we found out cousins were coming to town, we had to get together! Our first plans got a little messed up, but we came up with a great second plan...
Jennifer, Kevin and Isabella Kramer, all Ohio relatives, were visiting Disney World. We gave them a call at the last minute to try to make new plans. Ah ha! Tricia, Kaylie, Makenzie and I headed over to the All Star Movie Resort to meet up with the Kramer's. First we ate a fun dinner, and then we were off to the pool! This place has a great pool. In the middle of it is Mickeys Magic Waterfall. Tricia and Kevin took pictures, while we other girls hung out in the pool. It was soooo relaxing after a hot day. After the pool we went to our rooms to get dressed, and then headed back to the Food Court for some ice cream. Of course the girls all had to sit together. They were officially bonded by now. We had to take some crazy picture for our memory books, so of course, we made lots of silly faces. We growled like lions, and taught Isabella how to say hello Florida girl style. (First your kiss each side of your faces, then you say woo! as you throw your hands up in the air.) Even Kevin did it! That's how we said goodnight! We played with Kevin for a long time and even took a picture for Uncle Brian. He always waves a crazy way with his hand by his chin. We tried to do it, but... Finally we were getting tired and had to say goodbye. The girls talked about all the fun they had, all the way back to the room.
We called Mommy to tell her we were spending the night, and to let her know we were all OK. (She needs to know those things.) We explored our room and looked at all the cool stuff on the walls and bedspreads. Kaylie loved her bed! We watched cartoons for a short bit, and then we fell asleep.
In the morning we went to eat at the food court again. At breakfast we talked about our cousins and family. We stopped at the gift shop for a memento. It was too late to swim again, so we decided to explore the resort on the way back to the car. The Kramer's were staying in the 101 Dalmatians area. We stayed in Fantasia. On the way to the car we stopped to take some very cool pictures in Toy Story. We saw a Buzz Lightyear that was bigger than the buildings! Makenzie and Kaylie sat on his feet! Bo Peep was there, and so was a Dinosaur. I took a picture of the girls by Woody. (The girls are the little ones at the bottom of the picture.) Just before we got in the car we stopped to take our pictures in the giant bucket of soldiers. You have to look hard, but Kaylie and Makenzie are peeking out of one of the holes in the bucket.
It's nice to know the tradition of getting together with families still goes on. Seeing relatives is fun and always give us memories to talk about when we get older. I wonder what the girls will talk about from this trip, when next they get together?
Jennifer, Kevin and Isabella Kramer, all Ohio relatives, were visiting Disney World. We gave them a call at the last minute to try to make new plans. Ah ha! Tricia, Kaylie, Makenzie and I headed over to the All Star Movie Resort to meet up with the Kramer's. First we ate a fun dinner, and then we were off to the pool! This place has a great pool. In the middle of it is Mickeys Magic Waterfall. Tricia and Kevin took pictures, while we other girls hung out in the pool. It was soooo relaxing after a hot day. After the pool we went to our rooms to get dressed, and then headed back to the Food Court for some ice cream. Of course the girls all had to sit together. They were officially bonded by now. We had to take some crazy picture for our memory books, so of course, we made lots of silly faces. We growled like lions, and taught Isabella how to say hello Florida girl style. (First your kiss each side of your faces, then you say woo! as you throw your hands up in the air.) Even Kevin did it! That's how we said goodnight! We played with Kevin for a long time and even took a picture for Uncle Brian. He always waves a crazy way with his hand by his chin. We tried to do it, but... Finally we were getting tired and had to say goodbye. The girls talked about all the fun they had, all the way back to the room.
We called Mommy to tell her we were spending the night, and to let her know we were all OK. (She needs to know those things.) We explored our room and looked at all the cool stuff on the walls and bedspreads. Kaylie loved her bed! We watched cartoons for a short bit, and then we fell asleep.
In the morning we went to eat at the food court again. At breakfast we talked about our cousins and family. We stopped at the gift shop for a memento. It was too late to swim again, so we decided to explore the resort on the way back to the car. The Kramer's were staying in the 101 Dalmatians area. We stayed in Fantasia. On the way to the car we stopped to take some very cool pictures in Toy Story. We saw a Buzz Lightyear that was bigger than the buildings! Makenzie and Kaylie sat on his feet! Bo Peep was there, and so was a Dinosaur. I took a picture of the girls by Woody. (The girls are the little ones at the bottom of the picture.) Just before we got in the car we stopped to take our pictures in the giant bucket of soldiers. You have to look hard, but Kaylie and Makenzie are peeking out of one of the holes in the bucket.
It's nice to know the tradition of getting together with families still goes on. Seeing relatives is fun and always give us memories to talk about when we get older. I wonder what the girls will talk about from this trip, when next they get together?
Monday, July 6, 2009
Happy 6th Birthday Kaylie!
What do you do when you want to celebrate a great birthday? There's no place like a nice Disney World visit! We have to celebrate Kaylie's 6Th birthday, and do it right!
So off we went to the Port Orleans French Quarter Resort to spend some time enjoying our celebration. The prices are really reasonable and fit our budget perfectly. We chose the Pt. Orleans because of the fantastic "Dragon Pool" for the kids to enjoy. You simply climb up the dragons back, walk through his tummy, slide out his mouth and down his tongue! Kaylie loved it! Makenzie... not too keen on coming out his mouth... Tricia, Kristy, Kaylie, Makenzie, Dannen and I went crazy to celebrate. We were all swimming under the dragons tummy and around his whole body. The girls got out, walked up his back and stood on top of his back to wave and laugh.
We took a break to enjoy some lunch and have playground time. Lunch was yummy and there was definitely plenty to look at around the food court. Dannen was in awe of everything hanging from the ceiling. We took a brief walk through the gift shop, where the manager stopped and had us all sing Happy Birthday to Kaylie before putting Mardi Gras beads on all of us. Off to the playground we went for some climbing and "hanging around" time. As much as the girls loved playing on the playground, heat and humidity can wipe you out when playing hard. We decided to head back to the room for a rest.
Guess who visited our room while we were out? YES! MICKEY! He came to leave a special birthday message for Kaylie and an autographed photo for her to keep as a birthday memory. She was sooooo excited! After nap time we colored a bit while waiting for Dannen to wake up and eat.
It was time to get moving again, so we headed to the dock to catch a boat ride to Downtown Disney. (Zamma, Auntie and Mommy had a craving for the best caramel apples in the world!) What a nice, relaxing boat ride. We went through the riversides of Disney World and came out at the lake adjacent to Downtown Disney. We cruised the length of the downtown area, enjoying the view from the waterside perspective. The kids loved seeing the giant tethered balloon at Pleasure Island. We walked around and got our caramel apples. As it was 4Th of July weekend, the place was swamped with people. That was our cue to leave...
Back on the boat we went. The fireworks could be seen from the boat ramps and water areas. We had a fantastic boat captain who told us how to see the alligators in the water at night, and where to look for the resident bobcat who roams the golf course at night. We didn't see the bobcat or any gators, but the kids had fun watching for them none the less.
Back at the room it was bath time, feed Dannen time and then try to sleep time. From a grown-ups perspective we would have thought they would be exhausted... not! Got to have a little crazy time, laugh a lot, and make plenty of funny faces for the camera. One more day ahead!
The next morning the heat and excitement were catching up with all of us. Breakfast was fun amidst the coloring books and markers. We even put some of our pictures in the window so everyone else could enjoy them as they walked by. While the kids played and Auntie entertained them, Kristy and I got everything packed and ready to go. Kristy took the kids for one last outing to the playground while Tricia and I finished all the packing and checking out.
Celebrating turning 6 was almost over... We said our goodbyes to the resort and headed home. No one really wanted to leave yet, but we can't party forever. Or can we?????
So off we went to the Port Orleans French Quarter Resort to spend some time enjoying our celebration. The prices are really reasonable and fit our budget perfectly. We chose the Pt. Orleans because of the fantastic "Dragon Pool" for the kids to enjoy. You simply climb up the dragons back, walk through his tummy, slide out his mouth and down his tongue! Kaylie loved it! Makenzie... not too keen on coming out his mouth... Tricia, Kristy, Kaylie, Makenzie, Dannen and I went crazy to celebrate. We were all swimming under the dragons tummy and around his whole body. The girls got out, walked up his back and stood on top of his back to wave and laugh.
We took a break to enjoy some lunch and have playground time. Lunch was yummy and there was definitely plenty to look at around the food court. Dannen was in awe of everything hanging from the ceiling. We took a brief walk through the gift shop, where the manager stopped and had us all sing Happy Birthday to Kaylie before putting Mardi Gras beads on all of us. Off to the playground we went for some climbing and "hanging around" time. As much as the girls loved playing on the playground, heat and humidity can wipe you out when playing hard. We decided to head back to the room for a rest.
Guess who visited our room while we were out? YES! MICKEY! He came to leave a special birthday message for Kaylie and an autographed photo for her to keep as a birthday memory. She was sooooo excited! After nap time we colored a bit while waiting for Dannen to wake up and eat.
It was time to get moving again, so we headed to the dock to catch a boat ride to Downtown Disney. (Zamma, Auntie and Mommy had a craving for the best caramel apples in the world!) What a nice, relaxing boat ride. We went through the riversides of Disney World and came out at the lake adjacent to Downtown Disney. We cruised the length of the downtown area, enjoying the view from the waterside perspective. The kids loved seeing the giant tethered balloon at Pleasure Island. We walked around and got our caramel apples. As it was 4Th of July weekend, the place was swamped with people. That was our cue to leave...
Back on the boat we went. The fireworks could be seen from the boat ramps and water areas. We had a fantastic boat captain who told us how to see the alligators in the water at night, and where to look for the resident bobcat who roams the golf course at night. We didn't see the bobcat or any gators, but the kids had fun watching for them none the less.
Back at the room it was bath time, feed Dannen time and then try to sleep time. From a grown-ups perspective we would have thought they would be exhausted... not! Got to have a little crazy time, laugh a lot, and make plenty of funny faces for the camera. One more day ahead!
The next morning the heat and excitement were catching up with all of us. Breakfast was fun amidst the coloring books and markers. We even put some of our pictures in the window so everyone else could enjoy them as they walked by. While the kids played and Auntie entertained them, Kristy and I got everything packed and ready to go. Kristy took the kids for one last outing to the playground while Tricia and I finished all the packing and checking out.
Celebrating turning 6 was almost over... We said our goodbyes to the resort and headed home. No one really wanted to leave yet, but we can't party forever. Or can we?????
Sunday, June 14, 2009
PT. 6 - Happy Birthday Marcia
While we were at the OBX, we celebrated Marcia's birthday. She hadn't seen her son Jeremy for a few years, so his being at this birthday celebration was extra special for her. When Jeremy was a kid he would make his Mom a birthday card every year. Yes, he could have bought one, but his hand made ones were always special for Marcia. This year was no different. He got up early one morning and headed to the store for his supplies. W all wondered what the card was going to be like, because he spent what seemed like hours making it. Just before we left for the restaurant to have her birthday dinner, he had us all sign her card. Mary and Steve hid it in their truck, along with the pink roses he got her (they are her favorites). After we got in the restaurant he brought them in to her. Yep, you guessed it... tears... not just by her, by all of us! He really loves his Mom!
We went to a place called the Sunset Grill. It sits out on the water, in the sound of the Outer Banks, in a town called Duck. The food was great, and we all loved the restaurant. After the meal, everyone went out on the pier to see the sunset. It was cut short by some clouds, but hey, you can't have everything! The only one who wasn't there yet was Julie. She came in later that night.
After dinner, Steve and Mary left to get Julie from the airport, and the rest of us headed back to the house. We had a traditional cheese torte, a family favorite from years back. We all sang, some of us out of tune, but she enjoyed it. It was nice to see her so happy and celebrate a birthday with her family.
Happy Birthday Marcia!!!!
We went to a place called the Sunset Grill. It sits out on the water, in the sound of the Outer Banks, in a town called Duck. The food was great, and we all loved the restaurant. After the meal, everyone went out on the pier to see the sunset. It was cut short by some clouds, but hey, you can't have everything! The only one who wasn't there yet was Julie. She came in later that night.
After dinner, Steve and Mary left to get Julie from the airport, and the rest of us headed back to the house. We had a traditional cheese torte, a family favorite from years back. We all sang, some of us out of tune, but she enjoyed it. It was nice to see her so happy and celebrate a birthday with her family.
Happy Birthday Marcia!!!!
PT. 5 - And Then There's the Food...
OK, take a minute and think back to some of your favorite vacations. Food... there's always a ton of good food. This trip was definitely no exception. Not being a very good cook, I was worried if I'd do OK with my contributions, but everything was sooooo good.
As I said earlier, everyone cooks at least one meal for the entire group. We all bring munchies to share, and the kitchen island usually ends up the mass munchies stash. We all bring what we want for breakfast, and the rest is just history...
We feasted on everything you can imagine. It's an unofficial tradition that Mary makes a delicious ham, too large of course, but intentional so we have plenty for ham sandwiches for lunch. From the ham dinner, to a pot roast, chicken and ribs, and a lesson for everyone on how to crack snow crab, there was always something great to feast on. Our Luau was a blast, the steaks were perfect guys (our grill chefs), and Steve and Lisa even decided to make us all brunch one day! Truth be told, TUMS was everyone's favorite at one time or another, as we all ate, and ate, and ate...
There are some snacks we had on this trip that will stay in our minds as great memories. Tricia brought a huge (and I mean huge) container of cheese balls. Watch for that thing in the pictures! We also "had to eat" the giant bags of M&Ms and the enormous can of mixed nuts. Hey, it's a vacation, right? Name a chip... we had it there... Slim Jims, caramels, cookies, pretzel logs, fudge, and let's not forget Jeremy's special S'Mores. He's the Master at them! But of course Auntie Suzie had to create a special OBX drink... hehehe... Thank God this vacation was only two weeks or we'd all be waddling home!
The meals didn't have to be fancy, and we were all plenty hungry by dinner time. We'd get up and do "our thing" during the day, and just as asked, everyone enjoyed dinner as a group. Being a part of both familys there, we wondered how everyone would get along, or if anyone would feel left out. Not a chance. What a perfect vacation group! We all spent most dinners not only eating ourselves silly, but laughing 'til we hurt. (Ask Marcia to tell you the head joke.) I loved seeing everyone talking and laughing as if we were one huge family. Tricia and I felt so blessed to be a part of this group. It was funny to see how everyone chose their seats at the dinner table. Once we chose them, they became "our" seats. Jeremy had one end of the table, and I had the other. Sitting there put me in the middle, but made me feel so good to see everyone's faces and smiles during ever single meal. I loved seeing two sides of our family become one. After we'd say grace at each meal, I found myself saying that extra "thank you" for helping all of us come together. In my head I'd hear Makenzie saying her "God's neat, let's eat" prayer.
You know Lord, you made some truly amazing people... Thank you for this vacation...
As I said earlier, everyone cooks at least one meal for the entire group. We all bring munchies to share, and the kitchen island usually ends up the mass munchies stash. We all bring what we want for breakfast, and the rest is just history...
We feasted on everything you can imagine. It's an unofficial tradition that Mary makes a delicious ham, too large of course, but intentional so we have plenty for ham sandwiches for lunch. From the ham dinner, to a pot roast, chicken and ribs, and a lesson for everyone on how to crack snow crab, there was always something great to feast on. Our Luau was a blast, the steaks were perfect guys (our grill chefs), and Steve and Lisa even decided to make us all brunch one day! Truth be told, TUMS was everyone's favorite at one time or another, as we all ate, and ate, and ate...
There are some snacks we had on this trip that will stay in our minds as great memories. Tricia brought a huge (and I mean huge) container of cheese balls. Watch for that thing in the pictures! We also "had to eat" the giant bags of M&Ms and the enormous can of mixed nuts. Hey, it's a vacation, right? Name a chip... we had it there... Slim Jims, caramels, cookies, pretzel logs, fudge, and let's not forget Jeremy's special S'Mores. He's the Master at them! But of course Auntie Suzie had to create a special OBX drink... hehehe... Thank God this vacation was only two weeks or we'd all be waddling home!
The meals didn't have to be fancy, and we were all plenty hungry by dinner time. We'd get up and do "our thing" during the day, and just as asked, everyone enjoyed dinner as a group. Being a part of both familys there, we wondered how everyone would get along, or if anyone would feel left out. Not a chance. What a perfect vacation group! We all spent most dinners not only eating ourselves silly, but laughing 'til we hurt. (Ask Marcia to tell you the head joke.) I loved seeing everyone talking and laughing as if we were one huge family. Tricia and I felt so blessed to be a part of this group. It was funny to see how everyone chose their seats at the dinner table. Once we chose them, they became "our" seats. Jeremy had one end of the table, and I had the other. Sitting there put me in the middle, but made me feel so good to see everyone's faces and smiles during ever single meal. I loved seeing two sides of our family become one. After we'd say grace at each meal, I found myself saying that extra "thank you" for helping all of us come together. In my head I'd hear Makenzie saying her "God's neat, let's eat" prayer.
You know Lord, you made some truly amazing people... Thank you for this vacation...
Saturday, June 13, 2009
PT. 4 - Time For a Luau!
Every night of our vacation a different family takes turns making dinner. It works out great that way, as no one ends up doing all the cooking, and we all get to try something new and different. Mom, Marcia and Jeremy decided they wanted to do a Luau for their meal.
We all donned our grass skirts, leis and flower tops to get us in the mood. Even Bailey wore a lei for dinner. The food was fantastic! I must admit, one of my favorite parts was watching the two Steve's doing hulas for us. Oh, there's something about a guy dancing in a grass skirt... The room was also decorated for ambiance, complete with palm trees, a parrot, and cute monkeys in the trees.
Fun is fun, and this was great! Enjoy!
We all donned our grass skirts, leis and flower tops to get us in the mood. Even Bailey wore a lei for dinner. The food was fantastic! I must admit, one of my favorite parts was watching the two Steve's doing hulas for us. Oh, there's something about a guy dancing in a grass skirt... The room was also decorated for ambiance, complete with palm trees, a parrot, and cute monkeys in the trees.
Fun is fun, and this was great! Enjoy!
Friday, June 12, 2009
PT.3- The House, Nice...
Over the past several trips we've made to the Outer Banks, I've learned so much from Mary Gaylord about how to find a great house for our vacation. She's shown me the features to look for, the companies and what they offer, and how to get the most for your money. It's actually a fun process to find just the right house. When I say I spent literally hours and hours looking through catalogs and websites...
There are so many places to choose from it's unbelievable! Having been to the Outer Banks before really helps visualise where the house will be. Fortunately many of the companies offer maps and aerial views of the properties to assist you. I remember spending an afternoon on our first trip, just driving around enjoying all the beautiful homes. Every time we thought we saw the perfect house, along came another one looking even more interesting and beautiful. Oh, to win the lottery right now... I'd have to get some property in OBX...
We would take walks, just enjoying the features we could see from the street as we walked by. It was even more fun to try to guess what the inside of some of these homes was like. I guess it's just one of those fun things to imagine and take a head vacation to...
This montage will show you the house we stayed in. It was a three story, 8 bedroom, 10 bath home. The top floor had a Master King bedroom, Master bath, cooking kitchen complete with 2 dishwashers, a microwave, frig, oven, 3 sinks and marble counter tops. The kitchen was set up perfectly for our needs. There was also a beautiful living room with a fireplace, a huge dining room complete with two tables, able to seat 14. In the main hall that ran the entire height of the house was an elevator, accessible to all floors. It was perfect for Mom and Tricia, and sure helped when we had to unload groceries, etc. There was another wing which had a master king bedroom and master bath, as well as a"media room" which held a TV, daybed and desk for computer use. That room also had it's own bathroom. There was a full bath for use by everyone, right around the corner from the elevator.
The second floor was where the most bedrooms were. There were 5 king master suites, each with their own bathrooms. The end of one of the halls also took us to a bedroom perfect for kids, with 2 sets of bunk beds and its own bathroom. Smartly, the laundry area was also on this floor.
On the ground floor there was the main entry, a huge family room area which held the pool table, another frig, microwave and wet bar, as well as an ice machine, TV and bistro table area. This floor also had a full bath right inside the pool door, so you didn't have to go far if you needed to use it. Just outside the pool table room was a covered patio area and a grilling center with a gas grill. Just beyond that was the pool and hot tub area.
All of the bedrooms had their own deck access and faced east towards the ocean (except the kids bedroom). The volleyball area was on the west side of the house, and the basketball goal was off the east side of the driveway. Unfortunately, I found the basketball goal with my car one morning and took out a taillight. With a TV in each room, no one was without their favorite shows. Every bedroom allowed you to sleep with your sliding door blinds opened so you could watch the sunrise in the morning. As relaxed as everyone seemed to get, there were very few sunrise risers each day.
The rules for this vacation were simple: There are no rules! Relax, have fun, and try to enjoy dinner together as a group if you can make it. Everyone was together each night for dinner, yet by day we all did our own thing. It was fantastic! There were some poor weather days, so everyone just hit the shops and tourist traps. There was plenty to do, yet nothing you had to do.
So here's where we stayed: OPUS I, Corolla, N. C.
There are so many places to choose from it's unbelievable! Having been to the Outer Banks before really helps visualise where the house will be. Fortunately many of the companies offer maps and aerial views of the properties to assist you. I remember spending an afternoon on our first trip, just driving around enjoying all the beautiful homes. Every time we thought we saw the perfect house, along came another one looking even more interesting and beautiful. Oh, to win the lottery right now... I'd have to get some property in OBX...
We would take walks, just enjoying the features we could see from the street as we walked by. It was even more fun to try to guess what the inside of some of these homes was like. I guess it's just one of those fun things to imagine and take a head vacation to...
This montage will show you the house we stayed in. It was a three story, 8 bedroom, 10 bath home. The top floor had a Master King bedroom, Master bath, cooking kitchen complete with 2 dishwashers, a microwave, frig, oven, 3 sinks and marble counter tops. The kitchen was set up perfectly for our needs. There was also a beautiful living room with a fireplace, a huge dining room complete with two tables, able to seat 14. In the main hall that ran the entire height of the house was an elevator, accessible to all floors. It was perfect for Mom and Tricia, and sure helped when we had to unload groceries, etc. There was another wing which had a master king bedroom and master bath, as well as a"media room" which held a TV, daybed and desk for computer use. That room also had it's own bathroom. There was a full bath for use by everyone, right around the corner from the elevator.
The second floor was where the most bedrooms were. There were 5 king master suites, each with their own bathrooms. The end of one of the halls also took us to a bedroom perfect for kids, with 2 sets of bunk beds and its own bathroom. Smartly, the laundry area was also on this floor.
On the ground floor there was the main entry, a huge family room area which held the pool table, another frig, microwave and wet bar, as well as an ice machine, TV and bistro table area. This floor also had a full bath right inside the pool door, so you didn't have to go far if you needed to use it. Just outside the pool table room was a covered patio area and a grilling center with a gas grill. Just beyond that was the pool and hot tub area.
All of the bedrooms had their own deck access and faced east towards the ocean (except the kids bedroom). The volleyball area was on the west side of the house, and the basketball goal was off the east side of the driveway. Unfortunately, I found the basketball goal with my car one morning and took out a taillight. With a TV in each room, no one was without their favorite shows. Every bedroom allowed you to sleep with your sliding door blinds opened so you could watch the sunrise in the morning. As relaxed as everyone seemed to get, there were very few sunrise risers each day.
The rules for this vacation were simple: There are no rules! Relax, have fun, and try to enjoy dinner together as a group if you can make it. Everyone was together each night for dinner, yet by day we all did our own thing. It was fantastic! There were some poor weather days, so everyone just hit the shops and tourist traps. There was plenty to do, yet nothing you had to do.
So here's where we stayed: OPUS I, Corolla, N. C.
PT. 2 - God Does Amazing Work
Our trip to the Outer Banks reminded me of just what beautiful work God does. Just when you think you've seen some of his best work, you go to the Outer Banks and see Him take your breath away. It's beautiful. Nothing else need be said, He shows you it all...
This blog entry is photos of the beauty of the entire area we enjoyed. There was so much more to see and do, it would take an entire summer and then some. You would think the beach itself would be enough to keep you in awe, but then you see the off-road beaches, the life on the beach and in the water, homes, wild horses, the Corolla Lighthouse, views... Like I said, it's breathtaking. So let me share some of it with you, and hopefully, when we plan next years trip you will want to enjoy it with us. If so, just comment and say so. We'd love to have you! The guest list has begun...
This blog entry is photos of the beauty of the entire area we enjoyed. There was so much more to see and do, it would take an entire summer and then some. You would think the beach itself would be enough to keep you in awe, but then you see the off-road beaches, the life on the beach and in the water, homes, wild horses, the Corolla Lighthouse, views... Like I said, it's breathtaking. So let me share some of it with you, and hopefully, when we plan next years trip you will want to enjoy it with us. If so, just comment and say so. We'd love to have you! The guest list has begun...
PT. 1 - What a Vacation Memory! Ahh, the People!
One of my favorite memories is of past vacations. Now we have new memories to add to the old. As a matter of fact, there are so many pictures for this vacation, all merged by 6 families, that I'm going to have to do this in 6 separate blog entries. Some times you just have so much fun, even doing nothing, that you want to capture it all on film and remember it forever. That's how this trip was.
It started being planned last November. As the pieces fell into place, we started to invite people to join in the fun. One thing we knew, this was going to be an adults only vacation. Nothing against children, but sometimes people need a break from it all, just to chill and do nothing. So the plans began. By January we were inviting people to join and trying to determine what size house to get. When you vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina it's best to rent a house, pool and all, and plan your vacation. In addition to no children this one trip, we were wanting to "Pay It Forward" for everyone who had helped us get through a rough year. Thank you was the main reason for the trip, and there were a lot of people to try to coordinate.
We finally had a final group list and had the time of our lives. Tricia and I were joined by Mary and Steve Gaylord (sister and brother in-law), their dog Bailey, Mom Schultz, Marcia Bourque (sister), Jeremy Smith (nephew), Lisa and Steve Schultz (brother and sister in-law), and Julie Madera (niece). Although so many others were invited, for a multitude of reasons, our guest list was the group of eleven of us.
I've started the memories with pictures of the people who were there, in order for the rest to make sense. Unfortunately, some people were more "picture takers" so there aren't as many shots of them to share.
There are a few special memories of some of the photos...
-Grandmama, was always covered up and cold while the rest of us were hot, but she did leave with a sunburn! She loved exploring all the unique shops and tourist traps.
-Jeremy, who we hadn't seen in years, reminiscing about looking at the stars each night and thinking of each other, or him being just plain crazy and fun... Lily Tomlin in the big chair!
-Julie says her sunscreen will protect her, then she's fried the next day, but she still keeps her commitment to study, so proud of her! She's so much fun!
-Lisa shares the first chance to get to know her and find out how lucky we are that she's in our family. She cheers for the Orlando Magic and takes some great photos!
-Marcia still loves to shop and laugh. I loved just watching her spend time with Jeremy, something I know she misses doing. And the "head joke"... you're killin' me!
-Mary was my pool pal and my cooking partner. I don't know how we made all the food fit in the refrigerators, or the look on her face when she saw all the cupboards of dishes... lots of bowls! We still had too much food!
-Steve S. makes the best pool fairy wrapped in a raft we have ever seen... he won the fishing contest with his TROPHY FISH catch, and allowed me to feed him his beer so he didn't have to leave the pool to drink!
-Steve G. woke each morning to watch the sunrise and see the daily news with me. He'd return from his daily fishing to tell us about the one that got away. A big thank you for taking everyone to the off-road area to look for horses and terrorists. About that grass skirt...
-Tricia ended every day with me by saying "thank you" for giving us this trip and the awesome people we shared it with. I will never forget the smile that finally returned to her face when she spent time with everyone...
I'm not as talented as many of you on making a montage, but I'm sure you'll get the idea. The computer kept changing the order of the pictures, so forgive a few "mix ups". Just take a few minutes... more than 5, I think, and enjoy the montage! Remember, with over 700 photos to share I will be posting 5 more montages of the trip! Enjoy!!!!
It started being planned last November. As the pieces fell into place, we started to invite people to join in the fun. One thing we knew, this was going to be an adults only vacation. Nothing against children, but sometimes people need a break from it all, just to chill and do nothing. So the plans began. By January we were inviting people to join and trying to determine what size house to get. When you vacation in the Outer Banks of North Carolina it's best to rent a house, pool and all, and plan your vacation. In addition to no children this one trip, we were wanting to "Pay It Forward" for everyone who had helped us get through a rough year. Thank you was the main reason for the trip, and there were a lot of people to try to coordinate.
We finally had a final group list and had the time of our lives. Tricia and I were joined by Mary and Steve Gaylord (sister and brother in-law), their dog Bailey, Mom Schultz, Marcia Bourque (sister), Jeremy Smith (nephew), Lisa and Steve Schultz (brother and sister in-law), and Julie Madera (niece). Although so many others were invited, for a multitude of reasons, our guest list was the group of eleven of us.
I've started the memories with pictures of the people who were there, in order for the rest to make sense. Unfortunately, some people were more "picture takers" so there aren't as many shots of them to share.
There are a few special memories of some of the photos...
-Grandmama, was always covered up and cold while the rest of us were hot, but she did leave with a sunburn! She loved exploring all the unique shops and tourist traps.
-Jeremy, who we hadn't seen in years, reminiscing about looking at the stars each night and thinking of each other, or him being just plain crazy and fun... Lily Tomlin in the big chair!
-Julie says her sunscreen will protect her, then she's fried the next day, but she still keeps her commitment to study, so proud of her! She's so much fun!
-Lisa shares the first chance to get to know her and find out how lucky we are that she's in our family. She cheers for the Orlando Magic and takes some great photos!
-Marcia still loves to shop and laugh. I loved just watching her spend time with Jeremy, something I know she misses doing. And the "head joke"... you're killin' me!
-Mary was my pool pal and my cooking partner. I don't know how we made all the food fit in the refrigerators, or the look on her face when she saw all the cupboards of dishes... lots of bowls! We still had too much food!
-Steve S. makes the best pool fairy wrapped in a raft we have ever seen... he won the fishing contest with his TROPHY FISH catch, and allowed me to feed him his beer so he didn't have to leave the pool to drink!
-Steve G. woke each morning to watch the sunrise and see the daily news with me. He'd return from his daily fishing to tell us about the one that got away. A big thank you for taking everyone to the off-road area to look for horses and terrorists. About that grass skirt...
-Tricia ended every day with me by saying "thank you" for giving us this trip and the awesome people we shared it with. I will never forget the smile that finally returned to her face when she spent time with everyone...
I'm not as talented as many of you on making a montage, but I'm sure you'll get the idea. The computer kept changing the order of the pictures, so forgive a few "mix ups". Just take a few minutes... more than 5, I think, and enjoy the montage! Remember, with over 700 photos to share I will be posting 5 more montages of the trip! Enjoy!!!!
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