Crazy Days with Courtney and Carlee

I love you, the bluest

2011-02-15T03:12:00.000-08:00

Courtney tells me over and over that she isn't a good writer. For Valentine's Day, she wrote the following at school:

"The Color of Love
I love you Dad, the bluest.
I love you the color of the rain,
as it falls from the gray clouds.
I love you the color of the sea,
when the sunlight shines on the water.
The sky at night,
when it's about to be completely dark.
The buzz of a bee.
The hush of a whisper.
I love you, Dad, the bluest."

I don't believe her when she says she isn't a good writer! I am in awe that my six year old wrote this!!!

Who woulda thunk it?

2010-12-28T02:21:00.000-08:00

So, being super graceful is not one of my foremost qualities. Apparently. Last night I was going to the BX (sans children....woo hoo!!!). There is a nasty dead bird that's been waiting for someone to take it away. I was trying my best to avoid the bird and all it's nastiness. Out of the blue, I decided to do an impromptu Olympic ice skating move.....aka, I slipped on the ice. If the judges were there I totally would have gotten a 10 (for clutziness)!
Today I have this nasty bruise. It's about 6 inches long and 3 inches wide. HURTS like the dickens (whatever the dickens are...). Pretty shade of purple. I do love purple, just not on my legs. I called the appointment line and put in a message for the nurse to call me back. I have a clotting disorder (I clot WAY too well), so I have to be careful with very large bruises. Or so my Rheumatologist says. I haven't had a bruise like this in years. While being patient (HA!) waiting on a return phone call, I started researching the best care for large bruises. Here's some of the more comical stuff I found....

"I was told about an old Mexican remedy by my Mayan tour guide. I was instructed to prepare my knee right before bed by melting a chocolate bar, spreading it on my knee, and to wrapping it in gauze. I did this and the next morning, the very dark black bruise was a pale yellow color. Try it...it works!"

Chocolate? On my leg? What a waste of chocolate!!!! I can hear me now..."some for me, some for my knee..." And how do I explain that to Damon? One way ticket to the looney bin!!!

"A bag of frozen peas works when applied to a smaller bruise, providing proof that vegetables are good for you in more ways than you ever imagined."

Hmmm. I wonder if chocolate AND veggies would do me good.

I wonder why doctors hate patients that do internet research.......

2010-12-25T11:52:00.000-08:00

A blog post from Gina...WHAT??? Hey, Facebook is being dumb and not publishing my videos. So here ya go. The girls got a sled for Christmas.

This is Carlee's turn on the new sled. We had about a foot of snow that partly melted with rain, then refroze, and covered in about 1-2 inches of snow. Pardon the laughing....she turned the sled on accident and headed straight for the fence!

Here is Courtney's turn on the sled. She went right over a BIG patch of bare ice, which sent her even further. Carlee had done this on one of her turns. I was afraid she wouldn't stop and go into the street!!!

It's all about the secret ingredients!!!

2010-08-13T05:03:00.000-07:00

So the girls and I were going to make smoothies to go with our lunch....strawberry, mango, and banana. YUM -- I know!!!
I haven't been feeling well....I have a goober infection that won't let go.....stupid bacteria. Anyhow, on a good day I use my brain. On sick days, I rely on Damon's brain (desperate times --- desperate measures). Did I mention that Damon had a dental appointment today and wasn't here? So I got out the strawberries and mango and instructed Carlee to get the milk. Courtney piped up, "I'll get it." Which lead to a "6 and under" squealing fit (really -- your vocabularies are EXTENSIVE, must you squeal at one another??) I called Court off of the milk task and redirected her to getting the bananas. (See, I do use my extremely expensive education degree while staying at home!!)
We have this bar stool in the kitchen, intended for adult use only. Carlee, being Carlee, just doesn't get that. She grabbed the stool and plopped it down right where I needed to be.....so I moved everything. Remember, I don't feel well, and arguing with a three-year-old is just plain pointless. I put everything in the blender and noticed this blur that looked like a little hand grabbing the lid. I confirmed my suspicions without even looking. She was hollering, "I gonna put the wid on the bwender." Joy....fine. I turned the blender on....and you would think those two had never been around a blender.....screaming "it's too loud, turn it off." Duh, if it's too loud, LEAVE!!!
Genius Gina put all the bananas UNDER the frozen mango....thus creating a banana mush and frozen mango with strawberries on top. So I got out my wooden spoon, turned the blender off, and tried to separate things and mix it up.....not happening. So, here's the extra special moment, I turned it back on, and poked it with the spoon. Smart Gina would have stopped with a small poke. She's on vacation. Genius Gina stepped in and gave a BIG poke. And if my kids didn't think the blender was loud enough.....I added a wooden spoon to the mess!!! Now I was smart enough to get out a strainer and strain the liquid from the solids to retrieve the half of the spoon that didn't come out of the blender. I pieced it all back together making sure we weren't going to have any surprise fiber!!! Or at least I tried to piece it all back together. I banned the kids from the kitchen --- and from speaking --- and 25 minutes from the time I began the whole process....SMOOTHIES....and maybe a little saw dust? I am just looking out for the kids fiber intake.
Anyone want me to make them a smoothie???? Special ingredients may (or may not) be included.

May 24, 2005

2010-05-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

I sat in the car next to Damon. My hands were shaking, because I knew that day was going to be an important day in my life. I was more nervous than I had ever been in my 27 years. I could tell Damon was nervous as well. He turned off the engine and we just sat there. While it was just a few fleeting moments, it seemed like an eternity. He reached over and held my hand. And we sat there in silence. After a few minutes, I asked him to pray. Looking back his prayer was so appropriate. He prayed that God would put His hand on Mariah, and give us peace. When he finished, we quietly got out of the car and walked into the clinic. I checked in with the front desk, as I had done so many times before, and quietly found my place next to Damon in the waiting room. I suppose the anxiety of the day was written on our faces. One of the other moms-to-be asked me if I knew what I was having. I told her we were pretty sure it was a girl, and that we would likely be having her that day. The doctor noticed 2 days earlier that Mariah's growth had slowed considerably. The fluid levels were still low. If she were to have any chance at life, it would have to be outside of the womb. I kept to myself the uncertainty of what would happen once she was born. No one was able to make any certain diagnosis, and who was to say that she wasn't going to live. There was no need to scare a poor young mom. We waited for what seemed like forever. We watched through the window as women came and left the clinic. At one point Damon walked across the street to Burger King to get something to eat for lunch. I was most disgusted with him when he brought the bag into the waiting room. I was 8 months pregnant, with no food in my belly. But no worries, I expressed my humble opinion and he went into the hall to eat! Finally after about an hour and a half wait we were called back. I was first taken to the ultrasound room. The doctor had ordered a Biophysical Profile of Mariah. The tech took her time and looked at everything carefully. Mariah always scored well on everything but her fluid levels. They typically hovered in the .5cm -1.0 cm range. That day wasn't much different. The tech finished and left to get the doctor. Damon and I sat holding each other's clammy cold hands. Our nerves were beyond shot at this point. We knew that in the next few moments the doctor would tell us if today was the day our baby girl would be born. What would happen after her birth was so uncertain. Some doctor's speculated that my membranes had a small leak and that she would thrive outside of the womb. Others said that she had a congenital defect and would not survive. In a few moments the doctor came in and did her own evaluation. Mariah's growth had all but stopped. It was time.
We spent the next thirty minutes making arrangements for Courtney's care, all while waiting to be admitted into the hospital. My mom was in town, but I needed her by my side for moral support. By the time everything was settled Damon and I were in our holding cell, also known as a labor and delivery room. Damon had called a few friends to tell them today was the day and they began trickling in. He called his parents and they started on their journey to Louisiana. I called a friend I had known only through email, but who had helped me through all the uncertainties we were facing. Not too long afterward a small crowd had formed in the waiting room. One nurse commented that this baby must be loved because of all the people who were ready to meet her. Around 2:00PM I was wheeled back to the operating room. My doctor couldn't be the one to perform the c-section, but one of her colleagues who knew my case well was available. Being that we needed one of the top NICU's around, we were at a teaching hospital. I was asked if I would allow a 4th year resident to place my spinal block. I agreed and a gentleman entered the room. He had difficulty communicating with me, as English was not his first language. After the 8th failed attempt and about a half an hour of excruciating pain, his superior came in to take over. It was his opinion that I should be given a general anesthetic or "knocked out" for the surgery. That had to be my worst nightmare and I screamed "NO!" at him. The OB performing my surgery knew that there was a chance that Mariah would not live long and asked that he make one attempt at an epidural. On the first try everything was in place. I was put in position and belted to the table. Damon was brought into the room and given a chair by my head. The next 10 minutes went by so quickly. As soon as Mariah was born, she cried. It wasn't a cry like her sister's. It was small and weak. But she cried, and on her own. Damon wanted so badly to see her, but she was whisked into a separate room with the NICU staff. They worked on her and stabilized her. After just a few minutes they allowed Damon to see her. He called out to me that she had brown hair, and a lot of it. I lay there on the operating table, bawling. The doctor performing the c-section was one that had told us that without a doubt she would die within minutes of birth. And here we were a good 5-10 minutes later and things were looking good.
The NICU doctor in charge of her case took a quick look over her before she was transported upstairs. She was wheeled past me so that I could get a quick glance. Ironically they had her back to me, but my nurse made them turn the isolette so I could see her face. She was wheeled close to the waiting room and my mom and a few women from church were able to see her as the staff rushed her to the NICU. The doctor took Damon aside and told him that his first impressions were that this was not a congenital defect, known as Potter's Syndrome. She was too plump and didn't have many features that Potter's babies have. He was pretty sure her survival rate was good. Damon quickly passed the information on to me, and went to the waiting room. On the way out of the OR he encountered our regular Perinatologist. She had cleared her schedule for the afternoon, even canceling an appointment or two, so she could be there for the birth. For 6 months I had been in her office almost weekly, if not daily. She had become vested in Mariah's outcome. After sharing the news with her, he made his way to the waiting room. He was shocked at the number of people that had gathered there. Friends, coworkers, neighbors. He roughly estimated that about 50 people were there in all. When he gave the news from the doctor a prayer of thanksgiving was offered, and many people went back to their lives. A few close friends stayed behind. I was wheeled from the OR to my room where I called a few friends who couldn't be there. I called my sister and we cried tears of joy. About an hour after Mariah's birth, my mom and Damon went to the NICU to see her. When they walked up to the glass, they saw a small baby surrounded my several young students. An ultrasound machine was beside her, and there sat her NICU doctor showing these students an ultrasound of her abdomen. They watched not really understanding what was going on. I suppose he saw them and quickly finished up. He walked towards them and said "Mr. Blankinship, I need to speak to you in my office." I was on the phone with a dear friend giving her the good news when my mom and Damon entered the room. There aren't words to even begin to describe Damon's face. He was pale. And I think his face spoke a million words. I quickly got off the phone. Damon couldn't even speak. He simply fell in a chair beside my bed and buried his head in his hands. My mom told the doc she couldn't tell me, he would have to. The next few moments were like time standing still. I listened as this doctor that had given us such a wonderful report told me that my sweet baby girl did not have kidneys. Without kidneys there was no chance at life. There was nothing we could do, but let her go. I got that feeling, you know the one where something really bad is about to happen. And then I just started screaming and crying "NO, NO, not my baby. You have to be wrong." He place his hand on my leg, gave his condolences, and left.
I immediately told my nurse to get me up to that NICU to see my baby. If she didn't take me I was going to take myself. She left and came back in less than ten minutes. It was just enough time for me to call my sister back and give her the horrific news. I was wheeled up to the NICU in my bed. My epidural had been turned off, but I wasn't ready to walk. I was offered pain meds, but I refused them because I wanted to remember every detail of my time with my baby girl. We sat next to her in her isolette for a short time, but I wanted to hold her. The NICU staff quickly went to work and arranged a room where our friends and family could come in, but a staff member could still be there to manage her breathing tube. During this time, those friends that stayed behind started calling people back to tell them that things weren't as they has seemed. I held Mariah for about an hour. I sang to her. I kissed her. I examined her from head to toe. She had beautiful brown curly hair. It was so soft and thick. He fingers were long and her legs were muscular. She was perfect. Damon held her. He sat in a rocking chair and rocked her. He kissed her, and sang through his tears. The alarm kept going off on her breathing machine. And her heart rate kept dropping. Damon held her tight. And just four hours after she entered this world, she left the arms of her daddy to be with the Father.
The tube that connected her to the breathing machine was cut and the NICU staff left the room. We stayed in that room for a good two hours. My mom held her. Friends trickled in and out. Damon's parents arrived and his mom held her. Finally we asked that everyone give us a moment alone with our baby so we could say our goodbyes. A nurse came in and helped me wash her hair that was still bloody from the birth. Damon and I sat there holding each other, holding our baby, and crying. My heart was shattered into a million pieces. I didn't want to let go, but I knew I had to. We asked that her dress be given to a little girl who would be going home. And we handed her to the nurse, tears pouring from our eyes as she left the room. It was the last time I would see my sweet Mariah here on Earth.
The next few days were surreal. I remember many, many people came to see us. I was so numb to what had happened, even to the extent that we were able to laugh. We showed her pictures to just about anyone who would look at them. But the nights were torture. I was between two rooms. On one side a mother-to-be hooked up to a monitor. The chug-chugging of her baby's heartbeat was torturous. It was a sound I had become so accustomed to while carrying Mariah. On the other side, a new mother. A baby boy. I watched as her friends and family brought flowers and balloons. I listened as her baby cried at night. I heard the laughs and the joy, and I my heart crumbled just a little more. At night, I would just cry. I begged a nurse to have them bring me my baby. I didn't care if her body was cold and hard, I just wanted to hold her. Each night I was given something to make me sleep. Tears would stream down my face until my body gave way to the medication.
By day two I was more than ready to go home. I didn't want to be there the typical 4 days post-op. I begged my doctor to let me go home, and she did. Damon picked me up at the hospital entrance. I sat there in the wheelchair, empty handed, heartbroken. The drive home seemed longer than usual. I don't remember too much of it. I do remember turning into our driveway. I sat there, looking at our house. I couldn't move. I didn't want to go in. Last time I was there my baby was alive. So I sat in the car and cried. Finally, someone came out of the house to help me get out of the car and go in. I looked at our rose bush which to this point hadn't really even bloomed more than one bloom. It was filled with beautiful pink blooms and buds. I don't even remember how many, but there were many.
This had to be the darkest time in my life. It was the time I felt the most alone, like God had left me. I was angry. I was sad. I felt as if I would never be the person I was before...which was true. God was reshaping me. Sometimes when a potter is working with clay, he has to completely undo the work he has done to improve his end product. I think God was undoing a lot in me. To reshape me, to improve me, he had to take me down to nothing.

I actually wrote this over the course of this last week. I wanted to write it for posterity. One day I hope our girls will read this. I want them to know that there is hope beyond this world. Losing a child is likely one of the greatest and most tragic losses anyone can endure. There are no pretty words for it, it sucks!!! It was and still is one of my greatest struggles. Yet, it is with God that I have survived. It was in the moments I felt hopeless, when I wanted to hide in hopes of never being found, He picked me up and held me close. I honestly do not know how a parent can go through this without the Lord and still remain hopeful.

Happy Birthday, dear sweet Mariah. Mommy and Daddy love you and think about you often. Have fun playing with the angels today. We have many kisses waiting for you when we get there!

Alone with my thoughts....

2010-05-15T14:01:00.000-07:00

Damon's gone to work for the night....it's kinda quiet in the house. Funny how when the kids are asleep the house is just more peaceful!! That's not always a good thing....peace means I can actually think.
This past week I have been a little on edge. Like I am anticipating something. Friday, two people mentioned Mariah, and it hit me. Monday, the 24th is her birthday. This time of year always brings about a mix of emotions. Birthdays are special. They are a time to celebrate. Don't get me wrong, we do celebrate.....sort of. But for me, this time of year brings back a little bit of heart ache as well. The seams on my broken heart, that have mended over the years, pull just a little bit. That lump in my throat won't go away. And it's just not uncommon to find me sitting quietly, crying.
This year isn't a whole lot different. But this is her fifth birthday. I don't know about you guys, but five is a BIG birthday. Almost a rite of passage. It's kind of that "you're not a baby any more, but you're not a big kid" stage. I wonder what she would look like?? What would she sound like? Would she be reading with Courtney? What would she think of Carlee? Would she be a little princess or a tom-boy? She would be going to kindergarten in the fall. She would play on her sister's soccer team.
Five years ago, that sweet baby girl changed my life. Even in the short time she was with us, she impacted me more than most people have on this Earth in my entire life.
In the last five years, I have learned that life isn't always fair. Sometimes things happen. It's then that you have to decide if this is going to part of you, or consume you. I remember the trip back to Louisiana after we buried her, Damon and I talked for almost the entire six hours about how this would impact us. It was then that we decided that this was just part of our story. Mariah will always be one of the most important chapters of our lives; but it's not our entire story. Her life shaped who we are, as individuals, and as a couple; but it's not who we are.
Her story isn't just some heartbreaking tale of loss. While ,yes, I am indeed sad; while there are days I want her here beside me more than anything, I don't regret one minute of her life. I wouldn't have her story written any other way. God used her to make me a stronger woman. He used her to teach me to trust Him. He used her to show me that He has made me more than I give credit for.
I know that one day, I am going to have her back. One day, I will hold her again as I sit at the feet of Jesus. One day I will get my chance to rock her, sing to her, kiss her, and hold her.
I guess it's just hard in the meantime.

Adventures in Mexican Food!

2010-05-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have yet to find a Mexican restaurant in Germany (go figure --- I know!). I haven't had GOOD Mexican food in a YEAR....let that sink in....365 days...52 weeks! It's deplorable. So my excitement level went to MAX happiness when I heard there was a Chi-Chi's restaurant only 45 minutes away. Let that sink in and read it as "Gina's standards are dropping FAST!!" So what if the menu was in French....it said MEXICAN FOOD. I HAD to try it. So we set off....Luxembourg bound (there was a little excitement about seeing a new country --#5 on my list of countries I've been to).

Autobahn to Luxembourg --- it was a rainy day. We never have those....

ALMOST there......

The gate that 20 years ago, we would have stopped to show our passports and ID at.....we drove through it at 60mph!

We thought that this was interesting....two streets (on our LONG winding journey through Lux. City) named after former US Presidents. Not surprising though....since we liberated them in WWII they like us.

I love, love, love the architecture here...well the older stuff. Some of the newer stuff doesn't tickle my fancy so much.

So when you book your reservation online, you get a free margarita. I just wanted to guarantee we had a seat. The waitress was very sweet and brought us virgin daquaris. Wonder what people thought when we shared with our girls?!?!?

The smiles of southerners getting some good grub...notice we hadn't eaten yet.

We ordered the girls tacos....they came with french fries (EVERYTHING is served with french fries!!!). Notice the MAYO for dipping your fries in....blech!

We ordered a chicken burrito....seemed safe. It was 17 Euro (with today's exchange rate, it cost us almost $22. Good golly Miss Molly!!!). Weeeelllllll. We cut it in half (see it's original size in the family picture--- HUGE!) I noticed this red sauce on it.......ALL over it. I dipped my finger in it to taste. We looked the the menu again and read the ingredients again....tasted the sauce again.....YIKES, that's BBQ SAUCE!!! Now, I don't want to sound catty, but I have NEVER in my life eaten a burrito covered in BBQ sauce. And to add insult to injury, Damon is NOT a BBQ sauce lover.

The whole ordeal was quasi rectified with some okay fried ice cream....

And the girls got ice cream sundaes.....all was well.

Still searching for some GOOD Mexican food in Germany.....but I have some leads. I will FIND IT.....or go home trying!

2010-04-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

My dear sweet Courtney,

Six years ago, I looked into your sweet eyes for the first time. At that moment, I knew I was a blessed mommy. You have changed my life in so many ways.
You have grown these past six years to be one of the most loving and compassionate little ladies I have ever known. Your beauty, while captivating, is much deeper than the surface. You have a love for life and learning that will take you far in this world. Your love for those around you and for God never cease to amaze me.
I love you baby girl. Happy Birthday!

Courtney stats:

Height: 50 inches
Weight: 49 pounds
Favorite color: RED
Favorite food: Pizza!
Favorite school subject: Art
Likes: reading, swinging, pretending (especially "pet clinic" and "store")

[Panting] I love my new elliptical......really, I do

2010-04-05T04:16:00.000-07:00

So my RA doc said I would feel better if I would exercise. He bugs me about it at every dad-gum appointment!!! I thought, "Whatever dude, do you feel like someone ran over your feet with a Mack truck...doubt it!" I was SUPER skeptical. BUT, I noticed my body craving exercise. Strange, because chocolate sounds so much better. If you know me, you know I HATE, HATE, HATE to exercise. I don't run. If a large animal were chasing me, I would make a juicy snack for the animal. No real need to move quickly with out the aid of an engine. I think my back side proves this point :) On the super rare occasion that I did go to a gym (to humiliate myself) I did enjoy the elliptical.....and MAN do my legs burn after using one. SOOOO, long story short, I wasn't about to get the "talking to" again at my next appointment. AND I wasn't about to shake the junk drawer at the gym.....SOOOO, I broke down and bought a clothes hanger....I mean elliptical machine. It sits in the living room. Looking at me as I watch the TV. I figure in the living room it's less likely to be the inevitable clothes hanger, AND I can exercise and watch TV.
I am proud to say that I have used it everyday since I brought it home (and Damon got it out of the van), which was Friday. OH MY GOODNESS!! I could hardly stand up in church yesterday. I am sooooo out of shape (actually I am a shape, just not one that is conceived as "fit"....even though I do indeed fit into my jeans!) Each day I am setting a goal, just a little more than the previous day. Now, mind you, I have not truly exercised in almost a year. So I am not on that thing for an hour or anything....although that might be where I am at by the end of the summer (I think I just heard my quads moan....).
I will humbly admit that yes, I do have more energy (although I still require some quiet resting time). And my joints don't hurt quite as bad, though this isn't a cure.
So there you have it.....my doc was right and I was wro------eh, I wasn't as right =D

Kitchen Adventures 1

2010-04-02T09:25:00.000-07:00

Aside from being Mommy one of my favorite parts of being a SAHM is getting to play in the kitchen. One of my passions in life is cooking; especially cooking for other people. I love to be creative, and I rarely follow a recipe twice (unless of course you are talking about baking...then it's imperative!) My family endures my many trial run dinners....and they live.

So anyhow, I thought..Hey I am always on the lookout for yummy, but quick meals. So I thought I would share some of my recent goodies (obviously the ones that turned out well).....I feel like I am going out on a limb...so be nice! Please remember that I usually just start tossing stuff in to the pot, so my measurements are approximate

Pineapple Chicken (this was tonight's dinner)

1 small can of crushed pineapple
1 Tbs crushed garlic (I use the jarred minced garlic)
2 Tbs soy sauce ( I used low sodium)
3-4 chicken breasts
1 tsp of olive oil (I used extra virgin)

In a blender combine the pineapple, garlic, and soy sauce. Puree for about a minute or until well blended.
Heat oil in a large skillet. Add chicken. Pour pineapple mixture over chicken. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, and turn. Continue to cook the chicken until juices run clear.

I lowered the cooking temperature so that the chicken would absorb more of the pineapple mixture. It took about 25 minutes to cook on low heat.

I served this with fried rice, black eyed peas, and California mix.

Last week I made pork chops (that actually inspired tonight's meal).

Peach Spice Pork Chops
1 can sliced peaches, drained (in their own juice)
3 tbs All Spice
3-4 pork chops

In a blender mix the peaches and All Spice. Puree until well mixed (it will be a brownish color). Pour into a ziplock baggie and add pork chops. Marinate for 4 or more hours.
Preheat grill to desired temperature (I used a med-high flame). Cook until juices run clear.

I served this with cinnamon apples, mixed green salad, and whole wheat rolls.

(sorry no pics---this is an after thought!)

Happy cooking!!!

My worst nightmare --- well one of them

2010-03-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have lots of fears that involve my children.....this is just one of them.

Monday evening, Damon had a coach's meeting after work. As the girls and I sat down for dinner, I noticed that the sun was beginning to peek out from behind the clouds. Now, I haven't learned much German, but I have learned that if you see the sun you must enjoy it. Those sunshine moments are fleeting, at least for now (come on summer ---- where are you??). We finished up our ham and beans (yum) and made from scratch cornbread (embarrassed to say --- it was gross! There is something to say about package made cornbread!!!) and we headed out. Our doggies were doing the potty dance so I brought them along. On the way across the parking lot we picked up two more children. Because our time was getting short I opted for the smaller playground closer to our apartment. Typically we don't go there. Since we have been here the padded ground covering has been peeling up. I am sure it has the help of the neighborhood children (yes, Air Force children are occasionally disobedient too!). There are typically chunks of the ground covering strewn across the playground. That night was no different. The girls took off toward the playground and I saw Carlee pull the gate shut (one bonus is that it does have a small fence around it to cage -- I mean contain -- the children). One of my dogs did something, I honestly don't remember what, so I looked down. Immediately I heard a scream that is indescribable. The girls started saying that Carlee fell. I thought surely she had to be okay, but as she ran toward me, I saw indeed I was wrong. She had blood pouring out of her mouth and her nose. I quickly got everyone together, gave the leashes to Courtney and we headed back. The blood was coming so fast that I had to cup my hands under her chin. Here I was the only adult with four children and two dogs.....UGH!! I sent the other girls home and we went inside. At first I thought she had just busted her lip. In my years as a teacher I have seen some busted lips that bled like geysers! Luckily I had been too lazy to put the paper towels away in the girl's bathroom after it was cleaned earlier that day. Yeah for being lazy --- right? There was about 1/2 a roll left.....and we used it ALL!! She screamed and screamed. I had Courtney get a cup so she could swish water. Finally 15-20 minutes later I had her cleaned up --- or so I thought. I called Damon to ask him when he'd be home....Carlee was STILL screaming. I told him what happened and he said they just had a few more minutes left. I go off the phone with him and noticed that Carlee had more blood around her top lip and on her teeth. I wet another paper towel with water and started to clean her lip. When I moved to her teeth I was shocked. Her right front tooth was crazy loose..... like it would be days before falling out on its own. I called Damon back (a matter of minutes after the first call) and said "come home NOW!!!". Then I called the emergency dentist line. I sent Courtney to a neighbor's house to see if they could watch her. She came back to say something to me. Damon was calling my cell phone. Carlee is STILL screaming (rightfully so). And the on-call dentist, no kidding, told me to "call back when I had the situation under control". WHAT?? That's pretty much what I yelled at him....I was ticked!! What kind of control do you expect in and EMERGENCY that involves a TWO year old? Did he expect her to say "Dude my tooth and lip hurt. Oh wow! I am covered in blood....neato!" So in my most sarcastic voice I told him I would calm her down IF I could and hung up! Oh I was MAD!! Still am.....will be until I report his butt to the patient advocate!!! I brought Carlee into the living room and rocked her in the recliner. I sang at the top of my lungs (so she could hear me). Then all of the sudden she was quiet. But she had this strange look in her eyes. It didn't register then because I was so anxious to call Dr.Butthead back. I spoke with him. He was reluctant to see her that evening. But since her tooth was loose, he didn't want her swallowing it, and he agreed to see her. Damon was on his way home (a 20 minute drive only takes 12 minutes when you drive over 100mph! Just FYI). So I just rocked her. I noticed that she was staring, but not at anything. Her pupils were getting large and small over and over. I said her name a couple of times, but she didn't respond. I simply didn't think about it then. I just wanted to get to the dentist, regardless of how cranky he was. Damon came home and we all left. Carlee had come out of her catatonic state and was hurting again. When we got to the dentist she had pretty much calmed down. He examined her. His assistant did x-rays. He took pictures. Courtney got a toy (huh? That's just wrong!!!). In all fairness Carlee got one too. As well as two toothbrushes. Bonus for blood and pain I guess! The x-ray confirmed the worst. Her tooth was fractured at the root. It had to come out. She had also torn the flap between the teeth that holds your lip to your gums. We were scheduled for the next morning and sent home. We gave her ibuprofen and melatonin so she could sleep. I was smart enough to change her sheets to something I didn't mind getting messed up. The next morning her pillow and sheets were covered in blood. We ran errands in the early morning that I had to take care of (like enrolling Courtney in school for next year!!). When we got to the periodontist he reviewed her case. He asked 101 questions about how it happened. He said that it takes a BIG hit to fracture the root of the tooth. Because he was working her in, he asked that we come back in an hour (not so bad, since we live across the street!). I called the housing office when I got home to report the playground. The inspector asked that I send him an official complaint by email so he could forward it to his supervision. Maybe with an incident like this, a fire could be lit under the pants of whomever forks over the money to fix it. After a couple of episodes of Caillou we went back across the street to the dental clinic. For whatever reason, they would not give her anything more than a local anesthetic. They strapped her on a papoose board and had me hold her hands. She screamed.....it was a scream I had never heard. She was terrified, she was hurting. It was 45 minutes of pure hell. I tried to fight back the tears. I buried my head in my arm, held tight to her hands, and prayed. I begged God to carry her through it all. Once it was all done, I got her out of that room and took her back to the waiting room (no worries, it was empty --- wouldn't that be a shocker for some kid there to get their teeth cleaned!!). I rocked her and sang to her. In less than 5 minutes she was out of my lap and playing with the toys. All was well until the dentist came back in.....then she was on me like butter on toast! He gave me a few directions --- no brushing, swish and spit often, only cold soft foods. He noticed that the adjacent tooth sustained damage and it too may have to be removed (won't that be CUTE!). He was concerned about her nose. It continued to bleed off and on. It was swollen and bruised around her eyes. He asked me to have it seen about soon. We hit Burger King up for a strawberry shake. She was in Heaven! She doesn't get that too often. While she napped I got her an appointment for later that day. The doctor was concerned. She had a bruising pattern that was indicative of either a broken nose or an intracranial bleed. She told me to head to the hospital (40 minutes away) ASAP. I wasn't about to take both girls on my own. And Damon wasn't about to let us go without him, so we swung by his office and picked him up. Essentially, he told his supervisor what had happened and then said "I'm outta here!" I asked him if that was okay....he said if it's not he'd hear about it, but he didn't care. After about 2 1/2 hours at the hospital it was the humble opinion of the local docs that she was okay and no tests were done. We were sent home to watch her for 72 hours for any sign of concussion. During this time we were to keep her quiet (really? did they not see her in her not as energetic stage and think she was "very active"? keep her quiet? FUN!). Damon had Wednesday off anyhow, so we laid low.

It's Saturday and she is MUCH better. You can't see much, if anything, on her lip. Her gums are healing well. It's amazing how fast our mouth heals. She is back to her "usual" self....and Damon and I are tired from chasing her all over.

She whistles when she says the /s/ sound. And she learned that she can put straws and sucker sticks through that hole. My biggest concerns are over the aesthetics of a missing tooth. She won't get her permanent tooth for another 4-6 years...that's a LONG time! And I am very concerned about her ability to correctly learn phonemes. How can you learn the sounds and blends when you can't say them??? According to the military dentist there is nothing that can be put in it's place....Google disagrees! I plan to research more before we come to the states sometime. I am sure there is someone in the OKC area who can put something in the place of that tooth (or teeth ---the other one still can be pulled!). For now it's okay....kinda cute...in an overalls and straw hat kind of way.

So that was our overly dramatic week!! I am hoping for NOTHING next week...or the week after. Shoot after that...I am gonna say the next 52 weeks need to be uneventful! And we are going to stay away from water.....because that's another one of those nightmare situations!

Pictures below --- warning there is blood!

about 45 minutes after the incident...

Friday, MUCH better:

2010-03-09T23:46:00.000-08:00

As an OxyClean believer, this totally makes my day!!! My girls are stain magnets!!

Really --- it's UNBELIEVABLE!!!!

2010-03-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

Gots a story for all my readers (yes, both of you!!!) It all started with a ding-a-ling brunette (who looks amazingly like me) accepting a credit card her freshman year of college. Don't get all judgmental now....she was engaged and had a wedding coming up! Priorities people, priorities!!! Fast forward oh, say 12 years (UGH!), and ding-a-ling and her dear hubby (who looks a lot like Damon) are hot to trot to get out from under ANY and all debt ASAP!! Well everything but the student loans....which are gonna take until their SUPER CUTE kids (who look a lot like......you know where this is going, right?!) are OUT of college! Soooo, credit company A is super STUPID!! Dear hubby has a super cool job where some really important people said you can't charge him over a certain amount in interest. Well "A" found a loop-hole and told ding and hubby to shove that law where the sun don't shine....in not so many words. Ding-a-ling's response was "Right back atcha!" in so many words! Ding and hubby had some hard times, but pulled through....and recently paid the stupid credit company A off.....and there may have been some happy dances, but that isn't confirmed. Stupid A then proceeded to automatically withdraw a payment for their non-existent balance the proceeding month. Ding.....man, she was NOT happy! But she has super powers (and a GREAT phone plan) and fixed it!
Ding and Hubby also had another credit company, we will call the C. It was the same situation as with "A", but C was more patriotic, loyal to country, and thankful for Hubby's service, in his super cool job that is. So C said SURE we'll follow that law. A few years passed and Ding, being so much like her name --- a ding-a-ling, forgot to refile those super-dooper important papers when the time came. She was super busy with their cute kids. WELL...long story cut short because it's late, Ding called and got the papers together....she even went out of her way to fax them clear over this BIG giant pond where "C" was located. Well, tonight Ding was inspired to call and check on the status of those super important papers.....and wouldn't you know, those puppies were processed today!!! SUPER AWESOME credit company C went WAY beyond what they were required to do and CREDITED FOUR YEARS of fees, interest, EVERYTHING.....leaving Ding and Hubby with a freaking CREDIT BALANCE!!!! Ding made the guy repeat himself like four times, she was so shocked...but I would be too! What credit card company does that!!!
The moral of this story, you ask???? DON'T EVER, EVER, EVER USE CREDIT CARDS!!!

I am still saying "Can you believe that??"

2010-02-13T11:40:00.000-08:00

If only our daughters would see them in this light......

Semi-mindless ramblings......

2010-01-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

I suppose I should pay attention to my blog. That or the blog elves will start writing mean things about me on here. Eh? Maybe not. But I realize one, MAYBE two of you AREN'T on Facebook (even though you should be!!! It's a GREAT way to blow ALL of your free time!) and might actually keep up with me here. But seriously, if you want to know that much about me....get on FB. I talk WAY too much there!
Just in case you are wondering there is a three way tie with the female members of our family as to who is more excited that Damon is home. I am such a blessed woman. Damon is an awesome daddy. He has REALLY been stepping up and taking over in the "child maintenance" arena.
I have a passion for cooking. One of my greatest joys is cooking for my family (and my friends). That's one thing that has been so junky about having RA. Cooking can become a full on sport. My fingers lock up and I end up throwing food, utensils, spice jars, you name it! Purely by chance. But yet, to maintain some semblance of sanity, I must do things that make ME happy. And cooking is one of those things. I have learned a few tricks to making things less complicated. Like chopping --- OH DEAR, me and Mr.Knife are NOT friends much any more (he tried to take off a finger or two!)--- so I use a crinkle cutter that has a rocking motion. And the food chopper is also my new BFF. But I do still have to swallow my pride and have Damon take over the cutting process....sometimes. Just don't touch my pans buck-a-roo!!!
Speaking of cooking....Damon's decided it's ethnic foods week. We had Mexican last night. I made Chicken Stir-Fry tonight (HOLY COW-my hands HURT!!). Damon and I thought it was yummy. The under 5 crowd gave it a thumbs down. Hope Damon's not disappointed that that is the extent of my grandiose cooking this week. Tomorrow it's back to pot roast!
Carlee is going through this phase. When Damon came home, I became second fiddle. Now that he has been home a couple of weeks, I am the twinkle in her eye. She has been SQUAWKING for me at nap time and at night. Damon thinks she had some kind of bad dream about me. I say she's PMSing and will get over it in 15 years. We'll see who's right.
Courtney has become quite the entrepreneur. One day while at the commissary she was a BIG helper. She pushed the cart, she put the groceries on the conveyor belt, she helped the bagger put the groceries in the van. So when I tipped the bagger, I gave Court a dollar. Today I needed to go get groceries. She said, "I'll go, but how much are you going to pay me?" I replied, "How much help are you going to be?" "Oh, you're going have to give me $1,000." To which my reply was "Uh, you can stay home!!!" She graciously accepted her well earned dollar. But I think she secretly wanted more!
Okay, we are starting a movie (Up....yes we are BEHIND in movie watching! Have you ever taken a toddler to the movies? NOT recommended!) Gotta jet! I'll post something before Feb. 15 (2012!)

Daddy's HOME!!!!!

2010-01-16T09:08:00.000-08:00

Oh this has to be one of the BEST videos EVER (minus the mess in my hallway---the girls broke a dresser and I didn't know how in the world to get it down stairs....so it sits in the hall --- go figure!) Damon BEGGED me to bring him something to change into...I guess 4 months of nothing but a uniform will have a man doing that!!!
(BTW --- when I made sure the video worked, I had to click on the little play arrow, not the one in the picture)

The girls made a "Welcome Home" sign for our door....

Travels with Grammie

2010-01-16T08:56:00.001-08:00

Being that it's Grammie's last weekend in Germany, we decided that we might ought to take her out and about to see some sights.......oh and there was an extra adult to wrangle the children. We headed to one of the more beautiful towns along the Mosel River, Bernkastle Kues. We hadn't been there so we weren't sure what to expect. OH MY....it is GORGEOUS!! It's located right on the Mosel, and the vineyards trail up the mountain. We had a lovely time, so glad we decided to go (and not pay attention to what the weather site said about today ---- it turned out to just be COLD!!).

2009 ---- The Family Review

2010-01-01T05:02:00.000-08:00

OH THANK GOODNESS 2009 is O-V-E-R!!!! Wow!!! What a YEAR!!! Or was it ten?? Sure felt like it!

Carlee --- Ms. Carlee made leaps and bounds this year. hard to believe that in January last year, we still had a baby.....she was only 18 months old. Now she's closer and closer to three! That's not a baby.....good grief, where does that time go. As my mother-in-law has said many a time, Carlee is VERY GOOD at being two!!! Her desire to be "big" outdoes her abilities and that puts us in a pickle. But she has the "me do it" attitude down to a T!!! This year her vocabulary has exploded and there isn't much she can't say. As a matter of fact this afternoon she was talking to her baby, ironically named Courtney. She said, "UGH!! Courtney you are wearing me slick....good grief!!!" Don't know WHERE she would hear anything like that........nope, definitely NOT from ME!!! She has mastered putting on her own pants, taking off her own diaper (this can get VERY tricky!! and MESSY!!!). She recognizes her written name, most colors, most body parts (the ankles still get her). She is SOOO incredibly tall she can get into just about anything. And if she can't get into it she can climb on a stool, chair, marshmallow....anything available to get to it. She is quite creative when she wants something. Her affinity right now is chocolate. On Christmas day, while I was sulking, she took the opportunity to eat her body weight in chocolate (that makes me want to go find the chocolate I hid....wonder where she gets it??? Again, NOT me!!!) She loves....no wait... LOVES her babies!!!! Santa was VERY thoughtful and brought her a package of diapers for her baby!! OH she is in Heaven!!! Over all, Carlee is a happy kid, very active and very kind to most.....just not the dogs. They have completely different opinion of her.

Courtney ---- OH MY, Courtney!!! Wow!! My sweet baby Courtney is growing into a little girl....[sniff, sniff]. This year has been a topsy turvy one for poor Courtney. With our move to Germany, she had to leave EVERYTHING she ever knew (well so did Carlee, but how much can you "know" at not even 2?). In March we had a "Mommy and Daddy feel really bad for moving you across the ocean" birthday party. Yes, she was born in April. No, we didn't forget this fact. With all the moving stuff going on, having a BD party in April was just not going to happen. I have to admit that we picked the COLDEST day in March for a party. And the coffee pot got a HUGE work out that day. Ironically not long after, it died. I am just putting that together, oh well! In April, she turned 5....FIVE, that is a BIG number! A whole handful (oh, the irony!!). Her birthday was actually ON Easter this year. That was kinda cool. In May, she joined us on the trek across the ocean to our new home. She is now WELL versed in airplane emergency procedures . In August she was given a firm diagnosis of ADHD and it has been a small roller coaster ever since. We chose to go with meds, since they do help her daddy. She does really well on them, in conjunction with some behavior modification. Oh, sure, she has slip ups, but only the kids on the front of Parenting magazine can avoid those, right? In September Damon left for his deployment and she started kindergarten, all in 5 days time. What a change...but she LOVES school. I knew Courtney's strength was linguistics, but I never realized how strong she was. Courtney had a HUGE vocabulary at the age of one. By 3 she was learning letter sounds. By four she was reading. So this year they tested her reading ability, and she was reading on about a mid-first-grade level at the beginning of kindergarten. She is unfortunately like me and HAS to be challenged to be motivated to learn new stuff. So we have some challenges on our hands. In December she lost her first tooth....oh the cheers!!! It was DRA-MA. Luckily, our friend "Pink Lady Apple" was the one to rescue us. We are forever grateful.

Damon
Well, I guess the biggest thing that has happened to Damon, other than our move to Germany, would be his deployment. It's pretty cut and dry. He is there, he wants to be here. But he's doing his job and doing it stinkin' well. I can't tell you how many times he has said that the CC brags on his "presentation skills" in the meetings. While it's only a 120-ish day deployment, it's still been crazy long for him. BUT, he comes home VERY, VERY SOON.

Gina
This has been the year from....well, you know where (for those who are slow --- it rhymes with "well"). It started with the whole moving thing. We had been in Lousiana for six years. One of my best friends lives there. My sister is only a few hours away from there. I LOVED our church family. I had the BEST job. But God had different plans for us. And who can say "no" when you see how God is leading you elsewhere (I tried, it doesn't work)? I have taken on the role of domestic goddess (HEY! Stop laughing!). I wipe noses, tushes, tables, and toilets. Can't complain though....while it drives me nutty sometimes, I do love my new job. It has just taken some getting used to not being "Mrs. Activity". My days are filled with trips to the school, PTA activities, play groups, story times, gymnastics, and whatever else I can cram in there. At some point I may even start my Master's degree....if I can figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Unfortunately, my health hasn't been so cooperative in all my delightful plans. Not long after Damon left (seriously within weeks), I started having joint pain, weakness, fatigue, and my neck had a swollen spot. At first, they said I was having allergy issues. Then they thought it was my thyroid. Finally someone had the presence of mind to send me to a specialist (this is after TWO months of feeling bad!!!). At that point I was sleeping ALL the time. I couldn't cook, nor did I want to eat, so Courtney was making meals (cereal, sandwiches, etc) for herself and Carlee. I couldn't move my hands and my toes felt like someone ran over my feet. I was so hoarse I couldn't talk, and the buldge on my neck was PAINFUL. It took one visit for the Rheumatologist to say "Duh, you have Rheumatoid Arthritis." He put me on steroids and MAN, do those help! He has me on a drug called Methotrexate which is a "disease modifying" drug. It is meant to stop the progress and reduce the symptoms. So far, it hasn't been too successful, but patience grasshopper. It takes time. I have another appointment in about 3 weeks and if I still am not any better then we will move on to the "big boys" of the RA drugs. But they are more intense on how they can break down your body, so my doc is hesitant (and also not feeling the pain I am in, so he CAN wait!!) My biggest hope is that I can get back to 85% of my old self. I used to be quite the busy little bee, so maybe slowing down isn't so bad!

Here are some of my favorite pics (that are on this computer --- Damon has Jan through May on his computer)

One day at a time....

2009-11-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

So I think we are on about day 70 of this deployment.....it's had its ups and downs. I mentioned earlier that I had seen a Rheumatologist. He gave me some steroids to make it until the next appointment. I swear they are like oil for my joints!!! I wake up almost so stiff my hands don't want to work. I stay that way for 1-2 hours. About 20-30 minutes after I take those puppies...I have hands that work!!! I wonder if I can give them to my iron and have it iron clothes for me??? Maybe??? I have this awful drive to do any and everything!!! But I still have the fatigue. So now I sit (or lay in bed) thinking about all the things I could be doing. IF I only had the stinkin' energy!! I finally have an appetite! Well somewhat. Instead of 1/2 a kid's portion, I can eat almost the whole thing. MAYBE I won't gain all that weight back....maybe? Like maybe the tires on the van will change themselves...maybe? Okay, so I will, but that's all good. I don't have the money for new clothes right now. And I am a little miffed that I look like a gangster chic with my pants hanging off my hips (Oh the things you can cover up with a really LONG shirt!!!)
I pick my Mother-in-law up in Frankfurt on Thursday!!! YEAH!!!! YIPPEE!!! We are all SOOOO excited. My poor girls need someone who can interact with them consistently. I need someone to help me keep up with this tornado stricken home. And she is SUCH a great help on the emotional end (if you haven't met my m.i.l. she is pretty much sunshine 99.9% of the time). The whole idea of her coming over was a little bit of a whim....then God intervened. She got her passport in ONE week!!! We got a ticket that was WAY discounted (on a direct flight mind you!!) You simply cannot deny God's hand in it all!!
So thanks for all your prayers.....they are working. I am feeling more and more like my old self....you know the person who has been told SO many times to give up the Wonder Woman cape!!! I am a mover and a doer....you take that away from me and I am a lost little kitten!

Two posts in one day? Is the sky falling???

2009-11-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

I had an appointment with a Rheumatologist today. He gave me some hope that ONE DAY I will feel better. They took about 8 vials of blood to run tests and did x-rays. His conclusion is that I am definitely experiencing something auto-immune/inflammatory. But until the tests come back we won't know for sure. With my family history, and the x-ray results, he is pretty sure it is Rheumatoid Arthritis (something about my bones are decalcifying?? I just smile and nod). He said most of my symptoms are right down the line with it. To make it the next two weeks until my next appointment, he gave me a steroid. Hopefully I will feel somewhat better with that in a week or so. And MAYBE on that I will also feel like eating....right now food is almost repulsive and I have lost 18 pounds in just 2 weeks. While that's not bad, and Damon says I sound like one of those infomertials, it's not the way I want to go about losing weight! But I won't complain too much. I might even get a belt ( I HATE BELTS!!!) So anyhow, for those of you following this saga....that's where we are.

On a funny note, I was in downtown Trier for this appointment. I had probably 50 choices on my GPS of places to eat (even Subway!!). But for whatever reason I talked myself out of it (parking is a PAIN in the bootay!! And I really didn't feel like walking). So I drove a bit and found another restaurant on my GPS....I turned down this farmroad of sorts in DENSE fog. I could see about 500 ft in front of me, fields on the right, and a wooded area on the left. I couldn't take it so I turned around and went back to the Shell station (yes, there are Shell stations all over this area). I walked in to find a woman who spoke NO english! We communicated through pointing....and I ended up with a cold shnitzel for lunch, which I only ate about 1/2 of, in the van, in the parking lot. I think I should have opted for finding a parking place in Trier! Oh well....I need an adventurous streak!!

On a GREAT note....I will be picking my mother-in-law up at the airport in ONE week!!! God has been gracious and everything is falling into place for her to come over.

2009-11-11T09:02:00.000-08:00

Today is the day set aside by our government to remember those who have served (and are serving) our country and made it the great nation it is today. I am proud of my family members who have served so valiantly. My Grandpa Cummings served in WWII, earning medals that are awarded to few. Grandpa Allen and Grandpa Swem also served in the war, ensuring those they didn't know would live in a world where human rights were protected. I am reminded of the endless stream of cousins who have given their time and their lives to honor and serve our country. I am grateful for their sacrifice.
While I am reminded of those dear to me and my family, there is one who has been on my mind since the time my dear Carlee woke me up this morning. He is my prince, the love of my life, my husband Damon.
Damon, I am proud of you. I am proud to say that I am the wife of Ssgt. Blankinship (or Blanky, as they all know you!). Thank you for sacrificing your time, even when it is away from us, to keep our country free. Thank you for serving our country!
I love you!! Happy Veteran's Day!!!

...hanging....in....there....

2009-10-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Day 46----all are alive and accounted for. Not by my doing. Coincidence I guess!!

I have to admit that this deployment has been more frustrating that any we've done before. I think it's the fact that we JUST moved to a FOREIGN country!! While I am involved up to my eyeballs, that established support system just isn't there. Our church family is great and VERY helpful (when I think to ask---ugh dang pride!!).

I think Satan is just throwing his darts at me as often as he can. If it's not one thing it's another. Carlee has become a little toot---terrible twos....gotta love them....or not! Nothing is more infuriating that her little giggle as she doing something I JUST told her NOT to do. She thinks she is sooo cute. Which she is...but sheesh! Courtney is adjusting to her new meds...yes, it was necessary to medicate her. I wanted to hold off, but now I am glad we are doing it. Even she comments on the difference it makes. And me....well, the typical sickipoo. Last week one doc was certain I had mono. This week another doc thinks it's my thyroid. I think it's just plain annoying!!! I sleep A LOT! but not as much as I want. I spend most of my days shivering from being cold even though I am covered in blankets and layers of clothing. I can't knock this headache. I have little to no interest in food. My hands and elbows throb in pain. And this is day 15 of my neck/throat hurting. Seriously, I don't need this right now. But like I said...I think Satan is trying to do whatever he can to break me. I am TRYING to hold fast and hold on to the Lord....trying. It's the most I can do some days.

Okay, my eyes are crossing---and Carlee knows I am not paying attention, which is a great time to do things mommy might NEVER let you do!

venting....

2009-10-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where to begin with today's events.....I had this idea that we would sleep in, get ourselves around and spend some girl time shopping today. I guess my kids had completely different ideas. At 7:00 Carlee came in to my room ready to go. I convinced her to get in my bed, but it was like trying to contain a cat in a pillowcase. 8ish Courtney came in and there were 2 cats in that pillowcase. When they had pushed and wrestled me to the very edge of the bed (seriously, how much room do two under 50 pound turkeys need??) By 8:20, I had enough and we were up. We had breakfast. Things were good. I sat down to enjoy some coffee and some computer time. When both girls are up (particularly Carlee) I don't feel comfortable taking the dogs downstairs. So, in those times, it's Courtney's job to take them out. This morning her reply was, in her most sassy voice, "I don't want to!!!" Excuse me??? Really??? The second time I was miffed. The third time I went off....what if I just didn't want to make your meals, or wash your clothes, or take you fun places, or any of the 1,001 things I do for you??? Really??? So finally an hour after the original request she FINALLY took the dogs down. UGH!! Shortly after she came back upstairs, she and Carlee were playing somewhat quietly. They fussed at each other off and on, as they usually do. Then Carlee started screaming bloody murder, but it sounded really weird. I ran into the room as Courtney was running out. I could hear Carlee, but I couldn't see her. Then I realized her screams were coming from her CLOSET!! Now we don't have walk-in style closets, but more like wall units. She was shoved into a shelf space in her closet and Courtney had wedged a chair against it to lock it. WHAT ON EARTH!?!?!? Courtney isn't dumb, she knew she was in BIG trouble!!! I made her go to her room and tried my darndest to give myself time to cool off. To say I was mad would be a complete understatement. Even though I went in my room and shut the door, Carlee was right in my shadow every moment. About 30 minutes later I decided that we weren't doing anything today and Courtney was grounded to her room for the remainder of the day. She threw a HUGE fit....another understatement. Food was served and it was time for Carlee to take a nap. At this point I have little to nothing left in me...I needed her to lay down, like she usually does. But, because apparently my children are determined to make me crazy that wasn't how it happened. I put her down, shut the door. She got up and opened to the door to come out....... x15. No kidding. And 15 is when I stopped counting. I'd put her back in bed and like a hot poptart she'd come on out.....splendid! Finally an hour and a half later, she gave up and fell asleep, on the floor, in front of her door. Did I mention that prior to this I had little left in me. After than charade, I had NOTHING! Nada, zilch. Courtney is trying me, over and over. She wants so badly to come out of her room. She HATES being grounded. She's in her room boo-hooing.
What I don't get is what in the world I am doing wrong? This isn't a just today thing. These two pull junk like this all the time, especially since their daddy left. There are times I think I am going to snap. I love my girls more than anything. I keep trying to do things that are fun. Last night I took Courtney to the movies....she hated it. I take Carlee to storytime at the library and she destroys stuff while there. I take them to church and I need to have circus music playing in the background.
Seriously, what gives???

(PS now they are both howling in their rooms....UGH!)

These are the days.....

2009-09-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

Oh my, I think it has been FOREVER since I truly updated my blog. I update my Facebook status regularly (and if you're not on Facebook, or aren't one of my "friends" you need to be!!!). But a FB status consists of a few words.....a blog post is a little longer than that, right???
Oh, so well, what have we been up to??? More like what have we not been up to....no skydiving, no house building, we're not (or will ever again be) pregnant!! Yep, I think that might cover it....well, not completely.
Early in September, Damon left for his deployment. It was really hard to see him go. I kept thinking, "Okay, I live in a freakin' foreign country, by my own stinkin' self! Now what?" But then I shook the bad attitude and learned to cope with the days and nights as a semi-single momma. Damon is adjusting, sort of. It was mid 70s when he left here. It is upper 90s to the low 100s at his location. He can't seem to find the happy medium for water intake. He's also working the night shift. Which would have been easy if we had a newborn around. But since our kids have slept through the night for over a year now, that's been rough. There is a church there that he can worship with, and that is nice. And we are able to chat almost nightly online. I really don't know how you Vietnam era military wives endured deployments. Damon isn't just my husband, he's my best friend. I don't know how I would cope with not talking to him. We are almost 1/4 of the way through this outing....yes, it is short compared to others, but not any easier!!! Keep him in your prayers!!
Courtney started school this month. She just completed her 3rd week of school. It seems unreal to me that my baby girl is in school....real school! She LOVES it!!! Because she went to a strong preschool/pre-k program she is WAY ahead of most of her peers. She is reading. She knows almost all of the blends and special vowel rules. It amazes me what all she can read....and spell. One way Damon and I used to communicate was by spelling. But then Miss Smartypants started figuring out what we were spelling!!! There goes that strategy!! She loves rhyming words and most meals are spent talking about words that rhyme! She is quite the poet/song writer and makes stuff up all the time. Like I said, the child never ceases to amaze me!! We did recently have her tested for ADD (which is now called ADHD-inattentiveness) Sure as snot (and I have known this for a while) the kid has ADHD!!! Girls are different in that they don't act out as much as internalize it. You could tell her to brush her teeth, and 10 minutes later she is still in the bathroom, but she has rearranged the cabinet or counted the sqaures left on a toilet paper roll, but her teeth aren't brushed. And she would have no idea why you sent her in there. It was like pulling teeth to get her to complete any tasks. We now have little reminder posters all around the house (steps to brushing teeth, how to clean your room, using the restroom) and rule and chore charts. I feel like I have to remind her to breathe, but she is getting better, with LOTS of reminders. We also started using Melatonin at night to get her to sleep. While she would be tired, her mind would race from idea to idea and it would be midnight or later before she went to sleep. And then she would be up sleepwalking in the middle of the night!! The lack of sleep just made the ADHD worse. So now, with the Melatonin, she is able to think more clearly and get to sleep (once you take that stuff you really don't have a choice!!). That is a BIG relief!!! She isn't handling all the changes in our lives too well. She's been having temper tantrums and has been acting out quite a bit. Just this morning I carried her down FOUR flights of stairs kicking and screaming at the top of her lungs (come on---say it--you WISH you were our neighbor!!!). It was the worst morning we have had yet. But once she was at school and her teacher gave her some time to herself, she was better. She's still grounded this afternoon, but she is better!! We have Courtney on a base soccer team and in gymnastics---so expect (but don't hold your breath) pictures sometime soon!!
Carlee---oh my little Carlee!! Carlee is 110% into her twos....yep, the terrific (HA!) twos!! She is such a sweet little girl and then like day and night she turns on ya!!! Lord help me if this is foreshadowing for the teenage years!!! A couple of nights ago at Courtney's soccer practice one of the moms said, "Wow, she is an active little girl!!" Really?? I hadn't noticed!!! She can get into ANYTHING you don't want her in, and faster than you would ever imagine!!! Her gymnastic teacher commented on how strong she is (she is SOLID!!). Like, she can support herself on the uneven bars, on her arms, without ANY assistance. How else do you think she climbs into things like the bathroom sink??? While she can be a little tyrant, she is really sweet. She loves her baby dolls and would be happy if I had another baby for her to play with (keep on wanting honey--it AIN'T gonna happen!!). She sure misses her sister during the school day, and LOVES to go pick her up in the afternoon!
Me--well, like I said earlier, I had a SUPER stinky attitude early on in this deployment. But I decided to take a dose of what I kept telling Courtney and make the best of this time. I have jumped into the PTA head first and that is keeping me busy. I love being a mommy, and focusing on my kiddos. But there is a part of me that misses the classroom. Being involved with the school is helping ease some of that! And without the LONG faculty meetings---woohoo!!! I can't tell for sure, because I think we got rid of our scale, but I think I may be losing some weight. All of the sudden my jeans are getting loose. With atleast 5 trips down and back up 4 stories worth of stairs it's wouldn't shock me. If anything, my thighs are MUCH more muscular!!! I am gonna have some serious thighs of steel (and butt of jello--do you think they will match??) when I get back to the states!!
Well, I guess that is us....I make no promises, but I have high hopes of being a better blogger! Yeah, I'll keep saying that!! Maybe it'll happen!
Tschuss!

Movie update....

2009-09-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

I have been a HORRIBLE blogger....hopefully I will be inspired to put more words here soon. But in the meantime...enjoy!

She's fast ya'll

2009-07-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

So here is what my Sunday morning went like at church.....
Our church here is small. There is one class for all the kids and I was teaching today. Carlee waited for me to get behind the table to make a b-line for the door. Out into the auditorium to find her daddy!!! Lovely!

Then during Damon's lesson in worship she walked to the end of the pew and looked back at me. I motioned with my finger to come back. She batted her eyes. I sternly pointed back to where we were sitting. She smiled....and ran...to the front of the auditorium. Not a long run, it's a small building. Luckily her daddy was seeing all this transpire and intercepted her at the pulpit. He returned her to me....yippee!!! I thought maybe she had something to confess!

She's making my bones tired!!! Thank goodness she's taking a nap!!

Forgotten Photo Friday

2009-07-24T10:59:00.001-07:00

From the 4th of July....notice Carlee in the background climbing into the bubble bucket....

It's Working for Me Wednesday....

2009-07-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

So I was having this thought....In my 7 years as a teacher I have learned that the best teachers survive by borrowing (or stealing) ideas. The whole phrase "beg, still, and borrow" totally applies to the teaching field. Not all of you are teachers, but the majority of you are parents (or will be soon). And I am hoping that my fellow bloggers will jump on this band-wagon with me. Parenting is HARD (I think I have been heard saying this MANY times lately). And truth be known, it's mostly a game of trial and error. So my hope is to share the things that are working for me as a mom each week. I hope that I can skip over to a few of your sites to "borrow" your ideas to use in my home. Seriously, I don't expect everything that works for me will work for you. And vise-versa (or however you spell that). However, it's worth a shot to make each day happier in our homes.....

---We have really been debating over a reward system for Courtney. She needs an external motivation (don't most of us!!). During our little meeting with the developmental pediatrician on Monday she suggested using poker chips. No, we are not teaching Courtney the fine art of poker (that would imply that I know anything about the game myself!). I have 2 containers (different sizes as to not confuse them). One is the "bank" and one is Courtney's "account". I purchased them fairly inexpensively, but for those of you in the states, I think Dollar Tree has some containers that would work. Courtney earns tokens for completing tasks in a timely manner. For instance, today I needed her to pick up her room. I had 4 main things she needed to do: pick up the toys, clothes, shoes, and make her bed. I gave her 30 minutes (on an egg timer). I wrote the tasks on an eraser board and sent her to her task. Now typically there would be lots of yelling and her dilly-dallying. I checked on her once. I noticed she had 5 minutes and was almost done. My bad was putting the timer in her reach, which led to her resetting it and losing the opportunity to get her tokens, but guys...her room is CLEAN!!! Last time this happened it took a WEEK!!! Next time, the timer will not be in her reach! This evening, I needed her to pick up the toy room. I told her if she had all the toys off the floor and in the correct place in 10 minutes, she would earn 2 tokens. Not only did the toy room get picked up, but she picked up the paper she was cutting in the living room as well....with a minute to spare. WoW!!! And the pride that she had in completing a task was greater than reaching into the "bank" to get her tokens. As she accumulates tokens she can buy things like 15 minutes of Leapster time, an extra book at bedtime, 15 extra minutes on the playground, or even trade them in for money to spend at the store. Oh and losing tokens can happen as well, when the behavior warrants it! I think you could say this is working for me!!!

--My next thing that has started working for me is "toy time-out". Now, this is one of those "borrowed" ideas. Once I have told the girls to clean-up and have given a time limit, I expect them to do what I have asked. I tell them how much time is left, quite often. At the end of the time any toys still left out have to go in "time-out" for a time determined by me (believe me the more annoying the toy, the longer the t.o.) I simply put them away in a closet or on a high shelf (usually a day or two) and when they come back out, the girls are sure to put them away. Someone suggested that Court could use her tokens to "bail" toys out of time out. Hmmmm, yes, I think I might do that.

So there you are....2 things that are working for me that might work for you. I hope they help someone...

Oh, and if you read my blog, but I don't have you in my links, send me an email or comment. I lost several blogs when I changed my format. And I love me some blogs now....especially on this side of the world!!

Fun 4th Festivities.....Wedding

2009-07-06T12:42:00.000-07:00

One of the members of our church got married on Friday, the 3rd. I wasn't sure what to expect. Actually, German law states that unless you are a member of a mainstream protestant church, you must be married at the courthouse. So this was a reception of sorts. The bride was beautiful and glowing in her wedding dress. It had stormed earlier that day, but just in time for the party, the sun began to shine. It was perfect. The girls especially loved playing in her backyard (or the "garden" as they call it). She had a trampoline and that was too cool.

Carlee found a puddle....shocking, huh? Look closely, you can see her HUGE smile!

After the ceremony (while it wasn't the official one, they still did a short ceremony and she got to walk down the aisle...so sweet!!) the girls picked up the flower petals the flower girl threw.....

and then they threw them as well!!! Just not like the flower girl did the first time! This went on for over 25 minutes.

We learned that there is a wine with my name on it!!! Shoot I need some royalties here!!! I wasn't about to try it though. I am not a wine person...it's WAY too bitter!

And then there was the trampoline. ALL.NIGHT.LONG. "mommy, can we PLEASE get on the trampoline???? PLEASE???" My answer was no because they were in dresses. Then one of the neighbors went back to her house and came back with shorts for all the girls......so sweet. My ears thanked her.

Fun 4th Festivities.....Castles

2009-07-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

Well, the 4th around here is, um, different. Just follow me here.....

The day before the "Federal Observance of the 4th of July" is called "Explore the Eifel" (Eifel is the name of the area we live in). If you sign up to "explore" the area you don't have to go to work. Not sure who went to work that day, but I wouldn't get along with them...

Damon signed us up to tour a castle. Don't think that was a hard one.....Court has been asking to see a "real" castle since we learned we were moving to Germany.

We started out with a little free time in Cochem....a beautiful city on the Mosel River.

Cochem has a castle, but there wasn't time to tour it, only viewing it from afar (We will be going back at some point to tour it though!!) We did, however, find the time to play at a playground right on the river's edge. Shocking, I know!!!

We walked around the "zentrum" which is essentially the downtown area. I think these areas (also called Pedestrian Zones) are wonderful!!! So ornate.....not like the cement cities in the states.

Then we found a little restaurant that served pizza.....safe for the kids, or so we thought. One of thedrawbacks of living in a foreign country and not speaking the language is that it's hit or miss on ordering food...we THOUGHT we ordered them cheese pizza....it had cheese on it, but it also had HAM. They weren't so enthused. Damon and I shared some YUMMY schnitzel. We were enthused. We will be bringing our handheld translator from now on. Sorry girls!!

Then it was off to Burg Eltz Castle......Courtney couldn't get down the hill fast enough. She was SOOOOO excited!!!

And here is our little Princess in front of her first castle. Some may scoff at us for fostering the "princess" thing. But in all reality she is a princess......she is the child of the KING! And that is what we tell her.....

Checking on the kingdom.....

And darn it, wouldn't you know, they don't allow photos to be taken on the tour. Oh well. So be it. It's really interesting inside. Damon told her they had turned it into a museum and she kept asking me the whole time "Is this like a museum?" Actually part of the original family still lives in the castle. I don't envy his/her commute!!

It was crazy hot. Well, not Louisiana crazy hot, but in the mid-upper 80s, which is hot for Germany. Air conditioning is not a staple, must-have around here. But it was getting pretty stinkin hot by the time the tour was over. So we treated the little princesses to some Hello Kitty pink ice cream. I like strawberry ice cream, but man this stuff was HEAVY on the the strawberry. I still get shivers thinking about how tart it was. Damon and I got sundae cones, thank goodness!

Both girls were pretty worn out by the end of the day and there was NO way we were going to make it back up the hill on our own, so we waited for the shuttle to take us back up to the parking area. Thank goodness for shuttles. It was worth the 6 Euro (about $10).

And this is my best shot of Burg Eltz Castle......breathtaking inside and out.

Moving on up.....

2009-07-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

So I realized that I TOTALLY forgot to do a post on our moving-in day, aka D-day (delivery day). You know the day all our junk arrived....and oh did it arrive!!! It looked like our house threw up!!!

Anyhow, one of the most asked questions when we moved in to the 4th floor was, "How are they going to get your stuff up there?" Well, they certainly aren't going to carry it up the stairs. That would kill a person. Especially since we had over 200 containers!! And 9 crates...the German movers said it should have been only 7, but it was poorly packed. Hold on, let me be shocked!!! I so could have told them that!!!

Anyhow, they hook a ladder looking device to the balcony. It has a platform of sorts that moves up and down. They load the platform with boxes or other stuff and with the push of a button it goes up, up, up. Then the upstairs guy unloads it and they push another button and it goes back down. Rinse and repeat. We have a big pine tree in front of our building which made this a little more fun, but the movers did a great job adjusting to the circumstances.

Going up......

WAY up!!

Since only 2 guys were unloading our stuff and someone had to be downstairs, Damon helped unload the crates....I think he was having fun, but that's just an educated guess.

The groovy (late 70s-ish maybe 80s) temporary furniture the Air Force provided while we waited ever so patiently (HA!) for our stuff to arrive. We were so not sad to see it go. But because of the suddenness of our stuff being delivered (we had less than 24 hours notice), this stuff couldn't be picked up for 2 more days....it looked a little like a furniture store in our house.

Imagine my delight when I opened boxes like this....notice it says GIRL and CLOTHES....

only to find this. It's from OUR room and it's NOT clothes!!! If you look under the pumpkin on the right you'll see my nebulizer. Not wrapped, just put in the box, the top of the box. Have I mentioned that I really LOVED our packers, they were SO smart.....N-O-T!!!!

And there's this one too...
I kept thinking "dry flowers? I don't remember having dry flowers..."

But I DO remember my daughters stuffed animals. To their defense I did find a small pot of silk flowers Courtney gave me one year for Mother's Day. Maybe they thought that was significant!

I was super giddy about this one too!!! I can't possibly post all the pictures of stuff they ruined or broke.....all together, repeat after me "damage claim". Yes my stuff is relatively cheap. I am a teacher (now an unemployed teacher) and he is in the military. If we had really nice stuff, you should begin to worry! But yes, they will be replacing my $30 Target bookshelf.

And this is the end result......remember that clean, spacious living area....
This is the end result.....ugh!

Hello, Toys-R-Us, I think one of your trucks mistakenly delivered a shipment to our house.....

We'll this has been an incredibly moving post (HA!) but I must be off....we have less than 20 boxes (in the apartment....storage doesn't count, right?) to be unpacked....it's beginning to feel like home!

We'll be touring soon....

2009-06-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

I am telling you, this year's singing of "Happy Birthday" is a real work of art. Kind of like last year. We are starting to have rehearsals for this gig....Next year it WILL be right!!! She was completely mezmorized by her cake. Not only did it have a big clown on it, it was RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER!!! She also loved the candles. Just watch and see....

Mmmmmm, cake!!!

I am not overly creative....and I am still unpacking. So, we popped into the commissary and picked up this beauty.....and the candles. I think it's pretty neat!

Carlee thought it was yummy too!

A record of the mess....

She got.....

Ladybug rainboots (they match her raincoat)

A swimming pool

A broom and mop set (she is ALWAYS running off with ours). Gotta earn her keep around here!

Babydoll diapers

and the hit of the evening BUBBLES (that cost us 1,49 Euros).....go figure!

Wow! It's been a LONG day....I need to call it a night. We have a playgroup tomorrow.....Tschuss!!! (Informal bye in German...like See Ya!!!)

Bye-Bye Baby, Hello Little Lady!!

2009-06-29T06:35:00.000-07:00

My dear sweet Carlee,
It is unbelievable to me that it's already been two years since you joined our family. You are such a sweet, fun-loving little girl. And yes, you are a little girl now. You will have little to nothing to do with anything "baby". You are a "big girl". While I am proud that you are growing, oh, how I want you to remain my little baby.
You are so beautiful inside and out. Your curly red hair and beautiful blue eyes are captivating. There are times that I just sit and stare at you enamored by your physical beauty. And as I watch you I see the beauty you have inside. You genuinely care about others. You walk up to strangers and hug them. You say "Hi!" to anyone around us. You have a love for people that is endless.
You love your big sister more than words. Just in the past couple of weeks you have started calling her by name instead of "Sissy". You call for her, and ask for her first thing in the morning. You enjoy playing with her, even when you two aren't getting along. As a matter of fact, I have learned that a good discipline tactic with you is to separate you from Courtney for a short period of time. It breaks your heart, but you learn your lesson.
You are a very busy little girl. You go, go, go from the time you get up, until the time you go down. You still take a long nap in the afternoon. As a matter of fact I think you may have my affection for napping. You rarely, if ever, complain about going down for a nap. I simply rock you a few times and lay you in your bed. You drift off to sleep on your own; quite the opposite of your big sister. You love your outside time and would live outdoors if we would allow it. You adore our dogs, Jodi and Sugar, or as you call them "Dodi and Suga". Running and playing with them, and occasionally dressing them up with Courtney are some of your favorite times.
Your daddy and I love you more than any words could express. Prayers are said for you daily. We pray that as you grow, your love for the Lord will grow. We pray that you will grow in His wisdom, and seek Him and His will in your life. We pray that one day God will bless you with a loving husband. We pray that the Lord's will will be done every day of your life. You are a blessing. You remind us daily to live simply and love much.
We love you, and we look forward to watching you grow. We hope to celebrate many more birthdays with you.
Love Always,
Mommy and Daddy

At 2, Carlee:
--can carry on a conversation. She uses 5-7 word sentences, and has begun to use pronouns correctly.

--is a milk drunk. She drinks about 1.5-2 gallons per week!!! There are times she would rather drink milk than eat!!

--loves to eat macaroni and cheese (called "monkey cheese" in our house), shredded wheat (strawberry and blueberry are preferred), bananas (called "nannies"), crackers of any variety (to include wheat thins, triscuts, and cheese-its), and ice cream (strawberry is best)

--is beginning to like books. She still has a hard time sitting to listen to a whole book, but she likes the idea of you reading a couple of pages.

--LOVES her babies. She is very passionate about them. She feeds them, changes them (complete with a "shoo-wee), and rocks them to sleep. She even sings Jesus Loves Me to them.

--can gallop (or a gallop type thing), walk up and down stairs (lots of practice on the 4th floor), runs, jumps, and climbs without any help. Sometimes we find her in places she should be because of her climbing (like the day her daddy found her standing in the bathroom sink).

--can swing by herself on a "big kid" swing. She's only fallen off once.

--loves life and everything about it!!!

2 years ago:

Brand new baby

I still tear up when I see this. I just couldn't believe she was actually here!

From her photo shoot. I love how she looks so content in her Daddy's hands.

And today, 2 years old:

I will post pics of tonight's cake and presents soon (before she is 18). Oh and just for kicks....I find this terribly disturbing--Carlee is wearing the same shirt Courtney wore on her 5th birthday....it was only slightly roomy!

Stats next week after our 2 year check-up.

A post of pictures.....

2009-06-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

We have had many adventures lately.....so many that a post for each would put me under. So here are the brief recounts in pictures!

Many days (when it isn't raining) are spent at the park. There is a park on the way to the store. As a bribe...I mean incentive, I tell the girls we can stop by the park after a good trip to the store....
Some days it's in the mid 60's, the sun is shining, and we dress like this....(notice the sleeveless shirt and flip-flops Courtney is wearing!!)

The next day it'll be in the low 50's, overcast, and windy and we have to dress like this.....either way they have a blast!!!

I am not much of a homebody, and most of our cookware hasn't made it to us just yet, so we have done some eating out......if you know me well, you know I like my creature comforts....
like....
Pizza Hut (sorry about the "see food")

Chili's

and the best of all Mexican food in Germany....God is good!!

We learned that one of the nearby bases has an indoor water park.....
the girls got to wear their matching swimsuits (a little girl in the dressing room said to Courtney "ya'll have to be sisters, ya'll match!" Yes they do and that's how I want it to be kid!!)

Fun was had by all (especially on the HUGE slide that I neglected to get a picture of.....)

that splash is Courtney! And no, this isn't the above referenced slide...the other one required walking up about 2 stories worth of stairs.

To get to the water park we had to drive about an hour.....
Damon got to drive on the Autobahn....and yes, there really are sections that the speed limit is unregulated, the spedometer is in km/h so Damon is doing about 90mph when I took this pic (not 150mph, which is why I clarified. Both grandmas would have his hide!!!)

It really is beautiful scenery....

Carlee wasn't as impressed! But the poor thing did just swim for almost 3 hours!!

This means exit. Bonus points to those who know why I remember that this means exit....it brings about a junior high level of maturity, I know, but it's funny nonetheless!

AND BEST OF ALL..........Our first shipment was DELIVERED FRIDAY!!!!
I made the mistake of telling the men to put the first load on our bed....EVERYTHING was put on our bed.....oh well!

I think Courtney's expression sums up all of our feelings about the arrival of some of our stuff!!

2009-06-07T11:27:00.000-07:00

Spoiled??????? Well, okay, maybe.....

Some of the most awesome women I know gave me a gift certificate to a nail salon. Court LOVES to have her nails done (remember, she IS a princess!!), so I included her in the trip. I think this MIGHT happen more often.....maybe!

Pictures of our first days in Germany

2009-06-07T11:08:00.001-07:00

We spent quite a bit of time at the park near our hotel room. When you don't have a car and you get REALLY tired of your white walls, the park sounds splendid. On Memorial Day we met a family from church at the park to play. Courtney adores their daughter....and from the conversations her mother and I have had, they might be sisters in a former life!!

How to keep yourself sane when it seems like it will be FOREVER before your stuff shows up....

2009-06-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

Buy arts and crafts stuff.....at least it will keep one kid occupied!!

The finished product.....she says it's a loud speaker....I guess she needs to be heard!!!

The apartment

2009-06-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard...we accepted the base apartment. Yes, it is on the 4th floor. Yes, that stinks worse than a gym full of sweaty boys! However, when we looked at what was available and our time frame, it was 6 one way, half a dozen the other. At least when Damon leaves I won't be responsible for "winter upkeep" and heating oil and such. And it's secure. Shoot, on the 4th floor we can pretty much rule out any break-ins. Who in their right mind would want to haul our stuff 4 floors??? Right!
It's actually spacious; to have the name "apartment" is maybe a little misleading. It's a house, really far from the ground that has no yard...and lots of neighbors really close to you. Yep, that's better. We have just under 1500 sqft. And it's very modern. Our floors are soft marble tile, kind of a light brown/peach color, very pretty. We have 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms...a really big kitchen, walk-in pantry, and a laundry room.

If you know much about German homes, you know that closets are not plentiful. If you know, much about me, you know closets MUST be plentiful!!! Me likes some clothes now!!!

This is our bedroom, the girls aren't as fortunate....I am considering arm wrestling Damon for 3 of the 4 of these!! He wears the same thing everyday....how much room can that take, right??

This is our balcony.....sort of retro, but okay nonetheless!

This is one of our "views".....We have a TON of windows!!

They delivered temporary furniture 2 days after we moved into our apartment (oh, how I could rant about that!!). It's...um...circa 1975, I think. Very floral!! If I get a chance I will post pics for kicks. When they delivered the furniture they brought us chairs but no table (go figure...we got a table later). And what better to do with 4 kitchen chairs than......

make a bus!!!

Trier-----our first train trip!!!

2009-05-29T11:12:00.001-07:00

Part of the newcomers inprocessing is a trip to the city of Trier. We took the train from Spicher (a little town near Spangdahlem) to Trier. This, I believe, was a first for the whole family (I need to check with Damon on that....he says yes, to the best of his knowledge.). Luckily, we had a dual citizen guide who spoke fluent English and German. Our train ride was about 30 minutes long. It paralled the Kyll River most of the way. It was breathtaking....and a little scary at first when we went through the tunnels!!!

We arrived at the train station and had a small break. Damon and I didn't get our morning coffee, so we endulged in some German coffee and strudle. I thought it would be more sweet than it was, but it was still yummy. The coffee is STRONG!! Like keep you up all day strong, but good nonetheless! Then we were off....into the city. I am amazed at the amount of foot traffic you find in this area. People walk EVERYWHERE!!! As a matter of fact, if your car is older than a 1994 model, there are cities that won't allow you to drive, and the sheer amount of money it cost the locals to get a license is astounding. So, I guess it's not surprising that they walk. We walked to the Porta Nigra. The history is amazing. As a history buff, Damon was on cloud nine!!! We then walked through the main market area.....oh the money I could have spent!!! We didn't bring that much in Euro and our bank charges us to convert charges :-(. Some of the buildings in the market square date back to the 1500's and 1600's. Amazing....Courtney wanted to know if that was older than us....by a few years sister, just a few!!!

We ate at a German restaurant (with our tour guide of course...to translate the menu!!! The girls shared chicken nuggets (surprise, surprise!!), I had shnitzel, and Damon had mushroom strudel. It was YUMMY!!! And, oh the soup.....I am not a big onion fan, but this onion soup was wonderful.
Then we headed to St.Peter's Cathedral (aka the Dom). It was built by Constantine and the oldest church in Germany. To say that it was big is an understatement. It was massive!! Oh, and there are signs everywhere that say "silence please". We didn't spend too much time in there...silent isn't in the girls vocab!!! We walked back through the market, bought some grapes for Courtney, and went back to the train station. I think we might have been more adventurous if we didn't have the girls, who were exhausted at this point. Once we were back on the train, Carlee was out within just a few minutes. Courtney waited until we got on the bus back to the base.

I, in my infinite wisdom, decided that it was WAY too late to make dinner and we needed to pick something up on the way home. Now, I know what I am about to say is shocking and may cause some of you to pass out......we went to McDonald's, and it was GOOD!! You see, German McD's use this stuff called meat, real meat. And they add these things called seasonings. Nowm they don't serve anything called a quarter-pounder, it's the qp's cousin Hamburger Royal. I think maybe her daddy was a cow, the qp's daddy is a cardboard box. Just a hunch......
Now we are home....and I am blogging, and Damon is chasing girls trying to put them to bed....as it should be. I need my chill time. And I am tired of the "when are you going to post pictures?" questions.....
Hope you enjoy.....
OH bonus pictures....
These pigeons are everywhere....Carlee was convinced that they were kitties. There was no telling her otherwise.

The view from McD's...yes, McDonald's.....

Leaving on a jet plane.....

2009-05-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

Soooooo, I think in my last post I said that I was going to do a post on each member of the family....well folks, that was BEFORE I got on the plane. Silly me, I thought things would calm down when I got on that plane....NOPE!!! So that I don't sound like a grumpy pants, we'll just say that most of the things I expected to happen, haven't and there are a lot of frustrating aspects to moving overseas. I could go into detail, but I would still be writing this post when Courtney and Carlee decide to put me in an old folks home.....I am just going to start from the airport and get as far as I can while my little princesses are napping. We'll play back to the future later and catch up on Halloween, Christmas, and Easter another time. :-)

Our plane took off from Dallas at 8:20 in the morning!! We got to the airport at 6 to turn in our rental car, get boarding passes, get through security, etc. Oh and we wanted Court to potty one more time before boarding. That was the plan....it took us a little longer than expected to get our 9 checked bags and 6 carry-ons out of the rental and on to the shuttle. Yes, you read that right. And we had 2 kids and 2 dogs. Are you following my little trip to insanity here?? We checked our baggage and dogs (poor puppies) and headed for security. We were almost to the front of the line when I let Carlee out of her stroller to fold it up to pass through the machine (seriously, how small can they make those machines??) She immediately came up with an escape plan and darted off. Damon caught her and she laid herself out on the floor. Remember, we have 6, count them SIX, carry -ons, only one of which we are not carrying (because Courtney is big enough to carry her own junk---thank you!!) She started to crawl under the security petition and Damon (this is brilliant--really--so pay attention) uses his only available appendage to stop her....he put his foot on her dress so she wouldn't crawl away. I threw the bags I was carrying on the ground, Carlee's screaming bloody murder, and I yanked her up off the floor, swatted her back side, and stood her right in front of me....still screaming bloody murder. I got ALL of our stuff including shoes (FLIP FLOPS!!! and sandals) on the machine and start toward the machine you walk through. Carlee devised escape plan numero dos and darted through. Damon went after her only to be stopped by the TSA lady. Hello, there is a loose toddler in your area....that is a security risk lady. We again get a hold of a once again screaming Carlee and all make it through security. I hope they caught all that on security video. I am thinking about including it in our "Parent of the Year" application.
We walked up to our gate with what we thought was PLENTY of time (like 30 minutes) before our flight only to learn that Hello...they are already boarding!!! Since we have 2 kids we were told to go ahead and board....THIRTY minutes EARLY!!! Oh dear, these people know NOTHING about children!!! We started walking through the very narrow aisle to our seats (remember we have 6 carryons and a little junk in the trunk) and Carlee, feeling like she had spent every bit of energy she had, laid herself out in the middle of the aisle and REFUSES to move. At this point I began to notice the looks from other passengers....the "Can we get another flight, please?" looks. Obviously these people have never moved overseas with a very strong willed almost two-year old! Some very sweet woman popped out of her seat, smiled at me and asked Carlee's name and if I minded her picking her up....not a bit lady....at this point you can have her!!! She swooped Carlee up and took her to our seats. Oh I might mention for those of you not on facebook (where I spend WAY too much time), the ingenious travel agent who booked this flight didn't seat us all together. There was an aisle between the girls and us. Being the rebels that we are we switched things up and I sat with Courtney and Damon sat with Carlee. Carlee was entertained by the seat belt for a while and we both collapsed into our seats. Then we HAD to be buckled in our seats for take-off....it was no longer fun because we HAD to be buckled. I was pulling every trick out of my hat that I could think of. At almost altitude I asked the flight attendant if I could take her out of her seat....DUH, if it stops the whining. Now, we did have some breaks in there but our hat tricks never lasted too long. After she was let loose from the seat belt she insisted on being in MY lap...not her seat, not her daddy's lap (we tried that), it had to be MY lap....JOY!!! She bounced, she flopped, she played with the air, lights, anything she could get her hands on!!! Oh my!! It was a three ring circus in a 3 foot space. I looked at Damon and said "YOU OWE ME!!!". Courtney was great....as you can see in this picture, she was very well occupied by the emergency pamphlet. By the time we landed in Germany (which this pic is from our 2nd flight), she knew everything anyone would ever need to know about emergency procedures on an airplane. Oh, and she asked a billion questions about it. It got to the point I told her I wouldn't answer any more questions about the pamphlet. Do you hear the circus music playing.....if not you should...it was a CIRCUS!! I finally after about an hour and a half pried the pamphlet out of her hands and replaced it with her Leapster. Parents, if you don't own one and you have young kids....GET ONE!!! We bought it for her birthday and it was PERFECT. Headphones and all!!! Then, darn the pilot, we had to descend and Carlee had to be put in her seat belt which she apparently thought was a straight jacket. Cue screaming temper tantrum. Then 10 minutes later she collapsed from exhaustion and we were blessed with 20 minutes of silence [cue angels singing].
We arrived in Baltimore around 1. Our next flight was not a commercial flight so we had to collect all of our luggage AND dogs. Gees!! We got a skycap (I think that's what he was called) and headed to the USO. Online they mentioned sleeping rooms . After only about 10 hours sleep in about 2 1/2 days...I was looking so forward to sleeping!!! We got down there and a)they won't allow the dogs in the USO, so one of us has to sit in the airport with the dogs and b) the sleeping rooms are for adults only. They had a "family room" that was a small room with a TV, toys, and 2 cribs. The volunteer at the desk told us they would be checking luggage for our next flight (called a rotator...military only charter flight) at 2:15....close enough we went to the AMC area and waited (reminder 2 kids, 2 dogs, 15 bags!!! One of which is marked with a bright orange tag that says "HEAVY!! Use team lift") Damon found a Subway and got some lunch.....yay!! Lunch!! Since we last ate at 5AM and it was almost 2, we were more than ready for lunch. I think at one point I considered eating of our carry-ons!!! So while we were eating our lunch they began checking baggage. There appears to be a regulation that says animals must be in separate kennels. Here we are in Baltmore a few hours from our flight to Germany and we are being told, for the first time, that our dogs cannot go on the flight in the same kennel. Cue steam and FIRE coming from my ears!!! Damon, being wise, sent me to the USO with the girls to rest. In the end Damon had to take a taxi to Wal-mart to buy another kennel....$100. I should say thank you because we are turning that in as a travel expense and will be reimbursed. I dare them to kick that one back!!! We went to the family room HOPING for some rest.....needing rest.....only to find 2 families already in there watching Elmo and playing. I tried, but there was no way that the girls would even consider a nap. So I let them play. I thought, oh yeah, they have wireless here....I'll get on the internet. Except the wireless signal doesn't reach into the family room. It was not my day. And if you know me well at all, you know I don't do "tired" well. I am a serious grouch when I get overly tired. We managed to survive our 7 hour layover in Baltimore. This is how I entertained Carlee for about an hour....find a deserted area and let her go...just not up the escalator!!

After many free snacks from the USO and many attempts to get on the internet, it was time to go to the waiting area for our next flight.....an hour and a half early. Really, we need some child development people in the airline business!!! Once we boarded our flight I gave each girl a good ol' dose of Benedryl....Court sat down to examine the emergency procedures (shocking, I know!) and this is what Carlee did.....
Go ahead, say it....you just wish you were me!!! You are jealous!!! HA!! This lasted about 15 minutes until my good friend Bene Dryl took over and she passed out COLD!!! That my dear friends is the key to a successful flight with a toddler. Shoot, even Court was out by the time we got to altitude. They were both so exhausted!! As was I!!! And did I get a wink of sleep....NOPE!!! I don't sleep on moving transportation in my old age. Can't. I tried. I shimmied this way and that. I moved Carlee all over the place....just couldn't get comfy. They showed 3 movies. I payed attention to 2. Dozed in and out. Ate dinner, a snack , and then breakfast (it was an 8 hour flight). I watched the sun come up. Then Damon and I decided to wake the girls up to eat since the last food they ate was a snack in the USO before we boarded. They ate breakfast and we descended. The pilot announced on our decent that the temperature was 50-something degrees and raining. Oh boy!! As you can see in the pictures, Courtney was in shorts, as was Damon, Carlee was in a dress, and I was in capris. Not weather appropriate clothing. Good thing I am smart and I packed jackets in our carry-ons....for everybody, but ME!!! I don't remember much about the ride into town. I do remember that I kept thinking, "huh, this is pretty." Then I was back to dozing. Once we got into our hotel room, Damon's sponsor took him to the commissary so we would have food that evening. I remember Damon leaving and Damon coming home. I have no idea what happened inbetween!! Scary!! Once he got home, we ALL took a LONG nap. We woke up long enough to eat dinner and go back to bed.

Well, both girls are up from their naps...I must be going. More to come on the grand adventures we have had.

2009-05-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

Mmmmm, k. So here is the post(s) that I have been mulling over in my head for, oh, the past 3 months. I have been trying to think of the best way to catch up on about 6 months. Rather than making a post that is FOREVER long, I am going to have to break this up into several posts. I think each family member is getting a post. Oh dear, I a rambling......So, here is my general update......Life is HECTIC!!!!!! As if this were different, right? But moving overseas, ya'll, OH MY!!! Can it be any crazier???? Maybe so, if we were moving to the moon!!!! It seems that at every turn there is something squirrley that goes awry. For instance, our moving company showed up on a Monday, at 10:00, without enough supplies, not prepared to pack our stuff. So, in their infinate wisdom, they worked until 3:00 and left. YIKES!! It took them 4 days to FINALLY get us out of our house. Maybe because they only worked 16 hours total in those 4 days, and that's before you take out the hourly smoke breaks. I told Damon that I needed a career change and a bad habit. Then I could have some time to myself!!! That was the beginning of a LONG spiral downward on this whole moving thing! We are SOOOOO ready to get on that plane, we can almost taste the free peanuts!
Tonight is Damon's going away with his friends from this base (and after 6 years there are many). He is at the barber shop (because I simply do not want to cut his hair). I will do my best to update as long as I can......I have errands of my own to run!!

2009-05-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Neglected Blog,

Please forgive my lack of attention to your need for an update. So much has been going on in our lives lately that sitting down at a computer for any length of time seems impossible. Now that I do not have a job (for one week), maybe, just maybe I can once again fill you with pictures and witty words....but no promises, I am still the mother of 2 tornadoes. And we are trapped in a small space. But there might be something that our dear friend Bene Dryl can do for us.

Hugs and Kisses (or is that weird??)

G

Sleepy and Sinful

2009-03-07T19:26:00.000-08:00

March 7, 2009: Carlee falls asleep while eating for the first time. I am thinking she was wiped out. She even slept through a diaper change. Poor baby!!!
Yes, my children had another first tonight. You see, I made this cake for Life Groups, and I had left over icing. No need to EVER let icing go to waste, so I, Mother of the Year candidate (HA!), passed out the spoons and made sure we all knew how bad this was. Then we ate...and ate...and ate. Courtney asked me, "Why are we eating this?" DUH!!! Because it's yummy. See I am a good mommy!!!

I will try to finish posting Mardi Gras pics later...I'm about to pull a Carlee and fall asleep!

MARDI GRAS!!!! Part 1...because Blogger is being silly!

2009-02-28T11:11:00.000-08:00

Or as Courtney says, "Mardi BRA"!!
So we have experienced another "last". We decided at almost the last minute (about noon) on Tuesday to go to the Mardi Gras Parade at the Boardwalk. I am SOOOO glad we did. This parade is put on by one of the smaller Krews and is VERY family friendly. In other words the boobs and booze are off limits. It was still crazy fun. Courtney especially had fun. We had a doctor's appointment for Courtney right after school. From there we headed to the Boardwalk. We figured we would try our luck and find a place to eat down there. There are only 2-3 kid friendly, quasi-nutritious choices in that area. One of them is IHOP. We were not aware until we sat down at our table that it was also National Pancake Day. SCORE!!! Free pancakes for the girls!!! Damon and I split the chicken fry and eggs and we made it out of there drinks, an extra serving of eggs for the girls, and all for about $20. That is almost unheard of these days, especially for a family of 4. We then headed out to find our spot. Let me tell you there are some who are SERIOUS about lining up early. I have 2 children who get bored easily and can't wait more than 15 minutes. So we shimmied our way into a nook by the TV vans. No, we weren't on TV, but that is quite alright with me. I have already check the "Been on TV during a Mardi Gras Parade" box. Back in 2005 Damon and I rode the base float and apparently, as I was told MULTIPLE times at church the next day, the camera man focused on me as I was throwing beads. Great, lovely, sorry I didn't see that....probably should have worn a little more make-up!!!
Anyhow, we had our cozy spot and we waited, and waited. Finally just a few past 6:30 the parade began to roll. OH MY, it was LOUD!!! We had SO much fun. Carlee started saying, "bead, bead, pretty". Let me tell you, if you ever go to a MG parade and you want LOTS of throws take some cute kids. The float riders LOVE to throw to cute kids ( I know this because I was one, I threw about 10 to Courtney alone!!) The parade lasted about 45 minutes. We then on the way back to the van stopped in at Children's Place and Gymboree....BONUS. I didn't get anything because it is consignment sale season and I am saving for that. However I did see some cute possiblities for Easter dresses!
Okay enough chit chat, I know ya'll aren't here to read my ramblings, you're here for the pictures!!! Admit it!

Passing the time waiting for our FREE pancakes.

MMMM!!! Free pancakes are YUMMY!!!

Our cozy little nook. Right behind us is a small group of TV vans.

Yes, she is on a leash. This is a NUTTY environment. The stroller wasn't conducive so we busted out the leash. I always knew where she was!

More thoughts

2009-02-21T16:51:00.001-08:00

So I was at the gym today and I had some inspiring thoughts......yes, I was at the gym. I am determined that I will start feeling better and all this moving stuff/children stuff is causing lots of negative energy. Oh how I wish exercise was not a necessary thing. I HATE it!!! With a passion. I will give in to any excuse to get out of it. However, while exercising I will not let myself give up on my goal for that day. I think I am a bi-polar exerciser. Anyhow, here are my thoughts.....

--I am really glad that the base put in a "kid's area" for moms like me. It has a TV, blocks, books, and a tumbling mat. I am however intrigued by the fact that there is a petition so that those entering the gym cannot see who is exercising. I assume that the petition is there to hide the identities of those of us who have let our post baby body go to waste (or waist, booty, belly). This will only work if you are not on the elliptical, my machine of choice. I heard once that it burns more calories than a treadmill. And it gives you the illusion that you can indeed run, unlike the treadmill where you have to hold on for dear life (I have a BIG fear of flying off the back of a treadmill....nightmare-ish fear!!!) So anyhow, I love how the kids are there you can see them. Other people (primarily grandparent types) can stop and admire them. Young people get cross-eyed as they see them fighting. Yes, my children fight in there. For the first few minutes I say in a motherly tone, "Girls, you need to get along." Then I figure out they know I am not coming after them so I just turn my music up so I can't hear it. I'll put that on my mother of the year application.

--So I got to people watch as I was bobbing up and down on the elliptical. I saw all types coming in to work out. There were the typical gym rats. Muscles on top of muscles (however no girl or children around, possibly because they spend most of their waking time at the gym). I saw the grandparent types. Then I saw several girls who threw me for a loop. The only thing that said, "I am going to go work out" was their very tight atheletic clothing. No kidding, hair done, makeup on, perfume wafering as they walked by (and if I can smell your perfume over my own BO while I am working out IT IS STRONG!!!). I considered that possibly they were confused and thought this was a bar of some sort. But YIKES!!! If I work out with fresh make-up on I come out looking like Tammy Fae Baker on her infamous "bad day". I will apply another coat of deoderant as to not offend those around me, but perfume. Hello, the purpose of a workout is to make you sweat and sweat stinks. Perfume mixed with sweat smells like sweaty perfume. Not recommended. Oh and sweat ruins hair do's. I didn't stick around to see the outcome, but I can only imagine the wet puppy, sweaty purfume, Tammy fae look that left with those dear ladies. If indeed they did work out.

-- Damon and I took turns watching the girls in the "play area" on Thursday. I went to do some weights. OH MY there are some psychos in there. Several guys would do like 2 reps of a whole stack of weights and then sit for 5 minutes. Then 2 more reps, grunting like they hadn't gone--you know-- since last Friday. I was thinking someone was going to have a Code Brown soon. I was also thinking that was a HUGE waste of time. At that rate it will take you FOREVER to do any good. I don't know maybe they were avoiding responsibility (like I am on the internet...guess I can't judge huh??) One guy was lifting free weights. He had what looked like 4,000 pounds on a ?barbell? (I have no idea what you call this stuff....hince the booty I carry around). He would lift it and holler/growl like a woman giving birth. Again I thought I was going to see a Code Brown or the first man to give birth right there. One guy followed me from machine to machine. Never said anything to me, just followed me. Creeped me out. Maybe he was intrigued with the mommy belly I have.....it's incredibly sexy when it jiggles!!! I had to get OUT OF THERE!!!

Gots to run, I am neglecting my motherly duties (pretending I don't have children). Damon and I got a new bed today. We bought it last week and it was FINALLY delivered today. I may go to bed early.

That's the way we became the Brady Bunch!!!

2009-02-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

Hee Hee!!! And yes I am still on the computer making serious typos, but researching (????) childhood insomnia.
(For whatever reason, when I publish the box doesn't say it but I am a "Carol Brady" I always face challenges with kindness and generosity.....uh, okay!)

Which TV Mom Are You?

Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch)
Although parenting presents almost infinite challenges, you always face them with kindness and generosity.

Take the quiz: Which TV Mom Are You?

More Quizzes from FamilyEducation.com

Bits and Pieces

2009-02-20T18:03:00.000-08:00

So I have been thinking about 10 different posts off and on over the last week. None more than a paragraph or two. But my brain is a black hole and ideas seem to disappear in the vast expanse that I call my brain. You know, knowledge central. I know a lot of stuff....I just forgot the password to access all of it. So here is my attempt to recollect a weeks worth of thoughts.

--After SEVERAL discussions with a reputable source, it has been suggested that our lovely Courtney has childhood insomnia. While her bedtime is 8, and we often have her in bed by 7:30 doing the bedtime routine thing, it is not uncommon for her to still be awake when I go to sleep at 10:30. She has been known to be awake at midnight. She is not calling out for our attention. She's just awake; singing, talking, etc. She can't shut down. Then she can't get going in the a.m. Her behavior spirals out of control the later in the day it gets. She has been known to kick, bite, pull hair, flick you in the head, etc. And her temper tantrums are becoming more and more frequent. It's really bizzare. I am just thankful she saves it for Damon and I and doesn't terrorize the general public. (BTW it makes me cringe when I hear someone say "Oh she is so sweet. I bet she never gives you any trouble. ONLY DAILY!!!) So, we have a doctor's appointment next week to make sure all the physiological things are in order and this isn't biological. If all is clear there, we will continue with retraining her to sleep. If she isn't asleep (or close) within 15 minutes of us leaving the room, she has to get up and do something (not fun) for about 10 minutes. And then try to sleep again. Rinse and repeat. One night this week she wore Damon down. That is impressive. However, she is getting a lot accomplished after bedtime.

--I only have about 2.5 months left in the states. YIKES!!! Does that seem unreal to anyone else? I guess not since it's not your junk that has to be gone through. Damon's parents are coming in about 3 weeks and then my parents in about 6 weeks. Maybe they will entertain the kids while I light a match....I mean go through my stuff. Damon set up the moving date (when they come get my junk) the last week of April.........UGH that's even sooner....

--I have the most awesome teaching team right now. I am telling you people I am blessed. Today we were all hoo-ha-ing (aka ignoring teaching responsibilities) and I realized how much I am going to miss them. Part of our team already left last year. Silly Cheryl wanted to stay home with her baby (do I blame her? NO WAY!!!). I am just going to miss all the FUN we have together. Damon says I text them more than I do him!!!

--We bought a new bed last weekend. It's supposed to be delivered tomorrow. Can I get a WAHOO???? Our old bed is over 20 years old and needs to be put out to pasture. When Damon started having back problems I knew it was time. We found a GREAT deal. You would be amazed at what these furniture stores will do when you walk in paying that day. They need some economic stimulus!!! Oh and we even got a new headboard and foot board. Before we left Damon asked me if I wanted a mission style, sleigh bed, or iron. So I found an iron bed that is a sleigh shape with mission style slats. I can please everyone!!!!

--Carlee's vocab is exploding right now. The other day she was seriously stinky. So I said, "Oh Car, did you poo poo?" She looked right at me, batting her beautiful blue eyes and said, "Yup!" Then she giggled. She has recently picked up sticker (tick-u), flower (flow-bee), water (wat-ee). She also has started using 2-3 word sentences. "I need tick-u". "I go outside." I cannot believe how fast she is growing. But she is still a mama's girl!!!

--Damon just found a note that Courtney wrote. On the outside it says "Frum: Courtney". The inside says " I {heart} you." Awe!! I am going to go ahead and say that was meant for me.

Well folks.....my brain is fried. This week has been a doozy and I am already ready for bed. The backspace key is getting a workout I am sooo tired (you know you are tired when you can't type tired).

Later.......

Pictures, Pictures and more pictures!!

2009-02-14T18:52:00.000-08:00

So I have given up on catching up and putting my Thanksgiving and Christmas pictures on here. I just dowloaded these beauties off of my NEW camera. Yes, I took advantage of Circuit City's misfortune and bought a new camera marked way down. I needed it, if you remember I bounced the other one off the pavement. By the way that is not recommended in the owner's manual. And it nullifies your warranty. Shees! They are picky!!!! They need a "forgetful mother of 2 under the age of 5" clause. Anywho, I realized that this has become a blog of words and we all know that is just BORING!! So here are some pics of my cuties and their latest activities....

After bathtime, playing with the new camera....

Writing the names of her classmates on valentines. She INSISTED that she do it herself. Our compromise was that she wrote their name on the back and I wrote on the front. She is studying to be a lawyer one day. Her negotiation skills are top notch!
This is the back of one of her valentines. She LOVES to write. Today in the van she was making a grocery list. If I can find it I will take a picture of it too. She kept asking me how to spell the names of certain foods.

GET BEHIND ME SATAN!!!!! This has NOTHING to do with my children, but I had to show this. This is what was left over AFTER my class V-day party.......OH NO!! And guess who had to find a home for all of these lovelies!!! ME!!! I left most of the cupcakes with a note for the custodians to take them. YIKES!!! I can hear it now...."Mrs. Blankinship, why have you gained 100 pounds?" In need of a sweet treat....CALL ME!! I have a FEW!

Again, playing with the camera. I just loved the expression on her face. Classic Courtney!

This is what I see when I vacuum.....my little Vacuum Rodeo Queen. She LOVES to ride the vacuum......ride 'em cowgirl!!! Oh, that's a sticker on her forehead and all over her arms. I had to distract her when her daddy left. I pull out all the stops to calm temper tantrums.

I have some funny video of Court, but I don't have the patience to mess with blogger video right now.

A tale of two pharmacies

2009-02-06T16:59:00.000-08:00

So Courtney and I had a day full of doctors visits. I know blah, blah, blah, the Blankinship's are sick, blah, blah. She has an ear infection. I have bronchitis. Blah, blah, blah.

After Court's appointment, we went to Target to fill her scripts. Target is really close to her doctor and we really like the customer service we receive there. Courtney brought her doll in (which also went to the doctor with us because she was sick). Courtney mentioned to the pharmacist "that there was medicine for her baby on that piece of paper". The pharmacist looked at it again and I pointed to the doll sitting in the cart (strapped in and all). She then asked Courtney for the name of her doll, which is Carlee (purely coincidental, I'm sure!!). When we returned (after walking around Target...bonus!) she had put water in a medicine bottle and marked it for the doll. She gave it to Courtney with a few medicine tips, i.e. let your mommy help you give this to your baby because you should never give or take medicine without mommy or daddy knowing, and don't give your baby too much medicine it can make her even more sick. I LOVED it, so did Court. One of the best customer service features Target has is that in about 3 days we will receive a call checking on Court's progress! Seriously! If they don't really care they should be up for an Emmy Award because I am convinced!

I received the long awaited call from the triage nurse that allowed me to be seen off base (YEAH!!) as we were leaving Target. We went to an urgent care clinic and camped there for a measly 2 1/2 hours. I was exhausted to begin with, but after having my brain cells collected through my nostril (flu test) and watching Courtney begin to spiral into all kinds of nuttiness I wanted to do nothing more than get my meds, food, and some sleep. Maybe or maybe not in that order. Target doesn't have a drive-thru, so we headed to Walgreen's. It was nearby some eating establishments and they already had my information. Back in the day, Walgreen's was our main pharmacy off base (which after today makes me even more fearful). I dropped my scripts at the drive-thru window and we went to get something to eat (napping in the van, while tempting at that point, didn't seem appropriate). I returned to get my HUGE bag off meds (albuterol treatments...must love them). The bag broke as I brought it inside the van. As we pulled out of the drive-thru something made me want to look at one of the boxes. At first the doctor's name caught my attention. I thought, "Hmmm, that's strange. I thought that was a pediatrician. Maybe my doc was her husband." I am telling you people I can be niave. Then something caught my eye in the patient name. "Wait, I'm not __________ _________" Yes, those blanks were filled in. Along with the address of this patient of a pediatrician (aka child). I immediately and begrudgingly turned around. When the young lady working the drive-thru came to the window I expalined that I had received someone else's medication. She had the classic "oh crap" expression. She took one of the other boxes and disappeared into the back of the pharmacy. A moment later she returned, boxes in her hand. "Your label was on the other side. We fixed it." As I was pulling away for the second time, I took a close look at the box. Another label was on the box. This one had the name marked out with grease pen. I thought, boy they are stupid aren't they. With a few scatches of my fingernail I revealed YET ANOTHER NAME. And yes, there was that person's FULL address! YIKES!!! I emailed the corporate office a little while ago to inform them of this and to let them know we won't be Walgreen's customers any longer. I mean seriously, how many times have they passed out my name, or even better my kids' names and personal information? What if I wasn't a good person? What if I was an asthmatic identity thief? Or a pedifile? YIKES!!! What is really sad is that this isn't the first time this kind of thing has happened to me at Walgreen's. I have gotten dual labels and label over label probably a half a dozen times. Seriously people. A mistake done over and over is simply stupidity.
I am considering filing a HIPPA complaint. Don't know if it will do any good. I am only one person. But if they have done it that many times with me, I can only imagine how many other people it happens to daily. But in the future, we'll be going to Target. Yeah for another reason to visit Target!!!

baby tag

2009-01-24T10:57:00.000-08:00

Another day, another tag...I'll try to remember all 3. Try is the operative word. C=Courtney, M= Mariah, c= Carlee

1. Were you married at the time? Yes, C: almost 7 years, M: almost 8, c: almost 10

2. What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant? C: we laughed couldn't believe it, M: SHOCK!! Utter Shock! c: Happy, it was our last round of fert. drugs

3. How old were you? C:26, M:27, c: 29

4. How did you find out? C: EPT, M: Emergency room doc, c: Blood test

5. Who did you tell first? C: Damon, then his parents, M: Damon (we were both there, does that count?), then our bros/sis., c: Damon...and we both cried!!

6. Did you want to find out the sex? I am type A+, I had to know.

7. Due date? C: May 3, M: July 10, c: July 10 (ironic huh?)

8. Did you deliver late or on time? C: 37 weeks M: 31 weeks, c: 37 weeks, 1 day

9. Did you have morning sickness? Not at all

10. What did you crave? Sausage and turkey pepperoni

11. Who/what irritated you the most? hmmm...I would say it was the waiting at the end. I had contractions for 2 weeks straight with Carlee. That was annoying!

12. What was your first child's sex? Girl, part monkey

13. How many pounds did you gain throughout pregnancy? C: 1, M: way too much, c: 3 (I am WEIRD and lose wait with pregnancy. Apparently that's what happens when you store too much junk in the trunk)

14. Did you have any complications during pregnancy? C: bedrest @ 22 weeks until birth, M: bedrest from 8-12 weeks and again from 18-31 weeks. I was in the hospital from 24-26 weeks, c: NOTHING other than annoying contractions every 2 minutes for 2 weeks (she wanted out, I have a non-compliant body)

15. Where did you give birth? C,c: Willis-Knighton Bossier, Bossier City, Louisiana, M: LSU Med Center Shreveport (No I wouldn't recommend that place to anyone EVER!!)

16. How many hours were you in labor? C: didn't know I was in labor, but I was, M: no labor, emerg. section c: 2 weeks then an section

17. Who drove you to the hospital? Damon

18. Who watched? Damon. Except with Carlee, after the fact I learned there was some summer program for high school students who wanted to be docs. 2 of them watched my section with Carlee. Hope that didn't scar them for life.....I'm sure there are good counselors out there for them.

19. Was it natural or c-section? Section- all 3. Court was frank breech and stuck in my pelvis, she started the trend. Mariah was too volitile to deliver naturally. I didn't have a choice with Carlee.

20. Did you take medication to ease the pain? Um, yeah....thank goodness!

21. How much did your child weigh? C: 7 lb 4 oz, M: 3 lb 15 oz, c: 7lb 15 oz

22. Did your child have any complications? C, c: no, M: Potter's Syndrome, she passed away 4 hours after birth

23. What did you name him/her? Courtney Lanell, Mariah Grace, Carlee Marie
24. How old is your first born today? C: 4 almost 5, M: 3 1/2, c: 19 months

I tag: Audrey, Amy, Cheryl W. ,and Jenn

Just a little dose of Courtney....

2009-01-14T14:59:00.000-08:00

C: [very serious face, look directly into mom's eyes] Mommy, are we Jews?
Me: [laughing almost hysterically] What?
C: [emphasizing each word] Are we Jews?
Me: No.
C: [shoulder shrug and a big sigh] I just thought we were God's chosen people.

This lead into a conversation about Jesus coming and changing all that, etc.

Saturday, while I was taking Courtney to spend the night at a friend's house we were stopped by a train. It was blowing it's whistle, which peaked her curiosity. I explained that the whistle was to get your attention. Just like the ambulance and fire truck run a siren to say "Hey get out of the way. Someone needs our help."

So on the way to get ice cream Courtney had this conversation with our friend Sherri (S).

C: [hearing a firetruck siren] Hey Aunt Sherri, I know what that siren means.
S: What does it mean Courtney? (BTW this is ALWAYS a loaded question with Courtney.)
C: It means those people are already dead.
S: [in a questioning tone] Those people are already dead?
C: [in a scolding voice] Aunt Sherri, you know it's not nice to talk about dead people!!!

This child's mind NEVER stops!! I tell you I never know what is going to come out of her mouth!!

Can't.....catch...a......break!

2009-01-09T18:48:00.003-08:00

Okay, peeps. I am so ordering bubbles for my girls. And not the ones that you blow and they pop mid-air. I need one in a 3T and one in a 5. Air purification systems would be a serious bonus. I just spent my Friday night in the docs office with Carlee who had a 101 fever when we got home. Now, don't confuse me with an overly protective parent. I don't run to the doc with the first sight of fever. However, since someone in our house has been sick since the week BEFORE Thanksgiving, I don't hesitate to scadoodle on to the doc when we run a fever. And Damon is working 12's ALL WEEKEND, so I took my chance to take one child to the urgent care clinic rather than sit in an office with 50 other germ buckets and my 2 kids....by myself. So anyhow, long story short, we have yet another antibiotic. At least we are branching out on our bacterial infections and it is bronchitis this time instead of strep. I will give her mad props for that. We all need to expand our horizons. Even if it is in the bacterial arena. Crazy thing is just the other day I commented about her dry nose and the fact that she finally seemed well. Won't do that again.....eat my words!!!

I am telling you people there's money in kid bubbles. I am going to find them out there somewhere.

Maybe one day I can post about Christmas instead of our various contagious diseases. One day.

Bowl games, YUK, and B**bs

2009-01-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

1. Hi, my name is Gina, and I am addicted to college football. I am so sleep deprived lately because there is a game on EVERY night, or at least it seems. I am telling you people. I LOVE FOOTBALL!! I attribute it to an early introduction (my mom LOVED the Cowboys when I was young) and 6 years in pep band. I am looking forward to Thursday.....I can sleep again!! And just in case you're curious, no, I am not so crazy about the pros. Those guys are soooo full of themselves. Usually. I would end this point by saying, GO HORNS, but it seems as of late that if I cheer for a team they lose. So, GO BUCKEYES!!!

2. YUK---I went to the doc right before Christmas. I had a bad sinus infection brewing. When she checked my left ear she couldn't see anything because it was blocked with wax. You can't call me lazy because I am ALWAYS overproducing ear wax. Like enough for 3 people. I have had my ears irrigated more than some Lubbock cotton fields. So the doc suggested I put peroxide in my ears to see if that would break it loose, or I would be irrigated AGAIN! So tonight I laid down to do what I call "boiling my ears" (if you've never done this there is a boiling sound that the peroxide makes, very interesting.....and it tickles like crazy). Okay, can I say YUK!!! YUK!!! and YUK!!! Where do I find this stuff??? I, of all people, the owner of the wax, was grossed out. Even Damon said, "Ew. That's gross!!" And I swear I clean my ears out EVERYDAY!! No kidding. Good thing is I am not loosing my hearing and I will be able to hear my students tomorrow.

3. Boobs --- what you all looked twice at in the title. No explanation. Just a conversation that I MUST record for Courtney's sake:

C: (sitting in my lap, pats my boobs) Mommy, why are your boobs so big?
Me: Boobs come in all sizes. Some are tiny, some are giant. It kind of depends on how God makes you.
C: Grammie has tiny boobs because her children have moved out of the house.
Me: HUH???
C: When your children move out of the house your boobies get small. That's what happened to Grammie.
Me: HUH???
C: Yeah, if Uncle Jim were to move back in her house her boobies would get bigger.
Me: HUH?

Then I laughed HYSTERICALLY!!! Where in the world does she get this stuff????
I might also mention for Grammie's sake that she is not lacking in the boob department. No one is in this family.....our daughters are DOOMED!!!

Okay, there it is.....my G rating gone...but for Courtney's sake.....she SO owes me!!!

How to ruin lunch....step by step directions.

2009-01-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

1. You must be completely exhausted and out of all energy, but fully responsible (or at least feel responsible) for your family's nutrition the next day.
2. Wait until the VERY end of the day. 11:00 pm is a good time. Realize that you are supposed to make a roast.....say CRAP really loud and launch yourself into the kitchen [there should be a woosh sound as you pass your spouse who is laying on the couch].
3. See that the only way you are going to get the roast and veggies in the crock-pot is to clear the counters, which also includes washing the dishes, and while your at it you might as well clean the table and sweep the dining room and kitchen.
4. Sigh loud enough that spouse who is still horizontal on the couch hears and responds with action or inquires why you are sighing.
5. Tell spouse to take care of dishes while you finish dining room and place veggies and meat in crock pot.
6. This is the integral part of this process and cannot be done any differently unless you want to skew your results.....turn crock pot on....to WARM. Anything higher and you will have a yummy lunch the next day.
7. Attempt to sleep for 7 or so hours.
8. Wake up groggy and slightly grumpy because attempts to sleep failed.
9. Prepare yourself, two children, and possibly a small army for church. They must all be equally grumpy and unwilling to cooperate.
10. Once you are finally in the food preparation area, where your crock-pot has been a brewing on WARM for approximately 9 hours, you must take a big whiff of the aroma, and notice that you don't smell roast.
11. Get distracted by hungry army of children who are demanding food and liquid refreshments. Oh, you need to be hungry too [insert stomach growl]
12. Realize you need to check roast. Lift lid and see some steam. Smell, but get distracted by children all in same nanosecond.
13. Forget completely about roast and tend to hunger pains.
14. Leave for church.
15. While in church, think about yummy roast you are going to have; salivate. [insert stomach growl].
16. Leave church, go to living quarters. Walk in house and comment about how lunch sure does smell good.
17. Open crock-pot and notice that the meat is not as tender as usual. Try cutting with a knife (this will not work).
18. Bust out the handy dandy electric knife. Struggle cutting meat. You must notice that the meat is still mostly red and think "that's strange."
19. Put meat on meat platter. Notice blood on cutting board. Check fingers and appendages to determine you are not the source of the blood. Notice blood pooling on platter.
20. Get out frying pan and begin browning meat. At the same time call for spouse to ask for opinion on the safety of fresh meat in a mildly warm environment for approximately 13 hours.
21. Call spouse's mother for her opinion.
22. Decide that while it is a waste of money, food poisoning is not fun, especially as a family activity.
23. Get left overs that were supposed to be dinner that night out for lunch. Feed family and figure out what you are going to eat.
24. Feed some of bleeding meat to canines, at least someone can enjoy it...
25. Kick self in rear.

See, 25 easy steps and you too can ruin your family's lunch. But remember, unless you want to enjoy your lunch you must follow ALL of the steps precisely.

YIKES!!! Pardon the DESTRUCTION!!!

2009-01-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

No, this is not construction....I just changed my template at 11:15 at night....WHAT IN THE HECK WAS I THINKING???????

I'll fix it tomorrow. Sorry if I made you wet your britches.

**UPDATE on 1/3** I am in the process of fixing everything. Problem is I lost EVERYTHING!!! Count it as a DUH moment. "This will erase all of your changes. Are you sure?' Uh, sure!!! [click]....NO WAIT!!" I am still tweaking....

18 Months!!

2008-12-30T19:51:00.001-08:00

And this I cannot believe...my BABY is 18 months!! And oh how we have meandered into the "terrible twos". I think that we are still on the outskirts, but we are seeing more and more glimpses into our near future.

We had our check-up today. They asked us questions like is she saying at least 20 words? More like 50-100 (we stopped counting at 54, I know there are many we left out). And she is making 2-3 word sentences. We'll just say she takes after her very...wait, VERY talkative parents. It wouldn't surprise many of you that I talk in my sleep...A LOT!!! Damon has some really great stories ( I think he may be embellishing on the truth sometimes). They also asked if she can climb stairs while holding a hand. Shoot, she doesn't need a hand. She can be up to the landing by the time we say "Carlee, NO!) We are so getting our money's worth on our stair gates. That little rascal can get down stairs just as fast as she goes up. "Can she climb into a chair?" And on the table too. Counters, desks, cabinets; they are all just stepping stones to her. I am renaming her Spidergirl. "Does she interact with other adults?" Go ask the people in the waiting room. She was voted president of the waiting room while we were out there. "Does she interact with other children?" They voted for her too...really go ask. This child really doesn't meet a stranger. She doesn't get all lovey-dovey with every person she meets, but she does interact. "Can she communicate her desires?" In 4 different languages....we just don't understand them. Which is where we break down most often.

Here are her stats, for all you basketball coaches that might be scoutin' the baby blogs for future Hall of Fame-ers:
Height: 33 inches (at her rate of growth we are likely to be OVER 6 foot; I feel her pain!!)
Weight: 27 lbs. 12 oz. (WOW only the 50th percentile...that means she's skinny. That is SO NOT from my side of the fam.)
Princess Crown size: 19 inches (also not from my side, I have a HUGE head....to accommodate my VAST knowledge)

Testing the temper tantrum waters (if blogger will cooperate I will include a HILARIOUS video)
ALWAYS up to SOMETHING!!!
A fearless climber......YES!!! And no,I do not know what Court is doing in the background. I usually find it easier to be ignorant.

More fearlessness....
Lover of all things Bubble....
Watch out world here she comes!!

I may be a worry wart, but my daughter needs prayers

2008-12-30T18:35:00.000-08:00

So Carlee had her 18 month check up this morning (I'll post all about that later). I guess Courtney didn't want to feel left out so she got up complaining that the back of her head hurt. I checked her temp and sure enough it was 103.1. I called the doc and let them know we were bringing her along with us.
The doc did blood work and it showed a definite bacterial infection. She swabbed her throat because she saw some pus pockets on her tonsils. It came back negative for strep. However, it can do that in the early stages and Carlee is on antibiotics for strep. So she used deductive reasoning and treated her for strep.
After picking up her script we headed home. On the way home I gave her part of a pancake that was left over from our McDonald's breakfast (I know...I'm writing my mommy of the year speech already). About a minute or so later the pancake made a reappearance. All.over.the van. YUM!!! By the time we got home she was running a 102 temp, I bathed her medicated her and put her in bed.
Damon sent me to Wal-mart to return movies and get out of the house (I take my opportunities as they come). While I was at WM I called the doc to discuss our new symptoms (which also included her back hurting) While I was gone she woke up (after her 5 hour nap) with a 103.4 temp. He gave her ibruprofen....and she gave it back....at least it was on the tile. I gave her the meds that were prescribed for the vomiting (taking the southern route this time). She laid around and then asked to lay in my lap. Her temp was up to 104.5. Not long after she was in my lap I thought she was kicking me. Then her upper torso started twitching. Then her legs again. She was mumbling and wasn't really answering questions. I took her temp again...it was a balmy 105.6. Damon immediately took her and put her in the bath. I called his mom (who used to be a CMA) and she told me to call the doc. That was an hour and a half ago. We are STILL waiting (and yes I HAVE called back!!). We finally got some motrin in her without a return gift. And she tolerated a popsicle (what 4 year old wouldn't "tolerate" that). I think we have her hovering in the 103-104 range.
Pray for my baby girl. I know that I am a worry wart, but I have earned my right to worry. I DO NOT like when my girls get sick. It really regenerates a lot of anxiety, and I can get irrational.
I'll update later and let you know how she's doing. Right now I think she is laying in our bed (yippee for the germs on MY pillow) watching the Holiday Bowl with her daddy. I'm going to call the doc back AGAIN! Not asking for much....just reassurance that my child is going to be okay.

**So the nurse FINALLY called back. It's likely that she had a febrile seizure, with her fever as high as it was. We have it down to 103.5. We are staying home right now unless she has another. Keep praying for her.

Crazy 8s

2008-12-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

So I've been tagged. It appears this has been going around.....

8 Shows I Watch:
-Numbers

-The Unit

-Word World

-Veggie Tales (am I revealing who often runs the remote)

-CSI

-CSI: Miami

-CSI: New York

-Channel 12 News

8 Favorite Restaurants:
-Logan's

-Pasado's

-Chick-fil-a

- Subway

-Olive Garden

- Outback

- Taco Bell

- Braum's

8 Things That Happened Today:
-Woke up at 4 am to a crazy thunderstorm

- Slept in til 9 (I'm officially old...9 is late)

- Made breakfast for the fam

- Went shopping with my sister

-Bought whole new bathroom set up with birthday/Christmas $$

- Ate 3 cookies...in a row

-got huge headache from eating that many cookies in a short amount of time

-Won 2 disney DVDs on ebay for Courtney (she's really lacking in the Disney DVD department...let me tell you)

8 Things I Look Forward To:
- A long, happy marriage

- Watching my girls grow up

-Moving to Germany

- Sleeping in past 9

- Paying off debt

- getting my master's degree (one day I'm telling you!!)

- a new bed

- Heaven

8 Things I Wish For:
- Happy, healthy kids

-Good, Christian son-in-laws

-a personal chef, personal shopper, and fashion consultant

-a good night's sleep....every night

-obedient children

-good health

-free college for my kids (hey, I'm wishing aren't I)

-a new, payment free car

8 People I Tag:
-Jenn J

-Audrey M

-Jeny R

-Cheryl W.

-Jaime M.

-Heather W

-Amy D

- Mom

Christmas quotes from Courtney

2008-12-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

I am working on a pictoral review of our time in OKC with my sister, but I MUST document some of Courtney's best quotes:

To the adults in the house, " _(Name)__, do you know what you are doing?" This is in the most managerial voice she can muster.

"Aunt Bonnie, you have the biggest, fattest....[very long and uncomfortable pause causing me to sweat bullets not knowing what the next word will be] Christmas tree [insert big sigh of relief from me].

While waiting on Damon and I to go to the park,"Come on guys we are burning daylight!!"

All of this proves you NEVER know what Courtney is going to say!! EVER!!!

Dear Santa

2008-12-16T18:09:00.000-08:00

She loves you......
She loves you NOT!!!

Mama's Happy!

2008-12-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

For 3 reasons (all very shallow, but make me happy nonetheless!):

1. I found a new coat today. Here's the phone conversation that transpired between Damon and I as I was checking out:
Me: I found a coat. The tag on it says $120!!
D: [slight tremble in voice] And how much are you paying for it?
Me: Well it's on sale for $39.99.
D: Oh and you have some Kohl's Cash.
Me: YEP I am paying $10 for my SWEET coat. Can I get an "I love you master bargain- shopper??"

2. My little pony:

3. This little pigtail went to market:
This is an action shot because Carlee is always in some sort of action! She's very much the toddler these days! But she's a cute toddler with ponytails!!

2008-12-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas Survey! TAG, you're it. Copy and repost on your blog!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Whichever is easiest, but I do enjoy wrapping things.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial , we are allergic to air. I'm not about to bring a tree inside.

3. When do you put up your Christmas Tree? Thanksgiving weekend, but we are boycotting this year!! Actually, we won't be here and I am 110% certain Carlee would pull it over at least once. And we MUST focus on going through things for the move. Definitely not bringing things out!

4. When do you take the tree down? January 2ndish

5. Do you like eggnog? YUCK!!! No way!!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Cabbage Patch doll, I still have her.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Teacher's aide

8. Easiest person to buy for? My kids

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, packed away in the garage. It won't reappear until the kids are much older and less like an octopus.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I still have Christmas cards (addressed and everything) from about 4 years ago. I just don't have the time anymore. But I do like a good Christmas letter =)

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? ENDLESS CANDLES!!! As a teacher I get a TON of candles (take that as a hint people.....teachers get LOTS of candles.)

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Charlie Brown Christmas

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? October/ November. I try to get it done by early December.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? OH YEAH!! I'm living on a teacher's salary.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Pumpkin Cheesecake (take that as a hint BONNIE)

16. Lights on the tree? White...and LOTS of them (It hides the holes in the fake tree)

17. Favorite Christmas song? so many.......don't know

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? I have a hard time remembering the names of my CHILDREN...and I birthed them!!

19. Best gift ever? hmmmm, ever? It would have to be my camera (that I ordered for Mother's Day.)

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? I prefer X-mas Eve, my family MAKES ME WAIT until X-mas morning....I can't take the anticipation!!!

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Commercialism....don't we all have enough already????

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Our tree is in red, white (silver), and blue. Very appropriate for a military fam.

24. Favorite food for Christmas dinner? Turkey, but we must also have green bean casserole.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Happy, healthy family. But maidservice would be nice....I also need a new coat since all of mine have a rip somewhere.

Baby girl....GONE WILD!!!

2008-11-19T20:17:00.000-08:00

She's bad to the bone.......NAH!!! Just cute as a button =)

BTW her "mohawk" was better, but this was my 453rd attempt at a cute picture that didn't have an arm, toy, finger. etc. in it....loving digital pics!

a REAL pain in the butt

2008-11-12T19:41:00.000-08:00

Poor Courtney....she has a staph infection on her right butt cheek! Last night it was one bump, which she said was an ant bite. This morning it was about 5 bumps and there were 3 twice as big as the original bump. All had "heads" that had ruptured. By the time we got to the doctor there were 10-15 bumps ranging in sizes from tiny to not so tiny.

Rational thinking me didn't think to check her booty before giving her a bath with her sister this morning. GREAT!!

My family is a medical anomaly...it NEVER ends here at our house!!!

Interesting

2008-11-04T12:01:00.000-08:00

So here's a little known fact about me: I am hypoglycemic. I was diagnosed in junior high. My doc sent me to a nutritionist. I listened to her schpeel (my blog...I can make up words and their spelling). I kind of got the gist of what she was saying and went on my way. I ate well most days, but when I got busy, eating went to the back burner. In high school I was WAY busy and I learned to deal with my sugar dropping by spiking it with soda and candy. I never felt "great" but I survived. And so I have been surviving, until lately. For some reason or another, my sugar has been all over the place. I had been so accustomed to spiking my sugar when I felt bad that I was doing it without really thinking about it. I went to my PA about a week or so ago. I described my symptoms thinking there was a hormonal link; again as I look back I realize how much I was subconciously choosing foods that were high carb and would spike my sugar. She saw a pattern and saw that my sugar was on the low side. She asked how long it had been since I had eaten when the blood was drawn...only an hour, maybe an hour and a half. She was certain all of my symptoms were linked to hypoglycemia. She gave me a glucose monitor to check my levels when I get shaky and foggy headed. Sure enough, my levels were dropping to the 60's and even into the 40's. I met with a nutritionist today and turns out I am not eating enough food. How many of you have been on a diet where you have to eat more?!?!? I was shocked as to the amount of food I was supposed to consume. And a lot of the foods I eat now, just in different combinations. I learned that I must eat a snack before I exercise (which I thought I was crazy because I NEVER get the "exercise buzz"...I want to crawl in bed and go to sleep...which is why I HATE exercise; it makes me feel HORRIBLE!!) and the snack she suggested...a SANDWICH!! A whole sandwich!! I have to eat 6-7 small meals a day, which is going to be interesting. I think I am going to feel like I am always eating. But if I feel better....if I can stay up past 8:30 or 9 at night...I'm all for that. I'm just shocked that this is how I am supposed to eat. And she thinks that since my insulin levels will come down (in hypoglycemics they are abnormally high, which is why the sugar is low) leaving less free insulin to be stored in my body which may mean a little weight loss....hmmmm, interesting. At least to me =D.

2008-11-04T08:01:00.000-08:00

I just spent 45 MINUTES cleaning Courtney's bathroom!! It was a science experiment gone all shades of WRONG!!
So I am wrong in thinking that a 4 1/2 year old should have some responsibility in cleaning her own bathroom? Or am I asking for a CPS home visit???

"Downloading" difficulty

2008-11-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

Okay, I need some kid advice. Poor Carlee is having the most awful time with constipation (I just lost about 1/2 of you with that!!). I feed the child high-fiber foods for breakfast and dinner (you should see the vegetable stew I have going on the stove!!). I try to limit her milk consumption to 3 glasses each day. otherwise she gets straight juice or water. She is VERY active. However, if we don't give her Miralax, she can't go. Our ped has her on 2 weeks of Miralax at a time. As soon as we finish a 2 week regimen, her "files become difficult to download".

Courtney was the TOTAL opposite. So this is foreign territory for me.

Any ideas? I don't want to call our ped yet again, but right now I think that may be my only option....other than putting it on the internet and asking my blogging friends for advice =).

My apologies to you techies that thought this had to do with my computer =)

WOOOOHOOOO!

2008-11-02T06:34:00.001-08:00

I used my extra hour staying up to watch the Red Raiders DEFEAT the Horns!!!! I was Raider born; Raider bred!! WOOOOHOOOOO RAIDERS!!!

Good Point!!

2008-10-30T04:38:00.000-07:00

Dad sent me this.....a good chuckle, especially if the negative ads are getting to you!!!

Resemblances??

2008-10-29T15:23:00.000-07:00

So I have been wondering.....and this may sound stupid.....but does Courtney look like me? I look at her and I see things I don't think I see in me. And I wonder if she will look like me or a Damon/me combo in the future (scary, huh?).....I think I am totally ignoring things I need to be doing, but this is more fun.....

All me...around Court's age. I see it, but I don't....

Me at Carlee's age.....can't deny that child is mine!! She even has that expression =)

For Halloween --- A Hair Raiser

2008-10-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

I am just giddy that she has enough hair to raise!!!

Oh Dear!!!

2008-10-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Carlee has been VERY interested in pottying lately. I know there is no way her body is ready for potty training, but you can't tell her that. She says "I pot. I pot." So I decided I needed to check out her daycare friends bad habits (you know they are getting into that "stuff" younger and younger.....some of you innocent few don't get that) or buy her a potty seat. We have one from Courtney, but it's upstairs. So I let her have her time on the potty....she's a happy little baby.

Speaking of sentences....she has quite a few (digraphs if I remember correctly from my EC classes). She says, I juice; I pay (play); I up/down; I cheese. She has become quite the talker!! GREAT two chatty girls....why must my mother's prayers always be answered????

Six Flags

2008-10-28T18:13:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of this month we went to Six Flags with the youth group. We acquired some cheap tickets. It was an adventure for both girls. I think Carlee was bored with some of the rides. Her daddy plays pretty rough with her (upside down, swinging around, scaring mommy to death, etc.) Here are a few pics......

Super expensive bread sticks (you know how few options they have for toddler food??? Didn't think about that. I think these bread sticks, which she was very content with, cost $8!!)

Courtney rode the Aquaman 3 times!! She stood on the bridge twice!!! Needless to say I think this may have been one of her favorite rides. Look just above the green pole; you'll see Courtney (Damon's holding her up)

After the Aquaman we stood in line for about 45 minutes to ride Tommy Hawk's Big Spin. If you've never experienced this ride....it's a typical rollercoaster (up, down , spirals) but the car (seats 4) ROTATES!! So not only are you going up and down you are also spinning. Courtney said she wanted to ride it, so she and I stood in line.
Afterward I asked "Was that fun?"
"NO!!"
"Do you want to ride it again?"
"YEAH!!! Let's go!!"
We didn't ride it again...the line was too long and it was close to dinner time. Crazy kid!!

Thank you Damon for being brave enough to endure the Rainbow for the girls......

My FAVORITE pictures from the day:

#2 Carlee really did love the Carousel

#1 OOHHH MAN....what LUCK to capture this face (sorry honey!!)

And that folks was a L-O-N-G day at Six Flags!!!

More pics to come...if I can endure more...I'm ready for BED!!!

Ever felt really, really behind on something?

2008-10-28T18:09:00.001-07:00

This picture was taken on OCTOBER 23 at 1:49 in the afternoon!!!! Notice I haven't changed this calendar since March and I think that clock has need batteries just as long. This is our time-warp corner....

2008-10-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

Mom sent me this on email. It's hilarious...if your a republican =). Happy Halloween Week! If you have kids you know it's not just a day...it's a whole dad-gum week of sugary goodness!

Hatching the egg.....

2008-10-16T18:15:00.000-07:00

Ever sat on some info so long you thought you were sitting on an egg to hatch it?

Right after Labor Day I got a call that I NEVER thought I would get. Damon called from work. He asked me "Are you sitting down?" That's always a great conversation starter, right???

He then asks me how fast I think I can

learn to speak GERMAN? Yes folks, we are headed to GERMANY!! We have been stationed in Louisiana forever (6 years in April). This has been our only base. And we have grown to like the Cajun atmosphere....I might say that I can turn on the accent pretty well. Our original reporting date threw me for a loop. We were supposed to report in February. YIKES! Not good for the whole "need my paycheck" situation. So we put in a request to extend that date. And we waited......and waited....and waited......and FINALLY yesterday Damon found out that our extension was approved and we report at the end on May (yeah for June, July, and August paychecks!!). So we gave a big "YEAH GOD!" for that blessing.

Right after we got wind of our impending orders I learned that a wonderful fellow AF wife that I was in a Bible study with a couple of years ago is stationed where we will be located. Can I get another YEAH GOD!! We have been communicating via email. I am a planner and like to know what to expect. She has been AWESOME to answer my 1,001 questions.

Then I did a church of Christ directory search online and found a church made up of military members located right by the base. Oh yes...another YEAH GOD!! They are a smaller church than we are used to, but a church nonetheless. I emailed the contact person and we are already communicating with them as well.

I emailed the principal at one of the base schools and already have my application to teach completed. I also renewed my teaching certificate, which was extended to 2013! More than enough time to get us back to the states!

To tell you bluntly, I am scared right out of my britches!!! I have been to Juarez, Mexico and Sault St. Marie, Canada. Not a big traveler. This will be my 4th time on a plane, and a longer ride than all those rides put together.....with 2 kids, but on the AF dime =).

Please pray for us as we start to process through everything. We have our medical clearance appointments next week. Then in a month or so we'll start all of the moving plans and such. God has been so good (as He always is) thus far. Pray that I will have peace and wisdom to make it through the next 7 months....they are sure to be a roller coaster.

PS if you want to come visit us (we will be 4 HOURS from PARIS) we are booking dates at the Blankinship Inn....

For all my OU friends.......=D

2008-10-12T18:08:00.000-07:00

Gots my blood boiling!!!

2008-10-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

Okay...I am ready to gobble someone up....

We have a door that leads from where the T-building are to the daycare wing/academy office at school. Numerous notes, maps, and reminders have been sent home telling parents not to park in the back parking lot and use that door as an entrance/exit. There are even TWO signs on the door stating that that door is NOT an entrance/exit and directs the said parents to the main entrance of the daycare. I however, being an employee spending 9-11 hours of my day in that place, have a key to that door. I also park in the back because it is designated as academy teacher parking. Now, I have had 3 run ins with parents that burn me up....
Scenario 1: Older gentleman approaches the door behind me. I explain to him in ever so kind words that he will need to use the main entrance. He replies, "Well I don't know why they just don't give everybody keys. You teachers just think you're special." EXCUSE ME?!?!? I am special because I am PAID to be there. I have business that must be conducted daily through that doorway. Oh and there is the security issue. I should have replied, "Well they just want to make sure the child predators don't get through this door." JERK!
Scenario 2: As I am walking out the door a mother approaching the door breaks into a sprint hoping to catch the door so she can go through it (little did she know the daycare staff have nicknamed me the "door nazi"). I kindly explained to her that for the safety of the children she could not go through that door. Her reply, [not so kindly]"Oh I went here in junior high and they were trying to do that then [this wasn't the daycare hall when you were in junior high lady]. After work I am tired and I WILL go through this door if I WANT to!!!" Whatever lady! If going through that door makes your day better...you have some issues!
Scenario 3: [this happened today] I am going out the door as a mother is approaching. I make sure I get through the door and again kindly explain "This is not an entrance you will need to go to the main entrance. I am a teacher at the academy which is ...." She INTERRUPTS ME..."Oh I KNOW who you are [door nazi]. EVERYBODY goes through these doors [because she sits there and watches, right?] They aren't going to stop us from going through that door unless they lock everyone out and bolt it shut [apparently she has no fire safety concerns for her child superman, jr.]. We'll just prop them open on our way out". I thought, but did not say, if everyone does crack, does that suddenly make it okay? Better yet lets start serving a joint with school lunches, because if EVERYBODY is doing it, it's okay. MORON!!!
What burns me up the most is the ALA CARTE attitude so many adults have when it comes to rules. No one on this earth is exempt from rules. Not the president, not the King of England....NO ONE! I am not going to say that I obey every dad-gum rule all of the time, I have been rebellious. But gees people no wonder our kids have such issues with absolutes and truths, our behavior is what teaches them there aren't any. What an oxymoron: You must obey my every word, but when there are 2 signs, multiple maps/reminders, and a teacher telling me I'm not supposed to go through a door, I'll do it anyway. It's okay. I'm an adult.

That's not my only reason I am in a putrid mood...a question of my integrity as an educator was brought up today [not by anyone who would have a CLUE as to what they were talking about], but I can't get into that on my blog.....

I just love crappy days!!

15 months!!

2008-10-01T19:48:00.000-07:00

Carlee had her 15 month check up yesterday. Here are some things about our littlest monkey at 15 months:

Height - 31 inches (75th percentile)
Weight - 27 pounds (95th percentile)
Teeth: 8 in front, 2 molars (shiny new ones)
Words: about 15 in all - mommy, daddy (which she hollers at the TOP of her lungs), sissy, bye-bye, more, done, shoe, sock, doggy, this, go, out, no, mine, night-night

Favorite lovey: Monkey
Favorite food: a toss up between pizza and spaghetti
Favorite drink: MILK
Favorite song: Jesus Loves Me
Favorite body part: belly button
Favorite toy: baby doll
Favorite word: "this" WAY OVERUSED!! And must be said in a questioning tone,
pointing with head tilted
Favorite dinner activity : feeding the dogs (hey..keeps my floor clean)
Favorite exercise program: climbing the stairs (she can already alternate feet)
Favorite secondary "food": dog food (YUCK! Can't hurt her, right?)

Carlee is a very happy baby, 99% of the time. She is very social and doesn't meet a stranger (mommy could do without this trait). I joke that she is meeting as many people as possible because she is running for President in 2044 (she's counting on your votes!). Carlee is a momma's girl. In public, while she is very social she is social with those who are within eyesight of me. She is FINALLY going to daycare without a fight every morning. Carlee loves to be at church. If we are at church, she is content to be with any of our "church friends" (aka mommy break!). She absolutely adores Courtney. When Court isn't around, Carlee is looking for her and asking for her. She is a great sleeper. She goes to bed around 8 and will sleep until 9 on the weekends (granted we get her up @ 6 weekdays).
Carlee is as we have said all her life: a wonderful grand finale!!

PS I'll post a picture when I have time to download them from my camera!

Imagination Situation

2008-10-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

1.Yes, we are still alive, just BUSY!!!
2. I am sitting on some news that I want to share, but can't just yet (hehe, but I can tease....NO,I AM NOT PREGNANT!)
3. My main reason for this post:

Courtney has an imagination that is hyperactive. She has 3 imaginary friends: Mr. Herron (ironically the name of superintendent of our school that retired last year), Emily (I'll share more later on this little jewel), and Brikley (where does she get these names??)

Brikley (and she has clarified the spelling of her name) came into our lives about three weeks ago. Courtney spoke of her just as if she was a real living person. I actually checked the class rosters of all the Pre-K classes to see if she was real. It dawned on me that she was of the imaginary variety when Courtney started detailing her involvement with Brikley. Brikley is in kindergarten, but for unknown reasons spends half of her school day with Courtney...in Pre-K. She also has some stomach ailment that requires her to bring her own lunch (a BIG no-no at Court's school). Courtney had to take it upon herself to have a "sit-down" with the director of the school to make sure that Brikley would be given her "home lunch" instead of her "school lunch" because it makes her tummy go "bleh" [insert eye roll with scrunched up face for dramatic effect]. That was my first clue. Oh and the fact that the director thanked her for bringing it to her attention, and that Brikley can have anything she wants for lunch (uh-huh...got that one). I asked Courtney to describe Brikley to me. She has "blondish-reddish-BLUISH" hair. Her eyes are green, but they turn brown when she's angry (neat trick...maybe Brikley can join one of those traveling side shows). She's "tallish-but shortish" and loves Courtney more than anyone else in the world.
Here is our problemo----Courtney insists that she needs to CALL Brikley. And her play, not plugged in phone will not do. It MUST have a dial tone. She actually would prefer to use my CELL PHONE!!! (oh I hope this chick lives in the U.S) She wants to arrange for Brikley to spend the night (I'm okay with that...I can go with that), but first I have to talk to Brikley's MOM!!! On.the.real.phone!!! She insists that when we call she and Brikley will talk first, and then we "mommies" can chat.....

OH DEAR!! How in the world I am going to pull this off???? Have the imaginary friend over...great. Like I said I have an imagination (no denying it...she so got this from me) I can play along. Shoot I'll even make dinner for the kid! But call her? On a real phone? Dialing real numbers? I have played many scenarios in my head of how to achieve this dream for dear Courtney. They all involve people I know. And she knows, thus she knows their voice!

All I can say is HELP!!! MINI-ME HAS STUMPED ME!!!

2008-09-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

Keep Ron and Heather, Damon's brother and sister-in-law in your prayers. They live close to Dayton, OH where the remnants of Ike caused all kinds of havoc. They had 65 mph sustained winds, which cause lots of damage. They have been without electricity since Sunday afternoon. With 3 young ones you can imagine the "fun" they are having.

Anyone else perplexed as to why we had 35 mph winds in LOUISIANA and my in-laws in OHIO had 65 mph winds from the same tropical storm? I categorize that with "things that make you go hmmmm."

Ike wasn't that bad after all...false tornado sirens are!

2008-09-13T20:16:00.000-07:00

Ike blew in late this morning. LOTS of wind (felt like we were home in Oklahoma) and intermittent rain. Sometimes it was sideways rain. All was good. I was working at a consignment sale until early afternoon. When I got home Carlee was ready for a second nap. We laid her down; about 1/2 an hour later, as I am talking to my sister (getting her address for the um-teenth time) the tornado sirens start going off. Now in Oklahoma a tornado siren means that there is a visual or radar of a tornado forming in your area. I ran up stairs, grabbed Carlee out of her bed, and Damon and I started pulling everything out of our coat closet (which for future reference is too small). We soon realized that wasn't going to work and headed to the downstairs bathroom. I called our lovely Security Forces and was told by an airman that a tornado was spotted near the main gate (the one we live SOOO close to!). YIKES...I grabbed couch cushions and we all packed into the bathroom. Damon turned the radio on....music. He checked the TV; we still had a signal and the game was still being broadcast. Strange. Right? This is Louisiana and this is a hurricane. So he heads outside to investigate (I hate when he does that!). The wind is blowing, but not more than before. He checks the local news station, the radar just shows moderate rain. Strange. So I call AGAIN....yes we are in a tornado warning and we need to take cover. The airman's voice was very strained and serious. Mmm-K. Everybody back to the bathroom (and everybody includes the dogs). Damon starts really getting to the detailed radar pictures and sees nothing that would alarm him. It's all green, no yellow, orange...just green. So I call a THIRD TIME (I wonder if they have caller ID?)....and I specifically asked "Why are we supposed to be in a safe place? Is there an immediate threat? This time I couldn't get a clear answer. We let the captives (aka the dogs that Courtney was playing with in the bathroom) out and listened as the "big giant voice" (base speaker system) told us to take immediate cover. Whatever....the wind's blowing. We've been in a situation where the tornado formed right over us (and Damon thought it was cool to watch...I think he's insane). This was not anything at all. I got on the internet to investigate. I got on the same news site as Damon did before. They had a streaming blog that you could post to, so I asked if there was a threat. No, they ran the sirens to alert us to watch the commander access channel (which is only on cable..not satellite!) or listen to a specific radio station (which I have yet to figure out). GRRRR! I wonder if they realize how grumpy Carlee was to be woken up from her nap. Or how much Courtney was seriously pinging from all the excitement.

So here's the moral to my story. Know your state's siren language. In Oklahoma it means there's a tornado. In Louisiana, they are encouraging you to watch TV.

2008-09-08T16:22:00.001-07:00

Check this out..... I think it's a powerful statement!

Gustav lost his Gust

2008-09-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness! We pretty much got wind last night. Damon and I are Okies at heart. We sat on the front porch and watched the wind blow the trees around for quite a while last night. Louisiana typically doesn't have wind. I remember when we first moved here there were times you would "see" the air. It was so still the pollen was just hanging in the air. The wind was a welcome sight to us. Now it is just raining. The storm eye (what's left of it) is pretty much sitting on us and spinning. I have heard predictions that we will get upwards of 20 inches by the weekend. We may start singing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat".

Fox News (Damon's FAVORITE channel) is talking about Ike and Josephine heading our way. Pray that they will vacation elsewhere. We've already missed 2 days of school for Gustav (granted I am getting quite a bit done...there's a consignment sale coming up! I am tagging clothes as fast as I can!).

Gustav GO HOME!!!

2008-08-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

So far here are the alterations to our life from Mr. Gustav:

---Damon has to work tomorrow...SUNDAY...and he's the middle school teacher. GRRR!
---We may have to take 2 days off of school (good now, but ask me again in May). The public schools are closed, but I'm in the private schools. We'll see....
---Katrina hit 2 months after Mariah passed away...not good memories!!

I know that I could be one of the poor residents whose homes and livelihood are in jeopardy. Please keep them all in your prayers. This isn't too far removed from Katrina....

**We are not leaving because we live in northwest Louisiana. By the time Gustav gets here he'll be a Cat.1 at the most, but more likely a tropical storm. We're going to get lots and lots of rain and wind. We are going to be okay!!** That's for the worried people who have emailed me:-)

Okay, smarty pants!!

2008-08-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Courtney has the BAD habit of asking for juice with breakfast and then not drinking it. We have taken the juice away and given water only...didn't work. We have given her nothing to drink...didn't work. So against my better judgment this morning I let her have some OJ, with the explicit instructions, "You WILL drink this."
She finished her yogurt, got up from the table and left every drop of juice I had given her. GRRRR! "Courtney you need to come here and drink this juice." She came in, sat down, and the drama ensued. I told her she had a choice: drink the juice, or sit at the table all day. All she has to do is drink the bleepin' juice. Not too hard right. Oh, you must not know my STRONG willed child (who as I am typing this has been at the table close to an hour!). Her reply you ask???

"Mommy, I don't need that much sugar in my tummy. I need more protein so that my muscles can grow. If I drink all that juice, my tummy won't have room protein. You want me to grow don't you?" "Yes, Courtney, I want you to grow. But YOU asked for that juice, DRINK IT!!"

No fair stealing my reason for not giving you more LEMONADE at dinner!!!

Sign me up

2008-08-08T17:43:00.000-07:00

Courtney is into reading and what signs say (and mean). She is especially interested in handicapped parking.
Today at Wal-mart as we walked by the handicapped parking she said, " Oh mommy, there's the CANDICAPPED parking."
I would never wish a handicap on anyone, but a candicap......that's another story. I'd like a chocolate candicap.

Tagged...thanks Cheryl!!

2008-08-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by my friend, Cheryl, for this game, "Six Random Things About Me". Here are the rules: Link to the person who tagged you, mention the rules, tell six quirky, yet boring & unspectacular things about yourself, tag six other bloggers by linking to them, and then go to each person's blog and leave a comment letting them know they've been tagged.

1. I think feet are disgusting, unless they are baby feet, and then I find them adorable.

2. I am sensitive to the cinnamon oil in Big Red gum. My tongue swells up and breaks out in sores if I chew more than one or two pieces a week. Yet if you look in my purse right now you will find Big Red gum. I LOVE the flavor, but not the torture of a painful tongue. I have to be careful.

3. I believe that there is only one way to fold underwear. I will refold them if they are folded wrong.

4. I have been pregnant 6 times, but only have 2 children at home.

5. I LOVE afternoon naps.

6. I love to cook, but I don't care for recipes. They are too restrictive. I need to be creative.

Now I tag.....
Mom, Amy , Audrey, Julianna, Jeny, Jenny

Prayer Requests

2008-08-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

Keep my Aunt Ginny and my cousin Jan in your prayers. Both of them have recently been diagnosed with cancer recently. They need the touch of the Great Physician.

We had a BALL!!!

2008-08-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

Jenn and I took the kids over to a place called Planet Fun
It was cheap entertainment and INDOORS, which is important in Louisiana in August! It was 100+ in the shade.

This is Carlee's first time in a ballpit. She LOVED it!!

Ahhh! Sisters! My prayer is that they continue to love each other as much as they do now!

Travel recipe

2008-08-05T13:48:00.001-07:00

1 cup of yummy teddy grahms....dump in seat. Then crumble into teeny tiny crumbs and swish them into the van floor.

1 good video...it must not be appealing to adults. Play it over and over and over and over.....and over!

Benedryl....lots of bendryl!! Oh and 1 monkey!

Kansas Whirlwind Part 2

2008-08-05T13:18:00.001-07:00

Okay, back to the Kansas trip pics.....soooo many of them. I have over 300 and that's JUST Kansas. That doesn't include our adventures (though short) in OKC.

We had a "Birthday Party" for all the grandkids.

Opening presents from Grammie and Papa, and Jim

Yummy...CAKE!! Look closely and you can see candles for each grandchild. We sang Happy Birthday to each one (yes 5 times!!)!

Baby bathtime. If you've been to church camp, you know that the bathrooms aren't exactly set up for bathing babies. So we improvised. A couple of nights we bathed Carlee in a kitchen sink, but when that was full we used the oh so helpful Rubbermaid tub. It carried our dry goods to Kansas and back and bathed the baby inbetween. Thank you Mr. Rubbermaid!!!

Jodi wanted to think that she was one of the grandkids, so she took over a kiddie chair. Yes, Jodi, you are our first baby. No, you may not sit in the chairs!!

And by Sunday night this is how we all felt.......

Kansas Whirlwind

2008-08-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

We headed to Kansas a couple of weeks ago for some family time in Damon's hometown. We stayed at the church camp (not while camp was in session) that Damon went to every summer for 8 years. It was the first time he had been back there in 12 years. It was a little like a walk down memory lane for Damon....

~We quickly figured out how to cool off~

We ate at the Rack Shack....yummy barbeque!!! Even Damon ate there (no sauce!!)

We went to the Kiddie Park in Bartlesville. Each ride was a ticket ($.25) only a couple were 2 tickets. I highly recommend it!!!

Can't you see the excitement on Courtney's face...she's so ready for this roller coaster. I think Ron may have been a little tall for this ride....maybe????

Isn't she a cutie. I fell in love with Ciana during our stay. She is very animated.

These pictures are of Carlee and Quinn's first ride. Damon and Ron thought it would be funny to put Quinn in the LSU colored car (purple and gold) and Carlee in the Ohio State colored car (red and silver). I wasn't quite as impressed.....

Video of the ride.....

The older three grandchildren in front of the ferris wheel

Oh my! Courtney already has an attitude in the driver's seat! She gets that from Damon....

I think that maybe....just maybe Ron was enjoying being the adult rider for the babies.....maybe?

Double Trouble!!!!

We visited the Balloon Clowns...all the grandkids loved them.
Check out the top two pics, you can see Carlee carefully holding onto her dollar....we've never given her money before. She knew she had to give it to the clown!

Carlee got a dog....she popped him very quickly, and then she cried. But never fear a grandfatherly clown would never let a baby cry over a popped balloon. He quickly made another one for her. We carried it.

The older girls got flowers.....

Whee!! the Merry-go-round.......

This is a VERY RARE sight.....Ron and Heather's kids eating cotton candy...after 7pm. You are witnessing history people. This just doesn't happen every day!!!! (:-) You know I'm kidding Heather).

Okay, more tomorrow....I'm worn out from this "power blogging".

2008-08-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Our anniversary was great. We went down to the Louisiana Boardwalk for dinner at Saltgrass Steakhouse then off to my favorite pasttime....SHOPPING! It really was necessary (Damon needed shoes) and sans children came be fun. Let me tell you it was bargain city!! Damon got 2 pair of dress shoes and I got one (only $9). I got a dress (a size smaller than I am used to). He got a suit, 2 pair of trousers (only $9 for one of them), a belt, and a tie. It sounds like a lot, but we came out with some serious deals.
The picture above is in front of the Red River....which is full in Shreveport.

Yeah..I allow my child to tag

2008-08-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

This elicited an eye roll from Damon. I figured the beds had been written on by campers, why couldn't Courtney do it? And Damon is wanting this to be her church camp, so this will be great for memories. We did have a LONG talk about not writing on anything like this without a mommy or daddy's permission.....man I hope she remembers that discussion!!!!

Be careful where you park your cart...

2008-08-04T13:28:00.001-07:00

they may add things to your cart.......

Who ever said I have dumb dogs????

2008-08-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

I think this shows some level of intelligence. Any time Carlee is in the high chair she has 2 dogs at her feet. They know how to hit doggie paydirt! (PS pretend you don't see all of the stuff that needs to be put away from the trip in the background).

2008-08-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Damon!!

I am so blessed to have you as my husband. You are everything that I wanted in a husband. Your love for God encourages my walk as a Christian. Your love for our children melts my heart. I am grateful that we have had 11 years together and I pray that we will have many, many more years to come.

I love you!

A Air Force Wife's Worst Nightmare

2008-07-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

This is the stuff my nightmares are made of..... keep these families in your prayers.

What did I buy for 66 cents????

2008-07-13T12:30:00.001-07:00

40 folders (2 pockets and brackets), 60 cap erasers, and 10 rulers

Office Depot has these lovely items on sale for 1 cent. Yes, today you can still buy something for a penny!! Let me tell you I called all my teacher buddies and let them in on the deal. And now I am possibly causing pandemonium by putting it on the web. But since we teachers make piddly-winks for paychecks, we have to save money wherever and whenever I can.....but is it bad that I didn't post this until after I got my stuff???