School Morning

I'm not used to this!!! Get up in time for school!!! And be dressed and ready to take them to the bus!!! I've had to change my housework-in-my-nightshirt routine a bit. The kids are smiling and ready for school before I have the sleep out of my eyes or my teeth brushed!!

The first day of school went really well. Both kids got to return to their former classrooms, teachers, and friends. They feel right at home. I'm happy for them.

We had another fiasco of a Shareholder's meeting last night. Again, I wasn't able to ask my question before our erstwhile President started jabbering at me about unrelated things and finally called me enough names that one of the other shareholders jumped up and defended me. I was absolutely flabberghasted. He has been mean, rude, demeaning, arrogant and many other things before - even calling me thick-headed and other stuff - but nothing like last night. I am rather hurt that another woman had to jump up instead of my husband, who just sat there, but I'm sure I'll get over it. I just will stay aware that coming to my defense is not something that he will do. No matter what. I even had calls from other shareholders that were at the meeting sharing thier disgust with what our President did. I will defend my r ight to make an UNINTERRUPTED statement to the ends of this earth. Every other shareholder that had statements, questions, and even rude pointed things to say were given thier time. I have the feeling that the items I choose to speak on are sore subjects with him - why? Why is he so defensive and rude when I have something to say? I guess we will never know - I'm sure he won't tell me.

So, today isn't one of my better days - I'm tired, totally pissed, and disenchanted. Hopefully tomorrow will be better!!

Time Flies

Boy, time does fly "when you are having fun". It seems like months ago since I got home from San Diego instead of just over a week. I was putting the baby down for his nap the other day when I looked out the back window and saw the police putting up yellow crime scene tape!! There had been a stabbing in one of the FEMA homes behind me. It took until yesterday for me to find out the "dirt" behind it. This Village is always full of rumors but it is sure hard to find a truthful story!! No different from any other neighborhood. The government asked us to let them place these homes in our Village for the families displaced by Francis and Jeanne almost 2 years ago. Needless to say, there are still families living in them - but not anyone who is working, has an income, or could afford to live elsewhere. Only those who cannot find or afford regular housing. The families left in our FEMA homes leave much to be desired. Anyhow, the people were the stabbee's not the stabber's. Can't evict them for that~~ Last of that-got it off of my chest.

My only "friend" here in the Village is packing up and getting ready to go home to her summer residence. Keith is making plans and reservations for our summer "escape". Due to the skyrocketing fuel prices, the RV is staying here for most of the summer. We hope to be in SD for several weeks and squeeze a visit to Canyonville and Coos Bay in. He is looking at the first week of July for the Oregon trip. I am anxiously waiting to see what he decides. I know that I will be in SD for a medical appointment on June 6th - so that is what I know. My new teeth are a pain. Actually, I'm told that I was real lucky as I've only had to do a bit of grinding on them - but they have to rub a sore spot before I can figure out just where to grind - then they hurt to try to chew anything with. I'll get it figured out - sooner or later - it'll be good.

Life is hot here - we had a "cold front" come thru the other night - it got down to 72 at night. It has been in the 90's during the day and high 70's at night with a humidity level in the 70 & 80's.

I do all my outside work before 10 am and sit around the house for the rest of the time. But I did get to the pool on Wednesday - first time this year. And only then because the kids wanted to go so badly. Maybe I'll take them up after school today?????

Other than that - it's boring, boring, boring. How's it with you?

Kiah and the Girls

Easter 001
Originally uploaded by Amah.

We started Easter out with a bang. S'te got ALL of her kids dressed and ready to go before taking the older ones to prepare for their Presentation at the Assembly of God Easter Egg Hunt. I happily volunteered to take the younger ones with me a bit later so that they wouldn't be in the way. I got my baby dressed and finally found something totally inappropriate (but it fit) to wear and we tried to be on our way. S'te had the keys!! All of them!! Keith had the keys for the rental car - but we wouldn't all fit. S'te had the extra keys to ALL the cars in her purse!!! So, Rod had to fly (he did make record time) back and pick them up so that we could all go. They looked so cute in the Easter finery. The older kids were all in their Action Unies since they were performing so no Easter finery for them. I personally think they were just as happy with that, tho'.

So we made it to the presentation in plenty of time - it was wonderful watching all five participate in the show. I was so proud that tears came to my eyes. And I'm not being dramatic either (that's Destini and Sharen's jobs) I am really extremely proud of all of them. I do hope that they all continue to do wo well. We were there for the continued unbelievable greed of parents of toddlers when it comes to plastic eggs!! I am amazed every time I see a parent carrying a child and picking up the eggs for them - or scooping them up so no other babies can get to them. It's supposed to be a fun thing for them. Not a knock-down-drag-out to see who can be the greediest. I kinda expect it from the preschool kids themselves - but the parents should know better. We are supposed to be celebrating the Rising of Jesus -not who can show the most greed the fastest. OK - off of my soap-box and on with my story.

We stopped by the Legion Post 460 for a truly nice breakfast and visited with a few old friends that we hadn't seen in a long while and then headed back home (to S'te & Rod's) to pack for our return to Vero. Lonnie picked this night to stay up all night with his new teeth that haven't showed up yet. We had to be on the road at 4 am and he finally crashed about 2:30 or so. I did get up and got ready to go in time. We got to the airport in plenty of time for our 5:45 boarding time to find that the plane had been delayed an hour - I could've slept longer!!!!!! But we had plenty of time for our connection in Chicago and were on our way.

There were no further delays or problems and we arrived home Monday evening as planned, called all the people we know to let them know we were back and are trying still to get back to EST. Lonnie stayed up until 11 last night and I am still sleeping until 9 or so. I have to get straightened out before it's time to return to San Diego in June. Our plans are to try to fly on either the 2nd or 3rd. Depends on the schedules - Papa will do well - he always does.

Lonnie is up - ready for lunch -

Comment and tell me about your Easter. I miss hearing from people.

S'te's flower bed

S'te's flower bed
Originally uploaded by Amah.

Grandpa Doland would be very proud of her!! She dug, leveled, and placed all the block herself. None of the rest of us could get them quite right. She is really adamant about how she wants things done!! Rod ran the 'tiller and Papa babysat. We did the family thing between the house work and our "vacation".

last Saturday we went to TJ to see
Dr. Ruth. She pulled 2 teeth and took impressions for a partial. We stopped down at the cantina for Keith to have lunch and watch the touristas. It was a beautiful day and I really enjoyed it. The only bad part wes the way back. I wanted to walk back to the other courtyard since we hadn't been there in so long. The line was horrible. The walking line was clear back beyond where we used to get out of the cabs. Keith found a bus that ws almost empty and we got on for a buck each. So we got to sit instead of stand for the next 2 hours. Something must've happened for the busses to take so long. They are usually a lot quicker (and easier on the feet) than standing in line!! Then we went up by Sera Mesa and visited with friends there. We definately had a full day!!

I had to go back to get my partial on Thursday so we made the trek again!! We met our friend Earl at Dr. Ruth's and he and Keith had a chat while Dr. Ruth whittled on my new teeth. She takes great pride in getting things perfect so we don't have problems after we leave!! After aquiring the new rocks in my mouth we went for lunch, at the courtyard. Keith had his machaca favorites and I had a fabulous shrimp cocktail. It isn't like the ones in the US. It totally puts the US ones to shame!! So then we did some shopping and headed back to the bus station. After the last fiasco I didn't even mention walking across this time!! Anyhow, we got on the bus and sat our required 2 hours - the walking side was empty!!!! So after a spell of non-movement Keith decided that we could get in line. We were thru (walking) before the bus 2-busses-ahead got to the gate!!! So we walked again!! But this time we went out the other door and had to walk down the street and over the bridge to the lot for the car. We definately got several miles in this week!! By now my new rocks had caused some sore spots on my tongue and the areas where the teeth used to be were quite tender and I had a headache. So we came straight home so I could irritate the grandkids!! They had spent the day being quite the earth-movers. Look at the Money Pit Blog to see the difference. It is amazing!!! Both S'te and I have pics on Flickr also. You totally won't believe it!!

We have only today and tomorrow left before we have to trek back to the tropics. Don't know what is on the agenda but time here always seems to go by so quickly! I never get everything done that I planned and never get to see all the people that I want to see. Part of the problem is me - I don't drive while we are out here - I don't know where I am~~ and it is too far away from where I used to live for others to come out here - and I've come to accept that the world lives on - whether I'm involved in it or not !) Maybe when we get back in June I'll get braver about driving and get out to see people. We shall see.

The kids are presenting tomorrow for Easter at the Assembly of God Church on Phyllis Place. I am looking forward to watching the Middle Kids (Brayana, Destini, and Jaleel) perform. This will only be their 2nd or 3rd time total. I plan to record it and I will send dvd's to family (that is provided that I get the dvd to work).

So ya'll have a happy Easter and don't eat to many eggs ~~~

Easter Shoes

Easter Shoes
Originally uploaded by Amah.

WE went shopping. Here are easter shoes for the kids. We made 2 trips and hit 3 stores for this haul. It was so easy to shop for the babies and for the oldest 2. The middle girls and boy were the problem. Nothing was "quite right" for them. Brayana has extremely narrow feet and they are really hard to fit. Destini is the family drama queen and needed perfect and preferrably flashy, LaDaria just was indecisive. She liked them all. Tyrique got right to it and picked his out and was done. He didn't even go into the last 2 stores and stayed in the van and read. That was preferable to strolling into a store with Mom, Amah, 3 sisters and a brother!! Anyhow we "got 'er done"!! Happy Easter to all!!

Impressions

And this is what they think of us!! The truth comes out!!! We babysit for who-knows-how-long and here is the thanks we get!!! Aren't they adorable?? I laughed until tears rolled when they were unwrapped and presented. I didn't really know that I had "bed-ears" but I get bed everything-else so why not!! I really think the nose on Papa's is a little large - but -other-than-that ~~~ Kiah thinks it looks like him too!!

We are patiently (well sort of) waiting for someone to get up so we can head off to TJ for our ourdental appointment with Dr. Ruth, She called last night and has an opening for us. Saturdays are "first come, first serve" so we try to get there rather early. Walking TJ at 9 am isn't nearly as crowded as at 2 pm. I think I've only been there after dark about 3 times out of the hundreds of times we've actually been there. Kiah just got up so the rest should be close behind him.

So, I'll say goodbye for now!!

Babysitting

I'm just toooooooo old. This house is toooooo big. It takes an act of Congress and a week to hike from the living room to the kitchen. Even with my - no empty hands travel anywhere and always take a "haulback" I can't keep all the dishes, glasses, bottles, etc out of the living room. I take an "armful" with every trip. Most of the time with a baby or toddler or two - but I just can't seem to keep it picked up. And most of it is MINE!!! I get to the kitchen with 2 kids and a bottle, spoon, can of formula, etc and when I'm done I fix another cup of coffee or water and walk back to the living room to find the last one still there - I didn't take it with me!!! No wonder S'te stays so skinny!!! I've had to up my consumption of chocolate just to stay energized!!

I'm doing the grandmotherly thing and staying with the kids overnight so Rod and S'te can have an evening, night and day to themselves before Rod is deployed. I probably won't be back out here again before he leaves - so I figured this would be a good opportunity. I'm not sure the grandkids care much for it. They've been on a really tight rope - I can't deal well with 10 kids running loose and I don't know where any of them are - I have to know. I'm a total control freak I guess - I want them where they said they will be - or where I said they will be - and I will check on them!!!

Dr. Ruth - our TJ Dentist left us a message this morning and said she will make an appointment whenever we will be in SD - language barrier time - Keith called last Friday and told her we are here and need appointments :)

Other than that - my last post has a picture of the family. The kids are getting older, taller, and smarter by the day. Jaleel has drawn me several very artistic pictures. He is really a pretty good little artist. Brayana and LaDaria are getting really good on the keyboard, and as will never change - the drama is kept to a high level by Destini. Ty is playing lacrosse and lost his game last week - boooo - but has been practicing!! The lady on the other side of the fence called the police because the basketball keeps going into her yard!! I had a hard time with this one - the issue isn't loud cars, joyriding, drive-by shootings, vulgar music - but a BASKETBALL is annoying her. Papa said we should put up a tennis net on the top of the fence. See how she likes that. The ball won't bother her again :)LOL

S'te's new furniture is georgeous and looks really nice in her remodeled living room. She has worked very hard getting things straightened out and sorted out so that the kids don't have so much to tear apart all the time. She has really gotten rid of a bunch of "stuff". She also rearranged her library so that the teens can't hide in the corner on the video games anymore (yeah!) and the computer monitors can easily be seen from 3 different doors. No hiding for them!!! The "middle kids" have all rearranged their rooms, some with new furniture, and are growing up so fast - it's hard to believe that Brayana will actually be 10 this year!!! Does NOT seem possible.

They are watching a movie now, babies and toddlers are sleeping, and Ty is late returning from his friends. Rod and S'te aren't back home yet from their "trip" and I'm going to watch my soap. So all is will in San Diego. Hope all is well for you too!!

So we've had a really good visit and we really get to be close to everyone since we show up and cling on forever. They have a hard time getting rid of us once we get here!!!

Here they are!!

DSC02546a
Originally uploaded by Amah.

Here is finally a new picture of the kids. We didn't put our little one in it - actually - they were all ready for Church and we weren't. If I'd waited until we were all dressed - they would've been gone. So anyhow - here they are - Rod (29), S'te (28), Ty (15), LaDaria (14), Brayana (9.5), Destini (8), Jaleel (8), Makkiah (5), Angie (3), Ellie (18mo), Taniyah (15mo).

I made arrangements to call S'te when we landed so that she wouldn't have to keep circling while we waited for luggage. We called as planned, walked to the baggage area, got our 4 bags, walked to the door just in time to see her pull up. What great timing - and how fast she is!!! Actually, she had already made one circle! She was faster that we thought. We got loaded and the kids wanted to see PAPA's new baby. He was all excited with all the attention. He just squealed and gurgled all the way to Spring Valley. Then he reverted to his true form. S'te finally took out Tiny Tee's bouncer and he does like that. It gives him somehting to do and he does bounce alot. He didn't sleep well the first night. With the time change and plane ride and stuff. But the bouncy seat came out on the second day and I was concerned that he bounced so much he wouldn't sleep that night because his legs hurt :) - That worry didn't materialize and he slept just fine.

So, we are here and all is wonderful. S'te is cleaning and sorting, Rod is on the couch watching her, the kids are playing, the babies and Papa are napping - and I'm going to go help my girl now.

Later!!