Not living for goose bumps.

I'm not sure if it's my age or my experiences, but moments that would normally rip my emotions to shreds, have very little effect on me anymore.  Perhaps there were too many years of emotional roller coasters, and that I simply "got off the ride".

Don't get me wrong, I still laugh and I still cry, but it has changed.  And depending on when and where this hits, it can make me a bit uncomfortable.  Funerals, births, award assemblies and such can make me a bit nervous when I think I need a little more obvious emotion spilling out, but I just try to look dignified and controlled and go on.

I told you that story to tell you this one.  I have realized that this is a good thing when it comes to my spirituality, my prayerfullness, my ability to worship God and my relationship with Him.

Thankfully, I no longer depend on an emotional "whatever" to define my love for God.

I have always watch in awe that so many people can enter a "rapture like" state in church or in prayer.  I think we'd all agree that I'm not afraid of emotion, but wow!

I know that in the old days , us Catholics were called "The Frozen Choosen", (I don't think that was a compliment) but maybe there was a reason.  MAYBE we weren't a bunch of uptight, out of touch robots, MAYBE we were just comfortable sitting quietly and being in the presence of God!?  MAYBE we thought there was enough noise in the world, that at Mass it was time to shut our yaps and open our hearts!?

I know--freedom to be different--it takes all kinds---freedom to worship as you please---it goes on and on.  Don't mean to step on any toes.

What I do mean is--He is in my presence even when I am not.  He is at my side when I am preoccupied with dinner, where my children are, or if I brushed my teeth.  He is by my side when I am irritated in traffic, burned out at work and when I finally say "Help me Lord!".

I enjoy a good round of goosebumps as much as the next guy, but I am eternally grateful(and I mean that literally) that God knows me better than myself.  And that He and He alone will be my salvation.

I've become my parents. Sorta.

I grew up in a loving and comfortable home.  My parents adopted me as an infant and I never felt that I was anything but their child.  I never wanted for any of the necessities, and I enjoyed being an only child emotionally and financially.

But I was always astounded that almost anytime I stopped at their house, they were there.  Pantry full, food on the stove, house cleaned and ready to welcome me in.  And for years, I stopped in alot.  Needed advice, needed a meal, needed a favor, needed to borrow something, or need a place to hang out.  I needed and they gave.  Simple enough right.

My friends dropped in alot too.  Always a surprise---always laughs.  They all have great memories of Mom and Dad.

I'm telling you all this because I have realized lately that I'm becoming my parents and its NOT EASY!!!  Don't get me wrong....I have a hoot of a time with my kids---their friends--their boyfriends and who ever comes along but Mom and Dad made this look easy.  I think back at what they were trying to teach me.

1.  Love your children--even when they are not lovable.  That goes for your spouse too!

2.  Go to church--you will never be loved more than when you are in Gods house.

3.  Pay your bills--sometimes  all you have is your credit score and your dignity--and sometimes thats all you need.

4. Just put one foot in front of the other each and every day--its not fancy but thats the way most of us get through life each and every day.

5.  And last but not least--Don't sweat the small stuff--most of its small stuff!

Thanks Robert and Margaret.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is one of my favorite places in the world.  I have visited the island twice now, once with my husband, Lou and once with Lou, Mike and Missy. 

The first trip was like a honeymoon but this trip was intersting as well because it was the first time the kids had flown or gone out of the country.  (Even if Puerto Rico is a comonwealth)!!

We went out on a catamaran(spelling???) the very first day and was quite possibly the most hilarious time we have ever had as a family!  Our "captain" was the PR version of Matthew McConouhy(spelling??) and great at his job.  The kids got drown with ocean water on the trip out--spotted a sea turtle--got stuck on a reef--and Lou and I drown on the way back!    Laughter the whole time!! And the most amazing view of our hotel and beach area from the ocean!

I was so glad that Missy loved the beach as much as me.  The whole family did.  No matter what our destination of the day...we always ended up back at "our beach", in the Atlantic.  (My personal spa!)

Rented a car and drove across the island one day to Ponce.  Ponce sits on the Carribean side of the island  and is the home of  "The Cross of the Americas".  Not quite the size of "Christ the Redeemer" in Brazil(Louis's ultimate travel destination!) But very inspirational and a beautiful view of Ponce from there.

Dined along the "Pork Highway" that has been featured on many shows on the Travel Channel.  Outstanding, open-air cooking!  We had so many great meals all week!  Missy ate beans and rice everywhere we went.  Its like potato salad recipes....everyone makes it a little different!

Took a morning to swim at Luquillo Bay that rest at the base of El Yunque National Rainforest.  Its the only rainforest that is part of the U.S. National Forestry Service.   And... more great food at the outdoor kiosek.  Lots of these little food stands with all kinds of goodies!

This is an outside wall of El Morro.  It is one of the 500 year old forts in Old San Juan.

Old San Juan is like a tiny taste of Spain.  The narrow cobblestone streets are still in use but scare me!  We parked and walked!  But seriously, whatever your idea of fun sight seeing is ...its there...history---shopping---nature, its there.

The Catherdral of San Jose.  Its the oldest church in the western hemisphere, this church has been under restoration since before our first trip in 2009.  We cheated an sneaked a peak into the courtyard--amazing!

El Convento is an old convent that is enormous!  They made it into a 5 star hotel and would be a possibility to stay at if we make another trip!

My gang was tired of getting rained on and probably hungry!  Once ya feed them, they are good to go!

Whether we were exploring tourist attractions, dining on the local fare or trucking down the roads along the beach...it was amazing.   I could go back for a month and be busy everyday with the sights of Puerto Rico!  I never knew you could put so much enjoyment in one tiny island!

The kids learned alot about traveling too.  They learned that lay overs at DFW means you take a nap--anywhere.  They learned that getting searched isn't all that bad.  They learned that if you buy it, you carry it.  And I think they even learned a little patience,  airports and tropical showers do that to ya!!

Lou and I were just happy we could do this with them before they are all grown and gone!  What a week!!!