What are the chances...

I had a Mom who regularly attended my PT TOTS class in Japan with her oldest child and was pregnant with her second (she was also a midwife that worked at the hospital prior to becoming a Mom, and I helped with subbing her un-medicated birthing circle)

...and that same person is attending my Mommy & Me that I'm teaching here in Virginia with her second child and is expecting baby number three.

What are the chances? It's not like we are immediately surrounding the base. Wow! One of those military advantages. :)

Jean Issues

Me: Kalee get dressed.
K: But I have nothing to weeeeear (the whines started and I decided to try to turn it positive)
M: I just did laundry yesterday. C'mon, let Mommy go help you find something.
K: (I pull out a pair of jeans) No those don't fit. (and another) those go up my butt (and another) you said not to wear those because we might get a flood.
Me: Buahahahaha.
K: Mooooom, stop laughing at me.
Me: We might have to make carpi's out of those for spring. Guma just got those jeans for you last month.

It's soooo frustrating to have a child as picky with how jeans fit as I am. She has had a serious growth spurt. I can't keep enough fresh produce in the house. Denying my children fruit as a snack is like denying them books. It won't happen!

Speaking of which, I'm thinking about getting the kids one new book for every day Daddy's ship is out. Then I stopped tallying the days when it exceeded the amount we spend in gas a month. Blah!

Fixing dinner for our fabulous neighbors tonight. No, I'm not thawing Stoffurs lasagna and slipping it into my own dish...um, yeah-no, that thought never crossed my mind.... I'm making goulash instead. Easy, quick and my kids gobble it down like there is no tomorrow.

I'm out!

I am...

....becoming a cardio junkie again! Anyone else want to join me?

I just have to stay out of Wal-Mart because the conversation hearts on isle 10 kill me...and they have a whole Valentine candy isle on the grocery side too.

Trip to CA vol.2

Obviously it's my journal...not real entertaining for most...sorry.

Monday- The kids and I went to lunch with our cousins. It was nice to see them again. After we went to my brothers house to check his mail and feed Iggy the iguana. He left me a note on the counter telling me where everything was and how to do it. "Sis, Iggy will NOT run out of the cage!" Um, hello? I have been married and out of the house for some time but I was like 12 when you got him and he was no longer then my finger. Now that his body and tail are longer then Bear is tall you think I wont feed the thing? He....actually I think my brother said it was a she, eats good veggies. Bub had food cut and wrapped in the fridge all ready. He even cut up an orange and put juice in there for the kids. He's such a thoughtful Uncle. All together now....awwwwwww! On my way back in the afternoon, I stopped by a friends in Escondido. We flew into Japan on the same March day in 2005 and were neighbors in the Navy lodge. She and my other friend Erica (who already moved there and we were neighbors in San Diego) were with me at the hospital 5 days later when I found out I was pregnant with Bear. Mosa helped me tremendously when I was pregnant. That first year in Japan was awful, but without Erica and Mosa I don't know what I would have done. It was fantastic to catch up with her and Niko. She made us fiddeo, pizza, lasagna bread and rice pudding for dinner. They made sure we were stuffed before we made our late night drive home. Bear, Kalee and Niko.

Tuesday- Since I had not seen my Aunt, we went back to my cousins house and headed out to Farmer Boys for lunch. After, I returned to my Dad's and packed our suitcases, loaded the kids and Bub and Liz's dogs in the truck to head up the hill to my Mom's house. I dropped off the luggage and animals at Mom's and met her at my sisters school for a basketball game. We made it during half time which was perfect for the kids short attention spans. Bear chanted "Go Lippy, Go Lippy" for some time. We went back to Mom's after. Kalee was sad that the water bed that was in her Uncle's room, was no longer there (wasn't at his house either...lol)

Wednesday- I was supposed to meet up with a friend Joanna and her kiddos for some play time in the morning, but the kids and I were so pooped I cancelled. Bummer. I would have so loved to catch up with her. I also cancelled visiting with another friend Candice who I grew up in Church with. We just needed a morning of down time. I feel so bad for running the kids like Energizer bunnies. That afternoon I went to visit my friend Tara and her mom "Momma Ell" . We had lunch and I swear my kids depleted the entire supply of grapes. After, everyone went outside to run amok in the large backyard. My kids played bubbles...Savvy ate them. It was sooo cute! Last time I saw her was about 22 months ago (which was the last time I was in CA) and she was only about 3 weeks old. My, time has wings!

Me and Tara, one of my bestest friends in high school.

BTW, I was amazed at the 60/91/215 interchange. Those that grew up in the 909 and 951 know it has been a work in progress since I started driving. That interchange was rated one of the states worst and I knew plenty of people that wrecked in that vicinity. The new flyover is beautiful! I remember the 60 freeway as being 2 lanes...now it's FIVE! And the carpool lane...wow! Even in San Diego they extended the reversible carpool lanes. Finally, all after we leave.

Thursday- Stopped by Mom's work in the morning to say hi to one of my most faithful readers Melissa. Kalee recited some scripture to a few of Mom's co-workers. Bear almost convinced his Nana that he needed a large plastic sled. Back up to Bub's in Orange County to feed Iggy. Went to Rim of the World for another one of Jessi's games. The kiddos held out rather well considering they had about 6 hours of car seat time by then.

Friday- Such a blur. The highlight, Morgan and family came up the hill for dinner. I made green chili chicken (turkey this time) enchiladas and beans. Mom made rice and told me to put the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. How did I manage to burn them? Morgan watched me set the timer. It was at the right temp. I guess I had to prove that I'm not making these blogs up about me not belonging in the kitchen. We had a fantastic visit and it was wonderful to see Becky and Jordan as well.

Random pics:
Me and my Nana.

Bear and Grandpa on wheels.

...you'll have to wait for vol.3 to hear about the weekend and our return flight. More random pictures to come.

Another Busted Mouth

I'm going to attempt this again. Last time I sat down to blog the door bell rang and my husband could have been easily mistaken for a patient belonging in the "lost" ward.

****Warning don't proceed if you get queasy easily****

Yesterday, we filed taxes. I think this is the first in about four or five years that he was around to do it with me. I credit him for getting it done so soon and being squared away. If it were up to me as it has been in the past, April 1st I would start printing off the necessary doc's. While we were signing papers Bear decided to dive off a chair into the carpet covered concrete, taking the chair with him. I saw blood in the mouth and took a deep breath. Having a daughter known for busting her own teeth out, I repeated in my head "oral injury=lots of blood". I swooped him up and noticed the lovely red drainage rapidly escaping both nostrils as well. With the gut serious voice I shouted "Max". We rushed him to the bathroom since by that time my shirt (and bra)already looked like I killed something, and inspected his teeth. We saw a little gash in the lip and I kept saying "oral injury=lots of blood". Since the boy refused to nap earlier, he was tired by now but insisted I held him covered in blood. As he fell asleep (not freaked out because it wasn't a head injury) we inspected his mouth closer and saw not only the lip laceration but a nice gash separating the top lip from the gums (not just the little string part but about 3/4 inch gash literally removing his lip). Lovely! We debated driving about 20 minutes to the Naval Hospital or to take him to the local one about 5 min away. Since the bleeding slowed down we headed off to Portsmouth Naval.

Having been around Military treatment facilities, I'm aware of how the main hospital ER wait can be horrific. After spending up to 18 hours in Balboa's (Naval Medical Center San Diego) ER I have figured out blood gets us in quicker...so I didn't change my shirt. Gross I know but at that point I didn't care. I was astonished when Portsmouth triage us and said we were on the "fast track". The what? "You'll be seen in less then an hour." And we were! Balboa has labeling and maps on every corner, so you could figure out where your supposed to be from that location, unlike crazy Portsmouth....but Portsmouth has got ER figured out! Drove there, in, examined, discharged, pharmacy, and out all in less then 3 hours.

It would have been more traumatic to sedate him and stitch (which it could have used) then to watch what kind of foods he eats and allow his body to heal itself. The Dr's agreed to avoid stitches since young ones have a rapid healing rate and breast milk will speed his healing process.

Seriously, by the time he gets married he'll be off mine and onto someone elses. *sigh*

I know about Mary

If you could only hear the conversation Max is having with Jehovah's Witnesses at our door while he's high on coffee...

You know Jesus? Hey, I know Jesus too! Mary had him. He's the son of God. Born in a manger. You ever been to the manger? It connects to the house that they lived in, where you feed animals through the window of your home.

Ahh-err-hum. Max said something about the 3 wise guys men.

Oh my....I need to go save this conversation.... and call the credit card company to restrict his card from being used at Starbucks from here on out.

Humm?

Between Obama's two children and Bidens 5 grandchildren, I'm curious to see what kind of monkey bar dome thingies will be on the White House lawn for entertainment during meetings.

Ever think about that?

Yes, I watched and sat the kids in front of it... solely for the historical and educational purpose.

Kalee made several fantastic observations:

-they are all old people.
-the picture shows Obama's Mom is a white lady...so why is he black? Oh, I get it. His Dad is black...just like Lippy's (my sister Jessica).
-people are crying.
-old people take too long to walk to their seats.
-Sasha and Malia have to move to a new house like we did. I bet they are sad to leave their friends too. (If she only knew...lol)
-That's it? He had to put his hand up and copy the old man's words and he's President Obama? That's easy! Can I go on TV and try?

Sigh. All from the view of this special 6 year old of mine. Gosh I love her!

Check This!

Me: Kalee get your jammies ready for a bath."
Kalee: (a few minutes later) Mom, I got my underwear.
Me: Good job!
Kalee: ...and my jammies.
Me: Uh-huh...(waiting for her to list the slippers and undershirt as well)
Kalee: No that's not what your supposed to say!
Me: Um, what am I supposed to say?
Kalee: Check!
Me: What did you just say my child?
Kalee: Your supposed to say check Mom!


So I have come to the conclusion I'm starting to be in the "not cool" category since I don't speak 6 year old to teenage language. At least I know she will return to Earth as I did at some point in my life when I gave up saying whatever, as-if and sike.

Off to bathe and lather my skin with some really sick organic coconut oil.

Trip to CA...vol.1

Thursday- Wow! LAX welcomed us with no car seats. Neither of my children's seats made it. One I could understand...but both?!?! After an hour of explaining to the guy I didn't want loaner seats because of not knowing the history he told me a shipment came in and he had 2 with the tags still attached to the strap. Not my preference of seats (because I'm crazy and look up safety ratings) but I at least knew they were accident free. Several days later our seats were found. Good thing I packed all the wedding attire in my carry-on. The wedding was the day after we flew in...that would have sucked.

Friday- Bub and Liz (or Beth for the reader whose sister is best friends with her....lol) got Married! It started off amazing! As we were boarding we ran into my Nana and Uncle. My Father (who hasn't talked to his parents since about 1987) greeted my Nana with a kiss on the cheek and "Hi Mom". I saw Nana smile, put her head down and tear. I choked up. Since my Brother told me he was going to marry this girl, even before he proposed to her, I have been praying for that day. I had my Women's (Bible study) group praying. I had our Life Group (couple Bible study) praying. As the time drew near I prayed for no conflict on that special day and put it all in His hands. Look what happened! Even thought words may not have been exchanged throughout the evening, it's still progress! Now I pray that my Father and Nana will rebuild that Mother-Son relationship they once had. I expect it to be a slow process taking baby steps but any progress is a blessing.

Saturday- My Nana, Uncle and cousins met my Father, Linda, Kalee, Bear and I at Tom's Farm's. A place I remember going to as a small child. It was amazing! All thought my Father didn't greet Nana they did have conversation about an ill family member. Again, progress. Nana opened and invitation for him to go see her. Nothing could fill the lost 22 years but closing the link can help fill the void and reestablish a bond that once existed between the two. It's touching for my brother and I. We never thought we would see these days coming. Something I have never stopped praying for.

Sunday- The kids and I attended one of my old churches I fellowshiped at as a teenager. It was so nice to see the group of people who helped guide me to a firm spiritual foundation. I feel like I go through stages of building on my foundation, and building, and building more, then breaking it down and rebuilding. It seems to be a constant cycle. But I realized that day how I have grown spiritually. I can't pin point how, why or which direction but I know I have grown and changed. A surprisingly settling feeling. After Church my friend Renee (the one that no one at the wedding would know about because we were too old for them) invited us over for lunch. Can I say yum-o? She made salad not from a bag, bread that wasn't the frozen Texas Toast, some fancy tomato basil cheese stuff and a delicious pasta dish that she gave me the recipe for ages ago and I have only messed it up once because I couldn't find all the ingredients. Oh and if that wasn't enough to make me realize I'm not cooking for her if she ever comes my direction, dessert was home made whipped cream (ok, of coarse I can do that...it involves sugar) that my kids thought the world of to top our berry salad. AND...you wouldn't guess who showed up.....Renee's friend whose Mom told me her daughter knew me at the wedding. Yeah, what a small world. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting but wished I didn't give my children that red vine licorice in Church...they were acting like crazy monkeys. Next time Renee's going to invite me but tell me to leave my monsters at home.

By Sunday evening I was pooped...but still had a week ahead of me. More to come another time...

What's Cold?

To me, cold is cold. There is chilly (freezing for the average person SoCal) where you need to wear warmer clothes...and cold when you must armor your skin with undershirts, thermals, long sleeve, sweatshirts, heavy coats, gloves, scarves, earmuffs triple socks and Vaseline all at the same time. I know my 'It's 50 degrees here in California and we are in full length coat' friends of mine are asking why the Vaseline. People in the Alaska use it for a reason! I can't believe I can say it's almost as cold as it was when we lived in Japan and our time in Rhode Island doesn't compare to these past 2 days of the Artic Blast we have received here. WOW! When I have to suit up for 30 seconds to grab frozen liquid soap from the back stock pantry in the garage, and have to use a towel to touch the door knob so I don't get frostbit.....it's cold! Instantly after walking back in the house my toes hurt as they defrosted like when you get in a hot bath with cold feet. Ouch!

So yeah, cold is cold....but I forgot how cold, cold was. ;) I couldn't imagine being in one of the Northern states dealing with months of this. Burrr!

I'm ready for the double digits on my thermometer again!

The Mr.& Mrs. 01/02/09

The story of Liz and Bub's wedding told by me:

The afternoon of January 2nd we boarded a beautiful yacht out of Newport Beach and took a cruise to Maui. Unfortunately they wouldn't dock us to see paradise so you could imagine how plastered my face was to the window, as I was mesmerized by the swaying palm trees and pure beauty of the blue ocean. Ok, ok....maybe we didn't go as far as Maui but that is where they went on their honeymoon. The yacht was fully dressed (no I'm not speaking Navy terms you Navy people), as was the wedding party. The bride Elizabeth, my now sister-in-law looked absolutely flawless. My brother of 23 years was handsome...but when I look at him I still see him wearing Moms bra filled with balloons and a hot wheels track between his legs hiding his "pecker". He's all grown now...but those crazy childhood memories will never part my mind. The wedding party looked great. The Mom's dresses complimented each other very well. My brothers "bro's" behaved very well when the announcement "no more bro's before..." was made. My son the ring bearer, made it through the evening without breaking something, peeing off the side of the yacht, or throwing something overboard. I did loose sight of him as I was hugging someone. I turned around and my heart pounded. My eyes scanned the room once... twice... and I let out "Where's Bear?!?!" Fortunately Liz's brother Joe (I know way too many Joe's in my family now) pointed "he's outside!" I bee-lined it! That boy was at the bow of the boat (still docked) getting ready to throw the pillow overboard. When I ran back in all the guys said "I've never seen someone run so fast in heels" I replied, "Mom's are different in so many categories" My boy got an ear full and remained within leg reach...so I could kick his butt into gear if he choose to cut up.

Everyone dressed, the guests have all been boarded and the horn blew. Time to push off and start the ceremony. It was beautiful! Kalee and Bear walked down the isle last right before Liz and her brother Joe (who gave her away since her father has passed). Like I said she looked flawless. I straightened her dress train as she left the bride's cabin and admittedly started to choke up. My little brother who I climbed trees with, fed mud pies to, and beat up was getting married. The ceremony was perfectly short for Bears attention span. In fact so short the Captain marrying them forgot the rings. Bear kept picking up the flowers Kalee dropped and throwing them further down the isle. He kept lipping words to me and making the cutest facial expressions so I had to scoot out of sight. Fortunately my Mom was prepared with Tow-mater, silly putty and grapes (which the girls in the Bride's cabin filled him up on to keep him quiet while everything started) in her purse. He was occupied while the rings were exchanged, and they were announced husband and wife.

Everyone went back down to the first deck while wedding party pictures were taken, the cake cutting and toasts...and the tables were being prepared for dinner. The food was fantastic...and I'm not just saying that because of my cooking abilities. ;) You could see the Bride and Grooms love for each other at several tables as the centerpieces caught on fire. Yes, fire! We were safe. The best man serves in the LAFD, not to mention my brother has been trained to fight fires on ships...you know because he's a Marine...AKA: part time Mariner. :P

During the evening a lady walked up to me saying "My daughter knows you". Really? "Yeah, your friends with Renee aren't you?" Um....no. (I was thinking about a different Renee because clearly no one would know the Renee I went to school with ...er...um...years ago) "Didn't you go to school with Renee Arnold?" OHHHHHH! Yes! I put the pieces together but unfortunately not all the way until after the wedding. Funny enough the Maid of Honor's older sister was a friend of Renee's in High School. I later saw her at Renee's Mom's house for a get together and laughed at a story about the bottom of her coffee cup bursting at the wedding. Coffee smelling clothing can't be that bad.

I learned Bear was a dancing fool who was not afraid to dance with Liz's cousin Bernadette. Kalee looked and acted like a princess...but requested to take her pantyhose off after the ceremony...I easily permitted. My little sister looked very pretty as a bridesmaid and is starting to dress more like a girl (on days other then after good games). I have gained a sister and am happy for my brother...but I wish I lived closer.

I'll post more pictures of the family soon. Here is the photographers website for your viewing pleasure who did an outstanding job at capturing the memories.

*I was questioned already about the dress(es). Yes she had two. They did pictures before and she didnt want him seeing her in that dress when she walked down the isle. Both were beautiful!

Class Started!

I started teaching my parent toddler class today! I had a fantastic turnout, excellent participants and an outstanding review. I'm thrilled! The only thing that would have made it better is if Bear didn't rise at the butt crack of dawn. He got cranky the last 5 minutes of class and cleanup.

After class we had to make a Wal-Mart run. My daughter dearest would not let me wash her hair last night because it smelled like her Aunt Liz's. Yes, she's as ridiculous as I am with clothes laundered by my Mom, Nana or Max's Grandma (the only 3 people allowed to do my laundry, because they taught me). She said she wanted shampoo like her Aunt...so I gave in and bought the un-natural chemical based stuff. But she's still using coconut oil to moisturize her skin!

My list of to do's isn't getting any shorter with me sitting here. I thought I could burn a few minuted while installing an updated version of my photo editing program....you know instead of folding laundry or scrubbing toilets.

Wedding pics first...visits with friends to follow.

Chill out...

I just got home. Let me lather my alligator skin in a heavy creme, unpack the suitcases, and grab a few things at the commissary for dinner tonight. I have everything from the airlines loosing both car seats on our flight there, to several mini fires (and bursting coffee cups) on the yacht, to not putting a friends name with her face until lunch with a mutual friend after the wedding, and lets not forget having to bust out the Californian in me while behind the wheel. It's going to take a series of blogs starting with the Wedding so be prepared...

First things first.....LOTION!

They Have Wed

My baby brother is now a married man. I am so excited for him and what is even better is I feel like I gained another sister. The kids did great. Bear was a dancing fool and the limelight of the dance floor for some time. Kalee was such the little lady. We got lots of pictures and I will have to post them after I spend some time editing when I get home. I'll also get the funny stories of the evening out too. Yeah they are goofs. I can't believe how beautiful everything turned out....my Bub and Liz are married!

Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs.!

Attention Readers- 2009 Contract

2009 Contract

After serious & cautious consideration . . .Your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2009! It was a very hard decision to make. So try not to screw it up!!! My Wish for you in 2009; may peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet of $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had forget your home address! In simple words . . . May 2009 be the best year of your life.

Got this from an e-mail floating around. Happy New Year to my readers!!!