Today started like any other day. I got the kids up, dressed, fed & out the door. I took the boys to the bus, got them on, then took Alexa to school. Normally I might go to the drivethru at Starbucks, grab a coffee, then see what I could get done at the house before going to a project meeting at the boy's school. I am not sure why I diverted from that, but I went into Starbucks, sat down with my coffee & a croissant, and worked through a few sudoku puzzles until it was time to go to the meeting. The meeting was at 9:30, I left the school at 1:30. As Brian says.."I can't say no!"
Then I went back to the house & did a few things until it was time to pick the boys up from the bus. I had to go to Sears to pickup a water filter for our refridgerator, so I took the boys to do it since I got sidetracked at the school earlier. Sears is at one end of the mall. At the other end is the kid's playground and an icecream place called Maggie Moo's. They have the creamiest homemade icecream and mix in your choice of goodies. I think we've only been there once before.
I decided to take the boys to Maggie's and then let them play at the playground. Hunter got bubblegum icecream with gummie bears & marshmallows. He forgot how hard it is to chew ice cold gummie bears! Tristan chose chocolate icecream with oreos & marshmallows. They switched when they were almost done so they could taste what the other one got. I tried their "better batter" icecream that tastes like cake batter, then added caramel & almonds. It was sooooo yummy! Now the boys are playing for a bit, then we will go get Alexa & head home. What an awesome, and for me, a very indulgent day!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Technology has taken over!
Since Chad's graduation things have been flying by in a blur! It took a day or two to get us all unpacked and settled back in.
Brian & I switched our cell service from AT&T to Verizon this week. We had AT&T for over 10 years. Their customer service has become non-existent, and their new conversion changed our discount too, so it was time for a change. So I have spent the past few days getting setup and used to my new blackberry curve. I have always had a basic cell phone. My priority was a decent camera. No internet, no email, etc. This thing has and does more than I will ever use! It can also be addictive. It is a mini laptop! I can get my email, facebook updates, tons of stuff I really lived just fine without having at my fingertips. It doesn't just hold phone numbers.. it holds work and home addresses, birthdays & anniversaries too! I can personalize your number with a picture, (which I have almost everyone set up with already!) and even a custom ringtone so it shows your pic and plays your song when you call. How crazy is that?! My poor laptop was beginning to feel obsolete. My sister told me I could link up with flickr and my blog on my phone too, but I think I should leave something for my laptop to do!
I have been so submerged in technology the past couple days that it was a reality check to take the kids to the movies today and have to shut off my phone. I actually had to shut it off rather than turn it to silent because there are so many applications on it I couldn't find the one to change the ringer volume! Of course after the movie I found it right away. It was just more data than my mind could compute at the moment I needed it to!
So here I am back on my trusty laptop, well, not so trusty.. it has been acting up and at the moment has to be hooked up on a landline to work properly. But still my good old connection to the internet world. It also makes it easier for my "good, old" fingers & eyes to manipulate the keys! That phone keyboard is tiny!!
So off to bed I go. To recharge myself, and according to the beeping message, also to recharge my cell phone!!
Brian & I switched our cell service from AT&T to Verizon this week. We had AT&T for over 10 years. Their customer service has become non-existent, and their new conversion changed our discount too, so it was time for a change. So I have spent the past few days getting setup and used to my new blackberry curve. I have always had a basic cell phone. My priority was a decent camera. No internet, no email, etc. This thing has and does more than I will ever use! It can also be addictive. It is a mini laptop! I can get my email, facebook updates, tons of stuff I really lived just fine without having at my fingertips. It doesn't just hold phone numbers.. it holds work and home addresses, birthdays & anniversaries too! I can personalize your number with a picture, (which I have almost everyone set up with already!) and even a custom ringtone so it shows your pic and plays your song when you call. How crazy is that?! My poor laptop was beginning to feel obsolete. My sister told me I could link up with flickr and my blog on my phone too, but I think I should leave something for my laptop to do!
I have been so submerged in technology the past couple days that it was a reality check to take the kids to the movies today and have to shut off my phone. I actually had to shut it off rather than turn it to silent because there are so many applications on it I couldn't find the one to change the ringer volume! Of course after the movie I found it right away. It was just more data than my mind could compute at the moment I needed it to!
So here I am back on my trusty laptop, well, not so trusty.. it has been acting up and at the moment has to be hooked up on a landline to work properly. But still my good old connection to the internet world. It also makes it easier for my "good, old" fingers & eyes to manipulate the keys! That phone keyboard is tiny!!
So off to bed I go. To recharge myself, and according to the beeping message, also to recharge my cell phone!!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Family Day 3.19.09
We are all home and Chad is getting settled at Fort Huachuca in AZ, check out more photos in the photo gallery. (Link on the right sidebar, or double click on this photo top get there.)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Letting go..
Everyone is sleeping and I can't! It is actually still Thursday for me. We had a good day with Chad. He has become a man over the past 10 weeks. He even looks different to me. Not just in his physical appearance, but in how he carries himself. With a confidence & direction I am not used to seeing in him. I am so very proud of him!
My Mom & Dad came in this afternoon and had dinner with all of us at the NCO Club, They had a dinner for his unit there. He couldn't go off base until tomorrow, so he will see Greta & Randy in the morning. They got in this evening. He will have tomorrow until he has to report back to his unit (by 9 pm). Then he flys out Saturday morning to Arizona where he will go to tech school for almost 11 months.
Kierra living in St. Pete. is the farthest any of our children have lived from us. Even when Chad lived & worked with Greg & Lisa, it was just a couple hours away.
This is a new journey for both of us. It has been the best thing for Chad. It has been hard to let him go, partly because we weren't on the best terms when he left. I am trying to let that go too. This 24 hours with him here is like stepping into another dimension, a place we haven't been before. A reunion, a celebration, & a farewell packed into two 12 hour days.
That is such a short amount of time to get to know him, this man who used to be my little boy. I can say he always will be, but that child is packed away with my memories, and I have to rerrange his "room" in my mind, to adapt to this grown man he has become.
It will be hard to let him go not knowing when I will see him again. I am trying to plan a road trip with the kids in July, but alot can happen between now & then. He said he will try to come home for Christmas.
So this is what it feels like to truly have your child leave the nest, to love them enough to let them go...OUCH!
My Mom & Dad came in this afternoon and had dinner with all of us at the NCO Club, They had a dinner for his unit there. He couldn't go off base until tomorrow, so he will see Greta & Randy in the morning. They got in this evening. He will have tomorrow until he has to report back to his unit (by 9 pm). Then he flys out Saturday morning to Arizona where he will go to tech school for almost 11 months.
Kierra living in St. Pete. is the farthest any of our children have lived from us. Even when Chad lived & worked with Greg & Lisa, it was just a couple hours away.
This is a new journey for both of us. It has been the best thing for Chad. It has been hard to let him go, partly because we weren't on the best terms when he left. I am trying to let that go too. This 24 hours with him here is like stepping into another dimension, a place we haven't been before. A reunion, a celebration, & a farewell packed into two 12 hour days.
That is such a short amount of time to get to know him, this man who used to be my little boy. I can say he always will be, but that child is packed away with my memories, and I have to rerrange his "room" in my mind, to adapt to this grown man he has become.
It will be hard to let him go not knowing when I will see him again. I am trying to plan a road trip with the kids in July, but alot can happen between now & then. He said he will try to come home for Christmas.
So this is what it feels like to truly have your child leave the nest, to love them enough to let them go...OUCH!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Graduation Day..
I am getting things ready for our trip to SC for Chad's Army Basic Training Graduation. There don't seem to be enough hours in my day! He has family day Thursday, then graduates on Friday, He will head out to AZ on Saturday. I am not taking my laptop because it is still acting up, so I won't be online until I get back Sat. night.
I had half of a good day today, then it went to hell. As much as I love my husband, there are times he really doesn't "get it". After more than 25 years he should know I am more dangerous when I am hurt than when I am mad. I wish I could blow things off the way he seems to. But I am like a hungry dog with a bone, and I don't give it up! He should know that too! I am trying not to let it spoil the trip the way it spoiled my day. Of course.. I do love to chew on those bones!! He better hope I find something (or someone) else to gnaw on!
TTFN
I had half of a good day today, then it went to hell. As much as I love my husband, there are times he really doesn't "get it". After more than 25 years he should know I am more dangerous when I am hurt than when I am mad. I wish I could blow things off the way he seems to. But I am like a hungry dog with a bone, and I don't give it up! He should know that too! I am trying not to let it spoil the trip the way it spoiled my day. Of course.. I do love to chew on those bones!! He better hope I find something (or someone) else to gnaw on!
TTFN
Monday, March 16, 2009
Mj & the kids 3.14.09
Check out the new pix in the photo gallery.. Greta & Randy had pix done with all their grandkids so I had a couple shots taken.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Cloudy day
My laptop has been giving me major grief since yesterday afternoon. I am not sure what the deal is, but will be limited for posting until it gets sorted out. Yesterday was just an all around crappy day! Today doesn't seem to be faring much better. My mood matches the cloudy day outside my window, so maybe it is good that I am forced to be somewhat disconnected from the outside world! Hope things in your world are a bit brighter.. I'll be back soon!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Food for thought..
This is what happens when you don't feel well, Daddy won't be home til late and you spend way too much time with your kids! Alexa informed me she had to have one more letter to have the same as Hunter and she wanted an S for her last name! I guess that's one way to avoid confusion as to which plate is theirs!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Blog Blurbs
*I am volunteering this week at the boy's school. I am helping with the FCAT testing. I did it last year for 3rd grade. This year I am helping in 4th. It can be a long 2 hours! The rules are so strict and they have to follow the protocol exactly. I remember tests in school, but nothing like this! I am going to have lunch with Tristan after testing tomorrow, then have lunch with Hunter after testing on Thursday.
*I have been going through the kid's winter clothes and now have to sort through and get out their summer clothes. It has been in the 80's lately! They grow and change faster than I can seem to keep up with.
*They are not liking the time change at all. It is a major discussion for them to go to bed when it is barely dark out, then hard to make them get up before the sun. I am hoping they adjust to it soon! Mornings are rough right now.
*Chad is doing well and has passed his PT tests. We are really looking forward to his graduation. I am really proud of him. It still seems strange that he will be out in AZ soon and be there almost a year.
*Brianne is doing good. Almost back to her old self again. She still gets headaches when she is on the computer at work too long, or if it is real noisy. But she is back to work & driving and all seems to be going well.
*I almost started a line about Kierra, that is how automatic it is when I am talking about them all and updating about them. It is such a void, a missing part of the whole. I wasn't really even thinking about her, it just popped in there while I was typing. I wonder about "Heaven", about an "afterlife".. About what the souls/spirits of our loved ones are doing out there, in the vast unknown. I believe they are definitely there, but could not begin to define "where, how", etc. She is here, all around me, in my heart, in my head, even when I am not consciously thinking of her.
* Brian is working on a task force until mid-April. His hours suck and he has to work most of his days off to make up his off-duty hours. I am looking forward to having time with him for Chad's graduation, another bonus!
*Time to go get Alexa, so that's about it for now.
*I have been going through the kid's winter clothes and now have to sort through and get out their summer clothes. It has been in the 80's lately! They grow and change faster than I can seem to keep up with.
*They are not liking the time change at all. It is a major discussion for them to go to bed when it is barely dark out, then hard to make them get up before the sun. I am hoping they adjust to it soon! Mornings are rough right now.
*Chad is doing well and has passed his PT tests. We are really looking forward to his graduation. I am really proud of him. It still seems strange that he will be out in AZ soon and be there almost a year.
*Brianne is doing good. Almost back to her old self again. She still gets headaches when she is on the computer at work too long, or if it is real noisy. But she is back to work & driving and all seems to be going well.
*I almost started a line about Kierra, that is how automatic it is when I am talking about them all and updating about them. It is such a void, a missing part of the whole. I wasn't really even thinking about her, it just popped in there while I was typing. I wonder about "Heaven", about an "afterlife".. About what the souls/spirits of our loved ones are doing out there, in the vast unknown. I believe they are definitely there, but could not begin to define "where, how", etc. She is here, all around me, in my heart, in my head, even when I am not consciously thinking of her.
* Brian is working on a task force until mid-April. His hours suck and he has to work most of his days off to make up his off-duty hours. I am looking forward to having time with him for Chad's graduation, another bonus!
*Time to go get Alexa, so that's about it for now.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Out of the blue..
I heard this for the first time today flipping through radio stations.
Artist: Jackson Alan
Song: Sissy's Song
Album: Good Time
Why did she have to go
So young I just don't know why
Things happen half the time
Without reason without rhyme
Lovely, sweet young woman
Daughter, (wife) and mother
Makes no sense to me
I just have to believe
She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me
Loved ones she left behind
Just trying to survive
And understand the why
Feeling so lost inside
Anger shot straight at God
(Then asking for His love)
Empty with disbelief
Just hoping that maybe
She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me
It's hard to say goodbye
Her picture in my mind
Will always be of times I'll cherish
And I won't cry 'cause
She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me
Don't worry 'bout me
Don`t worry 'bout me
Artist: Jackson Alan
Song: Sissy's Song
Album: Good Time
Why did she have to go
So young I just don't know why
Things happen half the time
Without reason without rhyme
Lovely, sweet young woman
Daughter, (wife) and mother
Makes no sense to me
I just have to believe
She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me
Loved ones she left behind
Just trying to survive
And understand the why
Feeling so lost inside
Anger shot straight at God
(Then asking for His love)
Empty with disbelief
Just hoping that maybe
She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me
It's hard to say goodbye
Her picture in my mind
Will always be of times I'll cherish
And I won't cry 'cause
She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me
Don't worry 'bout me
Don`t worry 'bout me
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
What's Cookin'
I made a huge pot of spaghetti and some awesome sauce the other day. So today I made up 3 pans of meat & cheese lasagna and 2 pans of cheese stuffed manicotti. I used up just about all the sauce and I still have alot of spaghetti left over, so now I am thinking of making some chicken tetrazzini with that. I have containers I got through the monthly cooking club I am in so it makes it easy to fill them up and freeze them. Easy to label too. They cancelled our meeting for this month so I already have the meals for April done & in the freezer. Sometimes I just get in the mood to cook. It fills the house with comforting smells and reminds me of my Grammy Blomgren's house. She always had something in the oven or on the stove. I haven't always been a very good cook. It has been a long process. I enjoy cooking, I enjoy it when other people enjoy what I cook. The kids all have their own aprons and enjoy doing things with me in the kitchen too. I got Hunter his first cookbook for Christmas. That's something I never shared with my mother. She had too many children and had to work. My Grammy B. gave me the basics and I loved to watch her in the kitchen. Her Turkey Croquettes with Egg Sauce is one of my favorite recipes. I used to call her when I was first married to get recipes for everything. I still have them. She made everything from scratch. My friend Nancy visited with her when she lived with my parents in Tennessee. I asked her to record my grandmother sharing stories. I still have that recording. One story was about her and a friend going to the grocery store. Cooking dinner took hours back in those days and they really wanted to do some frivolous shopping. There were some new canned biscuits at the store so they decided to try them. They put their groceries in the car and went off to enjoy some spare time together. On returning to the car they were suprised and a bit shocked to find something all over the inside of the car windows. They soon discovered their new cans of biscuits had exploded all over the car! So they not only had a mess to clean up, but then had to rush to make biscuits for dinner. She laughed retelling the story and I am so glad I was able to record that memory. She was an awesome lady and I miss her.
Monday, March 02, 2009
A rough start..
Well, after a great weekend we got off to a rocky start today. All 3 kids didn't want to get out of bed, and no one wanted to go to school. It was like pulling stubborn teeth to get them up, dressed, fed, and out the door. I can't stand starting the day like that! Everyone was grumpy and that makes me grumpy. I managed to get them somewhat out of their funk then when we got to the bus it all started again. Hunter said it was crazy sock day at their school today so the boys both wore mismatched crazy looking socks. When they were getting on the bus Tristan noticed someone wasn't wearing mismatched socks. He was adamant that he wanted his socks to match, he didn't want to be crazy! I got him on the bus with the promise I would meet him at school to give him a matching sock so he could change it if he wanted to. I did, and all was well with the world. Until Hunter decided to get emotional and want to go back home with me when I brought Tristan's sock. I don't know where all this came from, but I got him settled back down. They have an awesome bus driver and he helped calm them down. I called Hunter's teacher to give her a head's up that he was having an emotional morning. I emailed Tristan's teacher to explain the spare sock. Two down, one to go. I got Alexa to school with her being the least of my problems this morning, until I dropped her at her class and she instantly turned on the tears. I am going to her class to read Dr. Seuss at 11:30. She wanted me to stay or to come home with me until reading time. I got her calmed down and settled in with the promise I would be back to read to her and her class in just a little while. What a way to start the day!
On the way home I stopped at Starbucks for my coffee fix and decided to call into the local radio station for a contest I was listening to. I got on and managed to beat the champion, a logistics engineer, in their Battle of the Sexes contest. I will compete again tomorrow morning. So far I have won movie passes, and an upsweep to the way my day started. We will see what tomorrow brings!
On the way home I stopped at Starbucks for my coffee fix and decided to call into the local radio station for a contest I was listening to. I got on and managed to beat the champion, a logistics engineer, in their Battle of the Sexes contest. I will compete again tomorrow morning. So far I have won movie passes, and an upsweep to the way my day started. We will see what tomorrow brings!
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Monster Truck Jam 2.28.09
Rick took the boys & I to the Monster Truck Jam as one of their Christmas presents. He also got them a t-shirt of their favorite trucks and a poster too. Yes, they are spoiled! They had a blast. 72,000 people were there to watch these monster trucks race and crash. I was amazed at how many flipped over during the freestyle and how much the crowd loved it! We picked Rick up at 5 pm and we pulled into our driveway at the end of the night at 1 am. I am glad I brought us all earplugs! We had awesome seats right up close so we were front & center for all the action. I have been listening to recreations of the night's events all morning! Alexa got to have a sleepover with Auntie Terri & Jessica, a girl's only night, so she didn't feel left out. It has definitely been an "all about the kids" weekend. I am glad they enjoyed all their adventures. I enjoyed it too. I may think it takes me back to being a kid again, but my body reminds me that I'm not!
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