Cruise for Two

Have I mentioned that I'm married to one of the most incredible guys ever?  One of the things that I love about Rick is that he makes time away, both as a family and also for just the two of us, a high priority and is always planning our next trip.  We've just returned from spending a week away, where we had the chance to disconnect from the rest of the world and re-connect with each other.  I loved it!!

The week of September 30th through October 7th 2012 found us aboard the Carnival Legend cruise ship, relaxing with a good book, eating good food, getting reacquainted with old friends (Dana & Nikki Day from Casper), and spending some much needed time together.

We spent the first day at sea and discovered that the TV in our stateroom featured a channel which charted our navigational course, including the direction which we were heading, the speed we were travelling at, and the wind direction and force.  Needless to say, my map-loving husband soon became addicted to this channel (and ok, I did too a little...) and we tracked our course the rest of the trip.  

Tuesday brought the island of Cozumel, where we rented scooters with the Day's and took a self-tour of a little piece of paradise.

Although we witnessed first hand how dangerous these little scooters could be as we watched another couple go down pretty hard on the side of the road and come away with some nasty road rash, we had a ball on these and thought it was a great way to see the island.  Besides, I was sitting behind a pro driver and had nothing to fear!  One of the coolest things about this day was just being able to scoot around at our leisure and stop when we wanted to enjoy the views.  We did this often...


















Oh, and did I mention that the two hunks we were touring with decided to take a dip in a secluded spot in the ocean?

It didn't do a whole lot of good to try to keep their clothes dry because about 10 minutes after getting back on our scooters, we got caught in a torrential downpour!!  

After grabbing a couple of yummy tacos from a local shop, we quickly made time to hit one last tourist site which were the grounds of some ancient ruins.  I know this part of the trip was for me and I was so appreciative that the gang was willing to take time for this.  I love seeing history in this way and trying to imagine life in another time...

All in all, it was an awesome day in Cozumel, Mexico!!

Wednesday found us in beautiful Belize.  I'm not going to lie, I had been both looking forward to this day and dreading it all at the same time.  Ever since we got certified to scuba dive, I have thought that Belize would be an incredible place to visit.  But, unfortunately, I have an acute fear of the water which plays a real number on me every time.  Our first dive in Belize was a little rough for me.  I struggled with my mask and kept trying to clear the water out of it but had forgot the fact that it just takes a normal breath from your nose while holding the top of the mask to accomplish this.  Instead, I was blowing my nose for all I was worth and only proceeded to fill the whole thing with snot which pretty much ruined my visibility.  Luckily, we took a break after this dive for lunch (prepared by Paul, our captain, consisting of a typical Belizian meal of chicken, rice, beans and fried plantain) and our dive master, Eli, reminded me of some of the things I had forgotten.  The second dive was awesome!  The fish and the coral reef were amazing!  I was most proud of the fact that I overcame some of my fear and got back into the water and it was so worth it.  One really memorable part of this dive was hunting lionfish.  Apparently, these are a very invasive species of fish in Belize that are killing all the other fish, so the divers are given permission to hunt them.  John (owner of the dive shop and teacher to Kris from the Netherlands who was finishing her certification that day) ended up with nearly a dozen of them at the end of his spear.

I'll look back at my time in Belize as the day my faith was restored in diving.  I can do it!!  And I actually even love it when I remember to relax and enjoy it and take in the sights of another beautiful part of this earth we live on.

Thursday brought Mahogany Bay on the island of Roatan, Honduras.  This little island actually surprised me a lot.  It was beautiful and although it is inhabited by people who don't have a lot financially, you can tell they take extreme pride in what they do have.

We had purchased a shore excursion this day and headed out on a bus to the other side of the island where we jumped on a zip-line.  Tons of fun!!

And then ended up at Gumbalimba Park where we had the opportunity to explore some wildlife...

We then had a memorable ride back to the ship when the bus didn't deal well with the wet slippery roads and we slid this way and that trying to make it up a hill.  I'll never forget the amount of smoke from the tires as the driver spun them like crazy trying to gain some momentum.  We then opted for another road back...  :)

Then, of course, we couldn't leave Honduras without officially saying we'd been there with a stamp into our passport.  This service was done by none other than the Roatan Rotary Club - (we thought of you Cass!!)

Our final day of island hopping led us to Grand Cayman.  We got off the ship just in time to find a rather large gentleman by the name of Cash Money who happened to take a little of ours.  We paid to get on his bus and take a tour of the island which included a trip to Hell (very literally, there is a little town on the island called Hell, complete with it's own post office) and has a bed of limestone that has been formed into some pretty cool formations.

We also stopped to see some dolphins and then finished our day on Seven Mile Beach where we enjoyed some great snorkeling.

On this day, I had the stark realization how lucky I have been in my life to have seen so many beautiful places in the world.  Once again, a renewed appreciation for the man who has made this possible!!

Our last day was spent at sea again but not without excitement.  Earlier in the week, Rick had auditioned during a Karaoke Night to play a part in the ship's grand finale show.  I was not surprised at all when he landed the role of Sir Elton John.  I think this was a ton of fun for him, and for the rest of us too as he was able to shake his hips to some "Crocodile Rock" and show off his incredible voice.

What a great trip this was!!  To so many who made this a wonderful get away, including Sonja from Croatia who took care of us in the dining room each night, to stewards who folded towels and kept our room clean, to good friends who we've missed and enjoyed catching up with, and last but not least, to my best friend and true love, "THANK YOU!"  You each helped to create memories for me that won't soon be forgotten!!

Thank Heavens for Modern Technology!!

What would we do without Skype??

Love this quote...

"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children.  One is roots.  The other is wings."      --Hodding Carter, Jr.

Bittersweet August

Yes, it's true.  The purpose of this blog was to be a little more faithful in keeping some thoughts for some form of journal.  It doesn't work very well if I'm not consistent, which seems to be a real problem of mine.  Nevertheless, I'll keep chipping away and writing little bits and pieces here and there and maybe I'll capture a few of my memories in the process.

August 2012 was definitely a month of huge events that I don't want to soon forget. The first of those happened on August 16th as we put our beautiful, grown-up daughter on a plane and sent her thousands of miles away to a foreign country. Cassidy was selected to serve as an ambassador for Rotary International and for the United States as she will study for 10 months as a foreign exchange student in Itabuna, Brasil.  It was incredibly difficult for me to send her away, but I know that it is also one of the best things for her.  She will have incredible opportunities for learning and growth, and besides, what an adventure for a 19 year old girl!! One that will be memorable for the rest of her life.  So, once again, I'm learning that sometimes love means letting go when all you really want to do is hold on tighter!

And then, since we sent one off, I think it's only fair that we should get one home!! Zack returned from serving in the Iowa Des Moines Mission on August 24th!!  It's got to be one of the sweetest moments of life when you see one of your children, whom you haven't seen for a very long time, walk through a set of doors with their arms outstretched ready to swallow you in a giant embrace!!  That's a hug that I won't soon forget!

Zack's missionary journey was a little different than most and we'd had the opportunity to greet him at that same airport once before back in October of 2010 when he returned from Brazil pretty unexpectedly.  How proud I am of him for choosing to return to finish serving his mission and what a sweet tender mercy it was for him to be able to finish serving in the same mission his Dad served in 25 years previously.  Because of the circumstances of his previous return, one that was pretty private and a little somber, this time we made sure to give him a very memorable welcome home!  We were in the middle of hosting the first annual Hyde Family Reunion at our home, so not only did he have his dad and mom and brother (who was holding a picture of Cass on a stick), but he also had both sets of grandparents and 20 other bodies in the form of aunts, uncles, and cousins who greeted him with homemade posters and a mighty cheer!!  Memorable indeed!!

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

I've kicked myself a hundred times or so since that I didn't somehow get a recording of his homecoming talk in Sacrament Meeting.  I can truly say that it was one of the best I've ever heard - and since I've heard others say that about his talk as well, I can say it without being too prideful, right??  ;)  It was truly a "Parent Payday" moment! To hear one of your children share such strong testimony is priceless!!  And to have so many of our family and friends there to share that moment with us was a huge bonus!  

So, sending a daughter off and having a son return home - two huge life events, in my opinion, and for both to happen within one week of each other was a pretty crazy emotional overload.  But, I'm learning in life, that change is inevitable - (Zack says that the only constant is change) and the more I roll with it and embrace it all, the happier I seem to be.  Besides, sending a daughter away only means that I have another happy homecoming to look forward to!!

Spontaneous Photo Shoot

This past Sunday, my kids reminded me how fun a little spontaneity can be. Spurred on by the fact that Cass has new red heels and that she thought Ty looked rather dashing at church, she decided that a Spontaneous Photo Shoot was in order. So, we pushed dinner to the back of the stove and while we waited for Rick to get home from Sunday meetings, we went downtown for a little photo fun.

LOVE My Goofball Kids!!!

In the Blink of an Eye

More than a year and a half has passed in what seems like no time at all. As usual it leaves me questioning, "where in the world did the time go?" And with time, comes age, and with age, comes forgetfulness. What has happened in that time? Let's see what I can remember...

• Zack made one of the most mature decisions of his life and returned home from serving his mission in Brazil after reaching the conclusion that something that important should be done right. After seven months of roller coaster feelings at home, he worked like crazy to make things right and was given the opportunity to serve again. This time in the same mission Rick served in 25 years ago, the Iowa Des Moines Mission. He now continues to remind us that he never knew that it was possible to be this happy. I'm so proud of his journey and this destination he's reached!

• Cassidy is busier than any teenage girl I know. She works part-time at Jamba, goes to school, takes dual enrollment classes for college credit, plays soccer, golf and runs cross country, and still manages to fit in a social life. She has discovered her passion with the special needs kids at school and is doing all that she can to get scholarships so that she can chase her dream of working with them someday. I'm incredibly proud of her determination and drive to succeed!

• Ty has managed to play in more musical groups in the past couple years than many get the opportunity to in a lifetime. Marching Band, Highland Drumline, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Pep Band, Idaho State Youth Symphony, Portneuf Valley Drumline, another small jazz band that I can't seem to remember the name of... just to name a few. He has a passion for music and will practice every night for 2+ hours after already having played in class several hours each day. His dedication is inspiring and it's not hard to be proud of him!

• Rick has probably faced more challenges and been given more opportunities for change in these past months than anyone. On January 9, 2011, he was sustained as Bishop of the Highland 7th Ward - an incredible challenge and huge blessing all at the same time. He has handled the pressures of this immense calling incredibly well. And if that weren't enough of a challenge, he's been forced to make a career change in the middle of it all. He ended a 22 year career in the Title Insurance Industry on July 15th, 18 of them with First American Title, and is currently training to be a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones. He is a perfect match for this new job and I believe he can be very happy and successful doing it if he can survive the stress the first couple of years. He possesses great faith and honor and I'm proud to call him mine!

• Me - well, I'm just along for the ride and happy to be on it. I still enjoy my job. I love working with the Young Women at church. I'm happiest cheering on Rick and the kids in all their activities. I'm learning to be more patient with myself and have a desire to throw a little more spontaneity and fun into the mix. I have learned the importance of the little things and want nothing more each day than to be a little better and enjoy the journey. Mine is a blessed life!

I Love My Job!!

As I try to keep track of the major things that happen in our lives, I have to include a quick note about my job. At the end of July, I was hired as the secretary for School District 25 School Food Services. I have great hours. I enjoy what I do - mostly bookkeeping and secretarial duties. I like the people I work with. And the best part: I get summers and spring break and Christmas vacation with the kids.

I feel so lucky!! I love my job!!

Missionary Mom

It's taken awhile but I'm finally getting used to having a missionary son. It was really hard for me to have him leave, but, I already see such incredible growth and it makes it all worth it. What a brilliant idea: Take these 19 year-old boys when they are trying so hard to discover themselves (and causing such grief to parents while doing it!!) and give them a better focus which in turn helps them to discover their best selves!! It's brilliant - and I'm so grateful that I get to witness his discovery!! I love being a Missionary Mom!!

Advice to my Kids

Tonight, I get to have dinner prepared by my son, the scout. Ty is going on a campout tonight and the mom's have been invited to a special dinner. As part of this, I was asked to write a letter to him. In doing so, I realized that this is a piece of advice that I might give to each of my kids in one form or another. Perhaps, my thoughts are because of the point in life that I am at and feeling that it continues to speed by faster than I ever want it to. There is also the fact that I wish I would have followed this advice more through the years. So, in a way, this letter could be to each of them in the hopes that they will do better than me...

Hey Bud-
I’ve been thinking about this letter all week and what I wanted to say to you and came to the conclusion that if I made it all sappy and lovey, you would just roll your eyes and probably not read it anyway. So, I’ll do my best to keep it light - and short (because I’m sure you’ll appreciate that also.)

I’ve been thinking that this could be a small moment when I might lend a bit of advice and if it is, what would I most want to leave with you?? It is this:

Enjoy the Moment!! Life goes by way too fast. In so many ways, it seems that I just started my journey on this earth - and in reality, I did. I was born yesterday at 6:52 am. By nine o'clock, I was playing with my dolls on the nap of the burnt orange carpet in Grandma and Grandpa's living room. By five o'clock in the afternoon - that very same day - I was off to college. I remember Grandma and Grandpa's long faces looking at me as I drove off into the big world on my own in my white Chevy Cavalier. They were sad to have had such a short time with me. They were worried what might become of me. Fortunately, I found your Dad at 5:32 pm and was married within minutes! I went to sleep, and waited for something more to happen that would make me happy.

I woke up this morning to find out I was now 39 years old, in a house, with three nearly grown kids. And, I wonder, where did the time go?? And sadly, I’m realizing, by dinner time, you guys will be the ones feeding and taking care of me. So there you go.

Life is so short! In no time at all, it will be me with my sad face watching you drive away into the world and wondering where it all went. So, I say to you, “Enjoy the Moment!!” Find something about each and every day that is wonderful. Enjoy the little things. I love the way that you laugh out loud – don’t ever change that about yourself! Never be afraid to laugh! Don’t change the real you to blend in with the crowd – even the “Band Geek” you – the real you is wonderful!! Always make time for the important things: Friends, Family and your Heavenly Father. They will give you reasons to smile every day. And lastly, don’t go to sleep waiting for something to make you happy – go after it!! Life is full of precious little seconds – take advantage of every one of them!

I am so lucky that I get to spend so many of these seconds with you and doing things I love with you and our family – for that is what truly makes me happy.

I hope you will always spend as much time as you can doing the things you love that make you happy. I hope you spend all your days awake and enjoying the moments!!

I am so proud of the young man that you are!! I love you to the moon and back a bazillion times!!

Meet Koke!!

We've added another teenager within the walls of our home!! Jorge "Koke" Mendez is our Rotary Youth Exchange Student from Talca, Chile!! He is great and so much fun to have in our home!!

A Missionary in the Family!

I've not blogged for so long that we have much news to catch up on - one of the most exciting bits is that we have a Missionary in our family!! Zack received his mission call after a very long couple of weeks waiting by the mailbox - his call was actually delivered to the wrong PO Box and sat there for a week before it was discovered!! You can imagine the distress this caused!! He was finally able to open it in the company of family and friends on Tuesday, September 8th. As I heard him read the words, "called to serve in the Brazil, Belo Horizonte mission" my emotions were on overload. He is to report to the MTC in Brazil on January 13. I'm thrilled that he will have this opportunity - I know it can be an incredible chance for growth. I'm a Missionary Mom!!

Running Faster Than I'm Able...

And, not running at all!! It has been months since my treadmill has seen any action and it's starting to show. My "ME" time seems to be the first to go when life gets too busy for the fluff. I'm missing it and my thighs are missing it more!! Time to re-prioritize!!

It's a Balancing Act

Just a question... How in the world do you find time for all that needs to be done in a day? I feel like it is an extreme juggling act everyday. So many things to do, never enough time. Where is the balance and how do I get it???

Finally...

I've decided it's time to get back to the blog! I've missed it. This isn't much, but wanted to share some my favorite pictures of Cassidy and Ty that we took last fall behind our house. Sure do love these two and their "larger than life" personalities!!

A Crazy Couple of Months

Just so you know, I haven't totally forgotten about this - just been a little preoccupied. Let's see, in the past couple of months, we have had our first child graduate from high school and leave the nest, put in hundreds of hours on building a home, packed boxes that were too numerous to count, moved to a new city, took a trip to the big apple, started a new job, and several other many things that I'm sure I should be remembering but am somehow forgetting. We are settled enough finally to be able to at least find the laptop - as soon as I feel settled enough that I won't have to feel guilty taking time to blog, I'll add some pictures and try to catch up. It's been a crazy couple of months, but ones that I don't want to forget!

Time Away Just For Two!

With the help of awesome family members who stayed with our kids, Rick and I were able to get away for a week together in Mexico. It was a week full of relaxation, sightseeing, and some fun times together - much needed time away!

We were amazed with Chichen Itza, Tulum and the Mayan culture! We snorkeled at Xel Ha and scuba dived off of Cozumel - for a gal who is scared of water, this too was an amazing experience! But, my favorite discoveries of this trip happened because we had time to talk and learn new things about each other. After 19 years of marriage, I wasn't sure there was anything new to learn. Thankfully, he still has a few surprises for me and I think I threw a few his way as well. I hope we'll never run out of new things to learn about each other! It's nice to have time away once in a while to make some of those discoveries together!

Congrats!

Congratulations to the debater in our family! Zack qualified to go to Nationals over the weekend. He'll be headed to Las Vegas in the middle of June to compete in the national tournament. Way to go!!

It's good to see that those skills can be used for something more than arguments with your mom!! ;)

Spring Break on the Slopes

Instead of heading somewhere sunny for spring break, we decided to take advantage of some great spring snow and found our way to McCall, Idaho. We were amazed at the amount of snow they had - easily 6 or 7 feet of the white stuff, and this was in town. We spent our nights at a condo in McCall and spent a day at a fairly new resort there called Tamarack and loved the mountain.

With three boarders and two on ski's, it promised to be a good time, but we did hit a few bumps through the day, and I'm not speaking of moguls: Our family trip ended up with one shy - Zack met some girls from Rigby and decided that time with them would be way more fun than time with family. Cassidy accidentally locked the keys in the truck and we had to enlist the help of the local sheriff to get us out of a jam. And, I had a little pouty moment (yes, I'm nearly 38 years old - not 2, but I still managed to have one!) when I was struggling to keep up with the other ski bums.

Even with these "bumps" - I will look back and be able to find fond memories of the weekend: Spying a fox sitting just outside the back door of our condo. Sitting alongside Rick at the pool, watching the kids play and reading a good book. Witnessing the amazement of kid's who had never seen or been on a high-speed quad lift. Being able to enjoy the incredible beauty of this glorious earth we live on.

I think that each time we embark on a new trip, getaway, adventure, vacation, or whatever you want to call it with our kids, we seem to have grand illusions of how perfect it will all be and how appreciative they will be of our efforts to expose them to some of the amazing things in life. Somehow, it never ends up to be as perfect as we pictured. But, as with the rest of life, we sort the bad from the good and try hard to learn and make the next time better...

...And then look forward to time away JUST FOR TWO!