Saturday, March 30, 2019

See Yourself Within God's Measure

We

complain
compare
contrast

as we

post
view
delete

trying to

keep up
get ahead
feel relevant

(and relevance)

because...

we just want to see and be seen

but dear one
the opening of your eyes

the acknowledging
the noticing

begins with your own life

God calls you Beloved

and you woke today
for a reason

so don't miss

the beauty
the details
the daily grace

by looking around...

look within

and learn

to see yourself
within

God's measure

Days 25-29

One Hundred Days of Grace


@tondra_denise
#onehundreddaysofgrace

Monday, March 25, 2019

Bienvenido a Cuba, Bebe (Two Familes... One Destination)

For years tourists were forbidden from visiting, but when
President Obama rolled back travel restrictions in 2014

the
architecture

the
art

the rich history
and culture

began calling...

and two of our featured families
answered the call!

Welcome to Cuba, Baby!

(please read and understand all of the restrictions
and/or regulations before planning your visit)

cu.usembassy.gov
---------------------------------------------

"The Empty-Nesters"


the self-acclaimed Louise 
and her bestie, Thelma

(aka "The Doctor")

celebrated

another year
another candle
another birthday


with a Cuban style
girl's trip!

Miami to Cuba
(approx. 330 miles)


Important to know...

Take enough cash for your entire trip because
your debit/credit cards will not work in Cuba!



Do your homework...

tourist travel to Cuba is still prohibited,
but there are 12 categories of authorized travel

to include

"support for the Cuban people"

which allows opportunities to interact with locals
support local artistry, and immerse yourself in Cuban culture 



Also important to know...

You will need to purchase traveler's insurance

and should also register with

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
to enroll your trip with the US Embassy or Consolate

Your family's safety and security is your top priority!
-------------------------------------------------
"The Single Sisters"


Marlies received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish
and she taught High School Spanish for four years...


so embarking on this journey
was both fun and educational!


"educational activities"

is also on the list of
authorized travel categories


so...

use the opportunity to immerse yourself in
Cuban culture surrounded by beautiful people


"aprender en Cuba
es divertido"


Our featured families never allow travel
to intimidate or deter them

because they've learned
the only way to

experience new things
visit new places
meet new people

is to...

"Leave your comfort zone,
get out there, and do it!"


So get in the driver's seat, and
live your life to the fullest!

Where to next?

The Ultimate Spring Break...
It's Cancun!!

(find more Family Adventures here)

Monday, March 18, 2019

When in Rome (w/ The Harris Family)

If you...

have wanderlust
love travel
crave adventure

our featured family is just for you!

These ladies show us how simple it is to

call your sisters
call your girls
call your travel agent

then

wheels up...

hop on a flight to Rome, Italy!

-----------------------------------------------

"The Single Sisters"

If these photos don't give you
vacation envy, nothing will!

Los Angeles to Rome
(approx. 6,327 miles)

"Rome wasn't built in a day"





so
"when in Rome..."

(or Naples)
do as
The Harris Family!

Rome to Venice
(approx. 327 miles)

 
we often get...

stuck in our own little corner of the world,
stuck in our daily routines, 

and we forget that there's
an entire world out there

So, get out and see it!

Gondola rides in the Venice Canal
must be on your list

so make plans to...
sit back, laugh, and enjoy the ride!


1950 American Diner
Burgers and Fries are amazing...
(if you're craving a taste from "home")

Florence, Italy
a trip to Pisa is only a quick train ride away

Pisa, Italy
grab a cone
so that you can try the gelato

AND...

The Leaning Tower of Pisa
because once you have tasted
of an adventure like this

you may never want to stay home again...

(find more Family Adventures here)

Sunday, March 17, 2019

In Desperate Need of a "Grace-Over"

We are

worried
worn
weary

of wearing

faded
outdated
ill-fitting

garments of

doubt
complacency
fear

the world

hateful
hurting
angry

and in desperate need of

a grace-over...

a make-over
a do-over

a renewal of the soul

(like the sun rising with promise on a new day)

new start
new beginning
new hope

new style
new perspective
new vision

because imagine

how differently
we would all

walk
show up
feel

if the entire world
were to receive

a grace-over...

Days 11-16
One Hundred Days of Grace

@tondra_denise
#onehundreddaysofgrace

Monday, March 11, 2019

New Orleans Style... Family Reunion

Family reunions are an amazing time to

share
connect
reconnect

and four of our featured families
share adventures that can only be found

during a

"Nawlins Style" Family Reunion

in
"The Big Easy"
New Orleans, Louisiana!
---------------------------------------------------

"The Family with Young Children"

Los Angeles to New Orleans
(approx. 1670 miles)

 By the time you get to kid
"Number 3"

you already know to schedule flights
according to your family needs...

Tip 1:
Make it early morning or late
evening so the kids can sleep

Tip 2:
Plan for child safety, quiet
entertainment, and comfort

Tip 3:
Pack fruit snacks to help little
ears with adjusting ear pressure

and

buckle up for an adventure
the entire family can enjoy!

Bayou Swamp Tour

searching for what lurks beneath the surface
provides a unique experience for these city kids


Then...

hop on a trolley 
and a riverboat

(two new vessels to add to your
"modes of transportation" list)

for a

Dinner Cruise 

"Welcome aboard the Creole Queen"

to enjoy an evening filled with

family
food
fellowship

The look on "Number 3's" face captures the sentiment!

So until next time...

Lapè Bondye a avèk ou

(God's peace be with you)
____________________________________________

Then...

when three of our featured families
travel together

consider it a triple threat

because

SAME grandparents

means
SAME family reunion!!

(and yes)
we're also headed to New Orleans

Summer 2018

"The Single Sisters"


"The Newlyweds"


"The Single Sisters"
ambush "The Newlywed"...

"Welcome to the Family, Cousin!"

"The Family w/ Teens"


Day One

The Family Reunion festivities began when we met up with
"The Single Sisters" at the airport for our flight out...

The best part?
Our fathers are brothers!!

"Wheels up... NOLA here we come!"

Mardi Gras
"Meet and Greet"

and finally check in to the apartment to rest until...


Day Two
Brunch and
a Scavenger Hunt

in

The French Quarter

Café Du Monde
World famous beignets?
"The Newlyweds" crossing another item off of their bucket list!

Day Three

And since faith is the cornerstone of our family
we always take at least one day to worship together

New Home Ministries
"Do you have sight or do you have vision?"

Deanie's Seafood
and after lunch

It was time to get ready for the...

Black and Gold Banquet

Thank you New Orleans for allowing

your rich

history
culture
food

to provide the perfect backdrop
for our rich, beautiful family!

Here's to another amazing Family Adventure