B-F's-F

This is the reason I am going to miss "THE NATI" (Cincinnati).  I love the good friends that we have made. It has been hard to say goodbye, I have learned that I am not the best "good bye'r" either. If I am being totally honest, I feel a little goofy and awkward. I go through weird little moments, like -should I bring on the tears,  give a little patty-pat on the back or should I go for one of those border line inappropriate hugs that lasts a bit too long? Maybe I should stick with my typical belly five....That's never awkward! But in all seriousness, however I say good bye to you, I hope at the end of the day you know I how much I appreciate your friendships. Here are some pics of some of our favorite  "Nati-ians"!

My Sistas!

Seriously these ladies are like my sisters and I love them for who they are, what they stand for and the  impact they have had on my life. I can honestly say that I have the best friends that any one could ever want. I am a better person for having known each of these women. Are they perfect....Near, and that is why I am friends with them...Okay, but in all seriousness....I really do love them and this is my tribute to my Gourmet Divas, the ladies that I not only have the pleasure of sharing their company over many of good meals but also the ladies that I get to laugh with and sometimes even cry with. Thanks for the countless good times and for the many ways you have made my life better!

Sina:

Beautiful on the inside and out, fellow golf buddy, Real to the core, Funny...oh, so funny, Genuine.

(my sister from another mister)

Sharese:

Unheard of-creative talent, Funny, Kind, Beautiful,True friend till the end.

(Did I mention this is the master mind behind the best Christmas card ever?)

Becky:

Loyal friend, strong, Always willing to serve, Beautiful, My go to girl.

(willing to do all my dirty work and somehow still likes me)

Karen:

The  person who made it all happen; Happy, Positive, Beautiful, Truly- a wonderful person, Someone who I hope to be like after many more years of refinement.

(will hug for inappropriateness)

Kathleen: (soon to be....Gramleen)

Where to begin? An example to all of us, Happy-happy, True, Sincere, Beautiful, Good to the very core.

(Tends to fall asleep at any given moment but has a serious ripped stomach)

Lydia:

This one is a good time- for sure, Beautiful, Crazy talent, Accepting, Honest, Funny, Serious fashion skills.

(Makes for a great tube riding buddy)

This is just a little after thought that made me smile:) Thanks for taking part Sharese. I also just realized that I never paid for my late night snack... Thats awesome!

Tater Totty

Our little Tater turned three! However in his world he is still two (I would not recommend trying to convince him other wise, unless of course your ailing for a little toddler verbal abuse ex. "You Poopy, Pee Pee,Bum  Bum, Momma!). It hurts. I do love my Tater even though I still rank number 3 or 4 on the list of people he would choose to have console him. Here are a few snap shots of our BOY!

Here is one for cuteness sake! Tate, you really are one of the most content kids I know. You were a darling, chubby baby, and have turned into a "spicy" little Three year old!    (4.5 months)

He is kind of going through that "not natural smile" stage.

Unfortunately, Tate and Emmy do not always jive the best together but I did manage to snap a cute photo of Emmy sharing her coco puffs with the Birthday Boy!

And the winner is.....

DADDY! Yep, Tate is still the happiest if Daddy is with in reach. Trent is the first person he looks for every morning, the person who he wants to tell if "mommy is not being nice"and the one he wants to snuggle with when he is in need of comfort. 

I can not really blame him, Trent is a really cute Dad and I know he loves his little boy!

and the Grande Finale is....

BUZZ

Tate, thinks he is Buzz Light Year. He has pretty much worn these wings every ware. They have made trips to Costco, Target, and Syd's preschool. One day Buzz engaged in battle, needless to say he came in to the kitchen with a pretty good wound to his upper ear lobe. When I tried to help him take of his wings I heard this death cry, wondering "had he hurt more than his ear and space pride?"I soon realized that the Dude was having melt down at the very thought of being parted from his space wings. Sorry Buzz, no harm meant.  We love you Tate!

Pirate Party-Momma's Day!

Grandma Gaye can throw a killer pirate party!

No one can "ARRRGGHHH MATEY" like my kids, even Em is marching around our house Arrgghing! My Mom made pirate flags, treasure maps and hats for the kids and they tromped around our backyard looking for treasure. Needless to say they came back with some serious loot!  I have had horrible allergies this Spring and  have not been able to take my kids outside to enjoy the awesome weather, It was so fun for them and me, THANKS MOM!

 Ahoy!

Ode to da Momma

OK, this is my first time writing a blog so hope it works! Jamie always writes these things but it is time to write about the woman that makes it all happen.  Jamie, you are a wonderful wife and mother! First, thank you for always being so kind and loving to me. You are so good to me and I love being w/you. I also appreciate you supporting me and joining w/me as we start our new upcoming adventure half way around the world! You ROCK.



Second, as you can plainly see, these little munchkins are loving you and are ready to celebrate Mother's Day w/party hats and all.  I know these two adore you.






And then, there is this one. --She wants you Momma!--  Oh she loves da momma.  These 3 kids love you so much and I love you for being so good to them.  Each day, day after day, you lovingly take care of them w/all of your heart, might, mind and soul.  We are all so grateful to have you as our mother in the Home.  Each day you bless us by taking care of us and by your great loving attitude.  Jamie I want you to know how much we all love and appreciate you. On this Mothers Day, we give you our "Ode to da Momma" as you make all of our lives so great!  Thanks for all you do and we truly hope that this is a special day for you. XOXOXO - w/Chocolate on the face, food on the floor, Tate dragging sand in the house and hating it and Emmy ripping everything in her path up:)

Sweet....

As a parent, these are the moments that I love to witness. It helps me forget Tates "I hate yous"such as, "I hate outside, I hate the potty, I hate bed, I hate flowers", etc. and It makes Syd's "Burp Club"(which consists of burping and yelling "Burp Club!" not such a huge life or death dilemma that I often make it up to be. They do have moments of goodness, lots. I think sometimes  I need a reminder sign, you know like "Don't forget to stop and smell the roses."  Jamie: Don't forget to stop and enjoy your little ones!

Ciao!

 This pretty much sums up our trip to Italy St. Johns. We both appreciated the relaxing time it provided.  I am officially done posting about this spontaneous change. In closing, I will end with a few musts for your next trip to St. Johns:

 Virgin Gorda Baths and Snorkel

They have amazing dining on the Island, a few of our FAVS!

Rumbi Lines

Morgans Mango

Zo, Zo's

Lucys

With that said, I would definitely plan on bringing lots of snacks (as things tend to be a bit pricey). We even saw people bringing personal coolers, which would be fun for a day at the beach (next time:)

 

We came to this consensus on the beaches: They are all fabulous! We spent a lot of time beach hopping so that we could see them all, but really you could spend your time on the Westins beach front (above) and be totally happy!

and finally, get use to seeing these around. It was kind of creepy but I think our kids would have loved seeing all of the iguanas.

ROME-O!

 WARNING: this could get mushy

The thing I loved most about our trip to "Rome" was our time together. Our life is on the brink of disaster and I will always appreciate the calm before the storm that this last minute get away provided. I love that I still love Trent. It is easy to forget that he is not just an awesome Daddy, provider, and cleaning connoisseur-extremist but also someone that I really like being with. Trent asked me a few times if I missed the kids. To which I replied....."We have kids?" Happy 9 years babe!