New 'puter

Well, the Gateway finally bit the dust. I was putting the finishing touches on our tax return with Turbo Tax when Pelik ran by and just HAD to hit the monitor!! That did it. Blank screen - blank mind, blank, blank, and more blank. After blinking a million times - a walk around the outside, a little deep breathing time in the screen room - got to where I could discuss the issue of NO PUTER with Keith without tears. He took it down to best buy to see if ANYTHING could be done!! Of course, they could put a new monitor on - after sending it out for several days (or weeks - as the case may have been) but the cost was more than a whole new laptop. So now, I'm the proud owner of another Compaq. Seems to be working nicely. It's a lot smaller than the Gateway - lighter too. And they did a "data dump" on a periferal (sp) hard drive that we took out of the desktop we used to have. Only trouble is - old data is mixed with new data - so I don't know which data I want.

So everyone, bear with me. I am rebuilding my address book, calendar, and picture files. A bit slowly - but they are coming along. The Geek Squad was here today for almost 3 hours trying to put our "home network" back together. Shoulda been a snap - but - did I forget to mention? ? ? it has Vista for an OS. So now I've used them all. DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows 98, 2000, XP, MAC, and now VISTA. Oh, and before you run out and buy a new puter - Vista is not compatible with PCAnywhere, Lexmark 6100 printer/fax, most of the software that I've put hundreds of dollars into. My photo editing software, all my links, I'm soooo bummed.

But he finally got it all together. And I can use the web.

And Keith called - he is in St. Louis for a week or so. He will have (I hope) a good visit with April and they plan to drive over to see Mom B while he is there. I really hope they enjoy themselves - I'll be praying that it is a great visit!!! I know how much I miss being so far from my Baby and I'm sure he feels the same way!!

So, I'm a single Mom - my first full day will be tomorrow!! It has to be saner than today with the Geek and therapist and trying to get myself a bit organized. I have lots of little projects to finish while he is gone - let's see how many I get done!!

Pastor is better, has been released from the hospital and is resting at home - We are all praying for him and for the several others from our Church that are having trials of their own right now. Again, any time I start to feel sorry for myself or get into the "pity party" I look around and see how much the Lord has blessed me - more and more since I've let Him back into my life. And I have my Baby Daughter to thank.

Still my Birthday!!!

I've had the longest birthday of my life!! Yesterday I received a pair of gold hoop earrings from Sharen. She bought them at the "Gold Market" in Mexico while on vacation there. Along with it was a really nice sentimental card. I got cards from lots of people. I had a nice stack of them when we came back from our cruise. Keith's Mom and 2 of his Sisters sent cards and I had my Annual Seranade from my not-so-little-anymore babies from the West Coast. Wish I could've saved it for longer than 7 days. I listened to it every day for the time I could. So I had a much better birthday this year than the last couple. I think that Keith realizes that he took me this far from my family - he has to do all the "festivities" himself - or I feel neglected. He did great this year!! The Cruise, new dresses (even if he doesn't guess sizes very well), and a stack of cards when we returned.









We spent most of the day outdoors. It was sunny and warm with just a bit of a breeze to keep it from feeling hot. Keith had to put new sealant on the screen room roof and he said it was hot up there. He spent last week bleaching and scrubbing - and today he completed the job of applying the sealer. It shouldn't leak the next time it rains!! The kids enjoyed the park - both the Village Park and the park downtown that we went to after nice long naps were taken by all of them!! Baby had such a time. I'll bet he sleeps wonderfully tonight - he must've done 3 laps with those short little legs of his. The girls and Pelik all ran until their faces were beet red and they were actually ready to get in the car and go home. It is really a shame that the Village doesn't put a few dollars into making a decent playground - and away from the water!!! I realized today that we have little out here on this side of the "City". There isn't a market, park, pharmacy - nothing this side of 58th - and we live on 90th!! It seems like some smart planner would put something out in this direction so we don't have to drive 8 miles to go to a playground or 5 miles to the pharmacy. I know it doesn't sound like much - but with all the residential stuff coming in - it just seems to make sense. Now off of that soapbox.



As I write I hear that our own Pastor Bert has had a heart attack. He isn't old enough for that!! Please add him to your prayer lists. I think of my blessings and the blessings of those around me. I praise the Lord for my new grandchild, the health and happiness of the rest of them, Keith and my health and happiness, the continued good health of the children the Lord put into our care, the news that my good friend Barb's son is doing better with his health. That my friend Liz is recuperating from her surgery so well. That the Lord saw fit to give Pastor a wake-up call instead of the alternate, the Blessing that Sallie doesn't have to lose a very much loved spouse, the hope I still hold for finding Jeremy. That my Sister has found happiness and contentment in her new life in KFalls. All of these things have blessed me by blessing those I love and care for. Thank you Lord for all of my blessings.

Cell Phone War

The WAR is finally over. It has been waging for several days now. Only the purple phone was to be found. What do you do with 2 toddlers and only 1 flip phone (we have several others too!!). I hunted the whole house over and couldn't find the pink one!! Mary KNOWS the purple one is hers and is totally unwilling to share it with ANYONE!! Mind you, she has absolutely no qualms about sharing anyone elses toys - but she's kinda Monkish about her own "stuff". She has gotten a late start on the "terrible two's" but she seems to be in full swing!!

Anyhow, this is what I think happened to it. Because today - Waaalaaa - here he comes with the pink one. I'm going to follow him some day - to see just where he hides his "stash" and then just "appears" with it again!!

The toy phones seem to be his favorite and the pink one disappears regularly. Of course he also takes off with the remote, telephone, or anything else that he finds laying on an end-table. I totally understand the remote thing - after all he is male. So the saga ends with the girls playing happily with thier pones and pusses. And a good evening will be had by all!!

I've sure enjoyed reading about the Rea's trip to Mexico. They did more "stuff" than we did on our Cruise - but I was rested when I got home (hehe).

Did you know that about $200 worth of "stuff" they sell in the spa on the ship doesn't work nearly as well when you get home and try to use it yourself? News Flash!!! It doesn't!!!! And I was supposed to look like one of those healthy Norweigen women when I'd used it for a week. I must admit - I don't have scaley legs anymore and I do think the "soaks" are helping my knees and hips. Not doing much for the "total being", (what they are for!) I'm still a grouch!!- but - something is better than nothing!!! Reminds me of when I was watching GVC (or something similar / or whatever that channel is) and they had a miracle cure for a double chin - for only bout $100!!! I couldn't dial the phone fast enough - I've had a double chin ALL of my life!!!!!! It arrived - it was moisturizer with a chin strap - and a page of exercises that I know damaged my vocal cords!! (I can tell that by how little I talked after that). And I also have a bridge to sell you. . . . . . .

Catch Up

As I wait for Felix to return from his first day back at "school" from our vacation - I reflect. I hope he did well there this morning. . . .



I got next to nothing accomplished over the weekend - many things started (as is my usual) but - 1. it's tax time again (and Keith WILL NOT track things as they happen) so I printed out my calendar so he can find his receipts for all the business travel and medical travel and all the travel that we've done this whole year with kids. He chose to take care of this part of the tax situation at the beginning of the year - since I don't have a clue what his business expenses are - he has to do it. And since we made several trips for the dentist and doctors, my part was usually reimbursed - but his wasn't and since I don't drive anywhere but in the Village - he has to go with me. So, I got my part of the taxes (everything but travel) all done and I'm (not.so.patiently) waiting for him to complete his.



After our wonderful time in California, our nice week with only 2 children, and our estatic cruise (it was really wonderful - I'm not being scarcastic either) - being home in full swing for less than a week has been harrowing. Pelik has regressed 6 years in 2 weeks (and he is only 4). Mary has forgotten that she has any voice but a high-pitched whine - and it's to cold (for here) for them to play outside - and it rained all last week - we are waiting for a call to schedule the actual assessment that I thought we went to last week (turns out that was ANOTHER screening) - and I have a headache that will not go away!!



Mary had a wonderful birthday - with 2 family parties - so they've been on a sugar rush from Wednesday to Saturday. The Lord blesses me by no one wanting to send the leftover cakes, cookies, candies, or punches home with the kids. I reqally don't need it around. I'll nibble at it until it is gone, especially since we limit the littles sugar constantly!! Baby got his name on this cake soo since he will be bit whopping year old later this month. Sooo many birthdays, soooo little time!!



We went to a very promising Southern Gospel Concert on Friday (yes, after a visit, bad.bad.bad move). I have heard about "His Song" from several members of our Church and really, really wanted to hear them. With Grammy and Zoey's assistance and a lot of patience from the people around us - we managed to stay thru the first 1 hour. Baby, Boo, and Mary all LOVE the music. They are just mesmerized by it. Baby clapps and dances, Mary just watches - mouth open, and Boo does a little of all of it. So there be the problem. Pelik does not care for any attention that is directed elsewhere. The second time Papa had to bring him back - screech going, arms flailing, legs kicking, we left. We even thought to bring his special seat - to no avail - his screech could be heard over anything anyone did. But I did get to enjoy a few pieces and I did get tapes. If you ever get the chance, listen.



We did get thru Sunday School - to find that Pelik had been again religated to his special chair for the duration of his class. And about the 1st half of the Service before my headache had become a thunderous pounding. I asked Keith about going home - he said ok and we picked the littles up (they were the only ones in the nursery) and let the kind nursery workers go to the rest of the service. After "loading up" (I do belive the term herding cats is so very appropriate to what we do) - Keith asked if I had eaten. Well, I've been TRYING to lose some of my megapounds and had a very busy morning getting everyone ready, so, no - except for a PopTart (diet food huh). So - that was probably the largest part of my headache - then.



We had a pretty normal afternoon, evening and night - Baby must've been really, really tired. He went down for a nap about 5:30 and slept until 7:30 this morning. I dozed in my chair until about 2, went to bed, got up about 4:30 - and started over.



Now that I've whined and moaned and groaned and vented a bit - frustration is such a wonderful thing!! I want all of you lurkers to know that not leaving comments is rude!! How do I know if anyone is even reading this trash that I put together?????? Comment, please.

Happy Valentines Day!!

I wish all the best for a Happy Valentine's Day. I talked to my sister this morning so I know she has arrived safely and happily back in her abode in Oregon. It sounded like she had a wonderful time except for the little irritations like the pre-vacation food poisoning, the heat rash, sea sickness, allergies, and general maliase. I know (cause she said so) that she is ready to be back home - now she continues on with her new job. Hopefully you can check her out at The Raes.

I know S'te and kids are ok, 'cause she IM'd me last night. She is building again - this time a fence. You can check her out at The Money Pit.

The kids all had heart bowls with thier Valentine's in them at the table. They had their cereal served that way - not special - but easy!! They've been home almost 24 hours!!!

Hope all others had a great one too!

Carnival Elation Bahama Cruise

We took the 4 day Carnival Cruise on the Elation from Port Canaveral to Freeport to Nassau last weekend. It was the nicest 4 days. I jus lay back and aaahhhh each time I think of those nice, easygoing, sunny, not-to-hot days.

Great Trip - Carnival - thank you for providing it - and Thank you Keith for taking me on it.

We went aboard about 1 to a buffet lunch with the greatest cheeseburgers~~ and lots of Carnival drinks-of-the-day. Be proud - I only had a few - and they were pretty mild!! We set sail about 4 but the party was on from the time we stepped aboard!! The size is amazing. I got lost soooo many times!! We met some great people - and we met som "me-first" snobs that just elbowed their way around!! But I don't want to dwell on them. We went down to the Stateroom to find our luggage already there, Keith checked out hte tv channels while I unpacked. THEN WAS THE FIRE DRILL!! It was the second most annoying but fun in a totally odd way, thing that we were required to do. It was over fast enough but the first most annoying just went on.and.on, and.on! Back out on deck, a little bit of exploring and then finding our dining room and table! We met our dinner mates for the cruise (you don't have to go again if you don't like them)After dinner the first evening - I stayed out and played blackjack, poker machines, and Texas Hold'em until the wee hours. I was making laps around the hallways when I heard a door open - and there was my knight in shining Armor - just waiting for me!! This is taken in the "salon" of our stateroom our second evening.We spent the day in Freeport, Bahamas and did a Glass Bottom Boat Tour. You can see abundace of pictures at Flickr. We returned to find our stateroom cleaned and made up, so we took a short nap before going up on deck and return (again) to dress for dinner. It just so happened that the "Formal Dinner" was my Birthday (or maybe Keith planned it that way - I don't know) so I got to see him in a tie for the first time since we went to Washington to a wedding in 1999. Don't he look just wonderful!!

Dinner with Ernest and his trusty assistant Burt (sounds a bit like Sesame Street, huh) was absolutely wonderful. Of course it was every night - but Formal Nite was Lobster Tails, Creme Broule, a Birthday cupcake with the whole waitstaff singing, entertainment, oh, to live like this always - AAAAHHHHHHHH. We went to the Mikado Lounge where we saw a Las Vegas Show - the loveseats we picked were so comfortable - I scooted down and sat on the floor in front - just so I wouldn't doze off and miss anything. We then returned to our stateroom to crash and burn - to find our steward had made our bed (again) folded blankets - evidently figured that we were cold so the a/c flow was adjusted and we had a sexy little piggy made out of towels laying on our bed with our good-night mints!! What a way to go!!!

We were only supposed to be in Freeport for 1 day but the itinerary changed. It didn't make any difference to us - we spent the second day on board - just like we wouldn've if we'd had our "day at sea". And had an absolute blast!! We ate, drank, laid in the sun, Keith went down the waterslide, we danced, we napped, we showered and headed down for ANOTHER wonderful dinner with Burt and Ernie (I mean Ernest and Burt) - another show - a "pamper party" - A wonderful vacation.

In Nassau (we didn't really look for Anna Nichole's baby) - we went on a city historical tour and a tour of the Bahama State Gardens. It was sooooo interesting - and we saw the "Marching Flamingos". And they really do march too!! We returned to the ship just before the Set Sail - watched them carve a fish out of a chunk of ice, went to a "detox" lecture (boy that one was expensive!! :() , dressed for our last dinner aboard, exchanged cards, blog addresses, and email addresses with our dining companions, watched E&B serve another absolutely devine dinner and our cute dinner show. Then back to our stateroom (sniff, sniff) to pack.

Since we were both novice cruisers - just like the Novice RV'er's we made lots of extra laps and had lots of fun getting lost in the Shjip.

The only drawback is the debarkation process. Someone somewhere needs to do some work on that - I have a few ideas - wonder if they'd hire me????

Recommend a cruise = YES. Just do your best to stay aboard. If you don't want to stand in a line that never moves - wait until after 9 am to even start thinking about leaving that breakfast table!!! I'll gie you a hint - RED HATTERS!!

From the Cold - To the Cold

We came home on Saturday. I know that was one of the coldest weeks San Diego or Spring Valley has had this winter. It might have even hit records. I don't remember it ever being that cold there. We had a wonderful time!!

It is cold here. I mean bone chilling cold. Add the humidity and cold rain to the cold - and it is cold. Sure hope the forecast looks better for our cruise!!

Rod, the conversation we had about who was fishing with Simon Peter? Well, it happened to come up in Pastor Bert's message - how cool is that??? It was the "Fishers of Men" story in Luke 5. James and John were with him. Just wanted to let you know that another of those coincidences happened. What a wonderful GOD!!!

But we have water!! We have County Water!! Spent most of yesterday trying to go thru mail and catch up on my chores. How can I have so many chores when I wasn't even here?

We are getting ready to start a week of dealing with the DHS and also trying to get taxes done YUK!!! on both.

Dinner

S'te says "I must be hungry"!!! /And now that she is eating for 2!!

I'm soooo FULLLLLL. We had our usual "family dinner" at Carnitas Uruopan in Lemon Grove. We try to do this at least once during each trip out. Janet, Liz and Earl, and the whole Elmore Clan - other than Ty and Ladaria were there. We had a blast. Liz looks really really good for having started her Chemo yesterday!!! I was so glad that they could all come out and I could show them the place where we "pig out" when we have a family dinner!! And they are always so friendly - and kid friendly too!!

The kids behaved like little troopers and the food was so good that they all ate so well that they went right to sleep when we got home!!! Now I get to pack. It's that time again!! I have my laundry done, S'te and Keith are sleeping and I'm doing this little update with my CRACKED MONITOR.

I opened my laptop this morning and I have a broken monitor. I'm having to assume that one of the kids decided to use it as a jumping board. They aren't heavy enough to hurt it unless they were jumping. I guess we'll get it fixed when we get back to Florida.

I was saddened to read about the terrible storm that went thru the Central area last night. So much sadness. I wonder that some of this "warming" is because we are changing the topography and the "natural order" of things ourselves. You know, building dams so we can irrigate desert, trucking sand from one beach to build up another, draining swampland to fill it in. We are changing all of this stuff ourselves and then go to blame it on "fossil fuel". Not that it probably isn't a contributing factor - just not the only one!!!

Another horrible event - a small boy in foster care was harmed by his caregiver. She told the workers she was overwhelmed and . . . a child has paid the price. Of course, this didn't get near the press that the storm did. Still nothing has happened regarding the death of Angie.

Earth, wind, and fire. The morality of the earth is diminishing rapidly, the complacency is astounding.

The girls decided on a foray into Destini's room and got into her makeup. You can't really see it but they have some serious warpaint on!! We've had a good visit. I haven't seen much of Ty or Ladaria as they are busy teens but I've had a good time bonding with TeTee and the others - when they get home from school. S'te and I went shopping yesterday for coffee cups - but forgot them - got all sorts of other stuff - but forgot the cups. Way to go!!. . . And we got some baby steps goin' on too!! He's doing pretty well with the max being about 1/2 way across the room!!

I'm getting excited about the cruise. I signed up for 2 excursions today. One in each port. So that is moving right along. Life for me is good. I've been greatly blessed. And I hope you have been also.