So when we moved here, I signed up for the gym right away! I was so excited when the person I spoke with told me he lived in our neighborhood and he signed us up and everything. He said he'd introduce me to his wife and thought I'd have a friend in the neighborhood! He seemed nice, so I assumed it would be the same for his wife...
So one day, shortly after joining, he asked me to come to the cafe and meet his wife. She was polite enough and said "Hi" and that was about all. He kept talking to me while she just sat there. I didn't think anything of it really.
Then a few days later, he said "oh come by and see my wife and another woman from our neighborhood!" Okay, I went with him and his wife was still kind of distant and not super friendly. He introduced me to her friend and she was warm and receptive. She had her kids and she said she stop by and give me some info about the neighborhood since she only lives a few houses down...that never happened. In fact, a few days later when I was walking past her house, she seemed to deliberately go inside and close her garage door when she saw me coming by. From then on, whenever I saw her in the neighborhood, she completely ignores me. WTF?
So I came to the conclusion that it must be the guys wife, because the other woman seemed nice and friendly? I am totally confused. I saw one of them on Halloween and not a word or recognition. Strange. The guy always come up to me in the gym and likes to have friendly conversations about how we are liking San Antonio, and how he never sees us in the neighborhood blah blah blah. I wish he just wouldn't talk to me because I feel so uncomfortable knowing his wife doesn't seem to like it! Why doesn't he get that? Now I try my best to avoid him at all costs, but he caught me leaving tonight and had a 10 minute conversation how he hasn't seen me in awhile and making sure everything was okay. He said how he drives past our house everyday and never see us out and then he stopped seeing us at the gym all the time? Ugh, I was so nervous and uncomfortable and was just trying to get out of there! I hope he gets the hint and just STOPS talking to me.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
This one is for you Kristin :)
Kristin, Kk, or auntie kk are all words for my delightful sister in law, sister to my hubby and auntie to Alana and Collin :) She is a lovable girl and we all miss her dearly. She recently asked for me to write on here because she enjoys reading about all of us :)
Ok, let's see...I have been bad about updating on here!
After I dropped Joe off at the airport on Oct. 5th, the kids and I drove 10 hours to my family's house in New Mexico. Wow, that was a REALLY long drive, but the kids were good! I don't mind driving out west as much because I probably only saw like 10-20 cars the whole way :) I love open road driving with the music up, singing along and being with two of my favorite three people. I sure do wish Joe could have came, because I just feel so much more safe with him around and I just miss him.
We had a good visit, we only stayed a week. My mom is always happy to see us and everyone else is usually happy the first day or two ha ha ha, then the kids start to bug everyone :) My mom hooked me up with getting my hair and nails done, which is always a treat! My younger siblings did a wonderful job keeping my little ones entertained and I even had an afternoon to hike with David :) It was a good trip, and time went quickly, but we needed to get home for the kids school and other activities. They were perfect on the ride home, too! They are such good little travelers.
The next event that stands out was the night my friend Andrea, watched the kid while me and Alex went out to do some haunted houses! Alex and I go all the way back to my junior year, her senior year of high school! We have kept in touch and visited for the last 10 year, man we are getting old! Anyway, we went downtown San Antonio to go to a haunted house, but it was still daylight so we passed and went to dinner at Longhorn's...yummy!!! I got a margarita and thank goodness she was driving because that was MORE than enough for me lol. We had steak and reminisced about the good ole times and talked about the new. We then went to Sea World and did two of their haunted houses, a roller coaster (which scared the crap out of Alex mwhahaha), and caught the last bit of the Shamu show before I needed to get my kids home to bed! Thanks, Andrea for watching them!!
The next weekend, Alex and I took the kids to the pumpkin patch out here...wow, a let down from the previous pumpkin farm we went with my family in New Mexico :( Since it was such a dry summer here, everything died. They imported pumpkins out of cardboard boxes. Not quite the same as going out into the patch and picking your pumpkin off the vine. It was a super hot day and that did make the apple ice cream seem worth it! It was my first and best apple ice cream ever! That was probably the highlight of the day. Oh, the kids got to ride ponies, which they always find amazing :) It was a good day overall, I just had high expectations.
On Oct. 30th, we had tickets to our first San Antonio Rampage hockey game! Joe was suppose to be home on the 29th, but since I want him home for Christmas and New Years, he won't be home until Dec. 7th :( We were really bummed out that he wasn't able to attend with us, but we were in good company! Alot of the wives from work were there with their families and Alex came along too! It was nothing like a Caps game, even the price ;) $15 got you a good seat and a meal. Not too shabby. We had a good time, but by the 3rd period with 8 mins to go, Collin started to lose it. Instead of making it a miserable end, we ended up leaving a little early. On the way home, we stopped by Panera bread for dinner and a Halloween store and got me a vampire costume and Alex a beer maid outfit.
Oct. 31 we celebrated Halloween with mummy pizza, mac and cheese nuggets and monster punch :) I love this holiday. We got all dressed up and Alex came over after work. After eating dinner, we passed out some candy to trick or treaters and then went out to a few houses ourselves. The kids were satisfied with about 10 houses. Then, we went and just all passed out candy. It was fun! We turned on Halloween town after coming in until it was bed time.
The kids have been sick for awhile now. Before Joe left in early October, they all had a bad cough and chest congestion. Joe said his cleared out pretty quickly once he got out of here, so I was thinking it was just allergies for all of them. We went to my moms and it kept getting worse. After I came back it seemed to settle down a little bit. A week or two later, Collin's teacher tells me he was complaining about a bee buzzing in his ear all day long. That night was AWFUL. He screamed most of the night that his ear hurt and the moment the doctor's office opened in the morning I called to get him in!
He had an ear infection in both ears and bronchitis. They put him on antibiotics, steroids, and albuterol nebulizer treatments. While there, I asked the doctor to listen to Alana's lungs too, and she said she sounded worse! So she went on all of the above as well :( A week later, today, I take them back for a check up and Collin's ears still aren't clear, so still has to take his antibiotic and keep up with the breathing treatments until his cough is gone, slowing weaning him. Alana on the other hand seemed to only get worse so the doctor sent me to another hospital to get chest x-rays.
It was a walk-in type place, so I was thankful it didn't take long before they could see us. That didn't stop Collin from throwing a fit and trying to jump from chair to chair, scaring all the elderly people there :/ The x-ray technician was male and I didn't think Alana would be very good, so for the first round, I left Collin outside with the iphone to keep him company. He did good and Alana did really good with the x-ray tech! That is a miracle since she is usually painfully shy of men. She even let him take her to do another one while I stayed outside with Collin.
We then went to Walmart to fill prescriptions and went to lunch with a friend. While at lunch, the doctor called to tell us she has walking pneumonia and need to start a different antibiotic and a something else for the nebulizer. Ugh, that meant another trip to wally world :( Thankfully, my friend Andrea offered to take them home with her while I went and fought the dreaded Walmart for my meds :) So much easier without two cranky, tired kids. We did take her to dance class and she did fine. The funny part is neither one of them (except that first night with Collin's ears) seems very sick. They still have their appetite and most of their energy, so it makes it painful to try and stay home and rest for many days. The doctor said they could keep going to school and activities as long as they seemed to be up for it and no fevers. All of this is allergy induced, so I am hoping whatever is bothering them ends REALLY soon.
I am so ready for Joe to be home and he is so ready to be home. It will be so nice to have him home for Christmas and New years. It will be his longest period of time home since we moved here...pathetic. Oh well, suck it up and be thankful he has a job and I don't have to work for now :) I'd probably have to quit even if I had a job with how sick these kids have been since moving here!
Ok, let's see...I have been bad about updating on here!
After I dropped Joe off at the airport on Oct. 5th, the kids and I drove 10 hours to my family's house in New Mexico. Wow, that was a REALLY long drive, but the kids were good! I don't mind driving out west as much because I probably only saw like 10-20 cars the whole way :) I love open road driving with the music up, singing along and being with two of my favorite three people. I sure do wish Joe could have came, because I just feel so much more safe with him around and I just miss him.
We had a good visit, we only stayed a week. My mom is always happy to see us and everyone else is usually happy the first day or two ha ha ha, then the kids start to bug everyone :) My mom hooked me up with getting my hair and nails done, which is always a treat! My younger siblings did a wonderful job keeping my little ones entertained and I even had an afternoon to hike with David :) It was a good trip, and time went quickly, but we needed to get home for the kids school and other activities. They were perfect on the ride home, too! They are such good little travelers.
The next event that stands out was the night my friend Andrea, watched the kid while me and Alex went out to do some haunted houses! Alex and I go all the way back to my junior year, her senior year of high school! We have kept in touch and visited for the last 10 year, man we are getting old! Anyway, we went downtown San Antonio to go to a haunted house, but it was still daylight so we passed and went to dinner at Longhorn's...yummy!!! I got a margarita and thank goodness she was driving because that was MORE than enough for me lol. We had steak and reminisced about the good ole times and talked about the new. We then went to Sea World and did two of their haunted houses, a roller coaster (which scared the crap out of Alex mwhahaha), and caught the last bit of the Shamu show before I needed to get my kids home to bed! Thanks, Andrea for watching them!!
The next weekend, Alex and I took the kids to the pumpkin patch out here...wow, a let down from the previous pumpkin farm we went with my family in New Mexico :( Since it was such a dry summer here, everything died. They imported pumpkins out of cardboard boxes. Not quite the same as going out into the patch and picking your pumpkin off the vine. It was a super hot day and that did make the apple ice cream seem worth it! It was my first and best apple ice cream ever! That was probably the highlight of the day. Oh, the kids got to ride ponies, which they always find amazing :) It was a good day overall, I just had high expectations.
On Oct. 30th, we had tickets to our first San Antonio Rampage hockey game! Joe was suppose to be home on the 29th, but since I want him home for Christmas and New Years, he won't be home until Dec. 7th :( We were really bummed out that he wasn't able to attend with us, but we were in good company! Alot of the wives from work were there with their families and Alex came along too! It was nothing like a Caps game, even the price ;) $15 got you a good seat and a meal. Not too shabby. We had a good time, but by the 3rd period with 8 mins to go, Collin started to lose it. Instead of making it a miserable end, we ended up leaving a little early. On the way home, we stopped by Panera bread for dinner and a Halloween store and got me a vampire costume and Alex a beer maid outfit.
Oct. 31 we celebrated Halloween with mummy pizza, mac and cheese nuggets and monster punch :) I love this holiday. We got all dressed up and Alex came over after work. After eating dinner, we passed out some candy to trick or treaters and then went out to a few houses ourselves. The kids were satisfied with about 10 houses. Then, we went and just all passed out candy. It was fun! We turned on Halloween town after coming in until it was bed time.
The kids have been sick for awhile now. Before Joe left in early October, they all had a bad cough and chest congestion. Joe said his cleared out pretty quickly once he got out of here, so I was thinking it was just allergies for all of them. We went to my moms and it kept getting worse. After I came back it seemed to settle down a little bit. A week or two later, Collin's teacher tells me he was complaining about a bee buzzing in his ear all day long. That night was AWFUL. He screamed most of the night that his ear hurt and the moment the doctor's office opened in the morning I called to get him in!
He had an ear infection in both ears and bronchitis. They put him on antibiotics, steroids, and albuterol nebulizer treatments. While there, I asked the doctor to listen to Alana's lungs too, and she said she sounded worse! So she went on all of the above as well :( A week later, today, I take them back for a check up and Collin's ears still aren't clear, so still has to take his antibiotic and keep up with the breathing treatments until his cough is gone, slowing weaning him. Alana on the other hand seemed to only get worse so the doctor sent me to another hospital to get chest x-rays.
It was a walk-in type place, so I was thankful it didn't take long before they could see us. That didn't stop Collin from throwing a fit and trying to jump from chair to chair, scaring all the elderly people there :/ The x-ray technician was male and I didn't think Alana would be very good, so for the first round, I left Collin outside with the iphone to keep him company. He did good and Alana did really good with the x-ray tech! That is a miracle since she is usually painfully shy of men. She even let him take her to do another one while I stayed outside with Collin.
We then went to Walmart to fill prescriptions and went to lunch with a friend. While at lunch, the doctor called to tell us she has walking pneumonia and need to start a different antibiotic and a something else for the nebulizer. Ugh, that meant another trip to wally world :( Thankfully, my friend Andrea offered to take them home with her while I went and fought the dreaded Walmart for my meds :) So much easier without two cranky, tired kids. We did take her to dance class and she did fine. The funny part is neither one of them (except that first night with Collin's ears) seems very sick. They still have their appetite and most of their energy, so it makes it painful to try and stay home and rest for many days. The doctor said they could keep going to school and activities as long as they seemed to be up for it and no fevers. All of this is allergy induced, so I am hoping whatever is bothering them ends REALLY soon.
I am so ready for Joe to be home and he is so ready to be home. It will be so nice to have him home for Christmas and New years. It will be his longest period of time home since we moved here...pathetic. Oh well, suck it up and be thankful he has a job and I don't have to work for now :) I'd probably have to quit even if I had a job with how sick these kids have been since moving here!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
News. Good or Bad?
While Joe is on TDY, I usually make an effort to ditch all sources of news, especially overseas news! But this morning, I decided to sneak a peek...
Bad idea. Something is always going on over there, Americans dying in suicide bomber attacks, planes being shot down, etc. Knowing this kind of information when the love of your life, husband, best friend and father to your children is over there, it pains me to read that he is in the middle of all this.
Coming from a military family, I am pretty good at not thinking about "what could be" and just focus on the positive. I usually am able to block it all out, and not read what is going on.
Many years ago, now, I banned myself from reading such things, but it seems almost every TDY, I look up world news and sure enough, there is some article that gets my heart squeezed and I am on edge until he calls, emails or skype's me!
This morning is the same...I feel like I am on an adrenaline rush, heart racing, body tense and a sick to my stomach feeling. It also gets those gears rolling in my head...what will I do if he does get killed over there? I don't have a job, I have two kids?? I wouldn't want to go burden someone else or nor would I want to go live with anyone. When I think about it I have absolutely no clue...
I guess things would end up falling into place, hard decisions would have to be made and I would be one hell of a mess. Tears come to my eyes when I think I wouldn't have Joe in my life, my heart starts to break and I begin to feel lost.
I pray this NEVER becomes a reality...I just once again need to lock these thoughts down in my mind and throw away the key until I decide to take another peep at the news :(
P.S. Joe, you better call me soon!
P.S.S. He called :)
Bad idea. Something is always going on over there, Americans dying in suicide bomber attacks, planes being shot down, etc. Knowing this kind of information when the love of your life, husband, best friend and father to your children is over there, it pains me to read that he is in the middle of all this.
Coming from a military family, I am pretty good at not thinking about "what could be" and just focus on the positive. I usually am able to block it all out, and not read what is going on.
Many years ago, now, I banned myself from reading such things, but it seems almost every TDY, I look up world news and sure enough, there is some article that gets my heart squeezed and I am on edge until he calls, emails or skype's me!
This morning is the same...I feel like I am on an adrenaline rush, heart racing, body tense and a sick to my stomach feeling. It also gets those gears rolling in my head...what will I do if he does get killed over there? I don't have a job, I have two kids?? I wouldn't want to go burden someone else or nor would I want to go live with anyone. When I think about it I have absolutely no clue...
I guess things would end up falling into place, hard decisions would have to be made and I would be one hell of a mess. Tears come to my eyes when I think I wouldn't have Joe in my life, my heart starts to break and I begin to feel lost.
I pray this NEVER becomes a reality...I just once again need to lock these thoughts down in my mind and throw away the key until I decide to take another peep at the news :(
P.S. Joe, you better call me soon!
P.S.S. He called :)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Plastic Surgery
So for those of you who don't know, I have been on a weight loss journey for a few years now. I am down over 60 lbs from the weight that was typical when I wasn't pregnant. During my pregnancies, I put on 60+ lbs in just water weight. So at points, I was over 120 lbs heavier than I am today. Crazy to think about! But that being said, because of the dramatic gains and losses, my skin took alot of wear and stretching.
Most people can't tell, but most places on my body, you can pull loose skin away. It is bad in my arms, stomach and thighs. It drives me nuts :) So I decided to see what it would entail and cost to get some of this excess skin removed. The results are mind boggling!
Two separate operations.
For my arm and thighs: $11,900
Tummy tuck: $8,670
Wholly crap that is ALOT of money! That is all I can wrap my mind around right now :) The surgeon said he highly recommends the tummy tuck for me because he could get the most results there. I have stretch marks on my stomach and he said he could get rid of most all of them!! Wow, didn't really think that was possible.
I have a whole mental stigma against plastic surgery, too. I think it seems so vain of me to want this. I have never had a great body, not that I will after either, but I didn't ever think I would be one to get something done like this...the pain, the money, the healing. This isn't an all of a sudden idea for me. I have been thinking about this for years and it was one of my motivations for my working out and eating a healthy diet. What I want to get done can't be done by diet and exercise, to change it, the only option is removal.
I also had another doctor appointment for my heart and blood pressure that I need to get sorted out before trying to sort anymore of this plastic surgery stuff out. But I just wanted to share about what I found out! Not sure how someone can justify to spend that kind of money on altering their body??? I will let you know if I do figure it out ;)
Most people can't tell, but most places on my body, you can pull loose skin away. It is bad in my arms, stomach and thighs. It drives me nuts :) So I decided to see what it would entail and cost to get some of this excess skin removed. The results are mind boggling!
Two separate operations.
For my arm and thighs: $11,900
Tummy tuck: $8,670
Wholly crap that is ALOT of money! That is all I can wrap my mind around right now :) The surgeon said he highly recommends the tummy tuck for me because he could get the most results there. I have stretch marks on my stomach and he said he could get rid of most all of them!! Wow, didn't really think that was possible.
I have a whole mental stigma against plastic surgery, too. I think it seems so vain of me to want this. I have never had a great body, not that I will after either, but I didn't ever think I would be one to get something done like this...the pain, the money, the healing. This isn't an all of a sudden idea for me. I have been thinking about this for years and it was one of my motivations for my working out and eating a healthy diet. What I want to get done can't be done by diet and exercise, to change it, the only option is removal.
I also had another doctor appointment for my heart and blood pressure that I need to get sorted out before trying to sort anymore of this plastic surgery stuff out. But I just wanted to share about what I found out! Not sure how someone can justify to spend that kind of money on altering their body??? I will let you know if I do figure it out ;)
Friday, September 23, 2011
Happy Rantings!
I feel like ranting today...and I guess they aren't exactly happy :)
First on my list is: I want my kids to sleep longer in the morning! I hate waking up early and I know it is good they don't sleep until noon-anymore. ha ha ha. But mommy is a happier camper when she gets to sleep in! I can't seem to fall asleep earlier if I don't take some kind of night time medication! I was (in my mind) addicted to Nyquil until I used it all and decided I won't be buying that for myself anymore :)
Second: I hate money. I hate that it controls everything and is so important. I find it especially annoying since I do work hard, but I don't monetarily contribute to the family. It bugs me! You can probably never have enough, I am thankful I don't HAVE to work outside the house and that we don't need for anything.
Third: I hate chores with a passion and my kids can be, at times, the messiest kids in the world. I wish I could even like just one chore...but I don't. Unless it is mowing the lawn to get a break from the kids or re-organizing something when I have a good idea (Doesn't happen often). It is probably a good thing we move every couple of years!
Fourth: I truly am sick of being told how tired I look. It seems like I get this comment from strangers alot. I know running around with my two kids all day long takes it toll on me, but I ignore it and when you bring up, then I start to get mentally tired!
Fifth: Why do so many women dress up to take their kids to school? Even back in VA, the women at our school didn't doll up to drop your kids off at school! Joe even made the comment that they must be the "Real Housewives of Boerne" LOL! Now I feel pressure to dress up to take my kids to school so I'm not that young mom who doesn't know how things go around here. :( Ugh. I would like to just stay in my PJ's and get ready after I drop them off! I know I could, but I don't like to stand out in the crowd, even though I usually always do with looking so young, but I am noticing I fit in a little better that way here in Texas.
Sixth: I hate how everyone here has a big ole truck and doesn't know how to park the dang thing!! Don't buy it or drive it if you can't handle it...or take a class and learn! You aren't suppose to take up 3 spaces near the front of the store and in middle of the aisle!! Go to the back of the parking lot at least.
Seventh: I just can't be happy, I guess. I use to complain how everyone was so unsocial back east and now here, I feel like people are to nice! I don't like strangers when I am out and about- espcially if you are male. I probably don't want to talk to you unless I make eye contact with you and initiate the conversation. Please stop trying to gab it up with me when I am just trying to get through the grocery store or taking a walk or asking me a million questions when you figure out that I am not really from here. You usually get borderline or completely nosey! ( I am pretty nosey, so I can't really hold it against them)
Ahhhh, I feel a little better :) I am having one of those days. I know you all know what I mean!
First on my list is: I want my kids to sleep longer in the morning! I hate waking up early and I know it is good they don't sleep until noon-anymore. ha ha ha. But mommy is a happier camper when she gets to sleep in! I can't seem to fall asleep earlier if I don't take some kind of night time medication! I was (in my mind) addicted to Nyquil until I used it all and decided I won't be buying that for myself anymore :)
Second: I hate money. I hate that it controls everything and is so important. I find it especially annoying since I do work hard, but I don't monetarily contribute to the family. It bugs me! You can probably never have enough, I am thankful I don't HAVE to work outside the house and that we don't need for anything.
Third: I hate chores with a passion and my kids can be, at times, the messiest kids in the world. I wish I could even like just one chore...but I don't. Unless it is mowing the lawn to get a break from the kids or re-organizing something when I have a good idea (Doesn't happen often). It is probably a good thing we move every couple of years!
Fourth: I truly am sick of being told how tired I look. It seems like I get this comment from strangers alot. I know running around with my two kids all day long takes it toll on me, but I ignore it and when you bring up, then I start to get mentally tired!
Fifth: Why do so many women dress up to take their kids to school? Even back in VA, the women at our school didn't doll up to drop your kids off at school! Joe even made the comment that they must be the "Real Housewives of Boerne" LOL! Now I feel pressure to dress up to take my kids to school so I'm not that young mom who doesn't know how things go around here. :( Ugh. I would like to just stay in my PJ's and get ready after I drop them off! I know I could, but I don't like to stand out in the crowd, even though I usually always do with looking so young, but I am noticing I fit in a little better that way here in Texas.
Sixth: I hate how everyone here has a big ole truck and doesn't know how to park the dang thing!! Don't buy it or drive it if you can't handle it...or take a class and learn! You aren't suppose to take up 3 spaces near the front of the store and in middle of the aisle!! Go to the back of the parking lot at least.
Seventh: I just can't be happy, I guess. I use to complain how everyone was so unsocial back east and now here, I feel like people are to nice! I don't like strangers when I am out and about- espcially if you are male. I probably don't want to talk to you unless I make eye contact with you and initiate the conversation. Please stop trying to gab it up with me when I am just trying to get through the grocery store or taking a walk or asking me a million questions when you figure out that I am not really from here. You usually get borderline or completely nosey! ( I am pretty nosey, so I can't really hold it against them)
Ahhhh, I feel a little better :) I am having one of those days. I know you all know what I mean!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Camping!
I have no idea why, but I love the OUTDOORS! I don't remember doing alot of camping when I was younger or anything, but I have always felt at peace whenever i'm outdoors, either just eating dinner on the patio, riding my bike through the villages in Germany, running on the W&OD trail or whatever it may be.
Joe and I went camping once when we were dating (ha ha ha) and that is a story in itself, but last year, when Collin was 1, we decided to get a big ole tent and some camping gear to try to go camping more. We went up in the Shenandoah Mountains, and it was a nightmare, he wasn't ready and cried most of the night :) Wasn't sure if we were ever going to go again, but I worked with him over the past year to not have to have his own room and complete silence to go to bed. This made this year's camping trip much easier!
We debated where to go camping, Enchanted Rock or Colorado Bend State Park and the latter won because the pictures looked better :) We were one of the only people staying and no one was around us. We brought Belle, too. She scared off the deer when we first got there, but was well behaved otherwise! She has been coming along well in her on and off training :)
We set up camp and it was just up from a river in a canyon area. Very nice setting. The days are still very hot here in Texas, but the nights cool down into the 60's so that was bearable. Joe put up our gigantic tent while I dragged all the stuff down from the car.
After camp was setup, we went for a hike! We wanted to do the waterfall hike, but were told it was only trickling. It is a pretty long hike, so we are saving it for when it will be more of a waterfall to view. The state park rangers told us about some fresh water spring ponds that were on a hike and we decided to go check them out. They said it was only like 1/2 to them, but it was more like 1 mile + and carrying two kids, by the time we were done, it felt more like 10 miles instead of 2!
The trail was along the river most of the way. The kids called the cactus we passed "pokies" and we saw an Armadillo. We weren't sure what it was at first, so we sent daddy to investigate :) Once we got to the pond, we were surprised they were green :/ But they were teeming with life. Little fish and big fish and who knows what else. they flowed from one area to another down rock like cliffs and the kids had a ball climbing through the water and trying to catch fish and slipping on the slippery rocks/silt. Mommy and daddy on the other hand (at least mommy) was freaking out about them slipping and hurting themselves or into the deeper water :) They were all wet and we sat down for a snack and a drink before heading back.
When we got back to camp, we were physically tired, but it wasn't quite dinner time yet. So we all headed down to the river area to do a little exploring. Again, there were a bunch of fish of all sizes, little water snails and TONS of little frogs! I caught one for the kids to see up close and personal. We walked up and down the water's edge looking for things. I have to say, I enjoyed this a lot and reminded me of some childhood memories :) We headed back up to camp for dinner.
Dinner was pretty basic. We weren't allowed to have any flames of any sort since it has been so dry and hot here in Texas. So we just had some sandwiches and chips. We then went and used the potty's (gross) and got ready for bed. We brought the Ipad and watched Rio (for the umpteenth time). Once it was dark, the kids were out, like light bulbs. It was fantastic until...
Raccoons. We didn't take our garbage up to the dumpster, but hung it in the tree. Ugh, that was a mistake. The darn raccoons were at it all night waking Joe and I up every 20 mins at night. After that, the deer came to see what they were up to and then the rascally raccoons started to go for our cooler. Not sure why Belle never barked at any of them. Maybe she knew she wasn't suppose to?
In the morning, (mommy didn't want to wake up) Alana was the first up, followed by daddy and then Collin. Amazing that Collin wasn't first! We had muffins and donut holes, backed up and loaded up the car because we had a pool party to get to that afternoon.
So it was a good time! We learned something new...throw away your trash BEFORE bed :) We are excited to go again soon. So glad the kids enjoyed it so much. Just hoping I get a little more sleep next time.
Our Beach Outing!
I have slowed down on my blogging...life has been so hectic for me with Daddy being gone and having the kids, plus a dog, plus a house to maintain! So sorry...
Alexandra, one of my two really good friends from high school, and I have been meeting up on the weekends to do stuff. She is here for a year, without her husband, so she has some free time :) We decided to take a trip to the beach and it turned out to be quite an adventure!
So I tried doing my research before we went, but you can only do so much. I read you should get a parking pass for beach areas before getting there and I thought we'd be fine just going to the Corpus Christi bay beach area...WRONG!
So I stop at an HEB (grocery store here in TX) that I researched before hand. The outside and area in general looked shady, but I went in anyway. I was stared down (only white girl and not sure if they ever had seen one before??) and was pretty uncomfortable. Everyone looked at me crazy when inquiring about a beach parking pass and directed me to go to a Stripes (gas station). Alex stayed in the car with the youngins :)
We get to the Stripes, not far from HEB and I tell Alex it is her turn! Ha ha ha, she said I'm not getting out...and I said, okay you are prettier, so I am less likely to get stolen. LOL! I was pretty freaked out, too. So I go in and the lady at the cashier looks at me like I am crazy and she asked why I would stop there and to go closer to the beach. As soon as I get in the car, Alex tells me OMG that girl is a prostitute! I look and sure enough, the (not so attractive) lady who was pacing in front of the gas station before I went in, was all over a guy in the corner area. Can we say CREEPY! Needless to say, we moved on as quickly as my little Mazda would take us :)
Then, we stop at the next Stripes where I get Alex to go in :) She said the guy was creepy in there and was trying to get her to buy some candy?! He said we didn't need one in that area. Geez, this darn pass is a pain! But we go to find a spot on the beach area. So the area looks nice, but the people and the beach area is pretty gross!
We get on the beach and right off the bat, this little boy comes and starts taking our toys and playing with them. I didn't care much, but I think Alex was like WTF? lol. We eat our sub par lunch and the creepy kin folk of the boy come up to show us a jellyfish and ask us if we want to touch it...we were like NO!! And he came back a little later to ask if we had a knife? strange. Then some gangster looking guys came and we were like, let's drive that extra hour to the nice area!
So off we went, not sure where the hell we were going. Alex drove right onto a ferry in port Aransas :) Ready or not, we went to the other side, not sure if that was even where we really wanted to go. SO MUCH nicer over there. We drove for awhile and decided we better stop and see the beach here. We sure were glad when we stopped (even tho we didn't have that dang pass we were TRYING to get). It was nice, pretty white sandy beaches and no seaweed or murky water. We could see little fish swimming and we all had so much fun playing on this beach. No creepy people approached us and we had wished we knew about this spot all along. It was getting late in the day and had a long drive ahead of us. On the way home we stopped at Whataburger (LOVE) and DQ ha ha ha for a potty break. All in all a great adventure, even tho parts were a bit sketchy. So glad I didn't do that one alone :)
P.S. We brought Belle with us, too! She was good, for her :) She wanted the ice cream man and bikers, but other than that I was happy she came.
Alexandra, one of my two really good friends from high school, and I have been meeting up on the weekends to do stuff. She is here for a year, without her husband, so she has some free time :) We decided to take a trip to the beach and it turned out to be quite an adventure!
So I tried doing my research before we went, but you can only do so much. I read you should get a parking pass for beach areas before getting there and I thought we'd be fine just going to the Corpus Christi bay beach area...WRONG!
So I stop at an HEB (grocery store here in TX) that I researched before hand. The outside and area in general looked shady, but I went in anyway. I was stared down (only white girl and not sure if they ever had seen one before??) and was pretty uncomfortable. Everyone looked at me crazy when inquiring about a beach parking pass and directed me to go to a Stripes (gas station). Alex stayed in the car with the youngins :)
We get to the Stripes, not far from HEB and I tell Alex it is her turn! Ha ha ha, she said I'm not getting out...and I said, okay you are prettier, so I am less likely to get stolen. LOL! I was pretty freaked out, too. So I go in and the lady at the cashier looks at me like I am crazy and she asked why I would stop there and to go closer to the beach. As soon as I get in the car, Alex tells me OMG that girl is a prostitute! I look and sure enough, the (not so attractive) lady who was pacing in front of the gas station before I went in, was all over a guy in the corner area. Can we say CREEPY! Needless to say, we moved on as quickly as my little Mazda would take us :)
Then, we stop at the next Stripes where I get Alex to go in :) She said the guy was creepy in there and was trying to get her to buy some candy?! He said we didn't need one in that area. Geez, this darn pass is a pain! But we go to find a spot on the beach area. So the area looks nice, but the people and the beach area is pretty gross!
We get on the beach and right off the bat, this little boy comes and starts taking our toys and playing with them. I didn't care much, but I think Alex was like WTF? lol. We eat our sub par lunch and the creepy kin folk of the boy come up to show us a jellyfish and ask us if we want to touch it...we were like NO!! And he came back a little later to ask if we had a knife? strange. Then some gangster looking guys came and we were like, let's drive that extra hour to the nice area!
So off we went, not sure where the hell we were going. Alex drove right onto a ferry in port Aransas :) Ready or not, we went to the other side, not sure if that was even where we really wanted to go. SO MUCH nicer over there. We drove for awhile and decided we better stop and see the beach here. We sure were glad when we stopped (even tho we didn't have that dang pass we were TRYING to get). It was nice, pretty white sandy beaches and no seaweed or murky water. We could see little fish swimming and we all had so much fun playing on this beach. No creepy people approached us and we had wished we knew about this spot all along. It was getting late in the day and had a long drive ahead of us. On the way home we stopped at Whataburger (LOVE) and DQ ha ha ha for a potty break. All in all a great adventure, even tho parts were a bit sketchy. So glad I didn't do that one alone :)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
just funny...
So I recently sent my hubby an email that states the following:
"Please let me know that you miss me and love me as much as I do you."
And this was his response:
"Like I said when I married you (twice)..... I do."
HA HA HA!
love my husband <3
"Please let me know that you miss me and love me as much as I do you."
And this was his response:
"Like I said when I married you (twice)..... I do."
HA HA HA!
love my husband <3
Monday, August 15, 2011
Almost forgot...
Alana and Collin got into the preschool I wanted them in! Yay! They start Sept. 6th and go on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am-2:30pm. We are all pretty darn excited!
Also, we got Alana enrolled in a ballet, tap and tumble class on Wednesday's. We went to the open house on a Saturday and she got to try on her ballet and tap shoes we had to order. You can only imagine how excited she was...she loves the whole dress up thing! She loves how the tap shoes are noisy. I have no doubt that she is going to love it!
We are looking for some kind of sport for Collin to do, as well. I was thinking maybe some kind of soccer class. It is just so hot out, I am guessing it will be Fall before they have those kind of things.
Also, we got Alana enrolled in a ballet, tap and tumble class on Wednesday's. We went to the open house on a Saturday and she got to try on her ballet and tap shoes we had to order. You can only imagine how excited she was...she loves the whole dress up thing! She loves how the tap shoes are noisy. I have no doubt that she is going to love it!
We are looking for some kind of sport for Collin to do, as well. I was thinking maybe some kind of soccer class. It is just so hot out, I am guessing it will be Fall before they have those kind of things.
Whirlwind of a month!
I can't believe about a month has passed by already!
After our first visit with Pa and Mary, my family arrived just a few days later. My little brother and sister stayed with me while my parents stayed on the Riverwalk for a little mini vacation. My kids LOVED having their young Aunt and Uncle around to play with ALL the time.
That week we went Sea World and Six flags. It was a very fun, but tiring week! We were able to get in a little back to school shopping for my lil sister :) The kids and I were very sad to see them go. It is fun having a full house. Joe was gone that week, but came back the day before they left, so we were able to sneak out to a movie ;) Cowboys v. Aliens. I really didn't want to see it, but I have to say, it was alot better than what I was expecting.
The day my family left, is the day my best friend from high school arrived to move into town with her dad! He drove out with her to get her settled so over the next couple of days we met them, once was down at the Riverwalk for Lunch and a stroll :) After he flew home, she came here to stay with us until she had to start work and got her household shipment. Joe left the day after too, so it was nice to have the company. He will be gone for a month+. If in doubt, just assume he is gone :( Anyway, Alex is going to be away from her hubby this year, so it will be nice to have a good friend around to be able to hang out and help time go by faster.
The first several nights of her visit, we drank Margaritas and watched Drop Dead Diva! I love hanging out with her :) She is now settled in her own apartment, but we visit each other frequently.
This past weekend, on Friday we went to Sea World during the day with our friends. The kids love doing ANYTHING with their friends :) Everyday they ask to see them. Collin gets really excited since most of them are boys! They are older, but he doesn't care. I think they would prefer if he was more Alana's age ;) We then went to Alex's house Saturday and we went to a German restaurant that was pretty authentic and good. It still wasn't Germany tho :( I REALLY want to go back for a visit. We then went back to her apartment and took naps (mommy too!). It was now dinner time so we decided to go over to Sea World and catch a show and grab some dinner.
Well, we get sat down for the evening Sea Lion show and we were waiting patiently. It was going to start soon. The bees are terrible there! One came buzzing around Alana's hair and she accidentally cupped it by her ear and trapped it and it stung her ear! She started SCREAMING and then I started to freak out! The stinger was huge and stuck, so I took it out and moved her out of the arena to go find some help. They called an EMT to the scene and I put some ice on it. It started to swell pretty good and I was pretty scared she might have a bad reaction since it was her first sting. The EMT told me it usually is the 2-3 time that they usually have a really adverse reaction. Alana was really upset and wanted to go home. We left and went to Walgreens and got her some benedryal and once it was in her system, the swelling went right down.
We then decided to have dinner at Chili's. Alex was with us and we decided she would spend the night so we could wake up the next morning and go to the gym together. We watched our show, too :) The stupid smoke detector in the spare room kept beeping and we tried to fix it, but to no avail. I started to feel like a cold was coming on that day, but thought I was fine, but that night I didn't feel so great. The next morning we went to the gym and worked out together...walked, ran, free weights, crunches, push-ups and some weight machines. It was a good workout :) It if fun to have someone to go with. We then had lunch there at the gym. They have a good menu.
I knew the kids were tried, but decided to venture over to Target anyway. I had to get a few grocery items and really wanted to go when I had another set of hands to help me! Needless to say, my kids were awful with screaming and tantrums. Oh well, it happens. We came home and crashed! That night I was feeling pretty sick like, but stayed up to watch True Blood :) I took some Nyquil and it made me SO drowsy, but Alana woke up at 1am and Collin at 2am. I made them sleep on the couch, but then they wake up at 7 because of the sun coming in the windows.
Today, I feel sicky and I just want to sleep. Kids, however, don't understand that and are yelling and demanding things from me every 10 mins :( I'm just waiting for nap time- for all of us!
After our first visit with Pa and Mary, my family arrived just a few days later. My little brother and sister stayed with me while my parents stayed on the Riverwalk for a little mini vacation. My kids LOVED having their young Aunt and Uncle around to play with ALL the time.
That week we went Sea World and Six flags. It was a very fun, but tiring week! We were able to get in a little back to school shopping for my lil sister :) The kids and I were very sad to see them go. It is fun having a full house. Joe was gone that week, but came back the day before they left, so we were able to sneak out to a movie ;) Cowboys v. Aliens. I really didn't want to see it, but I have to say, it was alot better than what I was expecting.
The day my family left, is the day my best friend from high school arrived to move into town with her dad! He drove out with her to get her settled so over the next couple of days we met them, once was down at the Riverwalk for Lunch and a stroll :) After he flew home, she came here to stay with us until she had to start work and got her household shipment. Joe left the day after too, so it was nice to have the company. He will be gone for a month+. If in doubt, just assume he is gone :( Anyway, Alex is going to be away from her hubby this year, so it will be nice to have a good friend around to be able to hang out and help time go by faster.
The first several nights of her visit, we drank Margaritas and watched Drop Dead Diva! I love hanging out with her :) She is now settled in her own apartment, but we visit each other frequently.
This past weekend, on Friday we went to Sea World during the day with our friends. The kids love doing ANYTHING with their friends :) Everyday they ask to see them. Collin gets really excited since most of them are boys! They are older, but he doesn't care. I think they would prefer if he was more Alana's age ;) We then went to Alex's house Saturday and we went to a German restaurant that was pretty authentic and good. It still wasn't Germany tho :( I REALLY want to go back for a visit. We then went back to her apartment and took naps (mommy too!). It was now dinner time so we decided to go over to Sea World and catch a show and grab some dinner.
Well, we get sat down for the evening Sea Lion show and we were waiting patiently. It was going to start soon. The bees are terrible there! One came buzzing around Alana's hair and she accidentally cupped it by her ear and trapped it and it stung her ear! She started SCREAMING and then I started to freak out! The stinger was huge and stuck, so I took it out and moved her out of the arena to go find some help. They called an EMT to the scene and I put some ice on it. It started to swell pretty good and I was pretty scared she might have a bad reaction since it was her first sting. The EMT told me it usually is the 2-3 time that they usually have a really adverse reaction. Alana was really upset and wanted to go home. We left and went to Walgreens and got her some benedryal and once it was in her system, the swelling went right down.
We then decided to have dinner at Chili's. Alex was with us and we decided she would spend the night so we could wake up the next morning and go to the gym together. We watched our show, too :) The stupid smoke detector in the spare room kept beeping and we tried to fix it, but to no avail. I started to feel like a cold was coming on that day, but thought I was fine, but that night I didn't feel so great. The next morning we went to the gym and worked out together...walked, ran, free weights, crunches, push-ups and some weight machines. It was a good workout :) It if fun to have someone to go with. We then had lunch there at the gym. They have a good menu.
I knew the kids were tried, but decided to venture over to Target anyway. I had to get a few grocery items and really wanted to go when I had another set of hands to help me! Needless to say, my kids were awful with screaming and tantrums. Oh well, it happens. We came home and crashed! That night I was feeling pretty sick like, but stayed up to watch True Blood :) I took some Nyquil and it made me SO drowsy, but Alana woke up at 1am and Collin at 2am. I made them sleep on the couch, but then they wake up at 7 because of the sun coming in the windows.
Today, I feel sicky and I just want to sleep. Kids, however, don't understand that and are yelling and demanding things from me every 10 mins :( I'm just waiting for nap time- for all of us!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
A Fun Visit!
Joe's dad, and his fiancée, Mary, came for a visit on Wednesday night! They got in really late so Joe picked them up from the airport and we were all asleep when they arrived. The kids were VERY excited. Alana made them pictures she colored and taped it on the door to the room they would be sleeping in :)
The next day, we went downtown and went to the Alamo and Riverwalk area. We had lunch at The Original Mexican restaurant. It was pretty hot outside so we opted to eat inside with more room and to be cooler. It was pretty yummy! Pa ordered a HUGE beer. Collin only ordered french fries ( he likes to eat my food instead), Alana got her usual taco and the rest of us got some sort of platter with a variety of things. My favorite was the cheese enchiladas!
We then went on the little boat ride they have on the Riverwalk. I must say, Collin was pretty good for him, but he started to lose it by the end. He was crawling around under the seats and creeped out a couple of girls who didn't know who/what was under the bench! LoL. We went home after that because it was so hot. Everyone, but me, went to the pool for some afternoon cooling off! I went to the MedClinic to get my darn ankle x-rayed.
My dumb ankle started bruising all over and is still hurting, so decided to go in. They x-rayed it and said no fractures or broken bones. So I must have a bad sprain. He says the bruising must be because I also tore/sprained ligaments between my tibia and fibula bones and it took a couple days for the blood and juices to come down. They put me in a big, bulky, annoying boot. Boo. The doctor said we will see if it gets better and if not, the next step is a MRI.
They all came home from the pool shortly after I got home and we all kinda lounged and took naps. We had Rudy's BBQ for dinner that night. Joe and I ended up going out to the movies and saw Horrible Bosses at Alamo draft house, which is one of those theaters where you can order food and alcohol. We had some nacho's and a pitcher of Sangria :) It was fun, but a late night.
Friday was our 4 year anniversary. We went to try and get our cars registered, but ended up not having everything we needed. It is a huge pain in this state! We picked up everyone and headed over to Whataburger for lunch (YUM!) and then went to Outdoor World to see the fish. Pa and Mary ended up buying some pool toys and a mermaid towel for Alana. Joe and I went and picked up our tickets for HP 7.2 for that afternoon. So we went out to see that after dropping off everyone, followed by Maggiano's for our dinner. It was sooo yummy! We then went to DSW and Best Buy and miraculously didn't buy anything. We picked up dessert (crepes, my fav.) and brought them home for all of us.
That night, we shared a bottle of wine that we got Pa for his birthday present, and he decided to open it to share with all of us :) It was REALLY good Cab. we got from Robert Mondavi when we went to Napa. We put a movie on for the kids and the rest of us watched Red Riding Hood, which was okay and went to bed.
Saturday, we went to La Cantera and had lunch at the food court. We bought a couple of books at Barnes and Noble. Joe and I had to get back to take Belle to her doggie training class. She learned how to lay down! She is the biggest barker in the class, but whatever. We are trying :) The kids napped while we were out doing that and we all went to the pool after, came back and showered up.
That night we went to Fralo's the Art of Pizza. It is a little place that is mostly outdoor seating and they have live music at night. Clearwater was playing that night. We invited some friends that live nearby. They have 3 boys, 1, 5, and 7. Collin is really too young for the older boys, but Alana and their 5 year old play well! It was so cute because he was asking Alana to dance and she was being super shy, but they ended up dancing around up by the music with Collin, Pa and Mary. Collin ended up finding one of the most expensive cars and throwing rocks at it, typical Collin. Thank goodness he didn't do any damage and it didn't seem the owner even knew.*phew* We brought a couple of bottles of wine from home and ordered some beers for the guys and a bunch of pizza! It was a really good, fun night with friends and family. Thanks Pa!
I was feeling my wine ;) But Joe and I ended up going to a late showing of Transformers. I thought I was going to fall asleep, but managed to stay up. I couldn't believe how many kids were there for that late showing and how many of them fell asleep in it! LOL. It was good tho! We didn't get home until after 1:30am!
Sunday morning, we went mass. It has been awhile for us. It just hasn't been worth the hassle with the kids because we get nothing out of it. But the kids were pretty well behaved today! I think we will try again next week and see if we can start going more regularly. After church we went to The Egg and I for breakfast, very good and big portions! We came back and watched some tv and snoozed.
It was time for everyone to get going :( Pa and Mary needed to get to their hotel. They have a VERY early flight tomorrow morning and Joe needed to pack for his trip this week. Collin started to get really upset. We told him he could go with daddy to dropped them off, but when he realized mommy wasn't going, he didn't want to leave me either. Then daddy came home, packed and ate dinner, Collin realized he was leaving, too. He gets pretty upset and was crying and hugging daddy. Once he left Collin had a huge meltdown and won't let me out of his sight. I am hoping he will be okay pretty soon. He has a lot of saying goodbye to daddy in the near future :/
We had a good visit! We love it when Pa and Mary come to visit! It was alot of late nights for mommy and daddy and we got to go out without kids, which was much needed for all of us :) Now, we get have to get geared up for my family coming for a visit next week!
The next day, we went downtown and went to the Alamo and Riverwalk area. We had lunch at The Original Mexican restaurant. It was pretty hot outside so we opted to eat inside with more room and to be cooler. It was pretty yummy! Pa ordered a HUGE beer. Collin only ordered french fries ( he likes to eat my food instead), Alana got her usual taco and the rest of us got some sort of platter with a variety of things. My favorite was the cheese enchiladas!
We then went on the little boat ride they have on the Riverwalk. I must say, Collin was pretty good for him, but he started to lose it by the end. He was crawling around under the seats and creeped out a couple of girls who didn't know who/what was under the bench! LoL. We went home after that because it was so hot. Everyone, but me, went to the pool for some afternoon cooling off! I went to the MedClinic to get my darn ankle x-rayed.
My dumb ankle started bruising all over and is still hurting, so decided to go in. They x-rayed it and said no fractures or broken bones. So I must have a bad sprain. He says the bruising must be because I also tore/sprained ligaments between my tibia and fibula bones and it took a couple days for the blood and juices to come down. They put me in a big, bulky, annoying boot. Boo. The doctor said we will see if it gets better and if not, the next step is a MRI.
They all came home from the pool shortly after I got home and we all kinda lounged and took naps. We had Rudy's BBQ for dinner that night. Joe and I ended up going out to the movies and saw Horrible Bosses at Alamo draft house, which is one of those theaters where you can order food and alcohol. We had some nacho's and a pitcher of Sangria :) It was fun, but a late night.
Friday was our 4 year anniversary. We went to try and get our cars registered, but ended up not having everything we needed. It is a huge pain in this state! We picked up everyone and headed over to Whataburger for lunch (YUM!) and then went to Outdoor World to see the fish. Pa and Mary ended up buying some pool toys and a mermaid towel for Alana. Joe and I went and picked up our tickets for HP 7.2 for that afternoon. So we went out to see that after dropping off everyone, followed by Maggiano's for our dinner. It was sooo yummy! We then went to DSW and Best Buy and miraculously didn't buy anything. We picked up dessert (crepes, my fav.) and brought them home for all of us.
That night, we shared a bottle of wine that we got Pa for his birthday present, and he decided to open it to share with all of us :) It was REALLY good Cab. we got from Robert Mondavi when we went to Napa. We put a movie on for the kids and the rest of us watched Red Riding Hood, which was okay and went to bed.
Saturday, we went to La Cantera and had lunch at the food court. We bought a couple of books at Barnes and Noble. Joe and I had to get back to take Belle to her doggie training class. She learned how to lay down! She is the biggest barker in the class, but whatever. We are trying :) The kids napped while we were out doing that and we all went to the pool after, came back and showered up.
That night we went to Fralo's the Art of Pizza. It is a little place that is mostly outdoor seating and they have live music at night. Clearwater was playing that night. We invited some friends that live nearby. They have 3 boys, 1, 5, and 7. Collin is really too young for the older boys, but Alana and their 5 year old play well! It was so cute because he was asking Alana to dance and she was being super shy, but they ended up dancing around up by the music with Collin, Pa and Mary. Collin ended up finding one of the most expensive cars and throwing rocks at it, typical Collin. Thank goodness he didn't do any damage and it didn't seem the owner even knew.*phew* We brought a couple of bottles of wine from home and ordered some beers for the guys and a bunch of pizza! It was a really good, fun night with friends and family. Thanks Pa!
I was feeling my wine ;) But Joe and I ended up going to a late showing of Transformers. I thought I was going to fall asleep, but managed to stay up. I couldn't believe how many kids were there for that late showing and how many of them fell asleep in it! LOL. It was good tho! We didn't get home until after 1:30am!
Sunday morning, we went mass. It has been awhile for us. It just hasn't been worth the hassle with the kids because we get nothing out of it. But the kids were pretty well behaved today! I think we will try again next week and see if we can start going more regularly. After church we went to The Egg and I for breakfast, very good and big portions! We came back and watched some tv and snoozed.
It was time for everyone to get going :( Pa and Mary needed to get to their hotel. They have a VERY early flight tomorrow morning and Joe needed to pack for his trip this week. Collin started to get really upset. We told him he could go with daddy to dropped them off, but when he realized mommy wasn't going, he didn't want to leave me either. Then daddy came home, packed and ate dinner, Collin realized he was leaving, too. He gets pretty upset and was crying and hugging daddy. Once he left Collin had a huge meltdown and won't let me out of his sight. I am hoping he will be okay pretty soon. He has a lot of saying goodbye to daddy in the near future :/
We had a good visit! We love it when Pa and Mary come to visit! It was alot of late nights for mommy and daddy and we got to go out without kids, which was much needed for all of us :) Now, we get have to get geared up for my family coming for a visit next week!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
My Anniversary is around the corner...
I have had quite the whirlwind of a ride with my husband so far in our life together. With our 4 year wedding anniversary coming up on Friday, I'm so happy to have him in my life (even if he hasn't been home so much in the past couple of years, or in the near future).
Growing up and having kids has completely altered our day to day lives, but our bond we built together before kids and how we work strengthening on that bond, is what keeps our love going, when we have little time to work on "us".
We both have changed alot in the last 4 years. We don't have all the same interests, like it seemed we did when we first got together. For instance, it almost dives me nuts to sit and watch TV when there is so much else to do or I could read a book, but he loves watching hours of TV. Funny thing is, I use to, too. He use to love to go shopping with me, but now it is a torturous event for both of us, if he goes. Granted, the kids do not make it fun either! It seems we have taken on our roles, as husband and wife, and conformed to what is expected of us in those respective roles. Was it because we wanted to? Or did we have to?
I think it is a little of both. I think we wanted to be thought of as a "normal" couple and there was also a need for us to change. For example, we were both SLOBS in college. Our house was always a mess and we both hated and refused to clean and do laundry. Well, having kids changed that in me. Granted, it was a gradual process, but now I have my own little system down and the point being, it gets DONE. Do I still hate it, you betcha! But I also hate when it is not done! So yes, I kinda wanted to change that and there was a need to change that habit as well! We have had alot of these type of experiences through the years. It has a lot to do with growing up (we were so young when we met) and also because of having children, a real job, responsibilities, etc.
I think one of the hardest things for both of us, is the lack together/quality time. We really like to do things together, like traveling, seeing movies, etc. but kids make all those things we really enjoy, really difficult. Do we still do most of it? Yes, but in the end it was only semi worth it, most of the time. We also have a lack of time in general, with what needs to be done and him working and traveling, there just isn't a whole lot of extra time.
I love doing outdoor stuff, but my kids are still to young to haul around up mountains on hikes, boating on lakes, and snowboarding trips in the winter. Could we do these things? Yes, but we have to carry kids, watch them likes hawks, and hear alot of complaining about "I want to go home". They are just too young for the activities we want to do. But in having kids, we knew this, I think we just didn't realize how much we would miss "me/us" time.
We both feel if we lived by family, who could watch the kids while we did some of these activities, we would be golden. But, as many families in this day and age, we are not close enough to family. The next step is a babysitter. But I have a hard time finding someone I want to leave my kids with and then on top of it, to spend that kind of money for someone to watch my kids! We are talking at least 3 hour events when we go out to dinner and a movie for a date night and an all day event if we go do something outdoors.
So what is the solution? Ha, good question. We try to put the kids to bed early enough so we can watch something other than kid shows. When he is home, I try to get as much attention as I can to fulfill my neediness. I never knew how needy I am emotionally, so we have a dumb system of I say "tell me" and he says "I love you". This is said more times than I like to admit, everyday. But it works. I want to hear it and he isn't going to remember to say it.
We love it when family comes in for visits, because that is usually when we get date nights! Pretty much every date night we get, we do the same thing. Dinner and a movie. This was our #1 pastime when we got together and still is! We love this because you have dinner, where you can talk about whatever is on our minds and then a movie, where we can snuggle and enjoy the closeness of being together, while watching the movie and don't really have to focus on anything else. It is our perfect date.
Mariage takes alot of compromise, it isn't always going to be about you or if you have kids, it is going to be about them. It takes a solid commitment, which I think alot of people don't understand what that means until you are in the midst of it. I think you should have a solid foundation of genuine love for each other before bringing kids into the world, because you rely on that when you are angry and frustrated with each other and don't have the time to work things out right away. You need to constantly work on that foundation by making time for each other and expressing your love for your partner, however that may be. I am guessing it is different for everyone.
I love my family with all my heart. My husband is my best friend, number one supporter and the one I aspire to make happy. To my kids, I try to be a good role model in every sense of the word, by making good decisions, having healthy relationships, teaching them to express their feelings and have acceptance of everyone. Although some days are more challenging than others, I wouldn't have done anything differently. We have had many stages: madly in love, content in love, the love of bringing our children into the world, now the love of raising our children together. No stage comes without its own set of issues and problems to work through, but I know what we have is special and always worth the fight.
7 years so far with my other half and 4 of those years, as of Friday, will be has a married couple. It seems like we have been together forever, but really it is just the beginning.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Little Mommy A.K.A. Alana
You never really know how you come off to your kids, until you see them acting like you!
Alana has taken on the role "mommy" to Collin. It was pretty funny at first, and a little helpful. But now, I think it is annoying to me and Collin :) I swear, I don't think he can take a step, without her saying something! Here are a few examples.
This morning, Collin came down to tell me he woke up from his sleep and he slept good. He does this most every morning. Alana came down shortly after and scolded him for waking me up! "Mommy is sleeping Collin! Don't wake her up!" Collin gave her the death stare. I proceeded to tell her, "Alana don't yell at your brother, I was up, just laying in bed." She then left it alone.
Later this morning, Collin went potty on the potty and on his way there, Alana asked "Do you want me to turn on the light for you Collin?" he replied "No, sissy" she came up behind him and turned it on anyway. He just ignored it. After he went, while she patiently waited, she then said "Good job colli! You are a good boy!". I just stood back and laughed to myself :)
She also tells him more than I would like "No! No Colli, don't do that!" "Daddy will be mad if you do..." No! That is mommies!" The funny and sad part is, pretty much everything she says to him, to reprimand or praise, are the same things I say to him! If you everyone want to know what your kids are picking up from you, just listen to their conversations, especially when they think you aren't listening!
Also, her new kick is everything about brides and marriages. She told me she needs to find a husband. I asked her why. She said so she can have babies! Now, I did tell her she needed to have a husband before she could have babies, but I surely didn't mean it for the next 20 years! Oi. It scares me a little bit.
Alana has taken on the role "mommy" to Collin. It was pretty funny at first, and a little helpful. But now, I think it is annoying to me and Collin :) I swear, I don't think he can take a step, without her saying something! Here are a few examples.
This morning, Collin came down to tell me he woke up from his sleep and he slept good. He does this most every morning. Alana came down shortly after and scolded him for waking me up! "Mommy is sleeping Collin! Don't wake her up!" Collin gave her the death stare. I proceeded to tell her, "Alana don't yell at your brother, I was up, just laying in bed." She then left it alone.
Later this morning, Collin went potty on the potty and on his way there, Alana asked "Do you want me to turn on the light for you Collin?" he replied "No, sissy" she came up behind him and turned it on anyway. He just ignored it. After he went, while she patiently waited, she then said "Good job colli! You are a good boy!". I just stood back and laughed to myself :)
She also tells him more than I would like "No! No Colli, don't do that!" "Daddy will be mad if you do..." No! That is mommies!" The funny and sad part is, pretty much everything she says to him, to reprimand or praise, are the same things I say to him! If you everyone want to know what your kids are picking up from you, just listen to their conversations, especially when they think you aren't listening!
Also, her new kick is everything about brides and marriages. She told me she needs to find a husband. I asked her why. She said so she can have babies! Now, I did tell her she needed to have a husband before she could have babies, but I surely didn't mean it for the next 20 years! Oi. It scares me a little bit.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Collin Update
Collin doesn't have strep and is no longer on his antibiotic. I guess that is the good news?
He does have hand foot and mouth disease, though! Oh man, you just never know with these little guys. So the day after the E.R. visit, he got some blisters around his mouth. I thought they were fever blisters after his temperature had been SO high. But the next day, they started to form on his hands and feet! It looks so gross and painful, but he hasn't complained once about it.
I took him to the doctor on Tuesday, to make sure that was what it was. The doctor said it was a classic case. He also said, that mainly, kids his age and under catch it and it is possible Alana won't get it or a milder form of it. Since it is a virus, no antibiotic and it just has to run its course. He said Collin should be alright by Thursday to take back to our normal routine at the gym :)
On another note, we ended up having a pretty good weekend. Our old college friends, Amanda and Wyatt were down from Dallas and came over for dinner on Friday night. Sunday, the kids and I went to a BBQ with Sabrina and Troy + family and the kids swam most of the day. They just LOVE the pool. On Monday, I dressed up their wagon, which became the "freedom mobile". We walked around our neighborhood in the parade and came back and did a little cookout with some new friends :) I know that sounds like alot, but it really wasn't. I made sure the kids took it easy and didn't get over tired, over heated or too worn out. I am hoping now, since they both have been to the E.R. and to the doctor's office here, that maybe we can take a break from being sick for awhile.
He does have hand foot and mouth disease, though! Oh man, you just never know with these little guys. So the day after the E.R. visit, he got some blisters around his mouth. I thought they were fever blisters after his temperature had been SO high. But the next day, they started to form on his hands and feet! It looks so gross and painful, but he hasn't complained once about it.
I took him to the doctor on Tuesday, to make sure that was what it was. The doctor said it was a classic case. He also said, that mainly, kids his age and under catch it and it is possible Alana won't get it or a milder form of it. Since it is a virus, no antibiotic and it just has to run its course. He said Collin should be alright by Thursday to take back to our normal routine at the gym :)
On another note, we ended up having a pretty good weekend. Our old college friends, Amanda and Wyatt were down from Dallas and came over for dinner on Friday night. Sunday, the kids and I went to a BBQ with Sabrina and Troy + family and the kids swam most of the day. They just LOVE the pool. On Monday, I dressed up their wagon, which became the "freedom mobile". We walked around our neighborhood in the parade and came back and did a little cookout with some new friends :) I know that sounds like alot, but it really wasn't. I made sure the kids took it easy and didn't get over tired, over heated or too worn out. I am hoping now, since they both have been to the E.R. and to the doctor's office here, that maybe we can take a break from being sick for awhile.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
E.R. Visits
I am so glad we have really good insurance, because my two little rascally kids seem to love the E.R.!
Alana went to the E.R. a week or so ago, because we thought she might have a bladder infection. Thank goodness she did not, but it was trip number one :)
Collin was running a fever a couple nights ago, and since he was waking up every couple of hours, I let him sleep in the living room so I didn't have to go all the way upstairs. Mama is out of practice of getting up every few hours! As much as I want another baby, I don't know if I can go through sleep depravation again :/ Not that it is really an option anyway!
He seemed fine the next day, his happy, active self. We went to the gym, and I had my personal trainer session. I didn't think the session went that bad, but man, the next day, I wanted to die because EVERY single muscle in body hurt! I thought I was in better shape than that? I had Joe try to massage my muscles and I was balling, tears and all, while he tried to loosen them up. I'm still sore today!
So that night, his fever spiked, went up to 103+ and I was giving him meds! After a VERY long night, his fever spiked to 104.5 while rotating between tylenol and motrin every 3.5 hours. He started to act kinda strange, drooling and shaking. I tried putting wet clothes all over his body, no clothes on, and still it wasn't coming down very much.
Me, being the crazy mom I am, call my mom, and she says take him in. I start freaking out because I only know where the Med Clinc I took Alana to, and have no idea where the real hospital is. I call the Med Clinc and they say it was fine to bring him there. I rush and get things together, incase it end up to be a long visit. I was thinking they might have to admit him, if he was dehydrated or if it was something serious. I kept thinking meningitis? Not sure why, other than the temp. and my thoughts getting carried away. I already admitted I can get a bit crazy. I leave Collin naked and get them in the car.
While we are waiting to see a doctor, Collin took a little nap and I just had given him another dose of meds. The finally call us in to take his temp and it was 101.8. It always comes down once you get there :) He was the most active he had been all day, too! So the doc took a look at him and said his throat was a little red. He swabbed it and did a strep test. It came back negative, but since his fever was so high, he decided to put him on an antibiotic.
We went to get his prescription filled at the HEB (grocery store). Of course it can't be easy. They didn't have the fax yet and said to come back in 30 mins. Ugh. So we went over to McDonald's for some lunch (Drive-thru). Collin had fallen asleep again. I figured out they had a drive thru for the pharmacy. Yay! Something went right ;)
Daddy ended up behind us on the way home and mommy was finally able to get a little nap in, before waking up for our torturous, forceful, medicine ritual that we both have come to hate. That night, I got smart and went and got him "candy" at CVS so he can take chewable tylenol and motrin. Wow, wish I had some of that sooner!
So he is on Amoxicillian for 10 days. Later that night, his fever FINALLY came down and he seems to be himself, again. He sure gave me a run for my money and had me all upset. I'm just happy he is feeling better now, and that he can take his antibiotic in his chocolate milk ;)
P.S. Now kids, it is okay if we don't have to go to the E.R. for awhile or ever. They will stay in business even if we don't go once a week ;)
Alana went to the E.R. a week or so ago, because we thought she might have a bladder infection. Thank goodness she did not, but it was trip number one :)
Collin was running a fever a couple nights ago, and since he was waking up every couple of hours, I let him sleep in the living room so I didn't have to go all the way upstairs. Mama is out of practice of getting up every few hours! As much as I want another baby, I don't know if I can go through sleep depravation again :/ Not that it is really an option anyway!
He seemed fine the next day, his happy, active self. We went to the gym, and I had my personal trainer session. I didn't think the session went that bad, but man, the next day, I wanted to die because EVERY single muscle in body hurt! I thought I was in better shape than that? I had Joe try to massage my muscles and I was balling, tears and all, while he tried to loosen them up. I'm still sore today!
So that night, his fever spiked, went up to 103+ and I was giving him meds! After a VERY long night, his fever spiked to 104.5 while rotating between tylenol and motrin every 3.5 hours. He started to act kinda strange, drooling and shaking. I tried putting wet clothes all over his body, no clothes on, and still it wasn't coming down very much.
Me, being the crazy mom I am, call my mom, and she says take him in. I start freaking out because I only know where the Med Clinc I took Alana to, and have no idea where the real hospital is. I call the Med Clinc and they say it was fine to bring him there. I rush and get things together, incase it end up to be a long visit. I was thinking they might have to admit him, if he was dehydrated or if it was something serious. I kept thinking meningitis? Not sure why, other than the temp. and my thoughts getting carried away. I already admitted I can get a bit crazy. I leave Collin naked and get them in the car.
While we are waiting to see a doctor, Collin took a little nap and I just had given him another dose of meds. The finally call us in to take his temp and it was 101.8. It always comes down once you get there :) He was the most active he had been all day, too! So the doc took a look at him and said his throat was a little red. He swabbed it and did a strep test. It came back negative, but since his fever was so high, he decided to put him on an antibiotic.
We went to get his prescription filled at the HEB (grocery store). Of course it can't be easy. They didn't have the fax yet and said to come back in 30 mins. Ugh. So we went over to McDonald's for some lunch (Drive-thru). Collin had fallen asleep again. I figured out they had a drive thru for the pharmacy. Yay! Something went right ;)
Daddy ended up behind us on the way home and mommy was finally able to get a little nap in, before waking up for our torturous, forceful, medicine ritual that we both have come to hate. That night, I got smart and went and got him "candy" at CVS so he can take chewable tylenol and motrin. Wow, wish I had some of that sooner!
So he is on Amoxicillian for 10 days. Later that night, his fever FINALLY came down and he seems to be himself, again. He sure gave me a run for my money and had me all upset. I'm just happy he is feeling better now, and that he can take his antibiotic in his chocolate milk ;)
P.S. Now kids, it is okay if we don't have to go to the E.R. for awhile or ever. They will stay in business even if we don't go once a week ;)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Weight Loss Journey
I have been going to the gym more often since we joined the gym here. Tomorrow highlights a new journey in my continuing weigh loss journey. I have my first appointment with a personal trainer. So with that said, here is a little bit about my journey before this point.
It really started before I left for college, still living in Germany, that I started to want to be fitter. I rode my bike A LOT there and that summer before I left for college, I rode it most everyday and lost about 10 pounds. Once getting to college, and all that late night snacking and pretty much unhealthy lifestyle, I gained it all, plus more.
Christmas break my freshman year of college, I went on the Atkins diet. I had immediate results and come back from break about 20 pounds lighter, and tried to keep it up, but it was too expensive with me having to pay for it myself. I ended up gaining most of it back.
Summer break, I decided to do it again since I was living at home (mom paying for all my meat). That was also my first summer away from Joe and that motivated me more, I wanted to look good when I saw him again. I was very successful and probably lost 35+ pounds. I was at my smallest point since I could remember then, but going back to college, ruined it all. I couldn't afford to be on Atkins and with my school schedule, it was impossible, but I gained it back slowly through the next couple of years.
By the time I was pregnant with Alana, my senior year of college, I had gained it all back. I was at my heaviest then, which may have been part of why the pregnancy was so hard on me? We were so poor and eating whatever we could afford. I remember we would make like 5 bags of ramen and eat that between the two of us. Or Fazoili's for the dollar menu. Yuck. I didn't really gain anything in the end with Alana, but while I was pregnant with her, I gained somewhere around 60+ pounds in water weight, which made me HUGE. I can't believe my husband proposed during this part of my life! I guess maybe that is why he took so long ha ha ha. I vomit a little when I look back on those pictures.
Then I had Collin, still overweight when I got pregnant and probably gained about 15 pounds with him. My body was a disaster after having the two of them! My skin is ALL stretched out everywhere. Almost anywhere on my body you can pinch skin and pull it away. I have stretch marks up the wazoo and the radiate out from my belly button out. Needless to say, I was disgusted with myself.
After Collin was born, I had made up my mind that I had NO more excuses. No more kids were to come from having my tubes tied. I joined the YMCA and did my best to eat better. I lost about 10 pounds. Then Joe started traveling more, like ALL the time. It is amazing how much free time I have when he is gone. I make my life all about him, so when he is gone, there is a huge difference. My nights were no longer watching TV with him or going out to eat. It was me and the kids. I had no desire to take them out by myself! I had hours after the kids went to bed, so I started working out then.
On New Years Eve of 2009 going into 2010, I decide my new year resolution was to loose 50 pounds. I JUST made it by the next New Years and was unbelievably proud of myself. I did my work though. I bought that at home exercise program, Insanity, bought a Treadmill and was eating right, between South beach diet and just watching what I ate. So far this year, I have lost another 10 pounds and would like to reach my goal of losing another 20 more pounds. My goal for this year is to race in a half marathon. I have come to terms that I might not run all 13.1 miles, but will be satisfied to just have done it. I have been told there is one here, in San Antonio, in November. I am trying to prepare myself, but my longest run to date is 4.5 miles, so it is a work in progress. I have ran/walked about 10 miles.
Before I decided I wanted to become a runner, I thought people who ran were CrAzY! Why would you do that?? So much work and I had such a hard time breathing when I tried. I started with the interval training and worked my way up. I remember when it felt like torture to just run for just 5 mins! I still hate it sometimes ;) But if I can run outdoors (which I can't yet here) it feels so freeing and peaceful. I have come to have a fondness for it and feel good when I accomplish my personal goals. But I am only human, I have "taken breaks" from working out and eating right. Have gained a few pounds back here and there, but I think that is normal and healthy. I am not just trying to change my body, but my way of life.
So my ultimate goals are to be a healthy size and weight. I have been overweight for pretty much my whole life. I am satisfied with myself at this point, but I have deeper issues with my loose skin and outer appearance. I want to get down to my healthy weight and keep it off for awhile, to make sure I can, and potentially have some skin removal procedures in the future. I know, plastic surgery is vain, blah blah blah. But it is something I want for myself, not for anyone else. Well maybe a little for my hubby, too. I'm sure he won't complain if I look better ;) LoL
But for now, it is one day at a time.
3 months pregnant with Collin July 08
About 6 months after Collin was born Summer 09
Jan. 2011 50+ lbs off
It really started before I left for college, still living in Germany, that I started to want to be fitter. I rode my bike A LOT there and that summer before I left for college, I rode it most everyday and lost about 10 pounds. Once getting to college, and all that late night snacking and pretty much unhealthy lifestyle, I gained it all, plus more.
Christmas break my freshman year of college, I went on the Atkins diet. I had immediate results and come back from break about 20 pounds lighter, and tried to keep it up, but it was too expensive with me having to pay for it myself. I ended up gaining most of it back.
Summer break, I decided to do it again since I was living at home (mom paying for all my meat). That was also my first summer away from Joe and that motivated me more, I wanted to look good when I saw him again. I was very successful and probably lost 35+ pounds. I was at my smallest point since I could remember then, but going back to college, ruined it all. I couldn't afford to be on Atkins and with my school schedule, it was impossible, but I gained it back slowly through the next couple of years.
By the time I was pregnant with Alana, my senior year of college, I had gained it all back. I was at my heaviest then, which may have been part of why the pregnancy was so hard on me? We were so poor and eating whatever we could afford. I remember we would make like 5 bags of ramen and eat that between the two of us. Or Fazoili's for the dollar menu. Yuck. I didn't really gain anything in the end with Alana, but while I was pregnant with her, I gained somewhere around 60+ pounds in water weight, which made me HUGE. I can't believe my husband proposed during this part of my life! I guess maybe that is why he took so long ha ha ha. I vomit a little when I look back on those pictures.
Then I had Collin, still overweight when I got pregnant and probably gained about 15 pounds with him. My body was a disaster after having the two of them! My skin is ALL stretched out everywhere. Almost anywhere on my body you can pinch skin and pull it away. I have stretch marks up the wazoo and the radiate out from my belly button out. Needless to say, I was disgusted with myself.
After Collin was born, I had made up my mind that I had NO more excuses. No more kids were to come from having my tubes tied. I joined the YMCA and did my best to eat better. I lost about 10 pounds. Then Joe started traveling more, like ALL the time. It is amazing how much free time I have when he is gone. I make my life all about him, so when he is gone, there is a huge difference. My nights were no longer watching TV with him or going out to eat. It was me and the kids. I had no desire to take them out by myself! I had hours after the kids went to bed, so I started working out then.
On New Years Eve of 2009 going into 2010, I decide my new year resolution was to loose 50 pounds. I JUST made it by the next New Years and was unbelievably proud of myself. I did my work though. I bought that at home exercise program, Insanity, bought a Treadmill and was eating right, between South beach diet and just watching what I ate. So far this year, I have lost another 10 pounds and would like to reach my goal of losing another 20 more pounds. My goal for this year is to race in a half marathon. I have come to terms that I might not run all 13.1 miles, but will be satisfied to just have done it. I have been told there is one here, in San Antonio, in November. I am trying to prepare myself, but my longest run to date is 4.5 miles, so it is a work in progress. I have ran/walked about 10 miles.
Before I decided I wanted to become a runner, I thought people who ran were CrAzY! Why would you do that?? So much work and I had such a hard time breathing when I tried. I started with the interval training and worked my way up. I remember when it felt like torture to just run for just 5 mins! I still hate it sometimes ;) But if I can run outdoors (which I can't yet here) it feels so freeing and peaceful. I have come to have a fondness for it and feel good when I accomplish my personal goals. But I am only human, I have "taken breaks" from working out and eating right. Have gained a few pounds back here and there, but I think that is normal and healthy. I am not just trying to change my body, but my way of life.
So my ultimate goals are to be a healthy size and weight. I have been overweight for pretty much my whole life. I am satisfied with myself at this point, but I have deeper issues with my loose skin and outer appearance. I want to get down to my healthy weight and keep it off for awhile, to make sure I can, and potentially have some skin removal procedures in the future. I know, plastic surgery is vain, blah blah blah. But it is something I want for myself, not for anyone else. Well maybe a little for my hubby, too. I'm sure he won't complain if I look better ;) LoL
But for now, it is one day at a time.
3 months pregnant with Collin July 08
About 6 months after Collin was born Summer 09
Jan. 2011 50+ lbs off
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A Fun and Busy Weekend!
On Friday, we met our new friends, Michelle and Lauren, at Sea World and the kids had a ball playing for several hours. They went through the water area, rode all the rides, went to the play ground and had lunch there. The kids were SO worn out, they fell asleep in the stroller on the way to the car :)
Saturday, we woke up and I cleaned up some things around the house...blah. Then we went to lunch with a family from Joe's work who just moved here a day or two ago! They have 3 boys (bless her heart, I probably would have shot myself in the foot by now). Ages 7, 5 and almost 1. Since we were out eating, it was more of a meet and greet for us parents, rather than the kids playing with each other. It was a nice time tho. I look forward to seeing them again soon. The mom is young, like me, so it is nice to have that in common.
That afternoon, I was invited to go to a baby shower for one of the girls in Joe's office. It was nice to get out without the kids for some grown up time, even though all we did was talk about our kids :) It was nice to meet the other wives and women that I never really did get to meet in Joe's old job, since they seemed to mostly be young, single men. I loved the house, where it was hosted! Oh what money can buy you out here :) The couple that hosted, lived in D.C. (Haymarket area) and had a townhouse they sold and were able to move here and buy this GORGEOUS and HUGE house in Helotes. It was just a beautiful house, which would probably cost you 1.5-2 million back in D.C.! They probably only paid $400-500,000 here for it. Needless to say, I really liked the house and everyone I meet.
That night Joe and I had fun grilling and drinking some Mexican beer together, which is odd since we both don't care for beer :) We are thinking it is kinda like coffee...an acquired taste that you work on. I have to say, it has been tasting alot better :) After, we went to Best Buy and got an Ipad. Finally caved in. You will laugh at the reason why...Joe is leaving for a few days of training and HBO go that we are using from family won't work on my old generation Ipod touch, but works on his Iphone, so I need the Ipad so I can watch True Blood starting tonight (Sunday)! ha ha ha, I love that show! So there ya go, you can see why it was so essential now, right? We stopped for ice cream on the way home at McDonald's.
Sunday, we met up with Sabrina and Troy and their two sons. We meet them through some of our good friends back Virginia. They took us down to Market Square (historical area) to do a little shopping and had brunch at Mi Tierra's. It was really good, I LOVED their flour tortillas! I should have grabbed something out of the bakery for dessert on the way home. Everything looked really tasty. They have alot of little vendors and sellers all around that area, selling traditional Mexican stuff. Collin got a ball you can connect to your wrist and the ball has a bungee cord attached so it comes back to you. Perfect for him! Alana got a very pretty pink seashell necklace to match her outfit. I wanted to get a cowgirl hat, but resisted the urge for now. They are such a nice family and laid back and that makes hanging out with them enjoyable for us :) It feels like we have known them forever and this was only our second time meeting up!
We had to leave sooner than I personally wanted to because the kids were pretty darn cranky and we didn't bring a stroller. Also, we had to get Joe home because he is leaving for a few days to go up to Dallas, for some training. It has been so long since he has traveled, it is kind of weird. It will kick in tonight when I am bored and lonely :) I better get use to it fast, because there is no end in sight for him to stop traveling.
I hope everyone had a great weekend. I know we did!
Saturday, we woke up and I cleaned up some things around the house...blah. Then we went to lunch with a family from Joe's work who just moved here a day or two ago! They have 3 boys (bless her heart, I probably would have shot myself in the foot by now). Ages 7, 5 and almost 1. Since we were out eating, it was more of a meet and greet for us parents, rather than the kids playing with each other. It was a nice time tho. I look forward to seeing them again soon. The mom is young, like me, so it is nice to have that in common.
That afternoon, I was invited to go to a baby shower for one of the girls in Joe's office. It was nice to get out without the kids for some grown up time, even though all we did was talk about our kids :) It was nice to meet the other wives and women that I never really did get to meet in Joe's old job, since they seemed to mostly be young, single men. I loved the house, where it was hosted! Oh what money can buy you out here :) The couple that hosted, lived in D.C. (Haymarket area) and had a townhouse they sold and were able to move here and buy this GORGEOUS and HUGE house in Helotes. It was just a beautiful house, which would probably cost you 1.5-2 million back in D.C.! They probably only paid $400-500,000 here for it. Needless to say, I really liked the house and everyone I meet.
That night Joe and I had fun grilling and drinking some Mexican beer together, which is odd since we both don't care for beer :) We are thinking it is kinda like coffee...an acquired taste that you work on. I have to say, it has been tasting alot better :) After, we went to Best Buy and got an Ipad. Finally caved in. You will laugh at the reason why...Joe is leaving for a few days of training and HBO go that we are using from family won't work on my old generation Ipod touch, but works on his Iphone, so I need the Ipad so I can watch True Blood starting tonight (Sunday)! ha ha ha, I love that show! So there ya go, you can see why it was so essential now, right? We stopped for ice cream on the way home at McDonald's.
Sunday, we met up with Sabrina and Troy and their two sons. We meet them through some of our good friends back Virginia. They took us down to Market Square (historical area) to do a little shopping and had brunch at Mi Tierra's. It was really good, I LOVED their flour tortillas! I should have grabbed something out of the bakery for dessert on the way home. Everything looked really tasty. They have alot of little vendors and sellers all around that area, selling traditional Mexican stuff. Collin got a ball you can connect to your wrist and the ball has a bungee cord attached so it comes back to you. Perfect for him! Alana got a very pretty pink seashell necklace to match her outfit. I wanted to get a cowgirl hat, but resisted the urge for now. They are such a nice family and laid back and that makes hanging out with them enjoyable for us :) It feels like we have known them forever and this was only our second time meeting up!
We had to leave sooner than I personally wanted to because the kids were pretty darn cranky and we didn't bring a stroller. Also, we had to get Joe home because he is leaving for a few days to go up to Dallas, for some training. It has been so long since he has traveled, it is kind of weird. It will kick in tonight when I am bored and lonely :) I better get use to it fast, because there is no end in sight for him to stop traveling.
I hope everyone had a great weekend. I know we did!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Potty Training Mayhem
I can't say I have been trying REALLY hard to potty train Collin, but he took an interest and I just went with it. He started before we left Virginia. One day, he said he wanted to go potty on the potty, we took off his diaper and he went. A few days later, I decided to let him try it again. We left his diaper off while we were at home and he ran to the potty to go almost every time, with very few accidents. I was impressed! I thought to myself, he is going to be SO much easier than his sister, who had accidents for over 6 months and then when she turned 3, she magically was potty trained.
If I keep a diaper off of him, he goes in the potty. We tried putting big boy pants on him, but he pees in them. He only has gone #2 a couple of times, he usually waits until I put a diaper on him, that little snook. He loves to pee outside. This also started in Virginia. He would stick is stuff over the deck and pee out to the lawn which was a story below. Well, he has kept this same habit here, but standing on the concrete slab we have outback and peeing into the yard. He seems to really enjoy it, but it drives me crazy. He won't pee standing up inside, he likes to climb onto the potty like some kind of spider monkey. It looks really uncomfortable, but whatever works, right? I just don't get why he can pee upright outside, but not inside?
Well this brings me to today. Ugh. A couple of times now, he has peed into containers, like his lego bucket after he dumps everything out. Today, he took his chocolate milk (unbeknownst to me) upstairs where no food or drink is allowed on the carpet. He usually comes back down stairs to go potty, even though we have one up there? Today, he decided to open his sippy, dump the whole glass of chocolate milk all over the carpet, and then proceeded to pee into his sippy cup. Alana then calls me up to scene and I get up there, he is holding his sippy cup, with the pee, so proud and smiling to hand it to me. Behind him, he has hidden the chocolate milk mess by covering it up with a big tractor toy! So he knew the chocolate milk part was wrong, but thought he was being good peeing into the cup, rather than on the carpet.
All I can say, it was disgusting and not all that surprising. I reminded him, no drinks upstairs and he needs to go potty ONLY on the potty. He such a boy in his mannerisms and thought processes. Alana may have been hard to potty train, but at least she wasn't so gross about it.
I think it is time I start working a little bit harder with Collin and looking forward to putting these days past me!
If I keep a diaper off of him, he goes in the potty. We tried putting big boy pants on him, but he pees in them. He only has gone #2 a couple of times, he usually waits until I put a diaper on him, that little snook. He loves to pee outside. This also started in Virginia. He would stick is stuff over the deck and pee out to the lawn which was a story below. Well, he has kept this same habit here, but standing on the concrete slab we have outback and peeing into the yard. He seems to really enjoy it, but it drives me crazy. He won't pee standing up inside, he likes to climb onto the potty like some kind of spider monkey. It looks really uncomfortable, but whatever works, right? I just don't get why he can pee upright outside, but not inside?
Well this brings me to today. Ugh. A couple of times now, he has peed into containers, like his lego bucket after he dumps everything out. Today, he took his chocolate milk (unbeknownst to me) upstairs where no food or drink is allowed on the carpet. He usually comes back down stairs to go potty, even though we have one up there? Today, he decided to open his sippy, dump the whole glass of chocolate milk all over the carpet, and then proceeded to pee into his sippy cup. Alana then calls me up to scene and I get up there, he is holding his sippy cup, with the pee, so proud and smiling to hand it to me. Behind him, he has hidden the chocolate milk mess by covering it up with a big tractor toy! So he knew the chocolate milk part was wrong, but thought he was being good peeing into the cup, rather than on the carpet.
All I can say, it was disgusting and not all that surprising. I reminded him, no drinks upstairs and he needs to go potty ONLY on the potty. He such a boy in his mannerisms and thought processes. Alana may have been hard to potty train, but at least she wasn't so gross about it.
I think it is time I start working a little bit harder with Collin and looking forward to putting these days past me!
Monday, June 20, 2011
New Friends
I am one of those people who has to have friends. I like friends for their emotional support, when you need them and I also like to be the supporter, when needed. Friends are a good social outlet for not only me, but also for the kids. I am a true believer that having friends makes you more active and happier, as long as you choose the right friends!
One thing that I hate about moving is finding new friends. I am a shy person, but I am able to overcome it, when needed. Since my husband isn't the biggest talker in the world, and I am, I need an outlet to get my chatting out of my system :) My hubby also travels alot for his job, so I need someone to hang out with and do things with, especially when he is gone.
I don't need alot of friends, but I do need good friends. I like someone who I can really connect with. When you meet someone like this, you don't feel awkward or run out of things to talk about. I care about all my friends and stay in touch with them for decades if we have meaningful relationship. Since I do have such involved relationships, I really only have a handful of friends from each period of my life. I don't think quantity is more valuable than quality. If I were to have more than a handful of quality friends, I feel like I wouldn't have enough time to be a good friend.
I signed up for Meetup.com where you can meet other groups of people in your area. A mom I met once had to me about this a long time ago. I met my last good friends in VA, via a mom's website, so I have a good history of meeting people this way.
Anyway, I saw they were suppose to be meeting at the outdoor mall down the street from me today, but not alot of people were signed up to go, but I signed up anyway and was excited to go! We got there right on time, but Alana had to go to the bathroom, so we were a little late. I only new what the organizer looked like and we wait for over half an hour. I was looking for her and trying to seem approachable, incase there were other people who were from this meetup group. Nothing.
So I just started to talk to the moms there :) First mom was nice, but her son was pretty young and not a good match for my kids. The second mom I met had a cute little girl, Lauren, who is a month older than Collin! Perfect. We got to talking and she also just moved to the area. They are still living in a hotel, closing on a house soon. They just moved from MD so that was surprising, too. They are former military, now working for the government. The mom, is actually from this area, but moved 7 years ago to be with her current husband, so she has some family around. She said she has friends, but none of them have young kids. Anyone who has young kids, knows how hard it is to have friends without kids their own age.
We then all decided to go to lunch together and talk some more. The kids had fun playing together and we had a nice time chatting. All of them were getting tired and needed naps, so we exchanged numbers so we can get together later this week. She also has a season pass to Sea World, so we plan to meet and take the kids to the water park.
I am very excited to have my first new mommy friend in San Antonio!
One thing that I hate about moving is finding new friends. I am a shy person, but I am able to overcome it, when needed. Since my husband isn't the biggest talker in the world, and I am, I need an outlet to get my chatting out of my system :) My hubby also travels alot for his job, so I need someone to hang out with and do things with, especially when he is gone.
I don't need alot of friends, but I do need good friends. I like someone who I can really connect with. When you meet someone like this, you don't feel awkward or run out of things to talk about. I care about all my friends and stay in touch with them for decades if we have meaningful relationship. Since I do have such involved relationships, I really only have a handful of friends from each period of my life. I don't think quantity is more valuable than quality. If I were to have more than a handful of quality friends, I feel like I wouldn't have enough time to be a good friend.
I signed up for Meetup.com where you can meet other groups of people in your area. A mom I met once had to me about this a long time ago. I met my last good friends in VA, via a mom's website, so I have a good history of meeting people this way.
Anyway, I saw they were suppose to be meeting at the outdoor mall down the street from me today, but not alot of people were signed up to go, but I signed up anyway and was excited to go! We got there right on time, but Alana had to go to the bathroom, so we were a little late. I only new what the organizer looked like and we wait for over half an hour. I was looking for her and trying to seem approachable, incase there were other people who were from this meetup group. Nothing.
So I just started to talk to the moms there :) First mom was nice, but her son was pretty young and not a good match for my kids. The second mom I met had a cute little girl, Lauren, who is a month older than Collin! Perfect. We got to talking and she also just moved to the area. They are still living in a hotel, closing on a house soon. They just moved from MD so that was surprising, too. They are former military, now working for the government. The mom, is actually from this area, but moved 7 years ago to be with her current husband, so she has some family around. She said she has friends, but none of them have young kids. Anyone who has young kids, knows how hard it is to have friends without kids their own age.
We then all decided to go to lunch together and talk some more. The kids had fun playing together and we had a nice time chatting. All of them were getting tired and needed naps, so we exchanged numbers so we can get together later this week. She also has a season pass to Sea World, so we plan to meet and take the kids to the water park.
I am very excited to have my first new mommy friend in San Antonio!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Happy Father's Day and Birthday for Joe :)
Today is not only Father's Day, but also Joe's birthday!
He let me sleep in :) Thanks, hunny! I love to sleep and I have been out of it this weekend due to some meds I was taking for a darn wasp sting that got me good on my face! Finally, today I am feeling a bit better and didn't have to take the medicine.
Pretty soon after I woke up, Alana was screaming for me in the bathroom. I went up to see what the matter was and she said it hurt her to pee. She was crying and seemed really in pain. When I was younger, I use to get ALOT of bladder infections and that was first thing that popped to mind. We both got ready, ate some breakfast and I took her over to Urgent Care. As soon as we got there, she had to go potty again. I tried to ask her to hold it, but she couldn't. I knew they would need a urine sample from her, but what could I do? She had to go. So we came out and call us back and they ask, i'm sure you guessed it, a urine sample. She downed a glass of water and pretty soon after she had to go.
Ha, getting a urine sample from a four year old is pretty gross! But a mommy does what a mommy needs to do. We got it and the doctor came in shortly after. She said everything looked clear, but she would send it away to be cultivated to see if anything grows, but for now, we do nothing. Eh, better safe than sorry is always my motto. She hasn't complained again since.
So we go the grocery store to pick up the usual, milk. My family drinks an extraordinary about of milk. I should honestly consider buying a cow or two. We also picked out daddy a cake, which mommy messed up when we got to the car (CRAP!). Of course, I'm sure Joe will not let me live that one down :) We get home make some lunch and head out to Sea World.
Collin has been potty training, but I haven't trusted him to go out without a diaper yet. Today seemed like a good day to try since he was wearing his bathing suit and we planned to be in the water some. I am so proud of my little man! No accidents and he went potty with daddy while at the park! So proud. We had alot of fun in the lazy river, kids pool and the Bay of Play area. We all have alot of fun there. I wish family lived close so we could all meet up there. It is just plain ole fun for the whole family. We went and saw a 4d show and stopped on the way out for a rice crispie treat, a family favorite. We still haven't seen the whole park and that was our third time! Anyway, I was very proud of Collin for doing such a good job today. He was pretty well behaved and was being a good big boy. They fell asleep on the way home, of course.
Well I am about to fire up the grill for dinner...on the menu: cilantro lime chicken, corn on the cob and some honey butter rolls with a tomato/mozzarella salad. Yum! Followed by the messed up birthday cake :) It's the thought that counts, right?
Happy Father's Day to all you Dad's and Happy Birthday to my AmAzInG husband, Joe. I love you, even tho I didn't get you any presents to open ;)
He let me sleep in :) Thanks, hunny! I love to sleep and I have been out of it this weekend due to some meds I was taking for a darn wasp sting that got me good on my face! Finally, today I am feeling a bit better and didn't have to take the medicine.
Pretty soon after I woke up, Alana was screaming for me in the bathroom. I went up to see what the matter was and she said it hurt her to pee. She was crying and seemed really in pain. When I was younger, I use to get ALOT of bladder infections and that was first thing that popped to mind. We both got ready, ate some breakfast and I took her over to Urgent Care. As soon as we got there, she had to go potty again. I tried to ask her to hold it, but she couldn't. I knew they would need a urine sample from her, but what could I do? She had to go. So we came out and call us back and they ask, i'm sure you guessed it, a urine sample. She downed a glass of water and pretty soon after she had to go.
Ha, getting a urine sample from a four year old is pretty gross! But a mommy does what a mommy needs to do. We got it and the doctor came in shortly after. She said everything looked clear, but she would send it away to be cultivated to see if anything grows, but for now, we do nothing. Eh, better safe than sorry is always my motto. She hasn't complained again since.
So we go the grocery store to pick up the usual, milk. My family drinks an extraordinary about of milk. I should honestly consider buying a cow or two. We also picked out daddy a cake, which mommy messed up when we got to the car (CRAP!). Of course, I'm sure Joe will not let me live that one down :) We get home make some lunch and head out to Sea World.
Collin has been potty training, but I haven't trusted him to go out without a diaper yet. Today seemed like a good day to try since he was wearing his bathing suit and we planned to be in the water some. I am so proud of my little man! No accidents and he went potty with daddy while at the park! So proud. We had alot of fun in the lazy river, kids pool and the Bay of Play area. We all have alot of fun there. I wish family lived close so we could all meet up there. It is just plain ole fun for the whole family. We went and saw a 4d show and stopped on the way out for a rice crispie treat, a family favorite. We still haven't seen the whole park and that was our third time! Anyway, I was very proud of Collin for doing such a good job today. He was pretty well behaved and was being a good big boy. They fell asleep on the way home, of course.
Well I am about to fire up the grill for dinner...on the menu: cilantro lime chicken, corn on the cob and some honey butter rolls with a tomato/mozzarella salad. Yum! Followed by the messed up birthday cake :) It's the thought that counts, right?
Happy Father's Day to all you Dad's and Happy Birthday to my AmAzInG husband, Joe. I love you, even tho I didn't get you any presents to open ;)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Sea World!
Oh yes, you know we had to get a season pass to Sea World!
Alana wanted to go for her Birthday, but we ended up going on the Sunday after. I should probably tell you about her birthday, too. We took her down to the Rainforest Cafe on the Riverwalk. Where we parked before was full and we had to go find a parking garage. It ended up being pretty far down the walk and the river walkway is so narrow, you can really have a stroller on it, especially not my big double jogger. That meant walking for my lazy kids, which means alot of carrying for mommy and daddy. Oh yeah, carrying my whiny Collin in 100+ degree weather with heels. Fun, NOT! I can't say I like him walking either...that water made me pretty darn nervous and he is going through a phase where he won't hold my hand anymore.
We got to the restaurant (finally) and I had made reservations earlier in the day, but I think we would have been fine without them. It was kind of a weird building, very small inside and cramped feeling. If you are claustrophobic, it is not the place for you. We all got some "special" drinks, alcoholic for Joe and I! They came in cups that had lights on the bottom and you take them home. Kids got blue icee drinks with a frog on the top. You don't want to know how much that cost. Food was mediocre, obviously you aren't there for the food :) Then we made our trek back through the heat to get to the car. It was a warm fuzzy feeling when we got to our parking garage and some kid was being arrested. Our car was hot, but fine.
We went home and had Alana's Hello Kitty cupcake cake that she picked out. Then opened her presents. I have had these presents for her since Black Friday or before! Nice to finally give them to her :) She got a whole set of almost all the Disney princesses and a Tinker Bell tea party set. She was sent some boy prince dolls and a groom from great grandma, too! She says she needs more of the prince's to go with the princesses (to those who may need to get her a gift in the future). She now has Prince Eric for Ariel, Prince Charming for Cinderella and a Groom for wedding bride barbie. Overall she seemed pretty satisfied with her birthday celebrations.
Okay, back to Sea World! We bought our season passes from the kiosk machines and headed in. It was a HOT one. We put on our sunscreen and head to the wholly grail of all rides, (to Alana at least) Shamu roller coaster! A boy at one of the hotels we were staying at told her about this awesome roller coaster, and she was dead set on riding it! I wasn't sure if Collin was going to like it, but he was ready. We all went on it and they had a blast. When it came time to get off, Collin kicked and scream his way down the walkway because he wanted to ride it again. I told him maybe later, but he wasn't buying it. We then tried to ride the carousal, but it wasn't working right. Joe went off with Collin to climb the ropes course and I went with Alana and we did the ropes course together. She was a little hesitant because she thought she would fall through, but got over that pretty quickly. We saw from the top that there were some Sesame Street characters down below and made our way down.
Oh man, she loved them! She gave them hugs and was just smiling and giggling. It was so darn cute! We saw they were having a show soon and tried to find Collin and daddy, but Collin was having too much fun playing in the water. Alana and I went back and took a seat. They invited all the kids to come up and stand at the base of the stage. I didn't think she'd really go without me, but she did after I told her I'd wait right there for her. All the characters came out and she was in awe. She ate it up and was loving every moment of it. Abby Cadaby came and gave her a huge and she was practically glowing with delight! We went and found Collin and daddy and we all played in the water to cool off. By this point, Collin is exhausted and getting a little cranky. We went to get some drinks and try to find a show to watch. We saw a little bit of the boat with jet skiers show from the side and then head to the dolphin and beluga whale show. The show was fantastic with swimmers and birds, dolphins and the whales! Alana loved it and Collin enjoyed parts, but he was hot and over tired.
After that, we walked around to get Collin to sleep in the stroller. It didn't take long! He was out and we went into the penguin exhibit and saw most of the park. We went to some building and they told us they were bringing out a baby alligator that we could pet and hold! So we waited and Alana and Joe held the little alligator. Alana was now pooped out by this time. She fell asleep in the stroller and we made our way back to the car.
They have a waterpark area that we didn't even see or get to! We plan to go there tomorrow for Joe's b-day. We went back on Thursday night after we had dinner and just saw Shamu Rocks show. That was kinda cool to just drop in and catch a show. The kids loved it and I have to say it was quite impressive. I forgot how big Killer whales are! I did notice how the trainers no longer swim with the Killer whales and assume it is because of that accident Sea World had a few years back. That is too bad. I can't wait to go back when someone can watch the kids while Joe and I go on the BIG roller coasters! I'm sure we will have plenty more adventures there this summer.
Alana wanted to go for her Birthday, but we ended up going on the Sunday after. I should probably tell you about her birthday, too. We took her down to the Rainforest Cafe on the Riverwalk. Where we parked before was full and we had to go find a parking garage. It ended up being pretty far down the walk and the river walkway is so narrow, you can really have a stroller on it, especially not my big double jogger. That meant walking for my lazy kids, which means alot of carrying for mommy and daddy. Oh yeah, carrying my whiny Collin in 100+ degree weather with heels. Fun, NOT! I can't say I like him walking either...that water made me pretty darn nervous and he is going through a phase where he won't hold my hand anymore.
We got to the restaurant (finally) and I had made reservations earlier in the day, but I think we would have been fine without them. It was kind of a weird building, very small inside and cramped feeling. If you are claustrophobic, it is not the place for you. We all got some "special" drinks, alcoholic for Joe and I! They came in cups that had lights on the bottom and you take them home. Kids got blue icee drinks with a frog on the top. You don't want to know how much that cost. Food was mediocre, obviously you aren't there for the food :) Then we made our trek back through the heat to get to the car. It was a warm fuzzy feeling when we got to our parking garage and some kid was being arrested. Our car was hot, but fine.
We went home and had Alana's Hello Kitty cupcake cake that she picked out. Then opened her presents. I have had these presents for her since Black Friday or before! Nice to finally give them to her :) She got a whole set of almost all the Disney princesses and a Tinker Bell tea party set. She was sent some boy prince dolls and a groom from great grandma, too! She says she needs more of the prince's to go with the princesses (to those who may need to get her a gift in the future). She now has Prince Eric for Ariel, Prince Charming for Cinderella and a Groom for wedding bride barbie. Overall she seemed pretty satisfied with her birthday celebrations.
Okay, back to Sea World! We bought our season passes from the kiosk machines and headed in. It was a HOT one. We put on our sunscreen and head to the wholly grail of all rides, (to Alana at least) Shamu roller coaster! A boy at one of the hotels we were staying at told her about this awesome roller coaster, and she was dead set on riding it! I wasn't sure if Collin was going to like it, but he was ready. We all went on it and they had a blast. When it came time to get off, Collin kicked and scream his way down the walkway because he wanted to ride it again. I told him maybe later, but he wasn't buying it. We then tried to ride the carousal, but it wasn't working right. Joe went off with Collin to climb the ropes course and I went with Alana and we did the ropes course together. She was a little hesitant because she thought she would fall through, but got over that pretty quickly. We saw from the top that there were some Sesame Street characters down below and made our way down.
Oh man, she loved them! She gave them hugs and was just smiling and giggling. It was so darn cute! We saw they were having a show soon and tried to find Collin and daddy, but Collin was having too much fun playing in the water. Alana and I went back and took a seat. They invited all the kids to come up and stand at the base of the stage. I didn't think she'd really go without me, but she did after I told her I'd wait right there for her. All the characters came out and she was in awe. She ate it up and was loving every moment of it. Abby Cadaby came and gave her a huge and she was practically glowing with delight! We went and found Collin and daddy and we all played in the water to cool off. By this point, Collin is exhausted and getting a little cranky. We went to get some drinks and try to find a show to watch. We saw a little bit of the boat with jet skiers show from the side and then head to the dolphin and beluga whale show. The show was fantastic with swimmers and birds, dolphins and the whales! Alana loved it and Collin enjoyed parts, but he was hot and over tired.
After that, we walked around to get Collin to sleep in the stroller. It didn't take long! He was out and we went into the penguin exhibit and saw most of the park. We went to some building and they told us they were bringing out a baby alligator that we could pet and hold! So we waited and Alana and Joe held the little alligator. Alana was now pooped out by this time. She fell asleep in the stroller and we made our way back to the car.
They have a waterpark area that we didn't even see or get to! We plan to go there tomorrow for Joe's b-day. We went back on Thursday night after we had dinner and just saw Shamu Rocks show. That was kinda cool to just drop in and catch a show. The kids loved it and I have to say it was quite impressive. I forgot how big Killer whales are! I did notice how the trainers no longer swim with the Killer whales and assume it is because of that accident Sea World had a few years back. That is too bad. I can't wait to go back when someone can watch the kids while Joe and I go on the BIG roller coasters! I'm sure we will have plenty more adventures there this summer.
Our move from Ashburn, VA to San Antonio, TX
We have been in the process of applying for this new job Joe took for over a year! It takes time to get through all of the interview processes, etc when you are outside of the country most of the time, like Joe has been for the past couple of years. But here we are, finally moving!
We were really excited for this move. Me, being a military child, was SO ready to move after being in VA for 3.5 years :) The cost of living is just so high there and unless I am actually living IN the city, I don't think I care too much to be in the heavily populated areas outside of the city. I have never lived inner city anywhere, but I think I would like it for a short period of time.
The not so fun part of moving is getting ready for the move :( I got rid of a ton of toys and clothes (most donated). It was quite an ordeal, but it was well worth it. I tried to keep Alana and Collin out of what I was getting rid of, which was easier than I thought it would be. They have so much stuff, I don't think they even noticed, to be honest. I wish I had more patience for Craigslist, but I did sell some things, like our toddler bed, couch, etc. But it seemed people were more flaky than usual, when I was trying to arrange pick ups! Drives me nuts when someone says they are coming and NEVER show.
We moved out of our house, and moved in with our good friends, the Lowes. They are like family and are so grateful to them for so much! The Pearsall's were our other family in VA, and are grateful for all their help while moving too! I can't imagine my life being very enjoyable while living there without both of their families. Cheers, you guys are the best!
That week at the Lowes, went fast during the day, but painfully slow at night! I can tell you why in one word-Collin. Oh, Collin. We made him this way, so I shouldn't complain! He likes his own space, with peace and quite and no interruptions. I started from a very young age, for him to sleep by himself, in his room and nobody to bother him. I love this in the sense, he doesn't sleep in mommy and daddy's bed, unlike his sister who always wants to sleep with us. This makes not having a separate bed for Collin, hard. First night, Joe and I took the bedroom and had the kids sleep in the living room as a "slumber party". Yeah, didn't work for Collin, at all. Second night we give Collin the bedroom, works a little better but glass windows are the doors to the room because I think it was originally intended to be an office/study. That meant Joe and I were on the blow up bed. Ugh, not good sleeping. Third night we learned the trick. Collin in the bedroom with a blanket over the doors, Joe on the couch, and Alana and I in the blow up bed. It wasn't the best sleep I ever had, but at least I got some sleep!
It was now time to leave Virginia. Bitter sweet moment. So glad to be going on another adventure somewhere, but so sad to leave our good friends. We had a little going away party the night before with all our good friends who could make it. It was so nice to have one last -wine filled- party. Hazel and Risa were both there to see my off. I cried after I left while we were heading to Virginia beach :( I miss you guys!
We head to Virginia beach for our first stop along our way to Texas. We go here because my stepdad, David, is retiring from the Marine Corps. We stay for 5 days and my younger siblings, mom, and grandparents are gatherd to bid him farewell from the Marines. It was a very nice and touching ceremony, where we were given a certificate of appreciation for our sacrifices we endured while he was in. Also, we were given a bouquet of flowers as a token of gratitude. After, we had pizza and beer with most who attended the ceremony. It was simple, but nice.
We spent the next several days playing on the beach, going out to dinner and spending time with family. It was a good summer vacation for us and some good quality family time. Then, it was off to our next destination.
We had planned only to do the required 300 miles per day. Needless to say, this did not happen and one of a couple of reason why I made my husband tow my car, instead of driving two. We went over 500 miles the first day and stopped about 200 miles or less outside of Nashville, TN. It was actually a pretty good night. The hotel we stayed at had a pool, so we took the kids down to get all tuckered out, and it worked. They both went to sleep together on the pull out bed in the room, pretty easily. In the morning, we headed to Nashville where were went to go see the Grand Ole Opry.
When going to the Grand Ole Opry, there is a huge mall outside of it and a construction crew all around it. I couldn't figure out what was going on. It looked pretty new but not open? I couldn't figure it out, but we head to the parking area to see what we came for. Man, it was pretty hot out! The sounds of casadas filled the air. You could hear them in the woods along the side of the highway when driving, that is how load they were! We saw plenty of dead carcasses on our walk to the building, yuck. We went and bought our tickets and walked right in-perfect timing! They had us watch a video that told us about the big flooding they had and had to restore everything in building. So that was what happened to that mall. It was all flooded out with over 4ft of water at one point, I think they said. The mall hadn't been cleaned up and fixed, unlike the Grand Ole Opry. We took the tour and it was alot of fun to see all the behind the scenes. Alana was really excited and thought we were going to see a performance on the stage. I wish we could have! I hope to go back one day and go to a show, that would be alot of fun.
I wanted to stay and explore Nashville more, but Joe wanted to get on the road and keep heading west. I didn't really want to, but oh well. The kids were pretty cranky after the tour and needed a nap. We weren't sure how far we were going to go and I was nervous because their were tornado warning all around us! We were headed to Memphis, right were tornados were on the verge. Great idea, right?
We make it to memphis with little trouble, but the warnings were getting severe and I was freaking out. It was dark and ominous out. We stopped at a hotel that was about 30 miles east of Memphis. The hotel told us when we checked in that they were expecting some weather and they would call our room if we needed to take shelter in the laundry room. Can we say, I was nervous! So we go get settled in our room and the heavy rain starts. Joe is having a ball, he loves this weather! I take a shower and give the kids a bath and Joe has his head out the window. He says, come here a minute...I walk over. He says, look at that rotating cloud above us. WHAT?! Then the tornado siren goes off in the distance. My heart skips and beat and I start yelling at Joe that we should have stayed Nashville like I wanted because I didn't want to die! I gather up the kids and freaking out while Joe is cool as a cucumber, taking his time. I think he is trying to make me mad! We head downstairs and there are bunch of people down there, but don't seem to be freaking out? What the hell? Joe goes outside to look and is gone for a few minutes, I'm yelling at the kids not to be near doors or windows. I seem to be one of the few people scared and upset. We order some food across the street and have dinner in the lobby. I guess everything was fine and dandy. We eventually went back up to our room and watched the News. Joe was pissed because they were on the channel American Idol was on and it was finale night, where Scotty won.
I stayed up for awhile watching being scared until most of it all blew past. Man I was pretty worked up. But nothing happen to us that night, thankfully. In the morning we packed up and headed to Graceland, Elvis's home. I can't say it was what I was expecting, even though I didn't have any real expectations. It was pretty cool to see. Kids weren't too interested, surprise surprise :) Collin kicked and screamed and ran through most of the house. Joe was hoping he'd run upstairs so he could go after him and see the upstairs. Alana was pretty good, but they were bored even though we got them earphones to listen to the commentary. We went and looked through the planes which was okay, but they both liked the cars. Alana really like the purple car and Collin went and tried to ride on his big John Deer tractor, almost getting us in trouble by crossing the ropes! Can't take your eye off that kid for a second, I tell you! I liked the pink cadi. Alana refers to his house now as "That dead guy's house".
We went to the gift shop and Alana got a teddy bear with a pink vest and Collin got a posable Elvis action figure (purposely didn't say a doll). Joe and I got a pin to add to our collection we sometimes remember we are collecting ;) We had some lunch and off we went to get back on the road. I wasn't looking forwards to the long drive to Dallas, Texas and was trying to get Joe to stop, but to no avail. He just wanted to get there. I slept as much as I could and the kids did too. I remember Texarkana, because they had a Texas Road house and that sounded pretty good, but we didn't stop until 30 miles later at a Whataburger. We ate at Whataburger 3x in the first two days in the state of Texas :)
Just outside of Dallas there was a pretty cool looking lake with alot of boats and hotels along the edges. Looks like it could be alot of fun and wouldn't mind possibly exploring that one day. We finally made it to our hotel that night and had a view of Six flags over Texas. We never did go there, but the kids enjoyed seeing the roller coasters from our room. The next day, we went to the Fort Worth Zoo. It was pretty cool Zoo! It was big and it was hot out, but we rented a stroller there so the kids could be comfortable. Alana's favorite things were the tank where you could pet a starfish and the big cats. Collin liked all the turtles. Joe liked the weird looking prehistoric alligator or crocodiles. They were pretty strange looking! I thought it was pretty cool when this baby monkey was by the window of the exhibit and was interacting with the kids! It was a great time at the zoo.
That night, we met up with some old college friends, Amanda and Wyatt at Babes Chicken. Yummy that was a really tasty meal! It was nice to catch up and find out what was going on each others lives! We plan to seem them soon, later this summer. We saw the Cowboy stadium that day as well, man that thing is massive! A baseball game was going on that night, so it was pretty crowded over in that area. Pa and Mary got in late that night and we talk to them for a little while before we all went to bed.
In the morning we went to breakfast at IHOP (crowded) and then went back to the hotel to swim in the pool. Kids love the pool and so does Pa! We always go in a pool whenever Pa is around, it seems :) Then we had a little Dora cake for Alana's birthday and she got to open some presents they brought for her and Collin before heading over to Pa's friends house for a memorial day, weekend party. He had a professional grade margarita machine that was GREAT and alot of good food. Pa, Mary and the kids went swimming while Joe and I watch and drank from the side. They kids had so much fun swimming. They were so tired that we had dinner and then packed them up for the rest of our drive to San Antonio.
We spent our first night in San Antonio near the airport. It was pretty late by the time we got in and Collin had a little heat rash on his neck and a low fever. We got them all ready for bed and some medicine for Collin and we all conked out. We checked out and found another hotel closer to our new house, at The Rim, and spent the next three days there. While waiting to get the keys to our house, we went furniture shopping and got Joe and I a new Queen size bed with a nice poster bed frame that is finally coming today! Almost 3 weeks later. We have been sleeping in our old bed, which is now going to be the guest bedroom.
When we finally got our new keys to the house, it was bigger than we remembered! That is always a good thing. We only looked at the house for probably 10 mins before we signed the papers that we would take it! Glad we did too, because it exactly where we want to be! Great locations, spacious enough for us and not too big where we can't handle all the upkeep. It is a 4 bedroom Single Family house, two car garage, large fenced in back yard with a built in dog run on one side of the house. That day, we also got our new addition to the family, Belle! She is a rescue dog and only a year old. She is some kind of german shepard/husky mix but is only 26lbs. She is healthy and we love her!
We had a long move down here, but we had alot of fun along the way as a family. The kids were so good all the way down and didn't start their grumpy adjustment period until we got into our new house. They are transitioning well now, and like their new enviroment. We joined a gym where they have a really cool play area with a big huge jungle gym, basketball court and Mac computers with kids games. They love going and it is a good time for me to get a break! We all miss our friends from VA, but we hope we can see them soon. ALL OF THEM :) So come on down to Texas VA friends and when we come up there again, I will be sure to let you know! Yee Haw, we are Texans!
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