Last trip to Mexico vs. This trip

Soooo much has changed since we last went to Mexico!  It was 3 years ago in Feb. 2007 last time we went.  We went to Ixtapa last time, which is on the "ocean" side and this year we are going to Riviera Maya which is on the gulf side.  I can't wait to see the beautiful blue water!  The weather in Ixtapa was GORGEOUS!  It didn't rain once and was about 85 and sunny every day.  I have heard it rains more in Riviera Maya, but we'll see and even if it does I think it is only for like an hour or so in the afternoon...a good time to take a little siesta!  To get ready for the fiesta!  (Sorry, that was dorky, but I couldn't resist!).  I was "shaped" a little different, having not bore a child yet and still being able to find time to go to the Y!  I honestly don't think my weight has changed THAT much, just reporportioned, and not in my favor!  Oh, well.  Last time it was just Jesse and I, this time we are going at the same time and to the same place as 3 of Jesse's (and my, but more so his) friends...who are all guys.  Jesse has promised to pay attention to me and be nice to me!  Although to be honest, I am looking forward to them being there.  They go to Mexico every year and know a little more about things there than I feel like we do.  We aren't the most experienced travelers.  Anyway, the most obvious difference is that we will be leaving behind our baby girl to go this time.  I still need to stock up on calling cards, I am SO afraid of running out, but I am sure we can buy more there.  I promised Jesse not to call home every moment I get.  I will try to limit myself to 10 min. 1x/day or every other day.  Some things I want to do are take a ferry to Cozumel and go snorkeling or rent mopeds and drive around the island while we are there.  Jesse might go fishing.  Otherwise I just want some R and R and R (the last one being to Reconnect - thanks Holli, ;-) with my hubby! 

This is a picture of what the resort is supposed to look like (the pools, my favorite part!) anyway.  I have had 1 nightmare that it turned out to be dump, that better not happen!!  3 days to departure!!

1 Week to MEXICO!

1 week from today Jesse and I will be enjoying the sun and sand (and cervesas :)) in Riviera Maya, Mexico!  I am SO excited to go, but as the day gets closer I am getting more and more nervous about leaving my baby girl behind.  I know she will be in good hands and will be well taken care of, but I will miss her TONS.  But I know Jesse and I need to spend time together as a couple too.  Life has been CRAZY lately.  It seems there is something going on Every night!  We are both busy at work, we had a record number of deliveries last week!!  And I worked extra, which the money will be nice, but that was more time away from my family.  And then with my Grandma's passing and being busy with extended family (which I already miss!) it seems we are constantly being pulled in a million directions.  I can't wait to unwind with my husband and just spend some time together.  There is still SO much to do!  I work tomorrow and nights on Friday, then I have about a million things I want to get done around the house, and pack myself and Allison!  Anyway, the countdown is DEFINITELY on now! 

Apple Pie and Grandma Lorrie

As most of you know my Grandma Lorrie passed away last Thursday early in the morning after battling many complications after surgery.  It was kind of a shock, but I know she is at peace and her body is healed without pain or suffering any more.   I know she is in the most beautiful place reunited with my Grandpa and other family and friends that have gone before us.  But I will miss her.  It doesn't seem real yet.  It seems like I should still be able to call her or that she is going to call me anyday and we will get together for lunch.  I will see her when I visit and she will be in church at First Lutheran.  It is the little things and in the little moments that I will miss her most.  My Grandma was known for her great cooking!  She made the BEST Peach and Apple Pies (and many more!).  And Pudgy Pies...YUM!  (aka campfire pies).  My Grandma had to be the happiest person I know.  She was always smiling and always thinking positively.  She was always willing to help out in any way she could.  You could NOT invite my Grandma over for lunch or any gathering without her bringing something.  I learned how to make my Grandma's Apple Pie when I was a little girl (10 or so) and then a couple years ago I went and we made more pies together.  I always thought my Grandma was beautiful.  I loved her white/blonde hair and she had the softest cheeks.  I will miss her. 

Why, Ali, Why??

So, I am once again hooked on the bachelor.  And had my heart set on Ali and Jake as the final two.  I really dislike Vienna, I don't think Tenley is for him and Gia is ok, I just don't think they have that great of chemistry.  Plus, I am partial to Ali because I have an Ali (although I hope she never subjects herself to such an awful thing!).  Ali has always seemed to really have it together and have her head on straight...until tonight!  She was a blubbering disaster!  I realize that this was an awful position to be put in, but honestly how great can your job be that they wouldn't understand.  They had to have been told you were going to be gone for a certain number of weeks then to wait until you are at such a crucial point and demand you come back??!!  They don't sound like a company I would like to work for!  Plus, if you really are in love with Jake, wouldn't it be more worth it to stay?  After all you have only 1 soulmate but there are many more job opportunities.

Anyway, good luck to Ali!  Maybe you and Jake will find each other anyway!! 

Like Mother Like Daughter

The other night I was making dinner (or folding clother, can't remember) anyway I was busy and Allison was busy playing. After a bit I noticed it had gotten quiet...a little too quiet. It is never a good thing when she is so quiet. So as much as I was enjoying being able to get a few things done while she was busy playing by herself, I figured I better go investigate. Maybe I will be wrong I thought, maybe she is "reading" a book or something. Here is what I discovered:

This is me!  This is EXACTLY what I do sometimes before going out.  You have to try on a few things!  She had almost emptied her drawer and was busy "trying on" her clothes!  I should have a picture of our room when I get done, but that would be too embarassing!  She LOVES trying to put on her own clothes now.  Mostly just on top of what she is wearing and she sometimes tries to take things off, I dread the day she masters this and I find her in her crib playing in her diaper!!!!

The Big Game

Well for most people the big game is Sunday.  For me it was 2 Sundays ago and because they lost I could care less about the actual Super Bowl.  I'm sure I am not the only Vikings fan feeling like this.  I felt like it was going to be our big year, FINALLY!  Brett (aka Superman) was going to be the answer to our prayers, he was going to take our beloved Vikings all the way.  He gave it his best, and after being beaten and bruised and I'm sure VERY sore on Monday, we still couldn't quite overcome what seems to be our Omen as Viking fans.  Anyway, I'm really not that HUGE of a sports fan, but it was fun to watch the Vikes this year and I did get my hopes up that this might finally be our year.  And I do kind of hope Brett decides to come back, but I most definitely understand if he doesn't.  He sure seemed to take a beating against the Saints.  But, being caught up in the excitement, we sported our Viking gear, was really hoping to get to wear it this Sunday, but now working on Sunday won't be so bad.

And here is just a cute picture of Miss Allison "helping" me unload the dishwasher, she LOVES to play with the silverware, I try not to let her, but that is the first thing she goes for.  And she is such a monkey, she will crawl on anything, she can almost get up on our couch by herself.