I think I am a nominee for this award! O.K. let me explain. It all started the day after school let out. We were finally on our way to Idaho. We've been looking forward to our vacation for some time. No sooner did we hit the Idaho border, when Kelsey started complaining she was freezing and didn't feel good. Of course...can't go on a vacation without someone getting sick! That was the start of our summer. For the entire 6 weeks, someone in our home was sick. Even I got it!
I was not blessed with alot of sympathy, ok to be honest on a scale from 1 to 10...my sympathy level runs about a 3. I know... bad mom! My famous line in our home is SUCK IT UP!
Fast forward through summer. About two weeks ago, Kelsey complained about her sinuses. Can't have sympathy when she doesn't take her allergy medicine, right. My patience was already shot when Ethan came to me and said he didn't feel good. What the heck! Is this ever going to end? A cough, followed by a fever...no worries, it's just a cold. Take some medicine and close your door, the coughing is driving me crazy!
After a week of on and off fevers and that annoying cough, I decided it was time to take him to see the docotor. After all, Chris and I are leaving on a cruise next week and I'm sure my mom wouldn't appreciate a sick kid. Actually, she wouldn't cared but I would've been worried. Even though the entire day was planned, I called the doctor. While on hold, I told Ethan..."Watch, the only available appointment will be at 1 o'clock". Again, entire day planned. Sure enough, "Ma'am the only appointment we have available is at 1 o'clock". I start laughing. Of course, I made the appointment...now to rearrange the day. As we were driving, I proceeded to tell Ethan, "Just watch...the doctor will say you have pneumonia...wouldn't that be the icing on the cake!"
So 1 o'clock rolls around and we're sitting in the waiting room. 30 minutes later, it's our turn. FINALLY! So the doctor does the usual...looks at his ears, followed by listening to his chest. Wow...he sure is lingering here a bit. He leans back in his chair and says to me, "It's a good thing you didn't wait a few more days. I would have hospitalized him because he has PNEUMONIA!" Holy crap, my baby has pneumonia. Now the sympathy is ranging around an 11. Guilt has taken over! So on to the radiology dept. for x-rays then to the pharmacy for double antibiotics.
Ethan is loving life because now he has an excuse to be watching tv and playing video games. The doctor said to do absolutely NOTHING! My sympathy has developed just a bit more...but the coughing is still driving me crazy! Hopefully, with some rest, fluids and his meds, he will get better. We sure do hope so!
So as you can see, if I haven't earned the 2009 Bad Mom of the Year Award...I am definitely a nominee!
First stop...snorkeling with turtles.
Finally a turtle! Actually we saw a few along with tons of fish! The only sad part, water wasn't as clear as we were hoping for. But still fun!
After snorkeling with turtles and shipwrecks, we were off to relax on the beach.
The sand was so incredibly soft. We were literally sinking it in! Love this pix of me and my man walking hand and hand! O.K. stop gagging!!!
What a perfect start to a dream vacation! 
Setting sail out of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Dressing up and dancing until the wee hours of the morning.
My Chris and brother Chris swimming in the Solarium (adult only pool).
Enjoying burgers, onion rings and shakes at Johnny Rockets.
Dancing again but this time with the Village People on 70's night!
Never ending sunsets!
Dining at Portofino (Italian speciality restaurant). We had the best Filet Mignon ever!
We also indulged in sinful desserts like Tiramisu. My favorite part was the edible chocolate bowl...oh, my mouth is watering just thinking about how delicious it was! 
Acting crazy and not caring what other people thought! I had such a blast with my sister-in-law Amanda. I'm sure most people thought we were drinking...if they only knew we were sober and don't drink! Well, maybe we did have too much caffeine!
Oh, and how about the never ending amount of food. This particular evening, we enjoyed Lobster, Shrimp and Prime Rib. YUM-MEE! 
...while traveling the Caribbean with the most amazing man whom I love and adore...
...of course enjoying our mode of transportation, The Adventure of the Seas...
... and having a blast with friends and family. What more could a girl ask for?
Tonight, I had the "privilege" of rocking Riley for two hours while watching Transformers 2. I can remember when he fit perfectly in my arms as a baby. Times sure have changed. Riley is such a lovable little boy. He is always in need of a hug which still melts my heart! We are grateful to Heavenly Father for sending him to our family 10 years ago. Happy Birthday Ri-Guy! WE LOVE YOU! 
We noticed as soon as we walked through the doors of the resort, our fast paced walking immediately ceased! We meandered through the resort while feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out what do to first. After soaking in a mineral bath for 20 minutes, we headed over to Club Med where we enjoyed covering ourselves in red clay. Took me back to my childhood days. I always loved playing in the mud! Now, time for the baking process! Quite attractive...don'tcha think!
Next on the list...The Grotto. Time to take an elevator ride underground for a refreshing paint job! We had our bodies painted with a mixture of Sea Kelp and Aloe Vera. Then, of course, time to relax again. We enjoyed the humidifed room, then onto showers and finally a cool relaxation room. 
By the time we were done with the special treatments, we were off to lunch and then it was time to lay out at the pool! We had such an amazing time. Neither one of us had ever been that relaxed before. Let's just say, functioning today has been very difficult. Everything is getting completed but much slower than normal! For those who have not been, you MUST go...and remember on your birthday...it's free. That just means I'll be back next month! Woo-who!
During the Court of Honor, a new contest had been developed to boost work within the troops regarding training, campouts, merit badges earned, etc.etc.etc. As a ward, we were excited when the Mesa Linda Ward was awarded Most Outstanding Troop in the Victorville Stake. The next moment, made me cry! Ethan was awarded Most Outstanding Scout in all of Victorville Stake. What an achievement for him and for us! He has put his heart and soul into scouting and was so nice to see him credited for his accomplishments. You can tell he's all smiles! This picture is taken with our Stake Young Men's President, Greg Lundeen on the left and our acting Scoutmaster, Blair Cammack!
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