I really struggle with this sometimes. It's easy to get into a rut of focusing on what has passed and those who are taken out of our lives. I love this quote though. I seem to have this in my mind on repeat these days!
We lost our sweet Harley about a month ago. My heart is broken and I long to see her sweet face, see her lying next to me while I work, or hear her little scratches on the door because she needs to go outside. I want to be able to hurry home to let her out of her crate. I want to see her sweet kidney bean, because she is so excited to see me every time I walk in the door. I want her to stay in the bedroom with us until the last person is out of bed. I just want her here again. I could see it in her eyes that she wanted to keep fighting, but I couldn't bare to see her body fail her. We were blessed by a sweet doctor who came to our house so we could let her go in peace. We couldn't bring ourselves to load her up and take her in. It was just too much. She passed so peacefully and I will never forget how she licked Adam's face as she started getting drowsy. It was her final act of love and loyalty to him. I have cried because I wanted to save her and keep her here with me, but I will smile because she brought my family joy and happiness for eleven years. She was loved immensely.... and the feeling was mutual.
Since January it seems I've been gone as much as I've been home. In three months, I've been to Las Vegas, New Orleans, Pennsylvania, Honduras, Belize, Cozumel, and New Hampshire. I do enjoy traveling to new places, eating great food, and if I get to go with my family... even better! Adam did get to come with me to Las Vegas which was an awesome treat for us. I love Las Vegas and can't wait to go back. The food was sooooo tasty and we even came home with $300. Even though it was a work trip, we still managed to have plenty of fun! New Orleans was another work trip. I'm not sure it's the place for me. I can't say I really experienced New Orleans, so I won't rule it out just yet. We did hit Bourbon Street for two nights and found a couple of neat places, but it kinda felt like 6th street to me. Been there, done that. Pennsylvania was a short trip but a cold one. I've never been in negative temperatures before, so this was quite an experience. Thankfully the roads were clear and the driving felt safe. Yikes! The snow makes the terrain quite beautiful, but I could NEVER live somewhere with such harsh winters. Forget it! I'd rather sweat in Texas any day!
SPRING BREAK 2015!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!
The boys and I went cruisin' with my mom, sister and her family. Kylie was in Aulani in Hawaii with her BF Erin during Spring Break having a blast. Of course! I was a bit apprehensive about taking the boys on a cruise (no escape came to mind), but my mom reassured me it was very family-friendly so we went for it! The cruise was certainly family-friendly. There was a mix of all ages, which made for a fun trip for everyone! I don't think the boys had any idea how big the boat would be and were amazed when we first saw it. The pool won them over immediately. We sailed out of Houston and cruised for two days before our first stop in Roatan Honduras.
Our first stop was Roatan, Honduras... Gumbalimba Park and Tabyana Beach. It was an interesting shuttle ride to the Park, getting to see many parts of Roatan and learn its history. At Gumbalimba park, we saw butterflies, iguanas, waterfalls, parrots, and monkeys...oh the monkeys!! These so-called "trained" monkeys are quite adorable. If you get close to their habitat they will come over and see you or even jump on your shoulder! Jackson was excited to let one sit one his shoulder and Carter wanted no such thing. The alpha male monkey started to get upset and the guy working said it was because he didn't want to "work" or socialize for treats. He was showing his big teeth and jumping around. I started to back up and walk away when he jumped off the fence and ran over where the boys were standing and starting trying to scratch them and jump on them. It was hysterical and terrifying all in one! Thankfully the boys brushed it off with ease and we all got a good laugh afterwards.
Next Stop... Belize!!! We went to a small, remote island by boat where we had food and fun, as well as a short snorkel outing. The boys even jumped off the boat with Grandma Mary while we snorkeled. Big day for my big boys:)
Cozumel was our favorite stop... Playa Mia! Perfect spot for all. Beach chairs on the beautiful beach, kayaking, big pool, waterpark, buffet, and drinks! Sign me up!!!
What did I do when I got back home? I cried. I cried because I was sad my week with the boys was over. My week to focus solely on them with no other obligations to interfere. We were together 24/7. I loved it and sometimes they drove me crazy, but I still loved it. I wanted to be in those moments longer, so I cried. I wanted more time with them. Then, I smiled. I smiled because it happened! I smiled because I got to make memories with my little buddies. I got to see them experience so many new things for the first time. I cried... and then I smiled:)
