Snow Day in Vegas??? Unbelievable.

Today, Thursday, December 18, 2008 is a no school day due to snow in Las Vegas. Have I now seen it all???? Maybe not, but what a surprise. Yesterday it did snow at our house, but this morning it is raining and I thought for sure the kids would go to school. But, I guess the district is so big that some areas of Vegas have a lot of snow and if you close one school in the public system, you close them all. It is weird that they closed school today and tomorrow is the last day before Winter Break.

Yesterday was such a great day. Russell had no school because his school had Parent Teacher Conferences. So, being the ultimate mom, I planned his dentist appointment the same day so he wouldn't have to miss school. Miss school for the dentist? Yes, because the children's dentist we are using is 25 minutes away (and so worth the drive) and Russ goes to school until 4pm, so he would have to miss school to go to the dentist. ANYWAY! Russ did great at the dentist, even had 4 sealants put on his first permanent molars, no cavities and a good cleaning. Rachel…. Well, she's another story. She would not have xrays taken and she pretty much did a scream / yell the whole time the dentist looked in her mouth. Which is typical for Rachel the last 2 times she went to the dentist in Florida. All that said, no cavities either and not worth the screaming for the cleaning. We'll try again in 6 months. But, no Happy Meal for the screamer. That was the deal and she broke it. We went to McD's and got Russell his meal and she was so sad. Russell kept trying to convince me to get her one anyway. She told me we could go back to the dentist tomorrow and she'd cooperate. I said No. Then she said let's go back today. Russell has been on this protect Rachel kick lately. If she gets in trouble, he's trying to tell us some excuse for her – she' scared, it was an accident, she didn't mean to, etc. It is very sweet.

We had a good conference with Russell's teacher. We all went to the conference, which was fun. During the conference, Rachel had to use the bathroom and Russ took her (by the hand) to the school potties. When they left, he said they'd be gone for a while and he was right! Too cute. Russ is doing a lot better than the start of school. His teacher is awesome and she really understands Russ and works with him to accommodate his needs in class. She said he's well liked in class and is the resident artist; they have his art all over the place. When they choose groups, Russ never initiates getting into a group, but someone (different every time) always makes sure he gets in a group. She said he is communicating in class well, everyone pretty much always understands him and when he's having a hard time getting it out, he has friends that will finish his sentences for him and Russ always thanks them for helping him. She said he doesn't talk a lot on class, but he is listening well and will tell Mrs. Cayer about a conversation other students have to get her up to speed. His challenges are turning in work timely in class and writing. He hates writing and he hates typing. He just can't get going on writing assignments and by the time he does, many times it is time to move on. Not sure how to overcome that. She suggested maybe we try a fun journal at home where we write a question every day – the sillier the better and have him write a sentence or two to respond. We will try that. We felt good about her observations and suggestions and feel good about Russ being in her class.

One other school story…. The kids in his class had to draw themselves as an elf and the directions were: the funnier looking you make yourself, the better. So, at school before the conference and not knowing the directions for the picture, we see Russ's elf and it is way different than anyone else's. Adam was a little worried, comparing Russ's work to the others. Russ's picture had a yellow face, shark teeth, huge pointy ear, goofy hair, etc. and all the others pretty much looked like themselves. In the conversation with Mrs. Cayer she had told us about Russ's picture and how he was the only one that could think and accept making himself look weird and he really got into it. Cool! Russ is a different thinker and he is always thinking.

After the conference it started to snow. We did a couple of errands and went home! Once the snow built up a little, the kids went out and played. They managed to scrape a few snowballs together and throw them at each other. We also baked cookies. I had to make some for Rachel's class (no school, so now we have a lot of cookies…) and we made some for us. Typically we really have to supervise the kids when they decorate Christmas Cookies. Rachel always needed help spreading the frosting. But this year, they didn't really need us or want us the whole time. They sat at the table and did cookies, one by one. Some have mounds of frosting and sprinkles, some are carefully executed works of art, but all of them are beautiful! Adam and I did get to decorate a few, but we really just let them do their thing and listen to them talk and work together. When we were at the table, Rachel would always ask for help that she didn't need. So, while we would have liked to it there with them, it was fun to observe from 'afar' and appreciate it all. Such a great day!!!

Elf Yourself!!!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Lego Land Pictures

Thanksgiving & Lego Land in a Clean Car!

We'll start with the clean car bit b/c when you have 3 kids and am on the go like I am, typically a messy, dirty car is standard. I decided enough is enough! I am taking back this minivan into my own control!!! Ha! (Yea, right) So, after our last soccer game (HURRAY!) I cleaned my car. It was a beautiful day, great to be outside, Russ and Rach joined me and played in the front yard while I cleaned. Playing in the front yard is a rare occurrence in our neighborhood. Nobody is out front and there isn't much room to play. I CLEANED, seriously cleaned and it felt good. I took all that soccer crap out of my car, vacuumed all the grass from soccer shoes, cleaned fingerprints off the windows and readjusted the 3^rd row seats for the trip CA. And can I say I love the 'leatha'! It makes seat cleaning much easier.

Consequently, while being out front, we met some new neighbors, another rare occurrence. The house to the left of us has been in foreclosure and for sale since we moved in. Well, a young couple bought it and moved in. We had seen them a bit on the weekends, but weren't sure if they were even living there. They happened to be out front trimming bushes and trees, looking a bit clueless. Of course, Martha couldn't help giving some pruning advice!! Ha! They seem very nice, were eager and proud to show off all the work they have done inside the house. Boy, the previous owner was bitter and took weird things with him – oven racks, interior door handles, light plate covers, the garage door openers and painted in really weird colors. So anyway, it was nice to meet some neighbors and chat with them, maybe we'll get to know them better.

Okay, back to the real reason of the blog…. The Thanksgiving Trip! We spent Thanksgiving with my mom's family. My Uncle Dexter and Aunt Linda hosted at their house. My Aunt Kate brought my Nana over, my drove down from Napa and my cousin Ryan and his 2 children were also there. We had a very pleasant day. Adam, the kids and I hit the road about 7am Thursday morning, which wasn't as bad as we thought and while we were driving we saw 4 different rainbows. Of course, the van was clean and that made it even better ; ) The kids all played well at Dexter's house, Rowan was appropriately adorable and had smiles for everyone. He showed off his new skills of clapping, waving, and his almost crawl. It was good to see my nana. She is suffering from Alzheimer's and in the last month or so she has been moved to a private care facility. She is getting excellent care, looks good, and seems to be happy on her good days. When she was living at home with her husband, ray, neither were taking good care of themselves or the house. It was filthy, she was filthy and so was he. Unfortunately, she and Ray are not in the same care facility and I know that hurts her, but she is coping. I guess that is one thing you really have to think about when you age and remarry. All in all it was a nice day and we enjoyed catching up with that side of the family. A funny side note. My Uncle Dexter said the weirdest thing to Adam. He was commenting on how he hasn't seen Adam in like 10 years and he said that he thought Adam had only gained 10 pounds in the 10 years he hadn't seen him. Now, I thought that was weird. Adam thought it was one of those comments that meant nothing. But the whole thing is funny b/c Dex has had gastric bypass surgery – he was obese. He lost a lot of weight and has managed to put quite a bit back on. So, I kind of think, who are you to comment on anyone's weight???? Bizarre.

Thursday late afternoon we left Dexter's house and traveled on to Carlsbad to stay in a hotel near Lego Land. Friday morning we met up with some of my Dad's family. My Uncle Chuck (Dad's brother who is so funny, he's always been a favorite), his wife, Charleen (also a fave), their daughter Erica (lives in the Chicago suburbs, she is a blast and so funny!) and her family – husband, Mike, son, Tyler (age 4) and daughter, Ashlynn (age 2). We haven't seen Erica and Mike since like 2002 and Adam had never met Chuck and Charleen. We had a fun group, all with easy going personalities and we did Lego Land together on Friday. It was a great time. It was pretty crowded, but I think for having such a large group, we managed the crowds well. The kids had a great time; we rode quite a few rides, played at the playgrounds, admired the MiniLand USA, and just visited while waiting in lines. Chuck and Charleen waited with Rowan quite a few times so Adam and I could ride with Russell and Rachel. Rowan has started the whole separation anxiety thing, so I wasn't sure how he would handle waiting with them, but it was no problem. Chuck and Charleen had him wrapped around their fingers or maybe it was Rowan had them wrapped around his! Rowan loved Uncle Chuck. And why wouldn't he? The guy makes great funny faces and let Row play with watch! Good times for a 10 month old!

Adam, the kids and I headed back to Lego Land for a 2^nd day on Saturday. What a GREAT day! The weather was perfect. It was less crowded and we knew where to start and work the park from there. We got in all the rides we wanted and few extras. It was a really fun family day : )

Okay, a few funny stories and observations from Lego Land….. I think compared to any other amusement park we have been to, they have some of the strictest height and age requirements for rides. They also have small seating arrangement – like only 2 per row, boat, airplane, etc. That made it a little hard b/c Russ was tall and old enough to go alone on a lot, but he wants to ride with us, but one of us would have to ride with Rachel, while the other stayed with Rowan.

SO…Skipper School. This is a ride that you drive a little motorboat through a course. We thought the boats were on a guide underwater, like Autotopia in Disneyland. Russ had to drive his own boat b/c Rowan couldn't ride on it for some reason. The boats are super slow. Well, Russ is driving along and gets a little turned around – literally turned around! He is now going back the way he came while all the other boats are coming towards him!!! Adam is in another boat with Rachel and manages to turn him around. Well, he gets to another turn and almost turns around again. Then another turn, he gets turned around, Adam can't help him and Russ bumps this other family – who thinks it is very funny! The clerk has to come over and help Russ and get him to the end. I am cracking up, Adam and Russell are embarrassed. The mom whom Russ bumped was explaining to me about the delay in the turning on the boats and how she thought it was a little difficult. I just thought it was so funny to see him go the other way with boat traffic coming toward him

Rachel liked the roller coasters, but the whole time she rode she put her face down, like she didn't like it. She rode the Dragon Coaster, the Car coaster (that one is fast and has a the biggest drop) and the Coastersaurus. Russ didn't like the coasters; he rode the dragon coaster and looked like he was going to puke in the picture they take as you go around. Russ likes the action rides – Splash Battle – a pirate ship you shoot water at other ships as you go around. He liked the Land of Adventure ride – you ride in a jeep and shoot with lasers at the bad guys (like the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disney).

I think Russ was most excited about shopping at the Lego stores. We shopped on Saturday and he was thrilled!

The kids really enjoyed MiniLand USA – various US cities made in legos. There were parts of Vegas, D.C., S.F., SoCal beaches, New England, NYC, New Orleans, Nascar, a really cute barn, Hollywood, etc. Those were fun to look at b/c the detail is incredible. A lot of the animated displays were broken and very faded, so that was a little disappointing.

On an airplane ride – you control it going up and down kind of thing – I was with Rachel, Russ was alone and Row was waiting with Adam. So every time we went around, I waved at Rowan and said his name. It took him a few times to realize what was going on, but then he'd anticipate that we were coming and he would just start clapping when he'd hear us and see us. It was so cute. It was one of those melt your heart moments.

And as if that wasn't enough for one trip, we met with Adam's family on Sunday at the CA State Historic Citrus Park in Riverside. We met there, walked thru the visitor's center, walked up the hill to see the view, and went to the gardens where the park can be rented for weddings and parties and such. It was pretty, we visited for about an hour and then hit the road back to Vegas with the van was still pretty clean!!! (It's just good when it all comes full circle, you know???)

The Christmas Spirit

I know, it is too early for Christmas, but for me it isn't…. Well, first of all our old computer got some Trojan bug that we couldn't get rid of and I didn't want to go thru the whole geek thing again. It just didn't seem worth it to pay for that all over again. So, it was last week when I figured that out. And I was bummed. Who wants to spend the money on a new computer? So, I decided to cheer myself up and get out the Christmas Tree. I have a fake one that I bought in 2002 in Oklahoma and I heart it! Perfect size, perfect shape, has the lights on it, I love it. But, last year I had to do a number fixing the lights, so I really wasn't sure what to expect when I plugged them in this year, especially after a move. Yea, it was bad. Like half the lights were out. This was supposed to cheer me up and I was totally bummed thinking I had to get a new tree too. Bah. Humbug - before Thanksgiving even.

Then I really started looking at the tree. Love the shape, love the size; it just needs lights. Look closer, well, the lights are strung on pretty tight, but I could clip them out….. I start my plan and Adam thinks I am crazy – just get a new tree is his suggestion. So, I look at new trees and I like mine best. So, I bought new lights and decided I would save my tree!!!!! I clipped out tons of lights off my tree. I ended up taking each branch off and taking the lights off from there. And once I got in a groove, it wasn't too bad. Another perk?? The bottom row of branches is too low on my tree. The presents always push them up and the branches are in the way. So, I took them off and kept them off – bonus! I started to think of a new goofy show – trick out my tree! It took me 3 days of a little here and there, but I stripped the tree of the old non working lights and put on new lights. Colored lights this year, we have had white lights since we were married. The kids are thrilled. Rachel likes the pink lights best and Russell likes the red.

So, of course, if I have the tree out, then I must get out the Christmas boxes. Last Christmas, when taking everything down, I took so much time to wrap all my precious ornaments and decorations, knowing we were moving and knowing that the movers would not pack it as well as I would. If I don't say so myself, I did an AMAZING job. I don't think anything broke! Phew. Saturday we started decorating the tree. I couldn't wait, I had to do it. Typically that weekend after Thanksgiving is when I do the whole Xmas decorating thing. This year we are going to Lego Land after Thanksgiving, so really, I have to do it ahead of time to stay on schedule ; ) It will be fun to come home to a Xmas house after Thanksgiving. That's what I keep telling myself to rationalize my early decorating. I always laugh when I start the tree – every year I have the same thoughts. I think when I first start: 'How am I going to fill this tree? I don't think I'll have enough. You always have enough, at the end you always think you have too many and you wonder how to put them all on.' And it is so true, I think the same things – Why don't I learn my lesson from the last year?

You know, I really enjoy decorating the tree. I love my ornaments. I really do. I treasure each one. I can probably tell you each ornament's history – was it a gift from one of my many thoughtful friends? Did I buy it after Xmas on super sale in Napa, FL, or OK? Was it one the kids made? (Easy answer there!) Was it an ornament from my childhood? When we lived in Napa, I used to always go to this store on Jefferson Ave that was a party supply store, but had lots of fun ornaments. I would run into friends that I worked with at Redwood Middle School. One in particular was Pat Caceres. Pat was my 8^th grade Math Teacher and then I worked with her at RMS. She is so sweet. After she realized that I was ornament hunting the day after Xmas, she would buy me snowman ornaments at other stores that she knew I was not going to. I could tell you every ornament she bought me. Steve Culbertson, another one of my 8^th grade teachers that I taught with told his wife that I was a snowman gal and she bought me a bag full. I still have every one of those ornaments. I have always loved those bulb ornaments that are painted on the inside of the bulb. How do they do that??? Christine sent me my first one, snowmen of course, and I really treasure it. I always hang it front and center and think of her when I hang it. I bought an ornament last year with a Santa holding a lamb. I bought it at Kohls and I bought it b/c Rachel's school was called Little Lambs in Florida. I knew that we would be moving and I knew when I hung that ornament it would remind me of Little Lambs and what a wonderful school it was and how lucky I was to have Rachel enrolled. And this year, I did just that as I hung it on the tree. Each one has its own story and memory, such a joy to remember each one and share with the kids. That really makes me happy.

One side note as we were hanging ornaments this year. I still adore my snowmen, but I seem to have started a new collection without realizing it. I have a new affection for Santas in red coats. Not a conscious thing at all, until now….

A Fun Comparison

So here are pictures of the kids all with the barn on their heads. Russ got the barn from Carol Teeters and it is the cutest toy - a Gund terry cloth barn bag and has 4 barnyard animals made form terry cloth to play with. And the animals each have their own special sound - squeak, rattle, etc. Well, Adam put it on Russ's head while playing and the picture was a big hit. So, we had to do one with Rachel. Since we had a bond with the toy, it was one I kept. I didn't keep a lot of baby toys after Rachel. And boy, are we glad that I kept it, it would have been sad not to get Rowan in it too. The kids are all about 6 months old and I just thought it was fun to see them all together.

Growin' Rowan 9 months old!

Hard to believe, but Rowan is already 9 months old, on Election Day no less! So, I am going to do a little motherly bragging and recording all about our little Row Row.

He loves to be out of the house. He is not a homebody at all. He is a shameless flirt while out and about. He smiles and does that shy look with the chin down to his chest and looks up, he is so funny. He has a real thing for the grandpas too. Today we were at JoAnn fabrics and he caught the attention of a grandpa in the store. So, that led to a fun conversation and lots of Rowan smiles and coos.

He has really just started all the jibber jabber. He was doing it a little bit, but now it is all the time. His voice is so sweet and cute. He loves to growl at stuff and breathe/pant loudly thru his nose. Then his voice can have a little high pitch to it as he babbles on and on. I try so hard to get him to say mamamamama, but it usually dadadada or bababa or blablabla and then he'll throw in a ga or goo, etc. He'll say MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMm while he's eating for me, but that is it. He will and has said the mamamam, but only when he chooses!! He clicks his tongue a lot, especially when someone clicks at him. Rachel will start talking in the car to him - babababa and he starts right in and talks back to her. He loves to be out in the stroller, looking around, feeling the air. Halloween night, he could have gone all night. Russ and Rach were done, but Row could have kept right on.

We think he's a daddy's boy thru and thru. He just stares at Adam while he is talking and listens to him - which is probably a good thing b/c Adam can talk a lot and we all don't have time to sit and listen ; ) So, it's good he has a captive audience in Rowan!!! Ha! He'll hear Adam's voice and just right in with the babble. There was a time period that he would only go to bed at night if Adam rocked/walked him around - he would just squirm with me. He gets a little pissy if Adam doesn't come over and pick him up when he comes home from work. He'll whine and look at Adam, like Hello, I am right here.

Rowan has loved the swaddle like no other baby I have known. I bought him these velcro swaddle blankets and he just recently stopped using them. We would swaddle him and sometimes he'd fall instantly asleep, like he was waiting for that blanket to tell him it is sleepy time. We were a little worried about how ling he might want the swaddle, but one day he just didn't want it anymore. Which is kinda weird b/c I read this book ("The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems") and she said some babies will love the swaddle and then at about 9 months they give up overnight. She was right. I love the title of that book by the way. I had to buy it just b/c the title was so great - how could you go wrong with a book like that??? Ha! I am passing it on to Tracey who has a 2 month old that nurses a lot at night. She needs all her problems solved!!!! Ha!

Rowan loves his crib bumper. He rubs his face in it now when he is falling asleep and he loves his crib toy that plays music and sounds and has some lights and movements. It's like a little rainforest scene and the lights look like a waterfall and there is a little monkey that moves and fish. Of course, it makes 'rainforest' sounds too.

We are working on Rowan playing peekaboo alone. he really tries - he puts his hands on his forehead and pulls them down to his tummy for peekaboo. It is pretty cute. And he is clapping a lot. He hasn't quite the patty cake thing down yet, but we play that too. He also has lots of fun pulling toys out of baskets, bags, etc. For a while I'd put a load of Rachel's plastic tea party plates in a little plastic bin and he could spend like 10 minutes pulling out each plate and waving it around, throw it down, get the next look at it, wave it, and on it went.

Of course Russ and Rach really can get him worked up doing anything. Brushing their teeth, dancing around, pretty much anything they do is hilarious and gruntworthy.

Rowan doesn't like cold anything. Cold bathwater - he's done. He doesn't like cold food, cold bottles, cold juice or water to drink; basically if it's cold he's not having it. It is so funny that he's that opinionated about so consistently. Rachel would take anything any temp and could stay in the bath until she turned blue. Not Rowan.

And Harry, our orange cat, seems to be Rowan's. Anytime Row is in the floor playing or drinking a bottle (oh yeah, he does that by himslef too - yay!) anyway - Harry is all over Rowan at bottle or play time on the floor. He'll rub up next to Row and purrrrrr. Rowan loves it. Row will grab Harry and surprisingly, Harry doesn't flinch or anything. He sits there happy as can be. Row tries to pet Harry too, it is sweet. Sometimes Harry will hide in Rowan's room and then get in bed with him while he's sleeping. I have never seen anything like it.

He also starts doing new things and then stops. Like those super sweet juicy open mouth 'kisses' that babies do. he did for about a month or so and has now stopped. One day at Rachel's gymnastics, he was sitting in my lap facing me and put his hands on my cheeks and must have kissed me 20 times. It was so cute and funny. I'd try to watch Rachel a bit and he'd try to pull my face back and giggle. It was such a hoot. Rolling over - he 's like been there done that, don't do it any more.

He doesn't seem very mobile right now. Russ and Rach were rolling all over the floor to get where they wanted to be. He scoots a bit on his back and sitting up he can scoot on his tush, but not very far. I kinda think that may be due to the fact that Russ and Rachel always get him things when he fusses for something, so the need to get around isn't there.

Okay, there you have the Rowan Fix!!!! Let me put in some pictures and get back to my domestic goddess duties.

Back to the Blog

Well, it has been a while and I am not sure how much I will get written in this post, but I'll try to update as best I can : )

Our computer crashed, not sure why, but it did and The Geeks had it for like a week. It ended up being cheaper to repair this one than get a new one, which was surprising, but good, I guess. However, it was a pain to get everything back on it. We did get a new external hard drive out of the deal. I really like that and now I can back up things properly. It really sucked being without the computer for sooooo long.

The first weekend of October, Andy came for a visit from Portland and we had a great time. He brought all kinds of fun toys for the kids, so they love Uncle Andy! He got to experience Russell's first soccer game of the season and I think we definitely reaffirmed that Andy does not want to have children, what with the tantrums, crying baby, lugging shit all over. Yea, he's probably never gonna ever have kids! Ha! Not that there's anything wrong with that, I am just saying our chaos can be convincing one way or the other! Andy is big Miami Dolphins fan and the game was on while he was visiting and they actually won. I have never seen Andy so emotional..... We also took him to the Springs Preserve in Las Vegas. A great desert living and green living museum with acres of trails and gardens and indoor exhibits, classrooms, etc. A very neat place. Oh, it also rained like 3 times while Andy was here and it never rains, so that was bizarre.

Rachel turned 4 on October 11th. We had a soccer game that day, which the opposing team did not show. So, our team scrimmaged itself. It was very cold - 50 degrees, rainy, windy, i can see why the other team didn't show. Did I mention I got suckered into coaching Russell's soccer team? Well, I did. I volunteered to co-coach with the guy that stepped up to coach and he flaked, so it is all me. There are 2 other dads that help a lot, so that makes it easier, but they can't always be there and they don't want the responsibility of being the in charge or the decision making. So, I have help, but limited. We are the Jedi Tigers and I'll be glad when it is over.

But back to Rachel turning 4. We had the game, that wasn't a game. So, we invited the Cannys to go with us to Chuck E Cheese and had a small celebration there. It was fun, bought tons of tokens and let the kids go nuts. I think Rachel went a little too nuts because she barfed in the car on the way home. Like all over barf - all over Adam, the car seat, the van. Adam finally appreciates the leather seats - so much easier to clean!!! So now Russell thinks that Rachel is allergic to pizza b/c she barfed it up. And she isn't a real fan of it either now.

She was so cute opening her presents and cards. She really took time to look at each card and admire the pictures on it. And every envelope and every package she'd say "I wonder what's inside? What could it be?" and then was genuinely thrilled to open each thing. "A dress!!!! It is so beautiful" "Oh, I love this fancy hat" "Little Pet Shop for me?" It was so cute.

Adam left for Oklahoma on the 14th of October and he is still there. He has to be requalified on the AWACS jet. So, he is there trying to get qualified. he's been there almost 2 weeks and hasn't even finished 1 ride and he needs to have at least 4. This has been a really hard time having him gone. 3 kids (well the baby) makes it harder, my cat, Kadie has been sick and she died this morning, not having very many friends here, trying to coach soccer and make sure Rachel and Rowan are being taken care of (Rachel goes to the Cannys and Rowan comes to practice and an older sister of one of my players helps me with Row). It has been rough.

And now Rowan is up, time to get dinner going... you should all feel lucky that I chose to spend 'my nap' time writing to you!!! ; ) More later.... If you haven't already - find me on Facebook - what a blast that has been!!!

Pictures

These are a few pics from Russell's first day of 2nd grade. Rachel didn't have school that day, but she packed her lunch and backpack just the same.

Rachel’s Week

No one disagrees, Rachel needs to be kept busy. She is at the age where she is truly interested in doing stuff. So, I started researching some classes and things for her in Vegas. One thing, private preschool is super expensive in Vegas. And the places that aren't – like a co-op or thru the city, fill up instantly. So, I decided to get her in preschool at the YMCA that is close by. Tracey's son, Jaime, goes there and they like it. It is reasonable, but only 2 hours, 2 mornings per week. It isn't ideal (the times make it hard for drop offs in the morning with Russ's schedule), but hopefully she'll be at the co-op next year. She has only been a couple of days, had no issues with the drop off and seemed to have a great time. It will do for now.

So, 4 hours per week, we've got school, but as I said before, Rachel needs to be busy!!! We tried out a dance class, which Rachel wasn't too keen on and at $40 per month, I wasn't going to pay that just so Rachel could stand there or be held by the instructor. I discovered that the City of North Las Vegas has all kinds of rec programs and they are really reasonable. Rachel is currently booked Monday – Saturday!!! Mondays we have a pee wee soccer class and that is so terrific. The coach is a mom who has coached her daughter's team for years, she is excellent with the kids and there is a real lesson in every session. I couldn't be more impressed. (And since it looks like I am coaching Russ's soccer team, I am going to start taking notes on her drills. More on Russ's soccer later.) Tu/ TH is preschool, Wednesday is gymnastics at the rec center. Again, another excellent class, tons of equipment and Rachel loves every second of class. Fridays we have 'creative ballet' which is more of a creative movement class. Gemma is her teacher and she is a free spirited kinda gal. But, I have to say, she is wonderful with the girls. She can captivate them with stories and then they dance the story, or like last week, they used instruments and danced their names. The structure is real loosy goosy, but they are always moving and groovin' and isn't that the real point? Saturdays we have ballet and tap. This class was sort of an unknown and we are trying it this session, but not sure if we'll sign up again. It is very structured and a lot of waiting in line. Which 3 year olds in tutus aren't too good at doing.

There you have it, Rachel is busy and loving it. I really am thankful to have a rec center so close that we can take advantage of all these fun things to do! I have met a couple of other moms too. One is an AF spouse who has a 1st grader who is going thru the same making friends at recess problems that Russ is having at a different school. So, it has been nice to have some other moms to chat with and learn from too!

Rachel has been an incredible big sister lately and lots of fun. Just want to write a few things she has been up to, so I can remember them later..

In the van, Russ usually sits next to Row (in the middle seat) and helps out/entertains him in the car. Now with Russ at school, Rachel is the only one back there in the other side seat. She'll stretch in her seat and peer over at Rowan and say things like "It's okay, Rachel's here. You don't need Russell, Rachel's here"

She loves to tickle Rowan and talk to him while she's doing it. She says things appropriately too. It is so funny to hear her repeat things I say to Row and I don't even think she is listening.

Rowan will be in his bouncy jumper/exersaucer thing and she line up across the room from him and say "I'm gonna get you, I'm coming to get you" Then she'll run across the room and stop in front of him and say "Gotcha!" and she'll tickle him and something like that. Rowan doesn't like that at all…. Just kidding!

If he is crying in his crib, she'll go right in and step up on the side rail and hang her arms in and give him his bink, talk to him, give him a toy and tell him that "Mom's coming, just a minute"

She'll sit with him on the floor and tickle him and say things like "Oh, you're such a cute baby! Who's a cute baby?"

Lately she's been my shopping pal. We grocery shop together, have been doing some clothing shopping and she's just so much fun. I remember when Russ was almost 4 and he started getting really fun too. I think 4 was my favorite age with Russ and looks like it will be with Rachel too. Just a great age.

What a Week… Russell’s Story

Well, time to blog about the first day of school and all the excitement surrounding that….

Most of you probably have heard about the chaotic first day for Russ at his new school. But, in case you haven't or you want more detail, here ya go! Russell's school has 2 starts times: Group A starts at like 8:37am and Group B at 9:42. Russ is in group B and that means he is released later than group A kids. So, 2 start times, 2 release times – can you imagine? And in all the classes, there are both A & B kids. So, it isn't like certain teachers start later than others, they all have students at 8:37 and go until the late release time of 3:53pm. Personally that isn't what I'd like as a teacher, but I don't work there so who cares what I think!

    

Russell was so nervous the first day of school. He's the new kid at a new school, who can blame him? We were nervous for him and all day I was watching the clock, waiting to go get him. Then at about 3pm I get a phone call from local number and it is a female voice asking if I was Russell's mom. Russ shouldn't be out of school until almost 4pm, so immediately I am panicking in my head? Did I screw up the time? What is going on??? Well, what happened is that he got released with the A group of kids and was walking towards where have parked at his school, he didn't see me and kept walking looking for me. He gets about a block away and these girls from the close by middle school find him. He was crying since he couldn't find me. They whip out a cell, ask Russ his number and call me asap. (Yea for middle school students and their cell phones!!!). I had originally thought it was parent that called, but later found out it was a teen. So, they offered to walk him to back to school and I sped over to school – furious. By then I had realized I didn't screw up any times, they did. I get in the office, no one has any clue about Russell being released early, where is he? Well, it turns out his class was on the hunt for him and met him out front and the girls let him go with his teacher, so he never made it to the office. They confirm he is indeed in class. I am so mad I am crying, in the office, with Rachel and Rowan. When the principal finds out what happened, her jaw just drops, like what??? So, the kids and I go down to get Russ out of class and bring him home. His teacher was embarrassed and very apologetic. After seeing how the kids get released at that school, I could see how Russ could get mixed up and think school was over. So, it was a crazy afternoon. What ifs play nasty tricks with your mind. It is over, I know Russ won't be 'lost' again and that is what is most important.

Okay, that was Monday. Tuesday was a great day all was well. Weds. – ugh he gets in the car and just starts crying. He has no recess buddies. They have about 15 minutes after lunch for recess. He's never had that before with like 150 kids. That situation totally overwhelms him and he couldn't find anyone to play with, he had asked some boy from his class to play, but he was playing with someone else and we think Russ got embarrassed and left before they could ask him to play (still not sure about that). Anyway, it was so sad – he said things like "All the 2^nd graders have their best friends by now and I am just the new kid" and the he said "Maybe if I wear my camouflage clothes like the other boys they will see that I like what they like". And then that night he was playing in the house and knocked out his front tooth. It was bloody. And by the way, the tooth fairy isn't afraid of bloody teeth that have been cleaned!!!

Thursday was better, he still played by himself at recess. And Friday was good, we think he played alone, but he had gotten fun Friday prizes in class, so he was thrilled about that! I wrote a note to his teacher and asked about recess and let her know our concerns when he went back to class on Tuesday.

So, here we are at Tuesday (day after Labor Day). On Monday night, Adam and Russ were playing soccer, barefoot, in the back yard. Russ jams his toes into Adam's foot. Mucho grande pain, swelling, etc. Tuesday not any better, looking worse actually, ugh. So, after many phone calls to and from the base hospital it was decided that he needed xrays. Then a day later (no broken bones) it was decided that he would need to see the podiatrist as Russ was still not walking right. He's fine and all is well. A funny about the podiatrist was asking him his pain level on a scale of 1 – 10 and Russ, without missing a beat, said that his pain level when it happened was 200. The doctor laughed and said no one had ever told him that before and said he was going to make sure he'd write that in his chart.

Okay… time to get this posted and write another about Rachel (ballet, gymnastics, preschool – activity galore!) and of course, all the fun and not fun things about Rowan.

If You Move Here, They Will Come

One thing people told us over and over again – if you move to Vegas, you'll have more visitors than you'd ever think! Everyone seems to always find a way, especially with free lodging. I can't say 'they' were wrong!!! In fact, we've have been here less than two months and my mom has been here twice, Adam's mom's 3^rd visit will be this weekend, and of course, my Dad & fam were here in July. My brother will be here some time in October and we have heard from lots of friends that travel to Vegas regularly to plan to see them too! It really is a lot of fun for us and we welcome everyone to come - especially after being so far away for such a long time. So, we are here and we want you to come!

I did get the chance to go to California last weekend. My mom flew in and we drove all 3 kids on Friday to my Aunt Kate's (mom's sister) house in Orange, CA. We stayed there Friday night and my Uncle Dexter, (mom's brother), his wife, Linda and their son Ryan came over to see us. We had a nice visit and it was good to catch up and show off the kids ; ) Some of you know, my Aunt Kate has incredible style/eye for design. Her yard is creative & immaculate and her home is beautiful and full of things that little hands like touch!!! Ha! Can you see where this going? Well, it is NOT going there because my kids did not break a thing!!! Well, we almost broke the fountain outside with bubbles – I know that sounds impossible, but it's true! Maybe I'll offer a prize to the reader that can guess how we almost broke the fountain….

Saturday we farted around at Kate's house and then went to see my Nana (90 years old) in Long Beach. Some of you may know that Nana is suffering from Alzheimer's. It has been frustrating for me because I have been far away and couldn't tell for myself how she was really doing. I call Nana faithfully every weekend, she repeats the same stories over and over, and she knows what answers to say to how they are doing – I still clean house (nope), I still make breakfast (no, again), we don't have a car, so I walk to Albertsons that's 1 mile away (never). My mom and Kate would both share their observations, but it is hard to tell what was really happening. I thought Nana looked good, healthy despite the fact she wears the same clothing every day and I don't think she bathes very often. I have argued over the last year to hire some in home help and even found a couple of agencies. But, what the hell do I know from across the country? Well, it was decided this weekend that they are going to hire someone to come in and help starting in September! Again, what the hell do I know? What has passed has passed and it is going forward. I think my mom has been the most forceful, making this happen, so I am relieved. It was good to see Nana and she loved seeing the kids and holding the baby. I look forward to being able see her again soon.

We drove home Saturday to give Russell the day on Sunday before he headed back to school. We had intended to stay another night at Kate's but decided to go on home. Now…. Russell's first day of school is a whole other entry, maybe I can do that tomorrow.

The Move Part III

Okay, I think I will get the rest of the move stuff into this post and then move on with the blog!!!

 

When we arrived in Vegas, we stayed for about 4 nights with the Cannys. Tracey was one of the first spouses I met in the Air Force that knew what Crate and Barrel was. So, I knew she was cool from the start! We had a great stay with them; they make you feel right at home! Tracey and I got to shop for some new furniture for our house and show me around our side of town so I'd know where everything is. We left Adam home with the kids and made him the manny! Tracey also looked at houses for us and helped us pick out the house we live in. She did a great job! We really like the house. It is big – 3100sf, 4 bedroms, 3.5 baths, gated, 3 car garage, huge closets, 2 living rooms (one and one down), and a built in grill/smoker outside. The neighborhood has a lot of foreclosures, including both houses on each side of us. Wish we were in a place to buy. Oh well!

We moved in on July 10^th and had the best crew we have ever had deliver our stuff. They were so nice, courteous to us and each other, and also pointing out what type of stuff was broken coming off the truck, (instead of trying to hide it). We had some broken stuff – not that long list that I had dreaded. Our computer desk got banged up and a few other things were broken, but not like we were expecting. The labeling of boxes was what was so annoying. The box marked bedding had maybe one sheet in it and the rest of the contents were like toys or books. The box marked pillows had 1 pillow and random stuff from all over the house. They dumped some of our files into boxes, so that took a lot of time to sit and go through and refile. You get the point. It was like every box was labeled like that, so it was hard to unpack b/c you never really knew what was in the box you were opening.

My Dad, Pam, Adelle and Pam's nephew Caleb came to Vegas on the 12^th to help and visit. They stayed in their RV at an RV park near the strip for almost 2 weeks. Caleb is a year younger than Russ, so that was great for Russ to have an immediate friend to play with. It was really fun having them here. We got a lot done, but also had to schedule in some play time too, which helped break up the monotony of unpacking boxes. We had all kinds of adventures – shopping of course, Adelle LOVES to shop, Circus Circus Adventure Dome (Rachel loves the rides and seemed to be a bit of a thrill seeker), visited the MGM lions, M&M World and the carnival games at Excalibur. We fit in a lot of swim time too, both at the RV park and our house has a community pool.

Adam and I also managed to sneak away for one night and celebrate our 10^th wedding anniversary early whil Dad & Pam stayed with the kids. We stayed at the Trump Tower – a 5 star hotel that we booked for super cheap on Hotwire.com. What fun! When we checked in and the clerk was asking us all kinds of questions – what brings you to Vegas, why are you staying, that kind of thing…. He gave us a major room upgrade, so we had a very posh suite facing the strip, outstanding!!! We went to dinner at someplace at Caesar's. We didn't make a reservation and should have. But, we managed to sneak in and get a table and it was fine. We wondered around the strip for a while, but really couldn't wait to soak in the huge tub with a strip view back at the hotel and drink some champagne. So, that's what we did! We ordered a ridiculous breakfast from room service and when it came, the attendant set the table with a tablecloth, centerpiece, china, etc. It was very relaxing and romantic and we were so thankful we had the opportunity to celebrate with some free babysitting to boot!

So, now as it stands…. We are pretty much unpacked. I am still hanging stuff on the walls. The kids' room isn't done yet. We ordered bunk beds for Russ n Rach, which came without the hardware. So we are still waiting on that. The guest bedroom has already been used – my mom and Blake – and it's ready for anyone else headed our way!!! So – I say so a lot, I need to change that… ANYWAY….. the finishing details will eventually get finished, but we have to live life too and not get to caught up in the house. On our agenda this week are doctor's appointments for Russ & Row, private swim for Russ, enrolling Rachel in dance and gymnastics, a new psychologist for Russell (who goes by Tom, not Dr. Jensen, I like him already!) and getting ready for school to start. Oh, real quick… Monday we went to enroll Russ at his new school and the records secretary was assigning him to a class and I said "We want a really good class!!". She says "Well, I have only 2 classes open. One in the A start, Mrs. Whoever. Or, you can have the B start, Mrs. Cayer". I look at her like I don't know, who should I choose???? She gets my look and mouths to me "You want B". So, I picked the B start and Mrs. Cayer. She nods with great approval. So, I was hoping we got the hook up and I think we did. I looked up Mrs. Cayer on the school website and she has her own website filled and ready for the new year. Yea! She seems really enthusiastic and creative and organized. I am liking her already!

Russ lost his 4^th tooth last night and it is truly lost. It came out, fell on his shirt, he stood up and we can't find it anywhere! The tooth fairy still came though, boy is she smart!

The Move Part II

More on the move. I realized that I forgot a few things in Part I, mainly our last days in Florida. Our last Sunday we spent at the beach, which was really fitting since that was what we loved to do on Sundays. It was an overcast day and ended up raining when we went out for dinner, but we had a great time. Other things we did during our last days – I had lunch with Betty & Marlene, self proclaimed Lucy & Ethel. We took Rowan with us and had a great time. Adam took the kids to see Kung Fu Panda. That was Rachel's first movie in the theater and she did really well, cracked up at parts that no one else did, and afterwards had this little Kung Fu Panda move she did. Too cute! We had a last dinner with the Boyntons which was sad when we left. Rachel talks constantly about Maddie, Jess & Monkey (Mike) now and thinks they are coming over any day. On our last night in Florida, we had dinner with Lois & Ray, our beloved next door neighbors. We had such a nice time and the kids were thrilled to eat a meal with them. We went to Uncle Ernie's, a local place that has been there for years and is right on the water. It was a beautiful evening, the weather was perfect and the meal and company were top notch!

Oh, one thing I have to mention about Rachel…. Rowan is not a fan of driving in the car, he'll start crying and sometimes the only thing that will help is if we sing some song to him. So, one day we are driving along and he is screaming, Russ is trying to give him the bink the bottle, any of the ol' tricks and I hear this little voice singing a song from Cinderella, "Sing Sweet Nightingale". It was so sweet. So, I start singing with her and Russ joins in and sure enough, Rowan stopped crying. She is such a honey.

Okay, back to the move… so we have the minivan, the 4Runner, 3 kids, 2 cats, one baby swing, lots of snacks, we are packed and ready to go. Who wakes up with a cold the day we leave? Rachel. UGH. Our first day, 7/2, Adam had to out-process officially from base and we were on the road by about 11am. I have the 3 kids and Adam has the cats. First stop Baton Rouge, LA! Oh yes, it is just us, no other adult, Jamie met us in Baton Rouge that night (Thank GOD). So, we thought it would be about 6 hours, not too bad. It seemed to take forever to get there. We didn't plan our stops very well and I swear Adam was worse than the kids, having to pee every 30 minutes. We made it, Rowan melted down at the 6 hour mark and our singing couldn't help him. He was done. Russ sat next to Row in the van that day and was such a huge help – feeding Row, entertaining him, doing the bink patrol. What a great kid! But, when Row is that upset, it gets Russ upset and he has a hard time. Six hours plus in the car with a baby is a lot for a 7 yr old. So, needless to say we were all very excited when Jamie arrived!!!! Yea for grandma!!!

The next day we headed for Dallas, TX. That was a longer drive than the day before, but we planned our stops better and it went pretty well. We actually stayed in Grapevine, TX which is a suburb of Dallas. We stayed at a beautiful Embassy Suites, attached to a Bass Pro, very nice and surprisingly crowded. There was a big wedding party and a separate family reunion group. Our room was not far from the elevators and it seemed everyone that got off the elevator would walk down a ways and stop in front of our room and talk loudly at all hours of the day and night. Then a fire alarm went off in the lobby, so everyone was out and inquiring about that and stopping in front of our room to talk about it, loudly. No fire, I suspect a prank. And then a man felt the need to stop in front of room and talk loudly on his cell to his dawgs at about 3:30am. It turns out he was our neighbor and his family was sleeping in their room, so he came out to talk and disturb our family. Nice. We let the kids be extra loud that morning.

So now it is the 4^th of July, we are exhausted from all the night's activity and we have short drive to Amarillo. What better way can you spend the 4^th than driving thru the great state of Texas??? Well, I think I could think of about a thousand things that would be better! We get to Amarillo, exhausted. I had wanted to get the kids out to do something fun, but that wasn't happening. So we decided to go to dinner at this steakhouse that has been on every food & travel show on TV. I think it is called the Big Texan. It's the place that will you give a free 72oz steak dinner if you eat it in 60 minutes along with all the sides. Otherwise it costs you $50. That was pretty tasty and no, we didn't try the 72 ouncer. We were so tired that Adam, the baby and I crashed – no fireworks for us. Jamie had Russ n Rach in a separate room and they watched fireworks on TV. How sad is that? The other notable about Amarillo is that one of the boilers broke at our hotel, so the hot water was limited. Lukewarm showers at best. That sucked.

Next we headed to Holbrook, AZ. An uneventful drive, we missed all the weather that was headed towards us and we stopped at the Continental Divide. Like I said, uneventful. Our stay in Holbrook was kinda funny. The cheapest hotel we had on our journey turned out to be the best. Hot showers, clean, comfortable beds, refrigerators, quiet and a decent freebie breakfast. You can't ask for more than that on a road trip.

The last day we were making great time, so we sidetracked to see the Grand Canyon. The kids really enjoyed it and I haven't seen it since I was like 10 yrs old. We definitely want to go back and explore more. We made it into Las Vegas around 5pm. The traffic around the Hoover Dam was excruciating. Stop and go for almost an hour and Adam had to pee. I told you, he's worse than the kids! Getting into Las Vegas and the traffic, the freeways, the speeding, it was all a little overwhelming. Especially coming from a small town in Florida where there really aren't any freeways. But, I have managed to adapt and the van and I zip around pretty well.

We got to Vegas on the 6^th and stayed with our friends, the Cannys (Jerry, Tracey & Jaime, oh and Benjamin due to arrive 9/26), until the 10^th. We hadn't seen them in almost a year, but just picked up right where we left off, like we hadn't missed a beat! Tracey went above and beyond for us – house hunting for us prior to our arrival and just being an awesome hostess. It felt so good to be in a house and not a hotel or TLF.

Jamie's help was priceless on the drive. We couldn't have done it without her. She pretty much had to sit in the 2^nd row of the van next to Rowan the entire drive and the other 2 Rs took over the back row. We got to catch up on all things Pricer and she got to catch up on some movie watching in the van with the kids. The thought of doing that trip without the van or Jamie is a bit scary. It certainly made the trip a lot easier.

Wow, so part II is written and next up is part III (duh). Let's see…. part III will be moving in, bargain hunting with Tracey, Adam becoming a 'manny', our new landlords and my Dad, Pam, Adelle & Caleb coming to Vegas in the RV for almost 2 weeks to help us get settled.

The Move Part I

This is the first of a four part series in which the writer chronicles her family's move to Las Vegas, Nevada in July of 2008.... Wait a minute! (Can you hear the record coming to a screeching halt?) One day while sitting around before we moved, I thought it would be funny to try to write about our move like it was a series in the newspaper, but I can't pull that off!



I have missed my little blog!!! I have to admit, I've taken notes over the last month and a half to remind myself what I wanted to write about.

So, here we go - the move, part one.

Okay, so this dates back to the end of May and beginning of June. I started getting ready for the move - organizing stuff and making a HUGE pile for a garage sale. As I am going thru old toys that are boxed up and have been for months, Russell is enthralled with all the toys he had forgotten about and wanted to keep them all. Since that wasn't an option, we bargained. You can keep that obnoxious Batman car, but you have to let go of 3 other things in this box kind of bargain. It was a win win for all - he got to keep a few toys and I still got to sell quite a few!

The garage sale was a big success, got rid of lots of stuff and had a lot of interest in the house as a rental. The kids would come out and try to make sales and sneak stuff back in the house.

June 9th, the packers come. I have most of the house organized and ready and am optimistic for a good crew. Well, the lady that packed the kitchen was awesome and that was it. The other three just rushed thru the job and missed some things. I was dreading getting our stuff, afraid that we were doomed for the one 'bad move'. Everyone in the military has the one 'bad move'. Was it our turn? (I'll give the spoiler, it didn't turn out too bad. More on that later. Maybe Part III????)

I splurged and had the house cleaned after it was empty, best $150 I have spent in a long time. We spent a lot of time at Betty's house across the street. Poor Betty, the kids and I brought all kinds of chaos with us those days! Betty has a little dog, Missy. The kids love Missy and she loves them. So, they all played very loudly all through Betty's house - chasing, barking, screaming, and throwing squeaky toys everywhere!!! Missy was worn out before we'd leave! Betty was a lifesaver during those days. While the movers were there we went over and hung out and I could nurse the baby, we'd take lunch and hang out when the cleaners came and while the carpets were being cleaned. It was nice to have some place to be while we had to tie up all those loose ends.

One Saturday after the house was empty, we needed to touch up paint and do a few things. Lois took Rowan for us so we could get stuff done. I tell you, I miss our neighbors terribly. Not only were they so helpful, but we became wonderful friends too. They were hard to leave.

So, you might be wondering where we lived from June 9th until July 2nd???? We stayed at TLF on base at Tyndall. TLF is temp lodging for those of us coming and going at whatever base your stationed. We scored a 4 bedroom house, which we thought we were getting a 3 bedroom, so that was a bonus. But then Russ and Rach shared a room and we never ended up using the 4th bedroom. Rowan had his own room and slept like a champ from the get go. The furniture was old and abused, the kitchen had no counter space, but the kitchen was stocked with all the dishes, cooking pans, crockpot, etc. and housekeeping came every day, yes EVERY DAY, to clean, make beds, take the towels and I loved it! It was such a nice break. Literally the only cleaning I had to do was wash the dishes.

We brought a few things with us; the Wii, the baby swing, some toys, books, and movies. And really the stay at TLF wasn't too bad. The only thing we missed was our computer. There wasn't internet access in the house, so that sucked. But, I did get fancy and my cell phone got our email, so then when something came up we could use the computers at the lodging office.

Adam had a big inspectionon base right after we moved in, so living closer to work was good for all of us b/c he had to work late and it didn't take him long to get home.

The disANTvantage of living at TLF were the millions of ants that were everywhere. There was no landscaping, just sand and the ants apparently thrive in that situation. It was hard for the kids to play outside b/c they'd crawl on you. They weren't the biting kind, but who wants ants ... well, you know! Bleh! Cringe.

I think it rained almost every day we were in TLF. We had something going on every day, so the time passed quickly - swim lessons, doctor appointments, private speech therapy for Russell, social outings, etc. The time really did fly by!

And then, about a week before we were going to leave and we were just thinking that we wouldn't have the house rented before July 1st, we had an interested party apply! We didn't meet them, but know they have a small child and one on the way (maybe born by now). It was a bit of a hassle not having the computer to do all the lease paperwork and the evening ended with us desperately faxing our signed copies from Office Depot, but we go it done and are officially landlords. So far no news is good news on that front. The neighbors watch the house and say that the tenants seem nice, have a lawn tractor to mow the lawn and they keep to themselves. Good enough!

Since we rented the house and had paid off Adam's 4Runner, it was time to buy a new car. After a lot of thought and consideration, we bought the minivan. Wait, what? Huh? Did you say minivan? Yes, I did say minivan and I'll own up to it. I drive a minivan! I actually kinda like it. It was a lifesaver on the drive here - but that is Part II. So, I got a black Honda Odyssey with the works - leather, DVD, XM, power everything and I think I got a pretty good price on it too. I hate buying cars, but it had to be done. We said good bye to my little Jetta. It was a good car but it was time to let it go. And actually, we bought the Jetta in Florida in March '00 and it stayed in Florida. Kind of fitting.

So, I won't be like Ed Olhava and say "It doesn't feel like a minivan". What does that mean anyway???? I drive it, it has tons of space, 8 people can fit in it, gets decent mileage, I zip along pretty well in it and I love the power / auto doors!

Well, that pretty much leads us to the DRIVE - part II, if you will.
BTW, Adam has decided to blog these days, I'll link him on my blog if you care to read.

Mother's Day : )

I just wanted to post what Rachel did at school for Mother's Day. (See the 2 images) She also made a hand daisy with her hand print and it is potted in a little ceramic pot. It is pretty cute! I have no idea what 'Mousey' is, but she thinks it is great!! And, Rachel's teacher thinks Rowan is Roland b/c the way Rachel says it!!! Ha! So that is a picture of me, Rachel and Roland/Rowan, hopefully we aren't playing ball with Rowan - ha! Also, that is her first attempt to write her name all by herself. Pretty impressive ; )

I had a great day - sleeping in, brunch, playing the Wii with the kids and Adam, swimming at the neighbor's pool (he was out of town and invited to come use it while he was gone), and great dinner made by Adam. A great relaxing day!

Swamped!

Here's a picture of the kids, before I forget...

Okay, we have been so incredibly busy and my typing fingers have been busy with the kids!! So, here goes a quick post and I don't know if I'll be able to post again before we move.

Adam is almost finished with his Masters Degree, finally. He is just putting the finishing touches on his Graduate Research Project and he'll be done. Yeah, Adam!

The movers will be coming to pick up our stuff the 2nd week of June (yikes). We'll be staying on base in a 3 bedroom house (temporary lodging) for about a month. (Double yikes!) So, time to get the house organized and ready.

We still don't have tenants yet, but our agents are pretty confident we will find some. We still don't have a place to live in Vegas, but our agent there is sure we'll find one. I am holding out that we'll get a rental with a pool!!! I have been researching Vegas schools with a vengeance. I think I have narrowed down some good ones that will present a suitable commute for Adam also. That's the trick - finding a school within an acceptable driving distance to base.

School will be out the Wednesday after Memorial Day. I have been busy at school too. The PTO does a lot of activities and helping these last two months, so I have been carting Row around campus (and Rachel too when she isn't at school). It has been a rough school year for Russ. The ADHD thing is hard and on top of that his language skills don't help him either. He's done well academically, but socially I really wonder. Hopefully in Vegas we can get in with a good psychologist and start some other therapies too.

I need a new car. I have been driving the4 Runner (Adam's car) and he's been driving my little Jetta. I like Adam's 4Runner, but not for me. And so begins the great car debate. What to get??? And so begins the great minivan debate. I love all the features a minivan has to offer, but the stigma kills me! What to do???? Adam wants the MV, a logical and economical choice. How I wish it was a hybrid, then I could totally get on board!!!

Rowan is still a pretty good babe. he has his days, but don't we all? He has the greatest smile, lights up when he sees all of us. He loves our neighbor, Ray. Pretty cute! We still have him in our room, which is hard b/c he wakes us up even though he is still asleep. So, we are looking forward to getting him in his own room and we can get some better sleep.

Trying to lose at least 30lbs on top of all of this. I just have to remember to look at it in 5 lb goals and focus on the small goal instead of being overwhelmed by the big one. It is hard and depressing! Oh well.

I caught another lizard in the house the other day. With the salad spinner! I won't miss the lizards.

I hate this period of in between - I just want to get the move behind us. Moving into some place new is exciting, but all the stuff that happens before is stressful and not a lot of fun.

There is so much more to write about - G'ma Rizzi (Linda Garland's mom) passed away and we loved her. She was truly every one's g'ma and I want to write about her and remember her. But that will have to wait until I can sit and take more time because she was one in a million and she deserves that time from me.

So, what else - a busy social schedule ahead - Adam's commander is moving, so parties for him and his wife, my bday, Mother's Day, other people are leaving and parties for them, end of school parties, PTO end of the year meetings, Father's day is ahead also. Just a busy time of year.

So, that is it. Are you tired just reading this? I know I am. Well, I am hungry too - salad anyone?

Vegas, Baby

This summer we are do for a move. Can you guess where we are going??????

Boy, it has been a while since I wrote and it looks like it is going to be a bit longer - just put the baby down and he's fussing.

Okay, bink in, swing on - type like the wind, Aim!!!!

We knew we were goingt o move this Summer, but we thought it was definitely OKC. Adam even had a report no later than date. We had always been interested in Vegas (Nellis AFB), but the right job for Adam never came about, so we had put it out of our mind. Then one day Adam gets a call and it turns out there is a new job that was posted and Adam fits is perfectly and it fits him. So, off we go to Las Vegas, Nevada!!! He has report no later than date of August 1st, but he still hasn't received his orders yet. So, we are waiting on that to happen and then we can really get to the nitty gritty of planning THE move.

We have our house on the market here. We've had it on for a little over a month and not one showing. We've had drive bys, a couple of picture takers, a call, but that is it. So, we are disappointed about that. Unfortunately, we bought at the peak of the market here and are trying to sell now. I think everyone knows what is happening in real estate now. So, we are looking at becoming landlords! That kind of sucks, because we have put a lot of work into this house. We did replace the counters and put in a new range with hopes of selling, but what can you do? We don't want to lose too much money with a sale, so we have to change our mindset as to this will be an investment property, keep it for some time, maybe even the rest of our time in the AF. Maybe the market will pick back up and we can sell, make some money to put towards living on the West Coast permanently.

So, there you have it! We are THRILLED to move to Vegas. We are looking at renting a house, although buying is tempting. Right now it is so fun to think of renting a house, having no projects to tie us up on the weekends so we can get out and visit friends & family and have them visit us! Right now we have our eyes on a home with a great fenced pool (gotta keep safety in mind!) and built in BBQ - how fun would that be?

If anyone is looking for a great house in Lynn Haven, Florida..... get in touch ; )

The Best Big Sis!

Well, it has been a challenge to sit and write, but I have record Rachel's reaction to Rowan. She was our wild card, we weren't sure how she was going to react to a new baby. Well, as most of you know - she has been awesome! We couldn't ask for better. Sure, she has her moments, I mean, she is still Rachel, but overall she has been an amazing big sister. I have to do this in list format to make sure I include everything!!!

• She loves to help change diapers. She runs and grabs her little stool and says "Wait for me!!!" She'll put the diapers in the garbage, soothe Rowan while he getting cleaned up, and is always amazed that 'he pooped again!!'.
• She repeats everything we say to Rowan if she is around and in the same tone. She'll remember what to say to him and say it on her own too. It is so sweet.
• One day I picked up Row and leaned him towards her so that his lips brushed her cheek. It was like she won the lottery! 'Oh, he kissed me!!!' Then she'd lean her cheek on to his lips and say 'He kissed me again!'
• She is fascinated with breastfeeding. She'll suggest which side to feed him from, she loves the breast pump and watching the milk go into the container, she tries to nurse her dolls and has even offered to feed Rowan for me.
• Rachel loves to hold and kiss Rowan and often wants her picture taken while she's holding him. This is very cute, but we have to be careful b/c sometimes she'll try to pick him up herself.
• Rowan adores her. he smiles at her, turns toward her when he hears her voice. He really responds to her.
• She helps pick out his clothes and a few times when he blew out an outfit she already had a clean change of clothes for him before I could turn around and get it myself.
• She'll hang out at his crib and talk to him while I am getting ready, put his bink in his mouth, and entertain him as best she can.
• She is constantly telling everyone how cute Baby Rowan is. And then she has to point out his 'tiny little eyes, nose, finger, tiny short hair, tiny little ears' etc.
• Unfortunately for Russell, she is still an annoying little sister!!!

Good Bye Riley

Our big gray kitty, Riley, was very ill and suddenly took a turn for the worse. It was a heart wrenching decision, but when the vet saw just how bad off he was, she was very reassuring that we had made the right choice.

Here is Riley and Rowan... We took this same picture with Russ & Rach : )

Around Christmas we had noticed that Riley seemed different. He was drinking a lot of water and had lost weight. His fur had changed some too. It wasn't as shiny or as thick. We had thought it was just feline diabetes - we have a friend whose cat is afflicted and the whole thing is very doable, so we weren't too concerned. Then we had him tested and it wasn't diabetes, it was something with his liver.

We tried some different medications, did follow up lab work, but he never seemed any better. To do any other tests, like ultrasounds, etc. was going to be very expensive and our vet felt like even if we did spend that money it didn't mean we could save Riley. She felt like his blood test results were so bad that he didn't have much time to live. And any surgery would be out of the question b/c she wouldn't put him under any anesthesia. She didn't think he would come out of it. She was right about his life span, he only made it a few weeks longer. Towards the end he wasn't eating anything and barely drinking. He just laid in our room and slept. Poor guy.

Because he had lost so much weight, the vet examined him and could feel a large tumor on his liver. She hadn't been able to feel it before b/c he was so plump!!

We had him cremated and want to spread his ashes in Vallejo near our old apartment, since that is where we got him.

We had Riley for over 10 years. He was always Adam's cat, he had a thing for Adam!! He was a great cat, very lovable, was terrific with the kids, had a super purrrrrrrr and could eat more than any cat we've ever known! We feel lucky he was ours for so long and that we could give him a happy home while he was on this earth. We really miss him though.

All About Rowan

So, now let me indulge in a little motherly bragging and tell you all about our precious bundle!!!

At the hospital right after birth - he peed all over the nurse!!! Too funny! He hated getting his bath in the hospital, but loved the heat lamp thing after his bath. He was never jaundiced at all, which was a bit surprising - Russ and Rach both were a bit yellow. Not bad, but we had to watch them.

He had his 2 week check up last week and he weighed 9lbs 8oz - so he isn't missing any meals!! I am breastfeeding him, which is going pretty well. We are still learning, well Rowan is, but I think in the next few weeks, it will be easier. He does seem to have some very painful gas and he spits up thru his nose sometimes. So, we are keeping our eye on that and hoping that will get better as he gets better at nursing.

So far he is a great sleeper. Now the first 2 nights in the hospital he was very fussy and didn't sleep, so that was rough and a bit scary - what was he going to be like at home??? It seems the kid wanted to be at home, he has settled into a pretty good schedule. At night he goes to bed between 9 and 10pm, gets up once at 2 or 3 and then again about 5 or 6. On weekdays, I get up at the morning feeding and get Russ ready for school, so that seems to be working out all right. Some nights it varies a bit, but that is pretty much how it goes. Adam changes his diaper and gets him reswaddled for me and then I feed him and we all get back to sleep. Rowan will sleep the first leg of the night in his crib, but prefers to sleep with us after his feeding.

Case in point.... One night I decided to put him back in his crib and he fussed and fussed. Adam - half asleep gets up changes his diaper and hands him off so I could feed him. Adam had forgotten we had just done this 30 minutes ago! ; ) But Rowan was chewing on his hands, acting hungry, so I thought, well, he must still be hungry. I swear the second he was in my arms, he was fast asleep. I guess he just wanted me. It was just one of those love moments, your heart bursts with joy.

This kid can poop like no other. I swear he poops all day, almost every diaper change. Rachel will just say - Oh, he pooped again! We have gone thru more wipes and diapers with this kid than I care to admit!!! He hates having his diaper changed too.

He hates the bath, but he loves to shower with Adam. His fussy time is usually the evening and nothing calms him like being in a warm shower with dad. It is so funny - he goes in with this look like, life sucks, I am naked and cold. And he comes out looking like he's, well in a way he looks like he's stoned. He's so mellow and happy, but then he has to get dressed and then he's cold and pissed again!!!!

He doesn't like his carseat, but always falls asleep in the car. He is following us with his eyes and does seem to recognize the 4 of us. He is turning his head to sounds, especially Rachel's voice. Probably b/c she is so loud!!!

He is such a sweet bundle! It is a bit challenging adjusting to life with a newborn, but you remember the tricks of the trade and the 3rd time around really doesn't seem as hard as the other two. I hope I didn't just jinx myself!!!

February 4, 2008 - On The Day That You Were Born....

Finally, a moment to sit and update the blog : ) You may have noticed the title change - one more R added!!! There is so much to say and I may have to do it in several short postings. We've had a lot going on. Besides Rowan's birth, we have finished updating the kitchen and put the house on the market, Russell turned 7 years old, our gray kitty, Riley, had to be put down due to liver cancer, and Rachel has been a joy to watch and listen to as she shows she is the best big sister in the whole wide world.

Let's start though with Rowan! Adam and I arrived at the hospital at 4am for the induction on the 4th as planned. Adam's mom was here and she stayed home with the kids. More on that later ; ) So, 4am.... We get hooked up to all the machines - IV with pitocin to increase contractions, fetal heart monitor, etc. Then we wait... Well, let me back up for a sec. We get with our nurse and she starts right in asking me about my lidocaine allergy. I am allergic to topical lidocaine. This is a problem b/c they use a form of lidocaine in epidurals. You see where this is going, maybe no epidural for Aimee - Dun dun dun. I had already discussed this with my OB and he said the anesthesiologist would make the final decision. Again, dun, dun dun.

Things are moving along and it is time to break my water, but they are pretty sure that when they do that, labor will progress very quickly, leaving no time for an epidural if I can even have one. Well, I wanted one if possible, I am not that brave. So, in comes Dr. whoever, anesthesiologist. After discussing the allergy, he thinks I am good to go (phew!) as there is one small chemical difference between topical lidocaine and the lidocaine they use to inject into your body for epidurals, dental work, etc.

In goes the drugs and after some adjustment it is working beautifully, they break my water at 8:30 am and 10am when they check me, it is time to push this kid out!! He was right there. Talk about fast. I went from like 4cm to 10cm in 90 minutes. I thought I had felt some pressure, but I was blissfully numb, so I couldn't be too sure. The proven pelvis got to work and again, quickly delivers a big baby!!!! 10:17 am, Rowan Andrew Bright joined our world at a whopping 9lbs 1 oz and 20.5 inches. He looked perfect, so adorable and we were instantly in love with him, of course!!!

His head was quite large and round and I tore quite a bit, so I had a lot of stitches and was very sore for a couple of weeks. So, that wasn't fun, but Rowan is healthy and perfect and that IS fun : )

I have to add that my OB has incredibly good relationships with every nurse that came in my room. They all are either patients of his, live down the street from him, their older daughters babysits for him; it was clear they all had a good working relationship, which made the process fun. These gals are just dishing out shit and teasing him and he's giving it right back. We felt like we fit right in. They are taking wagers on Rowan's weight, telling stories about some old school birthing techniques that OBs used to use, it was like social hour in labor room 8. I have never experienced that before or even heard of anyone having that kind of experience, but I can see why my OB has so many patients.

Okay, so then after having Rowan and moving into a recovery room, I became known as "Oh, you're the one who... _______________" And the blank is filled in with 'allergic to lidocaine', 'had the 9lb baby', 'had the 3rd degree tear and 2inches of stitches' and 'has that odd rash'. (On the 2nd day I got this bizarre rash, which was nothing, but no one knew what it was. The on call OB from my practice called it a pregnancy rash, which he followed up with, 'I know you aren't still pregnant' when I looked at him like are you nuts???? That wasn't my regular OB.)

All right, that is the birth story, and now Rowan is fussing and Rachel has been playing in my make up, so it is time to sign off for now and add more later....