Maui Day Four

Today, Frenchie got up early. He wanted to see the sunrise, and he was excited that Jori was awake and wanted to go with him. Then he started helping make breakfast. Dwight was next up and helped finish the breakfast. I had a protein drink. We all put on our swimsuits and went on another adventure.

Today we went whale watching, boy there were a lot of whales Eric was in Heaven. 

We had so much fun that it felt like we were on our honeymoon—actually, it felt better than that. Eric and I are so happy right now. I'm grateful for him. Eric works so hard and has always provided for his family. Family means everything to him, I have encouraged him to have good connections with each of his children. It makes me really sad that the perception they have about my mothering is completely different than my perspective. I don't remember ever having problems we couldn't fix while I raised them. Eric keeps telling me not to worry; he will reunite the family. I have my doubts those girls are really, really angry with me. But for now, it's just me and Frenchie. This past year has been hard, but he and I are moving forward with or without the girls in my life. We are getting older and want to spend the rest of our time together having fun.

Monya

Maui Day 3

 Today we went to a beautiful beach. It was called McKenna Beach. Of course, Eric got bored just sitting, so he and Dwight took a little hike over the mountain. I knew Dwight would be careful to ensure Eric would not overdo it. 

Jori and I stayed. We were good just visiting with each other on the beach. Around an hour or two later, the boys came back with big smiles on their faces. I asked Eric what in the world was making him smile so big. He said, "On the other side of that rock mountain is the most beautiful lagoon." I said, "Oh wow, I wish I wasn't worried about hiking over those rocks. I'd go with you." He laughed and said, "It was quite a hike, I took my time, but it was worth it. It's a naked beach ..." I was so surprised I giggled and said, "Seriously? What did you and Dwight do." Now Dwight, Jori, and Eric were all laughing. Eric said, "Well, Dwight said to me, "you ready to go for it?" Then I said, "Hell yeah, we took off our swimsuits and went swimming." I roared, laughing, and said, "You know everyone on the beach thought you two were 'partners'?" Dwight and Eric laughed and said simultaneously, "Who cares? We had so much fun and just made a memory." I could understand that Eric always says "Life is Good."

Maui Day 2

 Oh boy, today was a good day in Hawaii; well, really, when is it not a good day in Hawaii?

We went to the beach, ate at a food truck, and laughed with Jori and Dwight. They are the best friends, and we have had so much fun spending time with them.

Having one-on-one time with Eric has been so fun; he's so happy. He kept saying how beautiful Maui was and wanted to look at real estate for a small home. The man loves real estate and the beach. His mom served her mission in Hawaii, and we talked a bit about her. We both miss her; Eric is very private and does not talk about her too much except with me. He loved her dearly, and seeing where she served made him feel closer to her. I love seeing him so happy. He enjoys life and never takes for granted every breath of life. Today was a good day!!!

MAUI Here We Come Day 1

 This morning we boarded a Southwest plane with Dwight and Jori Udall, friends we have loved for more than forty years. Yes, Southwest Airlines. Eric and I have not flown on any other airline than American Airlines in 19 years, but we wanted to be on the same flight as the Udall's. So much for a non-stop, the pilot announced we needed to land in LAX to get fuel.... WHAT?

When we arrived at the airport Frenchie got a wheelchair for me and told them I needed to pre-board. I was perfectly fine to walk, I asked him why he did that and he said, "I forgot to check in and this is the only way we can pick a seat with Jori and Dwight." Okay, I was down for a little sneaky sneaky!!

Frenchie was so excited to use his new iPad to watch movies on. Problem is he didn't sync it to his phone and could not do it on the airplane. I looked over at him and he was watching Barbie on his phone, I laughed and asked why would he want to watch that movie, it's just not him. He said, "Haleigh told me it was really good, and I like it." Okay then, have fun I thought.

When we arrived to Maui Frenchie was so excited for our first stop to be at COSTCO. He is a COSTCO junkie, SAMS is a close second. I loved watching him, he was like a child in a candy store. He found not one but three swimsuits, but still didn't want to pay full price. I reminded him that he has lost so much weight none of his other suits would fit him. He has worked so hard to be healthy and he has lost over 130 pounds. He was so proud of himself and I was proud of him too, the man loves food. Since his heart attack he has been eating clean with me. I showed him instead of looking at what he couldn't eat he should be looking at all the wonderful things he could eat. It's been a journey and we deserve this vacation.

The resort we stayed at was absolutely beautiful, Jori and Dwight have a time share in Maui. We told them we would love to come with them anytime they need companions. We were exhausted that first night. So off to our room we knelt and said our prayers holding hands, then fell asleep.

Happy Birthday CJ, today we celebrate you!!

Packing for Hawaii

 Frenchie and I are going to Maui with Jori and Dwight tomorrow. We are so excited. It has been a long time since we last went on a trip like this. I have to make this short because I need to sleep.

As we were busily packing tonight, Frenchie said, "Why are we rushing? Get over here and dance with me. He put on a song we both love called IF by Bread. I thought it was so sweet of him to do that. I love him so much; his heart attack has helped us remember we only have this moment right now to love and share what time we have left together.

Eric wants me to retire by next January. He said we would retire together. It shocked me. I never thought he would stop working, but I think he wants to spend as much time together as we can. He always tells me every day how much he loves me and how grateful he is to have me as his best friend. I believe I have the best husband and best friend I could ask for.

Okay, I'm off to bed, ready to see what adventures Frenchie and I will discover in Maui. More memories to make-I just love him so much.

Disney On Ice

     Chloe and Blake gave me tickets for Christmas to take Weslie to Disney on Ice for my birthday. Weslie and I talked the entire way to the stadium and were very excited about the show. We arrived early and were able to get a really great parking spot. We found where we were supposed to sit, then went out to the vendors for yummy food, drinks, and, of course, to buy a souvenir for Weslie. She is so sweet and asked if we could get something for Zeek. I already had that idea in mind, but when Weslie said, "I would rather get something for Zeek if you don't have enough money." My heart ... oh my heart!! I love this little girl. She is so polite and kind, and she is only seven years old, far older in maturity than seven years old. I also noticed she saved half of everything we ordered for treats and saved them for Zeek. He had popcorn, half a churro, half of her cotton candy, and a souvenir.

    I loved watching Weslie as the Characters came onto the ice; she was so wide-eyed and excited that it warmed my heart. She sang along to the music and announced the characters' names as they entered the ice. Weslie is so sweet. I loved every second with her.

                                            

I Love This Time of Year

 Last year, I wanted to know if Frenchie would make it through one more night. He did, and he has worked so hard this year on getting healthy that he's lost over 100 pounds. He loves to walk, and we both eat clean. I, too, have lost some weight. 

Today, I invited the grandchildren over who could come, which ended up being Weslie and Zeek. We decorated gingerbread houses, played outside, and then played some games inside. I don't know how I got so blessed, but these little ones always teach me something. Today, Weslie and her dad worked on her gingerbread house, and little Zeek decided that it was no fun, so he headed to the toy room for some trucks and balls.

I missed having my other grandchildren here who couldn't make it. Haleigh and Scott, with little Senabun and Ellis, couldn't be here, but I really missed them. Ellis is just so cute, and little Sena reminds me of Haleigh when she was three years old. Damn, that feels like yesterday. I can't believe how fast time goes by. Haleigh is thirty years old, almost thirty-one. Will I be around when Sena is thirty-one?

Christmas is always better with children around. Eric is in Mexico. He's been there for a week, and I miss him. The Lukeville border is closed due to too many migrants entering the country. The border patrol, which is normally at Lukeville, will be dispersed to other areas. So, no going in and no coming out.

He is on his way home and called me from the San Luis border this morning. I'm looking forward to snuggling on the sofa and watching a Christmas movie. The weather is beautiful in Arizona right now, and I will enjoy it while we have it.

The holidays are my favorite time of year. The family gathers together to talk about what we are more grateful for. We enjoy the music, movies, treats, and each other during Thanksgiving and Christmas. I always miss my children who can't be here with us, but I understand it's a busy time, and they have other family to be with.

Cute little Weslie 7 years old

Weslie

Blake and Weslie

Myself, Zeek three years old and Blake