Half Dozen Household

Still here

2011-06-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say this blog still exists! I still blog for my hubby every day. It is still private and will remain that way. We are getting ready for another big move. Hubby is still deployed. One day at a time and one foot in front of the other!

The kids had an AMAZING school year.

Sports have been a saving grace.

Hope everyone is well!

The NEw Blog

2010-08-22T19:03:00.000-07:00

Has been made private. I worry about people reading it who have no business knowing what is going on in our lives. And I don't mean "the general public"
if you are interested in following our lives, let me know. I will need you to send me a message with your email so I can send you an invite to the blog.
For the most part, I know who my "faithful" readers have been....
So, random people... sorry. Let me know.

you can find me...

2010-08-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

everyday.... over here.....

EVERY.... DAY....

Hope you come and follow our journey for the time Chris is away..... it's going to be a long, long year....

Whats up?

2010-07-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Well... Wow.
I have not posted in EONS.
Anyways.
We are in Florida.
We made it here in the beginning of July and we are now at the point where Chris will be heading out to Diego Garcia.
We have been trying to make the best of our time together which is extremely limited now!
We have about 365+ days until he comes home!
We do not know a date but it should be in August next year some time.
We had major issues with the move.
Everything has finally made it to our house but it could have been a complete disaster.
I do not like the grass in Florida.
I also do not like the hornets/wasps what ever they are.
I hate biting ants.
Wolf spiders are able to keep you awake for hours once you spot ~~one~~ two in your home within minutes of each other.
Something bit Chris when we were swimming at the beach.
It is HOT.
I won't complain.
It will be hotter where hubby is.
CJ loves the beach. And the Pool. So do the girls.
There is an awesome dog park here.
It isn't all nasty like the one in Groton.
People are nice.
When you see them.
I got the girls in to the school I wanted and not the bad one they were slated to go to because of our address.
The girls are looking forward to their new school.
If CJ can do his business in the can maybe he will go to school too.
Sports are different in Florida.
I have not figured out the rotation.
I miss my CT friends.
Our puppies are all growing up.
I wish I had contact with the owners of all the pups. But I don't.
My kids are getting tan.
CJ is not compliant with haircuts.
I get to move in a year.
To where? We don't know.
Trying not to think about Chief's results which will be coming out soon.
I am going to assume Chris did NOT make it because he has not stomped through the desert.
I think Chris is more than qualified to be a Chief.
But. That is not what they want I guess.
I would love if my assumption was incorrect.
CJ has a lot of toys.
Most will not make the next move with us.
The air force base here is AWESOME.
I think all Air Force bases are better than any navy base.
Stupid Shipyards.
I have water in my ear because of swimming.
I won't complain.
It is nice to have a place to swim.
My dad has not had his surgery for his cancer yet.
They are getting another opinion.
Mom will be getting an ablation or pacemaker or both.
Don't know when.
Loving the new doc for the kiddos.
Can't wait to meet my REAL doctor!
Hoping to resolve some of my ongoing issues.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. We are enjoying ours.
Looking forward to the day I get to see my husband in person again!

Visit with the Crawford's

2010-06-01T19:44:00.001-07:00

I guess you could call it our annual trip to New Hampshire to visit the Crawford Family?

Whatever it is, I LOVE it.

It was a bittersweet trip because it is our last trip while we are stationed here in Connecticut.

I am going to miss them terribly even though I know I will have at least daily contact with Ali.

The kids were quick to play with one another this time in comparison to other visits.

Kendyl was so excited with the Silly bands we brought for her from our pit stop on the ride up.

I brought Shawn Alan a T shirt with a submarine on it to match CJ.

How could I not with Yogi, Chris and Tim all being former submariners?

So here is a snippet of our "last" trip to NH *sniff* I have to find the previous pictures of Sydney and Jackson from our other visits. Jackson now TOWERS over Sydney.
Ashley Gray

The baby boys on the swings with their matching Shirts... and Dakota... waiting for the watermelon. How many times did he pee that night Ali?

The awesome 5 year old January 05 Girlies

Deep in conversation

Sydney FREEEZING

Digging Dirt

This boy is gorgeous.... Nearly 3 already. Where does time go?

Shawn Alan... adorable

Jumping Beans!

Until we meet again.... which better be sooner than later. We love you guys.

Visiting with Old Friends

2010-05-29T14:28:00.000-07:00

I have limited time left here in Connecticut.

So, if you want to chill with us, you better get your name penciled in!

Our schedule is quite full so ... time is limited... unless of course you are going to Florida in the next year! Then we could meet up down there!

TODAY I was able to meet up with an old and dear friend of mine Kristina and her son Thomas. We have been friends ever since we worked together back in 2002. What a crazy time that was!! We worked with adolescents with many different psychological issues. (and many other things!) We were able to survive somehow! Even though I got pretty banged up by one of the girls one night! Those were the days. Her son Thomas and my baby girl Kiley were supposed to be born 3 months apart. She was due in late October and I was due in Mid January. Well, there were other plans for both of us. She went overdue with Thomas and I had Kiley early... making them 1 month and 9 days apart. Craziness.

We met up at Burger King and then went to a local park to let the kids go crazy! It was nice to catch up and we hope to be able to get together again before we move out of the northeast.

Hope everyone is having a nice memorial day weekend. We are waiting for some storms. Tomorrow I will go to NEW HAMPSHIRE! Excited!

Have to empty my 8 gig memory stick which I FILLED! OMG!

Whatcha Been Up to?

2010-05-28T13:02:00.001-07:00

Long time no post... crappy blogger here....

So, things have been super duper crazy around here.

Ashley got the all clear from cardiology from the pain she was having in her chest (probably muscular... softball has started.. so... the chest pain was most likely from that... I tried to tell her that but she thought she was dying)

Sydney does not have Central Auditory Processing Disorder. WOOHOO!

CJ is not allergic to ragweed, trees, pollen, dogs, airborne mold... hmm.. what else. I dont remember. So, just a stubborn stuffy nose from allergens but nothing in particular. Still have to wait and see on the peanuts.

Kiley, well she is Kiley.... still figuring out what we will do for her next year, Kindergarten again or 1st grade.

My dad was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. He had his bone scan yesterday and will be having a CAT scan next week to determine the path he will be taking to fight it off. Please keep him (and us) in your prayers (this is scary...)

We start packing out of our CT house in 26 days. THAT is scary. It means we are that much closer to the hubby deploying to Diego Garcia and that makes me sad.

We have a lease signed on a home in Florida! YAY! That is one less thing to worry about.

So, that is the QUICK update...

We have been nonstop for a couple of weeks between scouts, medical appointments, softball, and dance and everything else in between. Most days I dont know which way is up.

All the pups have gone to their forever families. I am hoping that the pups train well and none of them end up being shelter dogs and bounced from house to house. I need to let go of my worries and hope for the best for them. (only 2 I am worried about)

I hope you all have a happy and safe and FUN memorial Day weekend!

I am going to visit a super awesome friend in New Hampshire who I will miss dearly even though I only got to pop in about 1 time a year! Maybe she can hitch-hike to see me in Florida! tehhhe! Be on the lookout for super cute pictures!

BAD BLOGGER! The PUPS ARE 5 WEEKS OLD NOW!

2010-05-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

If I can't see their ribbon, I still can't tell you who they are! LOL! Well, some of them can be easily picked out of the bunch... but some of the others are so similar it is hard to tell.

They love to eat. And poo and pee. They are noisy. They are not nursing nearly as much. They eat puppy kibble which has been softened. They all have forever homes to go to. They are being loved on and manhandled like crazy around here. They love when they escape to the living room. The whelping box "graduated" twice. It is now in the kitchen where we have all the pups gated off and they can roam around in there. They are pretty good at doing their business on the paper. They love playing with their DAD! He seems to enjoy it just as much. They have fun with their toys and they love to tackle and wrestle each other. When I am in the kitchen they love to bite my ankles. We have a small pup, we have a big pup. We have a fuzzy pup and some medium fuzzy and some that appear much more Labrador. They are great puppies and we will miss them once they are gone but most days we are READY for them to go to their forever families! I tried to get a face shot of all the puppies today for their 5 week birthday but they are much too busy to cooperate with what I want!

Enjoy!

This is Pup #1. He was a 2 colored ribbon because I had not bought enough colors before Rosa had the pups. Now he is "Yellow". His Forever Family is a military family and they have some teenaged children. The names they have been tossing around are "Noah" and "Odin". I am not sure if they have come up with his name yet for sure but last time I talked to them, those were the 2 on the top of the list. Of course their teen children will want some input. He is super cute and comes to the gates wanting attention when he realizes someone is on the other side!

Pup #2 Turquoise. His owner is a single lady who has roomates. They all are eager to bring this guy home with them! Several of her friends have come over when she has visited this little guy. He is going to be a spoiled boy. I LOVE him. He is most like his father in looks. He has a ton of fur and is the biggest of the bunch. He always comes to my feet when I am in the kitchen and is always good for an awesome squishy snuggle. His name the last time I talked to his Mom was possibly going to be "Bobo"
Pup #3 Purple. His forever family has some older children. They had a dog in the past who passed away and they are ready to add a new guy to their family. I do not know if they have any names picked out for this guy because I know his mom will want her kiddos to have some input in to his name. For now... he is "Purple" LOL. He is the most mellow of the bunch. He is also the most stocky. He is so stinking cute. We thought he was going to be one of the smaller ones but he has certainly caught up with the rest!

Pup #4 Green. His forever family will be coming for their first visit tomorrow. They were previously a military family but they are now in the civilian community! I have not met them but Chris has... so... He will be staying here in CT with his forever family. He is a good boy. Not too big and not too small and just the right personality! He has been a funny boy with his antics! But all in good ways!

Pup #5 Blue. This little guy will be with his forever family in New Hampshire! He has a HUGE family from all walks of life who will love on him! He will have a big brother doggie who is a Yellow Labrador. He will have kids who are from 2-20's in ages! And many adults who are just incredible people in so many ways. I can not say enough positive things about his forever family. He will certainly have tons of people to keep him busy!! Or... is it... he will keep all of them busy??? I cant wait to see pics of this guy IN THE SNOW! His name is going to be Sawyer Blue. GREAT name... his daddy's middle name is Blue as well (Hudson Blue)

Pup #6. Formerly known as Orange, I couldnt find orange ribbon so he became RED! And he is a little spitfire! He is SO fun to play with!!!! He is a happy guy and will make his forever family super happy! He will be going to a family with a "tween" and a little gal. His name will be Bruin. Can you guess where he got that name?! I had so much fun rolling around on the floor with him tonite! He is a love muffin.

OUR GALS!

Pup #7 Coral. She is one who can hold her own with all the boys! She is bigger than her sister. She will be staying here in CT with her forever family. She is going to go home with the family of one of Kiley's classmates. She will have some kiddos the same age as Kiley to keep her busy. Her name is possibly going to be Ruby if Mom and kiddos get their way! Dad didn't have any say in the name! LOL! I think Ruby is a cute name though! She certainly found a crazy way to sleep with her brothers in this shot!

Finally, Pup #8. Our little Pink ribboned gal. She is definitely the smallest of the bunch. She is going to be built just like her momma. She is Kiley's favorite puppy! If you can't find a puppy in the bunch, I guarantee you she is off running around with Kiley somewhere! She is going to be in my family forever!! She is going home with my sister and her family! I am so excited she will be my "niece" once she leaves our home! Her name is possibly going to be Sassafras... Sassy... Sassy Pants. And she is a SASSY little thing. SO cute.

I am certainly loving every little bit of time I get to snuggle with these little pups! They are keeping me busy with their noise and with their poo and pee. I LOVE their puppy breath and smelling their little puppy smells! (NOT INCLUDING POO AND PEE) I could snuggle with these buggers all day.... but, with our life, it isn't possible. I am going to do my best to make these pups ready for their forever families!

The pups are 2 weeks old

2010-04-21T19:30:00.001-07:00

2 weeks old and... compare it with...

below... Hours old....

All have been "claimed"

Blue will be Sawyer

Pink is possibly Olivia

There are other people still deciding on names....

We also still have a waiting list. Incredible the interest in this bunch of black lab mixes!

They are so cool to watch... the things they are doing... Pink loves to howl... it is pretty cute. Blue, he can be a noisy boisterous one. "Walter" is SO darn sweet. His face is ADORABLE

they all have budding personalities and I am sure I will be updating on how they are developing in that sense!

We are 1 week old!

2010-04-14T10:48:00.001-07:00

I can not believe it was a week ago we were watching as Rosa birthed these puppies!!! They are already developing personalities and they can make some NOISE! Rosa is doing well as a momma. Getting out of the box more often now and has her moments of thinking she is a puppy!!! HAHA! She just wants to lay in her cushy bed.... spoiled princess.

Pup #1, "Walter"... only named that because his 2 ribbons are the colors of the Chicago Bears.... Walter Payton.... We ran out of ribbon, I thought I was buying too much when I purchased 7 rolls of color... boy was I wrong! He is so stinking cute I cant stand it.

Pup #2 Turquoise

Pup #3 Purple (our little but super cute boy)

Pup #4 Green

Pup #5 Blue... he is a noisy boy, a mover .... and so full of personality. He is one of the bigger ones! AKA Sawyer Blue

Pup #6 Orange... LOVE him!

Pup #7 our pudgy girl, Coral ... She can hang with the big boys! LOL!

Pup #8, our little Girl Miss Pink... BOY can she MOVE though!

4 1/2 days old!

2010-04-11T15:37:00.001-07:00

Our pups have grown so much in such a short time!!!!!! AND they are starting to get little personalities!

Rosa is still a super mom. She saw the vet today and everything looks ok! Watching out for any signs of mastitis, or... not feeding the babies or whatever. But everything looks ok!

Pup #1.... Walter

Pup #2 Turquoise
Pup #3 Purple The Smallest boy in the bunch

Pup #4 Green

Pup #5 Blue (the noisiest of the bunch! and a HEFFER! HE has the biggest head of the bunch too!)
Pup #6 Orange
AND OUR AWESOME GIRLS!

Pup #7 Coral... our chunky girl

Pup #8 Hot pink... she is our small girl, probably smallest of all pups... but boy can she move!

MEET our Crew!!

2010-04-07T16:13:00.000-07:00

After a pretty short delivery time, We now have 8 little pups here!!!!! Amazing... and incredible...

My dog Rosa is amazing. She was such a trooper. She didn't make a single whimper during the whole process.

We are shocked at our group of little pups.... so, now I will introduce you to our babies...

I have NO clue which ones were born first, but the last 2, I know they were last. But not which one came first! HAH!

Baby #1 arrived at 6:30 am. Male, All Black like his daddy

(notice #1's Chicago Bears COLORS!)

Baby #2 arrived at 7:02 am. Male, All black like his daddy

Baby #3 arrived at 7:50am. Male, All black like his daddy

Baby #4 arrived at 8:00am. Male, all black like his daddy

Baby #5 arrived at 8:35 am. Male, all black like his daddy

Baby #6 arrived at 8:54 am. Male, all black like his daddy

Baby #7 arrived at 9:28 am. A GIRL!!!!!!!!!! All black like her daddy.

Finally,

Baby #8 arrived at 10:32am. ANOTHER GIRL, all black like her daddy. She was bit sluggish and it was a bit scary, but she pulled through.

Thank you Doreen and Joan for all your information and support. Without you guys, I Really would have been lost. I am sure I will have more questions as the pups grow and develop!

It is LABOR DAY!

2010-04-07T02:05:00.000-07:00

It is now 5am EST and my doggie dog Rosa woke me up with her PANTING! Yes folks... looks like the day is upon us where our little munchkin poochies will be joining us....
please pray for strength for my sweet Rosa.... and for me... my stomach is churning already thinking about what is coming! BLECH!

Do not know what the timeline consists of for the birth.... gonna get some things together!
Adios! I will keep you posted. I am sitting by her whelping box in the meantime.....

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T11:24:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful, quiet Easter this year. We did not attend any church services at all. We hung out in the living room and then outside and enjoyed our beautiful weather we have been having the past few days. After a crazy and hectic week, it sure was nice to just relax... oh, and I did some cooking! I made a lemon pound cake and a Carrot cake. I also made a chili cheese dip and Tex Mex Chicken appetizer. We went over to our neighbor's house and had Easter dinner with them. They also had an egg hunt even though it was mostly for our kids to hunt because Josh (Ashley's "boyfriend") decided he just wanted to help them find them. He helped to hide them. All in all it was a WONDERFUL relaxing day with good friends and good food... Our family and the Banks Family (minus 2 teenagers)
It's almost as if we are walking in to the "sunset" of our time here in CT. All of us. Our neighbor will be retiring from the Navy at the same time that we transfer. So, this Easter Celebration is considered one of our "No-More" events. "No-More" Easters in CT. Off they all go... No-More

Ashley and Sydney in a mad dash around the empty lot looking for those hidden eggs! Thank you guys for doing that!

It must be the age. Ashley is ALWAYS making faces now for pictures. Makes me CRAZY!

One Legged Jump Roping Sydney... notice the writing on the pavement done by my hubby!

Ashley 10 Years

Daddy and Sydney enjoying the sunshine

What did you find Sydney

VERY happy little boy

The kiddos ready for the egg hunt!

Kiley and CJ planning what to do with the skateboard...

How about we do it like this?

Hope you all had a WONDERFUL Easter!

A photo because I SHOULD be in bed.... and, well... I am not

2010-04-02T22:08:00.000-07:00

My dryer died tonite. Did I tell you how our washer died a little while back... and thankfully a guy Chris works with was so generous and gave us an old one he had??? And how absolutely generous another guy he works with was ... he gave me an old cell phone he had (which is probably better than the one I LOST the other day in the monsoon)

And now this... a dead dryer. I guess 17+ loads a week is enough to make anyone unhappy... especially my washer and dryer. I think it heard about the new batch of muddy clothes and kicked it....

I am so grateful for the generosity of people....

Ah well. Chris is going to tear it apart tomorrow and I am going to lay clothing about in order to get it all dried out....

Softball practice for Sydney in less than 8 hours... and I am sitting here AWAKE

Rosa's thoughts on pregnancy.....

2010-04-02T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I can't tell you what Rosa is thinking, but this picture might give us an idea....

So, instead I will just tell you some of my thoughts...
If there was a book called "Dog Pregnancy for Dummies"
Well.. I think I would be one of the first ones in line to purchase it!
I know there really isn't much to think about, and I have found some excellent resources, but... still.
I am not a dog, I don't know what my dog is thinking... and ... yeah. Being a momma to my pregnant dog is HARD. I wish I knew what she was thinking!
I wish I knew how many pups to be expecting. I wish I knew when she got knocked up.
I wish I knew a lot of things.
I am just praying for an easy delivery of healthy pups and a doggie who is an awesome momma dog... and HEALTHY.
So, we are still awaiting the arrival of our Grand-pups. I will definitely be keeping everyone up to date on the process....
And let me tell you... Joan and her blog have been a GOD send... Thank you Joan... I will be keeping in touch... and her blog makes me so eager to see our pups!
And an old friend Doreen .... Thank you for all your insight, advice, links, chatter in text and what not... I will be keeping you posted too!!!

Hudson is 1 and the monsoon

2010-03-30T20:24:00.001-07:00

Today our crazy male puppy turned 1!!!
HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY HUDSON!!!!!!!!

Because of the crazy rain, I didnt even get out to get him some special toy or something. I will get him something hopefully tomorrow when (hopefully) the rain water recedes.
This is just the small amount of flooding in the field behind our house.

I did not get any pics of the water way up on our side yard or during my tense drive to and from the schools. My hometown in Rhode Island has been hit real hard and I know many people are feeling the strain of the flooding and my prayers go out to them.

I lost my cell phone in the middle of trying to pick up Kiley from school today. I drove through some puddles the weather channel would have told me was a complete No-No. I needed to get my baby! I am still waiting to see the update on whether or not Kiley will have school tomorrow because as of right now I can see that the road is still blocked off by her school.
CJ went to the doc because he was limping weird. He still does it off and on but he does not express any pain so we are watching it.

And that is about it for now, one more day in March in Connecticut! Wow! Time is flying and I do not like that.
Oh, and CJ is eating dog food right now! What is WRONG with this kid?!

No Puppies Yet

2010-03-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Well, after thinking we were getting closer to having pups, we are now into our second night of nothing! Rosa's temperature is fluctuating from 99.5 to 100.1

This probably means we are closer but, not there yet! I can feel and see the pups moving and it is just incredible to watch! And of course, it makes me happy it is NOT me this time! LOL! Although, I feel bad knowing what my poor pooch has to go through! I was hoping the pups were going to be born today because today is Hudson's 1st birthday! Wouldn't that have been an awesome birthday present?! HA! Not for HIM!

Rosa definitely hangs out by my feet most of the time if she has the opportunity. I guess we will be having April babies! I am hoping that Mom and babies are strong and healthy and we have a great outcome when all is said and done.

There is a huge interest in the puppies once they are born that I am going to have to come up with some sort of method to find my puppies the absolute best LIFE LONG homes. Even if they are Marley! LOL!

I am curious to see if they are going to be black or yellow or what they will be. My guess is there are 5 puppies and they are all black! We will see once the time arrives if I am right!

Chris built a whelping box. It is certainly not the best box, but it was still made with love! She is still eating and doesnt seem too out of sorts yet. She still loves her treats!

Milk does come out of her nipples and it can even be seen there spontaneously also!

So, time will tell! I just wish I knew how many more days....

Here is our Rosa tonite.

Skipping Stones

2010-03-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

Spring Fever!

2010-03-21T07:10:00.000-07:00

We have been SO happy to be outside! Although, to me, this winter didn't seem too long... we are really enjoying the beautiful weather and try to stay outside as long as possible. I know we will probably have some cruddy weather still ahead... but, for now...... We have SPRING FEVER!

my knocked up dog...

2010-03-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

March 7, 2010
March 15, 2010

March 22, 2010

March 26, 2010

March 30, 2010
and the nipple hair has left the building... oh wait, there is a whole bunch of it under our butts on the loveseat!

TOTALLY didnt mean for this to happen. Thought for sure I had kept them apart well enough. A friend told me that it was possible that my doggie was experiencing a "false pregnancy" because she was coming out of her heat cycle... I am not so sure. My dog was super scrawny... and now... welll..... not so much. What do you think.????

5 Question Friday!

2010-03-05T11:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you Mama M. for hosting this awesomeness so that at least once a week I might have something to write on my blog!
This week has been a SUPER crazy week. Between crazy neighbors, adolescents who do not have to be responsible for their actions and taco bell ridiculousness... we have had our share of drama for the week. More than our fair share I guess.
I found a pretty cool apartment place in Florida which might be an option for us when my husband is deployed. Definitely on the "short list" just in case I can not find a place that I can have my dogs. (Who would have thought it was so ridiculously hard to get a place with pets?)

So... here it goes... my Friday 5....

1. What's your guilty pleasure? FACEBOOK.... and the computer in general. I spend WAY too much time on this which gets me in to "trouble". The bad thing about facebook was played out this week with people making assumptions that a totally random, innocent post had something to do with them. (Vanity on their part?) But, I do enjoy facebook and farmville especially. Wasting my life on a computer farm! Better than drugs or something. HAH!

2. What is your favorite TV series? REALITY TV! I love Survivor, Amazing Race, The Biggest Loser. I used to be a House faithful person. And LOST. But, I guess I got "lost" last season! I am a big fan of Teen Mom on MTV. I could go on and on.. so, REALITY series get me.. but not the LOVE ones... can't people form healthy relationships on their own?? I dont know.

3. Can you speak any foreign languages? I used to be pretty darn good at READING french. My college professor was quite tipsy most of the time so we did a lot of reading and writing as she slurred words to us. Oh and BOY did she WREAK! Booze....

4. How many pairs of shoes do you own? Not many. Definitely not any girly ones. What not to Wear on TLC would have a FIELD day with me. I dont have any reason to wear anything other than crappy stuff. I sit home all day. I have my sneakers which are pretty broken in. I have my Gym only sneakers which are pristine still. I have a pair of snow boots. A pair of hiking boots I have had for probably 8-10 years. I have some other shoes in a bin under my bed from when I had a job (2003 @@) and I think I have a pair of brown "dress" shoes in my closet. Slippers. Which are OLD (2005 I think) hmmm.... I dont wear them much. Maybe there are some generic crocs in the closet from when I was pregnant (2007) Dont know though. I might have one missing. I do have a singleton Skecher under my bed too. Should toss that. Thought I would find its match someday!

5. What's your favorite kind of M&M's...peanut, almond, straight up regular, etc.? PEANUT! But I can only eat them on the SLY when I am out without the boy... and then of course brush teeth and wash up real well once I arrive home. Usually consumed when I know he is in bed for the night while I am out getting some errands done. So, it doesnt happen much.

Five Question Friday. February 26, 2010

2010-02-26T15:53:00.000-08:00

It has been a couple of weeks since I have been updating my blog. Not much time to sit and type things out. BUT I love to get the time to complete Mama M's 5 questions! Usually I remember when it is... oh... SUNDAY so, I say.. nevermind! BUT I am here, and it is Friday and I am so excited. Gonna type after watching some neighborhood drama play out... including an arrest... AWESOME!
But not really when it involves a 2ish year old child wandering around the neighborhood, crossing roads and what not... in the snow...
so, join the fun and check out everyone's 5 questions on this lovely LAST FRIDAY OF FEBRUARY (can you BELIEVE IT?!)

1. Do you sing karaoke? If so, what is your go to song?
I think I sang some karaoke back in 2006 when we first moved back to RI/CT from Texas. But, that was about it. And I think I had a couple of adult beverages so, it made it a lot easier to join the fun! I think it was a 4th of July thing possibly. I think it was earlier than that though. Hmmm.... wow. But other than that, last time someone tried to get me to sing karaoke was at some weird bar on my birthday in Hawaii back in 1999 when I was pregnant with Ashley. 10 years.... WHOA (Wish I was still in Hawaii)

2. What is your favorite coffee drink?
Dunkin Donuts Hazelnut Iced coffee with granulated sugar and milk! YUM. We got a keurig back at Christmas and it has been AWESOME! so, no more D & D!

3. If you could choose your own name, what would it be?
I honestly dont think I have ever had the urge to change my name. Erin is NOT that common. My last name is pretty "plain"... but, It's ok! No name change for me!

4. Were you ever bullied?
Hmm... I dont think so. But, my brother on the hand.... if you have ever read Jodi Picoult's Nineteen Minutes.... think of my brother.. minus the scary scary drama... how my brother never did that is beyond me. Bullying is HORRIBLE... So, if your kid is a bully... kick their butts.... it is NOT acceptable. IN ANY WAY.

5. How often do you eat fast food?
Too much. Geesh... 4 kids and a busy life and being so darn tired and laze sometimes.... No wonder I am chubby!

Wow.... I have neglected my blog!

2010-02-25T19:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I guess I just have not had anything fascinating to say! It is now getting to the point that the winter just seems to be dragging on and on. We Have been cooped up for several months now. We have had a couple of snow storms but they have been slushy messes. We are actually experiencing one right now!

I have been doing the biggest loser challenge on the base here. Let me just say it is not going how I want it to. I am not losing weight at a rate I would like. I was down a total of 6lbs in the first 3 weeks. Week 4 is another story. 3 of those pounds came back. I could chalk it up to muscle mass. Or, Valentine's candy (which I didnt get any... I actually got a nice workout outfit including a new sports bra)... but I can't use those excuses. The only excuse I can use is that my diet sucks. Some of that I can chalk up to the fact we live paycheck to paycheck and run out of money to purchase healthier snacks/food for me. It is like making 2 seperate shopping trips to get groceries. The stuff for mommy ( I DO SHARE!) and then the stuff for the other 5 people in this house. I can chalk it up to tiredness so I get impulsive about what I eat without thinking about it until after it has been consumed. I like good food. What can I say? And of course just feeling so down about the fact I gained 3 lbs back. Talk about a couple of days of just NOT CARING. The effort I have been giving has been awesome. The workouts definitely make me feel a whole lot better. I have been working out at least 4 days a week. I need to incorporate some more home exercise though. I have been doing the biggest loser workout on base 2 nights a week and then I have been going to the local gym and utilizing the elliptical, treadmill and recumbent bike while I am there. ( I love it because I can hook up the headphones and watch my favorite TV SHOWS!) I have been upping the "Resistance" on the machines and been really pushing myself to up the workout. I come home a sweaty mess... and gain weight in the process. Geesh. So many people are dropping pounds like crazy and I dont know what I am doing wrong. It has to be the diet. I was doing well... and like I said, this week after the gain... who the heck cares?! I DONT like cottage cheese. I can NOT choke that stuff down. I keep trying with no success. It AINT happening! I feel more put together. But I also in the same note dont notice a change in the clothing size. Could it be the thyroid disease resisting the weight loss? I do not know. I am just frustrated. I am taking a lot of time away from my family to do this (Even though I DESERVE the time away!) With Chris leaving in a short 4 1/2 months, time is precious! I know what the bad foods are.... I know what is better for me... but that doesnt change the fact that comfort food... well, ... It comforts me!

So, I will keep you posted on changes in my weight... or not! LOL!

Ashley's thyroid antibody test came back OK. So, no worries for that! She will be turning 10 in about 10 days. I can NOT believe it. Where does the time go? Oh, and I WISH I was STILL in Hawaii like I was 10 years ago!

I will be having an MRI on my sore "boob" which isnt really my boob. It is more like my chest wall under my left boob. I guess. We will see what they see... IT could be ligaments or something. So, any positive thoughts for the "boob" would be great!

We have been making preparations for our move come July. YES I am going to go to Florida. The winter STINKS. And I won't get the opportunity to be near my parents again. So, I am going to take the opportunity and spend quality time with my parents while Chris is gone. NOW I need to find a place to rent in Florida that will love me and my pets! HAH!

Sydney... waiting to hear from the person who tests for Central Auditory Processing Disorder. I will probably call today and see what the deal is.

CJ... had some antibiotics for a nasty snotty head that he had for over 3 weeks. Seems to have cleared up the issue quite quickly!

Kiley... is Kiley. She likes to whine.

So, that is the quick update! Hope everything is well with everyone! COME ON SPRING!

5QF

2010-01-29T08:59:00.000-08:00

WOOHOO! IT IS FRIDAY!!!!!!!! TIME FOR THOSE SUPER AWESOME FIVE QUESTIONS HOSTED BY MAMA M. at her blog FIVE CROOKED HALOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHARE YOUR ANSWERS WITH THE WORLD!!!!!

1. Would you ever vacation alone?
Today, I would probably say HECK YEAH.. but, in all honesty, I dont think it would be as fun as going with someone else. So, that would probably be a no. I love sharing my experiences with other people. ESPECIALLY my loved ones! I look forward to adventures in Florida with my parents when my hubby is deployed. Something to pass the time and fill all of our lives and hearts with great memories.

2. Do you go the speed limit?
I plead the fifth.

3. Why did you start blogging/following blogs?
I think I started following shortly after I gave birth to my son in Nov. 07. Someone on my November 2007 board had posted a bunch of links to blogs she had been reading and I was hooked. Now I just click on people's lists and read interesting things. I started my blog to document my life. It is good to go back and read things that dont stay in my mind!

4. Where do you shop for yourself?
I dont. Seriously. I hate shopping for myself. I DID buy some Lands End stuff for myself at Sears after Christmas. I have gotten a couple of things at Kohls Last March and some undergarments at Lane Bryant over a year ago. Sometimes I get a shirt here and there but they always end up with a hole in them or something. It is ridiculous how that works out. FINALLY buy myself something and WHAM-O... ruined. In a matter of days. I will be going to a Ball in April which means I am going to have to dress up which I am SO dreading shopping for. I have ridiculous wide feet.. and I am frumpy. I hope I lose some weight and look better than I do now by the time the ball arrives!

5. What was the song that you danced your first dance with your spouse to at your wedding...or...what song would you like your first dance to be to?
This was the first song that had come to my mind when the wedding planner had called to ask what we were going to dance to. We hadnt initially intended on any dancing. We had a small wedding on the north shore in Hawaii and for having moved out to Hawaii to be with him.... I thought this was pretty fitting, being in a whole new culture and environment outside my comfort zone....

DONT FORGET TO LINK UP! HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

OH MY GOSH! IT IS FRIDAY!

2010-01-29T08:37:00.000-08:00

So yeah, I have a lot of updating to do... who do you want me to start with?!?!?

I will start with Sydney since she has the oldest update... nothing major to report at all (Can you believe it?!) Although I have to still schedule her appointment to rule out/diagnose Central Auditory Processing Disorder. Mayve I should get off here and do that! Oh wait, they are probably on lunch. So... She had her follow up with her cardiologist.... Dr. Sara Ford at Hasbro. She is incredible. If you ever need a pediatric cardiologist, I totally recommend her. She is so easy going and HUMAN! HAHA! Great bedside manner. Totally easy to talk to. Everything went well for Sydney. Of course they could still hear her VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect = Murmur)(it will probably not ever close) and her WPW (Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome = Tachycardia, bad electrical pathway in the heart) which was officially cured in November 2008. Since she has gone this long since her ablation, she should be OK! I expressed my concerns about what would happen as she grows and hits puberty and what not and the doctor seemed very confident that everything will be OK! (but I am not going to be ignorant and assume that it is 100% true because I know there is still a percentage of it coming back) So, since I dont feel comfortable being discharged from cardiology and just have her cardiac stuff taken care of by the pediatrician (or whatever we happen to see at the Naval Clinic) she said COME BACK IN 2 YEARS! although, we wont be here. SO, She was able to give me the name of a friend of hers who is a pediatric cardiologist in Florida. So, all is well with Sydneys heart! (Although the other night, WEDNESDAY she told me her heart did a little jiggle.... oh boy. Guess I should write that on a calendar.)

ASHLEY: She had her appointment with the Pediatric Endocrinologist at Hasbro on Wednesday. Her thyroid is definitely "swollen" but he would not call it "enlarged". It is soft and palpable which means that there is no goiter present. All of her TSH levels were within normal limits (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) but the Naval Clinic did not complete a Thyroid Antibody test. So, she had to have that drawn by the Hasbro lab and we will find out in about a week the results of that. Should they be negative then we are good to go. If they come back positive, Ashley will have to have her thyroid levels drawn at least every year and we will just wait until her hormone levels are out of whack. Which would mean she would probably have the Hashimoto's Disease that I have. There is one big reason as to why her thyroid would be enlarged. It is often a precursor to puberty! *WHAT*... OH LORD.... Seriously...........................................

So... yeah.... the doctor had two students with him and they were also great. I dont mind students. Someone has to be their teacher.... and now not only is Sydney a teacher... now Ashley was. There are no physical signs of puberty yet! WHEW! BUT they told me that I was late to start... but that doesnt mean anything because kids now are starting so much earlier. Ashley was quite embarrassed that the doc had to check her parts for signs. It was pretty amazing to see how everythign worked at the pediatric endocrinologist. They measure the height 3 times! That is routine! They have to be EXACT when kids might have a hormonal problem! OH, and ... HAHAHA... When I went with Sydney to her neurologist many eons ago now, The doc measured my head because Sydney's head had measured big! Well... they found out why! .... Genetics.... Sydney has her momma's big potato head... so, because I have thyroid disease (Hashimotos Thyroiditis) the doc at one point reached over and felt my thyroid!! L O L... GLAD I can be so helpful! GOOD NEWS... he did NOT feel a goiter! LOL!
So, we will wait it out about a week and see what this blood lab shows.

After the appointment, I got Ashley a McFlurry at McDonalds... and they made the thing with the Shake ice cream! She was not happy. I was trying to give her something to enjoy after a less than enjoyable appointment and they made it with the SHAKE?!?!?!!? BOO ON MCDONALDS!

I have started the biggest loser challenge here on base. I will be weighing in on Mondays. My starting weight was 204. I hope to have at least a 2 lb weight loss on monday. I have been trying to make better choices with my eating. Eating my required fruits and veggies. Exercising regularly. I will be keeping you all posted on my progress! OH, and I have not eaten fast food in over a week which I think is a world record for me!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. IT IS FREEZING here today and the kids had a 90 minute delay for school because the wind had knocked power out. All the toys and garbage cans are blowing around my backyard. It is loud!

nearly 2 days late, nearly 2 dollars short... Five Question Friday

2010-01-23T20:05:00.000-08:00

1. What is better, growing old with out money or dying young and wealthy?
I would rather grow old without money.... I want a long life, the life experiences are priceless and no amount of money could take those experiences away from me!
(oh, and im already growing old with little money!)

2. Who takes out the garbage at your house?
We both do. Usually he takes it to the curb and to the can when it fills inside, but we both do. Whoever gets around to it first.

3. Have you ever had the same dream many times?
I have had eerily similar dreams. I have not had them in a long time but they always involved tornadoes. I was told by a dream analysis class that it had to do with emotions. Oh, and it didnt help me that I used to have those dreams when I had to move to Tornado Alley for a year! We survived though!

4. Can you play a musical instrument?
In high school I played clarinet. I have children who are learning instruments now. I will leave it to them to master it now!

5. If you owned your own store, what would you sell?
I would probably have a scrapbook store.... so that maybe once in a blue moon I would be able to get around to doing some scrapbooking!

Dont forget to Join up with Mama M. On fridays for her five question friday! (and not nearly on a sunday morning!)

Five Question Friday! POSSIBLE giveaway

2010-01-15T07:56:00.000-08:00

HEY ALL! I AM SOOOOOOOO Happy that it is FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!! Mama M is once again hosting her weekly Five Question Friday and this time, if she can break 100 people, it might be a GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!! So, hop on over and get your butt in gear, it is a NEW year!!! NEW YOU... get that butt moving!!! Share YOUR five answers with the world!!!!!

Here it goes...

1. Worst trouble you ever got into as a teenager?
Oh gosh... hmm.... I dont think I ever really got in to trouble, at least not that I can recall. I never skipped school, never had detention, never got arrested. Hmm... Oh there was one pathetic fight at school I think in my freshman year. Maybe sophomore. Obviously not too significant to me because I cant remember. I didnt get suspended or anything though.

2. Are you a morning person or a night person?
I love the NIGHT! I am able to accomplish so much more. The mornings are tough. I hate morning routines of getting sluggish kids out the door. Waking the sleeping 2 year old to bring the sluggish kids to school. I like the night when all is quiet and I can just veg out! LOL!

3. Are you a one-handed or a two-handed Texter?
I can do it with 2 hands on my phone! I am NEW to texting. IS being one handed much more noble?! If so, I must accomplish that! (not really!)

4. Democrat, Republican, or Independent..or maybe even Green Party (whatever that is).
Most "quizzes" I take say I am more liberal (democrat) but I feel I am much more conservative in my beliefs. I think the quizzes were rigged to try and get me to vote Democrat. I did NOT vote democrat. FYI. I feel I am a republican.

5. Are you a pet person
It is a love hate relationship. I LOVE my doggies. I HATE their fur. One of our doggies is very vocal which can be super annoying but I feel he is getting better. HE will be 1 at the end of March so I know we have 1+ years of him still being a puppy. They bring so much dust and dirt in the house and FUR... Any recommendations for Air Cleaners?!?! HELP Me get this dust out!

Mom knows best....

2010-01-12T18:15:00.000-08:00

I sometimes question how well I know my children. I am sure I do not know them as much as I would like to know them.... I always get worried because I dont know what they are wearing everyday and GOD FORBID something happens to them, how would I know what to tell the police?
I would look like a BAD PARENT if I dont know! UGH.
I would stumble on my words trying to recall where their birth marks or scars are. This is something I feel I need to write down and photograph. Having 4 children, these things can get jumbled up!
So... how well do I know my children??? How do I know "Mom knows Best"?
Well... yesterday Ashley and Sydney had a dentist appointment. Ashley was a bit disgruntled when she came out... JUST like her mother. The novocaine really throws her for a loop. She is really bothered by it. JUST like her MOTHER. Anyways. As she was sitting waiting for her sister to be done, she was sitting next to me with a HUGE sulk on her face. (is sulk a word?) I felt bad because I know exactly how she is feeling. MISERABLE. Well. Then she swallowed. AND OH MY LORD... What did I SEE?!
IT LOOKED LIKE... SHE HAD AN ADAM's APPLE!!!!!! She swallowed AGAIN. THERE IT IS. BOB. UP AND DOWN.
PROTRUDING.
HUGE.
is it HUGE because she is a bean pole?
What is it?
IT HAS to be her thyroid.
She is only 9.
Why would she have a huge thyroid?
Maybe it is from the tick bites she had?
Could the tick bites enlarge her thyroid?
It is in the lymph system, so why not?
Where is Sydney?
I need to compare the two.
How long has it been like this?
I am a bad mom, why didnt I notice this before?
Was it like this last week?
Last month?
Oh, how much longer before Sydney comes out?
::::Worst case scenario runs through my mind:::::::
::::And again:::::
::::And again:::::
I need to make an appointment.
I cant make the appointment with her listening.
She will freak.
What is wrong with my kid?
OH PLEASE I CANT DEAL with something else.
PLEASE let it be simple.
...................................
ahh.... the wonders of the mind of a mother.
I made the appointment.
I scheduled it for Today.
That was another drama scene trying to get my kid to a simple appointment without having a track of hurdles to get over to get there.
FINALLY
We get to the appointment.
More Drama because I have the 2 littles with me.
Doc comes in.
Doesnt believe this is tick related as nothing came back from them.
Thyroid definitely enlarged.
Not astronomical but surely enlarged.
NOT common in a child this age.
Genetic predisposition doesnt make it impossible.
I have Hashimoto's.
Did I give my kid something?
I know genes are the inner workings of everything but DEAR GOD.. I brought this baby in the world so THIS IS MY FAULT.
Blood work.
should be back tomorrow.
Thyroid panel and blood count.
PLEASE DEAR LORD....
I hope this is "simple"
but whatever is in the stars we shall deal with.....

.....update tomorrow......

Hopefully.

The booby saga...

2010-01-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for your prayers and well wishes...
Today I had the ultrasound and everything looked ok. It looked muscular and not a lump or mass of any sorts.
I still have my annual grand opening* this week so, I will get a seperate opinion on the matter next week.
Thank you again!

*gynecological appointment

With fingers Crossed....

2010-01-08T18:54:00.001-08:00

Sydney's neurologist told us that she believes Sydney has grown out of her Panayiotopoulos Syndrome.
I think I have mentioned before that the neurologist believes Sydney did have this condition but the electrophysiologist has questioned it and believed all the spells Sydney ws having were from her Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome .
Will we ever know for sure? Probably not. Was there activity on her EEG's... I guess that would be a yes. Benign Occipital stuff. Dont ask me exactly what it means because in all honesty, I dont know. I do know that I think (LOL) it is in the back of the head down low where some of the activity seen on her EEG was occurring.
Sydney has NOT been complaining of headaches as she usually did which we believe had a lot to do with the complete chaos in her classroom last year. Her teacher this year is absolutely incredible and is ON TOP of Sydney like flies on shit. Sydney really enjoys school and is doing incredible. She has caught up from the deficit she experienced from her crappy classroom last year. She loves math and just everything about school.
Now.... the current recommendations that the neurologist does have....
*go to another ENT and have her tonsils and adenoids looked at and hopefully removed.
---- this is due to her evaluation with the speech and hearing people. She seems to have a lisp on her S and her Z sounds which would not be developmental at her age right now. So, the neurologist wants this to be something the school does address with some speech stuff.
---- Also, back in early november 2007 (when I was ginormously pregnant with CJ) Sydney had a sleep study and it did show some "minor" apnea stuff.
---- Sydney continues to be a mouth breather and pushes her tongue forward in her mouth (even though there is also a spacer there)
---- The last ENT we had gone to told me Sydney had poor nasal hygiene and recommended a sweat test ... OK... great... That solves WHAT?!!?!? then sends us away with some medicine. Awesome. That was not the 1st medication pushing ENT we went to. And a SWEAT test? She has NEVER exhibited ANY symptoms for Cystic Fibrosis and me and Chris went to genetic counseling and there was NO WAY we were carriers for it.

*We need to go back to the audiologist and have CAPD ruled out/in.... Still a questions as Sydney has issues with her working memory and comprehension. I thought after speech and hearing appointment she had "passed" with "flying colors" the "only one who ever scored 100% on a test she had administered".... but, the report is different. there are areas to address. (Central Auditory Processing Disorder) This seems to be something that her neurologist, pediatrican believe will be the case vs. the ADHD NOS she got on her psychological evaluation which can present similar to the CAPD.

*The neurologist also wants the school to do some occupational therapy for Sydney and her issues with pencil pressure and not being aware of her muscle strength. Tone issues or something.

So, all in all it was a good and informative appointment.

On Martin Luther King Jr. day we go to the Cardiologist to check up on her WPW. (Wolff Parkinson White)... Thankfully Chris will be able to go to this appointment. We do not want her released from Cardiology because we have read many personal stories of children with WPW and IT COMES BACK..... Scary. And of course the way Sydney's was "cured" was the "less reliable" and has more of a percentage of reoccuring. I don't know if there is a solid time frame for this reoccurance.. but, we dont want to take any chances either. Especially with her history of pulling crazy things out of the bag in regards to her medical history.

Like her mother she is a Zebra in a pack of horses....

Five Question Friday

2010-01-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Wow Mama M!! You are SO good at keeping up with the 5QF! I am impressed!!! So, here we go!!! Dont forget to join in the fun!

1. What's your "comfort food"?
Look at me! Cant you tell ALL foods comfort me?!?!?! In all seriousness, I love going out to eat and that is comforting! HA! As long as nobody at the table is SCREAMING. I DO have cravings for french fries, hot... crispy and SALTY! YUM! if it has to be sweet... I totally love a good piece of cheesecake!

2. Do you send Thank You's (handwritten or email)?
I try to remember to send them via regular mail but, I dont typically write them. I like to do the photo thank you cards from walmart. Then I mail those out.

3. If you had to be trapped in a TV show for a month, which show would you choose?
Good lord... I dont know. How bout HOUSE. That would be a fun one!

4. What is your favorite online recipe site?
hands down allrecipes.com

5. If you had to choose: "Friends" or "Seinfeld"?
Neither. Never got in to either one. I guess Friends would be more of my pace though.

What a pain in the butt boob

2010-01-07T08:07:00.000-08:00

For a couple of weeks not I have been having some pain in my left breast. I am starting to think that every time I have a twinge of pain in my body I need to put it on a calendar in case I have to make an appointment for it. I certainly look like an idiot when I cant exactly pinpoint when an issue started. It might also have to do with the fact I also have to keep track of 4 kids aches and pains too.
Anyways, back to the boob. I thought maybe I had injured it while climbing under Kiley's bed in search of her Wall-E game for her leapster. Or, maybe CJ had squished it in one of his attempts to climb me in the middle of a tantrum. I had been searching for lumps to make sure the pain was not from some scary C word. I couldnt find any "lumps"... I guess I dont know exactly what I am looking for because the doc didnt take long today to find a "lump" that could be "a cyst or blocked duct" .... so, tomorrow I get to go in for an ultrasound to try and rule things out. I have to admit that I am scared. I was hoping to go in today and have them just find something muscular and send me out with the Navy favorite of Vitamin M* and be done with it. But no. I guess my body has other ideas. I feel like a decrepit old person. Between the issues with my right leg which are not resolved and I have to schedule physical therapy for. The constant nagging of my symptoms from my Hashimoto's disease (hypothyroid) and NOW THIS..... I CANT stand it. Next week is my annual GYN grand opening appointment. Maybe he will have some more insight in to this problem too. I think it stems from getting my tubes tied but who am I? Oh, and I had an issue in the same breast back in 2005/2006 when we were living in Texas. Dont know where that history went to.... my record looked pretty puny today... So, Who knows. I dont think they saw anything spectacular back then either. We will see. Tomorrow, boob probing. Oh, and for the record, I have not nursed my son since April of last year... but maybe this is in correlation to my menstrual cycle..... Dont know. So, if you can, please keep my in your prayers that this is something benign.... Thank you.

*Motrin

Wordless Wednesday: Pantene Beautiful Lengths

2010-01-06T15:47:00.000-08:00

The little things...

2010-01-04T07:50:00.001-08:00

I was blog hopping and stumbled upon Susie and her "little things" ....
It is often the hurried lives we live that often make us not embrace the "little things"... sometimes these "little things" can often be perceived as something frustrating or bothersome... but when you really stop and think about it... it is something important...

like....

*when it isnt even 5am and my 5 year old little girl quietly climbs over the gate in the hallway without hurting herself... and climbs in to bed with me. Warm and cozy, taking up most of my 1/2 of the bed.... perfect.

*my 5 year old won't fall back asleep at not even 5am. She wants something to eat and to watch The Little Mermaid on The Disney Channel... with LOTS of volume. I can hear her little teeth crunching her cinnamon toast crunch.... then she wants a drink... even though it is tough at almost 5 am... she is so innocent and peaceful. And her face is so sweet and fresh. Even though it is irritating to be up so early, it is a special time.

*When daddy gets up to go to work, I grab my still awake 5 year old and bring her back to bed with me. She snuggles, and wriggles, and puts her arm over my back. She nuzzles her head in to my neck and I can hear her sweet breathing. And her little conversations about nothing much at all. It is now past 6am. It is OK though. This is a quiet, special time.... and she will only be "just 5 years old" now and never again.... and it is perfect.

So, do you have any "little things" that can often be overlooked....

One more for good measure...

*while cleaning out the couch cushions looking for that missing Leapster game... even though I KNOW I have looked there... and I know my effort will be fruitless.... my son finds a piece of a dog treat and starts running through the house calling "Rosa" and "Hudson" as best as a newly 2 year old can.... and the sweet thrill of victory when he was able to hand off to one of the eager pups.

A new year.... huge changes...

2010-01-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

Notes: My oldest daughter will be 10, Sydney will be 8 1/2, Kiley will be 5 and CJ will be 2 1/2. My oldest 2 have very strong bonds with their grandparents and given the opportunity to move near grandma and grandpa, they would jump regardless of anything else. My youngest do not have the same bonds with the grandparents as the older 2 because we have lived far from them for the most part of their lives. I would love to foster a stronger bond for them.
My mother's health has not been as good as we would like. I would like to take the time to share with her. We are praying for good things to happen for her... It kills my parents to be away from the kiddos and how they ended up in Florida instead of RI was a huge mish mosh of a mess because of my grandmother passing and selling the house. anyways. I wouldnt want to regret not taking the time to be near my parents when the opportunity arose....
My parents just closed on a house in the middle of December so they are in Florida to stay.
They have a close knit community at their church which I know would be welcoming of me and my children. We spent Thanksgiving with that community.

**I will update more notes as I think of them! or anyone asks anything to help them decide what THEY would do in this situation!

Well, here we are... it is 2010. A new decade.
Last decade was definitely a memorable one. We rang in the year 2000 on the patio of some good friends of ours in Hawaii. We were some of the lucky ones and our husbands were not out to sea on that memorable New Years eve where we all did not quite know what was going to happen. You know... all the Y2K hype. I have to admit... it really got me nervous thinking about all the doom and gloom that some people (aka ME) were anticipating. I was hugely pregnant with my first born. There were crazy fireworks being lit off in all directions. I dont know how many of them were legal.... Wouldnt you know... on the morning of January 1st 2000.... all my silly little flowers I had growing in pots on OUR patio were all wilted and dead! I think all the firework smoke got to them! Oh, and I can tell you now... my almost 10 year old daughter HATES fireworks!!! HATES them. She HAS to cover her ears to this day! I think she was severely damaged by all of those loud, probably not legal, fireworks people were lighting off!

Anyways.... 10 years later... I can NOT believe it!!!! It certainly has a way of making a person feel MUCH older.

We spent the night at our next door neighbors house who we have lived next to (shared walls) since we moved here to Connecticut in June of 2006. This year... it will all end.

Our neighbor will be retiring from the Navy in June. And then, 1 month later my husband will be deploying to Diego Garcia. For a YEAR. That is a long time to be seperated from a loved one. Dont get me wrong... we are certainly counting out blessings that he is not (rather, should not... anything can change in an instant with th military) going to Iraq or Afghanistan for 16 months. So, it is a blessing he was able to be selected for these orders.

The big dilemma is... what do I do??? I get so panicked when I think of the whole aspect of ALONE... with 4 kids.... I have several options for things I can do. I do not know what all the stipulations are because it is the Navy... and there are so many different things that come in to play.

Option #1... I can stay here in CT. The kids could complete another year at their current schools... there would not be a need for changes in doctors/dentists/sports/school... you know. Status quo. They have a routine here. They have friends (although many of their friends do move because they go to school with a whole bunch of other Navy brats) so... their friends change all the time. Regardless. Their neighbors change. Regardless. There are alot of tides of change being a military family. Sydney has many different docs here but, in all honesty... I dont know how much longer she will be needing them. I wont put all my eggs in that basket though because Sydney is certainly a Zebra in a field of horses. Nothing would change... I would just be here in Connecticut with some decent friends. Some of my good friends will be moving at the same time we have to make our changes. These friends being some of the most reliable ones. The ones I can call on in an instant. Other friends have many other commitments. Oh, and we cant forget that fact that I have a hard time asking people for help. I feel that the kids are mine, they are my responsibility. And if I need a break, I dont have the $$$ to be paying for babysitters. Can you imagine trying to figure out Christmas shopping with 4 kids and nobody to depend on?! I mean, I could PAY someone... but that is money I would probably have allotted for that big Guitar Set, Train Table, DSi, Electric Guitar... you know.
I think a million steps ahead of myself. I just know that I would feel like a burden asking anyone for help. It is just in my nature. It is who I am. Nobody else birthed these children, they are my responsibility. And I have a hard time trusting people outside my immediate family. Not that anyone would do a bad job caring for them, I just think I am the one who knows how to care for them best.

Option 2. I could move to Florida and be near my family. Not have to worry about shoveling snow. Not have to worry about who I could call in the middle of the night should an emergency arise. Not have to worry about who would help me out because I am barfing my guts out or something incredible like that. I would be able to spend a year near my parents that I would not have had the opportunity to have any other way. And then, after the year, go on our merry way. Reunited with my husband and living in another place. The kids love spending time with my parents.

Option 3. Move near Ali who is ready to move us in her house! LOL!

Option 4. Good luck, I have no idea what I would do.

Of course every option has its pros and cons and I keep playing them over and over... and If I do move, I may have to pack our house up on my own. Dont know if the Navy would move us only to move us again in a year.

I dont know. I dont know. I dont know...
2010 will NOT be an easy year... It isnt something I look forward to. This has to be one of the toughest decisions I have to make.... I have to make the BEST decision for myself and my children. I have to be a GOOD parent... and a GOOD parent could be here... or it could be there... I dont know. So many different things define a GOOD parent. And can I be a GOOD parent without many breaks for MYSELF.
I dont know.

Christmas is Coming....

2009-12-22T17:41:00.001-08:00

Tonite we dared to brave the crowd and the traffic at the mall and waited in line for about a total of 1 hour.... but we got to see :The Man:
live, in the flesh... it was THE REAL Santa Claus.... My 9 year old told me!
Awesome! He came ALL the way down here to Connecticut to see my kiddos.... awesome!
We waited in line behind this young lady and her 2 super adorable kiddos... one was named Kylie and she was 18 months old and had a little brother who was 8 weeks old. SUPER adorable and even more cute when they sat the little girl on Santas lap and she SCREAMED bloody blue murder. Setting an awesome example for my son as to how he should act! LOL!
We tried several different tactics for CJ to get him to be ok for a picture and we just ended up with Sydney holding him. NOT always the best choice! LOL! Ah well, I think the pic is OK!
Sydney asked for Furreal Friends Lulu the cat
Ashley asker for an electric guitar with an amp
Kiley asked for a big makeup kit and a chocolate calendar.
I dont know if CJ asked for anything! HAH! The girls might have said he wants some Robbie the talking truck or something like that!
We shall see what Santa brings in his satchel of toys!

Today my baby girl is 5!

2009-12-19T10:34:00.000-08:00

I cant believe it.
I can still smell the hospital...
I can still recall the sounds of the NICU
The temperature of the NICU...
The long walk in to the hospital to be with my baby while she was still there...
It seems like only yesterday.
Today, she is getting ready to be in her 1st ballet and tap class.
She is in Kindergarten and doing GREAT...
She is eager and energetic.
She has aspirations
Her imagination is incredible.
She is a big sister... and a little sister.
She fights with her siblings.
She loves on her siblings.
She can't keep a secret to save her life.
She tells incredible tall tales.
She lies. Little white lies.
She love to color.
She has played soccer.
She will play TBall in the spring.
She can't get enough candy. She LOVES it.
Her best friend in class is a little adorable guy named Gavin.
LAST year in Pre-K her little adorable boyfriend was Elijah.
Her hair is wispy.
She has been to Disney World for her birthday celebration.
She thinks she wants to be an adult.
Everywhere she goes, she runs. She doesnt walk.
She made a grand appearance in to this world and has certainly filled our lives with great joy!

She is our baby girl and today she is 5.
Happy Birthday Kiley Claire!

Here is a write up of my birth story with her. I had posted it years ago on Myspace and I am copying it here to preserve it... because being a mom of 4... my mind is definitely a puddle of mud most days!

TMI possibly....

Well, where do i start with the story of the birth of our little princess? I guess it starts when i started to have some back pain in the end of November. So, the night before Thanksgiving they decide to put me in Labor and Delivery for observation and i was contracting. Then they send me home cause nice bags of fluid make the contractions stop. So, then, the following Monday i start to have some brown spotting. Now, when you have placenta previa which is complete, you can't dilate, contract, go in to labor, cough, sneeze or push when you have to go #2. So, here i was being what they called symptomatic. I went in to Labor and Delivery on that Monday and they send me home. The next day, Tuesday, i had some more brown spotting, only this time it is a lot more. I go in to Labor and Delivery and they send me home again. So, Wednesday i did not spot but on Thursday and Friday i did. knowing i had my OB appointment on the Friday (34 weeks) i decided that i did not need to drive the hour to be sent home again. So, when i go to my appointment, my doctor told me that I would need to be admitted then instead of the following monday. Now, talk about ruining a whole bunch of plans! I was going to go out to Mexican food, who do they think they are admitting me due to being symptomatic for over a week! i Wanted my last weekend at home! I had soooo many things i needed to do! Well, there i was on December 3rd in the hospital just waiting for something to happen or for December 17th to get there for the Amnio to check my little girls lung maturity. Well, nothing happened while in the hospital. not a single episode of spotting. Although one night i did have contractions every 3 minutes and all they could tell me was that i was not supposed to contract. Well, DUH! let me just will them away!
I made it to December 17th with much support from my family. I also ended up getting a wonderful roommate who is still in the hospital right now. She is pregnant with twin boys who have twin to twin transfusion and they do not think the larger twin will make it. but, we made the most of our situation and formed a wonderful friendship. She will be 29 weeks tomorrow (1/8)
please think of her and her little boys.
On December 17th i had my amnio which was not bad at all. I did not have any anesthetic to dull any pain and it did not hurt in the least. I had been all worked up about it but at the time my roomate had had 11 amnios and she was rooting for me! I laid there for about 2 hours waiting for the results and unfortunatly they were no good.... she was not mature by 1 point. she wasnt in the mid-range or the mature so i was pretty bummed out. Now, i would start my doses of Steroids to mature my little Kiley's lungs, but first they needed to stop the contractions that i had been having all night! so, i get more IV fluids and start taking procardia and the irritable uterus of mine calms down. Now, i am scheduled to have my Cesarean on December 19th as long as there is plenty of staff available due to the placenta previa. and there was....
so, now it is December 19th and they wheel me on down to get prepped for the C section. I am amazingly calm unlike with the amnio. the scariest part was when they were matching the blood for transfusions right on my lap! That really scared me... then i am wheeled on down to the C section room. I get on the table and the anesthetist comes in and puts in my spinal. They have counted all the tools and all the docs are scrubbed up and ready to get things prepared. As i am getting ready to lay down due to the spinal being in, the big surgical light blows out. so, they get a new lightbulb and find out that it is not the lightbulb that is out but the fuse and they cant fix that... now, time is ticking cause you have about 3 hours for the spinal. They wheel me out of that OR and bring me in to the next one. Thank god it wasnt being used! now they need to re count all the tools. Imagine if the light had blown 10 minutes later! i would have been all opened up and then what would they have done?! not like they could have wheeled me out and in to the next OR all opened up! I was kind of our of it the whole thing. I knew what was going on but i felt numb. Then, i heard them say at 11:15 am "skin" and then 11:21 "uterus" and then at 11:23 am on December 19, 2004 i heard the most beautiful cry.......... my little girl had been born. I tell you, after having that amnio show her lungs to be immature and then hearing her beautiful cry, i felt like the world stopped for a moment! Her apgars were 9 and 9. Then, there were lots of strange feelings when they were putting me back together. and i did not need the transfusion blood. Thankfully. Then at 12:09pm i was getting wheeled out to go in to recovery.
It did not seem like it was that fast when i was in there... but it didnt even take an hour! well, Kiley was doing some "whining" and the pediatrician had to come in to take a look at her. At first they said she was fine, but then she started to not maintain her body temperature. Then, she had a feeding of formula and vomited it up with a whole bunch of mucus. Those were all signs that she needed to be taken in to the NICU for observation and to figure out what was going on. Now, i was an emotional wreck. i had just had a c section, i was drugged up and my baby was being taken away from me to the NICU. i tried to get up before the 12 hours had passed and i could not do it. so disappointed, i had to continue to wait to be able to go down and see my baby. I also had problems after the C section with maintaining my oxygen levels and i would start to fall asleep and the alarms would go off and my oxygen level would be below an 80. I had the anesthetists coming back in to check on the situation. I was then put on oxygen.... it helped me a bit and the alarm finally stopped going off every time i started to fall asleep. Now, as for Kiley, she had what they were calling bowel loops. (septic illeus?) they tossed around the idea of hirschsprungs disease. they talked about possible surgery depending on the problem. She was not allowed to eat due to the concern of introducing bacteria in to her system. She had IV fluids.... then a little more than a week later, after she had the barium enema test which showed normal lower bowels, and she pooped out the rest of the meconium, she was allowed to eat! and then she started pooping! and mommy continued to pump breast milk for her. She was not allowed to take the breast due to them measuring her food. now, she does not like to take it! She came home finally on January 6th 2004 weighing in at 6lbs 9 oz.
at birth she was 6lbs 1 oz and 19 1/2 inches.
Now, to learn my baby and my baby to learn me...................
thank you for reading... i know, lots of boring drama!

AND here is one of my little updates i had typed out....

Hello all... my mom bought a new laptop today and DH's comp has a modem problem so i have not been able to get on... sorry on what i missed!
anyways, here is my little update on my little peach Kiley.
She now weighs in at a whopping 6lbs 15 oz. ALMOST 7 lbs~!
She is now on 43cc of breastmilk every 3 hours. it is a little more than an ounce. still not able to go on the breast due to all the bowel issues she has been having. She had a barium enema the other day which showed her colon to be free from any abnormalities (it cant rule out all problems though)
so, anyways, she is still a bit jaundice but since the food intake has been increasing her bilirubin levels have been going down although she is still a bit yellow. now that she is eating more and taking in less of the IV fluids (gatorade and twinkies) she is opening her eyes a bit more! so nice to see her blue eyes! tonite they took her off the IV! they have to keep checking her blood sugar levels though before each feed now... poor baby, getting stuck in the foot all the time! so, she is almost a cordless child! AND she POOPED on her own 2 times tonite without the suppository. She has been getting a suppository every 24 hours due to not pooping on her own and now that the poopie isnt meconium anymore (starting today) she is pooping on her own. so, basically they still dont know what is "wrong" with her but it is very reassuring that she has pooped on her own now... she had a suppository at noon and pooped at 3ish today. then had two more poops so those count as pooping on her own! little steps but great ones! so, i really dont know when she will be home yet but boy i cant wait! some docs say a week and some say her due date... thats ok ... so, everyone please keep your fingers crossed that Kiley continues to eat, grow and POOP on her own! and hopefully we will be able to try the breastfeeding soon.... her suck is quite slow and "weak" right now due to being on IV fluids for nearly 2 weeks! COME ON KILEY!
ok, also, i am PARANOID that she has been getting the breastmilk from another mom. They would have to tell me if they did that right?! i am PARANOID!

Five Question Friday~

2009-12-18T11:32:00.000-08:00

AGAIN! IT is FRIDAY! MY FAVORITE DAY OF THE WEEK! LOL!
Go join in the fun with Mama M. and let us know more about YOU!

1. Which boygroup did you like most in your teens?
Ohh... I was a fan of the New Kids on The BLOCK... saw them in concert a whole bunch of times but, as an adult I am not following them... boo... boring huh?!
2. Do you do Christmas cards, letters, photos, nuthin', all of the above?
I send out photo cards that I make on Walmart.com and then pick them up, shove them in an envelope, slap on a stamp and return label and write out the address (I KEEP TRACK of who I send them to and who I get them from, so if you aint sending, you aint getting... I am like a thrifty santa... checking my list...)
3. If you could meet one celebrity who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Ronald Reagan. Oh wait, he is dead. That is who I would like to meet because I think he is... was... the man. Alive... hmmm.... John Travolta. even though I dont agree with Scientology, I would love to give him a great big hug. Poor guy. He just looks so sad since Jett passed away.
4. Favorite thing to cook with (i.e. stainless, non-stick, Dutch oven, microwave, debit card...or, perhaps, a cauldron, etc.)?
I use whatever I have... nothin fancy... but I am a crock pot fan! (oh lord, my kid just came in the room and he has done some nasty business in that diaper... GROSS... TMI..... SOMEONE PLEASE COME CHANGE IT FOR ME!)
5. What is the one thing you wear the most, besides your unmentionables?
I love my crappy wardrobe! Full of long sleeve T shirts and pants that scream NAVY TRASH WIFE... Why bother getting dressed up? I am off to change a disgusting diaper.... why would I wear anything else? Comfort... its what its all about.

Holmes Beach

2009-12-11T16:49:00.001-08:00

What happens when you tell your kiddos they can get in the water, but ONLY their feet????

Grandma ends up in the store at the beach buying 22.00 sweatshirts for the girls because they were SOAKING wet when we had gone to the beach TOTALLY unprepared and they got WET when we told them not too.... Ah well.... What an experience.... the joy....

Five Question Friday

2009-12-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

I have not posted in a while so I figured I needed to get something up on here!!!! I always LOVE Five question fridays but always feel like I cant sit down for a minute to type anything out!
So, here it goes,.... Five Question Friday!!! Thank you Mama M.

1. Does Santa wrap the presents he leaves at your house?

Santa Wraps everything at our house! Although, this year there will be some super oddly shaped items so I need to figure out how Santa can get those wrapped up nicely! Santa does not do bows or anything like that. He fills the stockings with some goodies but mommy also throws little things in to the stockings for the kiddos too!

2. When is your "big" Christmas celebration...Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Tell us about it...

When I was growing up we would go to my paternal grandparent's house on Christmas Eve, have our gifts on Christmas morning (oh, and go to church for midnite mass on christmas eve) and then we would go to my maternal grandparents for a big christmas dinner and gifts on Christmas day night.
Now, things are different. We are a military family so we basically do things our own way. I am hoping to make a nice dinner for all of us and maybe invite another family over. I dont know yet though becuase I have not talked to my hubby and for some reason someone always seems to be puking on the holidays around here so I dont like to make plans. We do Christmas gifts in the morning after Santa drops them off. The kids open the stockings first, usually when we are getting up and moving. We dont usually have any money to buy gifts for one another (me and Chris) so the gifts is strictly about the kids. My parents gave us money for a trip to Florida and Disney so the gifts from them will also be less this year... because the trip was an awesome gift!
On Christmas Eve I give the kids brand new jammies to wear. We hope to make some cookies this year too! (minus peanuts/peanut products!)

3. Are you big on keeping tradition every year?

Once we are settled in a permanent place I am hoping to develop traditions, especially as the kiddos get older. Next year Chris will most likely be in Diego Garcia so I have NO clue what the holidays for next year will be like! SO NO TRADITIONS!

4. Do colored lights or white lights tickle your fancy?
I LOVE THEM ALL! We have a giant christmas tree that has been growing in our yard and the 1st 2 christmas' here it was all blue lights, last year and this year it is all red. Our inside tree is hideous but I wanted the kids to have what they wanted... maybe I will get some pics up! the more lights the better!!!! Mish mosh it if you want!

5. Do you decorate outside your house for Christmas?
HECK YEAH although this year we are very much behind because of our trip to Florida! The more the better for that too!!!!!!!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday... black and white.

2009-11-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

Attempting to get a Photo for Christmas cards...

2009-11-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

Every year I assume that it is going to be a quick photo opportunity and I am going to get the picture worth a million bucks... every year I snap a whole bunch of pictures and come out at the other end with NOTHING worthy of a Christmas Card photo... I am hoping to get some more opportunities to take some pictures of the kids for a Christmas Card. IF my cards go out late, you know why! I am on a mission to get that perfect photo! I may end up having to settle for a minor disaster though... but hey, that shows their true personalities, right? OR I could do like Ali and make a collage of individual photos of the kids.... hmmm.... something to ponder!

my head is spinning a million miles a minute...

2009-11-09T09:05:00.001-08:00

This morning I got the phone call from the hubster with news I totally was NOT expecting to get....
He called to inform me that he was selected to go to Diego Garcia for a year... unaccompanied... meaning... without us.
Even though my heart has sunk.... I am still SO thankful and grateful that he will be going there versus so many of the other places he could have been sent....
Now the decisions of what I will do for that year with me and the 4 kidlets and 2 pupsters...
As of right now it looks like I will be moving down to Florida to be near my parents.
I am looking at renting a place in a decent area with a fenced yard and isnt too far from my parents. AND it has to have a decent school... this will give me something to scope out a bit more once we get down there the end of this month.
Breathe.... phew... I wasnt expecting he would get these orders. (although we dont have them in our hands)
This plan
is still scribbled in mud and anything can happen.... looks like October was indeed a "no more".....

A week in review...

2009-11-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

*Mom had her catheterization on Tuesday and the news was not good. The artery they were going to put the stints in is blocked and they can't put the stints in. Because the artery is blocked end to end, they also can not do bypass. Please pray that a safe and healthy resolution can be found. Being the worry wart that I am, I immediately asked her if she could have a transplant. Worse case scenario kind of thinking again... geesh. They have put her on plavix and returns to the doc on the 13th. Please think of her.... She has been having struggles with her heartrate being 40 at rest and 60's with walking.... I dont know if that was just medicine related or had something to do with the blockage. They have taken her off a medicine that could cause the low heartrate and I dont believe they have mentioned anything about it so maybe it has returned to normal since coming off the medication.... maybe I forgot to ask mom if her heartrate was normal... that wouldnt be unlike me... not out of ignorance but more out of the millions of distractions in my house...

*Did I mention we are going to Florida at the end of this month to see my parents??? I am so excited and looking forward to going but I am NOT wanting to rush getting there because that would mean it was closer to the visit being over.... We are also going to be spending a couple of days at Disney World! I can NOT wait to see the girls enjoying Disney!

*Thursday marked one year since Sydney had her ablation in Boston and was declared "Cured" of her Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome. I am not going to be ignorant to the fact that it could come back... so I prefer to call it Dormant... like a looming volcano waiting to burst... yeah... I worry too much. But for now, she seems to be doing GREAT!

*Cookie booths for girl scouts have consumed my entire week.

*I purchased the most hideous Christmas Tree on the market.... my tree would make Charlie Brown feel bad for me.... but, it is what the kids want and when they are grown they will remember that we bought them the tree they desired! Wait til you see it!

*I had a fun time shopping the 90% off clearance section at Target for Halloween items. Kiley has been living in a leopard leotard for a day now and I dont foresee it coming off any time soon. She will be devastated when I dont allow her to wear it to school....

*Hudson keeps running out the door... and he is FAST.... and he is BLACK... and when it is NIGHT... oh lord....

......... thats a brief synopsis of my week!! Didnt want to leave you all hanging........

Wordless Wednesday... THE MAD WITCH

2009-11-04T10:22:00.001-08:00

Five Question Friday!

2009-10-30T10:44:00.001-07:00

ITS FRIDAY!!!!!!!!! HOP ON OVER and visit MAMA M. at My little Life!!!!!! I love to just answer random things about me!!!!!!!! Have a SAFE and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!

1. What were you doing the last time you really had a good laugh?
It was at our Bunco Night I believe!!! My friend Julie had the most outrageous costume on and we just had some awesome laughs! I do laugh alot with my family though, but that was a belly laughing kind of night!
2. Who was your first CELEBRITY crush?
MICHAEL JACKSON!!!!!!!!
3. What is one talent that you wish you had?
I wish (only one?!??!) I knew how to Knit... REALLY Well... I dont know how to knit at all but I would so love to know how. I wish I could play the guitar too. There are so many things....
4. How often do you and your spouse go out w/o the kids? Is it frequent enough?
The last time was March 6th. SO... does that answer your question? And the time before that was I think in 2006. NO it is NOT frequent enough. That sort of counts as NON EXISTENT
5. What colour(s) is your bedroom?
White. We live in military housing and I have not been brave enough to change it because even though we know it would look a million times better, we would have to change it back before we move out to the nice generic military economy paint.

Soccer 2009

2009-10-29T09:27:00.000-07:00

I will add Kiley whenever we get her photos back!

Browsing the Sears Brochure...

2009-10-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

... I have decided there are some non-essentials I could live without... but wouldnt mind having anyways.... Well, some are non non-essentials....

Just because I can, I am going to share my list with you!

I already have a Kitchen Aid Mixer. It was a 30th birthday gift from my hubster. He also got me a Dyson and a Mom-to-Be Massage/pedicure/manicure package... oh and they did a hair wash/dry thingie. That was 2 years ago!..... I dont use it much... so, like I said... Non-essentials. I dont need one of those. Scratch it off the list.

Ginsu Knives. I wouldnt mind giving them a whirl. Nothing like having a good knife in the kitchen!

I DONT need a fondue... and it is a non-essential I dont care to try. What about you?

I dont need a kegorator, humidor or wine chiller... Non-essentials for sure. Add that to the list with the fondue. Oh, and also include in that list the Shot Chiller. DO people REALLY Use that stuff THAT often??? I would think those are bar essentials.. for a commercial bar... not someone's home. But, I am a simple gal... so.. maybe you need one??? If you do.. Sears has them.

I could definitely use some GOURMET COOKWARE... THAT would be an ESSENTIAL... My son pulled a frying pan off the counter waiting to be washed... and the whole handle snapped off... down a frying pan. He was actually trying to get the tray to his high chair off the counter... the frying pan came with it. Gates on the kitchen... definitely a good idea. So, the cookware would end up on a list of NEEDS vs. WANTS. The red set is nice!!!! Throw in the matching tea kettle!! I make single serve coffee....

OH WAIT... DID YOU SEE HOW MANY COLORS THEY HAVE FOR THE KITCHEN AID MIXER?! I have light pink... The Susan Komen one. GOOD. GOOD CAUSE. BUT... no... I dont need ANOTHER one... but the COLORS.... How would I CHOOSE?!?!?! Pear??? Boysenberry??? Cornflower blue??? Cobalt Blue?? Ice?? Oh lord... so glad I dont have to choose... I already have one... I DONT use it.

A NEED is a nice decent sized Food processor. I love falafel and my attempt at making some was GLORIOUS! BUT I had to do it in increments... my little tiny food chopper was a little too small.... 9 cup Food processor... HERE I COME!

GRIDDLER GRILL... You can come home with me. You would help me eat more healthy so you belong in my kitchen. Just remind me you are there so I can remember to include you in my weekly menu. OK?

Rotary Waffle maker... We dont need you... but you remind me of college and how we could make waffles. Big mess... big PITA... but I think we could have a blast with you. Make your way to my shopping cart... we will decide when you get there if you should stay there....

LOOK! A toaster oven! We have had a couple of them... barely used them. Do I need another one??? PROBABLY NOT... but... but.. it is red and would match the cookware I mentioned earlier. OH.. and a matching coffee pot AND regular 4 slice toaster... That could be awesome! WITH the RED FOOD PROCESSOR!!!!!!!!! SCORE!

IRON SKILLET.. dont know what I would do with you. I think Ju had one when I was in Louisiana visiting. Maybe one would like to be here with us???? Maybe not. I dont think it would feel very loved.

Ahh... the AS SEEN ON TV specials...

Aqua Globes! YEAH! YES! ME! ME! Oh wait... not only would I forget to water my flowers... so, Aqua Globes could be USEFUL... I WOULD PROBABLY FORGET to fill the AQUA Globes... JUST like I would forget to change the garden flag or refill the bird feeder. Sorry Aqua Globes... not in my house.

Smooth Away... you think???? No hair? No shaving??? Has to be a scam. Nothing in life could be THAT simple... and ON TV... People pay BIG BUCKS for hair removal... I dont believe you Smooth away. Sorry.

Pedi Egg... might be worth a try... OR I could see a doc about the skin problems I have. Yeah, the latter is PROBABLY the better option. No Pedi Egg...

Strap Perfect for the brassiere... I dont think you work on ginormous bras. So, you get to stay where you are. You are not welcome here. UNLESS I have my issue resolved... medically. THEN maybe I could find you useful.

Snuggie. Seriously. A blanket will do.

Pedi Paws... use to go by a different name. It used to be the Pedi File. Seriously. GOOD JOB changing your name. Won't buy you. Sorry.

Slap Chop... I am faithful to my little food processor.

Rotisserie. WAY easier to walk to the supermarket on a whim to get one made already. WAY less work... WAY less cleanup. NO rotisserie for me!

Well... my awesome son walked away from me with my catalog. Maybe he is going to get a job and buy me something!!!!!! So, there you have it... my thoughts as I browse the Sears Brochure!

I get anxious when...

2009-10-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been feeling anxious and probably need to follow up with the doctor. It seems to be PMS related (I know TMI) .... but here are some things that bring the anxiety on full force...

*Living paycheck to paycheck and feeling like payday will never come....
*Not having a job of my own to contribute to the house
*PMS
*being late for an important date
*worrying about where we will be moving in 8 months or so
*a full schedule
*not knowing exactly what I am supposed to be doing with Sydney and all her recent evaluations and the school. Which way is up?
*watching my Sydney work her butt off during soccer, trying just as hard if not harder than her peers.. and playing a total of 7 minutes of a game.
*the incredible mess this house becomes
*van woes that need to be un-woe'd
*Dishes in the sink
*laundry in the bedroom waiting to be folded
*thinking of living here another whole year without my husband
*having to find new doctors for Sydney when we move
*my son fighting me because he can... all the time (at almost 2!)
*how cr%ppy halloween will be for my son since he is allergic to peanuts. Karma really got me on that one.
*Eczema and fighting lotion.
*the thought of freezing cold temperatures
*not having time for myself.
*wanting to give my kids the world and everything they want.
*not being able to do the above.
*the kids NOT being grateful for the fact I (we) bend over backwards for them (something they will not understand until they are grown.)
*the fact I have not worked in over 6 years. That gets me down.
*being eligible for WIC when my husband has been in the Navy on active duty for 15 years.
*swine flu

I could go on and on about the misery... I am sure many people are feeling the crunch of the times...

I am SO SO SO grateful for...
*being able to be home for my kids.
*I have a vehicle. It is running. I can put gas in it when I need to.
*my parents making it possible for us to visit them for Thanksgiving. EVEN getting a trip to Disney World!
*I will get to see the faces of my children at Disney World... PRICELESS.
*My husband has a steady job and it more than provides for our needs.
*The ability to see the world and experience life in different places.
*my children are healthy.
*we have(mediocre) health coverage.
*We have a roof over our heads and we have plenty of bedrooms for everyone.
*the generosity of people we know and people we dont know.
*free snow boots for our children. Given anonymously.
*reduced and free school lunch.
*WIC
*Turkey Dinner and Christmas gifts for the children given anonymously by generous people.
*My daughters awesome doctors.
*my children are eager to learn new things and be active and fit.
*awesome friends and family.
*finding joy in the small things. AND the big things.
*having a full schedule.
*knowing that everything always seems to work out. No matter what the outcome.

Just a puddle of brain thoughts.... Hope you all enjoy the last week of October... 2nd Brrrrrr month... 2 to go... then we get in the misery of the new year fridged temps!!!!!!!

Five Question Friday!

2009-10-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

1. Whats your favorite horror movie?

Hmm... They are definitely not my favorite genre of movie. I am trying to think of the movie that I saw recently that was just creepy. If I can remember... oh, it wasnt horror but it was called Obsessed. Totally recommend.

2. Bath tub or Hot tub?

HOT TUB! I NEED ONE! Our bath tub is too puny for my big butt... but I do read in there once in a while.

3. Do you prefer to view a movie at the theater or at home?

I havent been to the movie theater since I lived in Texas (early 2006) so I would have to say at home. I am too frugal to spend the money! Although, I should check out the free movies on base more often.

4. If you could chose a maid, cook or chauffeur, which one would you choose?

MAID! As long as that also includes doing the dishes after I cook up an awesome dinner! I Will share the dinner with her.... she has to do the dishes though.

5. Electric Slide, Boot Scootin' Boogie, or the Macarena?

Ahh... the Macarena... I went to Cancun after graduating high school in 1995 and the macarena was not here in the US yet. I brought back an authentic CD with the macarena on it and introduced it to a bunch of people.... Then it became big... SO FUN! HAHA!

Hop on over to MY LITTLE LIFE and share your five questions on this FRIDAY!

A New Hobby!

2009-10-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

LETTERBOXING!!!!!!!!!!

Totally recommend it! If you enjoy taking hikes with friends and family ... even your dog. Some are accessible on bike rides... if you want to get out and enjoy the great outdoors... if you are looking for something that is typically FREE... this is the hobby for you!

*cost could apply for getting in to areas such as state parks where a fee may be applied to entering the park.

Yesterday I went to Wadsworth Falls State Park with my girl scout troop to find out what this letterboxing hobby was all about. I had briefly heard about it and have heard of people doing it on facebook but didn't know exactly where to start or what I was supposed to do. The ladies who led the excursion were WONDERFUL and completely KNOWLEDGABLE about the park and the trees and everything. We learned about different kinds of Oak trees, Hemlock, and of course the STATE Flower of CONNECTICUT!
The GIANT Mountain Laurel which is also an EVERGREEN! This is the same one we saw only I didnt get a picture because a million other little girls from other troops were sitting on it! This tree was somewhere between 200 and 300 years old!
We saw some poison ivy vines which I never would have known what it was and would have reached out to touch it because it looked so soft and nice to touch...

and in the same area we saw a grape vine which wasn't nearly as pretty but definitely produces something much more delicious and yummy! We saw Beech, Maple and Birch trees. We saw a beautiful hawk. You have to have an awesome awesome awesome eye to find some of the DEER Tracks the guide showed us! I never would have seen the tracks in a million years... even if I was trying! We saw some old foundation of a home from the 1800's. It was just an awesome trip and we found 4 letterboxes.

I can't wait to find more! I have already printed out 6 boxes in a state park near my parent's house in Florida which I am hoping to locate when we take our trip to their house next month!

Give it a try! Let me know how it goes! OR.. let me know about your recent letterbox finds!

Wordless Wednesday.... My Second Born

2009-10-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

*This will not be so "wordless"... MckMama had posted a pic of her second born... and well... There is just something about second born's. They weren't first, and they aren't last... they are floating somewhere in the middle of a bunch of kiddos... they look up to the eldest and guide the young ones. They try to find their own niche... knowing what the oldest is up to... and trying to feel their way around this world while becoming who THEY are...
My second born has certainly kept me busy. She has been so easy going through everything and I am eternally grateful for that. She has been teaching me and showing me strength. She has a brave face. She has a strong will. She won't let you down. She won't let herself down. She is an amazing kid and I am one lucky lady to be able to say I AM HER MOM! Everyone needs a little Sydney in their life.....

Where in the World?

2009-10-09T19:15:00.001-07:00

Where in the world is this place?

Do you know?

Have you been there?

Do you know anyone who has ever been there?

What is it called?

How long do you think you would survive there?

Five Question Friday

2009-10-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

I have not participated in a five question friday in quite some time! So, hop on over and visit Mama M. and join in the fun! It's the WEEKEND! And a 3 day weekend at that! WOOHOO!

1. What is the one thing that you reach for the most in a day (excluding phones and computers)?

My Soda! Diet Pepsi usually!!! (and this is excluding grabbing my rabid son from one disaster or another)

2. What is the farthest you have been from home?

I used to live in Waipahu, Hawaii on Oahu. I went to visit it before I lived there though when my dear hubby and I were not married yet! I went for a visit on spring break as he was already stationed out there. I was living in Rhode Island at the time.

3. What kind of cell phone do you have? Love it or hate it?

I dont know!!! LOL! It is a good phone though! has a keyboard. Reddish color.

4. Coke or Pepsi?

PEPSI (Diet please! I consume too many calories as it is!)

5. If you could go back and change anything about your wedding day, what would it be and why?

I got married in Hawaii!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What would you change?! LOL! I guess have it where I grew up so more people could be there and share our day with us!

In the mountains of new hampshire

2009-10-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

On the day I entered my 33rd year of life... we decided to go and enjoy the leaves changing color in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As I turn another year older, the leaves turn color and the tree begins a new phase. I am hoping that there are only good things to come and that I can change. I hope to be healthier in this 33rd year so that I have many more birthdays to come. I wish that the photos could really show you how beautiful the mountains of New Hampshire are at this awesome time of year. I have to say, I think the fall is my favorite of all seasons. EXCEPT when the bitter cold settles in. We had to make the most of the opportunity to head up to the mountains because we do not know where our journey will bring us in 9 months. (NO BABY)... in 9 short months, Chris is due to transfer. We do not know where or what will happen but we need to make sure we make the most of our experience here in the northeast.

If you ever get the chance, you have to see the leaves of the mountains as they change color and give your senses an awesome invigorating sensation! Oh, and the SMELL... I wish I could bottle it up... incredible.

Wordless Wednesday... Leaf Peeping...

2009-10-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Wearing babies is HOT!

2009-10-06T19:20:00.000-07:00

ESPECIALLY for DAD's!!!!!!!!!!

I love when my husband wears our son... even at 22 months old I can't get enough of it. The Ergo has been our greatest blessing. A friend of mine let me borrow it and I used to wear Kiley in it when she was nearly 4. And I would push the baby in the stroller (or vice versa)

Now our little man is eager to climb aboard and go for a ride. You cant even tell when he is on you! I was not able to return the Ergo to my friend before she moved to Japan... so, we still have it but it is still getting used to the max! I love that both my husband and myself have mastered getting our son in the Ergo without anyone around to assist. I recommend the Ergo to ANYONE! It has been a life saver for us and will be making the trip to Florida next month! ,

Go check out the girly twins on their daddy and mommy... There is NOTHING like a ~~baby~~ toddler wearing.

Ashley is NOT tone deaf

2009-10-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Tonite while watching television we accidentally switched it to one of those local television stations that often has "fundraising" efforts to "save" the television station. I am sure you all know the channels I am speaking of.
Anyways... it was a beautiful accident to have landed on this station.
This station made bunch of amazing lightbulbs go on in Ashley's little 9 year old brain.
At the beginning of the school year Ashley had decided she wanted to be in the orchestra again and play her Violin. So... like the great mom that I am, I sent the paper back in to school.
THEN... we got the paperwork from the Band. She wanted to be in the band. We attempted to get her to understand the success she has had with her Violin and the opportunities out there for great violinists. We tried to explain what happens when you join the band and the opportunities for kids who are in the band vs. orchestra. Well. She is 9. That didnt matter. What matters is TODAY. So. I sent the paper in to the band director like the good mom that I am and she was selected to play the clarinet in the band. THEN... the day orchestra had practice, her teacher went down to her room and told Ashley she WAS going to be IN the ORCHESTRA. NOT band. She wasnt going to let Ashley go. Ashley of course was a bummed little 9 year old pretty much stomping her feet because she wanted to be in the band.
Of course at her age they cant quite grasp the idea that one day they will be 90 and look back and think "Maybe I should have stuck with the violin". No regrets right?
I tried to explain to Ashley that she could have the band instruments as a hobby and the Violin as her "job" so to speak. We would try and get our hands on some band instruments for FUN and she can just work with the orchestra teacher on getting her Violin lessons and skills.
That sort of made her happy. NOW Sydney has gotten the Cello so it is another instrument Ashley has been able to sort of toy with. She HAS the skills.
So. Tonite on our accidental television mishap... We stumbled upon a man named David Garrett who was playing his Violin... and he is INCREDIBLE. For a pledge of 70.00 you could get a ticket to his concert in Hartford. Well. We tried. My mom was going to purchase 2 tickets for Ashley as a birthday gift so I could bring her to see David. Well. We didnt get tickets. After much research tonite I know why. This man has set the world record for being the fastest violinist. He has been playing since he was 4 years old and has not mastered the Violin. He plays on a multimillion dollar Violin. Amazing. Ashley is enamored. She was SOLD when she heard him playing smooth criminal on his Violin. The lights went on. She GETS it... SHE SEES now what practice and hard work can get you. She pulled the seat closer to the television and was gone. She was in the zone. She has a new idol. When she got the opportunity she went to her room and reappeared in the living room with her trusty 3/4 Violin. She thought for a minute... and then... there it was.... she played the beginning of Michael Jackson's smooth criminal in under a minute. WITHOUT looking at anything. This child is amazing. She just might have some talent! I am SO glad she stuck with the violin and didnt act like she was so completely stuck in the mud and wasnt going to budge in her decision to join the band.
I hope to one day get her to see David Garrett but, I dont know that my wallet would survive a ticket sale!!! The 70.00 tickets were a DEAL.
My kid GETS IT... SHE SEES that she can play ANYTHING on her violin. She doesnt have to practice what the teacher shows them in their little handbook. SHE CAN DO IT. She can hear a note and quickly place it CORRECTLY on her instrument! She is incredible.

I know why...

2009-10-01T10:23:00.000-07:00

people think about military wives the way they do.

I guess you could say I was ignorant that people could be so selfish and self indulgent?

I guess you could say I thought that almost everyone who went to the alter to get married really believed the words they spoke.

I guess you could say that I have been completely mistaken.

I am absolutely disgusted with the things that have been going on around me.

And, this stuff... is not just the wives. So, the stigma should include husbands as well.

I hardly leave my house but all gossip makes its way to my ears and I am often picking my jaw up off the floor.

I just dont understand.

Why? Why? Why?

IF you decide you are wanting to take the plunge in to marriage... do it with the strong belief that your love is everlasting.

LISTEN to the words you say.

DON't just HEAR them.

When you make a commitment before the Lord.... STICK TO IT....

What is the deal with "Open" Marriage?

WHY on earth would you get married?

WHY?

When your husband is away, it doesn't mean you get to play?

The things I hear are DISGUSTING...

What example are you trying to set for the children at your feet?

If you want to have a relationship with someone other than your SPOUSE... GET DIVORCED.

I take the vows I spoke SERIOUSLY and to watch people disregard the vows they took is pathetic.

Did you do it for the dress?

Did you do it for the gifts?

Did you do it because you like a party?

Did you want to be the center of attention?

Was it the shoes?

Was it the BENEFITS?

Was it the "FREE" housing?

Was it for the adventure?

YOU ARE NOT SINGLE when you are MARRIED.

There are people who would LOVE to have everlasting love.

There are people who would LOVE to be a good example for children at their feet!

I understand some people are able to work through an extramarital affair and make it work out. GOOD FOR YOU!

Seriously.

YOU RECALL the reason you got married.

Would I ever be able to forgive my husband?

The answer is NO.

I have not been in the situation but I am not tolerant of it.

At all.

People who are habitual cheaters.

People who have excuse after excuse for their downfalls are ridiculous.

People who walk with their heads held high as if they did nothing wrong disgust me.

They lie.

They cheat.

They set a bad example.

Then they have their spouse return home and what?

Oh, they smack a kiss on the person's lips as if they have done no wrong.

I will not ever accept that what these people are doing is ok.

If your marriage is bad, there are things you can do about it. BEFORE you go and give your body/mind and/or soul to another person.

Sisters through and through....

2009-09-22T18:57:00.001-07:00

I love how they love each other. I love that they miss each other when seperate. I love the love they have shown each other when reunited from experiences away from one another. They fight, they argue. They share, they care. They tattle on each other. They play with each other. They share bunkbeds but often you find them snuggled in one bed together. They worry about each other. They taunt one another. They compete. They suffer defeat with each other. They encourage one another. They are almost the same size. They do things together.

I love that they love each other.

Eight is GREAT~

2009-09-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

On September 5, 2001, after a VERY short, induced labor, Sydney June made her grand appearance in this crazy world. She was born at 39 weeks and weighed in at 8lbs 13oz.

Little did we know what kind of journey this pretty little baby would bring us on in her short 8 years (so far!)

She was such a wonderful little baby... yet puked ALL the time. With a beautiful smile on her face. Not many things phased her. She was content to sit and watch what was going on. She didnt walk until she was nearly 15 months old. She had no reason. She was a late teether. But wasnt bothered when her teeth finally come through.

Sydney is a leftie... like her grandma and her aunt.

She taught herself to read... but hates reading.

She loves clothing shopping... if the clothing is soft enough for her.

She loves soccer, softball, basketball... and doesnt mind when they dont win or she doesnt touch the ball.

She doesnt fear needles.

She is eager to make everyone happy... even if it makes her unhappy.

She wants to take Irish Dancing.

She likes to sing in the back of the car. But doesnt like loud music.

She went to her first concert this year. It was Britney Spears. It was too loud and she got bored.

She still feels like a superstar because she went to the concert. Jordin Sparks also sang.

Sydney received the Good Sportsmanship award for Softball this year. For ALL age levels. ... she more than deserved it.

She has lost some more teeth this year, and some adult ones have made their way in.

She wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.

She loves soft things. She purchased a cozy chair, pillow and blanket with her birthday cash. She also received a pillow from us.

Since her heart procedure, he has been a different person. She allows her emotions to show. Sometimes dramatically. She sticks up for herself more and is getting better about not wanting people to walk all over her.

Oh, another thing she likes to collect is water bottles. She fills them, but hardly ever consumes the water.

She loves art supplies and markers... if only she would remember to put the caps on.

She will be a third year Brownie Girl Scout this year. ... I will STILL help out and definitely go camping with her.

She loves ice cream. She loves when I make her homemade mac n cheese. She was called "the candy queen" when she was little. She especially loved M & M's.

She was a thumb sucker until shortly after she turned 5. She also carried a "blues clues" blanket for several years.

She has been through more in her short 8 years than many adults have been through. And she does it with a smile and without being bitter or disgruntled or angry.

I am SO proud I can say I am her mother. I look forward to many more years of Sydneyisms.... although I am kind of scared of her being a teen.

Oh, she also wants to be a mommy when she gets older. She said she is going to have twins. Zoey and Joey and she is going to give me one of them.

I love you Sydney, Happy 8th Birthday!

Wordless Wednesday... Entrepeneurs!

2009-09-09T16:57:00.001-07:00

FRIEND MAKING MONDAY

2009-08-31T19:01:00.000-07:00

I stumbled on this and thought it would be fun to join in!!!!

1. Do you cook every night?
I try to cook every night. Do I get to the kitchen to fulfill my wifely and mommy duties and make it... No. Guilty.

2. What kind of laundry detergent do you use & why?
I use All free and clear for my mr. sensitive of a son. I definitely much prefer the smell of TIDE and also how much better it works.

3. Do you do laundry every day or loads at a time?
We try to get it done as soon as it is made... usually I am unsuccessful.

4. How often do you eat out per week?
Too much. Way too much. And it is never sit down. It is always take out/drive thru.

5. Where do you usually eat out?
Taco Bell, McDonald's, some local pizza places.

6. What is your favorite retail store?
Walmart

7. What's your favorite thing to drink?
Diet Coke/Pepsi, coffee with milk/creamer/cream and sugar

8. Do you take vitamins? What kind?
I stopped after I was done nursing my son but I sometimes remember to take it. I also am "prescribed" oscal... but it makes my stomach upset and so I need to get some viactiv

9. What percentage of the household chores to you do?
85%

10. Do your children do chores? {Or will they, did they, etc}
I need to get better about this. the girls (2 oldest) are supposed to make sure the dogs bowls are filled, laundry is moved to our room for folding, put away their clothes, keep their rooms cleaned and their miscellaneous put away from the living room. I need to chart it out for them

11. Do you go to church?
I was going. I have not found the church that is 100% where we belong. The girls do enjoy the sunday school but there are things about that I am not too excited about. We move next july so I dont want to commit to one church but I do intend on visiting others with friends.

12. Do you have a housework schedule?
No, but I need one!

13. Do you keep a working budget?
NO... we live paycheck to paycheck with one income. Ouch.

14. What do you do at night as a family?
Now we have soccer, scouts, and will be having homework etc. We all eat dinner ...

15. How do you prepare yourself for a new week?
I need to get better at that! Sunday right now is our day to try and sort through things and get things in the yard sale pile to prepare for moving next year!

16. What do your mornings look like?
A MESS! trying to get 3 girls out the door with one super demanding little boy... kind of frightened! My afternoons will probably be even more crazy! Kiley going on the bus to one school, Ashley and Sydney going to another.... oh boy. needing to be at their destinations at the same time and being released at the same time as well!

17. What time do you get up in the mornings?
It will be 7-720 am. I need to get better at all this stuff!

18. What time do you go to bed at night?
too late. I lay in bed reading. I like my quiet time at night.

19. How do you manage all of the paperwork that floods into your household? {bills, school work, magazines, ads, etc}
I have piles of things EVERYWHERE! I am getting better at filtering through but I worry that I might need something so I save it... and it all piles up. I need to go through our old file cabinet. I need to do a lot of things! I think NAP time for CJ is going to be my super cleaning time....

20. How do you keep your household organized? {calendars, charts, etc}
I have a calendar that I carry with me everywhere I go. I have to. too many appointments. Too little time. I need some charts though. Any body have any templates that are good?

Five Question Friday

2009-08-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am joining in again for the five question friday held here.... hop on over and join the fun!

1. What is your favorite Holiday and why?

I have things I like about every single holiday! I guess I would have to say Christmas. It is just a magical time of year. The past few years the holidays have been less than pleasant due to our children being ill on the holidays. Last year my kids had conjunctivitis on Halloween, and Stomach flu on Christmas AND thanksgiving.... I love that my children all still "believe" (YES we do Santa around here) ... I love the joy they get when opening their gifts, I love the decorations, I love the enthusiasm in my husband when he is decorating the yard and planning how he can make it better the following year. this will be our last year decorating our awesome pine tree in our side yard. I love spending time with my family when we can. It is just awesome to celebrate the birth of Christ... and the messages we receive during the holidays at church.... everything about it is incredible!

BUT I do LOVE HALLOWEEN! The stores are filling up with all the orange and black and purple! SO AWESOME!

2. Who has been the most influential person in your life?

I would have to say.... my parents and spouse. Without them, I dont know where I would be. They support me when things are bad, they commend me when I achieve, they lift me up when I am sad... they give me advice when I need it. I continue to look to my parents for support and they are there for me without a doubt whenever I need it... I have been blessed with great parents and a wonderful husband. Even when we dont agree, I know they all still love me. Regardless. ALL of them. My husband works hard for our family, does his best to better himself and in the meantime, he urges me to better myself .... I love them all!

3. If you could give up one household chore forever, what would it be?

DISHES GOOD LORD I HATE THEM

4. What is the BEST practical joke you have ever been a part of, on the giving OR receiving end?

Hmm.. Practical Joke???? I dont recall a practical joke... I do recall my mom and my husband (who was my fiance at the time) SCHEMING and getting him to Rhode Island from Hawaii so that he could spend christmas and New year's with me... and attend my sisters wedding. JERKS! LOL! I was SO surprised. They actually did that to me MORE tHAN ONCE.... It was funny because I WAS SO MAD because I could not get in touch with Chris... little did I know he was on airplanes making his way back to see me!

5. Where (or how) did you meet your spouse?

I met my hubby on a blind date that was set up by my sister and her boyfriend (now husband)... January 1998... horrible ice storm. He was scared because all he knew was that he was meeting a rugby player at her parents house! That was a very awkward date.... it was a double date with my sis... I decided a couple weeks later to give it another shot and NOT go to a night club and just get to know him.... we have been together ever since (2/14/1998).... amazing. I knew that night (2/14) that I was going to marry him!

The difference a simple fine tuning can do....

2009-08-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Bill WAVES Hello!!!!!

2009-08-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

We went to Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, RI to check out the waves from Hurricane Bill. We got more than a show of waves when some really drunk person was being extremely ridiculous in the water causing a whole crew of lifeguards to have to get him out of the EXTREME danger zone to get him off the beach. His "friends" were at the rear of the beach laughing as they watched their friend in extreme danger. It was so pathetic and disgusting all in one. I am hoping the guy made it home safe and really thinks about his actions should he even recollect any of them. you can see how far up the water was coming on to the beach. this was about 1 hour before high tide hit. They eventually told everyone to get off the beach. The lifeguards seemed very edgy and I dont blame them one bit. I dont understand why people have to act ridiculous. Seriously. The silver pole at the bottom of the pic is the edge of the beach where the small boardwalk meets the beach.

My hubby dearest and our sweet son take in the awesome sights and sounds. Nothing like the sound of waves crashing on the beach. Invigorating to say the least. (I need to edit these photos still)

the pictures do not do the event any justice. I wish a picture could portray reality!

Incredible!

Thank you Hurrican Bill for the show!

Just some pictures....

2009-08-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Sydney was so proud of the cucumber she peeled all on her own! They have been having a blast playing on the (NEW) slip n' slide but they get COLD so fast.. as you can tell Kiley was FREEEEEZING
Like I said in my last post, Ashley is loving the thought of going back to school. She is so excited about all her new clothes and can't wait to show them off to her friends. (did we worry about this when we were in 4th grade? I dont think we did...)

CJ LOVES TOOLS... and now he ALSO loves THOMAS the Train...

Bell Family Updates

2009-08-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

ME: I am trying to plan to get down to fleet and family service to figure out how I could go about getting some schooling done to become an RN. I graduated from URI in 1999 with a BS in Human Development and Family Studies but I am really drawn to medical stuff. It is all I ever have on TV. Chris always picks on me about having "The Placenta Channel" on all the time. So, I am hoping to find out something about how I can go about getting more education. Chris will be out of the Navy in a little over 5 years... so that is my time frame! Even though we will most likely be moving next July, I want to start getting the ball rolling in my education. (Again!)
I have my follow up on the 24th. I have not been taking my pills like I should be. I keep forgetting and have been trying to tweak a schedule that will work for me and bring me the most comfort. They arent major pills that I have to take. I do still take my Synthroid religiously but I need to put the Os-Cal (cant be taken with Synthroid) 2 times a day and the Prilosec. I have been getting some multivitamins in there as well. I was trying the Synthroid in the morning but it was making me feel like I had a swollen throat. BUT it also could have been a bout of allergies. Who knows, I am more comfortable with taking it at night. I have been anxious about the start of school and how our schedules will work out with the girls being at different schools. I have been at the base clinic over and over for appointments for everyone. I think they should have an open slot just for the Bell Family. I am getting a lot accomplished though. Slowly but surely.

Chris: This man makes me crazy. In a good way! He CLEP'd 9 Credits last week! SEriously?! This man has the elephant brain in this house! He is going to try and get Technical writing done today. If he passes, he will have 12 credits in a WEEK. That is like completing one semester in college in A WEEK.... He even CLEP'd BIOLOGY... WHAT?! GOOD LORD... I am so envious of his brains... but so proud of him. He is hoping to get his bachelors within the next year or so. He has the hard courses left... such as Calculus and what not. He is still really bummed that he didnt make Chief but is already getting his ducks in a row to hopefully make it next year. We should be able to start looking at orders for his next job in October. It will most likely end up including a move to the Norfolk, VA area.

Ashley: Her Lyme test came back negative but she is still having to take Doxycycline for the Ehrlichiosis. She had taken Amoxicillin in the beginning of the summer for the possibility of Lyme when we had removed the tick and she was symptomatic. They never ran blood work. Because her lymph nodes in her head were still enlarged after 4 weeks I had made the follow up appointment with an AWESOME doc who sent AShley for some labs which is where we found out the HGE was still high in her blood... so the antibiotic had not wiped it out. She is so excited about starting the 4th grade even though she is not accepted in to the Magnet school yet. I am hoping the schedules all work out and she can stay put if that is what she decides should her name make it to the top of the magnet school list. This should be our last year here and changing schools mid year is kind of silly. I guess you could say Ashley is our "Easy" one although she is getting that Tween attitude. I just got the book Care and Keeping of YOU from Paperback Swap at the recommendation of some of the moms on the MckForum. She is getting to the age where her peers are talking beyond their understanding and I am going to have to start explaining a bunch of this stuff to her... and most likely Sydney, at the same time. So, we have some reading to do!!! She just finished reading Coraline which was a cool comic book type book. I have to schedule her annual eye exam but I will not be returning to Pearle Vision so I have to look in to somewhere that I can bring them.

Sydney: I have been trying to set up a PPT... The school of course has not returned my phone call. The Neurologist and her Pediatrician recommended I set this up. She will also be meeting with a Sensory Integration person or something like that and also be getting a Psychological Evaluation done. We are also going to be getting her... hmmm... Good lord. Something else. Oh, Speech evalauation. Her report card came back at the end of the year saying she wasnt meeting grade level expectations in several different areas. So, we are going to see what is going on considering the Epilepsy and what not. And of course the year with the horrible teacher. Whatever. I am so confused as to what I should be doing and if it is going to be fruitless at the end of this journey. We will know her IQ! HAHA! So, it wont be completely fruitless. Either way, it is best we make sure everything is ok. If she had a great class this year I bet you we wouldnt even be having this journey! We have the Exceptional Family Member papers getting filled out and we will be waiting for all these other results to come back before we submit them. She wants to go to the Magnet school next year but chances are she will not be at the top of the lottery list before the beginning of the school year. Once again, we will be moving after this school year and dont know if it is worth it to move her mid year should her name come up. Once again, it all depends on the classroom situation. If I am not happy with it, then I would contamplate pulling her regardless of the fact we will possibly move next summer. She is still pretty happy go lucky!! Oh, and she is now also on Periactin for allergies which the ped thinks will work on Sydney's headaches when school starts. She has not complained much of having headaches since school got out.... coincidence? She also takes Nasonex and Singulair... they all have a specific job too which is why the periactin was added. So far so good.... it could make her tired and hungry so she takes it at bed time.

Kiley: We are getting her ready to start Kindergarten!! I am nervous. I am sad. I dont know if this is what I should be doing but the Pre-K was NOT enough for her. I know she will do ok. I am OK with it if she needs to repeat K next year because of her age or not meeting the expectations for the grade. I am worried about her getting on the bus by herself and crying. I dont want to watch the bus pull away with her with tears in her eyes. I wish one of the girls was also in the magnet school. I could pull her back to the local school but GOSH DARNIT... my kids deserve the BEST School in the District with the BEST teachers in the district. Why shouldnt my kids have the BEST equipped school and the BEST supplies... they have a nurse practitioner on staff, they have to walk every day with their class because it is a Wellness school... MY KIDS deserve it.. ALL of them. I wish there was some way I could get ALL of them in to the school before the beginning of the school year. Calling the schools now is NOT worth it... nobody is there. She has been having warts burned on her fingers which is not fun for her... and we found ANOTHER one on the bottom of her big toe. Grrr. I want them GONE. I dont want her to have anymore. I want the treatments to WORK. Ugh. We go back next week for her third time. First time for her toe.

CJ: He is in the QTEST kid contest for the local radio station and I think you should all vote for him a million times! He is # 102 in the 0-2 year category. I dont know what we would win but Gosh darnit.... whatever it is... we dont care, we just think he IS THE CUTEST! (except when having a melt down and decides to smack his head on the floor on purpose) PLEASE Vote for our little guy! Oh, and his name under his picture is Robert... because Robert is his REAL name!
He is going to miss his sissies when they all go to school. What am I going to do with just him?!
I went and had his exceptional family member papers filled out today for his Eczema and Allergies (peanut).... the doc wants him to go back to the dermatologist because of all the recent flare ups on my baby boy. I also have to get more aggressive with the lotion but he seems to hate me doing it.. I dont have eczema so I dont know if I am hurting him... he seems pretty uncomfortable when I do it and of course using hydrocortizone like it is going out of style isnt so cool either! He is finally getting better at being laid down in his bed to go to sleep without crying like a madman. He isnt too happy when we do but is settling down much better. He is asleep on my bed now for his nap because he was DIAPERLESS this morning. So, it begins!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Summer... mine has been full of medical appointments. As you can tell!!! School will start soon and we have entered the time of "No More's"
Meaning... No more August 11th's in Connecticut. No More 1st days of school in CT.... That is how we will be rolling until next July......

Not Me! Monday...

2009-08-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hello all! It has been a while since I have participated in MckMama's Not Me Monday!

I dont know that I have so much to Not me about this week.... We will see what I can remember!

Join in the fun and share with us your Not ME!

*I did not grab the camera to take photos of my two youngest in the tub after my son had dumped an entire bottle of shampoo in it. I did not run the water to make even more bubbles for them to play in. The good parent would have scolded them, rinsed them and sent them to bed without their supper.

*I did not request more books off paperback swap that are about the FDLA Polygamist Mormons. I would not read about things that seem so warped to me.

*I did not believe the doctors when they said that Ashley's Lyme test would come back positive FOR SURE.... (Boy was I wrong, or... they were wrong! it was negative, but she was still high for Ehrlichiosis HGE)

*I did not buy my son a set of Thomas the Tank Engine Pajamas at Sears because he had finally made the connection after seeing an episode on TV. I didnt get all mushy gushy about how cute he was when he saw the backpack (which he didnt need) and go on a wild goose chase throughout Sears to find something USEFUL for him. Like the pajamas. I also did NOT take the tags off the jammies and put the shirt on him even before leaving the store.

*I did not cancel a dentist appointment this week FOR ME because I was less than an hour away from the appointment, had starving children from being at other appointments all morning and had already arranged childcare... why would I wait until the LAST minute to find someone to watch the children so I could get my mouth drilled?

And OF COURSE I have rescheduled... right?

*I am not confused about all the stuff I am trying to get set up for Sydney and her psychological evaluation. I am not procrastinating getting everything all squared away. I am not waiting for the school to return my phone call because they are always so reliable with getting back to parents needing information or appointments(conferences)

Five Question Friday!

2009-08-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

Someone had started this on the MckMama Forum and another lady had started it on her blog this week but ended up deleting out the MckLinky... so, if you want to join in, go to her blog and leave a comment! Or, check it out on the MckForum!
Have Fun!

1. What was your favorite wedding gift? Or, if you aren't married, what was your "favorite" gift you gave?
My favorite gift was the wedding itself.... without my parents help, the wedding would have been a visit to the Justice of the Peace once I arrived in Hawaii. I am so grateful that my parents were able to fly my husband's parents out to Hawaii also. And the wedding dress, and the hotel rooms for my family members who were able to get out to Hawaii. It was all just incredible and such a gift to have been able to share the day with my whole family. That was 10 years ago last month!

2. Speaking of weddings, where did you honeymoon, or where would you like to honeymoon?
We got married in Hawaii... does it get any better than that? We had a room at the Turtle Bay Hilton with the package for our wedding but since Family was in Hawaii visiting, we actually spent a lot of time with them! Kind of like a reverse honeymoon!

3. If you had to choose (you know, if anyone would actually be that cruel)...shoes or chocolate?
Oh boy.... Shoes. Oh wait... I dont know... OK... I have the world's ugliest Flintstone feet... So, most shoes would be completely out of the question for me... so, Chocolate.

4. Besides your kiddos and husband (if you have those), what are you most proud about in your life?
I am proud that I was able to graduate college with honors... I was told by a high school guidance counselor to not even bother applying to college because I wasnt going to make it anyways. This is the same guy who was he high school softball coach... I never made the high school team but did play some college softball! So, I am proud. I stuck it out and did it.. and really, it wasnt that hard!!! Now, to go back and change my major and have gone in to nursing... that is another story.

5. And, (since it's raining here...I'm just glad it's not snowing) what is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
I like to go to the mall and window shop. I like to hang out at home and blast some music with the kiddos. I love watching thunderstorms... but for some reason they always miss us!

YOUR TURN!!!!!!!!!!!

Hives or Eczema Flare up???

2009-08-04T21:30:00.000-07:00

here are some of the pics I managed to get of CJ while he was nekkid running around on my bed.... I was attempting to get some hydrocortisone on them. I dont know what would have caused the major flare up? of whatever it is... I also gave him a bit of benadryl which he managed to fling half of the dose all over the blanket....
what do you think?

I want to always remember this...

2009-08-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

Tonite when we were driving back from one of our Walmart adventures the girls were talking about what they are going to name their babies. Usually they come up with crazy non-human names for their babies. Tonite was different. I guess I will tell you the conversation started with us talking about our initials because I saw a car in the Walmart parking lot that had 3 letters which were EGL. Those were my initials growing up before I got married... Erin Gray Lannon.
So, the girls were asking us to say their initials in word form... AGB, SJB, KCB, RCB Jr.... Then daddy is RCB Sr. and I am ELB.
I told the girls that one of them needed to marry a man with the last name beginning with F.... and then name their baby William Thomas.... or, Winifred Theodora... so that the initials would be WTF.... They had no clue what I meant but it really got the ball rolling... for SERIOUS names this time! For ONCE... our grandchildren will not be named Doo Doo... or something.
Ashley is SO funny.... She is DEAD serious that her daughter will be named Sandy. And if she has a little boy, his name will be DANNY!!! ROFLOL.... Seriously?
Cute. She loves Grease and even got a jacket for back to school which is a super soft metallic gray color... which she says is from GREASE.... and not only from GREASE.... it is also like her new favorite singer's coat. Michael Jackson...
Funny Gal..

Tonite, Sydney will be naming her children Zoey... (which would have been CJ's name if he was a girl) or Robert... like daddy and brother.

Unfolding

2009-07-31T21:16:00.000-07:00

Hey all, in support of MckMama and Stellan and all the other people who have been in a situation where they are displaced from their families while tending to a sick child in another location.... Share with us your UNFOLDING shirt.... portions of the sales of this shirt went to Until Journey's End

SHARE YOUR PHOTO with the world of you sporting your AWESOME UNFOLDING SHIRT!

What More...

2009-07-31T11:57:00.001-07:00

I dont know what else my husband could have done outside of stomping through the desert.....

He didnt make Chief this year..... Guess we wait and see what happens next year.

The stress of it all...

2009-07-31T10:41:00.000-07:00

is eating me away... one little anxious chunk at a time.
We are waiting for the results of who will be the lucky Chief Selects (E-7) in the Navy. The people who make board (pass the test) in January then have their records sent to a group of big whigs who convene in Millington, TN. Those big whigs then go through the records and determine who will become a Chief Select and later be pinned as a Chief in the Navy.
This is Chris' 4th time making board (he has taken the exam 6 times, 2 times not making board)
This could mean a variety of things.... if he makes it or not.....
We could stay in CT... we might end up moving to Virginia. Next July that is...
It is all up in the air. and it is KILLING me waiting. There are so many rumors as to when these results will be out. Most people are guessing they will come out today because of scheduling events that take place in the next 6 weeks. Some people say next friday (I DONT THINK MY MIND can last that long).... some people say Tuesday.
Why do I think he WONT make Chief?
*he has not been deployed in a long long time. And being in the Corpsman rating now, that is a huge thing. On the flip side of that, last year he was not considered deployable because of medical issues (which come to find out never existed).... which have since been cleared up and he IS deployable. ANY time something does come up for a deployment to the sand box areas of the world, they deny the men/women the orders because of manning issues. So, here we sit with no deployment on the records.
* his test score was not spectacular although it was passing and that makes you eligible to make Board. .... the test.... yeah... see.... Chris is a corpsman. technically speaking. BUT... he does not have the same duties as a corpsman we would all think of.... he does not have any involvement with patient Care. Chris is a BioMedical Technician... He REPAIRS hospital machinery, equiptment etc. He has a GREAT job... but... he does not do typical corpsman duties. I think there needs to be a seperate rating for him. The exam... DOES NOT have ANY questions on it regarding Biomedtech duties. BUT.. it does have Pharmacy, Radiology, Dental etc. Umm... I see a problem... Chris doesnt have ANYTHING to do with that stuff. Although, he did AWESOME on the exam on the portions dealing with Patient Care and First aid and what not.

Those are both 2 huge yucks for him.

NOW... the things that my husband is AWESOME for...
*out of 48 1st class persons in Naval Health Care New England... my husband is ranked #4... under 3 Career Counselors (Dont even get me started on that)...... So, outside of people who are the Master Chief's Right hand man.... he is #1.... for "Normal" First Class'
*He makes Sailor of the Quarter for the NACC (Where he works) at least one time per year
*He made Sailor of the quarter for NHCNE (Naval Health Care New England)
*He was up for Bio Med Tech of the year for the Navy (I THINK he came in 2nd, I cant be 100% on that one though)
*He is working towards his associates degree in his "free" time
*He completed his apprenticeship program
*He received an award (ribbon) for Volunteer Time
*He has improved on his PRT (Physical Test)
*His Evaluations have been phenomenal

I could go on and on... as to why my hubby is the awesomest.... and deserving...
and we cant forget that next year he will be going back to sea duty or possibly being deployed once his time here in Groton is up.....

If he MAKES Chief, they might not have to worry about getting a NEW Chief for his job.. because we could just stay put....

I already popped 2 motrin for the headache... and pushing the numbers and ideas around in my head still isnt helping. COME ON NAVY... LET US KNOW... this is a slow and torturous DEATH they are giving me. UGH....

Please, if you can... cross your fingers for My husband and our family..... (AND TAMMI's TOO!)
this is a big deal...
w

Show us your STELLAN!

2009-07-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

While browsing around the MckForum, another woman posted that she wanted to try out the Mcklinky and have everyone show the world THEIR STELLAN! I figured I could include Ali in my Stellan pic because I know we have both been following the McKFamily for quite some time. It isnt the same as some of the other photos in the Stellan photo Gallery but I dont live in Merrimack, NH so it is like sharing my adventures with the world, and of course I am also wearing my Unfolding shirt!

Now, how did I get to know Ali??? THE INTERNET! Crazy isnt it? We were on an old AOL bulletin board for moms who were expecting babies in January 2005. She had Kendyl in January 2005 but I had to have my January baby in December. But, we became fast friends and I was actually able to meet Ali in December 2005 at a mall in Massachusetts! I have met many women from that bulletin board. I feel extremely blessed to have stumbled upon that bulletin board. One of my other wonderful friends from that board is Julie... aka Ju. She also had a daughter 10 days before I had CJ. And of course her little guy was born in January 2005. I am blessed. Ju and her husband William are also CJ's Godparents.

Go check out all the other Stellan photo's!

so, enjoy my "Stellan" photo!

Wordless Wednesday.. Sprinkler Fun

2009-07-29T11:11:00.001-07:00

Do I know these people?

2009-07-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Kiley July 2007

2009-07-23T23:58:00.000-07:00

If you are the praying type....

2009-07-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

I just want to put out my own list of people who are in need of some prayers....

Some people host their own prayer lists where you can put in some requests, but, I figure I will make a list of some special people to me... I think I have too many to list on someone else's blog so I will make one here ....

My mom, Lois. She has had issues with her heart since she was 39 years old and I worry about her alot and her well being. She has been struggling recently with an infection in her eyes which has left her with severe blurred vision and lots of discomfort. The house she grew up in is being sold and I know it has been heavy on her heart with all the things she has dealt with with my grandmother her whole life and even still after my grandmother passed.

My dad, Don. Because he is my dad and has his medical issues and I worry about him.

My brother, Brad. That he is able to push forward in life and be successful in his path and that his medical stuff is able to be relieved and problems are overcome. That he has the strength to push forward and make sure all his needs are met.

My sister, Alison. That she has strength to deal with the issues that have been on the forefront in her life and that she has success with her career.

My brother in law, Ray. That his medical issues are benign and that he has the strength to get through wherever his path leads him.

************************************************************************************

My friend Julie who had 3 embryos transferred in to her body today for a family who desires to have a family. That at least one baby takes and is carried to full term so that a family can be blessed with a child. This will be her third surrogacy and her last one was born exactly one week before my CJ. We were preggo buddies.

My friend Donna who's son Joe is in the military. Her mother is also battling cancer. I am praying for strength for Donna and her family and healing for her mother.

My friend Rhonda and her son Ryan. Ryan has been having a lot of medical testing done for almost his whole life to find out "what is wrong". He will be 2 in Sept and has been labeled as failure to thrive recently. The current study is to find out if he has a protein deficiency of some sorts or if it is all Dairy issues. This poor little boy is constantly being poked and prodded and is making many trips to Yale for medical testing. I think tomorrow he is having an Endoscopy. (or is it next friday?)

My friend Ali who has a son with RAD (attachment disorder) and is HIV positive... she adopted her son from Haiti. He is about 13ish years old. I am praying that Ali and her family continues to have the strength and patience to deal with all the little things life throws at them. And that her son's levels start to become stable again.

My friend Ju who lost her daughter Sydnie Claire in a drowning accident in 1997. She currently has her 2 babies in ISR classes. I am praying for Ju to continue to have strength to push forward. I know watching her babies in this class has been trying even knowing it is for the better.

My mother in law in Georgia for her mental health wellness.

My mother in law in California, Betty, who recently had the one year anniversary of being in a propane explosion and near death for many many months. She was released from rehab several months ago and is still struggling with many issues related to the major burns she received and infections and everything else.

that is it for tonite... If I somehow come up with some more, I will add them..

Thank you all!

Baby Beach Bum

2009-07-22T22:53:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday.. errr... Thursday

2009-07-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

My incredible baby boy

2009-07-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

I can not believe that this was my baby boy back in December 2007. What a beautiful face... look at the chubby eyelids... and the perfect round head. He was SO yellow with jaundice... I am loving picasa!

playing with picasa

2009-07-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

Aloha Friday!

2009-07-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

I have not participated in quite a while.. been super duper busy and time has gotten away from me! I have been trying to faithfully read everyones blogs but have not been very good at it... oh, and of course Farm Town (pathetic) on Facebook has kept me pretty busy. lame. I know.

So, here it goes.... Welcome to Aloha Friday!

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response.
If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link here.

Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends!
My question is:

Have you started your back to school shopping yet?

My answer...

sadly, Yes I have. I found some good deals at Sears a couple of weeks ago and was able to get 6 shirts for Ashley and Sydney (3 each) for about 35.00. Not too bad! Some even have long sleeves! And Sydney got another shirt at Walmart the other night. We dont have to buy supplies for school (pens, pencils, crayons) and we are all done backpack shopping for all 3 girls.

And here is a little photo for the answer to my favorite superhero at The Mighty M Family and her question about who is your favorite superhero? Hop on over and join in ALL the fun and simple answer questions this Aloha Friday!

You can see the Superman Symbol on my Uncle Peter's gravestone. Rest in Peace Uncle Pete.

AIRBORNE!!!!!

2009-07-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

This was at our team softball barbeque. The man tossing Kiley is the grandfather of one of the girls on our team. They also hosted a BBQ last year for the team as well. We all had an awesome time and look forward to possibly having the girls on the same team again next year!

The grandpa was able to rent a bounce house and a real popcorn machine from his job free of charge!

Long lost blogger

2009-07-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

I am still around. Super busy and in need of a super long update on everyone!

Went and visited with Ali in New Hampshire! Had an awesome visit and won't let it get to nearly 2 years before we go and see her again! the kids all had an awesome time and I had an awesome time chit chatting away with Ali....

Here is a pic of Sydney with her son Jackson from Haiti...

when you see the picture on Sydney's blog... act surprised! LOL! She wants to post this picture on her blog when she takes the time to sit down and type.

What a day!

2009-07-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it started out with me finding out my cell phone had something wrong with it. I opened the cell phone and couldnt see anything on the screen. I pressed the numbers and those were still working so I dialed my house and it rang... so, I thought everything was all good.

I brought Chris to his surgery for his hand and dropped him off and told him to give them the number to my cell phone because I had some errands to run for tomorrow (today! ACK!) ... so, I called my mom to let her know I had dropped Chris off for his appointment and well... she couldn't hear me!!!! ACK!!!! Guess I wasnt going to do my errands and had to go get a new phone! Well.. since I had bought the cell phone not long ago when I had lost my old one (and have since found it) I was not due to get an upgrade and would have to pay the retail price for a phone. I have the old phone but I needed a phone that worked in case the hospital called me to pick Chris up. The old phone was dead as a doornail! Ugh. So, I had them assign a new number to my old phone and I will use it for emergency situations for the girls if I end up having to leave them somewhere like girl scouts or something. Soccer? Who knows. They are getting older and schedules are becoming more ridiculous with the extracurricular activities and what not. So. I got another phone. It actually has one of those text keyboard thingies. I dont know what kind of keyboard it has but. Whatever. My sister stopped by and I was at the bookstore with the kiddies. I told her to stay put and I would be home in 10 minutes to visit with her. I got to my house and no sooner was I here and they called (on the NEW cell phone) for me to pick up Chris! It was wonderful that she was able to stay with the kiddies while I went and got Chris. Thank you Alison!

So... anyways. I come home and next thing I know, I thought Hudson let out a green cloud... then we saw the poop tracks all over the house. Because Kiley has been guilty of it before, I thought she was trying to hide the fact she had tracked the poo because she suddenly was in her socked feet! Nope. No poop. OK... looks like the pup dropped a turd at the end of the hall and it got tracked around. Oh my god. I had been down the hallway. I assumed I couldnt have tracked poo because I had not been in the backyard to gain the prize of poo shoes. OMG. IT WAS ME. I had managed to step in the lost turd at the end of the hallway in the darkness. YUCK! So, my poor hubby and his broken hand sat in the girls room and watched animal planet while I steam cleaned my living room and hallway! YUCKO! Ah well...

Then... I go shopping with the 3 girls while the baby sleeps and that is just not even cool when it is the day before the 4th and I have just had too much caffeine. I felt so anxious. Guess I shouldnt have so much!

I come home and we carry on the rest of the evening. The kids painted pet rocks with the neighbors and then we go out for an awesome dinner at applebees. Our new Taco Bell opened and the line has just been INCREDIBLE all night. How have they NOT run out of food yet??? I am sure they done have any nachos left. There is no way!

I come home and the girls decide to watch Michael Jackson's Dangerous (at the 2:11 mark on that video)while I am giving the baby a bath. He was covered in dinner and bubbles. Kiley gave him bubbles in the car. Yeah. That is all I have to say. Chris freaked out as we were going over the Bridge from New London because he saw something and it shocked him! I was laughing SO hard because I knew at that point the baby had gotten the bubbles... one floated up in front of his face. LOL LOL .. . you had to be there.. I told him it was the dope from his surgery.

So, as I am sitting in the bathroom with the baby in the tub.. Kiley comes in and is re-enacting the Dangerous video and I am ROLLING... I get the old digital camera of mine which has been sitting on the table for a good number of days and THE SCREEN DOESNT WORK! WHAT THE HECK? Did we have some kind of surge run through the house and TOAST my Camera AND my cell phone? Oh, and the cell phone.. the BATTERY Was wet!?!??! THE BRAND NEW ONE that JUST came in the mail, I had opened the phone and it had made this white streakish stuff on the screen. Thought the new battery just went kaput.... so, I plugged it in... how did it get wet between the new battery going in and me charging it?!?!?!? GEESH!

back to the camera... I made a little film of Kiley... I dont know if it worked. I could still hear the camera making the noises it should make but I dont know yet if it recorded her impersonation of MJ. What I do know is it is risque... omg. HILARIOUS.... she even talked like him...

I would share it if CPS wouldn't come get me! LOL!

Now I need to go to bed. I am almost done with Breaking Dawn.

Regarding our Cape Cod Vacation

2009-07-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

We are not going. Well.. not that we arent going but we are not going the week we expected to be going. Chris is having surgery on his hand on friday for a cyst (ganglion?) in the palm of his hand. He was supposed to have the surgery on June 19th which would have given him plenty of time for post op stuff but since there was an emergency situation with someone else who goes to the practice my husband does, he had to be pushed back until July 3rd. So. The week we would have been in Cape Cod was the main week for all his post op. appointments. He will be out of work for at least 2 weeks so we will maybe do some day excursions but since he cant get in the ocean and/or sand... we may be limited but I am sure we will think of some things to do!
We cant put any plans in stone because the Chief results come out late July/early August and we cant be away if he does make it. I dont know if I feel he will make it... or he wont make it... I dont know. I dont want to get my hopes up to be let down... so, I will be pleasantly surprised if he does make it. He has his ducks in a row to make it but the test score is most likely the only thing that would make it so that he isnt the one chosen. Ah well... no vaca to Cape Cod.. maybe a day trip later in the summer or early spring!
Night All!

Wordless Wednesday Doggies Playing

2009-07-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

just checking... ignore

2009-07-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

see if this will post.

Me and my hubby

2009-07-01T08:25:00.001-07:00

We will be celebrating 10 years of marriage on July 18, 2009

I can not believe how fast time flies... We have come a long way in 10 years. We have had our ups and our downs but I certainly wouldnt change any of it.

I look forward to another 10 + years with this man!

Welcome to my blog....

2009-07-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

I am hoping this one works. The other one was not posting things to be viewed and I dont know if I had clicked on something to make it not work.
So... here we go! WELCOME!