Nothing New

Since there is absolutely nothing new going on here and I feel the need to "share" something (anything) with someone (anyone), I'm going to give you the links to a couple of sites that S'te has let me in on.

The first one is Freecycle. It has helped me tremendously. Things, things, things. They say that if you were deprived of THINGS as children, you become a packrat. I DON'T THINK SO. I think it is heredity. My Mom was a packrat and I can't make myself throw away anything that still has use. I can't or won't use it again - but "someday I will find someone that can". Well, now I can. I actually have gotten rid of quite a bit (not as much as S'te). DSS receivers that don't go with my cable, a desktop that I reformatted the HD to (but I gave them the windows 98 disks to redo it!), car seats, bikes. I can't think of it all but I know I've emptied closets out. Anyhow, I think this is a great idea and I get the local one e-mailed daily. Like it says - matches leftovers with the hungry!! But I still can't part with the sheets MY great-grandmother crocheted and embroidered on, the newspapers MY mother saved from when Kennedy was killed (complete and wrapped in plastic), doilys that MY grandmother and mother crocheted. No one else would have the connection - I can't put them out - the kids would ruin them -
That's why I just go ahead and give the stuff I make away - why add it to the pile???? S'te asked me once who was going to have to deal with all this stuff when I die - I was totally truthful and said she would. She will get to take the cedar chests full of "stuff" and put it in her house - to open occasionally, look at it and sigh, ahhhhh, close it, and think about it. What else would you do???

The other one is Craig's List. This one came to my attention when I wanted to rent the Condo but tired of paying just under 100 bucks for a 3 day ad. You can find almost ANYTHING out via this site. It has wonders that I've not researched yet. I still go lurking thru just to see what is what and where its at. . . It has US and other countrys and has jobs, personnals, roommates, news, it has just everything. Look it over - you will be absolutely amazed. It is better than a mls listing and much cheaper than the newspaper. And it is all right there!!! You don't have to go thru page after page after page of "stuff" you don't want (ads) to find the ads that you do want.

Now that I've shared my "tidbit" of the ~~~ I might feel a little more connected. NO ONE IS UPDATING AND I'M LONESOME!! Please, someone out there ~~ reach out!

Gotta go start breakfast - same ol' same ol'.

Halloween

And We're Off to the Races!! So, here we are on our way to the Party. Look like a troop or not??
Yup, GGMa brought the kids each a costume or two for Halloween. Doesn't he look cute??? He is a Dalmation (in case you don't really see his ears or tail!) He just had a grand time. We went on down to the Clubhouse here at the Village where the Community Church did a Party for the kids. They went all out too. Hot Dogs, soda, pop corn, and lots and lots of games that this Kidlets could play to "earn" candy and treats.
Pelic got both a Star Wars character and a Spiderman costume but ~ true to form ~ I didn't look at the actual sizes early enough to realize that, one was to big and the other too small. So he wound up with his Birthday cape and his Spiderman Jammies. He did great tho'. He got right with the Trick or Treat theme. After the Party we Trick or Treated our way home so that we could see all the other urchins in thier finery. The BUGS were all invited this evening also - so it was a quicker than planned retreat to the screen room!! Tho the kids were all pretty well covered - I wasn't!! These pests were big enough they hurt WHILE they were biting. I don't usually feel the actual bites - but I sure did this time!!
Here is my little Devil and my
little Bumble Bee. Mary didn't really want her pic taken - she didn't want to stand still that long - and the two's (ya know - what can I say?) Boo gets a
bit upset when I want her pic. She wants to stand behind me and see herself in the camera - she doesn't want it pointed at her - but she loves seeing herself on the computer!! I'll just have to work more with her so that maybe someday she'll be as much of a star as Tetee.

The kids had a great time. The heat stayed with us - it was still over 80 at dark - the rain held of until 7:30 - so we (I) can count our Blessings. All had a good time and it was quickly and totally officially done when the rains came!! Kidlets were in bed by 8:30 and the doorbell didn't ring! AND this year I don't have lots of leftover candy to eat - I got those little plastic sunglasses at the party store and the little ones just loved them!! The teens weren't to thrilled :( but . . . I gave them candy (we really didn't have much).
I did tho', get a call from my little Sis and she had some news that has my jaw dropped clear to the floor!!! I need to wait and see how the Lord works this one out before I actually try to put it into words.

Intro-spection

What do you do when a dear friend lets you know that she is very, very ill? I started thinking of the last time we "got together". It was way to long ago. The last time we spoke on the phone and the last emails that were not forwards. I missed the signs and signals that she wasn't feeling well - I haven't been as good a friend that I would have liked to have been. In fact, I haven't been a friend at all. I've been so caught up on the every day work of raising (temp of course) the 4 little ones that the Lord has entrusted into our care that I haven't talked or written to her in months. But this friend made it a point to get to Vegas when Keith and I married. Gave me a beautiful gift and card. Has been available any time that I did want or need to talk. And she - didn't feel that I was that available. And that hurts. Oh, it's not her fault. I tend to stay busy. And I tend to "sound" busier than I really am. Well, here is to Liz. May the Lord see fit to cure her illness and be kind about it. Add her to your prayers for me. She can certainly use them.

And to Liz, I am here. And I'm not to busy. And I don't care about the time difference. And I want very much to be here for you. I am sorry that I can't be there for you - to much distance seperates us. You are in my thoughts, heart, and prayers. Get well soon - I'm pulling for you.

Cooling Off

The weather man has announced cold fronts twice this week. I haven't felt a "cold front" yet but it does seem to have cooled a bit. Many of the winter residents are returning from thier summer homes up North. I drove thru the Village yesterday and was happy to see the pressure washers and weedeaters out. It looks so deserted and dirty around here during the "off season". The Village really looks pretty good when it looks "habitated" :)

I actually got 3 workouts done at Curves - I think I've discovered that to try and get there when they come back after lunch (at 3) isn't a good time for me to get motivated. Morning seems to be better as far as the energy I have to put into it.

I've stayed up late the last 4 nights - watching the Series. The Cards finally made it. Keith teases me all the time about them being "my team" - which they are - after the Padres. And the Padres do so great and then just . . . quit. That's the only word I can think of. So the official game of the summer is over. Another year!! It was only a little more than year ago that we were just arriving home after waiting "Wilma" out in Georgia!! None of those terrible predicted storms really arrived this year. We have been blessed.

Halloween is coming close. GGMa brought costumes for the kids. So now they have choices. Sometimes choice is good. Sometimes it drives me NUTS!! Baby is pushing a box around so he can walk as I type this. He is so funny!!! The box outslides him and he backs up to look at again. Like he is examining the issue - before he makes another run at it!! He is getting around so quickly now. There are no back-ups around here - 'cause he is probably right behind your feet. It's a go-ahead show!!

Felix spent most of yesterday in "time-out". He just couldn'd seem to wrap his brain around the fact that he isn't an adult in this household. He just hasn't earned the title yet :-( I prayed that we would have a better day today. Maybe it was the excitement of playing with Miss Lori twice, seeing GGMa, going to the park so many times - he just had a hard time containing himself at home for an afternoon. Papa even put him in time-out after he kept interrupting his (Papa's)conversation with a neighbor and then got nasty about it. I was shocked!! PAPA? ? ? So here is hoping that today is a much better day for him

The kids are all up and wanting "morning attentions" so it's time for me to sign off. Hope to hear from all of you today!! Yuck - I smell something unpleasant ~~~

Just another Monday

We've had a pretty good weekend. If you want to count days 1 and 2 of potty training pretty good of anything!!

Fleix went to the Lab another few times and HORRAY!! his platelet count is back over 100,000!! No known reason - I guess that is why they call it Idiomatic!! He has to return for a followup in a couple of weeks but the danger point is over!! Praise the Lord. I know it must've been all the prayers that flew to heaven from all over the country!! Other than TRYING to keep him a bit more calm (Dr said: no running, jumping, riding bikes, slides, monkey bars, contact sports, etc.) and keeping him indoors where we can watch his sisters (to keep them from hitting, kicking, jumping on him, etc) we didn't do anything different. oh, but I did start giving them multivitamins!! Anyhow - he is looking much better!!

Today we find out what the ct scan shows about Mary's neck. She still isn't complaining of any pain or favoring that side of her mouth - so we shall see ? ? ? ?

Baby B is pulling himself up on furniture, legs, chairs, toys - anything he can find - and is walking around them!! He is getting pretty good at getting fries, prietzels, baby snacks and anything else we hand him - to his mouth - BUT HE ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT hold his bottle!!! Hints anyone?? Not that I mind - I enjoy sitting and rocking him - and yes, holding his bottle for him while he goes to sleep. He is such a good baby!!

Boo has decided that she is done with being picked on - she is exerting her "rights" (hehe). If she wants juice - she SCREAMS until she gets . . (actually gets put to bed). I cannot completely imaging what she will be like during the "terrible two's" as she mostly seems to be pretty much there now!!! Her and Mary are learning to talk. We are understanding more and more of their words. Some are pretty funny!!

Lori has been by to see them and will begin coming over to visit weekly. And Papa has promised to dig out the RV and take us to the Keys for a few days. We have to see when this may come about!!!

Halloween isn't too far away - we've gotten some decorations out and costumes for the girls. Felix is just to tall to fit into any except for the Princess one -- and I'm not ready to dress him that way - so, I guess I'll just have to go shopping (sniff) - unless of course Papa does it for me!! (which is a very real possibility).

I'm dreading my pre-op for my wrist - which is on Halloween - then the surgery is the following week. Not that there is much to it (or so I've been told) but I guess I will be without a hand for a few days - so Papa will have the "duty" even more so 'cause I won't even be able to change a diaper - definately need two hands for that!!!!

I just keep looking and looking for others' to update Blogs. They are like my newspapers. I have the family section, friend section, special interest, comics. . . But to go days without a paper ! ! ! ! ! Come on - even if you just take a topic out of thin air and roll it out - write something for me . . . . please!!!!!

Funny funnies

With the recent events at the top of my mind and deep in my heart - I try to look at the good times. During our trip -

Felix laying on the floor introducing himself to the cat - and waiting for a response. I know that child will talk to anyone or anything - I caught him kissing himself goodnight in the mirror tonight on his way to bed :) [Remind you of anyone?]

Mary, Boo, and Tete - picture them with their "high heels" on, their purses over thier arms, babies in drag, fighting over who gets to push the shopping cart. Two start pushing each other and the third takes off with it :)

Baby B - just barely crawling and 10 days later pulling himself up to standing on the couch, table, steps (and making it up one step), with his big baby smile, drool hanging off of his chin :)

Papa laying back in the recliner with baby(s) asleep on his belly or sitting at his feet enjoying whatever cookie or cracker is popular at the moment :)

S'te feeding a bottle while web-surfing (how that worked is amazing!!) :)

Rod getting home from his cruise and singing His praises at Church :)

A photo session on the kitchen table while lunch is cooking :) With actual professional photos to show for it!!!

The kids all sharing so well ~ rooms, toys, time and attention.

The zoo, the spraypark, Rosarito Beach. . . .

Doors banging, kids "conversing", babies cooing, toddlers chattering, utter and complete chaos. Oh, how I miss it!!!!!

We've had a rough day with promises of rougher ones to come. Thank you for all of your prayers.

Back home Again!!

We had a really busy Monday. A long-time co-worker of Keiths passed away from cancer and we took the kids and attended the "Celebration of Life" at Admiral Baker's. It was a really moving tribute to him. Lots of raised eyebrows but we stuck it out :) anyway. On the way back to S'te's we stopped by so I could say so long to my friends. Again, I didn't get to spend any amount of time with them. Days go so fast and once the sun starts setting - I do toooooo.

A Pic from the "top of the clouds over the Dallas/Ft Worth Airport
Our return trip was really well coordinated. Our flight out of SAN was delayed an hour because of bad weather in DFW but once we got into the air - everything ran like clockwork. I don't think we'd hardly got off the ground and all 4 kids went to sleep (it was past their naptimes!!) and they slept almost the whole first flight. We merely got off of one plane - took the "SKYCAR" (which Pelik loved) to the next terminal - walked up to the gate - got on the plane and whoosh - we were on our middle leg home. Got our luggage (it was ALL there) and walked out the door and the shuttle to the parking lot was right there. Now I know how those celebreties feel with everything running soooo smoothly hehe.

Arrived home with all kids sleeping again and managed to get them into their beds without waking them - and crashed!!! Slept in until almost 8 and was up before them!!

I think we are all jet lagged today tho'. Boo is having a terrible time. She has booo'd all day and Mary just runs from one thing to another to get reprimanded for. She just doesn't know what to do with herself. Pelik is just taking it easy. He's got his Spiderman stuff from his birthday and he's in 7th heaven!!

Got Channel 2 slideshow edited and back on the community channel and stuck a movie in the vcr for Channel 9. Tomorrow I may bring the bags in from the screen room and unpack. I think I'm a little "lagged" tooooo.

Enjoyed my visit with the grandkids and big kids. They are progressing continually in the quest for the "Money Pit" and doing wonderful things with their Church. They certainly stay busy!!! I got tired just watching them!!! Glad to be home but can't wait to be able to see them again. . .

Happy Birthday to Papa and Pelik!!

Happy Birthday to my Love. I have enjoyed spending the last several with you and hope to spend many, many more with you.

We attended Good Seasons Church with the kids (we usually do while we are here) and there was a wonderful message thru Pastor Vines as well as a baptism and a baby dedication!! Rod sang with the the Men's Choir and we were well entertained!! It was a great morning. I think I now understand the difference between saved and sanctification a little better. Pastor Vines is such a dynamic personality - he always provides us with much food for thought. Rod was originally supposed to give the message at the 8 am service but that got rescheduled to next week so we will miss it. S'te promises to send us a cd so we will get to listen to it.

S'te took lots of picures today. She was on to a regular photo shoot after Church. Her and Rod orchastrated the shoot and I fixed lunch. We then had cake and ice cream for Papa and Pelik's birthdays. We got a Spiderman cape in Rosarito Beach for him so he has his SUPERHERO and souvaneer all together. He absolutely loved it!!! We also got Mak a Batman cape because he has been so great with sharing his room, toys,and Mom's attention!! I will post photos on Flickr as soon as I get them from S'te.

Keith is going to a former co-workers services tomorrow. He is sad to be losing those he worked and played with. We will then be getting ready for the trek home. We leave on Tuesday - time to leave this wonderful weather and head back for Florida!!!! At least the hurricane season is almost over - knock on wood!! Again I didn't get the chance to visit as much as I would've liked. The night in the ER completely boshed that whole idea - but I will return and one of these days I will learn my way around and go visiting - you can bet on that!!!

Our 1st War Casualty

The first casualty for our family happened on Tuesday. S'te's cousin (my ex's brother's son), Dean Bright, was killed in action on Tuesday morning in Iraq. I feel the grief as well - even tho' he isn't "actually" a relation of mine any longer. Having family in the military - loss is always right around the corner - and I feel very blessed that this is the closest that it has come to me. I worry for the day that it may come closer.

I often thank the Men and Women in Uniform often for the Blessings that they are fighting for. I am definately Proud to be an American and the sight of our Flag and our Military always brings tears. It is a cold, cruel world that makes it so men and women have to die fighting for freedom. And we are so blessed to have the freedoms. A lot of laws but freedoms none the less.

As a parent that that has faced the loss of a child - my heart truly goes out to Bob and Norma on the terrible loss of Dean as well as to the rest of the family that is surely grieving. Click here to read more of Dean's story .

To all of the Bright family (both past and present) my heartfelt condolences are offered. We must all pray that this war will be over and that lend our hand, compassion and empathy to other families that have faced and will face their losses.

Papa Smurf

We had the blessing of our trip!!! We went to Rosarito Beach for 2 nights, all alone!!!! We stopped in TJ for our usual dental visit - Dr. Ruth as a real card. She is such a sweet person. I can't imagine someone as nice as she is deciding to make digging in other people's mouth's her career. But it takes all kinds!! And I for one am so very, very grateful. We got to reminiscing about how many of people she is now seeing from our circle of friends. Many of our friends are now bringing others to see her also!! She was laughing as she said about 1/2 of her practice is from the States. Keith was having work done after Iwas finished so I went to have some lunch while he was in the chair. I met up with some ladies that were here from Kentucky - for an oral surgeons convention. They couldn't believe that people actually went south for dental work - and how much cheaper it is - and that we actually found a quality craftswoman such as Dr. Ruth!!!!

Anyhow, we rode a big, fancy bus down to the Beach. Just the 2 of us and the driver!! What a difference from going down on Friday or Saturday! We had a great time! Our first activity was the hot tub. I laid there until I cracked and popped and felt really good. I opened my eyes and looked at Keith. His beard was the prettiest color of aqua!!! I got to laughing so hard that I 'bout cried. My own big smurf!!! Turns out that the Hotel had some different tyupe of clorine and that is what did it. It shampoo'd right out and he was as good as new!! But I had to get a pic first.

We did some shopping, lots of eating, some walking and generally had a great time.

Got back over the Border in record time. Caught the bus in Rosarito at 11:45 and were in the States at 2:15. Met a woman from Pennsylvania and she is starting the processes for that state to foster/adopt. It was a very interesting conversation and made the time go very quickly.

We got home just in time for the Elmores to head for Home Group so we delightfully had TeeTe to entertain as well as our regular crew!!

September's end

It's Monday - it was a long, long weekend for me. I'm sure it seemed even longer for S'te!!

Sat here (in my favorite recliner) on Friday and updated this. Did meals, snacks, diapers, you know - normal regular stuff. By time to start dinner, I was hurting. I felt like someone was taking a fork, sticking it in my chest and twisting. It did a come and go trick for an hour or so and in between times I would break out in a new sweat. S'te had home group and so I just had Tete and our kids to fix for. I reheated left-overs, fed kids, got them to bed - meanwhile these stupid pains didn't get any better - no worse either - and I figured I'd managed to aquire a bad case of heartburn. S'te and kids got home and everyone went to bed. The pains had kind of settled down and I was thinking of going to bed too - Papa was already in bed - and they started back up again!!

I looked up heart attack on the web and I had all but one of the symptoms. So I took an aspirin and waited a while. They didn't get any better and I was really getting kind of scared!!! About midnight I woke Keith up and made him take me to the ER. I really had a hard pain about the time we pulled into the parking lot. We got registered Keith went to park the car. They took me into triage and they took me right back to a cubbie. The nurse came in to hook me up to the "stuff" and I realized that I hadn't had another pain!! From really bad to nothing. But my chest still hurt from the stress of the pains that I did have.

They brought Papa in - he just laid down on the floor and went to sleep so after a bit the nurse told him they would be holding me for awhile so he decided to come home to get some rest - after all, someone has to be able to watch the kids - and S'te is already watching them so we can do Rosatito next week - REALLY didn't want to take advantage!!!

The Dr. came in and said that my BP was really high (for me anyhow) so they were going to admit me for observation. My BP stayed high for several hours even after that!! They gave me 2 nitro tabs and it settled down. . . Keith called at 8 am and that is what I told him. So I laid on the gurney in ER and watched tv for 12 hours before they did a stress test. It was fine. My second set of bloodwork was fine. Dr decided to get an ultrasound of my gall bladder - it was fine. I'm in great health!!!

Some guy came in about 3:30 and put a bracelet on me and said they had a room to put me in. I sent him to my nurse because I thought I was leaving "soon". In hospital talk - I guess I did. We left at 5 pm.

Breakdown was:
17 hours and who knows how much money to decide that I had heartburn. Got a prescription for probotics. The warning label says it may cause heartburn, headache, and general fatigue. Suppose they will help?

Meanwhile I missed friend Gamma Debbies birthday party!! I did call and ask Yanet to give her my heartiest happy birthday wishes - but I'd a much rather been there. S'te wound up babysitting for me to sit at ER instead of the Birthday Party - - A definate waste!!

It has taken me 2 days to recover from my lack of sleep but I'm FINE, I'm GREAT. I haven't had an episode since the parking lot. What a waste!!

Went to church, Wally's, and did a normal day yesterday. So I'm no worse for the wear, just a little smarter. No more ER heartburn for me.

I can just stay home and suffer. :):~):-) a whole bunch cheaper. . . .

So thanks for all who called to check up on me. . but got a baby crying . . . gotta go check. . . and I'm fine. . .

My Baby Baby

Hamm on a slide
uploaded by Amah.

Is she cute or what? S'te's taken so many pictures of her that she has become a total mode. Everytime she sees a camera flash she says "cheese" real big. I get such a kick out of her.

She was so tickled to be playing on the slide ALL BY HERSELF. No "friends" to share with. She has handled the onslaught of 4 extra kids really well. Some things she would just rather not have to share - but she has done it anyway - so far! ! ! She is just tooo cute!!

The Rest of the Long, Long Story

I'm so worn out - I haven't had the slightest urge to complete the SAGA of our trip out here but now - here it goes:

S'te and Jaleel picked us and our 4 children up at the airport. We had none of our 5 ~yea, count 'em -5~ suitcases OR our carseat. Our luggage didn't make the connection with us! We called Rod and he brought Makkiah and Taniyah to Keith's favorite restaurant and we had a very, very late breakfast!!! The kids ate like they had never had food put before them in thier lives!!

We then trekked to thier home and S'te went thru her bins of kids' clothes and picked out what we needed for bed and church. Then we ALL just CRASHED!! By 10 pm it was lights out!! Of course, I was out in my favorite chair~~ so I heard the delivery people when they banged on the door at 11:11. It's so strange to know that - but with the digital clocks - I don't have to say - "a little after 11". I know for a fact what time it was.

I hauled the 5 suitcases and the carseat into the living room and went to bed. About 4 I'd layed there about as long as I could so I decided to unpack. At least I was doing something constructive - and the suitcases did take a large chunk out of the room. I unzipped a bag - boys clothes, I put them away. Another bag, my clothes, ditto. Another bag, stuff for S'te that I brought back to her. Another bag, Papa's stuff. Where's my girls' clothes? Unzipped the last bag and ~ boys' clothes with a few girls' things mixed in. WHAT DID I DO???? The closest I can figure is that either I left the girls' stuff on the table ~I really know better than that, I put the flower arrangement back on it before we left ~ or I put the clothes in their dressers that I meant to put in thier suitcase and put the clothes in the suitcase that I meant to put in the dresser!!! TOLD YOU I WAS TIRED!!!

Anyhow, we are Blessed in that S'te has clothes for every size in both genders~~ AND my girls wear the same size that TeeTe does. So they are sharing!!

We've been here about a week. LaDaria babysat for us last evening so I got the opportunity to go see some of my "pals" down at C1 and we had a good time catching upon everyones lives since I last saw them. It was a nice break and I really, really enjoyed seeing my good friends. Saturday is Little Deb's big 5.0. and they are doing a limo trip for her. What good friends!! I wish I'd been here for mine :~) I'm hoping that I might catch up with them sometime during the trip and enjoy some of it with them. Happy B'day, Deb......

The kids are having a blast. Kiah is teaching Pelik to play the v-smile, the girls are learning to share - all 3 of them - most of the disagreements are over the plastic purple shoes. We have enough "babies, rattled, carriers, slides, cars, trikes, etc, but we only have 1 pair of purple plastic shoes! ! ! ! We actually have access to a single pink plastic shoe so this morning the girls' compromised. They each had a single shoe. Everyone was happy. All could clomp down the hall to their heart's content. So that issue got solved!! Not quite how I'd a solved it - but it works for them hehe!!

And Baby B is crawling!! Not the marine scoot, not the up and flop, really crawling on all 4's. He will get much quicker but he's got it goin' on!!

Brother-in-Law Kenny is still very ill from his perforated colon. Still in intensive care but reports from Mom Beatty say he is slowly improving. He and Delores are blessed to have a very strong relationship with our Lord - and I'm sure He is seeing them thru this trying time. My prayers are with them constantly and Keith gets updates daily and more if he gets the urge and the reports are sounding better.

So we are on track. Next week the kids have short school days and S'te has conferences before thier next break. Rod left on manouvers yesterday but will return before we leave. We have plans to go to Rosarito Beach for a day. Still lots to look forward to. And it has been really nice being here!!

We will have to leave before I know it - but will post again when there is something to post.

God Bless You All

Spring Valley

WE.ARE.HERE.! Boy oh boy, what a journey. We've been so blessed with just being able to hop on a plane and it goes right where it was projected - pass go, collect $200. No problem!!! Of course, the majority of that travel was 2 of us. And we are old enough to know what is happening!! But I have to hand it to the kids - they were real troopers. The excitement over being on "a arepane" palled but they still were complimented much for thier pointy heads were better behaved than the one in the front of the plane WITH ALL THE PEOPLE who cried, screamed, or whined the entire 2nd flight!!
I am a habitual organizer. I do not do written lists. My lists are in my head. One of the reasons my lists are in my head is that my Dear, Dear Papa reads lists that I do write and then reminds me that this "isn't on the list" or "you didn't put this in and it's on the list". Once it's written, there is no room for compromise - but if I keep it in my head - then I can moderate and edit it as I go along~But of course, we all know that I'm needing a complete memory transplant as well as the hip, shoulder, and hand. So this "list in my head" can get rather interesting~~

So, that said, let's start at the beginning of the SAGA.

I cleaned house, did laundry, and packed almost all day Friday. I decided that I didn't need to take extra changes of clothes and a million extra diapers as carry-ons as I haven't used all of that since I started taking kids on these trips. I did decide to replace those articles with things like: granola bars, fruit roll-ups, an extra can of formula, special kiki's (blankies), etc. You know, the stuff we USE. I got most of that stuff together first, so I know what we were dealing with space wise. I had already decided that 5 suitcases were the limit. I could've packed 8 since we had 4 ticketed but I am a thrifty sort :~< ha ha!!

So after I arranged all of the carryons, but meds in baggies, collected the right crayons and color books, found the nipple and covers for a couple of bottles, found a matching baby spoon, got the baby food for a day picked out and made sure my camera and phone were charged and the chargers packed, went thru my purse to make sure I surrendered all my lotions, creams , lip gloss, nail clippers, lighters and or anyhting else that could possibly be on the banned list and slow us down, I settled down to fold and organize clothes. Papa packs his own ~ actually does not usually unpack the clean clothes from trip to trip. I talked it over with Papa and we (he) said I always pack way to much so 3 short outfits, 3 long pants sets, and a church outfit for each child would suffice. So, I folded and folded some more, put my choices of items to pack on the dining table and put the rest of the clothes in closets, drawers, etc. I finally dropped into bed about 11 pm dreading the idea of getting up at the 4 am alarm that Papa set. (Oh, by the way, Papa put away items from the shed, reorganizing it so he could get everything from the screen room shoved into it, put the new tags on the vehicles, checked the mail, etc. so he wasn't exactly inert).

Got up with the alarm, jumped into the shower, and went to wake kids. THEY WERE SO EXCITED ~ GOIN' ON THE AREPANE~~ was the chant we heard for the entire time I was dressing and feeding them!! It was funny - cute - that they were that excited about going. UNTIL Papa went out to the care and didn't take them!!!! Ooooh nooooo. What a bunch of whining and crying!!!! Like we'd really build them up like that and then leave them home by themselves!!!!

Got to the airport in record time, checked our bags, Papa went to park the car, got back and met up with us, the security lines were REALLY, REALLY short and when they saw us coming, they opened the side so I didn't have to navigate the double stroller thru thier maze. Really nice. Gonna be a nice trip. Got to security and took off my shoes, 3 pr kids shoes, put the cameras and laptops on the belt, diaper bag, carry on, purse, got Papa to go thru to herd (direct) kids on the other side of the detector, which left me with baby and stroller. I got baby under 1 arm and folded the stroller with the other hand. BUT I COULDN'T LIFT IT ONTO THE BELT. Papa could see my problem but he couldn't come back thru and help (he tried tho'). Finally the passenger behind me lifted it onto the belt (I guess he figured if he didn't help he would be there all day). Baby and I went thru detector, grabbed bins with misc crap in them and started putting shoes on kids with 1 hand - stroller got wedged in the xray machine (I did tell them it was big) so it was a bit before I got to put baby down. Stroller showed up, I unhooked it and put Baby in, Boo in, and put my shoes on. Packed up the cameras and helped Papa with the rest of the shoes and laptops so we could get out of the way. In all - about 5 minutes from the time we took our shoes off. I thought it went pretty smooth. The guy 3 people behind was nasty and loud about his thoughts tho'. Doesn't think people with "that many kids" need to be riding on planes. It holds others up to much". To which I THOUGHT "ok, next time I'll let you stay home and babysit" and "I bought 4 tickets, that means I get 4 times as much time as you do" and "why are mean people like you allowed to breathe?". He got some really nasty looks from some other people too!!! Actually, most people offered thier assistance or let us go ahead or butt in line. It was heartwarming to see how many people really don't have the NASTYS attitude.

We got reassigned seats that were perfect. All in a row and right close to the bathroom. The plane took off right on time and that's kinda where things fell apart. At this point I hadn't eaten and had chugged a nasty cup of coffee to fast (we can't take them from the terminal to the plane anymore) so I was fast getting heartburn and a headache. The Attendant came thru with juice and coffee and "biscittis" to which I added a granola bar from my stash. I gave the kids granola bars to go with their juices also. Then we got some water to mix the baby formula with and I fixed Baby his cereal. He ate, the kids ate, I ate (I think Papa did to, but I really wasn't watching) Mary carpeted herself and her seat with crumbs and I got my crumbs up under my teeth. Papa took the meds out of the ziplock so I could put my teeth in it. The liquid medicine then leaked all over the carryon instead of just into the baggie. Had to toss the fruit snacks as they had amox all over them. Felix had to "pee" about 50 times and Baby decided it was nap time. The tv screen finally came on and the kids nodded off. It was really actually an ok flight - until we got to DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth Airport). DFW was closed because of weather. We circled. The weather didn't move. We circled. It didn't move. Finally the pilot says - We are running out of fuel so we are going to drop in over at Houston and fill up and then come back in get in line again. Sooooo, we drop (literally, the weather wasn't real wonderful there either) in to Houstin and it took about an hour to refuel, get back on the runway and get back into the air. Then we landed again at DFW. 3 hours late. We just knew we missed our flight - we only had a 1 hour layover to start with. BUT: the announcement told us to go to the first gate we found with our destination city on it. We found one and headed for it. We passed McD's and Felix said "Look, there's dinner". I told him we'd eat as soon as we figured out where we needed to be. Of couse, Papa was about a 1/2 mile ahead of me and the kids. I lost sight of him once - only to have him reappear waaaay down the concourse waving his arms hollering hurry hurry hurry. Well, I got the little 2 yr old legs going and we hurried - as fast as we could - they were actually holding a plane for us - and it was 1/2 empty!!! The people behind us were wanting on it too - but they closed the door so fast behind us that I didn't even get a chance to call S'te to tell her we made it to the last leg before they announced that cell phones had to be turned off!!! But we MADE it!! A couple that had been on the earlier flight was seated back near us and complimented us on how well the kids behaved - as they moved to other seats :(. The attendants were really nice on that flight too. I'm sweating even now, reliving the run from plane to plane. Felix asked if we were going on another plane? and I answered that we ARE ON a different plane. The change was so quick that he didn't even notice it!! We bought one of the AA snack packs and divvied it amoung the kids and had more granola and juice. Then the baby had his food, another bottle and kids went to sleep for a bit.

AND NOW WE ARE HERE. Our luggage and car seat didn't land with us so they gave us a "loaner" (kinda makes you wonder just how often this happens!) and we loaded up into S'te's van. Her and Jaleel were there to pick us up before Papa finished the delivery paperwork.

We called Rod and they met us at Carnitas Uropan to eat. We were hungry, hungry, hungry!!! Jaleel helped the pretty waitress clear the table when we were finished. He is so helpful!!

Our luggage showed up at 11:00 that night - - -

Water Park - Here we are!!

The Fountains

The cold front went thru last night. They predicted record LOW temps - Predicte4d to get down to 68!! Yahoooo!!! I didn't believe them and made plans anyway. We went ot he water park. Up until now it has been to hot to go anywhere after 9 am - so it was nice to be able to leave the house. We (I) was still sweating buckets by the time the kids were all buckled and the gear was all loaded!! The Fountains is a free inter-active park down by the river. It is really neat. Keith and I had both heard of it - but didn't have a clue where until we went for dinner one night at the Capt Hiram's Lobster Shanty - and it was right to it. What better place to spend a morning that you don't want to spend at home?

Mary was to have a scan today - so she couldn't have anything to eat or drink after 9 this morning - so no one got anything to eat or drink after 9. That was another reason not to hang at the house - they think they need to eat more often when they are just "hanging out" at home!! It was a wasted effort. We got there and they had to reschedule the test for tomorrow anyway. It never fails!!!

Tomorrow will be a really busy day since we are going to be packing bags for our trip and packing the house to leave it for a few days. This time of year - we have to leave everything as tho' we are evacuating for a hurricane - in case one comes along before we get back :(

The kids are excited. Felix has been zooming around the house with his arms stretched out wide for a couple of days now. He is sooo excited about getting to ply in da plane.

I'm excited too. I love going to see my baby and her family!!!! And of course, my friends. I don't get to see any of them nearly often enough. I'm really getting excited about the trip!!

God Bless America

Fallen, Not Forgotten

S'te sent me the link to this Tribute that the Action Team presented at the Traveling Wall when it was in San Diego. Ty and Deria have been members of the team for several years now. I still go and watch them present at EVERY opportunity. I LOVE to watch them even tho' they bring tears to my eyes. These teens and children are a totally refreshing view of what the Love of the Lord can bring. They are soooo awesome. This isn't the clearest video - but listen and watch - it'll make your heart swell with pride. These children are AMERICANS and PROUD OF IT and they are CHRISTIANS and PROUD OF IT. How strong would our wonderful country be if we ALL distributed this kind of pride in ourselves, our family, our faith, and our country? No terrorists could touch us.

I've spent a few days trying to think of what I wanted to say to commemorate 9-11. I know where I was, I was at home. I know it was 6 am. I was watching the news as I was getting ready for work. I couldn't believe my eyes. I couldn't believe that ANYONE could be evil enough to even think of harming a bunch of innocent people. All those people did wrong was show up for work. It is so heartbreaking. It is the reason we desperately need those Men and Women in Uniform.

As this fifth anniversary has rolled by I've looked back at the things this dreadful but necessary war has changed. I wonder if the discord, political attacks on good people, malice, backstabbing, disavowing, embarrassment, backpeddling, infighting, and the DIVISION of the American people is what the terrorists intended to accomplish. Remember the old adage - Divide and Conquer. AND IT IS US THAT IS DOING IT TO OURSELVES!

Five years ago our Country united. Banded together, helped each other, wore our American Pride on our sleeves and in our hearts. Today there is such a difference. We spent a terrible few months a while back listening to our elected officials lying about what they voted for, against, didn't show up for, changed their minds on. We are doing it again now. As Americans, do we have no pride and backbone left? Maybe if the most powerful country in the WORLD could stay united and strong and supportive and TOGETHER, we must might have a chance. Pray to the Lord and Sing out your pride in our Troops, beliefs and causes. IT'S THE AMERICAN WAY - OR THE HIGHWAY!!

So this isn't what I was thinking of writing - It's just what fell out.

God Bless America!!!

Just another day in. . . . the Tropics

It's hot. Already it's hot. At 7:40 this morning the news said 88. Already!! Water temp coming off of Florence is 86 with it's 10 foot waves. So it won't cool off any - at least not today. And there is more to come!!

Late Saturday afternoon Papa's boss called and asked him to make arrangements to attend another meeting. This one will be great!! It is in San Diego and we can all go!! Plane tickets have been purchased, travel orders have been requested (again), I'm showing the kids the kid's pictures so they know who they are. I'm jazzed. We will be there for Papa's 65th birthday, Felix's 4th birthday and Rod's first sermon. And I didn't know that until I asked S'te and Rod if they wanted some company for a couple of weeks!!!!

I'm still not getting ANYWHERE with the potty training. Every time I change a "caca" diaper (and with 3 in diapers that's really quite often) I tell Mary that she is supposed to caca in the potty. Of course, she is the caca police - everytime she hears a diaper rattle she is johnny-on-the-spot to make sure everything has been inspected and done in the proper order. Her answer is always the same - OOOOHHHHH. Like she's never heard that concept before. She can really be rather funny at times.

Kids are settling in well and have stopped attacking the table like they haven't eaten in weeks every time Papa or I go near it. Baby B is almost crawling - so he should be a real treat on the plane. I've never seen a happier baby. He just entertains himself and puts his head down and sleeps whenever he is ready. The only thing I HAVE to do is feed and care for him - but he is such a joy - I entertain myself entertaining him.

We finally got the back patio poured and cured. Papa cleaned the gutters and he got someone to lay sod. It looks a bunch better and won't be so water consuming either. I was going to try to take the kids to the "Fountains" but it has been to hot to even go outside. I don't seem to get out much with our schedule. Wake, breakfast, dress, check e-mail, do blog, snack, laundry, dishes, play a little, lunch, Days, naps, snack, Curves, play outside, dinner, story and play, bathe, bed. In between that we change about 12 diapers, do bottles, clean house, do doctor appts., and whatever else there is to do. I thought about taking them instead of naps. . . . then revisited that thought. We haven't made it yet!! Actually, since school started, I don't know if it is even open during the day so it might just be a moot discussion with myself.

Maybe I'll get to it eventually. I have to get ready for our trip - Yippee - Horray, and I'll get to see for myself that Kiah is up and better-than-new!!

Like I said . . . nothing much new in our lives. But I'd LOVE to hear about yours.

Home Again

We made it back home. I think the trip was harder on me than Ernesto would've been - even if he'd stayed a hurricane!! But we didn't even get hit as bad as at Carmens. And we didn't stay around for it!!

The campground aka RESORT people came and cleaned up our site - they blew all the leaves and "stuff" over to the other side - just the right spot for the kids to have something to do for 3 mornings - Drag it all back little by little!! Afternoons were so hot and buggy that we stayed inside the RV dressed in as little as possible. And I did as little as possible the entire time. I was so sick!!

I'm still not doing as well as I'd like but I was REALLY sick - And the heat just tore me up!!! So I did silly things like take these pics - that area really bad!!! And sit with my feet on baggies of ice cubes. And put wet wash cloths in the freezer to sleep with. Really bad stuff!!! And in case you really can't see what's in the "tree pic" there are 3 squirrels hanging upside down on it. The kids really liked watching them. We took lots of things for them to play with and do - as well as the little table so they wouldn't have to eat inside. This pic is at noon - look how hot and sweatty already!! After lunch they took showers and had naps ~ ~ And then did whatever they could talk (aka irritate) one of us into until bedtime. But it really wasn't bad at all - the kids finally learned that SOMEONE is ALWAYS watching - even when "eyes are not open" or directly on them. hehe

Tonight is the Southern Gospel Concert by His Song at Church but I can't go because 1) I'm still pretty sick and don't want to "share" and 2) I don't have a babysitter anymore so 3) the kids have to learn to resemble children ~instead of bossy adults~ before I'll take them anywhere like that. I don't enjoy myself and no one around us can possibly enjoy the music with these kids anywhere near. So I hope to hear about it tomorrow. I'm sure it was great. I do so enjoy the music!!

Anyhow, we are home. No damage. My cold will eventually get better. The kids are learning. All is well. Thank you Lord for your saving grace.

Sooo NOT IMPRESSED

So, I'm a compulsive worrier. Yesterday I had Kiah to worry about - and he came thru like gangbusters!! Of course he had people from coast to coast and north to south praying for a great outcome - and our prayers were answered!!

So today I needed a new worry. Of course, I found one. Ernesto turned our way. Vero Beach Florida is nothing short of totally miserable in the summertime. For an overweight, underactive, sweating bullets, miserable in her own skin non-climatized person, it is horrible. I've managed to not stay there for much of the summers since we've lived there, but unfortunately, this year I've got the mid to late summer duty (we are usually gone about the time we got back). And I've been so totally useless it's horrible. For instance, this morning, at 8:30 it was 94 degrees in the screen room. That is with 2 ceiling fans blowing on high. I was sweating buckets while we were trying to get things picked up and finalized so we could high-tail it outta there. I'm sure that us leaving is what is sparing the whole east coast of Florida a real bad blow!! Anyhow, we finally got gone - at 9:30. Keith and I were both soaking wet - so much for our morning showers. We actually had a beautiful day for a drive. Sunny, lots of a/c. Beautiful. The kids were excited about riding in the "bus" and even took naps on the way up. This is wonderful for them as they usually don't care to sit in their seats all the way to the store and back :)

So, since our electricity usually goes out with thunderstorms I didn't really want to take a chance of being there with no power. Keith found this place on the internet yesterday to humor me and get us out of the path of we-didn't-know-just-what. We drove up the Turnpike no tolls because of the storm and arrived 7 hours later here in Lake Park at the Eagles Roost. It looks really grand on the web-site. And it is a really nice place - for the people with brand new HUGE rv's. I really wanted a space close to the playground. It didn't look all that full - still looks like there is plenty of room. They gave us this little spot that we really don't even fit in. To put the slide out we had to pull clear up to the unlevel part of the only unlevel spot in the place. That put the door in the dirt. The cement table is stationary so the kids couldn't use it, there is no grass (I brought our little tykes picnic table - just in case) for the kids to play on and we are at the complete edge of the facility. We drove around the grounds twice - didn't pull in well the first time- and it is totally the worst spot in the place and the dirtiest too. The cement table was filthy and even after sweeping and washing it off - it's filthy. The space itself is to small for this RV and I look over at the people that arrived after us and watched them pull thier big,new RV into a spot that has plenty of room for their 3 slides and thier door opens onto the wider pad and they actually have a table and chairs and grass and a little bush with mulch. A nice little landscaped spot - closer to the playground yadda yadda yadda

Keith went over to the office and was told - "this is Labor Day Weekend". All the nicer spots are booked up for Sat thru Mon. We were kinda thinking of leaving on Friday (if we have power) but I'm not sure I want to stay at all. I can't let the kids out here - they don't have a level place to STAND much less play. I actually packed the van full of ride on cars, swim stuff, and misc other outdoor stuff for them to play with - mostly because I didn't think this place was big enough for us all to be "housebound" for several days - but now - since there is no place for the stuff in the van - I have no place to put the carseats that are in here. So I worked myself and Keith into huge literal sweats - for nothing.

Needless to say - I'm venting. Keith is asleep. The kids are asleep. I just talked to my Dad about Ernesto, Makkiah, Sharen, etc. and I'm still just beside myself. Anyhow, if you are around here - you might qualify for better sites than we got - but I'm not putting any money on it. Not real glad that I talked Keith into coming here to start with. Next time, MAYBE I'll keep my mouth shut and just stay home and be miserable. It's cheaper and if I'm miserable I can possibly do something about it. No need to travel 7 hours to do it hahahaha.

So, we are safe from the 'big wind' and will probably head back home on Thursday (if I can swing it) or Friday. We are blessed that Kiah is safely home with no ill news, Pastor is in the mend, Sharen is adjusting, I'm getting a little better. So I do count my blessings - I just get so IRRITATED!!

And happy Labor Day to all of you!!!

Ernesto

Watching and Waiting. Waiting and Watching. This is the first time I've been at home with a hurricane coming. And the first time we've had kids here too!! We've been watching Ernesto since he was just a baby Tropical Wave. Watched while the track went to Texas, then to New Orleans, then to the Panhandle, then to the Florida West Coast, and NOW - today, the track goes right up our side. It's been interesting - watching how they keep guessing.

In between writing this and doing all the other things that need to be done to "batten down the hatches" - I'm sweating, coughing, and generally miserable.

I woke on Thursday morning totally miserable. My head is full of cotton and I feel like I have a big raw chunck of my throat missing. Two of the babies also have nasty noses but no cough yet. Baby B cut 2 (not one - but two) top teeth. They finally came thru last night. Papa came home on Saturday to me sicker than most dogs, Baby B totally miserable and snotty, and the other kids just being kids. He immediately pitched in and he fed them dinner and put them to bed. Sunday we didn't do anything other than herd kids. I was on the couch mostly - really really wasn't prepared to go to Church and pass my cough around. So we didn't do that.

S'te just called and Makkiah is out of Surgery. Dr. says it looks good. The mass wasn't swollen or inflamed when they went in so they think they got it all but won't know for sure until they see if he has any more episodes. They glued the incision shut instead of using stitches. He might even be able to return to school on Wednesday. Bless the powers the Lord gave to modern medicine!! She said he is still in recovery and was headed straight back to sit with him. She doesn't know yet if they will keep him tonight or not. Keep him in your prayers!!

We are planning to get the RV out of the shop and load it - make sure it is ready to go for tomorrow. Even if we don't get a bunch of damage - we can be sure that there will be no power here for several days, it goes out during a thunderstorm, so we will take the RV and head a little north-west to Georgia for a few days. Papa has made reservations for us at a really nice little campground.

Better get off my butt and get to helping while the kids are sleeping. Once they wake up - they will be full of questions. Like - where did the bikes go . . . .

Halfway thru the Week

Thank goodness Papa will be back on Saturday. I'd be in a mess if I had to do this for 5 or 6 months.

Got up this morning - rarin' to go. Made it to the WIC office before 9 am. Impressed myself and the gal at the office both!!! Mentioned that we were going to the grocery on the way home since it wasn't to hot yet.

Did go to store - Got the items on 1 check and the misc other stuff that I always wind up with. Dish soap, crackers, snack stuff, a pizza for dinner, that sort of "other" stuff. And a TALL gate to put under the other gate. Got to the check-out. The checks aren't good until tomorrow. WHY didn't she say something when I said we were going to the store? Couldn't she have been that helpful. I don't know what the date is - I have 4 babies that don't care. I do know it's Wednesday.

Got home and thru the rest of the day pretty well. Felix climbed the short gate and went to jump from the top of it - skinned his elbow and scared him pretty good. Don't think he'll do that again. ME has decided that she is on a "talk strike" and refused to come to the table or say why. Lately she's been chattering like a little magpie, so she's tee'd about something. She went to bed without dinner. I guess she wasn't hungry.

Was attempting to potty train but gave up about 2 this afternoon after a dozen pr of wet panties. Just gave in and put a diaper back on her. Then she started telling me "peepee" so I put panties back on her. She wet them. Oh well, maybe in another month or two.

The inspector was by and approved the mess in the back yard. If it stops raining maybe they will pour the cement tomorrow. Thought maybe they'd do it today but didn't see anyone. Oh well.

Since the kids are all asleep I read all the Blogs that I like and found out I have to read other Blogs to keep up on the West Coast. No body tells me anything!! sniff sniff

It didn't get so hot today - only low 90's. Actually let the kids play outside for a while before they were soaking wet and we came in and showered. They bathed and gave me a shower. haha

I'm bored - or wasn't it obvious?

The Passing Week

I got thru the week with only one really down day. Of that I am gratefull. I remember back when I only had 1 good day a week, week after week. It's true that time eases pain - the constant pain. The sense of loss, anger, and disbelief is still with me - and probably always will. I try to focus on the good memories - not the fact that there aren't as many as there should've been. The good things in life. The blessings that I have received as I've gotten older. Those are the things I TRY to remember. It doesn't always work - but I TRY.

Papa left yesterday morning to see his family. It might very well be a good thing that I couldn't go. God works in strange ways. There were so many roadblocks put in the way of us going along that I finally accepted that this is the way it is meant to be. This way he can have some quality time with his Mom (who is a lovely person) and his other family (who don't particularly care for me). He will be home on Saturday and I really, really look forward to having him home again. He hasn't been gone like this for a couple of years now and I've gotten used to having him around (hahaha)

I was blessed with being able to get a good night's sleep last night - slept all night long!! - and woke this morning feeling really good. Even woke before the kids so I had time for coffee and getting my eyes open before the day started!! We got around, bathed and dressed in time for Sunday School. Mr. Tom did a great job on our lesson this morning and Pastor Bert was really in 'em. He delivered a really strong message. I absorb the force of God's love and get a strong feeling of peace as I sit there and listen. His faith is soooo strong. It shines like a light right from him. There are others in our Church that are like him in ways but I really don't know anyone there other than to say hello to. I don't know if they would recognise me without a string of children - or outside of the building. Not many people do. I need an "identifier". And I've always had one - someones' wife, someones' Mom, the one with all the kids, etc. I guess that's what happens when you resemble the "all-American person".

We came home, had lunch, since it was beautifully sunny, we walked up to the clubhouse for the Ice Cream Social. We were early so we went up to put our feet in the pool. While there, a BIG BLACK HUGE BLACK GIANT BLACK cloud came in over us. We headed inside and the dam broke. It absolutely poured rain, the wind gusted and the lights flickered. It was horrible. Not much else to do, we had our ice cream, I hauled Felix out of the kitchen a dozen or so times, and not long after we finished, so did the rain. Since we were walking - I took the break and headed for home. So I didn't really socialize at the social. But then - I usually don't much. People have their little groups and mine has 4 kids in it - so the adults tend to stay away.

So, we are home, the kids in bed, the rain is pouring, but blue is starting to shine thru. If Felix would've stayed out of the kitchen - we could've still been up there. Que sera sera.

Hope the week goes by quickly, I miss Papa.

Greatest Company in the World

What do you think of this view? Dinner was ready and I didn't want to leave him in the living room by himself. He was jumping and laughing and haveing a really good time talking to the dryer. Shows what he thinks of our company huh!

Baby Bastion is a really good baby. When hungry he just sucks his fingers. He seldom crys and has 2 teeth already. He gets up on all fours and gets about anyplace he wants to go just by rolling.

After snapping the first shot, I looked over and here he was:

He REALLY wasn't mesmerized by us and evidently the dryer started boring him too.

Isn't that just precious?


Now for the update on our latest "project". The sprinkler guys (the new ones that were in the mood) came by yesterday and capped off and moved and undid wires so that we could get on with things. It took about 25 minutes - and that included them figuring out what went where - since they weren't the ones that put the system in. And this morning we had a load of dirt delivered. Now I have the "piles" that we left on Whatever Day It Was and a mound of dirt on my soon to be non-existent lawn. And the Dump Truck Is STUCK in the sand about 10 feet from the pile. The driver said "Every time we dump here we get stuck" Well, personally I'd think of another route to dumping rather than go across the pads that mobiles used to be on and are nothing but that real fine white grainy sand. So a pickup showed up to help him. Now the pickup is in the sand. The dump truck is running. My windows are rattling. I'm going to Curves - I seem to be the only one bothered by it :) BTW the concrete guys will be back on Monday. Progress has actually been made.

It's Official

Yup, it's official. I'm certifiable. I can't remember anything and lose everything that's not attached. The weight ~ it's attached ~ I couldn't lose it even when I try ~~~

We dropped the Canyonville home idea. Who thought they could actually sell something for top dollar that had so many "little" shortcuts taken that it would cost thousands of dollars to undo the shortcuts and make them right. Why bother putting a bathroom vent in - if you aren't going to vent it out of the house. Why on earth would you vent it into the attic? Who would add a room on ~ with no crawl space (as required by law and LENDERS) and no moisture barrier - in the Oregon mountains!! And when it comes to electricity - I'm not able to even begin to deal with shortcuts. I'm not willing to die in my bed because 3 prong plugins were installed without any grounds!! Now, I'm not on top of all the real estate do's and don'ts but I am not stupid. And this is not my first time around the block.

Anyhow, that idea gone up in smoke along with my Sister moving, Papa started looking elsewhere. He found at tri-wide in Sutherlin. Looked really great - but we really didn't want in a Park. We aren't hard to please. We just like communication. When we call ~ we'd like a return call. He found it last Thursday. He called the listed number and got some info, asked some questions, and assumed we would here the answers on Friday. Oh NO!!! On Saturday afternoon we got a return call. Now, I am aware that when we call at noon our time, it's only 9 am back there and many people do have other things to do besides deal with work stuff - but - you could call back when you are ready to work. Couldn't you? Anyhow, Papa found the Park, called to try to get the rules etc and was told that the home has been sold. It's still listed (I just checked), the Relator still hasn't returned yesterday's call that Papa made so that he could make an offer.

So much for our ventures. I'm just..... just.

We got our add-on carport started on yesterday. The concrete guys came out with their bobcat and started scraping dirt!! Which was all well and good - except that the sprinkler guys haven't come to change out the irrigation!! So, they did what they could, waited around to see if the sprinkler guy called back, and finally left. Papa and I put several calls in to the sprinkler guy, he finally returned our call this morning. He gave some excuses, said he was really busy today, he might be able to get out here tomorrow, I said great, he said "I'm not promising anything, I might be able to get there, I'm really not in the mood". I was astounded, astonished, etc. I know that "customer service" isn't in the english language anymore, but to tell a cash paying customer, "I'm not really in the mood" just goes beyond - at least to me. So, again, I bit off my nose to spite my face and responded: "Ya know, if you aren't really in the mood for my money, then maybe I should find someone who is. But thank you for returning my call." I'm STILL amazed. To actually voice the mood thing to a customer. All I want now is for someone to come and change out the irrigation and fix the mess I had them make. Papa says - if that's the price, and we want it done, that's what we will pay. And I'm perfectly willing to pay them for it!! I always pay - no arguements - no dickering.

As for my MESS!!! When the contractor asked me where I wanted all the grass - I was "thinking" it would come out in fairly uniform pieces and it would be easy enough to pick out the best "sod" pieces and put in the areas that have "sunken" or gone to weed. But, OH NOOOOO, the grass part is on the bottom, there is all sorts of dirt mixed in (duh!) and it is now covering what was my good lawn. NOW I get to pay someone to come clean up the mess that I asked them to make. I went out last evening (with the 3 kids) and got a little turned over ~ you can see where I made my headway, but it took longer to clean the kids up than I worked. Somehow, I don't feel like progress was made!!

So, now I have no prospects open in Oregon, no yard, no sprinkler person, the travel motions didn't come thru for the kids, the plane fare went up $100 between yesterday morning and evening, I'm staying here, LIFE IS GREAT.

As requested by Mom to the Screaming Masses here is 5 things I am grateful for:
I have my health
I have my wonderful husband
I have little arms that like to cuddle before bed
I have a wonderful daughter and her family
I have hope and faith that my son will be found

and above all I HAVE MY FAITH IN GOD.

To my Son

As last I saw you

More pain cannot be wrung from those who wait

In fear and hope of both the worst and best.

Some day, perhaps, their hearts might find some rest,

Sure in grief or joy of their clear fate.

In the meantime, time is agony;

No second passes but impatiently,

Given the cruel passions of their state.

Nicholas Gordon

In many ways, it's as if I last saw you

Recently the image is so clear--

Even your eyes, hidden behind sunglasses on the pier;

Nor does it take much to restore you

Exactly, as if once again you were here.

Nicholas Gordon

This does not even begin to describe what the last 20 years has been like. I know that many have done much more and been more zealous than I, and for that I am so sorry. Overwhelmed and and filled with disbelief that this horrible thing could possibly truly be happening - in reality - I have no excuse. I didn't know what to do and depended on all the wrong people for their expert answers. I was so, so wrong. I don't know what else I could've done - there had to have been something more.

I know only that on this 20th Anniversary, I am still unable to describe the wonder and love that you brought to my life.

I regret only the times that I didn't stop and listen and laugh with you, when I thought I was busy and didn't spend the time I should've with you. Not until you were gone did I realize how little so many other things mattered and how much so many little things did. You are my first-born and my baby son. I look into my head and see your laughing eyes and smiling face. I see the intent look you have when concentrating or something is puzzling you. Nothing anyone has done can ever take away my wonderful memories.

God Willing, the unknown will someday be known, this I do pray for daily. I love you Son. Always have and Always will. Someday we will be together again.

Above picture taken March, 1986,Jeremy 13, S'te 8

Picture at side is computer Aged to 23 by Missing and Exploited Children

For those who read this, make sure you tell your children you love them EVERY time they leave. If you haven't contacted loved ones in a while - do it NOW. Let others' hearts and minds rest - you may find a peace of your own. Please ~ in Memory of Jeremy

Living with the Male Species

First off I want to congratulate my nephew Caleb and his new wife Kelly. They were scheduled to tie the knot yesterday and I haven't heard that they didn't, so I'm assuming (bad word, I know) that it happened and they are headed down the road to Marital Bliss (wherever that is). So, here's to many happy years ahead!!

Now, Since nothing noteworthy has happened over the last few days, I want to address one of my pet peaves. Maybe someone else has the same one - or close.

What my bathroom is SUPPOSED to look like

I spent the entire day (off and on) on my knees in our 2 bathrooms. Had I actually known that having 2 only helps in that no one has to wait in line to pee on the floor. Oh,yeah, I've heard all the excuses. "I lost my balance". "I didn't do that" "If I'd done that I woulda cleaned it up" or the little one that just looks at me and says "Oh" when I ask if he was the one that peed on the seat. I KNOW I didn't. And I know that yellow stuff around the base of the utility isn't from me, just as well as I know that those streaks running down the sides and the spots on the footer isn't from anything I've done in there. Now, you might as how I know it was one of the males in the house. Ya see, there are six of us. 3 are in diapers. Papa, Felix, and me aren't. I cleaned 2 bathrooms that had yellow splashes on the walls, on the floor, on the front, running down the sides, etc. Why can't you sit down and do all of your business? Is it a macho thing? If I'm in the woods, I'll squat, and I'll take the chance of ruining my shoes. You are not so ill equipped for being the hunter and gatherer. While traveling, I understand not wanting to sit on the seat. You are lucky - YOU DON"T HAVE TO!!! (I hate to be behind a woman who stands up and does her business without lifting the seat also.) But in the comfort and quiet of a house, in the place where a stranger is not cleaning up the mess, be a MAN. Sit down and relax. It might be nicer than standing there pretending that you aren't doing anything. And all the wives and mothers will thank you as much as I do.

If you have trouble with this concept - do this experiment - find (or make) a mud puddle. Only make it as big as the bowl in the bathroom. Take the hose, turn it on, aim it to the middle of the puddle. See all the splashes? Now is that puddle as small as the bowl in the bathroom? If it is - you have mud splashed all around. If it isn't you probably still have mud splashed. So now, what do you think?

Now that I've managed to offend the entire Male Sex. Let me say that I love you all. But consideration is the key here. If you don't want to clean it up yourself - what makes you think anyone else does? Sit down, relax and ponder.

Tis the Weekend

We are preparing as tho' the kids and I will be able to accompany Papa to Indiana. He has gone to get the RV - it needed new coach batteries, an oil change, and most important - the radio speakers wired correctly. We will know for sure on Monday. Have shot appointments for Baby B, and Baby Boo on Tuesday and Wednesday. And hope to be able to head out after lunch on that day. Had our quarterly visit from licensing and our monthly DCM visit - so all is a go there. Got those done and ready to roll!!

Re-arranged the furniture in the front and dining rooms. I hope I made a little more "space". I sure wish I hadn't drug all of this furniture from the West Coast. It just does not fit right. I know now what I should've realized then HEHE. I want to just can the dining room table. We don't use it for anything but a "stacker" and about weekly - I clean it all off and put things where they should've gone to start. We haven't used it since Bev and Dave came over last winter and we played Dominoes on it. We haven't used it for food since April and Ric were here 2 years ago!!

Papa is back - the RV isn't ready yet. Maybe Monday.

The "sound people" for I95 were here yesterday. The sound readings were enough to "qualify us (the Village) for consideration for the construction of a sound barrier". That is a quote!! Not my words at all.
I've been contacting, petitioning, writing, e-mailing for 2.5 years - and I got us a "reading" that panned out. I was worried because right between 4 an 5 on Friday isn't our peak time. The "rush hour" hasn't arrived yet and the trucks are trying to get closer to home so they aren't "jake braking" for the SR 60 exit. But they got 2 readings over the allowable level. So hopefully . . . . .

Papa is on a roll!! He is making Sissy (2.5) mind him. He isn't the best at follow-thru so he can say something and they just go on their own little way. But she is having issues this moring and refusing to even be a little bit cooperative. Baby B (for Bastion) is sleeping, Baby Boo (for the way she cries "brooobroooo") is in her high chair with crackers. And Bubby (3 yrs 10 mos) is annoying Papa while he is looking over his mail and watching Sissy.

I'm content. And my headache has gone away. Hope all is well with all of you.

Hopes

I was really wanting to get my little bit of family to be able to come out here to the "tropics" and see where we live. I have the few people that I do know that I wanted them to meet. I am so proud of my Daughter and Sister that I wanted to show them off.

But, AS THE WORLD TURNS, it won't happen this fall. Rod will be in and out of port until after the first of the new year - Sharen is job hunting again and won't (I'm almost sure) get a vacation until she's been there a year - Our "little house" is rented from November to April.

So, even though I'm terribly disappointed, I'll live. I won't get what I want (pout, pout) again. But one of these little pipe dreams that I get Keith to research for me will eventually come to pass. When the Lord deems it time - I would really like to see our families (both sides) meet each other (the Cruise idea) and be in closer contact with all. Seeing how the "other side" of our family has kept in contact and stayed close (to the point of a LONG drive from S. CA to N. OR) has made me wishful and nostalgic.

It's getting closer and closer to my "bad" Anniversary - I'm into thinking all the "stuff" that shoulda and coulda been.

Thanks for all the love.

As we settle in

The kids are settling in well. Horray!!

They may get permission to travel so I can go to Indiana with Papa. Horray!!

I gained more than I lost last month. Boo Hoo

Step-Mom had to have surgery on her legs. Ouch

Surgery was 100% successful. Yippee!!

Sister is having troubles right before son's wedding and the big 50. it sucks!!

I remembered to take and send her Birthday presents!! Kudos for me.

I've made it to Curves 3 times this week. Another Kudo.

Finally got a mailer and sent my Mother-in-Law's Birthday present off. She was 85 last month. Big Booooooo!

The house didn't pass inspection - so that deal is off! The Lord does as he sees fit. It must not have been meant to be.

For the most part my life is right where it is. I am sorry for those whose life I affect/effect in a negative way. I sure don't mean to. It is all completely by accident. I always mean well ~ it just doesn't always work out.

Good luck Judy and Sharen. All will work out, I will try better to keep in touch.

Bedtime for my babies ~ they whiney war is on (the one where they see who can whine the loudest)

Nothing New

Same ol', same ol' at Sea-ami. Days change, names change, characters change, but really, nothing changes.

We are busy trying to retrofit our days to these new children. And trying to retrofit them to us and our home. As is not uncommon - the word NO is used by them to us more than the other way around. For being as young as they are - they sure know what they are NOT going to do. All the way from eat (or even try) a piece of apple to pushing buttons on the computers or tvs.

But the Lord (God Bless Him) will use us to work things out.

The new radio in the red car blows the fuse every time it gets turned on.

I went back to "my" Curves today and discovered that I gained 10#'s in California. In less than 10 days.

The home inspector promised a report faxed today - didn't happen.

The next to the youngest went to sleep while I rocked her.

The baby cat-naps with 3 or 4 fingers in his mouth at once.

They all eat just about anything if I don't let them snack.

The promise of ICE CREAM for dessert cleans the plates really quick.

See, nothing has changed - but it's all different. And it's still HOT. hehehe

ROD'S HOME

Watching TV in the Morning
Click for slideshow Amah.

Got my "puter fixed. I felt like I was without my right hand!!! I don't use it for much except for this and e-mail but I've just GOTTA check out S'te and Sharen's blogs a couple of times each day. I never know when they might update.

According to my Daughter - her family is all together again. She has a picture of them all on the front porch swing. I'm glad that Rod made it home safe and sound and no worse for "the wear". And Ty too.

We are staying busy again. Papa brought all of the kids in so they could watch TV with me while I was still sleeping. He gets up with them but then brings them in to bed while he goes and does whatever it is that he does hehehe

It sounds like the AT&T wireless service at the Denver airport is what knocked out my home wireless login so I had to have the ever trustworthy "Geek Squad" come out and fix it for me. I was soooooo pissed!!!! No more Frontier and Denver Airport for me. Our luggage was delivered by private courier last night about 9:15. I know we can't blame the airlines for the weather - but come on!! By the time they held the flight to Orlando for an hour and a half - what's 5 more minutes!!! They pulled out so close to when we pulled in that the attendants had to call because they hadn't posted the departure yet. And we weren't the only ones!! There were 4 of us that just missed it. But I really feel sorry for the little lady that was standing in the customer service line right behind us. She was there in the line when her flight left to where ever and there was only 1 per day. The attendants had directed her to the customer service line instead of looking her flight up for her. WHAT A WASTE. Are all customer service types a thing of the past? Seems like there used to be a little common sense amoung them, but no more!!

Time to start dinner. It's getting tired and cranky around here :)

Back to Normal

We got S'te to give us a ride to the airport. We were 2 hours early - just like they say to be.

We boarded on time.

We sat on the plane for 70 minutes waiting for the weather in Denver to clear.

Our connecting flight was delayed - but not long enough. We missed it by 10 minutes.

We were changed from Frontier to United. Instead of arriving home at 11:30, we left Denver at 11:40. The good news is that Ty managed to make it home and his mother made him call me. When I got over being scared to death - I CAN'T IMAGINE WHY - I was mad clear thru. It's a good thing for him that I'm now on the other coast.

Arrived in Orlando at 5:45 am. Our luggage didn't. One way to get new clothes!! But my medical films that they sent with me are in them.

Arrive at Vero at 7:15. Installed car seats and kid-ified the house - somewhat

Went to Chiropractor at 8:30

Picked 4 kids up at The Village at 10. Ages 3.5 m, 2.25 f, 16mo f, 5mo m. Went with DCM to register them Keith wanted to do it while we had her - somethings are better done sooner than later at the Health Dept. I registered them with WIC at the same time. BM already has checks for Aug/Sept. We can get new ones mid Sept. DCM will check.

Got home, fed kids, nap (SCREAM) time. I went thru the 1/2 small plastic bag that arrived with the 4 of them. 1/2 pkg size 1 diapers, 1 baby outfit, one shirt sz 18 mo, 4 shorts 18 mo, 2 shirts 5T, 2 shorts 6x. Asked for clothing allowance. Was told to go to the clothes closet in St. Lucie. . . This is for 4 children!!

Time to fix dinner.

Nothing has changed - just the names - and only for whatever reasons. Different babies, same game~~~

Goodnight

Back from Santa Ana

We had to go to Santa Ana Monday morning. We needed to see my Attorney and then on Tuesday the insurance company wanted to take a deposition.

Fine, so S'te, LaDaria, and I got around and went to Curves. We really had fun today!! The owner stayed with Daria thru the first round and then watched her really closely thru the second. She did an excellent job. The owner really worked S'te hard tho' - it was so funny!!! ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT - WORK THOSE BUNS!! I just did my thing. I know that I didn't "work" as hard as either of them, but I was the sweatiest when we got done!! Then shower, pack, and leave.

We borrowed Rod's Saturn and Keith had really good directions for us (as always) and we went straight to the office- arrived early, parked in the adjacent parking garage - did ask my questions and and we went back to get the car. THE KEY WOULDN'T WORK!!! I tried, Keith tried, the garage attendant tried. Called S'te to see if there was a trick, S'te called Rod and left a message, Rod called S'te back, S'te called me back. We tried, it wouldn't turn in the ignition. We managed to also lock the steering wheel. Keith called AAA (Thank you Lord) and an hour later a locksmith arrived. He asked to see the key - announced "that's not a key, it's a blade" and crawled into his van - used a magnifier, punched his computer, used his grinder, and WALAA - he emerged with a new key. And it worked !!! Just like in the movies!!! He fine tuned it a bit and then told us to take the weight off of our keyring. It makes the key hang funny in there and wears it off - then the key that isn't quite right anymore ruins the switch - then you not only still need a new key - you need a new ignition - and that costs way more than AAA and the emergency locksmith. He said we were lucky - it ignition has not been completely ruined yet so using the new key vs the old key may continue to work. He was really nice and his visit and the key was only 140 of which AAA Plus (which I laughed at Keith for paying the extra rate for) covered 3/4's of it. So now we are ready to go again. We left the Attorney's office at 2 and it's now 5:30. We had several suggestions on how to get over towards Disneyland for a place to stay. We went the exact wrong way - would up taking the scenic tour. When we got to Harbor Blvd I thought we should go right, Keith thought left, he was driving, we went left. We went down about 1/2 mile or so and he didn't recognize anything so at a light he asked the passenger in the car next to us which way to Disneyland, the answer was "the other way, turn around". So we did. Keith checked a few places, they were full and we wound up at the Quality Inn. I am sure, if they are near an attraction - the place doesn't think they need to have the same ameneties that are common in the rest of the "chain". This place didn't have wireless or high speed, no exercise room, we had to go to the desk and get a remote for the tv. It just wasn't what I expected from a Quality Inn.

We walked next door to a Chucky Cheese type pizza place for dinner and then back to our room. It was about 7:30 or so. Nothing else to do so I read until I couldn't hold the book up anymore - took my meds and went to bed. The alarm went off at midnight (we didn't set it)- right straight up - totally confused - and a pounding headache!! Then I couldn't go back to sleep. So I watched tv and cat napped thru the rest of the night. At 7 Keith went over to get coffee (none in the room) and donuts. He's NOT helping. Here I am sweating my butt off 5 days a week at Curves and he's feeding me Pizza and donuts. I'll never make it!!

My headache was still nagging so I took it very easy until time to check out. I catnaped and watched tv. Finally roused and took a shower. We checked out, had lunch, and went to the deposition. I didn't have many of my answers and on the way home realized that some of the answers I gave were just plain wrong. I had months mixed up. I'll need to address those errors that I made when I get the draft. It took 2 hours!!! I was thinking about an hour. I don't even know what the relevance was for some of the questions - but if I could - I answered.

We headed back to S'te's and made it about 7 (really not bad for Santa Ana to Spring Valley). The kids all welcomed us back, showed their new treasures and had dinner. Then we settled down and S'te talked about her work at the Church. She is in the process of trying to clean things out and organize the small one's rooms. She had made a lot of progress on scheduling, cleaning, stuffing, tossing, and security for the little ones that are in her Church's care.

I can't send e-mail from her new cable network but I can receive it. So even if I don't answer - don't stop writing!!!!

It's time - we are off to Curves!!