Jamaica

We are in Jamaica, man! 

It's no problem!

No worry man!

Everything will be okay!

We found a large van that fit all 25 of us, plus three wheelchairs, a huge stroller and car seat. (Dad and Bonnie opted out but later regretted it.) the bus was a little cozy but when only filled with family, coziness and family closeness are great. I love all those cousins and the huge smiles. Seeing my boy surrounded by cousins brings so much joy to me and my heart.

And the picture below captures all of us siblings and spouses. Oh the fun we had! The big group wanted to go to the beach. We were out. With sun shining and temps in low 80's, I didn't dare get dropped off at the beach for several hours. So we negotiated with the bus driver to drop off the majority at the beach while taking us on an air-conditioned bus tour of real Jamaica.

Above, a very windy Jamaican day. Jodi and her sweet kids. And then, below, a picture with me, Hayden and my "bonus" kids aka Jodi's little ones.

I love this picture of Katelyn and Hayden. They are becoming and have been, the best of friends. I laugh as they talk guys and girls, school, video games, iPhone apps, and all things teenagers. I love the advice Hayden gives Katelyn and laugh so hard. Such cuties.

Me and Thomas-ready for an adventure

After we dropped off the beach gang, we settled in for a tour of Jamaica. Our bus driver took us to an off beaten path Jamaican eatery. There was a huge barbecue with jerk chicken, jerk pork, frittata and French fries. Delicious food. 

He took us to little shops and helped negotiate the price of souvenirs. 

I loved the plantation that overlooked all of Jamaica followed by visiting a school and seeing the kids study under the huge banana trees, swaying in the wind and driving thru the large farmers market.

Delicious food. Yum. Yum. 

The view from the plantation was simply breathtaking. 

Loved the gorgeousness of it all. My heart filled with joy at the sheer beauty of the earth. 

I sat under a huge Banana tree, the wind softly blowing, looking at the ocean embracing the shores of Jamaica and was in awe of the beauty. I could have stayed there forever. It was nice and cool in the mountain and joy filled my heart. 

Hayden laughed and talked and made friends with the huge dogs there, ate some authentic Jamaican food, was in awe of the two story humongous KFC, he fell in love with the people and the country. 

Hayden asked the bus drivers about the missionaries and volunteers. The guy spoke of different projects taken on by volunteers from the us. Hayden came up with a brilliant plan to do his Eagle project in Jamaica. He and the guy talked forever about what he could do, how he could help and how much the Jamaica people loved the volunteers. 

After going thru the farmers market and people just giving the bus driver food to give us, Hayden was sure that this is where he really wants to serve a mission. He simply loved everything Jamaican. I could see Hayden serving there. He would do an amazing job loving anyone and everyone. He was thrilled. 

After our adventures, I was exhausted. I went to the back long seat in the bus, laid directly under the ac vent and took me a little siesta. I asked the driver and he said, "it's no problem man". So Hayden and Thomas explored more, talked more and had more adventures. For me, it was the perfect ending to a couple hours on the bus. I caught up on sleep. And found more gratitude taking a refreshing nap. 

Jamaica... We will definitely be back. You were one special place. One of my favorite places I have seen or visited. The feeling in the air was one of love and hope and joy. That is my kind of place. Living on an island may simply be an incredible plan. I wonder how their healthcare is??? Move to Jamaica??? No problem, man! No worries. No fears. I think I could move here.

Perfect Morning

Some days are simply delightful. They are days that take hold of your long term memory and you permanently etch them there, wanting to take it all in and make sure that each moment is remembered exactly. Moment for moment. Word for word.

Lucky for us, we had one of those perfect days on the cruise. Everyone else had stayed out late. After my seizure, we were in the room early, and Hayden had been sea sick. So while everyone else slept in, we were up before the majority of the boat.

We made our way down to the little Cafe in Central Park. We found a great spot and Thomas and Hayden went in to get us food. We sat and slowly ate, talking about life, asking Hayden about his dreams, and just having a delightful conversation.

It was slow and casual morning. No hustling to get anywhere. No trying to force my body to get up and move. I cuddled into the chair and just relaxed.

I remember looking over at Hayden and vocalizing how incredibly amazing he had become. Thomas joined in and we talked of the reasons that made us proud of him. We talked of his accomplishments. We discussed his achievements and the challenges he has overcome. We were the most proud of who he has become. He is kind. He never is mean or does mean things to others. He is accepting. He sees the good in others and in situations. He is happy. He is appreciative and grateful for all we do, even the smallest act, he notices. We talked of how he treats others and how he makes others feel. We talked of his love of our Savior and desire to serve him and become like him. Of how the Savior values two gifts above all others, so much so that they were given as the first two commandments. First, to love God with all your heart, might, mind and strength and the second commandment is like unto it, to love one another. Hayden excels at both of those qualities. We told him how truly proud of him that we are.

Next, I looked over at my husband. The man that chose me to be his wife. The one his promised to love no matter what, and in sickness and in health. I looked at him and saw a spiritual giant and a faithful follower of Christ. I saw the man that my Savior showed me so many years ago when I knew he was my eternal companion. He has become the spiritual giant and amazing man that stands firm in his faith. He is perfectly loyal and faithful to me. He is a rock of a husband and father. And the perfect example of Christlike love for his son.

I then began to voice my love for him. My appreciation for his sacrifices for me and Hayden. How he tries in all he does to please and honor our Savior. How he is good and kind and honest and filled with integrity. How he speaks highly of and sees the good in others. How he treats me like his queen. How he is an incredibly hard worker and gives his all each and every day.

Without saying anything, Hayden joined in telling his dad how much he loved and appreciated him. He hugged his dad and told him he was his best friend.

Without skipping a beat, each of them began listing all the reasons they loved me. Hayden said, "Mom, I am grateful that you do all you can to fight pain and your illness so that I can still have a mom to be with me every day." oh how my heart melted. Thomas thanked me for the sacrifices I make to stay with him and Hayden. He thanked me for learning to love him deeper during this and that we together have grown closer and closer to our Savior.

Those sweet and tender moments were sacred to me. They were uplifting and filled with deep love and heartfelt appreciation. I love that each of us sees each other as individuals here trying to do the things that we promised our Savior in the pre-existence and helping one another to achieve those goals. We see how the Lord's plan is helping us with those goals, even when the path seems unclear. We trust and know we have one another to lean on in hard times. We are a unit of love and pure acceptance and understanding. We cheer one another on and have each others backs, always.

As I later found a place to sit and look at the ocean, while Thomas and Hayden went exploring, I tried to etch every single moment of that morning into my heart and mind. As I struggle in the future, I know that these tender moments will be some of the ones I cherish and cling to always. Those moments when the veil was so thin, that angels administered to us and heaven reminded us of who we really are.... not just Thomas and Jerlyn and Hayden or even the Murphy's.... but beloved and cherished sons and daughter of God. Ones that covenanted with God and our Savior to dedicate our very lives to him.

Together, we are stronger than as individuals. Together, we hold tightly onto one another and don't let one another fall. I thought my job as a parent was to be the strength, the example, the warrior and the fighter. I now realize that we take turns being the strength. It is okay to allow my son to be the strong one. As he shows strength to me and steps up and finds his role as the leader and example, I am teaching him and allowing him to practice for the days when he will lead his future family in wisdom, guidance, humility and love. I am teaching him to be a missionary in word and deed and action. It is okay to let Thomas be the strength and me just do all I can to endure.

So often I wonder how I can do all that is required of me. Then I am gently reminded that our Savior never expected me to do it alone. Not only does my Savior walk this hard, windy and steep climb with me, but he sent two of his strongest sons to assist me on my journey. I think he took two incredibly strong warriors and allowed one to come as my husband and the other as my son. He knew with them at my side, one on each, gently putting arms around me, lifting me, carrying me and supporting me that I could be strong. For this priceless gift my Savior gave, I am forever and eternally grateful. And those moments, when the line between heaven and earth is almost non-existent, and angels and heaven seem to sweep us into their midst, I am in awe of who my son and husband truly are and how incredibly valiant and righteous they are. They are truly some of our Savior's finest priesthood holders and disciples of Christ. There truly is no greater gift than the treasured gifts my Savior constantly provides. I will add this day to my list of perfect blessings and cherish it always.

Ashlyn

The Simonton's kids have begun to grow up. We thought for sure that Talmage was going to be the youngest. And since he is six years old going on teenager, our baby years would have to wait until some of the older nieces and nephews had babies. So we were all thrilled when JD and Cassie had this beautiful baby girl, Ashlyn. And the fact that she is named after her aunt Jerlyn, priceless.

We loved the little miss. And she got whatever she wanted. She had her parents and then four sets of aunts and uncles to spoil her and grandparents plus a whole slew of older cousins.

Thomas and I didn't have anyone to haul around. Just us. So Ashlyn would come hang with us some. She would go out to our balcony and point to the carousel. We loved taking her. I would take pictures while Thomas would take her over and over.

The day on the bus, ashlyn was exhausted. Within a few minutes of being handed to Uncle Thomas aka the baby whisperer, she was out cold. Thomas and I are really ready for grandkids or adopted grand kids. We would be fantastic babysitters. Anyone want to let us adopt their kids???

Love my little Miss Ashlyn and I so enjoyed being with her. Even the cousins loved on her. I was amazed to see Hayden trying to entertain her while she was in her stroller.

We rode the carousel quite often. Me only once, but Thomas, spent tons of time with her on it. We loved letting her just explore and following her. I love looking at the world thru the eyes of a toddler. So full of life, so full of joy and so darn cute. We miss you little Miss Ashlyn. 

JD's Stardom

One night, after sleeping most of the day, I actually made it to some night time entertainment. Jake, JD, Thomas and I took Kaylee and Coby to a Sing Off. Yes, it was in a bar but still funny. People volunteered to sing a song, after swiping a mic, when they knew the song. Coby wanted his dad to go up soooo badly that he kept yelling, my dad, JD.

Finally the game show host called him up. JD did NOT want to go. As the music started, neither contestant knew the words... really JD, it was Walking on Sunshine. So they played another to which neither guessed it. On the third try, YMCA came on. JD hesitantly took the microphone but then sang his heart out. Coby LOVED his dad being on stage.

Once they hit the chorus, in true Mormon and Simonton fashion, JD went around and got the entire audience participating and brought Coby up on stage with him. I believe it was the best moment of the cruise for Coby, bar none. That kid was born to be on stage. He thrives in the spotlight.

Jake laughed and laughed that Bishop JD would be singing in open mic night in a bar with his son. Jake teased him about it the rest of the cruise. JD is serious so much these days between being Bishop and owning his own Endodontics practice that it is good for him to just forget it all and sing!

Dinner Couples

We attended formal night but..... we aren't such a formal and fancy group. For us, we were dressed up. We sure are a much more casual group. But, we definitely know how to have fun. And I am guessing with three tables and kids and adults walking back and forth and talking between the three, that we were by far the noisiest.

We had great wait staff and I loved that they knew what we wanted when we showed up. Even had fruit cups for all the kids (and me).

Love each of these amazing people so much. Each has taught me a lot, brought me joy beyond measure, helped me in my time of need and given comfort when needed. I feel so fortunate and blessed to call these incredible people, my family!

Rosie and Jake

Thomas and Jer

Josh, Steph and Austin

Dad and Bonnie

Jer and Thomas

Jodi and Troy

JD and Cassie

Dinner Time Fun

While aboard, no matter what anyone was doing during the day or which shows they were hitting at night, we all came together for dinner. We had three tables and we all switched around to sit by different people each night.

I loved having the time to talk with my Dad and Bonnie and each of my siblings and my cute nieces and nephews. It was fun catching up and talking and laughing.

Hayden is so adventurous with food. He tried everything from duck to oysters and lobster and watermelon and papaya soups. He had at least one dish of shrimp cocktail every single night for an appetizer followed by trying a new food and a gourmet main course. He always picked he most exotic on the menu and was willing to try anything and everything. His favorite meals were the oysters, lobster, shrimp scampi, salmon and some pasta seafood dish. He is a huge seafood fan.

I loved watching him with his cousins. No matter who he sat next to, from Grandpa to Uncle Jake or Uncle Troy to Austin, or to any of his girls (Kaylee, Katekyn, Kiley and Brooklyn) to the younger boys (Coby, Brigham, Tanner and Talmage), he had a great time. This huge smile was always stretched across his face. He loved wherever he was and chatted with whomever was there. Oh how he has become social and talkative.

My sweet nieces Kaylee and Katelyn. Love them so much.

Hayden, Brooklyn, Kiley and Kaylee loved sitting together and even had regular toasts. I am loving watching all these kids grow up together and become their own individual people They downright crack me up and are so funny. Listening to them talk and giggle and have fun brings me so much joy!

Hayden and Kiley

Hayden adored sitting by Grandpa as much as possible. He sure loves his grandpa.

Right after dinner, we would all congregate, as the teens hurried off to change and get to their own activities. We wouldn't see them again until they wandered into the rooms some time after midnight. We would always laugh and be loudly talking about something. Not sure what JD, Cassie, Ashlyn, Dad, Jake and I are discussing, but it looks intense.

Hayden and Kaylee

Austin and Hayden

Haiti

Our first port of call was a private island in Haiti. Oh it was beautiful! Hayden was convinced he found the island they used to film the TV series Lost. It was pristine and gorgeous. I am always in awe of the beauty of the earth. Our Savior is definitely an artist and knows how to paint and create the perfect masterpiece.

Thomas wheeled me off before the rest of the crowds, and the three of us sat in the shade of the cruise ship, just staring at that beautiful island and talking of the natural beauty of the earth, untouched by human hands. We talked of the creation. We talked of what life must be like for the people that lived here in this part of Haiti.

  

Haiti was filled with beach options, although a storm had come and coral was everywhere causing lots of bleeding feet. All I knew is that it was hot! (Low 80's but direct sun) Since me and hot do not mix, I desperately tried to locate shade. Unfortunately, other than my huge hat, there wasn't much to be found. We got off the ship early enough that the blazing sun wasn't hitting us. It was still in the low 80's but much too direct sun for me. We let Hayden play with his cousins for about thirty minutes and then I loaded back in my wheelchair and headed back to the boat.

While there, we were able to take in the beautiful clouds that looked like they were kissing the water, surrounded by the most pristine land that was untouched by human hands. It was natural. Just as it had been created and it was breathtaking.

Hayden laughed and played with cousins while there. It almost felt like we were all in Oceanside together. My heart swelled at the life I have been blessed with. How wonderful is it to sit on the beautiful beach of Haiti and think of other moments that were as magical and memorable and filled with joy. I really have had a blessed life. I have had the opportunity to experience so much joy, so much love and so many uniquely incredible moments. Gratitude embraced my entire being.

With all of the cousins and my siblings and their spouses off the boat and together, I hated to go back and miss out on the fun. But I knew staying would take me down for possibly days. I couldn't risk it. Heading back to the ship was a necessity. I figured Hayden would stay but that son of mine is so concerned about his momma. I love how much he loves me. I wish his life wasn't filled with concern for me, so much so that he misses out on so much.

Once Talmage heard we were headed back, he jumped at the chance to go back with us. What six year old doesn't love the beach? He is crazy but it made going back not as difficult. We talked on the way back, looked at the ocean, and Tman even took a ride on my lap. I loved watching Hayden take Talmage's hand and guide him over the pier, concerned he would do something crazy and get hurt. I cherish these moments where for a few small moments, Hayden knows what it is like to love and care for a younger "sibling". I love how protective he is and how he realizes that when they are around that it is more about them, not him. He would have been an incredible big brother.

But, as proof by these amazing pictures, we soaked in each moment we were there.