It's December's besty: May. It's crazy! Spring is ending and summer is beginning. I skipped the last MOPS meeting and went with the "TCC Bad Moms" to Orlando for the Justin Timberlake concert. We had such a great time. What a fun group of gals! We joked and laughed the whole time! The girls sure know how to spend some cash- shopping in Orlando all day Tuesday wasn't my fav. But it was sure a fabulous break! I took full advantage of my village! So many people helped keep the kids so I could go. Wednesday took some getting used to getting back into the swing of things. It was muffins with mom at school. I met a high school friend for coffee- he ended up trying to sell me life insurance. I had my first membership committee meeting at TCC. The girls had a crazy week of studio rehearsals prepping for the recital. We made it to the last 15min of their last religion class of the year. Thursday my brother Matt came with us to the water park again. We beat the rain just in time. My other brother, Erik flew in that afternoon. They came over for a drink that night. So fun having them both in town for the weekend! Friday I got up early to run and swim. April hosted a Royal Wedding coffee club to talk about the relationship between the US and England. So fun! We visited Uncle Erik after school then went to swim team practice- oh it's begun! That night was the MOPS & POPS End of the year party. Lots of new friends, PH and pool basketball. Saturday was a bit rough. We started the Birthday party circuit at Velocity. Then we did a water slide in Hallie's front yard. We hung out at Mom and Dad's. Phil and Matt played golf. We went kayaking. That night the kids did a movie night and we went to Terry Vereen's 65th Birthday. It was a great party with a jazz band. We ended up doing a family power hour! This morning we powered through and sat with the Applegates for Pentecost Sunday. My parents and brothers met us for breakfast at TCC. It's been a rainy day. We went to the Kane triplets awesome Birthday party with swimming, a water slide and snow cones. Vanessa took the girls to the tri practice at the pool. That gave me time to go through the girls closets and get semi organized for tomorrow's dress rehearsal chaos! It's going to be a big week! 

A lot is going on with Phil these days. Turning 39 doesn't slow him down. He was promoted at the bank and moved to not only a new location but a completely different role. Change is a'comin' for sure! Work is crazy for him- and it will be for a little while. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime we pretty much celebrated him all week. I even used the hashtag at least once this week: #makingPBsBdayworkforme Oh yes, you know I had some fun, too. On Monday we went to Adventure Landing water park for toddler time. I love that place! The orange slide about did me in! So fun! That night I did a double hitter movie night. We did apps at Fridays and then Tully. It was a little too much for me- a little too real or too soon. Then, we saw I Feel Pretty, which was a great ending to the night! Tuesday was park and story time with park and dance in the afternoon. Wednesday was Phil's Birthday. We had chick fil a for the Birthday boy's lunch- ha! Voss was thrilled! I did a mad dash to the Town Center and Costco for gift shopping. That night we did a family dinner at TCC for kids eat free and some Birthday cake. Thursday I got to go the TPC with Phil. We had so much fun on a gorgeous day! We met up with my parents and brother, Matt. I left in time to pick up kids from school and do the afternoon routine. Phil stayed and played and went to dinner with TCC friends. I went to the final MOPS Leadership dinner. We ended up going to Lillians and then Amy's front yard- wow! Late night fo sure! Friday I took it easy. Laurie took Abby and a bunch of kids back to the water park. Voss and I paddle boarded to the Hollands for a pool play date. That night I rallied and went to the Tomahawk Havana Nights party at TCC. Such a fun night! Great food and music and another late night at Lillians! Saturday Phil played tennis. I took the older girls to a butterfly camp and the younger two to the pool. It was hot! We did Burger Fi for lunch and then took a break. I took the kids to Elliott's Birthday party. It was a relaxing night. Phil and I got sushi. Today is Mother's Day! The kids did a sweet morning for me. They made a fort and made me coffee and gave me lots of cards and homemade gifts. We went to mass and raced the Applegates. We raced to breakfast after just in time! Then we hit the pool- so hot! Matt took us tubing. I took the girls to their biking tri practice. Baked fish for dinner a boat ride and the rosary. It was a great night!
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Maybe I could do all this all by myself. Maybe. But, I would probably loose my mind (more than I already have) and it sure wouldn't be any fun at all. It felt like I always had extra kids this week. Sometimes it falls that way. I'll be getting pay backs in the next few weeks, don't worry. Sometimes it's just easier to take an extra or 2. Monday we did the beach. Tough getting out there- but amazing once I do! It was a gorgeous day! Bedtime wasn't as smooth the next night but we made it. I dropped lots of kids off at school and took a deep breath. We did story time with Jordan who was out of school this week due to tonsil surgery. We swung by the Stockton art show then to this marriage thing at church. Fr. Jose wants to start a marriage ministry so that means he wants us to come up with something and then run it. Not sure how that's going to happen! Wednesday I watched my Godson and took he and Voss to the train park. Jordan joined us for a bit, too. I picked up lunch and met Ellie at school. Thursday after a run we celebrated tres de mayo at La Nap- our annual tradition of a long lunch with frozen ritas! It's warm enough to do the pool during golf. I had to switch out the sweaters with bathing suits in the car. Friday we helped take the Cochran children to the zoo. We did a Walmart run and brought them dinner, too. That night was First Friday and Uncle Mike's Birthday party. Saturday we rode bikes to the MOPS garage sale. I think we did well but it was a lot of work. Gorgeous day this time, though! The girls went to a Birthday party. Phil and I Lyfted to Deerwood for the Thompsons Derby and Cinco de Mayo party. We ended up at Birdies and Hoptinger. We made it to mass and breakfast on Sunday morning. I went to lunch with my high school reunion committee. So fun catching up with everyone- including Jeremy Baker, my friend since kindergarten! Last night Phil and I got away to a Salt Life beach dinner and then Gypsy Kings concert in St. Augustine. It was such a pretty night and then the show was fabulous! I love how we can get so close to the stage. We needed that!

A week of fun! Monday began with MOPS and an awesome speaker on anger. Here is my recap. I got all glammed up for book club to discuss, Girls in the Picture. Great discussion! Still rockin my junior year prom dress! Tuesday we got a new microwave, story time and park fun. Ellie made slime with Cora. Phil and I went to a dinner to benefit the Boy Scouts. Wednesday, Suzanne, mom and I finally played our round of golf and had lunch to celebrate mom's Birthday- just in time for Suzanne's Birthday. That night I got out for a girls night- we made to go bags for homeless people. I've already given two away. I stayed late chatting on the patio at a new river friend's house. I hosted a play date the next morning then we went to the OPS picnic. Friday I began with my first tri training- a run and swim. I had the Nixon kids and went to the park. We went to Alice's Birthday party then back to the park. I handed them off after school. Then we played with cousins at my parents house. We did family Moon River dinner then the park that night. Saturday I went to a brunch to benefit swim lessons for kids at the YMCA. Phil played golf and I took all the kids to the pool to help watch Nixon kids. Sorta- I did lots of socializing, too. We played in the Jimmy Buffett tennis social at TCC last night. This morning was mass, the compassion experience then swimming at TCC. We got the Nixon twins for the evening. I'm so proud I got all 6 kids to sleep by 8pm! Phil and I got take out and watching Sex in the City. Yay!

The weather has been sorta nutty. It seems like we're usually in the pool by now. Not this year- one day it warms up but the next is overcast and cold and then all this rain. We were supposed to go to the beach this week but the days I planned it, it keeps cooling down. We went to the indoor playground at Trinity instead. That's always a great place to play! I even got 2 new babysitter phone numbers! I brought dinner to the Rafferty's then dropped off my two with Laurie and went to Lori-Anne's baby shower. A fun lunch at Biscotti's! I got to go on a girls night that night to see the movie, Blockers. It was really funny! Great start to the week! Tuesday we did a play date with Jude then story time. We did our park run that afternoon during Marly's dance class. That was a gorgeous afternoon to play outside! We even got to play with trucks in a huge mud puddle in the park! Wednesday we did the bridge run then did nails with Tracy and got to catch up with her. Thursday was coffee club to discuss the tariff war. Rachael did a great job hosting. Friday was a fun day! Abby and Voss played in the TCC treehouse while Phil and I played in a round robin tennis tournament to kick off the Stiefel wedding- Phil's tennis friends. You won't believe me but I actually won the whole tournament! I can't believe it! The tournament was such a great idea! Bloody Mary's and getting to know the wedding party and lots of out of towners. Each match was with different people. So fun! I deep cleaned the play room and got rid of 2 van loads of toys and things to donate to the MOPS yard sale. I spent the afternoon helping organize it. We did the married people night out date night Friday night. Phil and I played a few holes of golf then had a nice dinner at TCC. We were both wiped out after tennis in the morning and golf at night. It was a super windy and cloudy day. I got up early to help with the yard sale and it was POURING raining! Such a bummer! After a lot of hemming and hawing in the rain we decided to postpone the sale. I took the girls to Ella's First Communion at Assumption. It was neat to see a few friends in her class. Such a sweet ceremony. The boys met us at the reception at the Nixons house after. Wet day! That evening was the Stiefel wedding. They moved it inside TCC, but it eventually stopped raining and turned out to be a nice night. Super fun wedding! This morning we went to mass and sat with the Hoggatts. We did breakfast at TCC (back again, ha!) Marly went to her friend's Birthday party at the park. Ellie went to her friend FC's house. We played a little tennis. We went to the Hershorins for dinner. Another drizzly evening!

It was nice to have a MOPS Monday. Kim gave a talk on emergencies with kids that maybe would have been nice with a mimosa. We all sorta left on edge. I had a river rats meeting after where I discussed a list of suggestions I had for improvement. I am so impressed with how attentive the director, manager and coach were! Good things are already happening! Getting ready for a fun swim season ahead! Ellie had her first round of FSA's today. The school does such a great job of supporting the students! We also had dance pictures all week. I set up a little hair and make up station in the parking lot every day. Great practice for the recital. There was a huge thunderstorm on Tuesday so we had to move the work out play date to my house. It was pretty chaotic but glad I got it in. We had lunch to celebrate Meghan's Birthday- that was a nice break! I went to my parent's for lunch one day (too chilly and wet for golf). I watched my Godson and had a play date on Thursday. Phil played in the Steeg tennis tournament at FYC with his pal, Vaughan. It was a long weekend of tennis. They didn't play very well; but it was fun to watch and visit with everyone! I had a little last minute girls night on the porch on Thursday night. Friday I took the Nixon twins and had a play date at the park. Then more tennis watching and swimming for the kids (it's still too cold!). Ellie and Marly had their annual check up. I'm so proud of how healthy they are. Maybe we can work on calcium intake and manners! Saturday we did a girls run then more tennis watching! That night was the big party. Lots of fun! This morning I watched a match then went to mass then back for lunch. We went to TCC for river rats sign ups. Sunday Funday after despite the rain! 

The week started off fabulous. I was so lucky to tag along with Phil to the Masters! One of his clients invited him and someone couldn't go. Phil asked if I could join. Bonus points for him! It took a lot of last minute scrambling to figure out child care, but it was totally worth it! We left after the MOPS leadership meeting and drove up to Augusta. We were greeted and welcomed into a home (people apparently rent out their houses for the week). So, Phil's client rented the whole cul-de-sac. We got settled then met in the game room of another house. We were wined and dined! There was a chef and even a poker dealer. I won a limited edition Masters hat by answering a question correctly (with some help, of course). The next morning we got up super early, had breakfast then took a shuttle to the Augusta National golf course. It was so beautiful. We raced to put our chairs down to save seats in a great spot- between the 16th and 17th hole, where we could watch them skip balls on the water. The weather was perfect. We got to walk around and see so much. It was so hilly, you don't notice that on TV. There are some tough shots! Geeze, golf is a hard sport! We got back late Tuesday. Wednesday morning I dashed around bringing dinners- one to the Cornells and meeting their first baby another to Erica to welcome her 4th baby! Abby's friend Abigail had a Birthday party on the playground (I love those!) Golf for Marly, dance for Ellie that evening. Early dinner at TCC. I tried so hard to eat better this week- but that leftover bag of jellybeans kept calling my name. I had to finally toss it. Thursday Voss and I ran the bridges. I forgot how long that run was. So pretty and so much to see, but Voss threw a tantrum because we ran out of time to go to the train park. Dance for Marly and golf for Ellie that afternoon. Our neighbor, Linda came to babysit last minute. Ellie had a piece of artwork chosen to be recognized in the Celebration of the Arts at the Times-Union center! We went downtown to see the show and a video of her artwork. Friday we rode bikes to school then the littles and I took the skyway to story time downtown (and got to see Ellie's artwork live). It was a successful play date. I've been reading my book club book and learning all about the history of Hollywood. Also, working on monogramming, sewing and Silouetting for party gifts (there's always a Birthday party!) We went to First Friday while the kids did the tennis party. I love that! Saturday morning I did cardio tennis. It was just Melanie and I and it kicked my butt! I took the kids to Argyle to meet up with one of Ellie's friends from school, Isabella. They invited us to swim at their neighborhood pool. It was a nice morning before the rain (and cold) came! Last night, Kasey invited us to the ExZOOberation. The rain was a bummer but we still had a great time! Too late, though! This morning was rough. We slept in and went to 10:30 mass. The kids were off today- maybe over tired? We went to E-street with the Freemans for lunch and a little hair of the dog. Phil took Marly and the littles to a Birthday party at Mellow. I took Ellie to see A Wrinkle in Time. I told her we could read the book then go see the movie. We did this for Wonder but it's already out of theaters. I had high hopes for a mother-daughter movie experience. Honestly she seemed a little ungrateful and entitled. So, we need to work on that. The movie was a bit strange, but good for a 3rd grader. The love theme is perfect for us, too. Home just in time for shower and family rosary. Cheers to early bedtime!

It took a few days to stop feeling like I was swaying on a ship- we had a slow time getting back into a routine. Luckily, I had lots of fun things to look forward to! Monday was MOPS with Dr. Linda Miles. She always has such wonderful words of wisdom! I'll do the blog recap soon. I had book club that night at April's to discuss Finding Me. Not the best book to read on a spring break cruise, but the discussion was pretty good. Tuesday, Voss and I had a play date with Huck and Jude then story time in the garden. It was Phil and my 14th wedding anniversary! I got a facial and Phil got a massage with a dinner together of zalads (I'm trying to recover). Perfect timing for Dr. Miles right before our anniversary! My MOPS therapy sessions have saved me these last 8 years! I went running then to Tracy's. It was so nice to catch up! No religion class so we did kids night at TCC. Thursday was coffee club to discuss racism and health. I heard this podcast on the way to Miami last week and inspired the topic. We had a pretty good turn out for a last minute meeting. It was good. That afternoon my mom watched the 3 youngest kids, while I picked up Ellie and 3 of her friends and took them to the mall to get her ears pierced to kick off the Birthday festivities! We got milkshakes then headed to the TCC pool. It was kina neat being with the older kids. We came home and had frozen pizza then ice cream cake. We did nails. Phil took the younger kids to family movie night at school. Bedtime was a little hairy with the younger kids. Of course they wanted to stay up with the sleepover. The big girls watched a gymnastics movie with popcorn and candy. They tried to stay up. I was wiped out by midnight. Hopefully they fell asleep soon after. On Good Friday we played outside and rode bikes until the girls got picked up. We got my mom and went to the FFC Stations of the Cross in Marywood. They always do such a good job making it so kid-friendly! The sky opened up that afternoon- perfect for Good Friday! Mom took Ellie shopping. I snoozed a bit while trying to read. That evening we played in the wine and 9 with the Hollands. Vanessa's first time playing golf. It was really fun- drizzly but it finally cleared up. We went to my parent's house to visit a bit- Matt is here for the weekend. Saturday morning was breakfast with the bunny at TCC. They dyed eggs, did crafts, had a petting zoo and also golf ball and egg hunts. It was awesome! After we headed to the Freemans for Sophia's 6th Birthday party. It was nice to catch up with the Steinhatchee crowd! Later was an after party at the Nixons to watch their Michigan game. This morning started early with singing to the Birthday girl and seeing what the Easter bunny brought. Egg hunt in the yard, new rafts and lots of candy! We were a bit late to mass but still got to sit up front. Our CEO, Voss was awful in mass. He was pretty cute when he yelled out during the consecration, "I want to eat Jesus, too!" We came home and made eggs benedict then headed over to my parent's house. Fr. James did a magic show. The kids went swimming and did an egg hunt. The girls went swimming at the Vereens, too. So we got some peace on the dock. Matt and Ellie celebrated their Birthdays. It was a beautiful and special day! I can't believe I have a 9 year old! It hasn't hit me yet, I think! And I haven't spent a Birthday with my brother in a really long time. We got smoothies and milkshakes for dinner, rode bikes then did a family rosary. Watching the sunset- what an Easter treat!
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We started in Miami with a spring Birthday party for Marly, Ellie, Michelle, Tati and Vane. We got to hang out with Phil's Uncle Edgar. It was a fun afternoon visiting with everyone. After a yummy pancake breakfast we headed to Ft. Lauderdale to board the Independence of the Seas, our first family cruise! It was fantastic! We had two adjoining rooms. We spent lots of time at the splash park pool. The kids loved the Adventure Ocean youth program. Phil and I got to take a break, listening to live music all over the ship. The first day was at sea. I read my book club book. Fancy dinners, I'm scared to weigh myself! The entertainment was amazing- an ice show, musicals and concerts! The Herhsorins were there, too so we got to hang out with them a bunch, too. In Haiti we went to the beach and explored the cove. In Jamaica we used Patrice Bailey to tour Dunns River falls and a private beach. The kids loved the falls, even though it was pretty tough climbing while holding hands with a 3 and 5 year old. All in all a cruise was definitely an awesome family vacation! We drove back yesterday and did dinner at TCC with friends. This morning we went to mass then back to TCC for breakfast with the Freemans. It's Palm Sunday! Holy week is here! We went to my parents for tubing and burgers to celebrate Alex's Birthday. Abby and I went to her friend, Kayla's Birthday. Salmon burgers for dinner and a family rosary. It was a wonderful spring break!

Pantry moths have taken over our pantry. It's so gross. Bug Out has been over a few times this week to help. I took everything out of the pantry and went through all the food. I think the nest was in a bag of pecans. Bug Out thinks they came from a store. I think they came from the garage door always being left open. I've learned it takes weeks to get rid of the cycle of these nasty things. So, we're on week 2 or 3. Having all of our pantry items on the dining room table has been fun for the kids. I have no hiding spots so it's just a grazing fest! I'm hoping it'll be better by the time we get back to our house. I've already noticed a difference in the last few days. I soaped all the cabinets then sprayed with vinegar. Fingers crossed! It was chilly this week. It was a MOPS Monday. Here's my recap. We had a play date with Jude and a nice visit to the book fair. I just finished reading Ellie's new Wrinkle in Time. Once she finishes we can go see the movie. We started packing for spring break. We're all so excited! We had a nice lunch at Stephanie's to celebrate Jess's 40th Birthday. It was nice to connect with the Steinhatchee crowd again. I went on a field trip with Abigail to the Diamond D Ranch. It was a sweet time with her  complete with lunch at Firehouse (her favorite)! Voss got to spend some time with his pal, Huck. We went to a dinner at FYC to celebrate Heather's 40th Birthday. It was very nice. Spring break started on Friday for everyone. I got a blood test then we did the MOPS Easter egg hunt at the park. We sang my mom a Happy 65th Birthday! After at Target, I was peer pressured to play tennis at TCC. A little crazy with the kids making slime while I played, but worth it. That night we did the Married People Night out and had a date at Barrique then talked about how technology can mess up communication. We had a pretty good crowd! Saturday was busy. The girls and I went to the FL Eucharistic Congress for a bit. The program was running slow so we had to leave mass. But it was a neat event. I'd like to participate more next year. The guys picked us up and we saw the Disney on Ice princess show. We all loved it! We came home in time for our neighbor's 1st Birthday party. So cute watching a baby eat cake for the first time! Then, Phil and I met friends at TCC and took a party bus to the Massey's St. Patrick's day party. Lots of fun! This morning we leaded up and we're headed out to start our official spring break! Yay!