Back to reality...

I've been in a blogging funk lately.  I have stories to share, but never feel like writing them down.  But since I've been back from the vacation for 5 days now, I figured I should put it down in writing.

Flights were good.  I was concerned about getting sick due to the pregnancy, but life was all good in the air.  I did take a Dramamine just in case, but didn't need it on the way home.  On the flight to Florida, I looked down and realized that baby wasn't getting left out of this vacation.  He or she definitely made it visible that I am pregnant! 
Once we got to Tampa, we rented a car and loaded up to head to Orlando.  Hubby has a few aunts, uncles, and cousins who live in the area, so we went to visit with them for a few hours.  It was great to get to see them even if it was for a short amount of time. 
On Monday morning, we headed down to meet the bus to take us to the port.  I won't bore you with the details so I will just show a few highlights of the trip.  I will say one of the top 5 best things would be my hubby winning $500 BINGO.  That was taken directly off our tab for the week! That was awesome because you don't know how much you have spent until the last day.  You get a card that is your room key and credit card and everything is charged on there. 



My first glimpse of the ship!!  Look real close.



My attempt at writing in the sand kept getting washed away.

I'm almost not tall enough to drink at Senor Frogs!

Every night, the menu had a "didja" which was something you probably never ate.  This night was frog legs...I did not try them!!






Our cute little room for the week.  The bathroom reminded me of a camper.

And how could you NOT love this water!



Beer bread and Rina

Last night, I attempted my first loaf of homemade bread without a bread maker.  And I must tell you, it turned out amazing! Hubby and I ate half the loaf....ugh! 
I've been wanting to try a simple, homemade recipe for beer bread for awhile.  We always buy beer bread mix for the holidays but sometimes forget to get some or never have the chance to buy it.  So, I found this recipe and I think I will be using it in those times that someone forgets about the beer bread!

http://www.jennaseverythingblog.com/2011/02/08/veronicas-buttery-beer-bread/
Next time, though, I think I will use unsalted butter or maybe half salted and half unsalted.  It had a bit of salty taste, but that could also be because of my heightened sense of smell and taste!  (and I actually used margarine!...oops, thats all I have in my house!)
Oh, and I didn't use my hands like she did.  I mixed it all with a wooden spoon and tapped the bread pan to get it somewhat even.
Try it! I promise you won't be disappointed.  It is super easy and so tasty! I can't wait to get home and have another slice.  I melted a little butter and added garlic salt for dipping.  We might not be the healthiest eaters!

Enough about food, it's making me hungry!  Did I mention that we are going on a cruise?...oh yeah, that's right, I did.   But did I mention that there is a hurricane in the Carribean's right now?  Oh, I forgot that piece of info.  Well, Rina has turned herself from a tropical storm into a hurricane.  At this moment, she is a category 2.  It was all minor yesterday when it was a tropical storm at 40 mph wind speeds because thats really just a breezing day here in ND!  But, if you check out the storm tracker, you will see that at 105 mph wind speeds, we would probably not be going to Cozumel.  It is headed straight for Cozumel.  It will miss Grand Cayman, but I think its a matter of getting around the storm to get us there.  I don't know how all this works, but it looks as if the storm is predicted to be over on the 29th.  That would be perfect, expect I'm wondering if we will still feel the affects of the waves.  And if it hits Cozumel, what will that place look like when we get there.  We are definitely in for an experience!

Wish us luck!  And keep your fingers crossed that Rina decides to hurry the heck up or disipate before finding land!

Anyone need a little Inspiration?

Well, it's no secret anymore, on October 31, we will be boarding the Carnival Inspiration Cruise!  My dad surprised my mom with a Happy Easter/Happy Anniversary/ Happy Birthday gift on Sunday.  Him and I have secretly been planning this little adventure for about 2 months. 
He called and asked one day if I was mom, would I rather go to Vegas or on a cruise.  Thinking like mom I said, "I know she loves Vegas, but she has been begging to go on a cruise for years."  Perfect!


Our cruise ship...Inspiration!



Mom was in shock (and quite possible, still is).  She wasn't quite sure what was going on when she opened the envelope.  However, J and I knew exactly what she was in for.  

I can't keep a secret and I'm glad he let the cat out of the bag a day early.  I was ready to explode!!

It is their 31st anniversary today! :)  Happy many more years to you, Mom and Dad! <3

I will fill you in with more details when we get closer to Halloween at sea! 
So.excited.  Can't wait to have a little visit with J's aunt, uncle, and cousins while we are in Florida a day early.

Life is good right now!

Easter recap ....
Spent the early part of the day at my parents house.  Mom made a great lunch of ham, cabbage rolls, mashed potatoes, veggies, and lots of appetizers and desserts.
We
     were
            all
               stuffed!

We took a little trip down memory lane by pulling out Dad's yearbooks and having some laughs! Then pulled out my yearbooks and senior memory book and looked at some of my brother's old pictures as well.

Hubby and I went for a short walk around the farm yard looking at equipment and old machinery.  I captured some good pictures that I will post when  I am at home.  (Shhhh..don't tell anyone that I am blogging at work, again!!)

After our little walk and mom's surprise, hubby and I headed back on our journey to my in-laws.  It was so beautiful outside that we spent some time in the yard.  MIL mixed up the fleischkuekle meat and the dough.  SIL and I made the fleischkuekle while BIL fried them up.  We enjoyed a great meal with the whole family, minus one. 

We all decided we needed to get up and outside after the big meal, so we sent the little ones on their egg hunt.  They had so much fun and found so many eggs filled with change! What a blast! (pictures to follow here, too)

Now, back to the work week.  The weather is just right for Spring time.  We need a good breeze and a few days of warmer temps to dry up the land.  Farmers are itchin' to get in the fields. 

Enjoy the "heat wave" and any good news coming your way! :)