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!!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
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!
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!
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!
Monday, November 10, 2008
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.
**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.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Neptune Festival (Forgot about it!)
While I was uploading pics I forgot to mention we hit the Neptune Festival last weekend.
Long, long ago I found a fake cake adorned with fresh fruit and cool whip that people instantly see and want a slice. So whenever possible I go back hoping to find another fake cake with a fall look. (yes I know-it is absolutely ridiculous of me, sort of Martha-ish if you will!) Well, no luck. Lots and lots of food stands and people hocking their crafts but no cakes. A couple of pies that were candles but not what I wanted.
Any hoo, I got everyone there under the pretense of seeing the amazing sand castles. The professionals had been there, gone and had already been judged. To see what these folks made from sand boggles my pee brain.
There were locals on the scene building the day we were there to be judged as amateurs. I could have stood for hours and watched as these people cut through the sand with every and any tool you could imagine, sprayed with water bottles and then blew with a straw to remove any grains that shouldn't have been there. The kids were fascinated and instantly dropped themselves into the sand and wanted to build the castle of their dreams. Even Kevin did a little ohhhing and awwwing. Check the pics if you want to see some of these amazing creations.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Been Boo'ed?
We've been boo'ed! What a fun tradition!
Don't know what I'm talking about? Check it out here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/400784/boo_your_neighbors_with_a_boo_gram.html
You never know who may be leaving treats at your door!
Don't know what I'm talking about? Check it out here:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/400784/boo_your_neighbors_with_a_boo_gram.html
You never know who may be leaving treats at your door!
Wedding Bells!
Congrats to Bryan and Jackie! Saturday they said "I do" with family and friends gathered to share their special day. The wedding was just outside of Pittsburgh in the backyard of Aunt Margie's and it was absolutely beautiful. Lots of friends from the HCS/HSC community gathered from Virginia, California and Louisiana. It was fabulous to have everyone together for a wonderful weekend of celebration. It was just like old times and I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and to meet new ones. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon and hope the wait won't be as long as it has been.
Kevin and I left on Friday and very much enjoyed having a weekend without the kids. It was a little strange but very nice. My dear parents took on the challenge of keeping the knuckleheads and they had lots of fun and kept busy. Thanks to everyone who made the weekend happen and for the hard work that made the wedding the beautiful day that it was. Check the photo page for more!
Go Tigers!
Tyler has now had 2 soccer games. We are playing AYSO which is a bit different than the base leagues. We didn't learn how different until the kids were on the field and they were missing one obvious player. The goalie.
In game 1, they were beaten badly. Both of my kids love to play goalie and instantly noticed the unoccupied net.
"Mom! Where is the goalie?" Tara wanted to know.
One of the parents told me politely that they didn't use them in this age group.
"Play goalie! Get in there Big Guy!! Go!" She kept yelling. Big Guy was trying to hang back as his coach tried to get him to move forward.
I tried to tell her that they don't use goalies in this age group. Other parents were giving her the look. She looked at me as if I were completely stupid.
"Why!?" she asked as the other team ran down the field and kicked yet another goal into a completely unprotected net.
She was still looking at me as if I had announced that ice cream would be banned forever. I gave up on the little speech I had formulated just seconds before about learning techniques at appropriate age levels. I threw up my hands and said "I don't know!"
She kept yelling and I didn't stop her.
Tyler was all over the field and in the action whenever possible. He and the rest of his team made a great effort but they had to admit defeat.
But of course, no one keeps score (wink! wink!)!
Game 2 was a win! The DH and I were out of town but the Grans took them. Big Guy once again gave it his all and even scored! I don't know about the yelling to assume the goalie position but I have no doubts that if Big Guy had the chance he danced around the net in an attempt to play that treasured position- even if it was on the sly.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Go Hawks!
Anyone been to a high school football game lately? I took the kids to see the Hawks vs the Wild Cats last night. It was raining when we got there so as we huddled under the umbrella I got a chance to observe.
I was curious. I probably haven't been to a high school game in about 20 years. With all the talk of gangs and the violence in schools, I was a little nervous when we arrived and had to go through a metal detector. Once upon a time when kids walked around the track they would stop and chat and visit with others as they made the loop. Not anymore. Now there are security/sheriffs/cops that remind all to keep moving. Like a momma lion I kept my little cubs close.
The game began with the band playing the Star Spangled Banner and I forgot my fears. The kids here were like any other. They talked and cheered, the team played hard and the bands performed. The air was filled with the smell of hot dogs and popcorn and if I hadn't had my own kids with me, it could have been a scene from 20 years ago.
The kids loved it. The local news had a helicopter that landed behind the field, the dance squad performed, the cheerleaders cheered and the band had a great show. It was a live football game and we all yelled and stomped along with everyone else!
It may have been a little more cautious than what I remember, but I saw nothing to fear. No gang colors, no fights among rival students and I didn't even hear a bad word. I am sure this stuff goes on, but I can happily report I saw none of it here.
My children loved the excitement, I loved that they enjoyed it and we will happily return!!
I was curious. I probably haven't been to a high school game in about 20 years. With all the talk of gangs and the violence in schools, I was a little nervous when we arrived and had to go through a metal detector. Once upon a time when kids walked around the track they would stop and chat and visit with others as they made the loop. Not anymore. Now there are security/sheriffs/cops that remind all to keep moving. Like a momma lion I kept my little cubs close.
The game began with the band playing the Star Spangled Banner and I forgot my fears. The kids here were like any other. They talked and cheered, the team played hard and the bands performed. The air was filled with the smell of hot dogs and popcorn and if I hadn't had my own kids with me, it could have been a scene from 20 years ago.
The kids loved it. The local news had a helicopter that landed behind the field, the dance squad performed, the cheerleaders cheered and the band had a great show. It was a live football game and we all yelled and stomped along with everyone else!
It may have been a little more cautious than what I remember, but I saw nothing to fear. No gang colors, no fights among rival students and I didn't even hear a bad word. I am sure this stuff goes on, but I can happily report I saw none of it here.
My children loved the excitement, I loved that they enjoyed it and we will happily return!!
Friday, September 26, 2008
It's all in the details...
Anyone recognize the picture above? Maybe not "recognize" but I am sure you understand that it is a picture depicting Hawaii. Let me explain it as told to me by Tara. (Picasso she is not so the explanation was needed- and a little surprising!)The structure is not a basic house- it is an ancient Hawaiian thatched hut. The grey area is Tapa cloth covering the doorway and the square is a woven welcome mat.
The big tree is just as it appears. A large palm that Daddy is climbing to retrieve the coconuts.
The other tree is hanging low with bananas about to be picked.
The person to the far left is a marine biologist collecting samples of marine life to study the stability of the ocean. (I am not making this up people!)
The person under the house has collected fronds and is making Tapa cloth like the ancients.
The people fishing are trying to catch Mahi and Ahi.
The 2 girls are sitting and waiting for the coconuts so they can crack them for milk and fresh coconut meat.
Do you think she misses Hawaii? Just a little bit? Maybe she's feeling a little displaced?
Just when I think were all a little better, I get a very detailed reminder of what we lost.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Jamestown
The second graders here have a field trip each year to Jamestown. Tara missed out on this so we are doing our part to help her catch up. I don't want to admit it, but I don't remember ever going myself.
Last Saturday we loaded our van and made the drive to Williamsburg. The weather was perfect. We sat through the introductory movie and we all got our history lesson for the day.
We spent a couple of hours roaming the grounds and I kept my fingers crossed that the Furey kids wouldn't destroy any National Landmarks.
They climbed across ruins, stared into old wells, and really wanted to dig in the current archaeological dig site. We wandered through the museums and got a feel for what life was like for the first settlers. The kids sampled Brunswick Stew and declared it "yummy". They watched the fairy go back and forth across the river and spotted (and stalked) lots of deer. Tara was amazed at the pictures of Pocahontas after she married John Rolf and went back to England. Tyler wondered how all those people traveled on the little boats in the display case. Trey was just happy to get out of the stroller and run free.
Kevin and I enjoyed the awesome weather and watching the kids happy and carefree. I took advantage and snapped some pics. Look for those on the Photo page.
Fall
September is almost over and October is approaching. I have succumbed to my urges and have gleefully been cooking pots of pinto beans rich with ham and potatoes, chili with black beans, kidney beans and chunks of beef, and cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet. Yes, I have embraced my southern roots and have been enjoying my journey through the seasons and the approaching crisp and coolness that is fall.
My house has been filled with the wonderful aroma of baking bread. A friend from work gave me a starter for Amish Friendship Bread. I have now been baking bread every 10 days. My freezer will soon be full and my neighbors will reap the rewards during the holidays. I have been experimenting so now the basic recipe has expanded to include cranberry, blueberry and pumpkin. Pumpkin you say? Yes, pumpkin- blame it on fall, y'all!!
I have even been able to dig through my closet and find clothes that aren't specifically designed for island life. I am adjusting well. When it really gets cold- check back. I may recess back into the depths of my brain and remain comatose till spring. Hibernation I think they call it. But for now I am okay.
I am looking forward to driving through the mountains to gather apples in the orchards and play in the fallen leaves. My brain will get a visual boost of adrenaline while I stare mesmerized at the beauty the trees display as the leaves change from green to fall's assorted color palette. Hopefully the kids will stop watching that DVD of Tom & Jerry long enough to notice too and if I am not interrupting an important NFL game schedule it may be a good day for all!!!
Tara and Kevin both share my enthusiasm. Sort of.
Tara wakes each morning and asks "Is it cold?" I think it has more to do with the boots she's not allowed to wear yet, but I can interpret any way I want.
Kevin asks the same as he bundles sweats over shorts. His daily question and answer come from anxiety over the cold ride he knows is coming in his Jeep- with no back window.
Each morning I decide on what the kids are going to wear and leave it on the sofa. Tyler came down one morning and sleepily grabbed his clothes. I was in the kitchen preparing lunches and not really noticing his struggle.
"Ma!" His tone was that of a question so I was still making a PB&J.
"Ma!!!!" This one got my attention. I looked up to see my boy with one hand on the waist band of his pants practically to his armpits. The other hand was yanking on his pant leg trying in vain to make it stay above his knee.
"Ma!!! Why I got to wear these long shorts???!!!"
While I yanked on the adjustable tabs at the waistband I tried to explain the concept of shorts vs pants. He continued to call them "long shorts" for days. He is still asking on a regular basis if we can go to the pool. I should take him and throw him in. Then he might realize it's just a little too cold for the pool but I doubt the good people at the Y would understand the lesson I would be trying to instill in his pee brain. That's my boy!!
The AC is now switched to OFF. The windows are open. There's a scarecrow on the porch and a pumpkin in the flowerbed under the little garden flag that says "Welcome Fall". There is a bird feeder hanging under the eaves of the porch next to a window so the kids can watch. Grass is beginning to grow in the dust bowl of my backyard. The kids are looking forward to a Friday night high school football game. The geese honk as they fly over and we are anticipating a visit to the pumpkin patch.
Shhhhh!!! Don't tell anyone! I love this time of year!!
My house has been filled with the wonderful aroma of baking bread. A friend from work gave me a starter for Amish Friendship Bread. I have now been baking bread every 10 days. My freezer will soon be full and my neighbors will reap the rewards during the holidays. I have been experimenting so now the basic recipe has expanded to include cranberry, blueberry and pumpkin. Pumpkin you say? Yes, pumpkin- blame it on fall, y'all!!
I have even been able to dig through my closet and find clothes that aren't specifically designed for island life. I am adjusting well. When it really gets cold- check back. I may recess back into the depths of my brain and remain comatose till spring. Hibernation I think they call it. But for now I am okay.
I am looking forward to driving through the mountains to gather apples in the orchards and play in the fallen leaves. My brain will get a visual boost of adrenaline while I stare mesmerized at the beauty the trees display as the leaves change from green to fall's assorted color palette. Hopefully the kids will stop watching that DVD of Tom & Jerry long enough to notice too and if I am not interrupting an important NFL game schedule it may be a good day for all!!!
Tara and Kevin both share my enthusiasm. Sort of.
Tara wakes each morning and asks "Is it cold?" I think it has more to do with the boots she's not allowed to wear yet, but I can interpret any way I want.
Kevin asks the same as he bundles sweats over shorts. His daily question and answer come from anxiety over the cold ride he knows is coming in his Jeep- with no back window.
Each morning I decide on what the kids are going to wear and leave it on the sofa. Tyler came down one morning and sleepily grabbed his clothes. I was in the kitchen preparing lunches and not really noticing his struggle.
"Ma!" His tone was that of a question so I was still making a PB&J.
"Ma!!!!" This one got my attention. I looked up to see my boy with one hand on the waist band of his pants practically to his armpits. The other hand was yanking on his pant leg trying in vain to make it stay above his knee.
"Ma!!! Why I got to wear these long shorts???!!!"
While I yanked on the adjustable tabs at the waistband I tried to explain the concept of shorts vs pants. He continued to call them "long shorts" for days. He is still asking on a regular basis if we can go to the pool. I should take him and throw him in. Then he might realize it's just a little too cold for the pool but I doubt the good people at the Y would understand the lesson I would be trying to instill in his pee brain. That's my boy!!
The AC is now switched to OFF. The windows are open. There's a scarecrow on the porch and a pumpkin in the flowerbed under the little garden flag that says "Welcome Fall". There is a bird feeder hanging under the eaves of the porch next to a window so the kids can watch. Grass is beginning to grow in the dust bowl of my backyard. The kids are looking forward to a Friday night high school football game. The geese honk as they fly over and we are anticipating a visit to the pumpkin patch.
Shhhhh!!! Don't tell anyone! I love this time of year!!
Friday, September 05, 2008
First Week Down
The first week is coming to a close and we have adjusted well.
Big Guy says he likes his new school and he loves being able to ride the bus. He has computers in the classroom and he is meeting friends. He gets a stamp daily if he has had good behavior and he has one everyday. He hasn't forgotten his name tag so he gets a new sticker each afternoon also. The play ground is apparently nicer than the one at Mokapu so that is a huge bonus.
Tara is very happy. She has been to the library, kids do morning announcements, and they have a real gym. She has no worries of ants attacking her lunch and she loves the air conditioned classrooms. But most of all she says her teacher is fun!!!
Tyler is to play AYSO soccer this year. We have team assignments and practice starts next week unless Hanna or Ike cause too many problems. The teams are done by area so it will most likely be full of kids from BRP.
Tara got a call from her troop leader and she will be involved in Brownies. Hiking, camping, ice skating, crafts and general "do-gooder" stuff is right up her alley.
Work has been crazy. I have been pulling some extra hours but when it's 4 hrs at a time and it's only 5 min away it's easy! (And when they pay me time and half it's way worth it!!) Kevin has been doing some late flights so when he's around in the morning I can do these little extras. I am hoping these night flights continue so I can get up to the school and do a little volunteering. When the kids jump on the bus each day and I never see their teacher I am feeling a little detached. Communication seems to be okay though because both emails I have sent have been almost instantly answered.
My job has truly been a blessing. I get to be home all day with the kids and I am only gone 3 evenings a week and then Gramma or Daddy is with them. If you haven't been updated I did turn down the GS position. They were very nice and said when I have more time they will pass my resume around if I am interested. I hear they are supposed to make L&D nurses a GS12 next year so maybe then.....
Kevin says he will be leaving in October rather than January. He'll be gone for 4 months and miss the holidays and Tyler's birthday. I can't complain, in 9 years he has never missed a Christmas. He is loving being back in helos. He attended a reunion of the Vietnam H-6o guys in Nashville recently. I have never heard Kevin so humbled by any event in his life. He was inspired and awed by the stories, lives and medals these guys had attained. What an awesome experience for him and the rest of the guys that attended this event!
The weather gurus say we are in few a rough few days. Hopefully nothing too serious. I have battened down the hatches though (plants off the front porch, umbrella off the table, and I had to save the bamboo chimes!) in preparation for the wind I am sure we will have. Not too many worries since we took all the trees down! The kids are excited by their first storm. I am just hoping not to be sitting around in the dark for a couple of days!!
I hear Gramma Judy is coming in October! You'll have to send me your itinerary. We can't wait to see you!
Big Guy says he likes his new school and he loves being able to ride the bus. He has computers in the classroom and he is meeting friends. He gets a stamp daily if he has had good behavior and he has one everyday. He hasn't forgotten his name tag so he gets a new sticker each afternoon also. The play ground is apparently nicer than the one at Mokapu so that is a huge bonus.
Tara is very happy. She has been to the library, kids do morning announcements, and they have a real gym. She has no worries of ants attacking her lunch and she loves the air conditioned classrooms. But most of all she says her teacher is fun!!!
Tyler is to play AYSO soccer this year. We have team assignments and practice starts next week unless Hanna or Ike cause too many problems. The teams are done by area so it will most likely be full of kids from BRP.
Tara got a call from her troop leader and she will be involved in Brownies. Hiking, camping, ice skating, crafts and general "do-gooder" stuff is right up her alley.
Work has been crazy. I have been pulling some extra hours but when it's 4 hrs at a time and it's only 5 min away it's easy! (And when they pay me time and half it's way worth it!!) Kevin has been doing some late flights so when he's around in the morning I can do these little extras. I am hoping these night flights continue so I can get up to the school and do a little volunteering. When the kids jump on the bus each day and I never see their teacher I am feeling a little detached. Communication seems to be okay though because both emails I have sent have been almost instantly answered.
My job has truly been a blessing. I get to be home all day with the kids and I am only gone 3 evenings a week and then Gramma or Daddy is with them. If you haven't been updated I did turn down the GS position. They were very nice and said when I have more time they will pass my resume around if I am interested. I hear they are supposed to make L&D nurses a GS12 next year so maybe then.....
Kevin says he will be leaving in October rather than January. He'll be gone for 4 months and miss the holidays and Tyler's birthday. I can't complain, in 9 years he has never missed a Christmas. He is loving being back in helos. He attended a reunion of the Vietnam H-6o guys in Nashville recently. I have never heard Kevin so humbled by any event in his life. He was inspired and awed by the stories, lives and medals these guys had attained. What an awesome experience for him and the rest of the guys that attended this event!
The weather gurus say we are in few a rough few days. Hopefully nothing too serious. I have battened down the hatches though (plants off the front porch, umbrella off the table, and I had to save the bamboo chimes!) in preparation for the wind I am sure we will have. Not too many worries since we took all the trees down! The kids are excited by their first storm. I am just hoping not to be sitting around in the dark for a couple of days!!
I hear Gramma Judy is coming in October! You'll have to send me your itinerary. We can't wait to see you!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
First Day of School!!
Woohoo! Yeah! First day back to school! Mom was sooooo excited! The kids? Well, yeah, they were excited too!
Tara had me drive her since that is what we did on her first day in Hawaii. Tyler skipped all that and jumped right on the bus.
Trey was a little disappointed that he didn't get to go to school. So when Big Guy waved good-bye Trey and I went inside to pack his backpack. We fixed a snack, added a sipee of chocolate milk and threw in a diaper and a few wipes just in case. He put his little shoes on the correct feet and loaded himself into the van. I was explaining how much fun he would have in his "classroom" at the Y (okay it's just daycare for the length of time I work out but what does he know?) and he was genuinely excited.
I drove all of 3 blocks before he fell soundly asleep.
My plans are normally veered off their desired course so I easily found things to keep me occupied in the van for an hour of nap time. I found my way to the gym and a very rested boy had a great time playing with others and new toys too!
Tara and Tyler ran off the buses with smiles on their faces and wonderful stories of their first day. Yeeaaa! I so hope they stay this happy!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Crabbing
When I was little I remember going to the Lesner Bridge, throwing out a line and catching crabs. We would stay all day and go home and spread newspaper on a picnic table and pick crabs for hours. It was yummy and delicious and most of all it was fun!
Kev and I did this years ago but the kids were too young to remember. So we have re-introduced this little activity and they are fascinated, as is my DH. Fortunately for us, the area is riddled with waterways and we are able to go about 5 miles from the house to the Inter-Coastal Waterway and we have been in crab heaven.
The kids get to thread chicken on a line, throw the line in the water and then pull it out and net a crab. Crab is also an absolute favorite meal for them all, so they have the added advantage of knowing they get to eat them.
Tara was sitting next to our 5 gallon bucket explaining, very matter-of-factly, to the crabs how very soon they were going to meet a big black pot just before they were dinner.
Big Guy goes from line to line and pulls them in and each time he is yelling
"I got one! I got one!". Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't.
Trey just stumbles across the deck and points out the ducks, waves to the boats and yells with enthusiasm when the draw bridge begins to open. I am just thankful he hasn't yet fallen into the water.
I, being the type "Z" person that I have been dubbed, am just happy my kids are outside enjoying the day, making family memories and not sitting in front of the TV. They don't care if we catch 1 crab or 10 crabs, it's just fun!
Kevin, on the other hand, has taken this to a whole new level. His competitive spirit has taken over and he is thinking and rethinking and buying new and better equipment. No crab should escape him! He shall be the crab master! Okay, maybe not the master but definitely a wanna-be. We have gone from chicken on a string to this clever little pot that opens on the bottom and then closes as you pull it up.
Poor crabs! It used to be game to see if the crabs would notice being gently lifted out of the water while they nibbled at our offering and then scooped into a net. Now they are just rudely trapped in a cage and yanked out of the water. Added to their torture is a little drooling girl telling them about a black pot, boiling water and being dinner!
Oh what fun it is!!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Moving on...
Alright already! I am done whining about that place. Time to move on.
School starts Tuesday. Tara will be in Intermediate school and Big Guy will be at the Primary school. Neither seems to share my concern that they won't be together. We have open house tonight and in the morning.
I am hoping they will find lots of friends. Adjusting to not living on base has been the hardest for them strictly due to the lack of kids. Don't get me wrong. There are a ton of kids in the neighborhood but only one lives on our court. They are used to a steady flow of kids coming in and out of the house all day. Big adjustment. They have basically had just each other.
I got guilted into Tara getting her ears pierced. She barely flinched and is very excited to add another element to her wardrobe.
Speaking of clothes, the school shopping has been maddening. We began as street urchins. They had nothing suitable for school. Slippers, or flip flops, aren't allowed and my children didn't even own a long sleeve shirt. Tara always had one pair of jeans each year but she had long ago outgrown those. We now have shoes. Real shoes. And multiple pairs for each child. Long pants seemed a good idea so they have those now too. The principle, who once moved here from that place, suggested a sweater since they will now have air conditioning, so those too have been purchased. The school supply list here is much shorter so that was a nice change. Apparently Virginia schools have enough money for teachers' supplies, toilet paper and paper towels so that will make for a less cumbersome first day. Tick tick tick! Almost time!
Tyler will begin soccer with AYSO. He is most excited. Tara, my dear dear daughter, has said she would like to pass on sports this year so that she "can focus on her studies". (what is that crap and from where does it come????) I did talk her into Brownies/Girl Scouts so I guess she will be out hocking cookies this year. If you forget to order, no worries, call me. I am sure I will have a freezer full!
Trey will be hanging out with Mom for one last year. I hope to head to the Y each day and put his little butt in their childwatch program. I am hoping to eradicate the phrase "Mommy do it" from his vocabulary. It is not spoken to me as a command. It is spoken to everyone else who would make an attempt to do something for him. The phrase would be "No! Please don't bother doing that for me! My mother will do it!"
If Tara gets his clothes- "No! Mommy do it!"
If Daddy wants to make chocolate milk- "No! Mommy do it!"
If Grandma wants to get him out of the car- "No! Mommy do it!"
Mommy is done and hoping that a little stranger time will help him cut the cord and move on.
That's all for now! Check back later....
School starts Tuesday. Tara will be in Intermediate school and Big Guy will be at the Primary school. Neither seems to share my concern that they won't be together. We have open house tonight and in the morning.
I am hoping they will find lots of friends. Adjusting to not living on base has been the hardest for them strictly due to the lack of kids. Don't get me wrong. There are a ton of kids in the neighborhood but only one lives on our court. They are used to a steady flow of kids coming in and out of the house all day. Big adjustment. They have basically had just each other.
I got guilted into Tara getting her ears pierced. She barely flinched and is very excited to add another element to her wardrobe.
Speaking of clothes, the school shopping has been maddening. We began as street urchins. They had nothing suitable for school. Slippers, or flip flops, aren't allowed and my children didn't even own a long sleeve shirt. Tara always had one pair of jeans each year but she had long ago outgrown those. We now have shoes. Real shoes. And multiple pairs for each child. Long pants seemed a good idea so they have those now too. The principle, who once moved here from that place, suggested a sweater since they will now have air conditioning, so those too have been purchased. The school supply list here is much shorter so that was a nice change. Apparently Virginia schools have enough money for teachers' supplies, toilet paper and paper towels so that will make for a less cumbersome first day. Tick tick tick! Almost time!
Tyler will begin soccer with AYSO. He is most excited. Tara, my dear dear daughter, has said she would like to pass on sports this year so that she "can focus on her studies". (what is that crap and from where does it come????) I did talk her into Brownies/Girl Scouts so I guess she will be out hocking cookies this year. If you forget to order, no worries, call me. I am sure I will have a freezer full!
Trey will be hanging out with Mom for one last year. I hope to head to the Y each day and put his little butt in their childwatch program. I am hoping to eradicate the phrase "Mommy do it" from his vocabulary. It is not spoken to me as a command. It is spoken to everyone else who would make an attempt to do something for him. The phrase would be "No! Please don't bother doing that for me! My mother will do it!"
If Tara gets his clothes- "No! Mommy do it!"
If Daddy wants to make chocolate milk- "No! Mommy do it!"
If Grandma wants to get him out of the car- "No! Mommy do it!"
Mommy is done and hoping that a little stranger time will help him cut the cord and move on.
That's all for now! Check back later....
The Beach
I have a confession. I haven't wanted to go to the beach.
Yes, I said that.
How could the beaches here even slightly compare with those in Hawaii? I hadn't been able to muster up the courage to set myself up for such disappointment.
My children proved me wrong.
We found ourselves at Sandbridge running an errand for Gramma Judy. How could I possibly go to Sandbridge and not go to the beach? I knew where I was headed that morning and had mentioned it to the kids so they were suited up beneath their clothes but their lack of enthusiasm for hittin' the beach fueled my uncertianty. We parked and trudged through the sand without even taking towels 'cause everyone said they weren't getting in the water.
We got to the top of the last berm and saw the waves crashing into the shore.
Tara took a deep breath and surveyed the scene.
"Ahhhh! The smell of the ocean! Mom, I have missed that!!"
At that moment Tara and Big Guy began ripping off their clothes and disappeared into the murky water. How right she was. Later they came out splashing and happy and collapsed into the sand to begin digging in their continuous efforts to create a hot tub from a mere hole and the water that sneaks in.
I, too, had that wonderful feeling of calmness that washes over me in the presence of the ocean. The beautiful hues of blue dotted with black rocks and reef, palms and the glorious backdrop of the mountains was not there but the ocean remains a constant.
How could I have been so foolish?
Yes, I said that.
How could the beaches here even slightly compare with those in Hawaii? I hadn't been able to muster up the courage to set myself up for such disappointment.
My children proved me wrong.
We found ourselves at Sandbridge running an errand for Gramma Judy. How could I possibly go to Sandbridge and not go to the beach? I knew where I was headed that morning and had mentioned it to the kids so they were suited up beneath their clothes but their lack of enthusiasm for hittin' the beach fueled my uncertianty. We parked and trudged through the sand without even taking towels 'cause everyone said they weren't getting in the water.
We got to the top of the last berm and saw the waves crashing into the shore.
Tara took a deep breath and surveyed the scene.
"Ahhhh! The smell of the ocean! Mom, I have missed that!!"
At that moment Tara and Big Guy began ripping off their clothes and disappeared into the murky water. How right she was. Later they came out splashing and happy and collapsed into the sand to begin digging in their continuous efforts to create a hot tub from a mere hole and the water that sneaks in.
I, too, had that wonderful feeling of calmness that washes over me in the presence of the ocean. The beautiful hues of blue dotted with black rocks and reef, palms and the glorious backdrop of the mountains was not there but the ocean remains a constant.
How could I have been so foolish?
Monday, August 11, 2008
The Pics
We made the big move and we have been busy. If you remember, the house was very white with lots of stained wooden trim. There is still painting to be finished on the steps and I haven't begun the upstairs. Appliances were mismatched, there was a lack of ceiling fans, the lights were outdated, there were huge boxwoods in the front and there were 34 trees in the backyard. We still have a bathroom we would like to redo and the yard we will hit hard in the fall. The back is a huge dust bowl now but with 3 truckloads of topsoil grass will grow. Kevin and my dear Dad built a fence around the entire backyard. It's a 6 ft privacy fence except next to the yard where city ordinance required it to be a 4 ft fence. We found a huge play set on Craigslist and we need to mulch around it. The garage is still a wreck but we have furniture that needs to be sold/trashed and when that happens we'll have more room.
We love our new home. The neighbors are wonderful and we have received muffins, cookies brownies and one even made us a lasagna. These people are awesome!
Judy has been wanting pics so here are some and the rest will be on the photo page.
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