Sun, Sand, and Memories for a Lifetime!

Family, Mothering / Saturday, May 21st, 2016

It’s been a long time since my last post.

But, that’s ok. Because when I came back to blogging I had decided that I would run my blog, not the other way around.

I wanted to share with you some wonderful memories that we have built this week. Memories of a lifetime with my dear children. I am very much aware that times with all 8 of my children are going to be few and far between since my oldest will be 19 in July. And so we took a mommy trip. I have NEVER done this before, taking off with all the children without daddy or anyone else. But, I had two men for protection and help and young lady helpers that made this trip something I could not have done when they were all young. And not to mention my health would not have allowed it in the past but now I feel strength I have not had in years.

We went to Destin, Florida to spend five days at a beach house with my friend and her little ones. There were so many firsts for my chidlren. First time swimming in the ocean. First time being in Florida. First time playing on the sand. First time crabbing, boiling and then eating our catch. 🙂 It was SO much fun! Here are a few pictures of our adventures!

My little man thought he would help with the packing
My little man thought he would help with the packing
FLORIDA!
FLORIDA!

 

Just about 10 minutes from the beach house our tire blew! It was SO loud, we were in the left hand lane on the highway and my son was driving. He pulled over and we limped to a safe spot and my three sons changed the tire and put the spare on. Later that day my two older sons drove to a tire store and put new tires on the van. So thankful for the Lord's protection and for adult sons!
Just about 10 minutes from the beach house our tire blew! It was SO loud, we were in the left hand lane on the highway and my son was driving. He pulled over and we limped to a safe spot and my three sons changed the tire and put the spare on. Later that day my two older sons drove to a tire store and put new tires on the van. So thankful for the Lord’s protection and for adult sons!
First impressions of the beach!
First impressions of the beach!
Traveling and playing at the beach are exhausting!
Traveling and playing at the beach are exhausting!

 

 

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Imitating his big brothers

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This sums up what my three year old did most of the time on the beach--he loved it!
This sums up what my three year old did most of the time on the beach–he loved it!

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The sky was blue, the water crystal clear and the sand so white...it was perfect!
The sky was blue, the water crystal clear and the sand so white…it was perfect!
My handsome son!
My handsome son!

 

Crabbing at night was a huge highlight!
Crabbing at night was a huge highlight!
And then boiling them and enjoying the freshest crab you will ever get!
And then boiling them and enjoying the freshest crab you will ever get!

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We managed to get in a little thrift shopping too :)
We managed to get in a little thrift shopping too 🙂
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Some of you who have followed AMH for many years will know that for a long time I had the children’s and my feet in the sand as part of my header picture. We had stopped on a trip and made that first picture but this was the children’s first time of real beach experience- so before we left I wanted to get another feet in the sand pic
Virgin Pina Coladas!
Virgin Pina Coladas!

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The gorgeous condo complex where our special friends let us stay!
The gorgeous condo complex where our special friends let us stay!

 

It was an amazing trip!  And the best part of all?  I was able to enjoy it to the fullest with my children.  You see, since my many years of health issues I do not take this for granted.  My facebook post says it all…

End of VACATION thoughts: As we are driving home from a week full of making memories I am so thankful to the Lord for his mercies. The other day, as I was getting ready to take my children out for a third day on the beach, my friend Sara was reflecting on the change since two years ago. I could never have done day after day of activities with my children, let alone take them by myself to Florida. Just one day of activity could’ve caused a meltdown crash in the past. But here I am taking my children almost 500 miles and back withoutSteve. We are returning with the best memories of enjoying the sand and sun on the beach, splashing in the ocean waves, trudging our beach equipment back and forth each day, swimming in the pool, crabbing after dark, playing games and watching movies into the night. I never imagined when my friend told me about the supplement protocol which I started that the Lord was answering years of prayers and giving my family their mommy back!

I am thankful to the Lord for this trip full of memories!
I am thankful to the Lord for this trip full of memories!
~~Feeling weary and worn down physically or mentally? Make sure to read my health testimony and some of the things that are helping me on my journey of healing from several and debilitating fatigue!
A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

 

 

 

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