Well, we are now officially a "wireless" household. The neighbors and the traffic on I95 saw an actual "Geek Mobile" driven by the Geek Squad at our house for several hours today:) We have one desk and 3 computers which only one could be on the internet at a time. So it was kinda squashed and stacked as well as annoying to say the least. It isn't like we can just close the door and ignore the mess either!!
Well, anyhow, Agent Dianna showed up this afternoon to bring us into the 21st Century. She was really dismayed when she saw the 8 year old Compaq sitting next to the laptops!! I'll say one thing for her - she absolutely tried her darndest to get the Compaq on 98SE to network - it just wouldn't happen. Not only that, she kept getting the same error message on bootup that I did - and couldn't get rid of it either (something else to do with Norton - which I'm becoming real disenchanted with) - which is why I quit using it altogether. Now we have to run it only for the wireless port - for whatever reason. The DSL is hooked into it somehow and if it's turned off, the wireless stuff doesn't work. But it's really nice to sit over here by myself and type without feeling like I'm holding someone else up. Works for me!! But they actually do zoooom up in a little vw that says Geek Squad right on it. Dressed in a black suit, white socks, and black shoes - and introduced herself as Agent Diana. I had a terrible time keeping a straight face while she came over and shook my hand. And when she said upon leaving - "back to the shop - a Geek's work is never done" I thought I would die!! She did a great job with what she had to work with - but the sense of humor was an extra. Good Job!!
Other than that - life with the kids has stayed busy and I'm trying really hard to keep them entertained - because they are soooo good at entertaining themselves when I'm not watching. I was talking to Agent Diana while Nick pulled all the stuffing out of the couch pillow that I thought I'd sewn up earlier. It's hard to believe that the boys haven't even hit the terrible two's yet - Not until next month.
Finally getting my laundry caught up and things back somewhat to normal after the holidays. Keith asked to leave the decorations up until "next year" so they are still around - but not really bothering anything. Getting ready to get organized - that's what I'm doing!!!! Just hope the bottom doens't fall out of the box when I've finally got everything in the right ones!!
Happy New Year all. Lots of good luck and love to all!!
Diane
December 30, 2005
December 27, 2005
The Christmas Stacks
It's Christmas Eve and we've gone to Church for the Candlelight service. The kids were not at all impressed and did not want to sit/stand/mind at all, nor were they inclined to be quiet, peaceful or anything close to what I would call nice. Pastor said to stay, not let them win - so we did - we've left before and the kids "won". It wore us both out but we didn't give in to them - so we stayed - I've apologed to the entire congretation for the service - I will be for years everafter!!! Now we are home, kids are in bed, all the gifts are wrapped - what do you do with them when you are a Monkish
organizer? Why, you put them into individual piles so the kids can just sit in the middle of them and rip!!! That's what Papa did - and friends & family can see on Flickr "the rest of the story". I really tried to see exactly which gift was from who - but it got kind of tough. Nick got thru his stack and "helped" Willy get thru his. This is Papa and I after the ripping and tearing was done. Sierra is in her "Cinderella Dress" which will rot on her little body if she has her choice!! She loves it. The boys were impressed with the boxes and twist ties that held their trucks in but they also got their fair share of puzzles and books. Even a Children's Bible was in the mix :) Life is good for all of us.Our Christmas was complete with a trip back to Church to celebrate Jesus' Birthday and the kids sat with us so quietly that Willy went to sleep and Nick almost did. Sierra got a little antsy but soon calmed herself down. I know they learn fast but I don't even understand how the Lord managed that one :) It was a great service by Pastor Burt. A wonderful message that related to today in ways that I'd not realized before.
We then went to the Truck Stop for our usual Sunday lunch as we have no family here to join or have join us - so the rest of the day was almost just Sunday as usual. But that isn't a bad thing either. Life at a slow pace. . . It's the Florida Way!!
Papa spent most of Boxing Day repairing the toys that have already been broken and putting up shelving to hold the loot from the day before. The twins are rather "hard" on things. Everything, all things. They will eventually find a way to search and destroy. But they keep me from getting bored!! Constant!! Entertaining!!
Enough for today,
Have a happy happy,
Diane
December 24, 2005
April's Visit
April and kids arrived on Monday (19th) and Keith happily met them at the airport in Orlando. The kids here were so excited that they were having company they just didn't know what to do with themselves :) Not long after the "arrival" Elizabeth insisted it wasn't to cold to go to the swimming pool - so swim she did. It was chilly to us - definately not swimming weather- but it was 16 when they left St. Louis so she was ready. They had a busy few days going to the beach and doing some shopping and everyone was ready for bed early at night. April was so tired that she didn't sit up after the kids went to bed - she was out like a light too. I tried to split the "playroom" into two seperate spaces so that 
they could have some privacy - it didn't work really well - but the thoughts and intentions were good. April fixed us Keith's favorite tacos one night - and I don't think we had any leftovers at all. We all loved them. I fixed Spaghetti once and Brennan was so tired that he didn't even stay awake for dinner - slept all the way thru' it :)
On Thursday we headed for Orlando!! in the "bus"!! Had a good trip, made real good time. April fixed lunch while Keith and I hooked up at the RV Park and then we headed out to Disney's Magic Kingdom! April had joked that we wouldn't get there until 4 pm and we made it by 1 - so we were 3 hours early.
April, Elizabeth, and Brennan went on to the rides while we stayed behind to watch the parade. It was wonderful and the boys loved all the cartoon characters. AND most especially SANTA, HIS ELVES, and even the REINDEER! After the parade we caught up with April and went on a couple of rides. The boys aren't good at lines (which are long and tiresome) so we stayed with the short ones. We rode on Small World - which is one of my favorites - even at Disneyland it was a favorite. It brings back the memories of long ago when I took Jeremy thru. He was more excited that the twins - but they to were in awe. The Carousel was also a must and we did the 3D movie before they were hungry. We fed our kids while April and grandbabies went on another ride -then they ate some and it was time to call it a night.
April chose to rent a room rather that to try and stay with us in the RV - so Keith dropped us off - then took then to their motel. We parted ways for Friday - all going back to Magic Kingdom but to different parts. We tried the line thing again with the boys and it was a total nightmare - so we went back to characters, stories, and magic music. All in all, I think (I'm pretty sure) the kids enjoyed their trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth"!!
Love and happiness to all,
Diane
they could have some privacy - it didn't work really well - but the thoughts and intentions were good. April fixed us Keith's favorite tacos one night - and I don't think we had any leftovers at all. We all loved them. I fixed Spaghetti once and Brennan was so tired that he didn't even stay awake for dinner - slept all the way thru' it :)On Thursday we headed for Orlando!! in the "bus"!! Had a good trip, made real good time. April fixed lunch while Keith and I hooked up at the RV Park and then we headed out to Disney's Magic Kingdom! April had joked that we wouldn't get there until 4 pm and we made it by 1 - so we were 3 hours early.
April, Elizabeth, and Brennan went on to the rides while we stayed behind to watch the parade. It was wonderful and the boys loved all the cartoon characters. AND most especially SANTA, HIS ELVES, and even the REINDEER! After the parade we caught up with April and went on a couple of rides. The boys aren't good at lines (which are long and tiresome) so we stayed with the short ones. We rode on Small World - which is one of my favorites - even at Disneyland it was a favorite. It brings back the memories of long ago when I took Jeremy thru. He was more excited that the twins - but they to were in awe. The Carousel was also a must and we did the 3D movie before they were hungry. We fed our kids while April and grandbabies went on another ride -then they ate some and it was time to call it a night.April chose to rent a room rather that to try and stay with us in the RV - so Keith dropped us off - then took then to their motel. We parted ways for Friday - all going back to Magic Kingdom but to different parts. We tried the line thing again with the boys and it was a total nightmare - so we went back to characters, stories, and magic music. All in all, I think (I'm pretty sure) the kids enjoyed their trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth"!!
Love and happiness to all,
Diane
December 17, 2005
'tis the week before the week before Christmas!
It's been a really busy week. Finally got my Christmas (yearly) newsletter printed and Keith signed all the Christmas cards. I'm not sure but I don't think he wrote in each one like I usually do. I've just not had as much time as I did last year! We've been to 2 Christmas parties for the kids. It's a good thing we have them - or we wouldn't have had a party to go to. Tom and Nancy decided not to have a party this year, the Clubhouse isn't put back together from the hurricanes yet - so no Party here at the Village, Keith nor I have an employer - so no work Parties. It's just a good for us to have the kids. The American Legion Post #39 here in Vero put on a party that was totally amazing. Santa arrived on the Fire Engine - with bells and whistles all going! Then Santa gave out the most amazing gifts! The kids got piano, globe, ride 'em toys, stockings, cookies, hot dogs, sodas, pizza, and many, many Christmas songs. The funnest one for me to watch was the "hokey pokey" (and I know that isn't Christmas) but my kids had a wonderful time Hokey-pokey-ing around the dance floor. It was precious.
Nick seems to think that he is going to use the potty - whenever he wants - the only problem is that it isn't all the time! He'll be potty trained before Sierra even gets over her "accidents". As soon as he is a little more on the potty instead of the diaper - or after the holidays are over (whichever comes first) - I MIGHT try scivvies on him. I'm still a little leery of the idea - but I might!
Our friends here at the Village have gone back up North to spend Christmas and New Year with thier families. Sure wish we could spend it with ours .. .whaaaa. But April, Elizabeth, and Brennan will be here on Monday for a few days - I'm so looking forward to them being here. I think the kids will have a blast - there is enough for them to do this time. The last time they were here - there wasn't much as far as activities - but there is much more this time. And we know our way around a little more.
Enough for now. If I don't get back before, I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A VERY, VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. Not Xmas - CHRISTmas.
Nick seems to think that he is going to use the potty - whenever he wants - the only problem is that it isn't all the time! He'll be potty trained before Sierra even gets over her "accidents". As soon as he is a little more on the potty instead of the diaper - or after the holidays are over (whichever comes first) - I MIGHT try scivvies on him. I'm still a little leery of the idea - but I might!
Our friends here at the Village have gone back up North to spend Christmas and New Year with thier families. Sure wish we could spend it with ours .. .whaaaa. But April, Elizabeth, and Brennan will be here on Monday for a few days - I'm so looking forward to them being here. I think the kids will have a blast - there is enough for them to do this time. The last time they were here - there wasn't much as far as activities - but there is much more this time. And we know our way around a little more.
Enough for now. If I don't get back before, I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A VERY, VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. Not Xmas - CHRISTmas.
December 12, 2005
Farmer Johns
Boy have we had a week!! Nicky has decided he was going to do the "Terrible Two's" all in one week! The story behind the Farmer Johns for CHURCH: Nicky has learned to completely undress himself. I know this isn't a big huge deal. Boys can easily get their pants and shirts off - and Nicky takes his diaper off too!! Anyhow, I put his clothes on him 3 times before Church yesterday morning and 3 times he came running at me with a big grin and nothing else, ahold of himself just beaming with delight. Well, I didn't want the nice folks at Church to wonder just what kind of Nature Retreat we have here - so I put overalls on him. Well, Willie had to have some to - and I decided that Sierra could match also!! When I checked Papa out, he to had his dungarees and 'spenders (bought custom made in Canyonville, by the way!) on ready for Sunday Go Ta Meetin'! I laughed so hard!! I just had to have pictures. Of course, I didn't have anything even close, so I was odd man out - as usual!! Anyhow it was definately cute. Pastor had a good laugh and we drew quite a few amused smiles (rather unsure but amused anyhow). Not everyone knows why we arrived in our "Farmer Johns".
All is getting better! At least I keep telling myself that. They continue to wear me out to the point that I am sound asleep as soon as I put my head down!! Unfortunately, I don't stay asleep for long, but I do sleep. If anything is left down (or even put down) for a matter of seconds one of them has found and destroyed whatever it was. They seem especially fond of my fake flower arrangements. Not one is complete :-( I know that I'm old and they are young - I try - and believe it or not - my wish and prayers are mostly for patience - and in large quantities, please.
Another day in, and with grace, lots more to go.
Diane
All is getting better! At least I keep telling myself that. They continue to wear me out to the point that I am sound asleep as soon as I put my head down!! Unfortunately, I don't stay asleep for long, but I do sleep. If anything is left down (or even put down) for a matter of seconds one of them has found and destroyed whatever it was. They seem especially fond of my fake flower arrangements. Not one is complete :-( I know that I'm old and they are young - I try - and believe it or not - my wish and prayers are mostly for patience - and in large quantities, please.
Another day in, and with grace, lots more to go.
Diane
December 7, 2005
St. Augustine, FL
The kids have stayed plenty busy while we have been here. We have spent most of our time at the playground and seeing the sights around the lake. The ducks come right up to our campsite every time they hear voices outside. Nik keeps them away pretty well. Here is him and Will doing their duck quack quack imitations while chasing them back to the lake. I didn't get to go see Maximo at the alligator farm today. The kids slept in and Keith got home from his meeting earlier than planned. I did get to talk to Jeff for a few minutes before he took off. He is going to see his Dad, who lives close before heading back to Missouri. Then the propane gas wouldn't work for the stove or hot water heater. So we wasted a bunch of time figuring out that the battery was weak - one of the kids )most likely) turned on the engine heater and pulled the battery down. If the coach battery isn't charged the propane doesn't work. And we figured this out all by ourselves!! Didn't cost a dime. We turned the generator on, charged the battery, lit the stove and cooked dinner!!!
All is quiet now, except for the rain. Kids in bed, Keith watching TV. I'm about worn out so I think I'll crash early. The sound of the rain is almost hypnotising.
Love ya'll,
Diane
All is quiet now, except for the rain. Kids in bed, Keith watching TV. I'm about worn out so I think I'll crash early. The sound of the rain is almost hypnotising.
Love ya'll,
Diane
December 5, 2005
St. Augustine, FL
Well friends, we got ourselves packed up and picked up. We are in the RV with all 3 kids. They are having a wonderful time. They are behind me in the table/bed and watching TV in thier jamies and think they are getting away with a big coup. I guess they don't know that I know what they are doing!!
We got early (really about the same as always!) and didn't get gone from home until noon or so. By the time I emptied the house (except of course, my camera) and put everything in here (including the tricycles in the van) and we (Keith) got the van on the dolly, it was later than I'd planned. Then we decided to go ahead and feed them lunch so they would take their naps while we were driving. Which they did. They woke up just as we were coming off of I95 so there was only about 20 more mile to go. Needless to say, these kids are not easy riders. They want OUT! I'm thinking of installing carseats at home. That way I could take a whole shower without one of them emptying something or another while I wasn't watching. We got here about 4 and got set up. I was rather upset. Keith asked which campground I wanted to stay at, I said whichever is the furthest from the water! Well, we didn't stay at the beach (which we could have) but we are right on the LAKE, with lots of ducks, and no beach to it. Straight drop-off to the water. They have sites over by the playground - when we pulled in I told Keith "I want one of those" - away from the lake and next to the fenced play area - nothing doing - they are blacktopping those areas tomorrow and Wednesday. Sure wish they'd told Keith that when he called and made the reservation. We not only have the lake - but asphalt smell for 2 days on top of it. I would've gladly stayed at the beach if I'd known that!
Well now that I've had my vent session, hope all is well out there and I'm sure we will have a good time once I convince the kids that the water is not where they are going!!
Have a good one!!,
Diane
We got early (really about the same as always!) and didn't get gone from home until noon or so. By the time I emptied the house (except of course, my camera) and put everything in here (including the tricycles in the van) and we (Keith) got the van on the dolly, it was later than I'd planned. Then we decided to go ahead and feed them lunch so they would take their naps while we were driving. Which they did. They woke up just as we were coming off of I95 so there was only about 20 more mile to go. Needless to say, these kids are not easy riders. They want OUT! I'm thinking of installing carseats at home. That way I could take a whole shower without one of them emptying something or another while I wasn't watching. We got here about 4 and got set up. I was rather upset. Keith asked which campground I wanted to stay at, I said whichever is the furthest from the water! Well, we didn't stay at the beach (which we could have) but we are right on the LAKE, with lots of ducks, and no beach to it. Straight drop-off to the water. They have sites over by the playground - when we pulled in I told Keith "I want one of those" - away from the lake and next to the fenced play area - nothing doing - they are blacktopping those areas tomorrow and Wednesday. Sure wish they'd told Keith that when he called and made the reservation. We not only have the lake - but asphalt smell for 2 days on top of it. I would've gladly stayed at the beach if I'd known that!
Well now that I've had my vent session, hope all is well out there and I'm sure we will have a good time once I convince the kids that the water is not where they are going!!
Have a good one!!,
Diane
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
