Day 15 - Rebounding

There's really not much to say about the day... it was a pretty standard day.  We didn't go outside at all and spent a lot of time in our school books.  However, I've come to understand now that our dog is definitely made for this ocean living.  Not even kidding, there are times she will bark to be let outside only to sit and stare at the waves.  At one point she came and got me to open the slider door only to have her turn around and lie down in her bed as if she needed the sound of the ocean to lull her back to sleep.  Its strange but kinda sweet as well!  Here she is just enjoying the view from the balcony.

Overall it was a grey day out there.  I'll admit, I probably pushed the kids a little too hard with their school work and by the time supper rolled around, we were all ready for a break!

After wrapping up school, making dinner and then cleaning the kitchen, it was almost 8:00 pm.  Both kids quickly disappeared to their rooms... I think they were worried I'd find something else to teach them.

I sat down briefly and turned on the TV but quickly realized how much my eyes were burning, so I decided to watch from my room with the lights off.  Well apparently I was tired because I fell asleep quite quickly and didn't realize it til the kids woke me up at 10:00 pm.  Oops.  They were already talking with Scott and wanted to know if I wanted to take a turn... Nope, I'm sleeping.  I told them I'd call him later but actually fell back asleep within minutes.  Ugh.  I woke up again a little after 7:00 am.  Although I thought I was feeling better, I'll chock it up that apparently my body knew better!

Day 14 - Back At It Again!

Well, I woke up feeling MUCH better!  Thank you Jesus!

After breakfast, the kids played together while I cleaned the master bedroom and bathroom.  Then we took our morning walk on the beach again.  Walking hand in hand with Tyler as we talk about his future... sharing memories from past visits and how much both kids have changed.  Its these simple memories that I’ll always cherish.

After our walk, we headed inside to work on school.  We missed quite a few days last week during construction so I hope we can make up some of those lessons.  The kids did great.  We did Science, History and Bible before lunch and event worked in a phone conference with Tyler’s therapist.  Then we watched the next episode of Little House on the Prairie while eating lunch.  Then decided to take a break from school and watched a movie together.

I spent a little time on the balcony enjoying the view and working on some puzzles.  Then it was back inside to finish Writing, Grammar and Math.  We also took the time to move Sammy over to the North bedroom so she and Tyler could each have their own bathroom.

As soon as we finished, we headed out to run some errands.  It was almost 6:00 pm so we ran into Cracker Barrel for some supper, er I mean breakfast :)

Then a quick stop at Best Buy and then Target before heading home.  It finally quit raining so we changed into our suits and ran down to enjoy just a few moments in the hottub.

When we got back, the kids each took a shower and headed to bed to watch some TV.  I took advantage of the time to sit on the balcony with Coco and drink a cup of chai.

Then it was back inside to clean up the kitchen, pick up all the stuff and piles that accumulate as we do life, and then headed into my room to work on the computer.

As I worked, Coco acted like she needed to go out.  Instead of taking the time to sit outside while she did her business, I cracked the slider door open so she could get out.  After a little while I saw her jump up on the window sill from outside and look in at me.  Awe.  When I was finished and ready to go to bed, I looked everywhere and couldn’t find her.  I walked out on the balcony and found her on the cushion chairs right outside my window, all curled up and enjoying the salty breeze... she really loves it here!

Day 13 - Not Off To A Good Start

The day started off pretty normally.  I had the kids get their own breakfast and took advantage of the extra time for devotions.  Around 10:00 am, we took a walk on the beach.  Its another cloudy, gray day so we were ever-watching the skies to avoid getting caught in a rain shower, but otherwise it was a fabulous walk!

Once we got home, we decided to make pizzas for lunch.  I love that my recipe has a breakdown for individual crusts, we each of us made our own... start to finish.

After lunch we planned to start school but I wasn’t feeling well so I decided to lie down for just a quick break... would you believe I actually fell asleep?  When I woke up, I was feeling better except now I had a headache so I got up for a snack but decided I needed to lie back down.  The kids made their own supper and gave me some more quiet time.  (I’m so thankful they are pretty independent these days!)

It was just after 8:00 pm, when Tyler pointed out that we were completely out of milk and offered to walk down to the Embassy to buy some for us... in the dark... alone.  He was so sweet to offer, and obviously REALLY wanted the milk so I got up, got dressed so we could go to WalMart.  Sammy was just finishing in the bathtub so I sat down to wait.  Tyler came over and asked if he could pray for me... of course!  

We were in and out of the store in no time flat.  After stopping for some ice cream, we headed right home.  We sat in the living room just a short time until the kids headed to bed to watch a movie.  Tyler popped out one more time and asked if he could pray for me again... so sweet!  Thanking God that I was feeling better, asking for a good night’s sleep, and praying away any illness / headache for tomorrow.  

I was back in bed by 10:00 pm and fell asleep almost immediately.  In some ways it felt like a wasted day... but obviously I needed some extra rest.  Besides, I always cherish the sweet moments when my kiddos care for me.  

Day 12 - So Long Daddy

With Daylight’s Savings last night, we got an extra hour of sleep. Although I’d love to say that meant we were up bright an early... it just wouldn’t be so.  It was a great opportunity to catch up a little.

Once we did get up, it was devotions at the table and breakfast before Roger and Gretchen headed home to Raleigh.

Once they were on their way, the four of us took Coco on a long walk on the beach.  It was very special as Scott shared some quiet one-on-one time with each of us.  Think laughter, reflection, hand-holding, it was perfect.

After we got back, Scott wrapped up a few projects and put away his tools, etc while I packed his bag for home.  We took the kids to Jimmyz for lunch where we played LCR and did our “church” time together.

We were feeling the time crunch as we got back to the condo so we decided to spend some time watching Fails on TV and enjoyed some laughter and snuggles together.  Then we moved on to LCR and Uno.  After a few rounds, it was time to bring Scott to the airport.

I wish I could say its easier now that the kids are older, or since we’ve done this a number of times... but it really hasn’t.  Good-byes are always rough.

With Scott on his way, the kids and I went home and made supper.  After which they finished a game and then FaceTimed with Bev and Ray.  Then we headed down to the hot tub only to be stopped by Kay that a big storm was heading in and she was shutting down the pool area.  Ugh... Sammy was so disappointed.

Back to the condo for showers and a movie in bed.  It worked well for me as I had some paperwork to wrap up and then headed to bed myself with a headache.

Scott had pretty good flights on the way home with a layover in Atlanta.  He landed in Grand Rapids around 11:30 pm and got home a bit after midnight.

It was a great day again... I’m sure the next few will be an adjustment... going from 100 mph to now being alone... but I’m sure it’ll be great!

Day 11 - Starting To Feel Like Vacation

It was a busy day today!  I think Scott’s feeling the pressure to get a few last things done before he heads back to Michigan.  After devotions and breakfast, he got right to work on the patio furniture.  We decided to use fish line to sew the cushions on to the wicker frame so that we wouldn’t have to worry about the wind blowing them around.  It was a project that took several hours but will save us lots of time removing and returning cushions later.

Uncle Roger brought the kids down to the ocean for a cool dip and then ended up in the pool for a while.  Aunt Gretchen cleaned the floors again and read some of her book on the balcony.  I tried a wassail recipe and then made pizza crusts for our lunch.

The afternoon went by so quickly!  Sammy and I spent some time on the patio coloring while Tyler did some chess puzzles in a book Aunt Gretchen brought down from Dean.  Uncle Roger and Aunt Gretchen went for a quick visit with Michael at the Pizza Chef.

After the cushions were finished, Scott turned his attention to mounting the bathroom towel rods and toilet paper holders. He worked right up until supper time.  They finished they brought Scott and I to a restaurant called Fire & Smoke.  The food was EXCELLENT!  I had a filet with blue cheese sauce and Scott had the special: black grouper with grits.  We shared a few small plates as well - truffle fries and crispy pork belly.  All was delicious!

The kids stayed home alone and enjoyed some Mac N Cheese.  I chuckle to think that they honestly think they got the better end of the stick tonight!

We had some cookies for dessert and I ran down to the lobby to get the groceries that were delivered. Otherwise we just watched a few shows that Tyler had been hoping to catch up on.

Then we all grabbed blankets and sat on the balcony for a little bit.  It was a great day!

Day 10 - The End in Sight

Scott was up last night with sinus pressure... thankfully the first time since we’ve arrived.  So I tried to do one last clean up this morning and hit the floors one more time.  Its amazing home much dust and debris moves around with the cardboard and drywall dust from construction.

We did a quick breakfast before Uncle Roger and Aunt Gretchen arrived about 10:00 am.  We spent some time getting caught up and showing Uncle Roger the spaces and then relented to Sammy’s requests to get outside.  We took a long walk on the beach, heading south and made it all the way to the inlet.

When we got back to the condo, Steve and Melissa announced they were finished.  I cannot believe it!  Scott sat down to discuss the final numbers with them so the Ademas, kids and I headed out to give them some privacy and grabbed some lunch at the hotel.

Thankfully the conversation didn’t last long and Scott was able to join us for the meal.

After we made it back, we all took a little rest time.  Its the first time I’ve seen Scott sit down in a comfortable chair since we arrived. Even Coco found a spot to relax.

We made cookies and Cabbage and Sausage for dinner and after eating decided to play at the pool (Uncle Roger and kids) and rest in the hot tub (Aunt Gretchen, Scott and I).  We were home again just after 9:00 pm so after showers, called it a day!

Steve and Melissa are mostly wrapped up now.  Its been fun getting to know them better this last week and we’re going to miss them.  But I am so thankful that the work is done!  Scott willl have a few projects that he’ll finish during his next visit but the condo is ready!

It was a fabulous day!  The first day that Scott had some down time and the first inklings that we are on vacation.  I’m so thankful for Scott and his skill set and perseverance.  What an incredible job he’s done finishing this condo!  I cannot wait to make even more memories here.  <3

Day 9 - Getting Closer

Well its been a little over a week that we’ve been here.  Its definitely coming together!  As the piles of supplies have dwindled down, the piles of dirty rags and laundry have increased so today the kids and I hope to tackle it.

After breakfast, we loaded up a cart with 6 laundry baskets and headed downstairs.  We’ve asked numerous people for a recommendation on a coin laundry location and no one had any suggestions except one that’s appx 30 mins away “by the airport in the same stretch as Thorny’s”.  So, we loaded up and headed south.  As we left the parking lot, I realized that none of us had our cell phones but I figured we had our school work along so it wouldn’t be important.  Although I justified that it couldn’t be too hard to find, I knew that I should have turned back.

By the time we found the laundromat it was 11:00 am.  After a kind man held the door open for us, we got the laundry started and then realized there wasn’t a single place we could do our school work. So, the kids were awarded extra screen time for the day.  I didn’t have anything to keep myself occupied so I pulled out the Bible and reread Romans (which is what I’m currently studying).

The laundry seemed to take forever... especially the dry cycle.  The sun was out and it was 77* outside so we were eager to get home and outdoors.  It was steamy and warm in the laundromat and we were all hungry.  I gave up waiting and we pulled the laundry, still a little damp.  We loaded up the truck again and made it home around 2:00 pm.

By this time, Steve and Melissa were well into their work day, Scott had several projects ticked off already and the glass man was there quoting our mirrors.

We ate a quick lunch of Mac N Cheese since it was already 2:30 and then the kids settled into the den to watch a movie.

Coco found a comfy spot as well!

The kids and I also decided to move them to the South Bedroom (2 queen beds with an en-suite and bigger closet) and set up the North Bedroom for our guests.  So we all chipped in to move their clothing, linens and bath stuff.  Then prepped the extra bedroom for Uncle Roger and Aunt Gretchen who plan to join us tomorrow.

Between the late lunch and the busy afternoon, the day kinda got away from me and it was 6:00 pm before I even thought to start supper... which was a 1.5 hour feat.  So we decided to hit Red Lobster for dinner instead.

After dinner we came home.  Scott and I were exhausted after being up so late last night so we convinced the kids to watch a movie in their room and we headed to bed ourselves.  It was amazing to hit the pillow before 11:00 pm.