Back from the Islands

So if you have never been on a cruise- you must go! We had a great time- Dan and I both agree it is one of the best trips we have ever been on. We left a few days after Christmas - so it was a nice time to vacation. We celebrated the New Year on the ship- and that was really cool. The kids brought in the New Year for the first time- actually made it to midnight, well just barely. It was our first "formal" night, so that was fun being all dressed up together as a family. YES, for all of you thinking - "did Dan wear a suit??" or "does he ever wear pants?" He looked so good in his suit! Very Handsome. We were able to get great family portraits aboard, which is something I am terrible about having done, so we stocked up. We went to three islands- St. Maarten was the first port. The beach there was great because it was right on a very populated street with all kinds of restaurants and shops. So everything was very convenient. The water was beautiful. This is where Zachary and Sydney went jet skiing with Uncle Mike and Cousin Julie. They had a blast. Syd was in front so the only thing she didn't like was the splashing of water constantly in her face. Zach didn't stay out the whole time but he thought he was the man. Ashley took a local up for hair braids which stayed in for the remainder of the trip and a couple weeks at home. Next stop was St. Thomas. We spent half the day at the shops- which are mainly jewelry shops - it was a nice downtown area. But we were only allowed to go

to one jeweler - and that is Angie. My Aunt knows this woman very well so well she can go behind the counter and help sell to the family. I saw some things I liked but came away with nothing- the rest of my family spent some time and money there. The whole experience was great. The second half of the day the five of us went on an excursion with my brother and his family, and my cousins. We went to a place called Trunk Bay- It by far was my favorite part of the trip. We took a 45 min. boat ride to St. John and made our way to Trunk Bay on a bus. It was the most gorgeous beach- we went snorkeling right off the beach. Zachary was the snorkel king- he wouldn't come up.

Our last stop was in the Bahamas. The weather wasn't great so that made it feel like our trip ended a little early. But we still had fun- sun came out long enough to kayak and get a few rays. Weather there wasn't to different from what we are used to in Florida. So that was the itinerary- as for family time- it was great quality time for the five of us, for the four of us- Ashley roomed with my brother all week- so it was just Dan, Zach, Syd, and I -which was a bit different- but great. Ashley had a blast with her cousin Michaela, Uncle Mike and Aunt Erin. So did we- we probably hung out with them the most- it was great. Food was always there- Ashley ordered 3 entrees one night at dinner. By the end of the week I myself was ordering multiple desserts. I did train while I was aboard- that justifies the multiple desserts :) The kids loved eating ice-cream everyday along with the chocolate treats left on our beds each night. Which then by the end of the week our cabin steward turned into towel animals with chocolate. So needless to say- we loved every minute- even the "rocky" weather at the end...I mean rocky!

There were 19 of all together- we had so much fun- it was great being with everyone- which really made it special. I would have to say that the highlight of our nightlife was when my Aunt Mary Jo allowed herself to be hypnotised on stage. I have to say she is the best Japanese wrapper I have ever heard. I was laughing so hard I was crying.

Thanks family for making it a trip to remember- Love you all. Dan is ready to head to Alaska!

Christmas shopping...what is that??

Nothing like waiting until the last minute. I just started shopping about two days ago. That is not unusual in this household. Although, I really don't have that much to do. We are getting ready for a family getaway! December 30th we're off to the Caribbean, kids and all! We are so excited, so not only are we counting down the days 'til Christmas but also to our cruise! The kids just can't believe they will be on a huge "boat". If only they knew how "huge". I guess they will find out soon enough. We are winding down with school- we have had all our Christmas programs. All three did an excellent job. Zach sang his heart out, and actually stood quite still. He got to dress as an Australian Explorer for his show- so that was cool. Sydney did the best she ever has done. she was also quite focused and sang all the way through- usually she tends to get a little distracted. The name of her show was "Christmas Snapshots" the exact play Ash did last year, so we knew it very well. I think Ashley was singing along. Syd had to wear a sandwich board , which I was able to make at work, so that was very handy. Ashley was a Shepard. She was not thrilled with this role because she said Shepards are boys- "why can't I be an angel?" So being able to wear a fancy dress under her Shepard outfit helped. The girls begin Christmas break Wednesday and Zach began today. They are looking forward to spending time with Grandma Joan and Papa Dick this week. Papa Mike will get here Wednesday- then we'll see the rest of the family on the cruise.

We were able to participate in our first Family 1 mile fun run. In San Marco they kick off the holiday season with the Festival of lights. There is a 5k run and a mile run or walk for Charity along the streets of the beautiful lit San Marco (on the river). Dan and Syd walked while Ashley, Zachary and I ran the mile. We walked some, but they did a great job. They really loved it. Ashley's favorite part was crossing the finish in front of an audience. She had a huge grin from ear to ear. Zach could have easily run the whole thing- check out the picture of him running. The best part was they received medals. It really was a great night.

This was not only the kick off of the Christmas season but also the kickoff of training for me and 19 other ladies. We are training for the Gate River Run that takes place in March. We have a 13 week plan in the works- we train on our own Monday through Friday and Saturdays we meet for our peak run of the week. We just completed the first week and it is awesome. I am not a runner. I ran my first and only race last year at the gate and it was the 5k. It was a big accomplishment So last year Lauren, my running partner and encourager, and I said we would run the "big run" in '08. So here we are. We will have a blog set up soon so you can check that out and see how we are doing. What is cool is that it is not just us it is a whole group of ladies, of all different levels going for the same gaol- to finish the race! It was the most amazing thing last year to see 13, 000 people take off at the starting line last year, and now to be a part of that is really exciting! Especially with a whole group of other ladies who will be striving along beside me!

Well I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I will be sure to put cruise pics up when we return!

God Bless you and your families!

4th Annual Pumpkin Carving Party

Fun was had by all at the Zelenka residence. Dan and I always look forward to this party each year. Yes, friendly competition takes place which is fun, but Dan and I love the process that we must go through to come up with that perfect plan. Last year we were unable to attend, which dissapointed us so ( but it gave others the chance to win). So we knew this year that we had to come back with a great idea! We had some trouble to be honest- it is hard to keep topping the previous year. We didn't decide what we were going to do until the day before the party when we were standing at the pumpkin patch wondering which pumpkin we were going to choose. We were going between two ideas. I guess we picked the right one, we brought "the Most Original" ribbon home. I think some of the other participants, those that have been around for a while especially, did not appreciate our win because we were two hours late for the party (thanks for waiting to judge Joe!) Some say we were still figuring out our idea, but really it was because we had a very important phone call. So anyway, we look forward to our friendly competition next year!

I thought this would be easier!

Well I said in the last post that the "blog" is the way to go, that it would be easier to keep up with, and here I am 2 months later with my second post. Actually what has kept me away is I am having trouble getting pictures attached- so once I get through that I will update with pics, but for now I can write!
So here is what is happening with the Abels...
Dan is doing great, most of you know he had surgery over the summer- and he is doing great! He has been back to himself now for the last month or so. He has had no more episodes- the doc said he should be cured of the diverticulitis. PRAISE GOD, as Dan would say! Work is going okay, could be better. The slow housing market has an affect on the sales of softners- so he is a little bummed- trying hard to keep his guys motivated. He is still teaching the young married couples at church- scarey I know (just kidding dear).
I myself, am doing well. A little more tired these days. I have been working part-time at a sign company four mornings a week. So this had put a little twist in my schedule. I feel like I am in constant motion. I know God had this job specifically for me- He has blessed us with the income needed, and family is still able to be a priority. I do enjoy being in a new environment- I didn't realize how much of a bubble I was in, and I enjoy what I do. I am more on the production side of things than designing- and I am good with that. I still teach Ladies Bible Study, and I am loving it. We are going through the Book of Romans...slowly. It is great.
Ashley just celebrated her 8th birthday! I can't believe it! Yes she is almost as tall as me. I don't know where she gets her height from. She is currently playing Upward Soccer and she is a supersoccer star! She is loving school and doing extremely well. She is always enthusiastic about her work and it shows. She is our little artist too, hopefully I will get to post some of her work.
Sydney is Sydney- full of surprises. She is loving 1st grade- feels like a big kid now although she is petite. She is having a great time, getting excellent grades as well- even in behavior! She is not a bad kid at all- she just like to test the water. She also is playing soccer and no goals yet, but she is small and mighty. She much more into this year and her aggressive side is coming through.
Then there is Zach- he is at Pre-K 5 days a week now. So next year they will all be in school, that is crazy! He is the life of the party- this one takes after dad. Loves to play, be loud, and be with friends. Heis not happy when I come to pick him up. He is like a sponge, learning all kinds of new things lke writing his name, but he can also tell you how an earthquake happens, or how many bones are in a human skeleton. He pays attention when we study with Ash! He is a soccer stud, that is about it, he just goes out on the field and looks cool. I think last week was the first time his foot touched the ball in a game (we only have 2 games left). I know he is only four.
So there you have it, the latest update. We are looking forward to all are fun fall activities- I hope to have pictures up by then!

The Abel Clan

Well it just seems to be the thing to do these days- create and post a blog! So here it is- a perfect way for us to keep in touch with all of you. The art of e- mail updates has been long gone for this family- which we do apologize for, but now it is made easy. Enjoy!