Newbies

About 3 months ago I decided I wanted a camper. I've posted about this before and the end result is a 1995 Fleetwood Jamboree Searcher. It's a class C RV and that was a must for me because I wanted to have the cubby over the passenger and driver seats that the kids could have as their own. There is a TV up there and their pillows and blankets and I don't have to convert/make beds everyday. They can pull the curtain and it's their own little world. It's perfect.
Have we used it? You betcha! We took our maiden voyage to First Landing State Park. It was just on the other side of town so if there were any major problems we could just go home. For less than we would spend on dinner we were able to spend the night on the beach. We took food from our fridge, grabbed a change of clothes and off we went. Samantha Sue came along too so we didn't have to trouble anyone with watching the dog and she still got to keep my feet warm. It was way to cold for swimming but my kids didn't care. They were happy just being on the ocean- playing sand soccer, trying to catch a fish, watching for dolphins and collecting sea shells. They made friends with other campers and had fun digging in the sand together.
Kevin and I had fun just setting everything up and playing house in our new camper. We pulled out the awning, laid down the mat, lit the fire and sat around very proud of ourselves. Around 2:30 in the morning we discovered our error. We had left the awning extended and although there was no wind the night before, it had picked up and was flapping our awning around and banging the pole into the camper. I woke Kevin and we hustled outside to save the awning from being permanently ripped away. We were new at this so I had a flashlight held firmly in my teeth while holding the flapping awning and Kevin was trying to remember which mechanism to unlock first to get the thing down. The end result? We learned a valuable lesson and gained a 2 inch tear in our awning.
The next morning we looked out at the class A beside us. They had the USA map on the side with most states filled in and were obviously not new to RV travel. They had pulled their awning in and their chairs were folded neatly and stacked underneath. I continued picking up our blown over chairs wishing I had payed more attention to those experienced travelers.

The second trip we took was up to Ocean City to Whaley Town Campground. It was their St. Patty's weekend celebration so even though it wasn't quite camping season they had lots of activities. We all made charm key chains, played nightly bingo, searched for pots of gold and hunted for shamrocks.
Our campsite was right on the lake and Kev and the kids had a blast fishing. It was catch and release so when Tara caught the first fish the antics began. Daddy ripped the hook out of it's mouth and handed it to Tara who immediately dropped it shrieking "Ooohhhh!! Gross!" Daddy then gave it to Tyler trying to convince him that he really could put his finger in it's mouth because the fish had no teeth. Tyler put his little finger in it's mouth and tried to hold on like a bull rider at a rodeo. That flopping flipping fish won but it should have just hung limply. Once it hit the ground the boys began to kick it toward the lakes edge. The water was only an inch deep, so then they grabbed sticks and began to try and flip it out to deeper water. The poor fish eventually swam away. I just hope it lived longer than the 5 min I was giving it's life expectancy.
On that trip we had no wind so we pulled our awning out and even attached the clever little lights, broke out our chairs and kept the fire lit. Along with the usual marsh mellow cooking the kids also cooked their hot dogs on a stick. What did we learn? The kids definitely needed to bring their bikes. Both weekends the camping kids all had bikes and this campground was large so the walk back and forth to the activities was a good distance.

This weekend we went south to the Outer Banks. Grandma Judy was very excited to hear we stayed in Rodanthe since she had just watched the movie. We stayed at Camp Hatteras. This and the KOA are both pricey in season but we were also able to scout out other smaller campgrounds that are right on the beach, smaller, with a pool and 1/2 the price.
The kids were out of school today so we stayed Saturday night and Sunday night. I love the nights when we go camping because we sit around and play games like Uno, Rummy and Bingo. Having cable is also a nice feature cause the kids can watch Disney till they drift off to sleep. (Nobody said the Fureys are roughin' it when they camp!!)
Sunday I really wanted to take the kids up the coast, past Corolla and drive the beach in search of the famous mustangs that have roamed the beaches there for 400 hundred years. My DH was a little leery of taking the kids out to 4 wheel drive the beach when we have had so much rain. I finally bugged him until he relented and off we went.
The kids were very excited at the prospect of seeing the wild horses. Kev and I were a little nervous. Nervous enough that as we went through Corolla I added a new number to my phones contact list. A-1 Towing. Call me if you ever get stuck and need the number.
As we headed down the beach we stopped and collected a few shells and played by the lapping waves. We ventured a little further inland and began going up and down all the little side "streets". The kids were screaming and yelling like they were on a roller coaster as we climbed sand hills and splashed through watered out roads we didn't know if would make it through. The Jeep did great and we powered through the deepest of waterholes. It was fantastic!! As we were laughing through yet another huge puddle we saw them. Four ponies, wild and free the way nature intended, were nibbling on grass outside of someones fence. We pulled the Jeep over and wandered up close. I snapped pictures and the kids watched in awe. The ponies didn't mind us and just kept munching away. We hopped back in the Jeep very excited we had seen what we had been searching for.
We headed back beach side and drove until the fence blocked us from going further and headed back driving along the surf. We stopped at on point to see what was washed up and discovered many dead sting rays, star fish and even conch shells. I was amazed. These were the largest shells I have ever collected on the Outer Banks and conch shells were everywhere. I've seen starfish in Florida but never here. The kids were again fascinated and very excited. I was beginning to wonder where in the Jeep we were going to have room to keep all their treasures. We kept driving and just ahead saw 2 more ponies. One was standing at the crest of a dune almost like it was posing. The other was on the beach. My camera was again taking lots of pictures. (Baby Trey is fascinated with his wiener so he took it as his duty to inform everyone that the ponies were boys because they had wieners!!!) We drove away very pleased and excited to come back again in the summer to play by the water's edge and watch for the beautiful ponies. I'll post pictures when I get home.
There were no lessons learned this trip except maybe the realization that even if it's windy, raining or even a tornado watch, it's worth every minute and precious memories are always made!

March 09

Kevin was due home the first week of March. Due to Grampa Barney's passing, he arrived with much fanfare the 23rd of February. This is a perfect example of every cloud having a silver lining. When we got the call Saturday morning it was a huge coordinated effort to get us out of here and on our way. Kevin was catching the first flight out so he would arrive Monday morning in KC. We could get buddy passes but we wouldn't arrive till late afternoon Monday. After 4 months without Dad the homecoming is not to be missed!
That Saturday I was at home cleaning house, doing laundry and laying out clothes to pack. Joe Goz gave me a call when he heard the news and asked how he could help me get out of town. I, of course, professed that I needed nothing. He completely ignored me and came over to take The Van for an oil change. When he got back he pulled suitcases out of the attic. I have said it before but the guys in this squadron are just the best. Thanks!
We took off that evening and I drove to the West Virginia line where we woke up to 3 inches of snow. It made the drive beautiful and was a much better backdrop than driving through the rain.
When we got to the airport the whole family (immediate family I should say) was there! That's about 14 kids and 10 adults. Everyone had posters, balloons and a big huge welcome home banner. Kevin said it was the best homecoming ever!!! I grabbed my camera in my rush to get out of the house bit I failed to grab the SD card. Dear Tammy is supposed to send me pics!!!
It was wonderful to visit with everyone but I am over going to KC for funerals. It's about time for a nice happy lake visit.
When we left we decided at the last minute to head down to Pensacola and pick up the camper. LOL! Sure, lets drive south for 14hrs spend the night and then drive 15 hrs home!! Not a problem!!! We ended up driving through 15 states. The kids were counting.
We stayed with Pete and Emily and without them the camper thing would have never happened. Thanks gang for checking it out for us and going over everything with us at your house and for letting us plug in and camp in your driveway!! We are waiting to return the favor!!
So, we made it home with the new camper and Daddy. It is wonderful to have him home. It is fabulous to also have our camper. We camped at First Landing State Park right on the beach. The next weekend we stayed in Ocean City at Frontierland? Campground right on the lake. The weather hasn't been the best but both weekends were a hit and the kids had a blast!! I'll tell you more about our first camping trips later, for now I have to go!!!

Grampa Barney

This should of been posted weeks ago.
We will all miss him greatly but his legacy lives on....

Robert (Barney) Maguire
1910 – 2009

Robert (Barney) Maguire, 98, passed away Friday February 20, 2009 at home surrounded by family and friends.
The Rosary will be prayed Tuesday February 24, 2009 at 5:00PM in More Hall at St Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd with visitation following until 8:00PM. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00AM Wednesday February 25, 2009 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2 East 75th St. Kansas City, MO. Burial following in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.
Barney was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 19, 1910. He moved with his family to Kansas City, Missouri in 1918. Barney had a deep love for automobiles, airplanes, motorcycles and all things mechanical. His tremendous thirst for knowledge was an inspiration for all.
Barney attended St. Aloysius Grade School, Rockhurst and Northeast High School. He worked for Pratt & Whitney in Kansas City and Hartford, CN. In 1948 he and Rosemarie founded Allied Concrete Products which is currently run by third generation family. He was a 4th degree Knights of Columbus in the Bishop John Ward Assembly 0292, a member of the Trailblazers Organization and More Friends. He was a charter member of National Precast Concrete Association holding several board positions.
Barney witnessed many changes in technology through his life and not one did he let escape without his full immersion and quest to understand. From learning the printing press, to building an experimental airplane in high school shop class, to reading the complete Book of Knowledge more than once, to starting his own business, to using his computer daily-- Barney was always eager to learn.
Barney was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Cora Belle (McClure) Maguire, sisters Mary Michael Maguire and Katie Kimbrell sons-in-law Bill Garies and Mike Furey, grandchildren; Mickey Furey & Amy Furey; great grandchild Cristina Furey.
Barney is survived by his loving wife of 75 years Rosemarie; daughters Shiloh Garies, Esta Setter and husband Dave, Judy Furey, Kathy Maguire and husband Tom Fritts; 17 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren and 2 on the way; sister Frances Cowick; sisters-in-law Marilyn Meiners, Teresa Scheerer (Dick) and brother-in-law Bob Meiners (Claire).
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the St. Thomas More School Technology Fund or the St. Thomas More Capitol Campaign.

Dance Your Heart Out!!

The intermediate school had a family dinner and dance last night. Tara was very excited and found a beautiful dress in her closet, tights in her drawer and the perfect pink glittery shoes scattered on her floor. Apparently in gym class they have learned every line dance ever created. The entire event was line dance after line dance with everything from the hustle to some of these new songs like the one from the McDonald's commercial that I obviously don't know the name of. Tara ran around with friends, sometimes dancing and sometimes chasing boys. Tyler and Trey? Well they stole the show. They danced and danced and danced some more. We had ice cream after the event and then I took my 3 very tired children home.

Working out the Details

I received the pic below from Kevin today. Those guys are like brothers and their camaraderie, commitment and service cannot be matched. We miss them all but would really like to see the guy in the middle in some pictures that I take!!
I am still working out details but I am flying to Florida next week to pick-up the camper. Luckily Pete and Emily are close and will offer me a place to stay and unwind before I jump in the rig and head home. I am unsure of the route I will travel and I refuse to plan. (I think that goes against the wanderlust spirit!) I believe the trip is about 14 hours so it should be an easy 2 dayer. Chantelle has been kind/crazy enough to offer to stay with the kids. I need to get back quickly before the tribe makes her crazy.
We had discussed the family flying to Florida after Kev returned and making the pick-up an adventure. Airplane fares are rising with gas prices and I just think the first family trip should be local till we figure out and stock the thing with everything we will discover that we need.
I have spent most of my life here and have never explored the middle peninsula (except once with the Kelly, Bob and a bottle of tequila so that doesn't count cause I don't remember it!!). Matthews and all the little towns along the Chesapeake Bay are to some Virginia's best kept secret. That's a secret I want in on! The Eastern Shore and Assateague and Chincoteague Islands are also areas that are rural (I think) along the Bay and beckoning me to explore. Tara is dying to hit DC and there are a ton of nearby campgrounds to make sightseeing a breeze. Getting Kevin to stroll through the museums may prove to be another challenge. The Outer Banks is just an hour south and one of my favorite beaches. I am still reminding myself that although I grew up here the kids did not and I need to rediscover a lot of areas/places that I may remember as not being that great because, perhaps to my children, they will be fantastic new spots for them to discover.
I am very anxious to begin the new adventures that are just waiting for us to enjoy. All of us! Hurry home Kevin!!

No explanation needed

Happy Valentine's Day Kevin! Love, us

Happy Valentines Day dear. I have posted some pics for you to enjoy. The kids have opened their cards and are eating candy they don't need at this hour of the morning. Along with the candy Tara is playing with her newest Littlest Pet and the boys are playing with Bocugons (don't ask what they are- they defy explanation). Tyler has his last basketball game today and I have snacks. Since it's Valentines day, I put an apple, pretzels (gotta be careful of allergies!) juice box and candy hearts in a treat bag. They will have a little after party at CiCi's. I have to work so once again I am depending on the kindness of others for the logistics to make it all happen since I have to work at 3 and his game is at 230. Tara's swim team has a meet today but that is just not working into the time frame. She'll have to sit this one out.
In other news we purchased a 28ft Fleetwood Jamboree Searcher for our camping pleasure. The rig is gorgeous, completely hooked up with back-up cameras, stereo, TVs, new carpet and a whole list of things that promises excitement and fun for all. The seller is a retired Navy guy who has taken meticulous care of this thing and I am longing for the days of summer freedom. The camper is in Florida so the pick-up promises to be an adventure.
I have to go to get everything rolling for today but I promise to write again soon.

The end is in sight

So it's been awhile. The kids can now count down in days until Daddy comes home. We aren't sure which day but the first week of March isn't far. Our prayers are with Daddy each and every day and now we are praying for Grandpa Barney's recovery too.
Kevin leaves frequently and I, and I believe the kids too, are used to the separation. But this deployment has been the worst ever. Not only are my precious little ones dealing with Daddy's absence but they are still trying to find happiness in their new environment. They will not hesitate to tell anyone how much they miss Hawaii. They are still searching for friends in the neighborhood and I thank God they have each other. They have lots of friends at school but they, and I, long for the days when they could run outside and join the kids playing the many games kids find to play.
We had a windy day two nights ago. As I was falling asleep I could hear the wind swirling through the screened porch. My bamboo chimes were playing their hollow melody and if I kept my eyes closed I could pretend I was somewhere else. As I lay there, I realized that Tara has not had one single friend that has come to the house and just sat in the floor and played Littlest Pet Shop or Barbies or Polly Pockets. She and Cassidy or Haley could play that way for hours. Has she outgrown this childhood delight? I don't think so. I eventually fought back the tears and fell asleep.
Tyler will consistently tell you he has no friends at school. I have talked with his teacher who was very surprised at his statement. I have only come to the conclusion that Tyler associates friends with the relationships he had in Hawaii. He has lots of pals at school and on the bus and the kids on his basketball team. What he's missing are the kids from school that lived around him, that he played with every day and had sleepovers with on the weekend. So if you ask him, he has no friends.
They don't complain often. Every now and then Tara will go up the street to see if Taylor can play but she is never home. Tyler will ride his bike to a friends but they are usually in after school care and by the time they get home it's dark. So for now they have each other and me and Trey. Tyler was student of the week and did a poster board of pics and they were all pics of him and friends in Hawaii. This was like salt on an open wound and there were lots of tears shared by all as they looked through pictures to decide which ones to use.
Okay, so this is a complete downer but now you know why there hasn't been a lot to write about.

Missing you on your birthday!!

Live action with all the sweetness and none of the mess! Your other gift will, of course, be late!!

So you wanna see Christmas decorations?

Tyler has started b-ball. Their fist game will be Saturday. In an effort to prepare for the upcoming game, they had an additional practice this past Saturday. Saturday was also the day for the HSC children's Christmas party. My kids wanted to go to the party to see Santa and Tyler had no problem skipping practice. Unknown to me was the fact that Tyler had some idea in his head that Santa might be bringing Daddy home on the helicopter. Apparently Tara convinced him, I am hoping very gently and in the nicest way possible, that Daddy would not be arriving with Santa.

The morning of the Christmas party Tyler looked at me as if I had lost my mind and said he was going to practice. I honestly believe that faced with a similar dilemma, Kevin would have also chosen sports over a Christmas party. Tyler did make me promise that he would see Santa some other time.

So Tara, Trey and I did the party without him. They had the usual stuff- crafts, face painting, bouncy house, food and Santa arriving on a helicopter. Trey watched everything very carefully but he would not get near the man in the red coat. Nuh huh- no way. Hopefully by the end of the season, and with his dear brother's influence, we'll make it happen.

Tara had songfest last night at school. We all gathered in the cafeteria to listen to the 5th graders play their string instruments and then we stood outside while the 3rd graders sang Christmas carols and we nibbled on cookies and drank hot apple cider. It was very cute but very cold.

I got an email from Kev and he asked to see pics of the Christmas tree. If Kev had been here we may have rearranged everything to put the big tree in the family room. Instead we moved out the chaise and put the big tree in the living room/office and the lil itty bitty Hawaii tree is in the family room. It works and the Martha, buried deep inside me, likes it because it is very visible from the front and side of the house because it is surrounded by windows. The giant snow globe is in the yard and we have a new wreath and garland around the door along with a small lighted tree on the porch. The bushes and trees are lit with white lights. It's actually very sweet and very traditional. It keeps the kids happy and the neighbors are thrilled someone here now decorates.

I was given Christmas dishes one year as a present. Each year Kev humps the heavy box in and out of storage. For the past few years we haven't even unwrapped, much less used them, for lack of space. This year I am proud to say they have all been washed, are in my cabinet and we use them daily!!

So, you got the scoop on the decorations and there are a bunch of pics too. There are parties and functions coming so I'll keep you updated!!

Justice, the Y and Verizon (oh my!)

I got a phone call yesterday from the local PD and the neighborhood hoodlum responsible for looting so many vehicles has been caught. I don't know the particulars but apparently he was brought down by Mom. Mom was in his room and wondered about the lovely Vera Bradley bag (mine!) he had stashed wherever a boy stashes an obviously female bag. When she opened it she discovered lots of GPSs and a Kodak camera (mine!) with the SD card intact. Mom turned him in. Muhuhuhuh! Although I applaud her for doing the right thing, I am sure it was a struggle and has ripped her heart out.
On the other hand, I am oh-so-very excited to get my work bag back and the SD card. When I was describing my camera to the detective in the property office they had originally thought it belonged to someone else. I described how the lens was loose and he professed it was a nice tight fit. As he turned the camera facing down so he could look at the pictures I was describing, I heard the lens fall out and hit the desk.
"So was that the lens?"
"Uhh, yes ma'am. Maybe this camera is yours." Ya think??
Now if I can convince him that one of the GPSs is mine I'll be back in business. My advice: WRITE DOWN THE SERIAL NUMBER!
The GPS is a very corrupting little device. My entire life I have been excellent at directions and finding my way around. If I have been there once, I can get there again. No problem. After owning a GPS I now feel as if I will be horribly lost forever if I can't see the streets displayed as I approach them. My son learned left and right from the not-so soothing voice that dictates direction. I feel cheated that I never got to actually try and drive while just looking at the 4 inch screen. (I swear it can be done!) I WANT my GPS people!!!
***breathe in, breath out***
We belong to the YMCA (can you read that with out singing the song?) and I workout there while the kids play in their respective "zones". Once in a while, when they are swinging from the dining room light or climbing the curtains, we'll go up there to swim/wear them out. Trey will now happily go straight into the toddler area without a whimper. Tyler loves to color and play in the tubes and in the I zone they have a WII and a rock climbing wall. He has made it about half way up the wall. I love to watch the determination that overcomes his little features each time he climbs into the harness.
Tara learned from Grandma Linda that she was old enough to go into the fit room. She discovered this and has approached it with the same passion she does most things- balls to the wall!! (Pardon my slang!) She made an appointment with the fitness instructor and was oriented to the machines. Now she sits and adjusts the seat and the weights like a little pro. They have Disney on above the treadmills and she walks/runs happily watching Waverly Place. She has recently discovered the rowing machines and says she likes to row "like we did in the water at Kaneohe." I love it because she now hounds me about going which keeps me on more of a schedule. Tyler starts b-ball practice there tonight so opportunities will be endless.
Verizon has laid cable on our street. I can't wait to call Cox and cancel my cable subscription. They have had a monopoly in this area for too long. Maybe as with most businesses, a little competition will force them to make needed changes. I could have hidden lots of bodies in the holes that were dug in my yard but they did a fine job of covering them up.
Okay, this is where the rambling ends.
Wait! Kev if you are reading this, I found the lil green book in the playroom. Who would have thunk it??

Pictures have been posted!

Can you believe??

This is Barnie and Rose. Kevin's grandparents. These two kids just celebrated 75 years of wedded bliss. Can you believe that?? I am speechless and in awe of their dedication, accomplishments and commitment to family. Congratulations to you and we will see you soon!

Thank You!

Just when I began to realize why some animals eat their young- I found these at my door. Thank you and it was just what I needed.
I LOVE YOU!

Not Alone

I love Christmas. I love the spirit of the season, I love the lights, I love the decorations and I love the look of wonder and joy in my children's eyes.
Kevin has never been away for Christmas. Now there has been many a year when he has been gone up until a few days before and he has come home just in time to enjoy the benefits of my labor. Uuuggghhh. My labor consists of a slight remodel to make Christmas come alive at home. We haul out 3-4 Christmas trees, string lights in the front and in the windows, hang stockings on the mantle, place poinsettias on the steps and each room gets pictures, trinkets, music boxes, snow globes or some other Christmas goody. Needless to say it's a process. It's a process I would rather not do alone. Even if he arrives just in time to say "Merry Christmas!" he's always taken the time to be there for at least part of the process. This year it's just me.
My father came to the house to help get the 20 or so boxes out of the attic. They lined the halls upstairs for days until my children could take it no longer. I was trying to unpack a box when they realized it was time to do the decorating.
My precious, precious boy began trying to bring boxes down by himself. Tara joined in the effort. Together they worked as a team and began to do what I had avoided for days. I had no desire to begin the labor of Christmas alone. I should have realized I was not by myself. Even when the boxes were too heavy for their combined efforts, they didn't let that stop them. They opened the boxes and began carrying stuff down one thing at a time till every box was empty. Each item they carried was like a treasure and they ooohhhed and aaaahhhed over every little thing and they took the time to show Trey all the little magical things they cherished. Watching them brought back some of that magic I feared might not be there this year.
Tyler turns the key on the back of the music boxes and just listens to the songs. He said to me, with his little chin quivering and tears in his eyes "Mom, Christmas songs make me happy. Will Daddy have Christmas songs over there?" Tara was debating which tree she liked the most when she stopped to ask if Daddy had a tree in Iraq. My answer to both "I hope so."
So the house is mostly decorated and we have begun to enjoy the season. I am not alone and neither is Kevin. He is with us in everything we do. My hope is that he and the guys will find a little magic in the season too. Even if it's just a Christmas song or a few lights in a palm tree. We miss you!!

Happy Turkey Day!!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!
Each year my kids are quizzed about what they are thankful for and this year I will answer that question too.
I am thankful for my family. My husband and children for the love they generously give and being who they are, my family for the support, love and encouragement they have always shown and my husbands family for the welcome I have always received and the fine example of family they have always portrayed. I am thankful for my friends for being there to listen, cry or laugh. I am thankful I have a part-time job that allows my to put my family first. I am thankful I have a wonderful house with kind and caring neighbors in an outstanding school district. I am thankful my van keeps going and going and I am thankful Samantha and Gizmo are still here to greet us and love us and keep us warm at night.
I am thankful for all these things and many more!
Hope you have many things you are thankful for too and have a fabulous Thanksgiving!!

She has my soul

This year Tara's teacher has assigned a writing journal. She is given a monthly calendar with a topic for each evening. One of the topics was to write to your Mom and Dad. This is what I found in her journal:

Dear Mom and Dad,
Mom your blue-green eyes look like the blue-green ocean in Hawaii. Dad your brown eyes look as gentle as swaying palms. Mom your brown hair looks like the pretty brown shell on the green sea turtle. Dad your black hair looks like the black of the night with the bright moon.
Love,
Tara

I love her too!

Chaos, grades and keeping busy!

My Atomic clock (thanks Judy!) says it is 34 degrees outside. The weather guessers had mentioned the possibility of flurries this morning. Well the sun is bright and shining and since that completely voids out the probability of flurries, I have no use for the near freezing temperature that is painfully obvious when I step outside to get Tara off and speak to the neighbors. Can't we just see a few flakes? Please??
I have been keeping the thermostat on 68 and I have discovered that if I turn on the fireplace it completely heats up the family room and kitchen in about 15 min. That is very nice. On the downside, I can't turn the fireplace on just to look at the pretty fire. It gets very warm very quickly. It is also non-vented. The not having a chimney flew to open makes me a little nervous so I have various CO2 detectors around the house. I have been told that it's very energy efficient because no heat is lost. Regardless, if you don't hear from us in a while have someone check the house, k?
Kev has been calling or e-mailing very often and he is doing well. They are staying busy and he mentioned eating cheesecake in bed so my sympathy is fading. He has flown over 40 hours this month so if Joe feeding him cheesecake in bed makes him happy so be it!! Hehehe!
Report cards came home last week. Tara gets real grades this year and has all A's. I'm going to brag for a moment because her A's are a 103 in Social Studies, a 99 in Science, a 99 in Math and a 98 in Reading/Spelling. Wow!! That is just awesome!! Her teacher gushed about what a joy she is in class. Awwww!
My dear lil Tyler did very well also. His teacher had wonderful things to say about him, his report was great and my little Student of the Month is doing very well.
Kelly came for a visit on Saturday. She always laughs about the noise level in my house. She has one 14 yo daughter and when she calls she says she hears the noise before I say hello. 3 kids screaming, dog barking, TV on. Woohooo! Welcome to the chaos! We spent the day exploring the aquarium, doing a little shopping and had dinner out. It was fun but over way to soon. I think she only stays for the day cause her senses are all over stimulated!!
We hit the Zoo on Sunday. Don't laugh but it was an awesome day at the zoo. The animals were all on the move and very visible. The male lion was even roaring and we've never heard that!! I hear the Richmond Zoo has a petting area for the giraffes so we need to do that very soon.
Dad is the one who takes the boys outside to play baseball, soccer, basketball or challenges them on the Wii. With Daddy gone the boys energy level is often through the roof. It's getting a little cold for the long walks or bike rides that Mom likes so I am looking at other options. I am thinking of putting both Tara and Tyler in martial arts. I had considered just Tyler but I have this fear of Tyler practicing daily on his sister so I think I need to even the playing field. Besides she needs the exercise.
Yes it is a quite boring update but Kevin has been reading daily and he likes to hear about the little things! More later!

Heheheh!

My daily giggle.... LOVED this!!!!

Order your t-shirt here: http://www.emergencystuff.com/401215000000.html

The missed and the missing

Well Dad has been gone now for almost 2 weeks. Tyler really misses him. I am getting the daily question "How many more months is Dad gonna be gone?" It is so hard for a 5 year old to understand the concept of time and it is heart wrenching to hear the baby announce "Daddy's home!" every time we pull up in the driveway and he sees the Jeep.

**sigh**

In other news- some punk teen with unobservant parents is plaguing our neighborhood. (Sorry to offend but I see no other way to describe the situation when a teenager is out at 2AM during the week and awaking each morning with new bags of stolen goods!!) The offender is hitting our very comfortable in their environment neighbors who feel no need to lock their vehicle in their own driveways. Myself included. I donated my camera, my GPS and the heathen dumped my work bag so that he would have an empty sack to carry his stolen goods. I guess he needed something to conceal the 4 GPS units, the camera and the Blackberry he picked up off our court. Yes, we know it is a teen because we have a video image from a savvy guy with video surveillance but his vehicles were locked and the image was way to quick. The good guys from CSI could stop the footage and give us an accurate still shot but the city's finest couldn't be bothered. The Civic Assc is updating us on his latest acquisitions but so far the little booger hasn't been caught.
For this reason there will be no fall pumpkin patch pics. You will not see Tara dressed as a Fancy Witch, Big Guy as a gallant knight or the baby as a rough and tumble football guru. I hope as you go to take an important picture the lens falls out of the camera ( haha it was broken!) and I hope you feel a twinge of guilt as you see the family pictures you have stolen on my SD card. May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your mop of uncut brown hair and I hope the college of your dreams denies you and crushes your spirit. Spineless turd!! I miss my work bag!!

Uugh.... I feel better anyway.