TOFW 2013

Every year I get the awesome opportunity to leave my family for a weekend, and go and get up-lifted, to get my spiritual cup re-filled.  And good gravy it is always so needed.  I have the awesome opportunity to teach the Lord's precious children music every Sunday.  So for 2 hours every week, I pour as much of my spiritual self into their little buckets as I can (some weeks it is definitely more than other weeks that is for sure) but I give what I can.  During the week, I try to do my own reading, and my own bucket filling.  Depending on the weeks schedule, it can sometimes be better than other times.

So when I get to go, I soak up as much as I can.  I can truly say, each time I have learned, accepted, grown, and loved it all.

This year the presenters were great. 

(Beverly Menges, John Bytheway, Brenda Hanna, and Me)

John Bytheway got a kick out of my last.  "Bytheway, we Mabey could have a LOT of fun with this eh?"

(Brenda Hanna, Jenny Oaks Baker, Beverly Menges, and Me)

We also had the chance to listen to Jenny Oaks Baker play her violin.  She is truly a talented lady.

This year I had the chance to go (and room) with some great friends.  Lots of times, it's the people you are with that make it so much better

(Alex Welch, Me, Ashley Bailey)

I loved every minute of it, and it came at a needed time.

I went home feeling prepared for whatever was going to come, and I knew whatever it was I could handle!

I also must say that Joseph was fantastic at working this into his intensely crazy travel schedule.  He. Is. Awesome.

10 YEARS!!!!!!!!!

We have been married a whole decade!!!  How did that happen?!?!

Last year we went to Magic Springs and we were busy the whole time.  It was fantastic, but as we left there more tired than when we left home, we decided the next one need to be a very relaxing trip of nothing.  So we booked a beach.  Miami's South Beach to be exact.  It was an earned trip I tell you.  HoneyBuns was gone for most of April.  When I say most, I mean he was was gone for 3/4 of the month.  It was rough on him, and it was rough on me.  We earned this vacation together in that month alone let alone celebrating 10 years together!  My mommy was sweet enough to come visit and let us leave during the visit so we could go.

Here we are just before we left.  Our flight out was a later flight.  We didn't even get to Miami until about 1:30 am.  Harsh.  But we got a shuttle to the hotel, slept, shuttled back to the air port to get the rental and then headed to our real hotel.

While we were waiting for check in we decided to do some shopping and eat and stuff, we ended up finding this AMAZING Peruvian restaurant.  I think it was better than what I ate while in Peru!  It was so heavenly.

The view everywhere you looked was just amazing.  I can definitely see the appeal as to why you would want to live there. 

After dinner we took our nighttime stroll along the beach.  As we were strolling we saw the Despicable Me 2 blimp.  We thought of our angels and took the picture.  We knew they would like it.  We also liked that we were there to enjoy it without them.  =) 

The next morning we woke up to this.  How great is that.  We literally  walked out of our hotel and then to the beach.

It was so happy to wake up to the sound of the waves and the sun.  Talk about relaxing and rejuvenating! 

I had to capture us on with the beach to our back.  The water is gorgeous! 

Our consolation/bribe to the kids was to bring home sea shells and sand.  We took our job very seriously. 

*sigh* 

The fact that I get to wake up to this handsome man makes me so happy.  It is so cliche of me to say, but I really do love him more every day and every year that we are together.  He is such a good friend, he balances me, helps me, encourages me, and makes me so happy.

This is what I loved.  I laid back and  relaxed.  I meditated.  I let myself stop thinking about everything for just a few minutes and I let myself be.  It was so nice to be in the moment.

The walk back we realized that he was a bit lobster-like.  It made me think of Phoebe from Friends and he really was my 'lobster'.  (See the show then you will get the reference.) 

That night we changed swimsuits and swimsuit covers and went and ate at Kitchen 305.  It was named one of the top places in Miami to eat while you are there.  They also had all you can eat crab.  It was really good!  The creme brule was to die for.

The next day we donned  our swimwear one last time and checked out for more beaches and more shopping.

The shopping area we found was awesome.  We found some great things for people and had a great time. 

As we were driving to the airport I was so sad to see it all go!  It was such a great trip and I really loved every second away.  I was so glad to be able to strengthen the connection we have and fall even more in love. 

We were happy to be home.  They were happy we were home, mom was probably happiest we were back.  But I honestly loved every second away with my man. 

Happy 10 years and Thanks for making me so happy!!

Manager's Meeting at the Ranch

Surprisingly we were invited to a big Managers Meeting for Mr. Manly's work.  I say surprisingly because it should have been someone else.  But after some work drama it was us that was invited!  So we had 3 weeks to get ready to leave for 5 days.  Our dear friend Ash brought her 2 kids ages 2 and 8 months to watch our 4 ages 8,7,4 and 3 for 5 days!  6 kids ages 8 and under- wow, how great is she?!?!  Serious brownie points in heaven for that!  She said it went rather well and it wasn't a big deal.  Like I said- brownie points.  We love her dearly before this, and even more afterwards!  It was crazy but so awesome!  We went to the White Stallion Ranch in Arizona.  So pretty!  The landscape was just breath taking and the accommodations were outstanding and the people and food even better!  I left my house with my clothes fitting normal and I left the Ranch wearing yoga pants!  So delicious!  I hope to someday soon go back!

One of the activities that they have is the team cattle penning the Mr and I were on the same team with one of the other wives, and we had never done it before.  It was fun and we didn't do too bad! 

I think these cacti are amazing things.  They only grow in this region and it takes one of them 75 years to grown one of those arms!!  Birds also hollow out a little hole to live in and it is fascinating to sit back and watch them!

One cold morning the Ranch had a breakfast ride.  We meet nice and early and ride to a place for breakfast.  I loved watching nature wake up.  It was such a treat to look up and see hot air balloons floating above us enjoying the same beauty from such a different way. 

Here is the handsome Mr Manly Cowboy

Can you see how cold I am?!  I have a hat, gloves, fingerless gloves, a coat, 2 long sleeved layers, and a tank on.  Yep- I was FREEZING but it was well worth it! 

While the men had their meetings, they had different activities for the wives.  This year happened to be gun safety and shooting practice.  I loved it.

I started the morning with my many layers.  Which was good since I started with the big guns and all the layers made for some good padding.  

But as the morning continued, and the temperatures climbed, I started shedding layers.

 

By the end our poor guy on the target was rather beat up!

I also must admit, I really liked the big guns!

While we were there I had to get some pictures of us.

Isn't he so handsome looking all cowboy-like?!?!

I am definitely a luck girl!

It was such a great trip and we hopefully will get to experience it again!  We really are so blessed to work for such a great company that cares about their employees and takes good care of them.  It was great getting to know new people and spending time experiencing fun things with such a great man that works so hard for his family!

29......

Who would have thought I would almost be 30!!!  But alas- I really did turn 29- as my daddy always says.  It's better than the alternative!  

I had a good day!

I was 'wined and dined' with the best company possible.

I was showered with love and affection and gifts with those how mean the world to me. 

It was all orchestrated by one of the most handsome men ever to grace this planet.

And who is too good to me. 

And then I was treated to one of the yummiest angle food cake with strawberries anyone could ever think to dream of.

(Do you like his 30-1?!?!  I laughed so hard at that.  He realized too late that we don't have need of a nine yet- so he improvised.  LOVED IT!!!!)

It was such a great day.  I was surround by those I love, and they were good to me!

Happy Birthday to me!!!!  

The Enjoyment of Surviving Summer

So you know how summer begins and everything is 

WONDERFUL,

All that happens (besides the occasional chore list) is

playing,

running around,

laughing,

games,

experiments,

play dough, 

water hoses,

lakes,

pools,

EDIBLE play dough,

more games,

more  laughing,

more playing....

well you get the picture.  All this bliss is what summers are made for.  Then reality sets in.

One must do their chores everyday.

The toys are still the same as yesterday.

Siblings don't want to play the same game.

It then hits them,

They are bored.
There is nothing to do.
He is touching her,
he has 'my migueen',
he won't give her pony back.
Then summer isn't super cool anymore.
That makes me sad.
Sigh.

Then at the store and you see all the back to school stuff.
Part relief,
part sadness.
But the excitement of summer is re-kindled.
The lake splashes better,
the running is a bit faster,
the hose has new attachments and excitement,
the play dough is squishier,
the edible play dough tastes a bit sweeter,
the laughing is more often and deeper,
the experiments have a bit more depth and meaning,
the camera is pulled out a bit more often,
the moments a savored and relished more fervently.
Because it is realized 'life' has to start again.
Life will rush on again.
All the sweet moments will be put on hold while everyone
grows up just a bit.
But those quiet moments when the rush seems to pause
the glimmer of whats to come is
all it takes to make until next summer.

Mother's Day

Best.  Job.  Ever

(This is the best of like 5... heehee)

Chunk- I love you forever.

JellyBean- I love you always.

Monkey- I love you indefinitely.

Z- I love you for infinity.

TOFW

I had the wonderful chance to go to Time Out For Women in Arlington TX this year.  It was such a great time to be able to re-charge my batteries and have fun with some wonderful women around me.

While we were there, one of the presenters here is a Broadway singer.  The songs he sang, both LDS and Broadway, brought such a spirit to the room.  He had all 3000 of us women in tears multiple times throughout the day.  My dear friend here Paige had just lost her son about a year ago, and he sang a song so touching and so moving we were all past the ugly cry.  Paige got the cd and wanted him to sign it- so I wheeled her up there and we met him and said thanks.  It was so great.

The next day we were all able to listen and be up lifted again.  These women have touched my life and helped me in ways I'm sure I will never fully know and understand.  Everyday I am so grateful for their strength and example.

We are so excited for next year!

Bring it on!

9 YEARS!!!!!!

So- I will warn you- this is a picture over load, and I LOVE it!
A few weeks before our anniversary- Joseph surprised me with plans to go away for a few days for our 9 year.  I was soooo excited!  He was keeping it a secret but kept asking questions of things I might like to do.  Whether it be and order of how things are done, or preference of where we go.  It was killing me not knowing, but at the same time it was great knowing he was planning this for us!
Well, he finally caved and told me where we were going so I could pack accordingly.
HOT SPRINGS ARKANSAS
I (naturally) had never been there and I was soooooo excited!  We were planning on living it up with out the kids.  We love them dearly- but we needed to play and be young again.  We were feeling old and worn out.
Paca Clint and Mimi agreed to watch the little buggers for us while we were gone.  The kids were so excited to be able to play with them!

We left on April 26- the day of our anniversary and stopped for the customary Subway Sandwich Lunch.  It was delicious as always!  Then we hit the road for our 3 hour drive up.

Here we are as we head up!

The drive was actually quite a nice drive and we really enjoyed ourselves.  It was really a pretty drive (just ignore the dirty windshield line).  It was really green and 'mountainous'.  Loved the area.

We checked into the hotel and freshened up- we decided to do a progressive dinner so we could try many of the specialty restaurants there.  First we went to a delightful little German place and had appetizers.  Joseph got a mushroom dish and I got a 'meatloaf' type thing.  It was quite delicious!  

We then went to a grill was just a basic 'tex-mex' grill.  It was good, but not as impressive.  We then were tired, and decided to get dessert at Walmart and then (un-known to us then) the infamous allergy medicine and sunscreen.

The next morning (Friday) we had a busy day planned.  We first went horse back riding.  First- I LOVE horse back riding.  I have so many fond memories of spending my week in the summer with Grandmommy and Granddaddy and going riding with Granddaddy.  He helped me develop such a love for the animal and the relaxing time it can be.  I remember him telling me the first time- that if I was too nervous, the horse would know and it would make him nervous, so don't be nervous.  I know we talked about other things.  I am sure there were times that he was bored out of his mind at my endless chatter.  But the fact he loved me enough to take me- it meant the world to me.  Ever since then- I LOVE to ride.

Having said all that it's probably been a good 12-14 years since I've ridden a horse.

Scott, our guide, said we were so natural and comfortable, and that he was impressed. 

Here is Joseph and Ashes

Me and Freckles

Here is our guide Scott.  One of the nicest guys ever.  If you are ever in Hot Springs and you want to go riding go to Panther Valley Ranch.  They have places you can stay- and it is beautiful up there!  

After we were done there- we headed out to lunch.  We drove by a nice steak and sushi place and stopped there.

By the entrance they had a beautiful gardens area with an awesome Japanese gazebo.

After lunch we were headed to downtown Hot Springs for an afternoon at the spa!  It was so great!  Here we are before we headed down to our natural bath from the hot springs.  It was really nice!

We then had a bit to let ourselves air out and cool off before our massage.

Here we are while we waited for out massages.  It was really nice!  I had never had a professional massage before and I highly recommend it.  Afterwards we felt so awesome!  The facilities were really great too.

Once we left we wandered around downtown a bit.  We had heard how there were a bunch of hot springs fountains throughout.  The water comes from the springs and everything.  So we found one- the architecture around it was breath taking.  We tried the water- tastes just like warm water!  But it was awesome to be able to see it.  One day I would like to go back and do all the museums and stuff around there.

After the fabulous spa- we decided to dress up and head to a fancier restaurant.  It was there that I tried oysters on the half shell.  Yeah.... not horrible- but not something like I will be craving and ordering those each chance I get.  I know if I must- I can!  But I now can check that off my bucket list of foods!

After dinner we went and changed into 'play clothes' so we could go play.

See?  The ducks came out to play too!  They were a hoot to watch waddle around the mini-golf course.

He beat me terribly by nine strokes.

There was an awesome volcano that I had to get a picture of for the kids.  They were amazed that we saw a real volcano.  When I tried to convince them that it wasn't really real- they didn't buy it.  It has fire.

After my horrible loss on the put-put green, I fought back and totally wiped the floor with him in the go-cart races... hence no pictures, all you would see is my dust.

Then we went and played bumper boats.  That was so fun.  They had little water guns that you shoot with.  It was so fun.  This is as good of a picture I could get.  Otherwise we were squirting each other until we were terribly cold.

But it was still so fun.

Saturday morning we woke up and lathered ourselves with sun screen (much to my tummy's grumbling) and headed over to Magic Springs water park.  

Here we are in the car ready to go!

IT WAS SOOOOOOO FUN!!!  This roller coaster twisted (think cork screw) and went up and down and forward and backwards- and he got me to go on it!  It wasn't horrible, but definitely a bit past my liking.  But I think I would do it again.

We had such great plans to do the water park part- but we found out once we were inside that that part wasn't even open yet.  We were so bummed!  But we did have fun being kids again and riding all the roller coasters.

We decided to head out- and as we were walking across the bridge we notice these HUGE fish!  These catfish were around three feet long!  It was insane!  They also had these albino catfish!  Who knew?!?

Well- We headed home.  We were missing our babies and we were tired.  We stopped and ate the Olive Garden and had a nice leisurely trip back.  My stomach was still grumpy so that was sad, but it was so awesome to be able to spend that time with my man.

I have been so blessed to have such and amazingly strong, and handsome, and smart, and wise, and fun, and funny, and a good cook, and a good dad, and all around great guy to call as mine.  I am so grateful that we get to spend forever with each other.

Love you!