Sleep Over

We celebrated my youngest son's 9th birthday this weekend and had a relatively manageable sleep over with 3 additional boys. We took them to the pool, had pizza, made their own sundaes, and they spent the rest of the evening playing video games and watching movies. I really enjoy low key parties where I don't have to spend a million dollars to celebrate. Don't they look like they're having fun?

Wow....

I have to be very careful how I choose my words when talking about something that is really bothering me, so forgive me if I'm vague. Last night we went to dinner for my son's birthday and had a bunch of family members meet us. My husband's parents were there and his dad didn't say a word to me (or anyone else for that matter.) He gave the kids the cold shoulder and basically acted like he didn't want to be there. My MIL talked to my husband the whole time and said about 2 words to me. They haven't seen our kids in 3 months but said that they wanted to come back to our house for cake and ice cream so they could see our puppy (they LOVE her), because they haven't seen her in a long time. How can you give a crap about seeing a dog but don't make an effort to see your own grandchildren when they live 4 miles away. I don't want to alienate them from my life because I truly love his parents but I refuse to have people snub my family or give me the cold shoulder and then want to walk into my house to see a fucking dog. I wish they'd come out and tell us what the problem is.

More vacation pics

An active volcano
The Waipi'o Valley. One of the prettiest sights I've ever seen.
Gorgeous flowers everywhere!
Our resort, the Marriott Waikoloa.
Jamie and I sitting on the lava rocks on the beach.

We're Back!

After all of the anxiety, nerves, cold sore, and stomach cramps....the trip was amazing! We has such a great time and saw some awesome sights. I'm so glad that I didn't let my fears take control. I'll post more about the trip tomorrow when I'm not totally exhausted. Here's a picture to wet your appetite for a tropical vacation!

Am I Normal?

Do you think that it's normal to be totally anxious about going on a trip that you'd almost rather cancel it? I have had headaches, stomachaches and a cold sore all because of my stupid nerves. It's a characteristic that I don't like about myself and would like to change but I don't know how (without medication). I try to put my faith in God that he will take care of us on the trip and the kids while we're away but I am so consumed with it that I can't think straight. Most people would love to be going to Hawaii in my place....I need to learn to live in the moment and appreciate what I have been given without being such a freak about it.

Aggravated

We're going to Hawaii next week and we're leaving the kids with family. Originally, we had asked my mom to keep the kids and then my brother and his wife asked if they could have them for a few nights. I sent both of them a schedule to let them know where they would be and when, my mom got a little miffed that they boys are spending more time with my bro than with her. I guess I kind of understand because she doesn't have anything going on and uses the grandchildren for entertainment. The kids are very excited about staying with my brother because he and his wife have some fun things planned. I hate leaving town knowing that my mom feels put out by our decision to let the boys have a little fun with their uncle while we're gone. The boys love their granny but she's not as fun as uncle!

Summertime

This has been one of the best summers I have had in a very long time. First, I'm not working. Typically I work a couple of days a week during the summer which leaves me tired and not wanting to do things with the kids. Second, I only took 1 summer class (which I got a B in, YAY!!) and I don't have school until the end of August. I feel like I am spending so much time with the kids doing productive things. I have probably read 5 books this summer and I feel like I can't get enough of reading. I don't have the time to read during the school year so I really feel transformed into another world when I curl up with a good book while it's 98 outside. We are planning a trip to Hawaii in 2 weeks without the kids. While I hate leaving them, it will give us some time to spend with each other. Between camping, the boat, our upcoming trip and no school for a while, it's been an enjoying time together.

On the same note, I've noticed a huge change in my husband lately. Even though he's been working like a dog, he's been a lot happier than I've ever seen him before. Summer is usually a difficult time for him because he gets bored easily and falls into a funk. I think buying the boat was the best thing we could have done for his mood. Even if we aren't out on the lake, he has something he can work on and keep him busy. Its sad...one of our friends came over this weekend and told us that his wife is having an affair and they are getting a divorce. They've been married for 15 years. I can't imagine. We've been married almost 14 and while it hasn't always been peaches and cream, I love him more now than I did the day I married him.