Isn't it weird that....??

I have had moments over the last 9 months of my life where all I wanted to do was pick up the phone and call my mom. There's been days of joy, and days of disappointment....and nobody to call. I say nobody, but I have some awesome friends in my life...I really do. It's just not the same as calling home to MOM. Everything I am, I am because of my mother. I do, however, find it interesting that my Dad has taken an even more important role in my life over the last few months. We were always close, don't get me wrong, but our bond has changed. It's much stronger. To the point where we usually end up calling each other at the same exact time. It's happened many times over the past few months, and NEVER before my Mom passed away.
Weird, huh?!
Just a couple of weeks ago, my phone rang on a day where everything, and I do mean everything, was going completely wrong. 100% WRONG. On the other end was my Dad. Talking to him was therapeutic. I needed it. It helped me get through it. I didn't even share with him that I was having a bad day. He already knew it.

Then, there was today. I started to feel bad over the weekend, and yesterday began running a fever. I was expecting this since I get it EVERY September. Sinus problems, Upper Resp. Infections...etc. I decided that I'd work a half day and make a doctor's appointment for the afternoon. So, after my doctor's visit I went home and tried to relax. Molson didn't quite let me. So, I gave up on that. I did some school work, and really didn't feel well. Matt was at tennis. Ashley had left to go out for a friend's birthday celebration....and there I was feeling blah. The phone rings....yep, it's Dad. It's just like he knew. Weird. He definitely lifted my spirits.

So....my question is....is our bond stronger?? I don't just think so. I know so. And I am SO thankful for that!

Molson and the worm

He couldn't figure out what this was....and he really wanted a friend to play with!! Enjoy!

8 months...

It's really hard to believe that it's been 8 months since I lost my mother. It is true when they say "life goes on"..... it just goes on differently. I still have bills to pay, errands to run, children to teach, laundry to do, and fun events to attend.....but it's not quite the same. I often find myself longing to call my mom and talk to her. Just hear her voice. Many times, I find myself giggling over something she and I shared a laugh about. Then the giggles quickly turn to tears as I remember that she's gone. Then there's the times I need her advice. The advice only a mother can give. I almost feel lost some days. If it weren't for a strong support system of friends, family, and especially my wonderful husband, Matt, I'm not sure I would've made it through the last 8 months. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about my mom, and there won't be one for the rest of my life. Those of you that still have your mom in your life: CHERISH HER. Call her. Tell her you love her. Spend time with her. Make new memories and relive the past memories. Don't let time get away from you, because you never know when she'll be taken from you.
I miss you and love you, mom. You were my very best friend.

Never Alone by Rodney Belcher

I feel you in the morning
When at first I awake.
Your thought is with me
With each decision I make.

You'd been around forever
Since the first breath I took.
Now I have to go on alone
But for love, I need not look.
Cause by what you bestowed
In our short time together
Will last in my heart
Forever and ever.

Although you've left
And now walk above
I'm never alone.
I'm wrapped in your love.
Enjoy now your long waited reward.
Feel peace that your love continues on.
What was taught to me,
will be taught to mine
Cause you live on in me even after you've gone

Molson...2 weeks later :)

He had his first trip to the Vet today and he did a great job! He was very brave when he got his shots and loved the Vet! We're proud parents!! He's 14 lbs. and growing!

We love our crazy puppy!

Molson....1 week later

Molson Rohring, 15 weeks and 13 lbs.

He's still the cutest puppy ever....but he's starting to chew on everything!

Yes, we've tried all the tricks in the book, but he's still chewing away.

Oh well....let's hope our rugs, furniture, toes, shoes, and clothes make it out of this stage ok. Here's some new photos of our precious little puppy!!

Molson--the cutest puppy ever!

Meet our new Boykin Spaniel puppy, Molson. He's 14 weeks old and is adorable! The only drawback about him is that he gets carsick....even on short trips. We love our new family member!

Isn't he just precious?! We're in the grueling process of housebreaking him. We're also crate training him.

Honeymoon in Paradise

Our day-by-day replay......

Sunday, 6/27: We were pretty bummed that we had to leave Key West, but we knew that in 24 hours we'd be on a ship heading to the Bahamas...not too bad. It was Matt's birthday and we were enjoying the beautiful drive through the Keys. We stopped at Bahia Honda State Park (below).

We arrived in Miami around 4:30. We checked into our hotel in South Beach and told them it was the start of our honeymoon so they UPGRADED us to a SUITE for the night!! It was rather large! :) We started the night by walking on the beach and then went out to celebrate Matt's birthday with a nice dinner. We ate at an amazing Italian restaurant! Dinner was perfect, and our honeymoon was off to a fabulous start.

Monday, 6/28: Cruise ship, here come the ROHRINGS!! We boarded around 1 p.m. and hung out by the pool until 2:00. We got to our room, unpacked, ate the strawberries and drank the champagne that was waiting for us, and returned to the pool deck to watch the embarkation party. We left Miami around 5:45 and began sailing towards Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. We heard there was Bingo going on, and wanted to see what it was all about. We had a lot of fun, and almost won some money! We spent the night exploring the ship, playing ping pong, and relaxing in the hot tub.

Tuesday, 6/29: Freeport, Grand Bahama Island We booked a snorkeling and deserted island excursion for the day. It started with a quick trip to the straw market to browse the local Bahamian merchandise, then we boarded a bus for Port Lucaya. Once there, we got on a boat that would take us on an hour trip to the deserted island. This was Matt's first snorkeling experience. (He didn't enjoy it and won't be doing it agian!) Amy thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the beautiful fish and reef!! AMAZING! We then spent a couple of hours on the absolutely breathtaking deserted island that is also a Bahamian National Park (picture below). Lunch was provided and the captain of the boat showed us how they harvest conch (an island favorite). They made conch salad and let us sample it. It was a beautiful day in the sun!!!

That afternoon, we had a Cake and Champagne party for newlyweds where we met our new friends from Denver, Kevin & Brittany. We talked them into doing the pub crawl with us on Wednesday night (more on that later!) and hung out with them for a couple of hours chatting away. We ended our night by eating LOTS in the buffet, watching the comedian on the ship, and hitting up the casino!

Wednesday, 6/30: Nassau We met up with Kevin and Brittany in the morning and waited in line to board the bus for Atlantis. We had a quick (15 min.) bus ride to the resort, and then a 20 minute tour of the resort before we went off to explore on our own. We rode the river rapids the very first thing. It was a lot of fun and very refreshing as it was already really HOT out! We then took a dip in the lagoon and walked through the aquarium. We made our way to the snack bar for some lunch and then had one of the best naps EVER by the main pool. After napping, we walked to the lazy river and then made our way to the beach. Atlantis is amazing and very, very big! Amy made some great souvenir purchases before heading back to the bus to the cruise ship. We were very tired so we took a quick nap when we returned. Dinner was buffet again tonight because the pub crawl and white hot party were later.

The pub crawl started with a bang! Kevin and Brittany joined us for the fun. We had 5 drinks, 5 bars in 50 minutes.....OH MY!! It was a blast and we were SUPER loud going through the ship! It reminded us all of college!! Such good times! (see pictures) The last stop lead us into the white hot party where the girls danced on stage for hours! What a fun night!!

Oh....and the Gamecocks won the College Word Series today!!!! YA-HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! :-)

Thursday, 7/1: Great Stirrup Cay (NCL's private island) We scheduled a couple's massage on the beach for 10:00. It. was. BLISS. Amazing!! We highly recommed a beach massage!! After the massage, we rented a float and used it to float around in the crystal clear water for a couple of hours. Lunch was buffet style...and we ate a couple of times (lol!) before heading back to the ship around 4:00. We were sad it was our last night, but we'd scheduled a very nice dinner the the french restaurant, Le Bistro for 7:00. We played Bingo one more time at 5:00, and went to change for dinner. It was SOOOO good, and we had an amazing view! We got drinks at the Outrigger Lounge on the 11th floor of the ship and watched lightening off in the distance from the front of the ship. We took in the sea air one last time.....

Friday, 7/2: Good-bye, Norweigan Sky!!! We ate breakfast and checked out early. It was sprinkling as we left the ship......no doubt sad that the awesome Bahamas trip was over.