Mom With A Map

21/08/2024

Couldn't decide which direction to take this post in, so I'm going with all 3 thoughts...

1. Did anyone watch Olympic Breaking? Pretending like you're an Olympic Breaker might be my new favorite beach activity. I've never laughed so hard and both my kids got really into it.

2. I love candid(esque) photos. In fact, on many vacations I've envisioned a great photo and spent considerable time convincing a stranger that we aren't going to look at the camera and I just need them to snap a few photos of our family looking un-posed. So imagine my surprise when a random guy walks up to us on the beach and says we look like a Chick-fil-A ad. He asked if he could take our picture. After I handed him my phone he said "no, just go back to eating, look natural and don't look at the camera."
While it's always my dream to have candid photos with my kids...eating photos are never a good look. As expected, it's a terrible picture but now I can't help but love it because it was so random. Also, Miller was 100% convinced he was planning to steal my phone so he said he "watched him closely while pretending to look away and be interested in eating."

3. We live minutes from the beach. Why do we never go? Putting this in writing for accountability. We WILL start going to the beach often!

19/08/2024

Today Mary Grace kicked off her JUNIOR year (officially.)

Unofficially, she started Latin 4 a few weeks ago, though she insisted it was still her summer and we couldn't take a picture.

Flexibility is my favorite part of homeschooling, and this is a great example of us being able to school around our schedule. Mary Grace has quite a bit going on this fall and she wanted to get a jump on the workload. She's chosen to take Latin through the Florida Virtual School (High School) so she can continue serving in Latin Club.

All of her other classes are being taken as Dual Enrollment through a local college, which started today. She's excited about a very challenging schedule this semester!

I really need time to slow down!!!

14/08/2024

Celebrating our girl yesterday (and last Saturday with a few of her friends) was SO much fun. Thanks to everyone who reached out to wish her Happy Birthday- she felt very loved.

Also, I'm not sure foul weather gear is on every 17-year old girl's wish list...but this one was pretty excited!

13/08/2024

And just like that my girl is 17.

I wrote this the day she turned 11, and honestly I couldn't say it any better or differently today:

"She's the most independent, intelligent, passionate and determined person I've ever met. She truly believes she can do anything...and does, with enthusiasm!

When Mary Grace grows up she wants to travel the world teaching everyone about Jesus and sharks. Yes, both. (It is a REGULAR occurrence for her to work both topics in a single conversation with strangers when we're out shopping/traveling/etc, so don't count this dream out!)

Praying big things for my beautiful girl who continues to march through life to the beat of her own drum!"

Happy Birthday Mary Grace!

07/08/2024

Mary Grace donated over 14" of her hair today to Wigs For Kids.

This was her 5th time donating hair- I love her beautiful heart so much!

05/08/2024

It's been 16 years since we lived in Florida during hurricane season, and yesterday we felt like total rookies!

It was a 'drive to church with your flashers on because it's raining so hard you can't see' kind of morning. It didn't really occur to us until we walked in to a very empty church that most people would be smart enough to stay home.

The kids stayed for some youth activities. It was National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, so with the light attendance, I think my kids ate more than their weight in cookies. Brent and I decided to stay close by church, but several stores were closed because of the storm. We ended up walking around a nearly empty Costco and then eating lunch at Cava. It was us, the Cava employees and several emergency workers. We got the memo...we'll probably stay home next time! Rookie mistakes.

Late afternoon the water came over our seawall and dock and a little bit into our yard, but by dark the water started receding. We were thankful it wasn't worse here...but our prayers are still with everyone in Debby's path! And we really appreciate everyone who checked in on us.

*Also, I somehow failed to get a picture of the kids looking all cute in their rain gear yesterday. So I added the picture of Mary Grace's first Tropical Storm (Fay) from when we lived in Orlando.

01/08/2024

July 5th is my least favorite day. It means that my favorite holiday is past. But more than that, it always feels like summer goes by in the blink of an eye once we're past the 4th of July. And sure enough...where did July go?

Here are 9 yet-to-be-shared pictures from July:
1. Mary Grace serving with the Student Ministry at church.
2. The best travel buddies.
3. The cutest foursome on the course. I'm so thankful for all the sweet friends Miller made this summer playing the JGA Tournaments.
4. Our new friends (Brent's clients) spent a week docked behind our house with their 3 adorable kids.
5. Lattie missed Mary Grace so much while she was gone for a month.
6. Late night pizza night at Capone's.
7. Lots and lots of time spent on a golf course this month with Miller.
8. We met (virtually) with the team we'll be serving with at Lighthouse in September.
9. As soon as Mary Grace came home from Dauphin Island she had her boat in the water. She missed sailing so much.

29/07/2024

A couple of years ago, we were part of an ad campaign for our favorite homeschool curriculum, Abeka. It was a really cool experience for all of us, but especially Miller since he was the focus.

The whole theme of the campaign was "Where Learning Lives." The ad creators showcased several students from around the world and where/how they do school. Of course, Miller was the boat kid!

The banner shot of the whole thing was having the kids stand on their desks. Because Miller's desk was actually built into our boat, they ended up buying and assembling a desk for Miller to use for the shots they needed. He spent over an hour that day standing on top of it in very windy conditions on a rocking dock (IYKYK, D-Dock at Legacy could be wild!)

After they wrapped up the shoot, they told Miller he could keep the desk. Our sweet friends stored it for us and it was the very first piece of furniture in Miller's room here in Fort Myers. It's really special to him and it makes us all smile!

I usually take a picture with our curriculum box when it arrives, and this year Miller had the idea to stand on his desk again. It's not quite the same as being out on the dock, but I love the comparison. He's grown up a lot!

**If you're on the fence about homeschooling this school year, I'd love to answer any questions. I'm the last person on the planet who ever planned to do this, but I will always be grateful I did!

26/07/2024

Summer is my favorite and I will never, ever wish it away...

But between Mary Grace's work schedule and Miller's activities, I'm a tiny bit ready for school to start so I can go back to quiet mornings in pj's with my coffee!

**Worth celebrating though: Between the month at a residential marine science program and her job as a sailing instructor, my girl (who could sleep all day) has gotten up almost every single day this summer before 7AM. And not complained one single time. Close friends and family may remember that we used to be scared of her in the morning...she's come A LONG WAY!

25/07/2024

Happy 4th Birthday Captain!

You are not the best dog, but we love how much you love us.

23/07/2024

We've had a lot of amazing experiences this summer, but a weekend in Charleston with our besties might top the list!

After being inseparable as buddy boats for over 18 months- it's been REALLY tough to be far apart this summer. Captain and Whistle were very excited to be reunited too. Thank you so much for hosting the perfect weekend, Kim and Michael!

22/07/2024

Last week when I was in Knoxville for Miller's baseball camp, I got to meet up with my friend, Amber, who was in town for a conference.

We took a trip down memory lane and drove all over the UT campus checking out our favorite spots and old apartments. We even tried to visit our new sorority house, but it was locked up tight.

It was such a fun surprise to be able to catch up. We joked that the last time we ran into each other was Hilton Head, so who knows what random city we'll meet up in next!

21/07/2024

After a month on Dauphin Island and two insanely long travel days- Mary Grace is finally home!

Friday was a tough travel day for a lot of people, and Mary Grace was caught up in the craziness. Thankfully she's an amazing traveler! (And she was traveling with her weighted blanket in her carry-on...which I think is insane, but it helped make her super comfortable during the long delays!)

Brent was traveling elsewhere for work, but was able to intercept her at the Atlanta airport around midnight on Friday night. Neither one of them were confirmed on flights for Saturday so instead of spending another day sitting in an airport, they ended up driving home to Fort Myers.

I'm super impressed with Delta for doing the very best they could under the circumstances. AND getting Mary Grace's checked bag home. It landed long before she ever would have and we were really thankful! Most of the stuff would have been replaceable, but she really wanted me to see her tests, homework and projects from her monthlong studies.

Since she arrived, she's alternated between talking non-stop and sleeping. Thanks for all of the prayers as we navigated getting her back home!

19/07/2024

It’s always fun when we get a surprise feature! Thanks Great Lakes Scuttlebutt Magazine and Battle Born Batteries!

If you want to know more about our lithium setup, check out this post: https://momwithamap.com/2021/06/the-one-about-our-lithium-batteries/

Mariners around the world trust the power of Battle Born Batteries to extend their days on the water without any worry or hassle. 🌊 In the latest issue of Great Lakes Scuttlebutt Magazine, boaters share their experiences with upgrading to the capable, safe, and IP65-rated power of lithium batteries!

Check out this feature on professional angler Rick Clunn Professional Angler, military veteran sailing educators of Warrior Sailing Program, and the Great Loop travelers of Mom With A Map!

https://bit.ly/3TCP2SY

18/07/2024

UT Baseball Camp: Highlight of Life for Miller

He was one of the first kids on the field every morning, and the very last kid to leave. At the end of every day, he dumped the turf dirt out of his cleats and into a ziplock he plans to save forever. He slid into home headfirst to score the winning run for Team 9, rode the team bus, knocked in several RBIs, tested out multiple celebration poses after getting hits, and even threw a few pitches from the mound. Oh, and got his picture with the National Championship trophy!

It might have *just* been camp, but this kiddo gave his all for Tennessee last week.

(And for all of my friends that have been asking...Tony V did not make an appearance, much to my disappointment! But Miller did get to meet a lot of the guys we were busy grabbing out of the transfer portal.)

17/07/2024

Living. Her. Best. Life.

(all month)

16/07/2024

We're just back from a big trip that had a lot of moving parts, logistics and fun...so pretty much the typical trip for us.

Our Denver family came to Knoxville and we packed a lot into a short amount of time. We spent a day up in the mountains tubing the Little River, and then a day on the lake. It was so special to have most of the cousins together! (Mary Grace is still on Dauphin Island for her marine science class.)

Highly recommend Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing in Townsend, TN. It was a blast and very easy/fun with a big group!

Goodbyes were sad at the end of the weekend, but we're hoping to get out to visit them again in Denver in the next year or so.

09/07/2024

Last week ended up being completely kid-free for us. Originally we planned to take a spontaneous vacation. But then Brent did that with Miller when they went to Omaha for the National Championship. So we opted for a 'work hard, play hard' Staycation. Pictures would suggest all we did for the week was eat, but we did actually do more!

Highlights included:
• Double Date night with our friends Greg and Stefanie
• Completing 2 house projects and 1 boat project
• Trying 3 new restaurants that were on our summer bucket list (Liberty, San Julian, and Deep Lagoon)
• Dessert night with our neighbors
• A few sunsets, a few night swims, and 2 evenings with amazing fireworks views
• Virtual docktails with Brent's bible study
• Day trip to Tarpon Springs- a place we've passed by boat 3 times, but never stopped
• A night in Tampa...mostly because we had to pick up Miller at 8AM!

It was hard not having the kids for the 4th of July, my favorite holiday. We have so many special memories, but fortunately no set tradition that we missed out on since we've celebrated it from so many different places.

Fun week, but I'm definitely counting down the days until we have everyone under one roof again (update on the kids coming soon...I'm waiting on permission from MG about what I'm allowed to post about her...)

02/07/2024

We started going to a new church back in February. On the very first Sunday that we were there, Miller begged to sign up for camp. Without knowing anyone, or anything about it...we signed him up on the spot.

And now here we are. Miller headed off to camp on Sunday. And I'm left checking the camp website (obsessively) for pictures.

Just before leaving I asked Miller if he was nervous and he responded "Mom, social situations don't make me nervous. Not having social situations is what makes me nervous." Haha. So I'm guessing Miller is in his element...although I hope he misses me a little!

29/06/2024

I blinked and June is almost over. In between trips to Miami, Omaha, Lake Oconee, Dauphin Island (and a dozen other work trips for Brent), we managed to squeeze in a lot...

1. Miller got his first birdie in a JPA round. He hit it in the hole from about 120 yards out which made for a pretty insane moment.

2. We spent a day on the water boating and swimming behind Sanibel with some of our best friends.

3. Mary Grace was a HUGE help with a boat project. She sort of drew the unlucky straw being small, but having long arms.

4. Miller's best friend, Rex, spent 24 hours with us. The boys maximized their time together by staying up until 2AM and waking up before 7 AM.

5. One final dinner with our friends before they headed out of town for the summer. Every other year we've been the ones leaving so it was a little weird to have the tables turned and say goodbye to them.

6. Lots and lots of time spent in our pool!

7. Miller is absolutely loving SWFL JGA golf this summer. It's definitely the highlight of every week and he's made some super sweet friends.

8. One of Brent's clients (friends) came through our area and stayed on our dock for the night. We love having guests so much!

9. Mary Grace has such a gift for baking and loves to make cookies for her friends (and our friends...for which, we are really grateful!)

Summer is my favorite and I am hoping time will slow down!!

26/06/2024

Last weekend, Mary Grace moved to Dauphin Island for the month to attend a residential marine science program. She received the top merit-based scholarship that the program offers. She'll earn a 3 hour college credit...but I think mostly she's going to have the time of her life!

I've barely heard from her, but here's the text she just sent: "We caught and tagged 5 sharks today. And we're having tacos for dinner. Literally best day ever- sharks and Mexican!!!!!"

This is her dream come true and she's beyond excited for this opportunity!

25/06/2024

The weekend. Last night. Miller will NEVER forget getting to watch his team win the National Championship!!

We always give Miller a hard time because he says every day is his 'best day ever'...but I think this time it's a pretty legit claim.

Besides the moment UT won and the celebration, Miller's highlight of the weekend was his conversation with Kirby Connell before the game yesterday. Miller asked if he'd be at baseball camp in a few weeks. In return, Kirby asked him if he'd be there, and then said he'd see him there. So sweet!

It's always GREAT TO BE A TENNESSEE VOL...but today, it's extra special!

**Also, yes, Miller and Brent had their hair dyed orange at Game 3. Proof that those big brown eyes are impossible to say no to. And that Brent is the best dad on the planet.

22/06/2024

The boys are heading to Omaha this morning!
🧡⚾️🧡⚾️🧡⚾️🧡⚾️

20/06/2024

Hoping all my fellow Loop families will join me for this fun Virtual Docktails next week!

Register today.

If you Looped with kids, are currently Looping with kids, or plan to Loop with kids (see a theme here) then join us for Virtual Docktails next Wednesday, June 26th from 4:30 - 6:00 PM EDT.

Sarah Bowlin from "Light & Salty" will be hosting the Virtual Docktails and it's sure to be a great time of laughter and shared experiences. Future Loopers can ask all their burning questions to those who've gone before you on the Loop with kids.

Register today: https://www.greatloop.org/ems-event-calendar/virtual-docktails-june-26.html
*This virtual docktails event is free to all members.

18/06/2024

Last week, while the whole southern part of Florida was busy flooding, Miller attended his very last VBS as a participant.

It was the sweetest, most fun week with several of his friends. And the best leaders ever. The VBS group collected money all week for Sleep In Heavenly Peace so that 'no child sleeps on the floor in our town.' The kids crushed their goal of 10 beds, and ended up raising money for 22! In a few months we get to help build them.

One cool thing about our nomadic lifestyle the last few years is Miller's commitment and enthusiasm for being part of a VBS. In addition to the years he went in Charlotte, he's attended VBS in Fort Myers, Gulf Shores, Hilton Head and Knoxville. He has the best memories from each of those experiences! He's mentioned feeling sad that he typically attends VBS at these churches and then we move on- but he's thought about how cool it will be to one day reunite in heaven with all of these people who've been in his life for these special weeks of VBS.

He's already made it clear that he plans to be a volunteer for VBS moving forward!

17/06/2024

Mary Grace's morning commute...not a bad way to get to work!

Last week Mary Grace started her first job. She's a Level 1 Sailing instructor working at a boating camp. Her first week was a bit disappointing when our area got over a foot of rain in 3 days, causing camp to be cancelled those days. However, the disappointment was quickly forgotten when she brought home her first paycheck on Friday. She was so excited!

Earning this opportunity was no small feat. Besides being hired, she had to obtain several certifications and then complete 30 hours on the water being tested on her sailing and powerboat skills. We're super proud of her commitment! She will need to keep it updated, but otherwise this is something she'll have forever.

16/06/2024

Happy Father's Day to our favorite guy!

13/06/2024

We kicked off our summer with an all-star lineup of visitors! There's nothing we love more than sharing our home with friends and family. And friends who are family.

It's been a month full of laughs, swimming, ping pong, puppy snuggles, and late nights. With all of that, though, there's been a lot of tough 'see you soons.' I've said it before and I'll say it again, the absolute worst part of the Loop is going in seperate directions from your best friends.

For now, we're cherishing each and every memory made over the last 4 weeks and feeling SO, SO grateful for such amazing friendships!

12/06/2024

We've been insanely blessed with the best next-door boat neighbors over the years. Among the best of the best were Kelly and her late husband, Dave. We were next door to them one of our seasons at Legacy Harbor in Fort Myers. Kelly and I bonded over a lot of different things and one of those things was our passion for writing children's books.

It's been a privilege to watch Kelly walk through the process from beginning to end. She put her heart and soul into this book and it's a true masterpiece!

'Grandma & Grandpa's Great Loop Adventure' chronicles an adventurous set of grandparents making their way around the Loop and sending postcards to their grandchildren. One of the most impressive things about this book is it TEACHES kids history, geography, vocabulary and so many fun facts.

And as a testament to the entertainment value- my kids, who have read this book several times since it arrived, sat in the chair and read this book together long after I finished taking this picture! 10/10 recommend this book! (And the author!)

Order your copy here: https://grandmaandgrandpasadventures.godaddysites.com

Grandma and Grandpa's Adventures

11/06/2024

Home Field of the Miami Marlins, LoanDepot Park
Our 12th MLB stadium as a family!