Let it Go

August 1, 2014 

Can't Hold it Back Anymore... 

My motto for the next 10 days!

For the past 9 months, almost to the day, Chris and I have been living an alternative lifestyle... well, at least for us. We have been making lifestyle changes from our previous days by taking control of our health and OUR LIVES. In November 2013 Chris and I began our journey to new health by beginning to take Plexus Slim, which is a product originally made for diabetics that helps regulate blood sugars. This regulation helps control cravings, hunger and so much more. Since starting in November we have lost over 215 pounds combined and both of us are at our lowest weight of our adult lives. I personally have lost over 55 inches and have dropped nearly 5 pant/ dress sizes. I officially weigh 30 pounds LESS than I did when I got married! I have NEVER felt better! 

During these 9 months Chris and I have made better eating decisions, have added or increased our exercise regimen and have overall changed our way of thinking as far as health goes. We have been changed from the inside out. For example, before Plexus I was drinking 2-4 cans of Coke Zero everyday and far too often these Coke Zeros would become REAL Coke because it was "a celebration" day. Looking back it seemed almost like every weekend I was "celebrating" something and was drinking hard core 150 calorie Cokes 2-4 times each day. In addition to the drink calories I was also adding wasted calories like candy bars, sweets and other junk food on a routine weekly basis. It is no wonder I weighed so much and was severely over-weight, even obese at my heaviest. Since staring Plexus I have completely kicked my diet soda and wine habit, I no longer crave cupcakes and sweets and have lowered my blood sugars because of this. I honestly didn't think it was possible but much to my dismay, here I am today having not had real sweets or Cokes (of any kind) in nearly 9 months! Thank you Plexus!  

I know what you are thinking... "Certainly they had some cheat days in those 9 months!" To this thought, you would be correct. We occasionally, like once a month on date night, would have a "reward dinner" as we liked to call them for all of our hard work and efforts in the weight loss battle. However, EVERY TIME we had one of these meals the following 3-5 days was full of increased and elongated exercise programs and a major reduction calories to make up for the "cheat meal". It almost always felt like a waste to me because I had to over-correct for my mistake for the next 5 days. These Chili's, Babin's, Salt Grass and etc meals rarely  felt "worth it" to me!

But enough is enough.... Today marks the beginning of our "vacation" which includes 2 days at home without the kiddos (in and of itself is a TRUE VACATION) as they are going on vacation with Gigi Shirley and Poppy to St. Louis, MO for an adventure as well as time with Gigi Jackie and Grandpa and then our Summer 2014 7 day cruise to the Caribbean. During these 10 days I plan on enjoying myself and my hubby which will include some sweets and treats. If you know me and my "foodie" side at all (or have read our YOLO Cruise blog from last year...here), you know that Chris and I truly go ALL OUT when it comes to food on a cruise. This is the highlight of a cruise and a cruise line for us. Despite having completely changed our lifestyles and eating habits, I fully plan on going back to my old ways of being a "food snob", as a friend once called me, during these 10 days. However, the days of over-indulging and binge eating are FOREVER gone. But we will share entrees and try as much as we can without stuffing ourselves silly like before. I know that once we get back I will have gained 7-10 pounds (Davis's usually are over-achievers and gain 2 pounds per day instead of the typical 1 pound) I'm sure and will have 2-3 weeks of hard core recovery to make up for it but I KNOW it will be worth it. Besides... YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!

Be watching for this years' YOLO Cruise Blogs when we get back! I am sure they will be full of pictorial calories! We are so grateful to be able to have this opportunity to go on a cruise (Thanks to our babysitters... Gigi Shirley/ Poppy and Gigi Jackie/ Grandpa) and owe it all to God and His continued blessings! Thank You, Lord for this calorie-heavy opportunity! Once again... I am BLESSED! 

God is good... All the time! 

Summer 2014... Short but Sensational

June- August 2014

Our Summers Just Keep Getting Better and Better 

School is back in session and The Davis Family summer of 2014 has come to a grinding halt. Once again, this has been an eventful summer break full of family fun and new experiences. At this time last year, I thought we had experienced the "Best Summer Ever" but 2014 proved to be even better! Here is our summer in review: 

June 12th 

Happy Birthday Luke 

While this was only the 2nd official day of summer, it was our baby boy's 2nd birthday! We had a great day of presents, playtime and even a cupcake! It's hard to believe my little guy is already TWO! Where has the time gone? 

Happy Birthday little man... SLOW DOWN! 

June 14th
Luke's Birthday Party 

This was a day filled with family and fun! Chris's parents, my parents, my sister, Grandma Pat and even Uncle Mike had traveled into town to help celebrate Luke's milestone day. We had a baseball themed party full of baseball gifts, baseball attire and even a baseball cookie cake!

Luke LOVED his baseball cookie cake! 

A house divided- Baseball style! 

Grandma Pat and I at Luke's birthday party! 

June 15th -18th 
"Aunt Sissy" Has Arrived

After waiting to hold my newborn niece for over 2 months, I finally got the chance when we traveled out to Lubbock to see Chris's brother John and his wife Leeanna... And Baby Madisyn, of course. This trip was full of new experiences and family time but most importantly cuddle time with Madisyn! 

Two months is WAY TOO LONG to wait to hold such a sweet baby!

I love you Baby Madisyn! 

My 1st campfire experience... S'MORES! 

June 18th -23rd 
Back to our Roots... With a Minor Glitch 

After we spent time with John, Leeanna and Madisyn we ventured north to Norman, OK where Chris and I first met, got married and spent the first 6 years together. We stayed with one of Chris's best friends and his family in Norman but within hours of arriving in Oklahoma our car broke down and we had to experience a true lesson in patience (More on this experience... ). Although it was not what we expected, we had fun and had a great time with friends. Thanks Jeff and Wendy for hosting us! I would have been COMPLETELY insane if it weren't for y'all! 

Chris and I in front of our very first house in Shawnee! 

So many memories! 

Chris and I in front of Bethel Baptist Church in Norman, OK where we met and were married! 

Natalie and Daddy at Andy Alligator's Fun Park in Norman. 

The minor "glitch" we had to travel around in all week! 

June 26th- 28th 
 Stay-cation 

My parents came in from Arp to join us for our very first "stay-cation". We stayed in and around Houston and had a great time. We went to an Astro's game, Galveston Beach and Traders Village Amusement Park. The kids and us had a blast experiencing these places with Gigi Shirley and Poppy and we hope to make this an ANNUAL thing!  

A Klingsick family tradition- baseball! 

Natalie is our "water baby"... She LOVES the ocean! 

I am raising her up right... LOVING rides from day one! 

June 29th 
TWO Decades 
I traveled to my dad's church, AEBC, in Arp, TX for his 20th anniversary of being the pastor there. My dad had no idea my sister and I were coming and it was truly a special day and moment for all 4 of us! 

Congrats dad on such an amazing career at AEBC!

I cannot believe it has been 20 years! 

My dad... My HERO! 

July 4th 
Freedom Rings 

This was just another typical July Fourth except for the fact that Natalie faced her fears of Fireworks and Firecrackers by lighting and holding some sparklers we purchased for her. She has been DEATHLY afraid of these since as long as we can remember and she decided she was ready to get over this fear and did just that on this evening! I am so proud of her! 

My little girl is growing up so fast! Facing her fears of fireworks all by herself! 

Way to go Nattie Grace! 

July 5th 

Girls Only Shopping Spree 

Natalie and I traveled to northwest Houston to the Houston Premium Outlet Mall to shop til we drop! We didn't find as many bargains as I had hoped but had a wonderful time nonetheless!

My little shop-a-holic!

July 11th 
The Houston Zoo with all our "monkey" friends from church 

We spent the morning and afternoon with 5 other families from our Sunday School class at church at the Houston Zoo. This was extra special because we visit the zoo frequently but rarely with friends! Natalie and Luke (and mommy and daddy too) had a BLAST! 

Natalie and Cynthia the monkeys!

July 14th- 18th
Agency D3 

Vacation Bible School week and this was one for the record books. I was teaching Preschool Music and Natalie AND Luke got to come and experience music time WITH me! I also led the Preschool Worship time and had one of the most amazing worship experiences of MY LIFE leading these 2-5 year olds in praising Our Lord! Discover... Decide... Defend! 

Natalie and Luke ready for VBS worship rally. 

My little secret agents and I are ready to Discover, Decide and Defend! 

July 18th- 20th 

Davis Family Time 

"Aunt Sissy" appeared again as John, Leeanna and Baby Madisyn came to visit all the way from Lubbock. The weekend was even more special when D'Ann, Chris's sister, came in to town as well! It was a wonderful weekend of family fun and fellowship. 

I have decided I LOVE being an aunt!

July 22nd 
Luke's First Theater Experience 

Chris, my two "minions" and I went to watch Despicable Me 2 for Summer Fun Days at the Movie Theater. This was Luke's 1st time at the movies and he did remarkably well! 

All I have to say is THANK YOU FOR POPCORN! 

This was our saving grace! 

July 25th 

Another New Experience... On the Lake
We visited my teaching partner and good friend, Tammy's, barn and lakehouse where Natalie got to bottle-feed a baby goat and the kids and I got to go fishing for the first time! We may not have caught anything but it was a GREAT experience! Thank you Coach for keeping us entertained! We will see you again soon! 

Natalie feeding "Brown Baby" via a bottle! 

This was so cool and I am so grateful to Tammy for letting Natalie do this! 

I'm nearly 32 years old and I have never been fishing... Crossed it off my bucket list! 

July 26th
Bouncin' Bears 

Our little bears were "a-bouncing and a-rolling" all over the place at this fun INDOOR inflatable amusement park! Even Chris and I got to feel like a kid again as we bounced all around the inflatables! 

My little bear just bouncing all around. 

July 28th 
Chuck E Cheese 

As we approached one of the last weeks of the summer, we asked the kids what they wanted to do for fun and both of them said "Chuck E Cheese". This is one of their favorite places and with 150 tokens to use in the arcade even Chris and I got to be a kid again this time! 

August 1st 
Hi Sam Houston 

As we traveled north to Buffalo, TX to drop the kids off with my parents we made a pit-stop in Huntsville at the Sam Houston Memorial. We travel past this massive monument every time we travel to Arp or Dallas and Natalie has always wanted to stop and see it so we made time this day.

Inside the cabin at the monument site! 

"Wow... this guy is HUGE!"- Natalie

August 3rd- 10th 

Caribbean Cruise #3 

Chris and I fed our "cruise addiction" with our 3rd Caribbean cruise. We traveled on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and had a BLAST! So much fun that we already have Cruise #4 booked... March 7, 2015! I Cannot wait!

We LOVE Cruising!


August 14th 
"Let's go to the Mall" 
I asked Natalie what she would like to do on our last day before I had to go back to work and she said "Let's go to the mall". She loves going into the Disney Store, riding the carousel and playing with the puppies! I gave her a choice of 2 and she (with the help of Luke) chose the puppy store! Of course, when we got there they chose a beagle to hold! This little one was feisty and a biter!

Natalie loved this little mini-Abbey! 

Even Luke could not keep up with this feisty one!

August 23rd 
Welcome to the COOLEST Party Ever
This is the day we chose to celebrate Natalie's 5th birthday with family and friends. My mom, dad and sister came into town and Gigi Jackie and Grandpa were there too. Natalie had about 6 friends come to her FROZEN party. We decorated the house from top to bottom with FROZEN stuff and even played the part with FROZEN attire. After the party we went to the mall for Natalie and Auntie Allie to do the "Annual Build-a-Bear Trip". Natalie was so excited she could hardly contain her self! It was a great day celebrating my Nattie Grace!

Even Elsa and Anna made an appearance! 

We went all out and decorated everything! 


August 25th 
Happy 1st Day of School and Birthday Natalie
This was my, Chris and Natalie's 1st day of school. My little angel was starting Kindergarten. I shed a few tears to say the least! I think I had 10-20 kids at school ask me if I was OK in the morning! Of course, I am OK but my baby is no longer a baby! It was a great day and it is all down hill from here (literally).

Happy Birthday Miss Natalie!

1st Day of Kindergarten... Class of 2027! 

1st Day of School 2014-2015!

We absolutely LOVE being teachers and being able to spend 2 months alongside our kids during the summer! This summer has proved to be the best one yet and honestly we cannot wait until Summer of 2015... just 172 teaching days left (not that we are counting or anything)! Thank You, Lord for yet again another AMAZING summer with our kids! 

God is good... ALL THE TIME! 

Somewhere Beyond the Sea... Disembarkation

Summer Cruise 2014 

Back to Life, Back to Reality 

Sunday, August 10, 2104 

How do we summarize the previous week? It was an amazing opportunity and blessing just to be able to go on a week long cruise without our children. My parents and Chris's parents have been amazing in taking our kids so we can enjoy ourselves. Thank you all so much and we owe you BIG TIME! 

Morning 

We woke up and watched our boat pull into Galveston. Our Captain did his famous "backing in" move as he parked in slot #2 at the Galveston Cruise Terminal. The Carnival Magic was already in port as she came back from Roatan, Honduras. 

We finished packing our bags for the self-assist departure and then went to the Main Dining Room for one last meal on board. We knew that we had packed on some major pounds throughout the week so we decided to just have protein for breakfast instead of extra unnecessary carbs, sugars and calories. Despite the "diet" style of menu we ordered, it was a yummy choice and a great way to end the cruise. Comically, the entire breakfast was spent catching up on emails, Facebook and texts to our children. It was great to be away for a while but seeing videos and pics of my kids was priceless. 

We were not supposed to exit with self-assist until 8:45 AM but as we made our way back to our room we noticed a herd of people exiting at our staircase on Deck 4. We quickly went and got our bags and belongings and carefully carried them down the stairs and blended in with the crowd that was currently exiting. We were off of the ship and in the customs line by 8:15 AM. We cleared customs, got a shuttle ride to our car and was on I-45 by 8:40 AM.

Life is better CRUISING!

We spent the car ride home discussing all of our likes and dislikes about the cruise and Royal Caribbean and comparing it to Carnival. We made a list of pros and cons and even discussed our cruise #5 for Summer 2015... We really are ADDICTED! We have a completely different blog for the side by side comparison of Royal Caribbean vs Carnival and it is posted HERE. We were back at our house at 10:10 AM and picking up our kids from Gigi Jackie's and Grandpa's house at 10:20 AM. It is amazing how much my kiddos have grown in just 10 days. I swear they both have grown 2"+ and Luke is talking and learning so much! 

This was an amazing week on the Caribbean waters and could be labeled as our best cruise yet. We leave for the Bahamas on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas on March 7, 2015 for our 9th anniversary. Just less than 200 days to go! Thanks again to our parents for all of their help and support! And thank you Lord for this blessing! 

Caribbean waters, until we meet again... 

God is good... All the time! 

Somewhere Beyond the Sea... Sea Day #3

Summer Cruise 2014
Just One More Day

Saturday, August 9, 2014 

"It is not how you start but how you end." This was the motto of our day and we were ready to see how our cruise was going to end.

Morning

Both Chris and I woke up later that usual and more of a "cruising" time at 7:40 AM. I only had about 4 hours of sleep due to the room temperature and the hardness and stiffness of the bed so I was very tired and weak. We went straight to the Main Dining Room for breakfast and they really hit a home run on this day. The daily special was a Bacon Quiche and was the best breakfast dish of the cruise and the best quiche I have ever had (Although, I don't eat very many quiches). Chris had given many compliments about the "make your own" cereal and granola bar so I too gave it a shot on this day and I was pleasantly surprised. 

We left breakfast and went straight to the Rock Wall for Chris to conquer the hard level. We were the 2nd ones there and while waiting in line we met a guy who is the greeter at local Walmart. I love stuff like this and really reminds me of living in a small town! Chris was able to get to the very top of the hard level within 1 try and did it like a pro! He even impressed the Sports Deck guide! I tried to do the easy level again but the grips were already too hot for my delicate skin and I only made it 2/3 of the way to the top.

We are ready to tackle this beast of a Rock Wall.

Chris made it to the top of the hard level in ONE try!

At 10:00 AM we went to the theater for the "Captain's Corner" talk and discussion. Here the Captain, Hotel Director, Chief Engineer and the Environmental Specialist sat in for a Q&A session with guests. We learned a lot of information about each department and had some laughs with the Captain at Carnival's disposal. He really doesn't like them. We did learn that Royal Caribbean has 4 new ships in the making and is currently looking towards going in a completely different direction and having a new style of cruise that would include more additional fee restaurants an no Main Dining Room. This is depressing to us since we like the "all inclusive" style that is currently on most cruise ships. The Captain particularly said they Royal Caribbean is in it to make money so if this new style works then there is a very good chance it will go fleet wide.

Captain Frank Martinsen... He was a real hoot!

We then followed the Captain and other high officers to Deck 12 to the jogging track for "Walk for Wishes". This was a 1 mile walk along the jogging track with the Captain for the Make a Wish foundation. We were able to donate some money to help kids in need and get to walk a mile with the Captain. This really went along the lines of "New Beginnings" and the more active approach we were taking for this cruise. Chris even got to walk directly beside the Captain and his #2 guy for 10 minutes.

Chris and I with #2 in charge on the ship.

Chris and I with the Captain and his #2. 

Walking the "Walk for Wishes". 

Chris, the Captain and his #2 just having a brief brisk walk talk.

Afternoon 

We were hungry from the "Walk for Wishes" so we headed back to the Main Dining Room. We were very much looking forward to the menu since the previous day's selections were so good. Unfortunately it was a repeat menu from the first day but we were able to try new things since the menu was so vast. However, I was disappointed in my choices. 

Chris then went back to the room for a quick nap while I went and selected the professional pictures we would be purchasing. At 2:00 PM we went into Studio B for our Ice Skating session. Neither Chris nor I had ever ice skated but I have been inline skating many times back in my teenage years. Chris struggled and held onto the railings most of the 45 minutes while I was on center ice and doing spins and taking selfies. This was my biggest surprise of the cruise and wish we would not have waited until the last opportunity to do this.

It's time to show this ice what we're made of. 

Chris about 30 minutes into our session and he let go of the wall. 

He was getting better and better! 

Time for me to shine and take a selfie while Ice Skating! 

Skating time is over... Sad day!

We built up a small appetite and substantial thirst from our skating adventure so we headed to Cafe Promenade for afternoon pizza and cookies. Several of the "suits" from the Food Department including Mr. Werner (The guy we had dinner with a few nights back) were inside Cafe Promenade serving the guests and even making the cookies and pizzas. This really said something about them as individuals and Royal Caribbean as a company. Anytime a "higher up" type of individual gets down in the trenches with their employees and they gain total respect in my book. The best companies in America are built on this foundation. It might have been a coincidence but this was the best Cafe Promenade food of the trip. 

It would not be a DAVIS cruise without a game of Bingo. On our very first cruise back in 2006 with Chris parents we played several games since it was his parents favorite activity on board and this time we went to a session of 4 games and one was a "win a cruise" game. We opted to buy the cheapest available option of 6 cards for each of the 4 games for $32 instead of the "machine" option which was 33 cards per game for $55. This seemed ridiculous to me but looking back, I would purchase the machine because all 5 winners from the games came from machine players. It was a great way to spend the afternoon and a true DAVIS tradition. 

Evening

Before we went to dinner we waited in the 10 people deep line at Guest Services to get the self-assist tickets to get off the boat on Sunday. We were in the 5th group and should depart around 8:45 AM. We then went to dinner and had a wonderful last meal aboard The Navigator of the Seas. Our two waiters, Agnelo and Sachin, we both back from brief sickness and we were able to thank them and tip them additional money for their services. It was amazing to see the smile on their faces when they saw our gratitude. They both worked SO hard all week, as did ALL of the dining room staff, to serve us and help make our cruise a memorable experience. We learned in our galley tour that these waiters work 10-12 hour days 7 days a week without a day off during a 10 month contract. This made my heart melt for these people and their families. Sachin was so grateful and said "It was my pleasure Mr. and Mrs. Davis and please give my regards to your family". It almost made me tear up. He was so appreciative and your would have thought we gave him $1,000. Most of the time when we tip in a restaurant on land the waiter is not appreciative at all and usually asks for more or complains with the little you gave them. It was great to see a reaction from a non-greedy, non-American person. May God bless Sachin and Agnelo and thank you both for your services! You truly made our cruise a great experience.

Oh no... our glorious cruise is almost over!

We were also able to listen to the smooth sounds of the piano as we ate our dinner. It was quite humorous because he played a great mixture of hymns and Disney songs. He played "Let it Go" from Frozen and received a round of applause.  Since he received applause, he started playing another Disney song.  Chris and I, decided to keep clapping after every Disney song to see how many he played in a row and it worked as he played 6 or 7 straight.   In fact, Chris and I had a game of "Name that Tune" going on... I won! 

We wanted to really get the most out of our last evening on the ship so we went back to Deck 5 to the helicopter pad to watch the sunset. We got there about 40 minutes before the sun went down so we met and talked to a wonderful couple and family in the mean time. Come to find out they too were from The Woodlands and even knew our music minister, Kevin Kendrick. Such a small world.

Another Titanic moment at the forward of the ship during the sunset.

Look at my handsome hubby!

What a beautiful sight and yet another sign of God's awesomeness.

We went to the Farewell Show which included entertainment from a juggler, the Royal Caribbean singers and dancers, The Navigator orchestra and all of the entertainment staff and top level staff. While the juggler was not my thing he was entertaining and I enjoyed him very much. Chris was fascinated with him almost as much as I was with the trumpet player. This was an amazing way to end our cruise and so much better than the finale shows Carnival has produced.

Mr. Werner, Executive Chef Scott and the entertainment staff during the Farewell show!

I was not happy with the losses we had in the casino so I thought I would give it one more shot... especially since this is LITERALLY the only time we can play since gambling is illegal in the state of Texas. We played at a $10 Blackjack table and I doubled my $40 plus $20 within a matter of 30 minutes. Chris on the other hand lost his $40 budget sooner than later. I decided I wanted to try a different table since my luck was seeming to change. I should have quit while I was ahead. I moved over a table, gave Chris some of my winnings (big mistake there) and then lost my winnings within 10 minutes. This just goes to show you that you have to know when to walk away! Despite our losses in the casino on this cruise, we still never went over our designated budget and in fact, came home with some of that seed money so I am satisfied. 

We walked down the Royal Promenade one more time before retiring to our room only to find out that the AC was not working and it was nearly 80* in our room. I called Guest Relations and they sent a technician to check on it. They asked me over the phone if my balcony was shut and it was. We had noticed the AC not flowing freely most of the days so we kept a good eye on making sure the sliding glass doors were always shut and we also kept the curtains shut while we were not in the room to help lower the temp as well. The technician came about 1 hour later and said the balcony door was not "double locked" so after a certain amount of time the AC shuts off. This was so annoying and made it hard to go to sleep. This will be a trick I remember for Royal Caribbean in the future. 

We finally got the room to cool down around 11:30 PM and we tried to finish our packing and go to bed. Tomorrow we have to face reality and go back to the real world... What a sad day! BUT, I was SO READY TO SEE MY KIDDOS! 

God is good... All the time!