Long Overdue
2 months ago
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Do you see what I see?
Abs likes to pose for pictures whereas Em prefers not to. Must be the age. These were taken at one of the Smithsonians by DH. They crack me up.
Dinosuars...Oh my!
Apparently pterodactyl's are herbivores and she was worried they would mistake her fingers for rodents. She cracks me up!
Korean War Memorial
While in DC (I finally got the pictures on my computer) we managed to see almost everything that we set out to see and more. With 4 children in tow we thought that it would be harder, but fortunately they turned out to be good traveling companions as long as we fed them quite frequently.
One of the Memorials that I really liked was the Korean War Memorial. I had not heard anything about this one and was not sure what to expect. The statues of the soldiers that were made to represent every walk of life were huge. The wall had etched into it faces of those that were KIA, MIA or POW's. There is so much symbolism in the memorial as to be expected, from the 38 statues representing the 38th parallel, to the 38 months that were spent fighting the Korean War. I think what affected me the most was the way that the statues reflected in the wall and looked like ghosts.
"OUR NATION HONORS HER SONS AND DAUGHTERS WHO ANSWERED THE CALL TO DEFEND A COUNTRY THEY NEVER KNEW AND A PEOPLE THEY NEVER MET"
The Girl with the Watering Can
My mom purchased a book a while back titled The Girl With the Watering Can. She read it a few times and Abs really liked it. The book is about the little girl in Renoir's painting who travels through other works of art and wreaks havoc on them--taking the bow out of the girl's hair, losing the hoop in another, and then finally going back and setting everything straight. (Maybe she likes it so much since she seems to wreak havoc everywhere she goes?)
When we went to Washington DC, we asked each child what they wanted to see while we were there and Abs wanted to go to the National Gallery of Art to see the works of art in the book. She was so excited when we made the plans to go one day and she kept talking about the pictures and everything that happened throughout the book. When we got into the museum we made her ask the woman at the information desk for the location of the painting and off we went. She was so excited when she first set eyes on it! She ran to look for the girl's friends, but we only found three since they have so many works of art that they have to rotate them through. Thank goodness The Girl with the Watering Can was there!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
How to drywall
DH tripped over a shoe or a toy last night and fell into the wall and made a huge hole about a foot long and about 6-8 inches wide. Just call him Grace. Hopefully he can figure out how to drywall and repair it before he leaves because I keep imagining things crawling through the hole. Kind of creeps me out.
Syrup anyone?
So the jelly making didn't work out like it was supposed to. We made 31 jars and only 8 jars are actually jelly. It says in the directions that we can open them reboil them, add more pectin and then re-sterilize the jelly jars and then can them again. Boy, that sounds like loads of fun. Sad thing is that we have more juice to use up and DH leaves Friday. Maybe we will just eat waffles and pancakes with grape syrup every night while he is gone?
Monday, August 6, 2007
Free 411
If you call 1-800-FREE-411, you can get directory assistance for free. You have to listen to an ad before you connect and then an ad before you actually get a number.
Update:
I just tried this and it did work, and didn't take long at all. It is voice automated so you have to keep the children quiet or it won't let you do it. They mentioned that if you need to speak to a live operator then you can sign up on their website and then when you call in you can speak to one.
I usually use 411 in the car so this would be great, but if I am in the car I usually have the children. Wonder if they can not talk for two minutes?
Update:
I just tried this and it did work, and didn't take long at all. It is voice automated so you have to keep the children quiet or it won't let you do it. They mentioned that if you need to speak to a live operator then you can sign up on their website and then when you call in you can speak to one.
I usually use 411 in the car so this would be great, but if I am in the car I usually have the children. Wonder if they can not talk for two minutes?
Sign up sheets
I was watching the Today show this morning and they had the Duggar Family on there with all 17 of their children. Of course I had to rewind and watch the whole segment and I was furious! Matt Lauer asked them if they (the parents) felt like they didn't have enough one on one time for each of their children. Their response was........
THEY HAVE A SIGN UP SHEET IN THE KITCHEN!
Can you believe that???? In order to spend one on one time with your children they have to sign up when they want to have it? I wish I could have seen how many spots were open up to them. Of course the kids don't think that they are being slighted, but the one son said he doesn't know any different, that he is used to having such a large family.
I think that is the most ridiculous and cruel thing to do. You shouldn't have to sign up or earn the right to spend time with your parents. It shouldn't be a reward to spend time with your mom or dad. I was appalled that they would do this, or that anyone would.
On another note, all 17 of their children stood there during the interview and only one moved around. Weird, my youngest two would have been all over the place.
THEY HAVE A SIGN UP SHEET IN THE KITCHEN!
Can you believe that???? In order to spend one on one time with your children they have to sign up when they want to have it? I wish I could have seen how many spots were open up to them. Of course the kids don't think that they are being slighted, but the one son said he doesn't know any different, that he is used to having such a large family.
I think that is the most ridiculous and cruel thing to do. You shouldn't have to sign up or earn the right to spend time with your parents. It shouldn't be a reward to spend time with your mom or dad. I was appalled that they would do this, or that anyone would.
On another note, all 17 of their children stood there during the interview and only one moved around. Weird, my youngest two would have been all over the place.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
And babies make 8
My inlaws had one huge dog named Max. I don't really care for Max, but they are devoted dog owners. Then they acquired Tiger that was left in a field. After that they took on our cat Maisy since she would stalk Junior and he has a lot of skin allergies and we needed to get her out of the house so that he would be more comfortable. Their little family was plugging away when they picked up a stray neighborhood dog which they named Schatzi. They had her checked out and were getting ready to have her spayed when they found out she was pregnant (not by their dog). So yesterday afternoon in the span of 2 1/2 hours 6 little puppies were added to the family.
We went to see them today and they are cute. They think that there are 4 boys and two girls. My MIL wants to keep two of them and my FIL wants to find them ALL good homes. I tried to talk to her about adding an additional two dogs to the mix and how that would make it hard to go anywhere and how they couldn't afford to board 4 dogs. She told DH that they would just take the RV (a large van type) and the dogs could sleep on the bed and they (Mil & FIL) would sleep on the floor! I'm sure it would happen too.
They are very responsible pet owners and if I ever come back as an animal I want it to be their dog or cat. The dogs get a leg of lamb each week cooked for them. Tonight while we were eating she got up from dinner and was cooking up some chicken for their dinner. Our cat Maisy is leading the high life over there with special meals, toys, etc. No wonder she never comes out to see us anymore, she doesn't want to leave!
My MIL is sleeping by the dog each night because she wants to make sure that Schatzi takes good care of her puppies and that the runt doesn't get pushed out of the way. She is also supplementing with goat milk the runt's diet.
The best part....my MIL made several different beds for Schatzi to choose from when she was ready to give birth. Instead Schatzi decided that their one year old couch would be a better idea and MIL agreed, so she was allowed to give birth to her puppies on their couch! When I have people guess where they were born they usually choose the bed and I am sure she would have been allowed to if she wanted!
Needless to say I sat on an outdoor chair when we went over there today. While FIL and DH are at NTC I'll help her pick out a new couch so I can recline in their living room again.
We went to see them today and they are cute. They think that there are 4 boys and two girls. My MIL wants to keep two of them and my FIL wants to find them ALL good homes. I tried to talk to her about adding an additional two dogs to the mix and how that would make it hard to go anywhere and how they couldn't afford to board 4 dogs. She told DH that they would just take the RV (a large van type) and the dogs could sleep on the bed and they (Mil & FIL) would sleep on the floor! I'm sure it would happen too.
They are very responsible pet owners and if I ever come back as an animal I want it to be their dog or cat. The dogs get a leg of lamb each week cooked for them. Tonight while we were eating she got up from dinner and was cooking up some chicken for their dinner. Our cat Maisy is leading the high life over there with special meals, toys, etc. No wonder she never comes out to see us anymore, she doesn't want to leave!
My MIL is sleeping by the dog each night because she wants to make sure that Schatzi takes good care of her puppies and that the runt doesn't get pushed out of the way. She is also supplementing with goat milk the runt's diet.
The best part....my MIL made several different beds for Schatzi to choose from when she was ready to give birth. Instead Schatzi decided that their one year old couch would be a better idea and MIL agreed, so she was allowed to give birth to her puppies on their couch! When I have people guess where they were born they usually choose the bed and I am sure she would have been allowed to if she wanted!
Needless to say I sat on an outdoor chair when we went over there today. While FIL and DH are at NTC I'll help her pick out a new couch so I can recline in their living room again.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Cell Phones for Soldiers
A worthy cause to help raise money to buy phone cards for Soldiers overseas. This last deployment DH was in an area where he couldn't get the really cheap rates some people had access to, so we burned through phone cards.
Cell phones for Soldiers
Support our Troops!
Cell phones for Soldiers
Support our Troops!
Jelly making
The grapes are boiling and we will be making jelly on Sunday if everything goes right. We might be overloaded with grape jelly especially since my children will not eat peanut butter sandwiches anymore.
While we were on vacation we would often stop for sandwiches at the road side parks since it was so expensive to feed 7 hungry people. It also allowed the children time to run around and exhaust themselves before we set out again in the car for another few hours. For the most part we served peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and then just plain peanut butter sandwiches after we forgot to put the jelly back in the cooler. My children are so tired of peanut butter they won't eat it anymore. I wonder if we scarred them for life.
While we were on vacation we would often stop for sandwiches at the road side parks since it was so expensive to feed 7 hungry people. It also allowed the children time to run around and exhaust themselves before we set out again in the car for another few hours. For the most part we served peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and then just plain peanut butter sandwiches after we forgot to put the jelly back in the cooler. My children are so tired of peanut butter they won't eat it anymore. I wonder if we scarred them for life.
Operation Camp Purple
Today we picked Em up from Camp Purple. We paid the extra money and my mom and I went to have lunch with her before the ceremony. We waited patiently while the dorms before her got to eat and then we got in line with her. She had made a new friend who was just as sweet as could be. The food was even good too! Em and her new friend filled us in on everything that they had been doing over the last week. My baby is growing up!
There were many activities that the kids did each day--riflery, rock climbing, swimming, canoeing, community service, environment, drug and alcohol awareness and tons more.
Riflery??? I was shocked! My baby with a gun? It was just a pellet gun and they learned gun safety as well, and she loved it! She made new friends, learned new skills and had the time of her life.
For the ceremony they had all the parents seated and then they had the children march in. We watched them pass out thank yous to the counselors and staff involved in putting this together. Yea NMFA!!!
When all of that was done they had the campers come up one by one where they presented them with a certificate and a picture of all the staff and campers in a nice mouse pad type frame that said "Kids serve too". After each camper received their items they went in front of a microphone and said their name, which parent was in the service, what branch and where they were stationed. After the first two children said "Iraq" I was in tears. My mom wasn't much better as she was crying too. I finally got a little better until a little boy got up there and said his name and something to the effect of my father is protecting us, providing for our freedom, and a few other things. I wish I could remember his exact words because it was pretty powerful coming from a 9 year old little boy. I started crying all over again. What a mess I am!
We made it through the rest of the ceremony, attended a flag ceremony and then got all of Em's items and hit the road. She had tons of stories to tell and about half an hour into the trip she was passed out from exhaustion.
So from our family to NMFA, the Dell Foundation, the Sierra Group and all other people and sponsors that made this camp possible, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. My daughter had the time of her life and for her to be in an environment with other children that understood where she was coming from and were walking in her shoes, the experience was priceless.
For those of you who have children, keep an eye out in your area next summer for these camps as they are entirely free and a great camping experience for your children.
There were many activities that the kids did each day--riflery, rock climbing, swimming, canoeing, community service, environment, drug and alcohol awareness and tons more.
Riflery??? I was shocked! My baby with a gun? It was just a pellet gun and they learned gun safety as well, and she loved it! She made new friends, learned new skills and had the time of her life.
For the ceremony they had all the parents seated and then they had the children march in. We watched them pass out thank yous to the counselors and staff involved in putting this together. Yea NMFA!!!
When all of that was done they had the campers come up one by one where they presented them with a certificate and a picture of all the staff and campers in a nice mouse pad type frame that said "Kids serve too". After each camper received their items they went in front of a microphone and said their name, which parent was in the service, what branch and where they were stationed. After the first two children said "Iraq" I was in tears. My mom wasn't much better as she was crying too. I finally got a little better until a little boy got up there and said his name and something to the effect of my father is protecting us, providing for our freedom, and a few other things. I wish I could remember his exact words because it was pretty powerful coming from a 9 year old little boy. I started crying all over again. What a mess I am!
We made it through the rest of the ceremony, attended a flag ceremony and then got all of Em's items and hit the road. She had tons of stories to tell and about half an hour into the trip she was passed out from exhaustion.
So from our family to NMFA, the Dell Foundation, the Sierra Group and all other people and sponsors that made this camp possible, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. My daughter had the time of her life and for her to be in an environment with other children that understood where she was coming from and were walking in her shoes, the experience was priceless.
For those of you who have children, keep an eye out in your area next summer for these camps as they are entirely free and a great camping experience for your children.
17 children?
I'm sure most everyone has heard of the Duggar's, the family that just welcomed their 17th child into the family. Maybe I am different from everyone else, but why have so many kids? I guess I just feel sorry for the kids. The parents are so proud of how the older ones take care of the younger ones and raise them, but why should the older children be penalized? Of course they (the children) all love it because they don't know any different, but I did have a childhood and goodness knows I didn't want or need the responsibility of taking care of anyone but myself at that age. I just think they need to be kids. If the parents want to have all 17 and raise all of them and parent all of them , that's great! I don't expect my 9 year old to bathe my 13 month old or dress him, change his diapers, or get him to sleep at night. (I believe the mother has full charge of the child until age 2 and then she passes it on to another)
Who knows, maybe I am the weird one, but I'm glad I had a childhood!
Who knows, maybe I am the weird one, but I'm glad I had a childhood!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
NTC
I went to a battalion meeting tonight about NTC and it was pretty informative. It sounds like the training is going to be pretty realistic--they even have hired Iraqis so they can practice the language and culture. They did say no cell phones though, which is a bummer. I can go that long without talking to him, but it never fails when the Soldier deploys something happens or ten somethings. I remember when I sent a letter to Chris after he first deployed to Iraq in 2003. I told him how I quit my job, Abbie ran into a car, one of the kids was sick, I got housing and was moving and a million other things. When he wrote back he said he thought about addressing all the "issues" but figured since it took so long to get the letter that I probably had a whole new set of "issues". He knows me.
Block leave is still scheduled during the time I booked our trip to Hawaii so I am hoping that nothing messes that up. They gave us a two week window for their deployment to Iraq, which I will keep off of here for obvious reasons. They are planning on having a Battalion ball in a few months. The food usually sucks but I love the string of toasts that they give. Almost makes the whole evening worthwhile. They usually honor the fallen Soldiers from the last deployment and that is always an emotional time.
While I was at the NTC meeting DH took Abs and Junior to pick wild mustang grapes that he saw on the side of the fence during PT. Last Tuesday Abs and Em picked some and then my mom and Abs picked a HUGE amount of them. On Sunday my sister taught us how to make jelly so DH is in there picking through the grapes. I didn't pay that close of attention so I am sure it will entail a dozen phone calls along the way. Abs is excited about it though.
Block leave is still scheduled during the time I booked our trip to Hawaii so I am hoping that nothing messes that up. They gave us a two week window for their deployment to Iraq, which I will keep off of here for obvious reasons. They are planning on having a Battalion ball in a few months. The food usually sucks but I love the string of toasts that they give. Almost makes the whole evening worthwhile. They usually honor the fallen Soldiers from the last deployment and that is always an emotional time.
While I was at the NTC meeting DH took Abs and Junior to pick wild mustang grapes that he saw on the side of the fence during PT. Last Tuesday Abs and Em picked some and then my mom and Abs picked a HUGE amount of them. On Sunday my sister taught us how to make jelly so DH is in there picking through the grapes. I didn't pay that close of attention so I am sure it will entail a dozen phone calls along the way. Abs is excited about it though.
Busy Busy
I don't know how some people can think that I have time to do anything when I stay home with my children. I am busy from the time I get up till the time I go to bed and if for some reason I am not, there are a ton of things I should be doing!
Junior had another well baby today because he still needed his immunizations. He got 5 shots the poor little guy and is passed out in his crib right now.
It's almost 11 and no call from the VLA Theatre yet so maybe Abs is behaving? Abs has a friend who is attending the same camp and her mom sent a backpack of things for them to do since they are bored. This is definitely not as well run as the previous acting camp that she went to. I know that they are short handed, but to expect a bunch of little kids to sit in a chair for hours on end is ridiculous.
We are meeting friends at the pool after acting camp and then we have a predeployment briefing for NTC this evening. I have managed to go to the gym three days this week but I will probably have to take tonight off. I wanted to do the endurance ride on Saturday but we are going to go to Sea World and use the free tickets for the military.
Tomorrow we get Em from Operation Purple Camp. I can't wait to hear all about it! I hope she has had a great time and made some new friends.
On a funny note, Junior has learned to say "Mow" for meow. He hauls around this little stuffed kitten that he got from a vet convention in DC. So cute. I'll try to get it on here.
Junior had another well baby today because he still needed his immunizations. He got 5 shots the poor little guy and is passed out in his crib right now.
It's almost 11 and no call from the VLA Theatre yet so maybe Abs is behaving? Abs has a friend who is attending the same camp and her mom sent a backpack of things for them to do since they are bored. This is definitely not as well run as the previous acting camp that she went to. I know that they are short handed, but to expect a bunch of little kids to sit in a chair for hours on end is ridiculous.
We are meeting friends at the pool after acting camp and then we have a predeployment briefing for NTC this evening. I have managed to go to the gym three days this week but I will probably have to take tonight off. I wanted to do the endurance ride on Saturday but we are going to go to Sea World and use the free tickets for the military.
Tomorrow we get Em from Operation Purple Camp. I can't wait to hear all about it! I hope she has had a great time and made some new friends.
On a funny note, Junior has learned to say "Mow" for meow. He hauls around this little stuffed kitten that he got from a vet convention in DC. So cute. I'll try to get it on here.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Study about deployments
Study: Child Abuse by Moms in Army Families Rises When Fathers Deployed
One of my neighbors doesn't need to have her husband gone to neglect her children. Another, her husband was home and DH found her not even two year old out in the cold and rain in a tshirt and diaper watching the rain rush into the storm drain.
My kids are fed, watered, taken care of and most of all loved. To hear them tell tales you would think I am mean! I don't let them get ice cream from the ice cream truck every day. I need to know where they are and who they are with. I won't let them go into other people's houses. They need to stay together. If they only knew what happened in some of these houses their views my be a little different. Some day they will appreciate what I do, but in the meantime I'll just keep on loving them.
One of my neighbors doesn't need to have her husband gone to neglect her children. Another, her husband was home and DH found her not even two year old out in the cold and rain in a tshirt and diaper watching the rain rush into the storm drain.
My kids are fed, watered, taken care of and most of all loved. To hear them tell tales you would think I am mean! I don't let them get ice cream from the ice cream truck every day. I need to know where they are and who they are with. I won't let them go into other people's houses. They need to stay together. If they only knew what happened in some of these houses their views my be a little different. Some day they will appreciate what I do, but in the meantime I'll just keep on loving them.
Here we go again...
Abs started acting camp on Monday and this time it is only from 9-12 so I figured it wasn't enough time to get bored or in trouble. Guess she showed me! They called me today because she pinched someone and she kicked someone. She promises me she did not kick anyone but she admits to pinching someone. I had to pick her up immediately and if she misbehaves again then she is out of the camp. I don't know what else to do with her. I told her she needed to go to her room when she got home and she has been there all day playing nicely by herself and only coming out to potty and eat lunch. I didn't mean all day!
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
Monday, July 30, 2007
Flo on the Go
Didn't I just finish Diner Dash? I was at Sam's and they had Flo on the Go, so I couldn't just pass it up. I should save these things for when DH is deployed and I have nothing to do after I tuck all the children into bed. I'll just play one level before bed....
Camp Purple and other things
Abs started her next acting camp today. This one is from 9-12 and they are putting on Aladdin Jr. I think that the short day will help her get through it with minimal problems. She is excited and they are auditioning for parts tomorrow. I hope she is happy with what she gets! It should be a really cute play. They gave us a CD of music to practice so I am sure we will all be singing the songs by the end of the three weeks.
My in laws kept Abs and Junior today and my mom and I took Em to Camp Purple. I was unsure of what to expect, but it all worked out. They were very organized with setup and had different stations that we had to go through--MRE's (where we signed up to eat lunch with them on Friday), TA-50 (where they picked up a disposable camera and an Operation Purple bracelet), Currency Exchange (where we gave them money for the trading post), Canteens (they were given a water bottle), etc. It was cute. They also had a world map where the children put pictures of their Soldiers around the edges. It was really neat to see all the moms and dads pictures and sad at the same time. They are all missing out on so much in their children's lives.
Anyway, we got Em checked into her dorm, she had a swim test and we left her singing a song about a frog that got run over by a car and was licked up by a dog. I am sure it is one that she will drag home and we will all be singing within a few days of her return.
The drive home was quiet and DH was able to get the kids from his mom's house and attend the FRG meeting and I made it to a cycling class. DH cycled from our house to my mom's house on Sunday so he was more than willing to pass on attending class. They also are allowed to miss PT the next day when they attend the FRG meeting.
The kids are all nestled in bed (I am sure Em is still up since I think they had a dance party scheduled till 10:30 tonight, those wild partiers!) and DH is packing for NTC. (NTC is the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA, where they play war and train for Iraq) He will be gone about a month or so, but with summer winding down and school about to start I am hoping that we will remain busy and the time will pass quickly. He will miss my birthday, but he has missed the last 5 I think, so I am starting to get used to it. Who needs cake anyway! Certainly not my hips!
My in laws kept Abs and Junior today and my mom and I took Em to Camp Purple. I was unsure of what to expect, but it all worked out. They were very organized with setup and had different stations that we had to go through--MRE's (where we signed up to eat lunch with them on Friday), TA-50 (where they picked up a disposable camera and an Operation Purple bracelet), Currency Exchange (where we gave them money for the trading post), Canteens (they were given a water bottle), etc. It was cute. They also had a world map where the children put pictures of their Soldiers around the edges. It was really neat to see all the moms and dads pictures and sad at the same time. They are all missing out on so much in their children's lives.
Anyway, we got Em checked into her dorm, she had a swim test and we left her singing a song about a frog that got run over by a car and was licked up by a dog. I am sure it is one that she will drag home and we will all be singing within a few days of her return.
The drive home was quiet and DH was able to get the kids from his mom's house and attend the FRG meeting and I made it to a cycling class. DH cycled from our house to my mom's house on Sunday so he was more than willing to pass on attending class. They also are allowed to miss PT the next day when they attend the FRG meeting.
The kids are all nestled in bed (I am sure Em is still up since I think they had a dance party scheduled till 10:30 tonight, those wild partiers!) and DH is packing for NTC. (NTC is the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, CA, where they play war and train for Iraq) He will be gone about a month or so, but with summer winding down and school about to start I am hoping that we will remain busy and the time will pass quickly. He will miss my birthday, but he has missed the last 5 I think, so I am starting to get used to it. Who needs cake anyway! Certainly not my hips!
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Sick Part II
Junior got sick again last night, just once. I made him an appointment at the clinic this afternoon. Hopefully they can figure out what is going on with him. None of the rest of us are sick and with the way things are passed around here I would have thought we would all be sick by now. Hopefully he starts feeling better soon!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Ouch!
DH and I did go on that bike ride this afternoon. The inlaws kept the children and we went almost 19 miles (18.79 to be exact). I probably could have done more but DH's feet were killing him because of the wrong shoes. We stopped off when we were almost done to look at a house for sale and when I went to get back on the bike I managed to fall. Usually my husband is the one who falls.
My left knee is scratched up and down the front of my shin. I also managed to scratch up my right knee a little and get some bruises. My arm came out the best and was just a little red. My pride was hurt more than anything! DH jumped off his bike and ran back over--I wish he was that attentive when I was having his three children!
I managed to ride back to the house and he doctored me up. I don't know how I managed to fall but at least it wasn't while we were speeding down a hill or something when the injuries could have been worse. I think we will ride again Sunday and hopefully get in 20-25 miles. I just hope I can manage not to kill myself on this bike.
My left knee is scratched up and down the front of my shin. I also managed to scratch up my right knee a little and get some bruises. My arm came out the best and was just a little red. My pride was hurt more than anything! DH jumped off his bike and ran back over--I wish he was that attentive when I was having his three children!
I managed to ride back to the house and he doctored me up. I don't know how I managed to fall but at least it wasn't while we were speeding down a hill or something when the injuries could have been worse. I think we will ride again Sunday and hopefully get in 20-25 miles. I just hope I can manage not to kill myself on this bike.
Teeth
Maybe Junior was sick because he is getting 8 molars in at the same time??? No idea if there is any correlation, but I know his mouth hurts. So does my shoulder where he bites me when his binky is not in. Little stinker!
DH got off early today so I am trying to convince him that we need to go for a bike ride. I went to spinning on Monday and Wednesday and rode Sunday, so this would be a nice ending to the week. I'd love to go to the extended ride on Saturday but I will be heading out to my cousin's baby shower. Maybe next week.
DH got off early today so I am trying to convince him that we need to go for a bike ride. I went to spinning on Monday and Wednesday and rode Sunday, so this would be a nice ending to the week. I'd love to go to the extended ride on Saturday but I will be heading out to my cousin's baby shower. Maybe next week.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Combat Lifesaver
DH's company is requiring everyone to become a combat lifesaver. While my husband is already certified, a refresher course is always good and I think that everyone should have this training. It's a week long course (although the one in the article was two days) worth promotion points ,although only 5-10 points. Seems like something like this would be higher in points, but no one asked me!
This morning on his little bit of sleep he headed out to save soldiers while being fired upon. He said the training was very realistic and he passed.
I don't think he will ever be able to have a job where he sits behind a desk for 40 hours a week.
This morning on his little bit of sleep he headed out to save soldiers while being fired upon. He said the training was very realistic and he passed.
I don't think he will ever be able to have a job where he sits behind a desk for 40 hours a week.
Sick
Yesterday DH and I went to the gym for the spinning class. It hadn't even started yet when they told us Junior had thrown up. DH went and got the kids while I completed the class. (Go me!) They all came back to pick us up and DH thought that Junior had just spit up due to his reflux. Everything was fine and we went home and DH went to the late spinning class.
This morning about 3 Junior got sick. He only got sick twice and he seems to be doing better. After changing his sheets and clothes and starting laundry I started scrubbing toilets. Nothing says "I love you" more than a clean toilet when you are getting sick. I figured if it is contagious I wanted to be prepared, especially since Abs put Junior's binky in her mouth and Em was drinking out of his sippy cup at school registration yesterday--when will they learn????
Anyway, Junior is napping and no one else is sick--so far so good. Abs starts another acting camp next week and Em goes to Operation Purple next week so we need to be healthy! Not to mention my mom doesn't want to get it!
This morning about 3 Junior got sick. He only got sick twice and he seems to be doing better. After changing his sheets and clothes and starting laundry I started scrubbing toilets. Nothing says "I love you" more than a clean toilet when you are getting sick. I figured if it is contagious I wanted to be prepared, especially since Abs put Junior's binky in her mouth and Em was drinking out of his sippy cup at school registration yesterday--when will they learn????
Anyway, Junior is napping and no one else is sick--so far so good. Abs starts another acting camp next week and Em goes to Operation Purple next week so we need to be healthy! Not to mention my mom doesn't want to get it!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
School
I finally got Abs enrolled in school next year. It was a pain, but done. Let's hope it all works out for the best. This will be her first year in public school.
GYM II
The gym called yesterday and made me another offer. I never showed up and called yesterday to tell them no way. Instead they call again today and make another offer. Too late.
I love the new gym. I did cancel my orientation because it interefered with my spinning class tonight, but I'll make it up later.
I love the new gym. I did cancel my orientation because it interefered with my spinning class tonight, but I'll make it up later.
Monday, July 23, 2007
It's raining babies...
I actually know more civilian people pregnant than military people.
I must not know that many military people anymore, guess I should get out more especially since I live on post!
I must not know that many military people anymore, guess I should get out more especially since I live on post!
Gym
I joined a new gym today. My membership expired at the old place and they wanted to charge me an arm and a leg to join. The guy who originally signed me up called me and offered me pretty much the same deal the girl at the desk offered and I told him I was going to look around. He called back a few hours later and gave me a better deal but still not that great. I joined their competitor. They threw in 6 months for Chris so that is nice since we rarely can workout together.
Tonight Chris met me and we went to a Spinning class. I was okay but Chris had a hard time. He did make it through the class and then he took the kids home and I swam for half an hour. I loved swimming in high school but with three kiddos I rarely have time for it. The pool was a big selling point to me. Anyway, the class was 10 times better than the other class so we are good to go.
DH and I also got new bikes on Saturday. The bike shop was great and we took them for a spin on Sunday. We rode the hills about 12.44 miles and it was great! Maybe I will be ready for 40 miles in October....I hope.
Tonight Chris met me and we went to a Spinning class. I was okay but Chris had a hard time. He did make it through the class and then he took the kids home and I swam for half an hour. I loved swimming in high school but with three kiddos I rarely have time for it. The pool was a big selling point to me. Anyway, the class was 10 times better than the other class so we are good to go.
DH and I also got new bikes on Saturday. The bike shop was great and we took them for a spin on Sunday. We rode the hills about 12.44 miles and it was great! Maybe I will be ready for 40 miles in October....I hope.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Big Brother
I don't know why I watch this drippy show, but I do, faithfully. I just finished up all 7 episodes I missed while on vacation. (What did I do before DVR?) I think it will be an okay season, but if Amber does not stop crying over everything I think I will scream!
Whose your favorite?
Whose your favorite?
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Foamhenge
We were driving in TN looking for a place to have a picnic lunch and let the kids run around. We came across a Foamhenge sign and of course stopped to see it.
I remember seeing the real Stonehenge when my family and I went to the UK back in maybe 85? Here a couple of shots. It was interesting in a weird sort of way....
Home
We got to my mom's house at 2:30 this morning and we crashed there. I got up and worked and we are home now and have a million things to do. I am exhausted.
All in all it was a great trip and everyone seemed to enjoy thermselves--although I think we are all sick of Peanut butter sandwiches.
All in all it was a great trip and everyone seemed to enjoy thermselves--although I think we are all sick of Peanut butter sandwiches.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Headed Home
We are headed home and made it to Tennessee. Just got out of the pool and got the kids are supposed to be sleeping. We are going to try to hit Graceland tomorrow and we should be home by Thursday. I have to work on Friday and I am sure my mom is overly excited that after 14 days together that I will immediately be taking all three kiddos over there for her to watch while I work--At least she will have the weekend to recuperate.
Oh and Abbie rode in the third row of the Highlander for a few hours before she threw up all over Chris. We moved her up to the second row and she only got sick one more time and then she was back in true Abbie form. Guess I have one that gets car sick. Of course we didn't have a bucket or bag handy but had an empty formula can full of bananas that I threw all over my mom at the time. Luckily? my pillow caught most of it. I do not do well with urpy kids! Hopefully the rest of the trip will be uneventful but I have a ton of funny stories to tell about it. At least funny to us, lol.
Oh and Abbie rode in the third row of the Highlander for a few hours before she threw up all over Chris. We moved her up to the second row and she only got sick one more time and then she was back in true Abbie form. Guess I have one that gets car sick. Of course we didn't have a bucket or bag handy but had an empty formula can full of bananas that I threw all over my mom at the time. Luckily? my pillow caught most of it. I do not do well with urpy kids! Hopefully the rest of the trip will be uneventful but I have a ton of funny stories to tell about it. At least funny to us, lol.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
My children sleep now.
Bedtimes have always been a battle in my house as they are never ever ever tired. The first few days we took the circulator around town and they still battled at bedtime. Yesterday we walked about 6 miles and they were so enjoyable to be around and passed out when we put them to bed. Today we walked about 5.5 miles and they went right to bed (well after my children stuffed their beds with pillows and hid in the closet trying to scare me, lol).
Yesterday we saw the Capital and it was amazing. We sat in the Senate Gallery and it was weird to see so many people that you hear about all the time. The kids seemed to enjoy it as well. We walked around the Sculpture Garden and soaked our tired feet in the pool of water there. We saw the Decleration of Independence and the Constitution at the National Archives, visited the WWII Memorial, reflecting pool, Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Wall and the Vietnam Nurses Memorial. Today we saw the Library of Congress, Ford's Theatre, Petersen's House (where Lincoln died), two more parts of the Botanical Garden, the National Museum of the American Indian, the White House, the old post office (where they play the bells), and more. Tomorrow my mom and I are going to try and get up early and get tickets to the Holocaust Museum for us, the Washington Monument for everyone and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (this after my daughters and my nephew sat around making fake money all morning). Hopefully the lines will be short and we will get tickets to all. My SIL gets in town tomorrow on business and we will see her on Saturday, but we also want to see the National Geographic Center and the Textile Museum. Maybe the zoo and the National Cathedral on Sunday?
We have really seen a lot and the kids have given up complaining and walk and walk with us and never stop talking. It's been a lot of fun and we have seen a lot more than I anticipated that we would.
Last night we were walking home to the hotel by way of the grocery store and some guy in a mustang yells out my husband's name and he stops pushing the stroller and turns around. I was getting ready to tell him that the guy wasn't talking to him because how could we know someone here and it turns out it was his little brother. We knew he worked here but didn't think we would see him. He got out and met his two nieces and nephew for the first time and we chatted for a while. We are meeting him and his wife for dinner on Sunday after they come over and she meets the kids. My mom is keeping them for us so we will be able to have a meal without talking about Harry Potter!
We are leaving here on Monday and have so much to cram in before then. We are also going to try and fit in a few things on the way home. The kids have been great and Junior is a dream when it comes to traveling so that makes things easier on us.
I definitely need to hit the gym when I get back because even with all this walking that ice cream and beer at the end of a long day isn't helping me out at all.
Bedtimes have always been a battle in my house as they are never ever ever tired. The first few days we took the circulator around town and they still battled at bedtime. Yesterday we walked about 6 miles and they were so enjoyable to be around and passed out when we put them to bed. Today we walked about 5.5 miles and they went right to bed (well after my children stuffed their beds with pillows and hid in the closet trying to scare me, lol).
Yesterday we saw the Capital and it was amazing. We sat in the Senate Gallery and it was weird to see so many people that you hear about all the time. The kids seemed to enjoy it as well. We walked around the Sculpture Garden and soaked our tired feet in the pool of water there. We saw the Decleration of Independence and the Constitution at the National Archives, visited the WWII Memorial, reflecting pool, Korean War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Wall and the Vietnam Nurses Memorial. Today we saw the Library of Congress, Ford's Theatre, Petersen's House (where Lincoln died), two more parts of the Botanical Garden, the National Museum of the American Indian, the White House, the old post office (where they play the bells), and more. Tomorrow my mom and I are going to try and get up early and get tickets to the Holocaust Museum for us, the Washington Monument for everyone and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (this after my daughters and my nephew sat around making fake money all morning). Hopefully the lines will be short and we will get tickets to all. My SIL gets in town tomorrow on business and we will see her on Saturday, but we also want to see the National Geographic Center and the Textile Museum. Maybe the zoo and the National Cathedral on Sunday?
We have really seen a lot and the kids have given up complaining and walk and walk with us and never stop talking. It's been a lot of fun and we have seen a lot more than I anticipated that we would.
Last night we were walking home to the hotel by way of the grocery store and some guy in a mustang yells out my husband's name and he stops pushing the stroller and turns around. I was getting ready to tell him that the guy wasn't talking to him because how could we know someone here and it turns out it was his little brother. We knew he worked here but didn't think we would see him. He got out and met his two nieces and nephew for the first time and we chatted for a while. We are meeting him and his wife for dinner on Sunday after they come over and she meets the kids. My mom is keeping them for us so we will be able to have a meal without talking about Harry Potter!
We are leaving here on Monday and have so much to cram in before then. We are also going to try and fit in a few things on the way home. The kids have been great and Junior is a dream when it comes to traveling so that makes things easier on us.
I definitely need to hit the gym when I get back because even with all this walking that ice cream and beer at the end of a long day isn't helping me out at all.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
For some reason I can't type titles on DH's laptop.
Today we were supposed to get up early so that we could go have coffee with our Senator. Of course we overslept. We did manage to get everyone up, dressed and pottied in record time and we were out the door. We arrived with just minutes to spare. All the kids were hot, hungry and miserable. Abs of course was the worst and decided that acting like a baby would be appropriate at the time. Very frustrating and I was ready to ring her neck! We spoke to one of the Senator’s employees and found out that there is a huge Baylor connection up here so that was nice to know. Who knows maybe once DH is out of the Army we will move up here and find some important job. I guess I better brush up on my resume since carting children around won’t get me very far unless I want to be a tour bus driver.
We spoke to the Senator briefly and he thanked DH for his service and me too. He is on the Armed Forces Committee so we spoke about what was going on in Iraq. After we finished up there we went and walked around the Supreme Court. Now there is somewhere I could work! If not then Junior might be a future Justice? We managed to get to the National Botanic Garden and look around before it started to storm. We hung out in the garden for a while and then ran through the rain till we made it to the bus stop and the bus finally came. We rode the bus for a while, witched buses and then it really started to storm. We of course were all ready soaked so we just ran through the rain and got to the hotel.
We had a tour of the Kennedy Center lte this afternoon and then tried to stay for the free show at 6 but it was packed and moved too slowly for the kids so they asked to go home. We got home just in time to eat dinner at the BBQ here at the hotel….hey how could we pass up a free meal???
The kids are all in bed but Abs is still awake. We are touring the capital tomorrow morning. Hopefully the kids will be ready to go tomorrow morning. We are also planning on seeing the Wall, the Lincoln Memorial, etc. Lots of walking and my feet are already sore.
Junior cut another tooth so maybe our nights will get a little easier too. He’s been up 2-3 times a night for the last few days. I’m exhausted—I’m sure DH is too since he is up with us at well.
I’m sure the people at the front desk are tired of me so time for me to hit the sack.
Today we were supposed to get up early so that we could go have coffee with our Senator. Of course we overslept. We did manage to get everyone up, dressed and pottied in record time and we were out the door. We arrived with just minutes to spare. All the kids were hot, hungry and miserable. Abs of course was the worst and decided that acting like a baby would be appropriate at the time. Very frustrating and I was ready to ring her neck! We spoke to one of the Senator’s employees and found out that there is a huge Baylor connection up here so that was nice to know. Who knows maybe once DH is out of the Army we will move up here and find some important job. I guess I better brush up on my resume since carting children around won’t get me very far unless I want to be a tour bus driver.
We spoke to the Senator briefly and he thanked DH for his service and me too. He is on the Armed Forces Committee so we spoke about what was going on in Iraq. After we finished up there we went and walked around the Supreme Court. Now there is somewhere I could work! If not then Junior might be a future Justice? We managed to get to the National Botanic Garden and look around before it started to storm. We hung out in the garden for a while and then ran through the rain till we made it to the bus stop and the bus finally came. We rode the bus for a while, witched buses and then it really started to storm. We of course were all ready soaked so we just ran through the rain and got to the hotel.
We had a tour of the Kennedy Center lte this afternoon and then tried to stay for the free show at 6 but it was packed and moved too slowly for the kids so they asked to go home. We got home just in time to eat dinner at the BBQ here at the hotel….hey how could we pass up a free meal???
The kids are all in bed but Abs is still awake. We are touring the capital tomorrow morning. Hopefully the kids will be ready to go tomorrow morning. We are also planning on seeing the Wall, the Lincoln Memorial, etc. Lots of walking and my feet are already sore.
Junior cut another tooth so maybe our nights will get a little easier too. He’s been up 2-3 times a night for the last few days. I’m exhausted—I’m sure DH is too since he is up with us at well.
I’m sure the people at the front desk are tired of me so time for me to hit the sack.
Monday, July 9, 2007
It's been between 97-100 the last couple of days. I am dying here!
The car ride up was long, tiring and loud. We made it though and everyone is still alive. The drive was beautiful and thank goodness for DVD players. Junior was great and probably complained the least out of everyone, including DH.
We saw Arlington yesterday and it was amazing. I'll have to wait till I can come up with the words to describe it. The children sat through the changing of the guards absolutely silently which after the previous few days surprised me. Maybe there is hope? Em was busy imitating the clicking of the heels after it was all over. My Great Uncle, his wife and son are buried there so we found their site as well. We saw most of the memorials but did not have time to see everything as they closed while we were walking back from Iwo Jima--I did not realize how big it was.
Today we went to the Smithsonian. First on the list was to visit the dinosaurs since Abs loves them. She was so excited to see all of the fossils and looked at all of them and then rounded the corner and saw all the dinosaur bones and got excited. The she looked up and saw the pterodactyl and was terrified. She didn't want to look at them anymore and kept trying to leave the room. I managed to take a few pictures but she did not want to be near any of the meat eating dinosaurs. She told me the pterodactyl was an omnivore, but insisted it would think her fingers were rodents. She cracks me up. I'll post pictures when I get a chance. (We have to use the wireless internet in the lobby of the hotel since we don't have an ethernet port or adaptor) We also went and saw the Land and Sea Museum (?) and saw a lot of the exhibits that were there. My nephew wanted to see the WWI & WWII planes so we made a point to see those as well.
Tomorrow we are headed to have coffee with our Senator from Texas, yes, we are taking all 4 children. I wonder if they will chase us out of there. We also have a tour of the Kennedy Center setup and we will attend a show that night if everything goes according to plan. Not sure what else is in store.
I am tired and hot and headed to eat ice cream and drink beer.
The car ride up was long, tiring and loud. We made it though and everyone is still alive. The drive was beautiful and thank goodness for DVD players. Junior was great and probably complained the least out of everyone, including DH.
We saw Arlington yesterday and it was amazing. I'll have to wait till I can come up with the words to describe it. The children sat through the changing of the guards absolutely silently which after the previous few days surprised me. Maybe there is hope? Em was busy imitating the clicking of the heels after it was all over. My Great Uncle, his wife and son are buried there so we found their site as well. We saw most of the memorials but did not have time to see everything as they closed while we were walking back from Iwo Jima--I did not realize how big it was.
Today we went to the Smithsonian. First on the list was to visit the dinosaurs since Abs loves them. She was so excited to see all of the fossils and looked at all of them and then rounded the corner and saw all the dinosaur bones and got excited. The she looked up and saw the pterodactyl and was terrified. She didn't want to look at them anymore and kept trying to leave the room. I managed to take a few pictures but she did not want to be near any of the meat eating dinosaurs. She told me the pterodactyl was an omnivore, but insisted it would think her fingers were rodents. She cracks me up. I'll post pictures when I get a chance. (We have to use the wireless internet in the lobby of the hotel since we don't have an ethernet port or adaptor) We also went and saw the Land and Sea Museum (?) and saw a lot of the exhibits that were there. My nephew wanted to see the WWI & WWII planes so we made a point to see those as well.
Tomorrow we are headed to have coffee with our Senator from Texas, yes, we are taking all 4 children. I wonder if they will chase us out of there. We also have a tour of the Kennedy Center setup and we will attend a show that night if everything goes according to plan. Not sure what else is in store.
I am tired and hot and headed to eat ice cream and drink beer.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Now I am really packing
and it is 11:35 at night. We just got home from Walmart. We were right on schedule and everything was going smoothly till we were headed to Walmart and then the outlaws house and I noticed that the lawn needed to be cut. (I am thinking it rains more here than in Seattle these days) So DH cleaned out the car with the help of the kids and I mowed the lawn since he is still not able to do much physical activity (or so the doctor says, lol). We made it to the outlaws late and then stayed too late. After you finally say you are leaving it takes 15 rounds of saying goodbye to everyone. I was glad to see everyone that came and learned a lot about my husband and his family through this reunion so I guess some good came out of it.
I confess I did take a nap this afternoon, but I was sooooo tired! I still have to finish packing and get everything ready to be loaded in the morning. I think when I go to Hawaii I will be far more prepared.
Stay tuned for updates on the Beverly Hillbillies go to DC....
P.S. To my defense I called my mom at 10:30 and she was vacuuming and was doing laundry. I wonder where I get it from...
Twas the night before leave
And all through the house
The washing machine was going
While my husband did grouse
And I in my sweats with my hair pulled on back
Had just settled down to write lists of what to pack
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a Washington DC guide book
And I started to fear
Here we are about to depart
And we have yet to plan our start!
The laundry’s not done, the house is a mess
The trip is not planned I started to confess!
I called up my mom and started to cry
She just listened and laughed and knew not to pry
For she was not much better I soon heard
And my nephew was joining this menagerie I’d herd.
So although the future is quite uncertain
We have reservations and a trip-tik I am certain
So the 7 of us will venture out of our state
And hope that our trip will end up with ????? (I can’t think of anything that fits. LOL I better go pack and be more constructive…I think how tired I am is showing.)
I confess I did take a nap this afternoon, but I was sooooo tired! I still have to finish packing and get everything ready to be loaded in the morning. I think when I go to Hawaii I will be far more prepared.
Stay tuned for updates on the Beverly Hillbillies go to DC....
P.S. To my defense I called my mom at 10:30 and she was vacuuming and was doing laundry. I wonder where I get it from...
Twas the night before leave
And all through the house
The washing machine was going
While my husband did grouse
And I in my sweats with my hair pulled on back
Had just settled down to write lists of what to pack
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a Washington DC guide book
And I started to fear
Here we are about to depart
And we have yet to plan our start!
The laundry’s not done, the house is a mess
The trip is not planned I started to confess!
I called up my mom and started to cry
She just listened and laughed and knew not to pry
For she was not much better I soon heard
And my nephew was joining this menagerie I’d herd.
So although the future is quite uncertain
We have reservations and a trip-tik I am certain
So the 7 of us will venture out of our state
And hope that our trip will end up with ????? (I can’t think of anything that fits. LOL I better go pack and be more constructive…I think how tired I am is showing.)
Packing
Or at least I should be. We leave for DC tomorrow morning with the whole menagerie--the five of us, my mom and my nephew. If nothing else we should have quite an adventure getting there!
We still have to go to the inlaws house to say goodbye to everyone and I worked this morning so I better get started on that packing. I might need a nap first. Junior is down....aren't you supposed to sleep when they are?
We still have to go to the inlaws house to say goodbye to everyone and I worked this morning so I better get started on that packing. I might need a nap first. Junior is down....aren't you supposed to sleep when they are?
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
4th of July
Happy 4th of July!
We went back to the family reunion where we BBQed, cooked, ate, cleaned up and hung out. Pretty American. Someone had purchased some fireworks and I didn't want my kids to touch them and fortunately the other mom felt the same way as her son was burnt by a sparkler. They had gotten some chem lights for the kids and they were as happy as could be. My family usally watches the fireworks put on by Fort Hood but this time we just stayed over at the outlaws house. The kids are now tired and nestled into bed while visions of Washington DC hopefully dance in their heads.
We went back to the family reunion where we BBQed, cooked, ate, cleaned up and hung out. Pretty American. Someone had purchased some fireworks and I didn't want my kids to touch them and fortunately the other mom felt the same way as her son was burnt by a sparkler. They had gotten some chem lights for the kids and they were as happy as could be. My family usally watches the fireworks put on by Fort Hood but this time we just stayed over at the outlaws house. The kids are now tired and nestled into bed while visions of Washington DC hopefully dance in their heads.
More Family Reunion
This is turning out to be pretty interesting albeit very tiring too. We slept in till almost 10 this morning. I told DH that we need to get back on a normal schedule before we leave for DC.
My outlaws have 12 extra people sleeping on their floors. (Thank goodness we are just 20 minutes away and can come home every night!) FIL is concerned about the electric bill and the water bill and complains constantly. If someone turns on a fan he turns it off. The house is over 85 degrees and full of flies (especially gross after going to NASA and the grossology exhibit and seeing how flies barf every time they land ewwww).
The FIL is also not happy that all these people have to use water. In order to alleviate some of the stress one husband and wife were showering together to conserve his water. The abundance of laundry that needs to be done is a sore spot as well since that requires both his electricity and water. There is just no way to win I guess!
The kicker was last night when he brought out lanterns for us to use for light instead of electricity. I wonder what today will hold. At least we will be grilling so that he won't have to complain about us using the oven!
My outlaws have 12 extra people sleeping on their floors. (Thank goodness we are just 20 minutes away and can come home every night!) FIL is concerned about the electric bill and the water bill and complains constantly. If someone turns on a fan he turns it off. The house is over 85 degrees and full of flies (especially gross after going to NASA and the grossology exhibit and seeing how flies barf every time they land ewwww).
The FIL is also not happy that all these people have to use water. In order to alleviate some of the stress one husband and wife were showering together to conserve his water. The abundance of laundry that needs to be done is a sore spot as well since that requires both his electricity and water. There is just no way to win I guess!
The kicker was last night when he brought out lanterns for us to use for light instead of electricity. I wonder what today will hold. At least we will be grilling so that he won't have to complain about us using the oven!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Hawaii
I booked 11 days at the military resort in Hawaii for November. I bought our tickets, reserved my mom to watch the kids and am now planning out what we will see and do. If anyone has any suggestions, tell me now!
Family Reunions
My husband's family is having a reunion here this week. I think the big day is the 4th of July, but while I was busy organizing my husband took the kids over to his parent's house to hang out with arriving family members. I don't know much about my husband's family or his brothers (he has three). Last night after I went to dinner with my mom and sister and her children I ventured over there for the festivities.
We had a few drinks and sat around and talked and I learned a lot about my husband. His oldest brother was there and passed on some stories. His other older brother will arrive today so I am sure I can hear more about what a perfect angel he was not!
The kids are loving hanging out over there and swimming, playing and hanging out in the huge dog kennel. My outlaws built the kennel but haven't finished with the tarp on top, etc., so the kids just hang out in it and have a great time. This is Abbie playing prisoner.
Tomorrow should be interesting with this group of people. Hopefully I will survive.
P.S. DH survived his surgery and is recovering nicely. :)
Extreme Room Makeover
My mom is a bargain shopper with big ideas. She can see something and can envision something great being created from it. It doesn't matter how odd of an item it is, it is useful and she needs it....especially if it is on sale. Over the years she has accumulated quite a few million craft items for pennies on the dollar. She has a beautiful room that she has stored these items in and where she would go to create.....till the "bargains" took over the room. My sister and brother and sister-in-law spent 3 days emptying, building shelving, tossing, organizing and donating my mom's "treasures". After two trips to Goodwill (don't go buy back your stuff mom!) and a trip to the dump we managed to make the room livable. It's not perfect...that would require about a month of working straight through, but it is now a workable situation for her and we expect her to create great things.
I know it was very hard for my mom and she was a trooper and after the first day left us alone. She did grab on to the fact that she couldn't find one "work in progress" and gave us a really hard time about it. She bet my sister-in-law $10 that we had thrown it away, and it struck me today where I put it and sure enough it was still there and she apologized profusely. Whew...I was really starting to think that I had tossed it!
Anyway, I will continue to help her organize the room but if anyone sees her at the local Goodwill trying to buy back her stuff or Hobby Lobby or Michael's trying to replace it, please have her drop the items and slowly back away from the store--and take away her coupons!
I know it was very hard for my mom and she was a trooper and after the first day left us alone. She did grab on to the fact that she couldn't find one "work in progress" and gave us a really hard time about it. She bet my sister-in-law $10 that we had thrown it away, and it struck me today where I put it and sure enough it was still there and she apologized profusely. Whew...I was really starting to think that I had tossed it!
Anyway, I will continue to help her organize the room but if anyone sees her at the local Goodwill trying to buy back her stuff or Hobby Lobby or Michael's trying to replace it, please have her drop the items and slowly back away from the store--and take away her coupons!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Pre-Deployment Checklist
Over on Spouse Buzz one of the authors had a great post about pre deployment checklists. As DH gets ready to go to ntc and Iraq again I need to get organized (famous last words in my family, but this time I really really really mean it!). I have gone through deployments and lost power of attorneys and all kinds of other things, but this time I am determined that I will be on top of my game. I am sure my mom will give me one of her many binders (I secretly think she collects them along with Lipton tea lids) and I will get started next week--no rush, right?
7 habits
Today DH and I took a class offered by the Army called 7 Habits of Highly Effective Army Families based on Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families. It was a great class and we learned a lot. (Actually DH left at the lunch break since his chain of command wouldn't authorize him to stay the whole day after approving it originally, but oh well) I think we learned a lot of valuable information and hopefully we can put it into practice. I do wish that they had had more examples that were Army related to deployment as that would be helpful in the upcoming months. I do recommend the course to others though, just check with ACS to see if it is offered at your post. Now it is time for DH and I to plow through the book and the workbook so that we can get the most out of the class.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Happy Birthday!!
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Today is Junior's 1st birthday!!! Hard to believe how much he has changed over the last 12 months. He was born at 10:01 pm weighing in at a hefty 10 lbs 1 oz. (Thank goodness for epidurals!) Dh had just returned from Iraq for R&R two days prior so he was able to be there for the birth.
He still doesn't sleep through the night every night but I love him just the same!
Monday, June 25, 2007
We're home
I'll try to post some pictures later but we had a great time and the car ride both ways was not that bad! My brother and SIL were great on Sunday taking the girls on a 3 mile run before we headed back so they were worn out. The girls loved NASA and the grossology exhibit. My brother went along with us which made managing 3 kiddos a lot easier. They even had a multi-level playscape inside that the kids loved! I remember being dragged to NASA when I was a kid all the time and dreading it (sorry Mom I know you were trying!). It has really changed and is definitely worth a visit if you are down near Houston.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Weekend
We were all supposed to go to Houston this weekend and stay with my brother, but unfortunately idiots in the barracks have decided that they like to drink while on duty so DH is being punished with the rest of the guys. Sooooo.....call me crazy, but I am going to attempt to pick up the girls from acting camp, feed them and with Junior and the girls drive 4 hours to my brother's house at night. Hopefully NASA will be okay with the 4 of us on Saturday or I might just sit at home after this adventure. DH will be working all weekend so there is no point in us sitting around the house being bored. Famous last words...
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Acting Camp Update
Apparently both of the girls had a great day today. I don't know much more, but Em was participating and Abs had 4 boys fighting over sitting next to her both in the chairs and on stage. Em got the part of a turtle and Abs will be a soldier (guess she wants to be just like dad!).
I will celebrate with Olive Garden with the outlaws...don't know how much of a celebration that is, but it's better than me cooking!
I will celebrate with Olive Garden with the outlaws...don't know how much of a celebration that is, but it's better than me cooking!
I love my daughter
My mom called this morning and was reluctant to take Abs to acting camp. Apparently she had not been listening all morning. To her defense she is ADHD and did not have her medication yet. My mom thinks it is better to pull her out and let her try again next year. I feel that if she doesn't make it this year, I won't try again next year. There is always such a stigma attached to a child that has ADHD and I don't want her to be labeled as a troublemaker.
One thing I really hate is when Abs acts up and the first thing out of someones mouth is "Did she take her medicine today, because it sure doesn't seem like it." I hate that she even has to take medicine and I try not to give it to her over the summer. I hate when people assume she hasn't had it and that is why she is behaving the way she is. I hate that people are so quick to pass her off as being difficult and are unwilling to keep her or spend time with her because she is such a handful. Seems like everyone would rather take the easiest way out and just not have anything else to do with her. I love her with all of my heart and to think that someone doesn't appreciate every bit of her crushes me. Yes, she can be difficult and frustrating. Yes, she has given me gray hairs on more than one occasion. But, I would not trade anything about her and I wish that other people would see that and love her for who she is. So I have decided that I will just keep Abbie close and love her and not put her in situations where people think she is "trouble". I don't want her growing up with a complex about all of this. And to those who miss out on being a part of her life, I feel sorry for you, you have no idea what an incredible child she is.
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." --Henry David Thoreau
"On the whole, human beings want to be good, but not too good and not quite all the time." --George Orwell
One thing I really hate is when Abs acts up and the first thing out of someones mouth is "Did she take her medicine today, because it sure doesn't seem like it." I hate that she even has to take medicine and I try not to give it to her over the summer. I hate when people assume she hasn't had it and that is why she is behaving the way she is. I hate that people are so quick to pass her off as being difficult and are unwilling to keep her or spend time with her because she is such a handful. Seems like everyone would rather take the easiest way out and just not have anything else to do with her. I love her with all of my heart and to think that someone doesn't appreciate every bit of her crushes me. Yes, she can be difficult and frustrating. Yes, she has given me gray hairs on more than one occasion. But, I would not trade anything about her and I wish that other people would see that and love her for who she is. So I have decided that I will just keep Abbie close and love her and not put her in situations where people think she is "trouble". I don't want her growing up with a complex about all of this. And to those who miss out on being a part of her life, I feel sorry for you, you have no idea what an incredible child she is.
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away." --Henry David Thoreau
"On the whole, human beings want to be good, but not too good and not quite all the time." --George Orwell
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Tactical Questioning
DH attended a tactical questioning class today. Tactical questioning is "a compilation of tools to help all soldiers collect information through questioning and detainee handling." He really enjoyed the class and thought that it would have been useful to have had it before the last two deployments. Apparently the last time he was over there the usual responses from the Iraqi people were "no Ali Baba, we saw nothing, we hear nothing, we love Americans."
Although I doubt one class will give them the knowledge to get an abundance of information it is nice to see that the Army is moving in the right direction to get all Soldiers the training they need before deployment. When DH deployed the first time we had just PCSed to Hood and he had no training specific to Iraq before he left. He feels this time they are more adequately preparing the Soldiers for deployment. Thank goodness!
Although I doubt one class will give them the knowledge to get an abundance of information it is nice to see that the Army is moving in the right direction to get all Soldiers the training they need before deployment. When DH deployed the first time we had just PCSed to Hood and he had no training specific to Iraq before he left. He feels this time they are more adequately preparing the Soldiers for deployment. Thank goodness!
Stay Tuned...
to see if my children will be booted from acting camp. Apparently Em preferred to sit under the table at craft time and Abs was too busy getting into everything to pay attention. Em has almost the entire play memorized and they got the script yesterday. No telling what is going on in Abs mind.
I guess they get their assigned parts tomorrow--Em is hoping to be a turtle and Abs wants to be a soldier. Maybe they should worry about being able to continue rather than which part they would get. My nephew is enrolled as well and apparently he is doing great.
Hopefully they can pull it together and make it the entire two weeks! Keep your fingers crossed...maybe one day something will be easy for us!
I guess they get their assigned parts tomorrow--Em is hoping to be a turtle and Abs wants to be a soldier. Maybe they should worry about being able to continue rather than which part they would get. My nephew is enrolled as well and apparently he is doing great.
Hopefully they can pull it together and make it the entire two weeks! Keep your fingers crossed...maybe one day something will be easy for us!
Monday, June 18, 2007
First Morning
My mom dropped the girls off at acting camp this morning and my nephew was waiting on them. Abs had three new best friends before my mom had finished enrolling them and Em was already hungry and had broken into her lunchbox.
Abs went walking with my mom this morning and that seemed to help burn off some excess energy. Keep your fingers crossed since I am trying to avoid staying there the two weeks with them! I have too much to do here.
Hopefully the afternoon report will be good....
Abs went walking with my mom this morning and that seemed to help burn off some excess energy. Keep your fingers crossed since I am trying to avoid staying there the two weeks with them! I have too much to do here.
Hopefully the afternoon report will be good....
Sunday, June 17, 2007
I did it!
I have solved Insaneaquarium. I will sleep better tonight.
The girls are at my mom's for the next two weeks in order to attend acting camp. I am wondering how many days it will take before my mom has me move in and help her with them in the evening. Any betters out there?
The girls are at my mom's for the next two weeks in order to attend acting camp. I am wondering how many days it will take before my mom has me move in and help her with them in the evening. Any betters out there?
Happy Father's Day
My Dad
I wish he was here to celebrate Father's Day, but not a day goes by that I am not thankful for him and what he did for me.
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