I am dating someone. This is probably not the travel email my readers were anticipating. But I thought since I'm on the topic of firsts, the area of dating again after marriage as a young, single mother definitely falls into...

 

I ran out of our apartment hurrying to find a taxi. My mother-in-law was flying in today at 2:30 pm and I wanted to make sure my kids and I were at the airport waiting to greet her. Jogging to...

 

With all my confessions of visiting the gelato shop, my readers will think that all we do is eat ice cream. But, there are days when we enjoy frozen Banana Lattes at the smoothie shack. I have a list of...

 

These are my monkeys. They love to play and swim and eat ice cream and bananas. I am in love with their eyes and how they see the world. I am in love with their minds and how they learn...

 

She was proud of herself! Finally eating shrimp like her brother (and her daddy!) Shawn's birthday is Sunday and his mom is coming to visit us for a week. We are excited to have her here. At bedtime Maddi said...

 

Maddi and Jordan were brave little spirits, jumping into the ocean before I could get my fins on. They reminded me not to touch any coral because it feels like fire. Helping the captain sail around the reef, Maddi took...

 

Maddi told me today when we stopped for Gelato, "Mom! Mom! We had great luck today!" "Great luck?" I asked. "Yes! We get icecream...two kinds!" I love great luck days.

 

Jordan's best friend, Kenny is in the second grade and has a bike that is "just right" for Jordan to borrow. Anyone with a bike can be Jordan's friend--instant bonding! We've also met Marissa who lost her two front teeth...

 

You will see my mom wearing a cross made of rosewood. Jordan and Maddi chose this for my mom as a going away souvenir. Jordan also has one on and Maddi picked a smaller version for her reminder of our...

 

 

The electricity has been out for seven hours in our little village. It is the main topic of conversation in town and not much else will take place until the lights come back on. The only generator I’ve noticed running...

 

“Teach us to number our days so that we may get a heart of wisdom.” –Psalm 90:12 I want a wise heart. I don’t think I’m necessarily that great at seeking wisdom. Not because I don’t want to be. Mainly...

 

Yesterday was my mom’s last day with us. Before anyone else was awake, she went for one more sunrise bike ride, a refreshing way to start the day before sitting on a plane for 8 hours. While she was out,...

 

I love lazy days. I just finished making lime-orange juice from fresh limes that grow in this region like dandelions. The oranges break the tartness, making it a refreshing tangy drink. My mom made her healthy apple breakfast cookies this...

 

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way.” —Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel I have been reading Gulliver’s Travels to my kids and the main character Man Mountain is fascinating to Jordan. He’s empowered by the...

 

After much deliberation, we moved into the one bedroom apartment above the bakery. My mom was partial to having an oven and liked how clean it was kept. I tried to convince myself, like a child trying to convince her...

 

Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and savor each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate...

 

This is the first time I’ve ever been kicked out of a place that I’ve rented. The reservationist where we are staying (a place I booked online) is worried that the condo’s generator will not be able to keep up...

 

Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with. –Mark Twain I just had someone from Australia email me that they found my website late last...

 

Last week my mom and I watched the triumphant story of Brad Cohen, a man who overcomes incredible obstacles having Tourette Syndrome to become a gifted teacher. Inspired by a true story, Brad learned to hate school because of all...

 

Thank you for your patience... I think we're getting closer... As a bit of a reward - here's a teaser... When is a gecko considered a hotel amenity...?

 

One of the drawbacks to traveling in Central America is the bugs. Surprisingly I’m not afraid of the scorpions, iguanas or geckos. The insects that bother me most are the ones I can’t even see. Known as sand-flies, these tiny...

 

Hi everyone! This is Jennifer's assistant Tracie. Since she is gone, and experiencing unreliable internet connections, we are working to trying to find a solution for updating her blog. One thing I'm testing is whether we can get the delay...