Huey Lewis and the News - Date Night

My husband registers for all kinds of contests with local AM and PM stations. He wins stuff all the time and it just cracks me up. This time, he won 2 tickets to the Huey Lewis and the News concert in Daytona.

We went Saturday night and had a great time going "Back in Time" and thinking of the "Power of Love". It was a nice concert on the beach at Daytona. Afterward, we took a walk on the beach and watched the Labor Day fireworks that shot off from the Pier.

We enjoyed the time away and together and having the opportunity to do it all for free. I guess listening to the radio really does pay off :)

We're Baaaaaack!

What a wonderful 4 days of paradise! We enjoyed every minute, from the time we walked aboard, to the time our color was called for departure.

I am going to write a "how to cruise cheap" post soon. But, for now, I am just going to give you a run down on our fabulous trip.

Day 1 - We boarded the ship early. We had lunch and checked into our room. We spent most of the afternoon exploring the ship and getting to know where everything was.

Day 2 - The boat anchored at Coco Cay (a Royal Caribbean private island) for the day. We spent about 6 hours snorkeling. This is the first time either of us had done that and it was incredible! Now, I was a little freaked out at first. I don't ever go in the water at any of the Florida beaches. The difference here is that I could see all the way to the bottom and I knew what was touching me. Still, it took me a little while to get comfortable. Once I did, I loved it! We bought an under water camera (with CVS bucks) and took some fun pictures of that.
Cory picked it up quick and learned how to dive down and see those fish up close. I never got that good. But, look, I actually got close to those fish.After snorkeling all day, we took a few minutes and relaxed on 1 of the 50 hammocks they had set up on the island. The weather was perfect and we laid there and spent a few minutes thanking the Lord for his beautiful creation and the time he gave us together.
That evening was the formal dinner on the ship. I had a fun time getting all dressed up. I even convinced Cory to slow dance with me in the middle of the ship when no one else was! If you know Cory at all, you know what a big deal that is.

Day 3 - The boat docked at Nassau. We spent the first half of the day exploring the island on foot. We found some cool landmarks and did a little shopping at the straw market. The straw market is an adventure all on it's own. You barter for everything. I loved it. This is where we got all the souvenirs and gifts for the kids. I also got some sweet deals on a cute straw hat, earrings and sunglasses. Cory got some "Cuban" cigars too. We'll see how those turn out.
After that, we headed back to the boat for a quick lunch and then back out to the island. We headed over to Paradise Island to take a look at Atlantis hotel. You could spend all day there if you had the time. But, we headed back to Nassau for some authentic Bahamian dinner. It was very good and not cheap.

Day 4 - At Sea all day. By the time we got to this day, I realized that it was the last official day and I still didn't have any sun to speak of. So, I planned to spend some time at the pool and get a tan (o.k., I guess a burn). We really only stayed out by the pool for about 1 hour. Well, that did it. That's o.k. I would rather come back with a little burn than no sun at all.
They also had a rock climbing wall on the top deck. Cory climbed to the top twice and I barely made it up one time.We also ditched the dining room this night and went to the onboard Johnny Rockets. You pay a $4 cover charge and get all-you-can-eat off the menu. This was our favorite meal on board. It was fun and we took home 4 souvenirs from here. Yes, those are Johnny Rocket cups. Let me just say that when I ordered the burger, I was expecting the size of a double cheeseburger like the Johnny Rockets in Orlando. Apparantly, the burgers on the ship are 1/3 pound per patty. Do you see the size of that thing?! No, I didn't eat it all. I did dance with the servers though. Sorry, no pictures of that.

Day 5 - Departure. We left the boat at about 9 a.m. Vacation over. Welcome home real world. No more unlimited food at my disposal 24 hours a day. No more people waiting on me hand and foot. No more fun towel animals (I really liked those).

I think we are definitely sold as future cruisers. You just can't beat the value for your money.
Thank you for a great trip, baby! BTW, for those of you hoping that we came back with baby #5, you can stop crossing your fingers. I already started :)

Cruise Baby!!

We are leaving today for our 5 day cruise!! I am so excited! I may or may not be updating as we are gone. Woo-Hoo, here we come Bahamas!!

Getting Ready for the Cruise

Well, we leave in only 4 days to go on our cruise to the Bahamas and celebrate 10 years of marriage. I am getting very excited. I spent a good part of the day yesterday researching what to do and where to go when we get there.
I am trying to stay away from the major touristy stuff and find some true island relaxation. So, I think we have a pretty good head start. If you have ever been there and have some tips of what to do and don't do, I would love to hear it.
You will all be so pleased to learn that Royal Caribbean has free Wi-Fi on board the ship. So, I should be able to keep you updated on how the trip is going. That is, if we ever make it out of the room :) You know, it has been a long time since we've had no kids to interfere. I know that may be more info that you would like to know, but too bad!! I wrote it just to make you cringe.

Date Night and New Dress

Well, last night before we went to bed, my husband told me I needed to be dressed nicely and ready to go by 6:45 p.m. tonight. I asked him where we were going. He said he was giving me no further information.
This is very UNLIKE my husband. I was curious what he had up his sleeve.
This seemed like the perfect opportunity to wear one of my new outfits. I got ready (with the help of my sister-in-law) and decided to take a couple pictures to share.
He surprised me and took me to Del Frisco's. This is a very nice steak house in Central Florida. My first question was, "How can we afford here?". Well, he apparently had won a $100 GC to the restaurant through a radio station and he didn't tell me. He has been holding on to it for about a month and waiting for the right time to surprise me. How sweet is that?
I know, I'm lucky. I've heard that he is the "nicest guy in the world". We had a very elegant and pleasant time at dinner and a relaxing night with no kids.
Thanks baby! I love ya!

A New Stage of Life

This week will mark a new stage in my life. There are 2 events that are about to occur:

1) I will be turning 30 tomorrow!! I know, I don't look a day over 21, but it's true :)

2) My baby will be turning 4 on Friday (you may not consider a 3 year old a baby, but he certainly is to me)!!

I realized a couple weeks back that when Jordan turns 4, he will officially be out of a car seat and into a booster seat. We have not been without a car seat in the car for almost 9 years. It is hard to imagine driving without it.

As I think about the baby stage definitely being over and me entering my 30's all in the same week, I realized that this truly is a milestone week.

I no longer can say I have 4 YOUNG children at home. In 2 years, I will have a middle schooler. Although turning 30 is not something I find difficult or upsetting, it is a little to sad to say good-bye to this stage of my life.

Although, I also look forward to what this next stage is going to bring. I will be doing a lot less spanking and a lot more heart to heart conversations. Soon, I will be having "the talk" with my girls (o.k., I'm not looking forward to that). Going to the grocery store, library, etc... is not a discipline moment waiting to happen. I can actually enjoy their company. I will be able to pursue my dream of becoming a doula in the next couple of years.

This is also a milestone month because we just celebrated our 10th anniversary. We are now in the 2nd decade of our marriage. With this comes such a sense of security in who we are together.

I guess I have stopped and taken some time to reflect over the past 10 years that God has walked with us as a family. I am thankful for all He has given me. I look forward to what He has for our future.
I know I will be able to look back at this week and month and pinpoint when my role as a wife and mother changed drastically. I know it doesn't happen overnight, but it sure feels that way.

Anniversary Date!!

Thanks to all of you who voted for us a couple weeks back, we had a great date night for our anniversary. This is the first time we have gone on a date to a sit down restaurant in a long time!! Thank you for making our night a raving success! Here are some highlights from the night.

Every year we take an "anniversary picture" for a anniversary album we were given on our first anniversary. So, here is the one for year 10!

For dinner, we went to the Cheesecake Factory. With the $50 GC, we spent $2 out of pocket. We got an appetizer, split a meal, 2 drinks and dessert! I was actually amazed that the $50 only went that far. I guess the frugalness of me just couldn't understand it. But, the food was great and we didn't have to cook or clean a thing. Plus, we didn't actually pay for any of it. Thanks again!

As much as Cory has taught me to chill out a little, I may bring out a little silliness in him. I usually am pretty good about embarrassing him when we are in public. I think every time I took the camera out on our date, he chuckled to himself. He's getting used to me :)

I don't know. I just enjoy being weird!

After 10 years, our hands look a little different in this picture.

After dinner, we went to a movie (that we didn't pay for). I'm sure we were "that annoying couple with the camera". Cory was gracious enough to take the 6 shots I wanted in the theater to get the one that didn't show all my neck fat. What a sport!

We had such a fun time and we are looking forward to a whole 5 days just the 2 of us in September. Bahamas, here we come!!

10 Years of Marriage!!

Wow! I really can't believe it's been that long! 10 years ago today, I married the man that God had been preparing me for my whole life.
It is so nice to be able to look back over the years and smile :) I know many wives who don't. God has shown me so much about myself through my husband.
He has shown me how to slow down a little and relax.
He has shown me what a person of integrity looks like.
He has shown me that just because I think THIS is the way to do it, doesn't mean it is RIGHT! Oh, hasn't that been a hard lesson to learn over and over?
I know we can get on each other's last nerves and drive each other crazy!! But, in the end, we have grown to support and learn from each other.
I like to remember the vows we took on this day every year. I know they are long, but bear with me. So...
Cory,

I, Cassie, pledge to you, Cory, my faithfulness as long as life lasts. I give myself to you as your helpmate always, to become one with you according to God's ordained plan for our lives together. In doing so, I will be your encourager, in times of fruitfulness as well as disappointment.

I will support and uplift you by my attitude, my words, and my deeds. I will pray for you, challenge and comfort you. I will respect you, and submit to your leadership as to the Lord in the decisions which we will need to make jointly or individually. I choose to stand beside you to support you as we live and grow together, learning to view life from God's perspective.

I will always honor you as the head of our household, just as Christ is the Head of the Church. I give my body fully, totally, and unselfishly to you to satisfy, fulfill, and love you all the days of our lives. I promise to bear, love and raise our children as God chooses.

It is my desire to be a crown to your head and to bring honor to your name. I will trust God to give me a humble, repentant and forgiving heart. I promise to love you as an act of my will for the rest of my life in the presence or absence of romantic feelings. I choose you, Cory, over every man I have ever met or ever will meet, to be my husband.

I say these vows again today as a reminder of all the things I promised you 10 years ago. Thank you for living up to your vows and being our protector and provider and head of our home! You truly are an example of Christ to me in so many ways! I love you and I am so thankful God put us together!


I will be posting pictures from our date tomorrow. We are going to the Cheesecake Factory and "Indiana Jones"!

Sacred Influence

I am reading the book Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas. This author comes highly recommended to me and we are reading this book in my small group at church. As I read, I am greatly challenged in my calling as a wife.
The last couple of chapters (6 & 7) have challenged to daily ask, "How can I help my husband today?". I don't naturally do this. I am quick to think of the many things he can help me with. I do not think of the small things I could do to help him that would make a large difference in his life. This is a good practice that I plan to continue.
I love finding a book with such a Biblical view of marriage and the roles of men and women. He does not degrade women to having "only" the role of submission. Also, he explains the role of submission in such an insightful way. On the other hand, he doesn't throw away all gender roles (like our society does).
I am thoroughly enjoying this book. I look forward to learning more about what God is calling me to in my home.

My Mother's Day!

Well, I had a very relaxing and great day yesterday!
We started the day getting ready for church. One of my Mother's Day presents came during that time. See, I have one child who is notorious for crying and screaming and flinging out while she gets her hair brushed (she is 6 years old by the way). Every day it is a battle and every day I contemplate SHAVING HER HEAD!!
Well, yesterday morning, I told her that my favorite Mother's Day present from her would be silence and stillness while I fixed her hair for church. IT WORKED!! She actually stood there quietly and didn't even flinch. What she doesn't know is that now I KNOW she can do it!
Anyhow, the day went on and we went to church and the kids all made cute little things for me in their classes. The girls made me tissue paper flowers and Jordan answered questions about me to his teacher. Here are his answers:

My mommy's name is "Cassie" (oh, what a smart boy!)
My mommy is "48" years old (he doesn't know what he is talking about. Maybe he is a little slow)
My mommy's favorite food is "the chicken I don't like" (this is him making a point that he doesn't like any food I set in front of him)
My mommy's favorite thing to do is "cook" (are we sure he is talking about HIS mom :)

Then, we went to my parents and the men of the family took over. They cooked us salmon on the grill. This was especially exciting for me because we rarely buy salmon any more due to the rising costs. I LOVE salmon and this was a special treat for me. The guys were completely in charge of feeding the children, cooking and cleaning up! It was awesome.
We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing while the kids swam and playing cards.
I hope you all had a nice Mother's Day as well. I would like to start a petition that Mother's Day come more than once a year. What do you think?

Booked Our Very First Cruise!

Well, after all the hoax and research, we finally booked a cruise for our 10th anniversary this year.  I am really looking forward to it.

We are going to the Bahamas for a 4-night cruise with Royal Caribbean.  We will be traveling September 15th - 19th.  

I know that will be hurricane season here in Florida, but I couldn't beat the rates.  We were able to book for $229/person for the 4 nights.  Trips in the middle of the Summer are around $400 for the same ship, line and destination.

Also, with such a great rate, we are going to be able to do some of the excursions. We have been given some great advice about which excursions are worth the money and which are not.  If you have been to the Bahamas before and want to share, we would love all the insider info we can get.

Even if the weather is terrible and it rains the whole time, we are going to have 5 days together with no children!!  We love our children immensely but we were only married 6 months before we found out we were pregnant with our 1st.  Needless to say, we didn't have much "couple time" at the beginning of our marriage.  We have managed a couple nights away here and there over the years, but this will definitely be a needed vacation for just the two of us.  

I WON!!! Woohoo!

You all are so awesome!! Because of my family, friends and blogging friends, I am the proud winner of a $50 gift certificate for a dinner date with my husband! I am so excited!
THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!
You can read all about here.
Sorry for the delay in posting. I have been waiting for the official announcement on her blog.

How I Met My Husband!

I was reading one of my favorite blogs (Billie) and read about this author who wrote a marriage book. The author was looking for people to share their story of how they met their spouse and got married. She has posted about 15 stories so far and is going to give a $50 gift certificate for a dinner for two to the story with the most comments.
Now, if you have been reading my blog for any time at all, you know we do not ever have the funds to go on a nice dinner like this and I would love to win!! Plus, you'll get to read the funny way I met my husband and how we got to where we are today. So, if you have a couple seconds, please head on over to Gen X and leave a comment on my post.
Come on, help me out!