We just got back from Puerta Aventuras, Mexico. It was absolutely amazing! This was the first time we had gone by ourselves...no friends, no kids...just peace and quiet. Our resort was much smaller than the ones we had previously stayed at but we didn't mind because there wasn't as much walking to do. The food was excellent and our room was perfect! We would love to buy one of the condos near the resort in Puerta Aventuras. It is a beautiful town. It rained the last 2 days off and on so we didn't get many pics...

It was a good night...

By 7 pm last night I was wiped, completely empty, no energy. I sat there and began feeling bad about being so tired...I felt like I am doing so much FOR my kids but not enough WITH my kids....it made me think of "The List". When Rob and I had the kids we often talked about what we wanted for them, how we wanted to raise them, and what role we would each play-a "list" if you will. We talked about positives and negatives from our own childhood, traditions to keep going, and things we would NEVER do....

1) HUGS HUGS HUGS!!!! I honestly can't remember a time growing up where my parents hugged us...honestly! Rob's family are huge huggers. And although it seemed weird at first-I love it now! I want to hug my kids everyday, 10-20 times a day!!! I want that interaction, that contact with them no matter how old they are!

2) I LOVE YOU'S...again- I can't remember this happening very often at all! In the last 8 years I can recall twice that my mother has said "I love you" and even then it felt ackward. I tell my kids every chance I get-everyday-all day!

3) Independence with guidance...there is a fine line between doing everything for your child and doing nothing to let them learn on their own. I want them to be independent but with a path to follow. A path that has been laid out, talked about, and worked on.

4) Open, honest communication...Rob was able to talk to his mother about everything...and I mean everything! But me-oh hell no! I didn't tell my parents anything and couldn't! I want to listen, reason, help, and then talk about any disappointments or punishments. I want my kids to know that we are here to talk too and that we really do understand!

Our list went on and on...and as I sat there on the couch with the kids beside me watching Deadliest Catch I realized...I still follow my list. Just because I'm tired every now and then it is expected. I am giving my all and trying the best way I know how. I am not going to repeat the same mistakes as those before me did. I am not my mother...I am me.

So after much debate with myself I felt ok about the night...we had a family dinner, we watched the show together, we hugged them, said I love you, and tucked them in......it was a good night.

Where to start...

We leave for Mexico in 7 days! Woo Hoo! But oh my gosh do we have a ton to get done before that????!!!! Rob and I are leaving the kids behind and taking a trip by ourselves--some adult only time-what is that? Baseball season just ended and football is right around the corner so we thought this would be the best time to sneak in a little vaca! We sure will miss the kids!!!