I should be waxing poetic about my week-long experience in paradise.
Palm trees just exude that tropical feeling.
I should be documenting all of the highlights before the memories fade, as memories are prone to do.
Like the night we went shopping in Playa del Carmen. We ended the adventure with a plate of the most amazing nachos I have ever eaten.
Our tour guides supplied the props.
I should be sharing some of the many photos I took of my hair. The humidity caused it to channel Monica from that Friends episode.
(This one is pretty tame. My hair was a sight to behold all week, and caused us both to laugh out loud many times.)
I should be mentioning how I took way too many photos of the white hammocks.
I want to live right there. Forever.
I should be posting photos of Honey and I, all tanned, and relaxed, and grinning from ear to ear twenty-four seven.
As you can see, we were miserable.
Unfortunately, upon arriving home the wind was knocked out of my proverbial sails.
When we got into Vancouver on Friday, the kidlets were feeling a little “off”. They traveled fine for the drive home Saturday morning, but by mid-afternoon they had all succumbed to the flu.
The boys have been battling fevers, and for the first time in their short lives I have had to race them upstairs into a tepid bath to bring their temperature out of the danger zone.
Emily is a little warm, but nothing dangerous. Her illness is more of the head cold variety. Every time she sneezes it looks like half of her (lime green) brain matter is displayed on her face. And dripping onto her shirt.
In the midst of dealing with three sick kids, Matthew and I were dealt some emotional dung. The last two days have been craptastic (Yes, it is a word). We both are tired, physically and emotionally.
On the bright side (I can always find one), we have been reminded (yet again) how we have been blessed with the most amazing circle of friends that you could ever ask for. They love us, they encourage us, they are Jesus to us daily. They give me a glimpse of what Heaven is going to be like, and you know what? It is going to be awesome. Trust me.
I have been too bone weary to do anything beyond the basics and had lost any desire to try to formulate coherent thoughts. I even wondered if maybe my words had dried up.
But today? Today I feel a glimmer of me. The real me. The me that I found while I was away. And sitting here typing I feel like the glimmer has turned into a ray.
I should be back to my spunky self in no time.
Then maybe I can give some justice to one of the best weeks of my life.
46 Comments
Love the pictures. Wishing you all well, fast!
Elizabeth’s last blog post..Prayer Request
Comment by Elizabeth on March 3rd, 2008 @ 2:18 pmya, I really like that last one of you! Dudes…look like you had a wicked time, and I’m jealous! I hope the kidlets are back to their fantastic selves soon too 
love you guys!
songsinblue’s last blog post..Last night, she said
Comment by songsinblue on March 3rd, 2008 @ 2:19 pmI’m so glad you had a great trip. Looks like you and your hubby had a great time. Great pictures! Love the ‘Monica Hair!’
Thankfully you got home to be with your kids while they are sick…mommy’s always makes things better…’mommy guilt’ would have set in if it happened last Saturday!
Hang in there…we just went through the flu this past week. It’s yucky!
Amy’s last blog post..I’m in love!
Comment by Amy on March 3rd, 2008 @ 2:23 pmI always need a vacation from my vacations because coming home to reality is so drastic. I’m sorry the kids have been sick and that you’ve both been dealing with that worry and stress. 
I’m glad to hear you’re feeling more like yourself though…rest and be good to you.
sizzle’s last blog post..Paint a Pretty Picture
Comment by sizzle on March 3rd, 2008 @ 2:24 pmI hope everything is all right (or becomes that way soon). I can’t wait to see more of your photos.
Moose’s last blog post..Chapeau Show
Comment by Moose on March 3rd, 2008 @ 2:33 pmI just knew your pictures would be fantastic and as per usual you did not disappoint.
I think your hair looks great, you should have seen mine in the Bahamas. Monica-like would have been a compliment. Sadly I did not get pictures of it though.
Take care and hope the dung is disposed of properly and the kidlets get better!
SEE YOU FRIDAY! Have your credit card on the ready
Kami’s last blog post..Am I the only one?
Your picture are making me jealous. Maybe one day me and James will eventually get our honeymoon and trust me it WILL be somewhere tropical!! Seeing your pics make me want to do it SOONER than later. I hope the kids are getting better and that you get back to your spunky self soon. if you need an ear I am only a phone call away. I love you!!!
Mel’s last blog post..Umpy Dumpy
Comment by Mel on March 3rd, 2008 @ 2:41 pmHair envy! You look amazing. After this sneak peek of your photos, I can’t wait to see the rest of them. Also hoping for peace in a situation that doesn’t sound so great. And riddance of the boogs!
Comment by Rachel Joy on March 3rd, 2008 @ 2:47 pmSorry you had a rough few days. Hope everyone feels better. Great photos. I’m thinking I need to go.
Comment by Danica on March 3rd, 2008 @ 2:48 pmI love the Monica-hair shot
Hope you’re all feeling better soon.
hills’s last blog post..All Dressed Up To Catch A Glimpse Of The List
Comment by hills on March 3rd, 2008 @ 2:49 pmOh man. I have not a single word to muster up to make your day happier. I wish I did!
That last picture of you is gorgeous. (As is every other picture of you.) I’ll pray that your sweet little babies get over their sicknesses really fast.
Being tired physically and emotionally? Oh so not fun. I’ll pray for you and your darling honey too.
Mrs. Wilson’s last blog post..One more thing …
Comment by Mrs. Wilson on March 3rd, 2008 @ 2:58 pmLove the pictures, what a beautiful place…
Sorry to hear things aren’t well…
Welcome back to life, right? At least you had a few days of bliss! Hope everyone is feeling better soon.
180/360’s last blog post..An Affair to Remember
Comment by 180/360 on March 3rd, 2008 @ 3:09 pmI love the pictures you’ve posted so far. It looks so peaceful and heavenly there!
Even though I don’t know you, I’m sending some virtual hugs your way. Hope your kidlets are feeling better quickly, and that you’re feeling totally like yourself again soon.
Sharon’s last blog post..Contents of my purse
Comment by Sharon on March 3rd, 2008 @ 3:23 pmCraptastic is NEVER fun. Especially craptastic on top of the flu.
On the upside?
YOU LOOK FRIGGIN’ GORGEOUS.
And?
YOU LOOK FRIGGIN’ GORGEOUS AND YOU ARE PROBABLY STILL TAN FROM MEXICO!!!
I seriously wish I looked like you.
Sorry your kiddies are so sick. There are few things worse than that.
Loralee’s last blog post..?Saucy Frocks? Apron Giveaway!
Comment by Loralee on March 3rd, 2008 @ 3:53 pmHere’s hoping health returns to all soon, and I know you have been editing your images. Welcome back, you were missed.
witchypoo’s last blog post..More Awards
Comment by witchypoo on March 3rd, 2008 @ 3:56 pmI love that last picture of you! So beautiful.
I also wish we wore the same size so I could borrow some of your dresses for my trip. Ohwell.
Love ya tons!!
Karen’s last blog post..Just another Saturday.
Comment by Karen on March 3rd, 2008 @ 4:04 pmLove the last photo!
Hope everything get better in your household soon.
Yikes, talk about hitting the ground running. I’m so sorry you’ve come home to sick kidlets. I hope that the two of you stay healthy and that you’re back to normal soon.
Robyn’s last blog post..Exercising those little grey cells
Comment by Robyn on March 3rd, 2008 @ 5:49 pmAwww. I’m so glad you had a wonderful time, but I’m really, really sorry for the emotional shitstorm and flu. I hope it’s only looking up from here!
Comment by jonniker on March 3rd, 2008 @ 6:24 pmI hope things are OK. Keeping y’all in my prayers, glad you’re home safely.
bethany actually’s last blog post..Plenty of hooking going on
Comment by bethany actually on March 3rd, 2008 @ 6:54 pmWOW! Beautiful pictures, love that last one of you! I am thinking about you and hoping things get back to normal around there and that everyone is feeling better. I’ll be praying for you!
Comment by Michele on March 3rd, 2008 @ 7:36 pmWowza Photos, Angella!! You are SO beautiful. SO beautiful. And your husband is sooooo handsome.
And nothing says, “Welcome Home Mommy!” like lime-green brain matter. Mmm Mmm.
The Over-Thinker’s last blog post..What?? You’ll have to comment louder! I can’t hear you!!
Comment by The Over-Thinker on March 3rd, 2008 @ 7:40 pmIsn’t it lovely- that post vacation feeling when you are over the sadness of not being there anymore, and you are just able to deal with regular life better for having gotten away from it?
slynnro’s last blog post..Disappointments, now with Wacky Secretary Anecdote!
Comment by slynnro on March 3rd, 2008 @ 8:13 pmWhat a wonderful trip! I hope the kids recupe soon.
Holli’s last blog post..Domestic Goddess
Comment by Holli on March 3rd, 2008 @ 8:45 pmFirstly, I’m sorry to hear about the sick kids and the other issues. I hope the kids are all better soon.
Secondly, those photos are amazing! I have never had any desire to visit Mexico … until now! Looks like paradise.
Look forward to hearing more!
Hannah’s last blog post..Love letters
Comment by Hannah on March 3rd, 2008 @ 8:50 pmWelcome home! Glad to hear you had a good time, Hope all the kidlets are feeling better soon. We’ve been battling a sick one for a little over a week - I can empathize.
That last photo of you is contest worthy - beautiful!!!
Ashley’s last blog post..Tag your it, I’m It? Hooray!
Comment by Ashley on March 3rd, 2008 @ 8:50 pmThe last photo of you is beautiful! It captures the calm you must have felt that week.
The description of Emily sneezing had me laughing hysterically!
The week after a vacation is always the hardest. Hang in there, lean on your friends (in person and online) and know that I so happy you guys are home safe and had a wonderful week!
Comment by Red Lotus Mama on March 3rd, 2008 @ 9:22 pmGlad you are home safe and had a wonderful time. I really hope your kidlets all get better soon. Hugs.
Comment by SarahD on March 3rd, 2008 @ 9:58 pmI’m really sorry to hear that things are so rough right now. I hope that the kids start to feel better quickly!
Comment by Tamara on March 3rd, 2008 @ 9:59 pmYay! You’re baaaaack. And you bring gifts of beautiful photos. Love, love, love them.
-There’s a song in there somewhere-
And here are BIG FAT GET WELL WISHES to the little ones.
And a big HUGE THANK YOU ’cause now I can post more than one picture at a time. You rock!
Jules’s last blog post..A Tag, a Tag… a Tag of Random Things
Comment by Jules on March 3rd, 2008 @ 10:49 pmAww, you choke me up!
I missed you!
You are so beautiful and so are all your photo’s.
Hope you all feel better soon.
Anna’s last blog post..Settling into this new space
Comment by Anna on March 4th, 2008 @ 12:06 amLOL. I LOVE that episode of Friends!
claire’s last blog post..I’m not a farmer
Comment by claire on March 4th, 2008 @ 5:39 amThose are amazing pictures! Welcome back…so glad to have you here but also glad you got a wonderful vacay away!! Feel better, everyone!
Lisa’s last blog post..BlogHer…or BlogMe?
Comment by Lisa on March 4th, 2008 @ 7:01 amGreat pictures! Can’t wait to hear all about it…after you’re all feeling better!!
Laura’s last blog post..And so it begins….
Comment by Laura on March 4th, 2008 @ 8:41 amWelcome home…? Sizzle said it so well, we need vacations from our vacations! Coming home is rarely an easy task.
While I’m thrilled that you had such a great time and relaxed (!!!!) I’m sorry that coming was met with the flu (nasty, nasty stuff) and something that has been hard on you and Matthew.
Things will look up soon! Just keep looking at those pictures!
LVGurl’s last blog post..Working hard, hardly sleeping, eating plenty
Comment by LVGurl on March 4th, 2008 @ 9:24 amI think you were the hottest woman at that resort and I’m not even kidding. Ben wants to see Graham already.
Remember…your kids are awesome….you know it, I know it, God knows it. Nuff said. AND hope to see you soon.
PS. Amazing photos.
christy’s last blog post..Come have a look.
Comment by christy on March 4th, 2008 @ 12:10 pmI’ve never heard the term “emotional dung” but I’ve certainly experienced it! Yuck! The last picture of you will make us all hate you a little I’m afraid! So beautiful !
Comment by Heidi F on March 4th, 2008 @ 1:04 pmAhh, so nice that you guys got away…it looks like it was beautiful! John and I are hoping for our 10 year anniversary to do the same, but we’ll see…life kind of gets expensive!
Stinky that you came home to a bit of chaos…hopefully things will even out again soon!
Comment by Tanneal on March 4th, 2008 @ 1:22 pmWelcome back, I am SO glad that you both had such a wonderful time! The pics so far are amazing I can’t wait to see more!
I am sorry to hear though that your 3 little sweeties are so sick, I hope they and the rest of your life gets back to “normal” really soon!
Thanks for taking the time to pop over and check out my new little guy though.
Kristin’s last blog post..Corban Barry
wow — I just LOVE the hammock shot. AND, I pee’d myself a little with the MonicaHair shot — FRIENDS — LOVE THEM! Hope things settle soon. Fevers over here too… oy.
Holly’s last blog post..Elton in the House
Comment by Holly on March 4th, 2008 @ 6:47 pm[...] I mentioned in my last post, we had our photo taken by our tour guides after they supplied some [...]
Comment by Dutch Blitz » We Know How To Party on March 5th, 2008 @ 12:32 am[...] February Matthew and I left the kids with his parents and spent a week in Mexico (My Happy Place) (Photos of me taken by Honey) (Yet another recap BECAUSE I LOVE [...]
Comment by Dutch Blitz » I’m So SAD on November 10th, 2008 @ 12:17 am
That last photo of you is magic.
Hope the kids (and you) just keep feeling better and better and we’ll see you soon!
Amanda’s last blog post..Spilled Milk
Comment by Amanda on March 3rd, 2008 @ 2:06 pm