Well, in a few days, I will be in Mexico for the first time in July. I have not blogged in a long time and when I got on here, I realized there are a few 'drafts' that were never published - those 2 should be dated sometime in 2011 when we were living there - may be a bit confusing.
So, we have some friends who have been wanting to go to Mexico but claim that they must go with the Millers when they go. One family, even cancelled their trip to Wisconsin to join us in Mexico....
Talk about pressure to preform! Holy Moly - I feel like I cannot disappoint with all the things I have talked about in Playa del Carmen.
On Saturday, we, along with 2 other families from Lawrence, Kansas will hop on a Fun Jet and within 5 hours be walking on the beach - or more like @ El Fogon getting a margarita and Tacos Arrachera.
I am looking forward to being there in July to see if 'I can take it'.
I love summer, I never complain about being hot or heat - so I am excited to see if, one of these days, I will really be able to live there year around! :-)
I will try to figure out how to post pictures, it's been so long I may need a refresher but hopefully I will be able to post some fun stuff and new details about one of my favorite places on this earth. Looking forward to sharing it with other friends in the future as well! Adios
the water is so good
Monday, July 15, 2013
Weekends
It's funny - I've had lots of people ask, mention and or wonder: Why are you doing this?
I think the real answer won't be known for a while, maybe as soon as we get home, maybe someday - years from now, or maybe really, never actually something that anyone could put their finger on......
But, this I know for sure:
I am always striving to be a better person.
Each year as my birthday comes and goes, I think to myself, am I doing what I want to be, am I who I want to be for myself, my kids, my husband, my family & friends? Am I in the kind of health I want to be in at 43 years old? What do I want to do different, does my life flow daily in a healthy, happy way, Am I making the most of opportunities that God puts in front of me?
What is my purpose?
How do I want my kids to live their lives?
Do I spend my time wisely?
Do I surround myself with healthy things, people, activities and thoughts?
I am an Aquarius. At least I used to be, I haven't looked at that stuff on FB re: your zodiac sign changing....
Anyway - I love the water, I love warm air, I love being outside, I love the mystery of the ocean, I love not wearing shoes. I am drawn to this climate.
I honestly believe that when Alexander, Benjamin & Carlie graduate from college, they will have to know another language. I know you can learn Spanish at FSHS or LHS. But, I want my children to be versed. I don't just mean that they can hold a conversation with you and look you in the eye. I want them to know what they want. I want them to have experience in different situations that will give them the edge. I want them to be able to roll. I want them to have dealt with different situations that will help them in their lives at some point, in some way or on one day!
At home, I was feeling like I was never in control. And I don't mean, I didn't get to decide where we ate dinner - I mean, I was just bobbing along. Not doing anything great - just doing lots of great things that maybe I wasn't making great because of something else.......
Youth sports absolutely dictate my life. On pretty much any given day in our home - someone outside my house is dictating what my family does.
I'm not saying it's something I didn't sign up for. I knew when I enrolled all 3 of my kids in piano lessons that that came with a price of time. I knew when Alexander decided he wanted to play sports - and not just 1 sport (God forbid) that that would mean a commitment of my time ( I really mean my family time ).
I knew all of these things, but one thing I don't remember from my childhood is that daily, there is SOMETHING that HAS to be done. I'm not talking about taking out the trash, pulling weeds, making dinner, doing laundry (oh how i miss my machine!)....
I'm talking about something that someone else has decided for me, as far as time, place, length of activity, day.....
For example, baseball practice. Sundays......SUNDAYS.....really? In my mind, Sunday is the worst day imaginable for a baseball practice. Sunday is the day you just do. Church, Dinner, then, whatever it is you want to do. Play in a creek, horseback ride, play whiffle ball, football, go for a bike ride, explore, whatever it is that sparks something in you, it seems to me that Sunday is the day that you should do that.
My son even plays in a football league that game days are Sundays..... So there must be a lot of people in the world who think Sunday is a great day for youth activities!
I think the real answer won't be known for a while, maybe as soon as we get home, maybe someday - years from now, or maybe really, never actually something that anyone could put their finger on......
But, this I know for sure:
I am always striving to be a better person.
Each year as my birthday comes and goes, I think to myself, am I doing what I want to be, am I who I want to be for myself, my kids, my husband, my family & friends? Am I in the kind of health I want to be in at 43 years old? What do I want to do different, does my life flow daily in a healthy, happy way, Am I making the most of opportunities that God puts in front of me?
What is my purpose?
How do I want my kids to live their lives?
Do I spend my time wisely?
Do I surround myself with healthy things, people, activities and thoughts?
I am an Aquarius. At least I used to be, I haven't looked at that stuff on FB re: your zodiac sign changing....
Anyway - I love the water, I love warm air, I love being outside, I love the mystery of the ocean, I love not wearing shoes. I am drawn to this climate.
I honestly believe that when Alexander, Benjamin & Carlie graduate from college, they will have to know another language. I know you can learn Spanish at FSHS or LHS. But, I want my children to be versed. I don't just mean that they can hold a conversation with you and look you in the eye. I want them to know what they want. I want them to have experience in different situations that will give them the edge. I want them to be able to roll. I want them to have dealt with different situations that will help them in their lives at some point, in some way or on one day!
At home, I was feeling like I was never in control. And I don't mean, I didn't get to decide where we ate dinner - I mean, I was just bobbing along. Not doing anything great - just doing lots of great things that maybe I wasn't making great because of something else.......
Youth sports absolutely dictate my life. On pretty much any given day in our home - someone outside my house is dictating what my family does.
I'm not saying it's something I didn't sign up for. I knew when I enrolled all 3 of my kids in piano lessons that that came with a price of time. I knew when Alexander decided he wanted to play sports - and not just 1 sport (God forbid) that that would mean a commitment of my time ( I really mean my family time ).
I knew all of these things, but one thing I don't remember from my childhood is that daily, there is SOMETHING that HAS to be done. I'm not talking about taking out the trash, pulling weeds, making dinner, doing laundry (oh how i miss my machine!)....
I'm talking about something that someone else has decided for me, as far as time, place, length of activity, day.....
For example, baseball practice. Sundays......SUNDAYS.....really? In my mind, Sunday is the worst day imaginable for a baseball practice. Sunday is the day you just do. Church, Dinner, then, whatever it is you want to do. Play in a creek, horseback ride, play whiffle ball, football, go for a bike ride, explore, whatever it is that sparks something in you, it seems to me that Sunday is the day that you should do that.
My son even plays in a football league that game days are Sundays..... So there must be a lot of people in the world who think Sunday is a great day for youth activities!
One Thing After Another
Hola!
You know, you say you're going to write in a journal, you think you'll blog. Seems like it will be easy to log everything you do......Then you get there and, where does the time go? What do you spend all your time doing? How come you cannot find the time to do all the things you thought you'd do?
I seriously, no kidding, had this vision of myself, spending time EACH DAY on the beach. Time=More than looking out there over my shoulder as I rush kids to the next thing. I really thought I would tan myself daily - hahahahahahahahahahaha NOT!
So, just because I don't blog about it and I haven't filled my very cool journal I bought @ Barnes & Noble just before Christmas @ Town Center, doesn't mean that every single day, something doesn't happen to me that is completely worth blogging or journaling about. Oh Contrair
Last week, I sent my son to football practice in a vehicle built for 3 with 3 other people.....
As he was running to the truck/golf cart/utility sled looking auto....I hollered - don't forget, you need a ride home too. I don't have a way to get you so just let his mom know you will need a ride home as well......
Practice is suppose to be over @ 5:30 - you know how football coaches are (what am I talking about - ANY coach) I'll give him 20 minutes.... It's a 15 minute (tops) ride back home. So, 6:15pm (way after dark) I start thinking, umm, wonder when Bo will be home..... Just a few minutes after that thought - Ben says, Mama, shouldn't Bo be home by now?
I know he should be home for sure but Ben tends to FREAK about his brother at the slightest thing so I calmly say, I'm sure he'll be home soon.
Up I jump to go to the front of the condo, like that will make a difference, to look for him.
Not in sight. Ben comes running after me and says Bo is home - he came to the condo from the 'back' side????? I'm wondering, what the heck and Ben says - Mama, he said, we're not going to believe this story.
The Mom in me is coming out - Doesn't sound like my kind of story?!!
If you know how stories go from Bo - they could take hours, including painful extremely detailed specifics that really don't matter to anyone or thing.
He says, Mom - I couldn't find my new Underarmour head band - - so I stayed to look for it - - and by the time I found it, Most everyone was gone......
My eyebrow goes up.....
So, I found Blah Blah and asked him if I could have a ride and he says, I guess so.
Along comes an old beat up Volkswagen, Who knows what kind of car it was but Bo claims it was a VW and in gets 3 teen boys, Blah Blah and my precious son. Once again, a little over maximum capacity.
There are lots of speed bumps/humps between here and Calica, where Caballeros football practice is held...
Without going into a ton of detail, The car had to be pushed up a hill and over a speed hump (& Topes) or several before Bo made it home ok. Although he did find his red headband - he didn't make it home with his passport - he wasn't sure where that was.
He was eager to remake the sounds of the car for me and even asked, Mom did you hear us coming?
You know, you say you're going to write in a journal, you think you'll blog. Seems like it will be easy to log everything you do......Then you get there and, where does the time go? What do you spend all your time doing? How come you cannot find the time to do all the things you thought you'd do?
I seriously, no kidding, had this vision of myself, spending time EACH DAY on the beach. Time=More than looking out there over my shoulder as I rush kids to the next thing. I really thought I would tan myself daily - hahahahahahahahahahaha NOT!
So, just because I don't blog about it and I haven't filled my very cool journal I bought @ Barnes & Noble just before Christmas @ Town Center, doesn't mean that every single day, something doesn't happen to me that is completely worth blogging or journaling about. Oh Contrair
Last week, I sent my son to football practice in a vehicle built for 3 with 3 other people.....
As he was running to the truck/golf cart/utility sled looking auto....I hollered - don't forget, you need a ride home too. I don't have a way to get you so just let his mom know you will need a ride home as well......
Practice is suppose to be over @ 5:30 - you know how football coaches are (what am I talking about - ANY coach) I'll give him 20 minutes.... It's a 15 minute (tops) ride back home. So, 6:15pm (way after dark) I start thinking, umm, wonder when Bo will be home..... Just a few minutes after that thought - Ben says, Mama, shouldn't Bo be home by now?
I know he should be home for sure but Ben tends to FREAK about his brother at the slightest thing so I calmly say, I'm sure he'll be home soon.
Up I jump to go to the front of the condo, like that will make a difference, to look for him.
Not in sight. Ben comes running after me and says Bo is home - he came to the condo from the 'back' side????? I'm wondering, what the heck and Ben says - Mama, he said, we're not going to believe this story.
The Mom in me is coming out - Doesn't sound like my kind of story?!!
If you know how stories go from Bo - they could take hours, including painful extremely detailed specifics that really don't matter to anyone or thing.
He says, Mom - I couldn't find my new Underarmour head band - - so I stayed to look for it - - and by the time I found it, Most everyone was gone......
My eyebrow goes up.....
So, I found Blah Blah and asked him if I could have a ride and he says, I guess so.
Along comes an old beat up Volkswagen, Who knows what kind of car it was but Bo claims it was a VW and in gets 3 teen boys, Blah Blah and my precious son. Once again, a little over maximum capacity.
There are lots of speed bumps/humps between here and Calica, where Caballeros football practice is held...
Without going into a ton of detail, The car had to be pushed up a hill and over a speed hump (& Topes) or several before Bo made it home ok. Although he did find his red headband - he didn't make it home with his passport - he wasn't sure where that was.
He was eager to remake the sounds of the car for me and even asked, Mom did you hear us coming?
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Life Keeps Moving
It's been a year and a half since we decided to pack up and haul it to Mexico for a few months.
I remember that day very vividly, my teeth chattering and hands shaking as I booked the flights for my babies and I go leave Kansas and go to Playa del Carmen.
Wow - Life hasn't slowed down a bit since. Kids are growing, changing, maturing and still always up for an adventure.
We have sent over 100 friends to Mexico since and someone is constantly asking me to share experiences with them or where should they go to eat or what should they do while they are in the Riviera Maya. I guess I should keep my blog more current so that I can easily guide someone to this page and not have to gather each time, all the information and photos for all my friends.
It's amazing how after friends come back to Kansas, they say, "Wow, our trip was amazing thanks to all the insight you shared with us before we left!"
So, I will try to do that here real soon.
On another note.....Each day of our lives we have continued to be touched by Mexico in some way.
Daniel will be back with us next week to complete his Senior Year of High School here in Lawrence. He had such a great experience last school year @ Bishop Seabury Academy that he is coming back for more!
The last 3 weeks we have had the opportunity to share with our friend, Nacho, who we met way back in 2009 when we were told we shouldn't have Mexicans in our house that they carry diseases including Swine Flu! Gotta love those kinds of Doctor Friends who try to put the Kaboosh on great experiences due to their uneducated, biases.
Anyway, Nacho, has been here for nearly a month and we have LOVED every minute of our time with him. We got to take him to Colorado and Wyoming. Having him and his family in our lives has been a true blessing.
I've got to sign off now - busy with Daisy Hill Goods and turning over rental properties.
I promise to be in touch soon
xoxo
I remember that day very vividly, my teeth chattering and hands shaking as I booked the flights for my babies and I go leave Kansas and go to Playa del Carmen.
Wow - Life hasn't slowed down a bit since. Kids are growing, changing, maturing and still always up for an adventure.
We have sent over 100 friends to Mexico since and someone is constantly asking me to share experiences with them or where should they go to eat or what should they do while they are in the Riviera Maya. I guess I should keep my blog more current so that I can easily guide someone to this page and not have to gather each time, all the information and photos for all my friends.
It's amazing how after friends come back to Kansas, they say, "Wow, our trip was amazing thanks to all the insight you shared with us before we left!"
So, I will try to do that here real soon.
On another note.....Each day of our lives we have continued to be touched by Mexico in some way.
Daniel will be back with us next week to complete his Senior Year of High School here in Lawrence. He had such a great experience last school year @ Bishop Seabury Academy that he is coming back for more!
The last 3 weeks we have had the opportunity to share with our friend, Nacho, who we met way back in 2009 when we were told we shouldn't have Mexicans in our house that they carry diseases including Swine Flu! Gotta love those kinds of Doctor Friends who try to put the Kaboosh on great experiences due to their uneducated, biases.
Anyway, Nacho, has been here for nearly a month and we have LOVED every minute of our time with him. We got to take him to Colorado and Wyoming. Having him and his family in our lives has been a true blessing.
I've got to sign off now - busy with Daisy Hill Goods and turning over rental properties.
I promise to be in touch soon
xoxo
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
March 16, 2010
The thought of leaving is starting to make me feel very sad, almost sick!
Not sure how we are all going to handle it next week. It will be interesting like everything else we have done since 1-1-11.
We have really had nearly perfect weather. The times it has rained has seemed perfect too. Like the perfect washing that everything needed or a huge drink of fresh water.
I have crossed paths with some cool folks. I have made friendships that I am certain will last forever!
I feel comfortable, safe and at ease here.
I really wonder what it will be like to leave.
Not sure how we are all going to handle it next week. It will be interesting like everything else we have done since 1-1-11.
We have really had nearly perfect weather. The times it has rained has seemed perfect too. Like the perfect washing that everything needed or a huge drink of fresh water.
I have crossed paths with some cool folks. I have made friendships that I am certain will last forever!
I feel comfortable, safe and at ease here.
I really wonder what it will be like to leave.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
GOOD EATS
HERE YOU GO - after lots of requests - I will try to keep updating this with more information & pictures of these great restaurants as I get them.
These are not in any certain order - one of these days I may rank them.
• Los Aqua Chiles - this place is SO GOOD - on the southwest corner of Calle 34 Nte. & 25th Avenue Nte. Beware: they close @ 6:30pm.
Great Grilled Shrimp tacos. you can get them on flour or corn, i suggest corn.
Try one of each taco the first time you go. The 'LosAguaChiles' is awesome too. It is on a big piece of lettuce - so good. They also have great dips that are in like plastic pour containers. LOVE IT!
• El Fogon - There are several in town - We prefer the one located on Constituyentes just east of 30th Ave. Across from Mega Grocery Store.
The Pastor is the meat off the big rack that they are cooking as you walk in. Just take a seat at an open table or wait on the sidewalk for something to open up. Margaritas are great too. Very authentic - you will love it! yummy pico.
• La Ceiba - on 30th Avenue just north of Constituyentes (around corner from el fogon). This place is fabulous - it's located on the porch of an open market. They have perfect juices & smoothies. They have a menu in English too. Their mixed salad is great and I like to get it and share the Arrachera tacos - then you can add the salad to the taco - Muey bien. Kukulan is my favorite juice. Ask for it in the 'grande blanco' cup. My kids love the 'breaded chicken' with alfredo pasta. The grilled chicken is even better. Make sure you walk thru the market before you leave. Friendly staff.
• Chez Celine - 5th Ave & calle 34. French Bakery - do i need to say more? Closed on Mondays.
www.chezceline.com.mx breakfast specials - omlet comes with a hot drink of your choice & fresh OJ. Make sure you get a croissant. They make their jams and the flavor is different every day. Bread comes to your table in a big basket. Sit outside if you can.
These are not in any certain order - one of these days I may rank them.
• Los Aqua Chiles - this place is SO GOOD - on the southwest corner of Calle 34 Nte. & 25th Avenue Nte. Beware: they close @ 6:30pm.
Great Grilled Shrimp tacos. you can get them on flour or corn, i suggest corn.
Try one of each taco the first time you go. The 'LosAguaChiles' is awesome too. It is on a big piece of lettuce - so good. They also have great dips that are in like plastic pour containers. LOVE IT!
• El Fogon - There are several in town - We prefer the one located on Constituyentes just east of 30th Ave. Across from Mega Grocery Store.
The Pastor is the meat off the big rack that they are cooking as you walk in. Just take a seat at an open table or wait on the sidewalk for something to open up. Margaritas are great too. Very authentic - you will love it! yummy pico.
• La Ceiba - on 30th Avenue just north of Constituyentes (around corner from el fogon). This place is fabulous - it's located on the porch of an open market. They have perfect juices & smoothies. They have a menu in English too. Their mixed salad is great and I like to get it and share the Arrachera tacos - then you can add the salad to the taco - Muey bien. Kukulan is my favorite juice. Ask for it in the 'grande blanco' cup. My kids love the 'breaded chicken' with alfredo pasta. The grilled chicken is even better. Make sure you walk thru the market before you leave. Friendly staff.
• Chez Celine - 5th Ave & calle 34. French Bakery - do i need to say more? Closed on Mondays.
www.chezceline.com.mx breakfast specials - omlet comes with a hot drink of your choice & fresh OJ. Make sure you get a croissant. They make their jams and the flavor is different every day. Bread comes to your table in a big basket. Sit outside if you can.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Vacation? What's that?
One month from right now, I will be in Kansas. Probably have my belly full of french fries and maybe even a burger - for sure I will have a 32oz (or route 44) Diet Coke with lots of ice and a lid and straw in my hand!
This morning on our way to school, Bo said - "It'd be a great day if we were on vacation!"
Amigo, I couldn't agree more!
We are back at it!
Monday - basketball practice
Tuesday - football practice
Wednesday - basketball & football practice (2 different time & 2 different locations)
Thursday - football practice
Friday - football practice & basketball game
Saturday - football game
That leaves Sunday to practice the piano for 3 kids, practice the violin, do homework from here and homework from there......oh and go to the beach when we have a minute!
And as I'm typing this - I just remembered that Bo needs 'bubbles' for a science project for tomorrow morning.......bubbles? that's if he translated it correctly. I did remember to get a black trash bag that he also needs.
I was up at school 7 times today (SEVEN) and I honestly thought I would spend my 'free' time on the beach while I was here.......jajajajajajaj or hohohohohoho (as they would write down here instead of: hahahahahaha)
Had to turn money in for field trip for both boys - had only signed one permission slip. We're house sitting and the recorders for music class were back @ the condo.....
back and forth back and forth.
Things have gone great - they really have. The tailspin I was in due to Sis Mill not liking school seems to be so long ago. She loves her new school and her teachers are amazing - all 5 of them.
I do know that when she is at school, she is still scared - imagine how you would be @ 5 years old in a space where, really no one, speaks your language. You have no connections with anyone. She often mentions a different feeling that she has while she's at school and my heart aches for her. She approaches it with a smile and an, 'I can do it attitude' but it still makes me ache that she isn't with Ms. Fewins, "safe, warm & dry" and messing with glitter.
She is strong and I know these skills she is learning now will help her for the rest of her life.
The boys are doing great.
They miss their friends - they miss certain things.
Ben and I went for a long bike ride 2 nights ago. We were hauling some major hiney on these old bikes. It was a great feeling!
Alexander said today - he feels most comfortable in Kansas - I was glad to hear that. I said, well, that's good - you should feel most comfortable at 'home'!
Tomorrow the boys are competing in a track meet. I wish I knew more about what they are doing but I really don't. I know that Bo is in 4 events and Ben in 3.
Relay, Long Jump, Throwing, Running race.
I am excited to see how it goes and what it is. I really have no idea what to expect.
Last friday we had our first school party!
That was fun! Very fun. Great ideas to take back home for school parties there!
Today when I picked Ben up from basketball practice, Profe (PE teacher) (who speaks NO AMERICANO) told me that the boys get out of school tomorrow @ 12:30. That, of course, is great news to me! They need to be ready for this competition. That gives them time to eat, rest and be ready!
Maybe even sneak a few skim board runs in!!!!
The beach has been perfect for it!
6am comes really early - I have to be up and running!
I really am loving it here! Couldn't ask for more perfect winter weather! I really cannot imagine wanting to be anywhere else!
La Vida es Buena
This morning on our way to school, Bo said - "It'd be a great day if we were on vacation!"
Amigo, I couldn't agree more!
We are back at it!
Monday - basketball practice
Tuesday - football practice
Wednesday - basketball & football practice (2 different time & 2 different locations)
Thursday - football practice
Friday - football practice & basketball game
Saturday - football game
That leaves Sunday to practice the piano for 3 kids, practice the violin, do homework from here and homework from there......oh and go to the beach when we have a minute!
And as I'm typing this - I just remembered that Bo needs 'bubbles' for a science project for tomorrow morning.......bubbles? that's if he translated it correctly. I did remember to get a black trash bag that he also needs.
I was up at school 7 times today (SEVEN) and I honestly thought I would spend my 'free' time on the beach while I was here.......jajajajajajaj or hohohohohoho (as they would write down here instead of: hahahahahaha)
Had to turn money in for field trip for both boys - had only signed one permission slip. We're house sitting and the recorders for music class were back @ the condo.....
back and forth back and forth.
Things have gone great - they really have. The tailspin I was in due to Sis Mill not liking school seems to be so long ago. She loves her new school and her teachers are amazing - all 5 of them.
I do know that when she is at school, she is still scared - imagine how you would be @ 5 years old in a space where, really no one, speaks your language. You have no connections with anyone. She often mentions a different feeling that she has while she's at school and my heart aches for her. She approaches it with a smile and an, 'I can do it attitude' but it still makes me ache that she isn't with Ms. Fewins, "safe, warm & dry" and messing with glitter.
She is strong and I know these skills she is learning now will help her for the rest of her life.
The boys are doing great.
They miss their friends - they miss certain things.
Ben and I went for a long bike ride 2 nights ago. We were hauling some major hiney on these old bikes. It was a great feeling!
Alexander said today - he feels most comfortable in Kansas - I was glad to hear that. I said, well, that's good - you should feel most comfortable at 'home'!
Tomorrow the boys are competing in a track meet. I wish I knew more about what they are doing but I really don't. I know that Bo is in 4 events and Ben in 3.
Relay, Long Jump, Throwing, Running race.
I am excited to see how it goes and what it is. I really have no idea what to expect.
Last friday we had our first school party!
That was fun! Very fun. Great ideas to take back home for school parties there!
Today when I picked Ben up from basketball practice, Profe (PE teacher) (who speaks NO AMERICANO) told me that the boys get out of school tomorrow @ 12:30. That, of course, is great news to me! They need to be ready for this competition. That gives them time to eat, rest and be ready!
Maybe even sneak a few skim board runs in!!!!
The beach has been perfect for it!
6am comes really early - I have to be up and running!
I really am loving it here! Couldn't ask for more perfect winter weather! I really cannot imagine wanting to be anywhere else!
La Vida es Buena
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