Mary's Bridal Shower

I put an event on Facebook a few days ago to have a Bridal Shower for sweet Mary. We had a great turn out and were happy to celebrate her upcoming wedding. Everyone knows how I love to have an excuese to have a girls get together...

Congratulations Mary!

Interesting Sunday

I was up this morning, doing my normal routine. I was getting the kids ready and then went out to put the pool vacuum in the pool. It had leaves in it, and that annoys me, so I dropped the vacuum in and when I looked out a few minutes later, the leaf bag had detached. So, here was my vacuum, scooting all around just blowing the leaves around. UGH!

But, while I was bent over the pool, Chris calls and tells me that he has forgotten his suit jacket. I already knew that though, because Greyson had pointed it out to me and I took it and hung it up. It was laying over a kitchen table chair, and I just figured he brought it in the house from his car, but it didn't make it to the closet. It happens all the time...

Anyway, back to the phone call. He says, "Will you bring me my jacket?" He is already in Belleview, one hour away, and wants me, at 8:50 to leave and bring him his jacket by 10 so that he can give his talk in sacrament meeting. I said, "No, honey, I can't bring you your jacket, you're going to have to go without it. I am not ready, all the kids aren't ready..." He replies, with, I have to have it, please hurry. He tells me to call Mom to take the kids to church so they don't miss and for me to hurry. "Hurry, please", he says.

While I'm having this phone conversation, leaning half-way over the pool, trying to attach the leaf bag, the vacuum then proceeds to spray water ALL OVER ME! I was dripping wet and while trying to disrobe in the laundry room, Chris is still pleading and telling me to hurry. I reply with, "Honey, I will do the best I can, but I can't keep talking if you expect me to get there". "Okay, bye, hurry", he responds.

I threw on a dress, barely got any make up on, and while running out the door, literally, I tell the kids that they MUST be ready for Grandma to get them at 9:30. (I hadn't called Grandma yet, so I was really hoping she could help...)

I got in the car and started driving like a crazy woman. I called Grandma, and she said she would be happy to help. WHEW!

I texted Chris to tell him that I needed an address. The time was 8:58. It takes an hour. Church starts at 10. I have NO IDEA WHERE I AM GOING!

He replies to head towards the fairgrounds and he'd get me the address in a few minutes. He did and I entered it into my GPS.

I arrived at the Belleview building at 9:55. He met me in the parking lot. I had quite a bit of time to think while I was driving. It occurred to me that this was a tender mercy.

Chris and I were just talking Friday night on our date about something I was struggling with. He asked me, "Have you read my talk?" I had not. He encouraged me to do so.

Well, today, I received a tender mercy. Chris' talk was amazing and the spirit was SO strong. I felt blessed to be there to hear it. I knew that my Heavenly Father loves me and loved me enough to get me there, at that time, to hear that message.

It was crazy and stressful. But certainly worth it!

Retail Therapy

Chris had 2 client appointments this morning and I cycled. But, this afternoon, he had a client appointment in Jacksonville. So, I got a sitter for the day and we headed on a date. He dropped me off to Michelle at her exit in St. Augustine and he headed to his appointment. Michelle and I had a nice little lunch then headed to the outlet mall to see what we couldn't live without.

I got some nice items, thanks to Michelle's excellent taste!

Chris was done and met us a few hours later at Michelle's house. We then headed to Jacksonville Beach to have dinner with Michelle, Will, and another couple. The company was wonderful! We all had a great time!

I drove home and we didn't arrive back in Mount Dora until after midnight, but it was worth it.

Last day of Labor Day Weekend 2011

We got a very late start this morning, but finally drug ourselves out of the room over to the Jambo House for breakfast at one of their restaurants. It was very tasty! Following filling our tanks, we decided that we would go to Hollywood Studios and do a few things. Aislinn really wanted to get her hair wrapped, Kerstyn had it done yesterday while at Animal Kingdom, so we were trying to find that for Aislinn today. We were successful.
We had a very busy time at Hollywood Studios, then headed over to Magic Kingdom to do the Tiki room and then to the Grand Floridian for dinner. I had never been in the Grand Floridian, and I have been wanting too. It is very fancy.

After dinner, we went back to Hollywood Studios to ride Toy Story Mania. We got fast passes for it this morning, but it wasn't until a 7:10 come back time. We rode that ride and we had 4 meals left on our dining plan, so the girls and I went to Pizza Planet and bought the remaining meals.

We then had to get on the bus to go back to Animal Kingdom Lodge to get my van. I don't think we got to my van until after 8. We didn't arrive home until after 9 and we were all very tired. But, we had a great time!

Day 2, Labor Day weekend

We all drug ourselves out of bed this morning and arrived at 11 at church. We attended Sacrament meeting as a family and then went back to the resort for some more family time.

As you can see, the kids had quite a bit of fun.

Chris, Kerstyn, Grandma and Greyson went off having some fun while I stayed with the others at the resort until we met up for dinner at EPCOT's Garden Grill.

Here are some pictures from our resort. We had a Savannah View which we all really enjoyed.

Below is the view from our room. I went out on the balcony and took a picture. We loved sitting out there checking out the animals.

Animal Kingdom Weekend

We got up this morning, ate breakfast and headed down for a weekend of fun at Disney. This time, we stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge. While we waited for our room to be ready, which was right around 3:30, we hung out by the pool. We all had fun and Chris and Greyson even went off together to have some one on one time.

Tonight for dinner, we ate at Jiko which is at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It was quite tasty, except for one type of cheese that Grandma got on her plate. We had a great time. I wish the picture wasn't so dark though.

Double Date fun

Mich and I set up a double date tonight. We met at BJ's Brewhouse in Daytona and our wonderful men did very well entertaining our fun.

We need to do this more often.

So excited!

I've been wanting this picture for a while and I've waited and waited. But a week or two ago, I just did it. I bought it and I have been waiting for it to arrive.
Today, it did and I am so excited!

In case you can't see it very well, it is a vintage looking picture of the Orlando Temple with "The Shipley Family, Established January 29, 1994" written on it.

I placed it in the kitchen, where we can all look at it often. After all, it is the goal.

Remember

As Hurricane Irene heads up and hits the east coast, I found myself thinking of our 2004 hurricane season. Irene was supposed to be much stronger than it ended up being, which was good for the areas that it hit.

Hurricane season 2004 had 2 hurricanes go through our area. The first was small and strong, but we got lucky and didn't have trouble. Number 2 hit us pretty good and we went without power for around 3 days, lost all of our food and ate by candle light. We ate steaks and ice cream the first night, it all was going to ruin anyway. Chris and I went out in the middle of that storm and tied a tree up because it was on our property, but falling onto our neighbors house. The third storm was more of the same, yet this time, we had a generator, so we ran lights, fans and the refrigerator. It was much more comfortable than the first time, but still super hot.

The wind whistles. The rain is horizontal. It is really quite interesting to be a part of it. But, you certainly don't want a category 3 or stronger coming your way.

Change of plans

We decided that we needed to relax a little this weekend so we had plans to go to Typhoon Lagoon and relax. Well, the weather didn't cooperate, so after being there for only an hour, if that, we left, because they wouldn't let you do anything because of the lightning and thunder and went across the street.

Across the street is Downtown Disney. Chris and all the kids but Kerstyn went to Disney Quest for about an hour and a half while Kerstyn, Natalie Teets and I went walking around. We purchased tickets for all 8 of us to see the new Spy Kids movie.

We got poured on, ate some ice cream, looked around the stores and laughed.

The kids loved the movie. Chris took a nap.

Hurricane Irene

We had a few bands go through yesterday, and it is quite windy today, but no rain yet. It was true to hurricane style, the rain came out of nowhere and was pretty much horizontal with wind gusts.

We love hurricane season! ;)

Making it public

I don't like mornings.

Never have.

Probably never will.

Seminary starts WAY TOO EARLY!

This isn't fun.

Thank you, I feel better now.

Overheard at cubs last night

"Lauklan, why is your younger brother Greyson almost taller than you?"

Lauklan really doesn't like that question. Poor LJ...

First day of school 2011-2012

They are off!
We started this morning off at 4:45. Yes, that is right. 4:45! Pause and think. Me. 4:45. Not pretty. But we did it and Chris left with Brennan to go to seminary. We are swapping with the Markham family, so, this is our week to take to seminary and then they pick up from seminary and take them to school. I woke back up a little late and the elementary and middle school kids had to hustle.

Kerstyn was the last one to be dropped off this morning. She can't get to school until 8:45. We're hoping that she has another great year. I have some fun 7th grade memories.

Lauklan was ready to conquer 4th.

Greyson is excited to have Ms. Gronlund and learn all that second grade has to offer.

Aislinn was excited too. She said that she "couldn't wait" for school to start back!

I snapped the picutre below right before the elementary kids went to their classrooms. Brennan was already in first period by this time...

My babies are growing up!

Blessing

The kids got their back to school blessings this evening. It is always wonderful to be reminded how unique and wonderful each of the children are.

We pray for a good year for each and every one of them.

We must live in the world but not be of the world.

Temple and Carrabba's

Chris and I went to Carrabba's tonight after spending a wonderful evening last night at the temple. It had been too long since we had been there and it was very nice to be in there again with each other.

Meet the Teacher 2011

Brennan and I arrived at Mount Dora High School this morning at 8. We found all of his classrooms and got him a locker. On the way home, he and I both remarked that this is going to be a good year. I can't wait to see what the future holds...

I went shopping at Target and spend way too much money on school supplies, but I got most of it done and then I took the 3 younger children to their Meet The Teacher.

Lauklan is in 4th grade and his teacher is Ms. Harding.

Greyson, in second grade, has Ms. Gronlund, soon to be Mrs. Black!

Aislinn is right across the pod and has Ms. Vallee in first grade.

All of the children are super excited. Tomorrow, Kerstyn goes to her orientation and then Monday, we get the ball rolling!

Coming home!

We made the 750 mile trek home today and the children, once again, did great!

Brennan was my right hand, putting movies in, taking them out, all that!

Tomorrow, it is up bright and early for Brennan's high school orientation at 8 and then from 4 - 6 with the 3 elementary students for their Meet the Teacher. The chaos of school is about to resume.

Only in Kentucky...

Do we all pile into the "Mule" and go look at our oil wells.

I also really enjoyed pointing out to the children the corn crops, soy beans and tobacco. Aislinn was so tired of it at one point that she asked, "Mom, how many times are you going to show that to us?" I replied, "Every time that we go by it honey, I want you to remember these things".

I also pointed out where my mom and her cousins grew up every time, I guess it got old. Oh well, I hope they remember.

Eat and visit

Relaxing in Kentucky means family and good food!

Papa took us to Dairy Queen and everyone really enjoyed that, of course!

I've always been a daddy's girl...



Aislinn really cheered up a little after I took this picture, but she was a little grumpy at first because she fell asleep on the way there. But we all know that a little Oreo Blizzard will cheer anyone up!

Welcome, Welcome

Sabbath morning! Kentucky style!

The children and I attended the Hopkinsville ward this morning then enjoyed the rest of the day with Yoo-Ma, Papa and Mam-Mom.

Up and Happy Birthday!

I set the alarm this morning for 6 and got up and got ready. Everyone minus Chris was on the road by 7:15 this morning ready for a 750 mile journey to Hopkinsville, Kentucky. They watched movie after movie and we make pretty good time!

We started about 3 hours after Mom and Dad, but they slowed down some and we caught up with them in Nashville to have an early dinner with Ms. Waters and to celebrate Mom's 69th birthday. I hadn't seen Ms. Waters in years and it was nice to have a little time to visit. She actually hugged Kerstyn and thought it was me...

Ms. Waters started teaching in Kentucky with Mom in the mid 60's and then moved to Florida right after Mom and Dad in the early 70's. She is a dear family friend.

We stopped at Wal-Mart and got a few items and then at Dairy Queen to get Mom a birthday cake. Mam-Mom seemed very happy to see all of us. She had no idea that we were coming.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Released

Aislinn and I went back to Arnold Palmer this morning for a follow up renal ultrasound. Following the ultrasound, Aislinn wanted McDonald's for lunch and then we headed to Dr. Rich's office for her post-operative appointment.

Dr. Rich said that the ultrasound looked good and that she was cleared to go back to school and resume normal activity. Aislinn was very glad that she could go swimming again and take a bath.

Dr. Rich told me that we now "wait and see what happens" and that he needed to see her again in 3 months if there were no problems. He also said that he would do follow-up ultrasounds once a year on her right kidney to monitor its growth. I guess because they removed about a third of it back in December 08, they need to make sure that it keeps growing properly. I was told that the kidney reaches it's full size around puberty.

Right when he was finishing up, we both remarked how Aislinn had been through a lot. He corrected me, and said, "you ALL have been through a lot!"

AMEN!

Let's celebrate

I shocked the children today and swam in the pool. I actually got in and swam. I got my hair wet and all. I also went down the slide a few times and taught Lauklan how to do a back flip. He thought it was just grand! Chris wasn't feeling well, so he stayed in the house. Aislinn still can't swim, Brennan was playing games and Greyson was visiting with Daddy. Kerstyn had a Beehinve and Deacon lake activity today to which she said was AWESOME!

My pool buddy

I showered and got all ready for a fun GNO tonight to celebrate Debbie's birthday. We had a great time at the mall and with dinner. Jennifer, Donna, Debbie and me

I was the chaperone. ;)

Cuteness

I took the girls to Alison this afternoon to get their first ever 'nice' haircuts. I think they look adorable!

However, I told Kerstyn that she looked too old now and that she wouldn't be getting any more haircuts like that! ;)

Aislinn certainly looks like she is ready for first grade.

My babies are growing up.

Getting back 'with it'

I only went to the gym once the week of July 18 and the week of July 25. I was really feeling it. I was tired, grumpy, groggy, etc. I was busy tending to Aislinn, Chris and the kids. Life was just too hectic and out of sorts for me to be able to have time for myself. However, it caught up with me and I can't let that continue. So, I'm going to get with the program again. I deserve some 'me' time. Yesterday and today, I went to the gym and did my normal routine. I'm getting back with it!