3 army brats in pink

happy 2009!

2009-01-02T23:39:00.003-05:00

Wow, we are into a new year already. 2008 was jam-packed with a lot for our family!

We are in the middle of an intra-post move. We are bidding farewell to our little shack and moving into a newly built home. Tomorrow the packers come to pack everything we own and by Monday we should be living 100% in our new home. We will then have 3 days to prime the walls of the old house and get cleaned for inspection...fun.

My parents left yesterday and it was very sad to see them leave. It is always tough. We had a good time hanging out and freezing our bums off! Mom and I are seasoned shoppers and we have wrestled with the elements in the past, but never before did we face such resistance! The wind was our enemy and it felt like a million knives cutting our faces! Did I mention that all decent malls around here are outdoor? OMG! Bad idea developers! I am sure it is more cost-effective when building but c'mon, think bottom line! Nobody in their right mind will be strolling along shopping just because on a day like the ones we had! And sure enough the places were bare of all human life-- except for us .

The shots here are form the Kindergarten Christmas program. So cute my baby was (ooh a Yoda moment).

december is almost over?

2008-12-27T21:52:00.006-05:00

NO WAY! But it is true... Where did the days go?

My parents are here now visiting, we are thrilled! We are having a good time just chilling and relaxing now that Christmas is over.

Unfortunately, I have yet to send out our Christmas cards. Pretty sad, right? I am so bad about it!

Nothing much is happening other than I am now subbing at the girls' school. I like it.

Additionally, Frank got selected to attend SAMS (School of Advanced Military Science) which we are all very excited about! This also means that we will be extending our stay here for another year. 2 years in Ft. Leavenworth will not be too bad! Especially since a few friends from the past are expected to be here next year! So exciting! Except that we are terribly in need of relation as far as living quarters go! We are literally and figuratively busting at the seams here in this itty bitty house! Cross your fingers that we are moved to bigger quarters now that we are staying for SAMS and are not simply "students" (which he will be but I guess they see it differently with that school).

I know that I have been terrible at keeping you all up to date and I am so sorry! Since my parents have been here visiting I feel that I have an excuse--I can update them in person! :D

so i am bad, i know...

2008-12-03T20:01:00.003-05:00

I have so neglected this poor blog of mine. I have to admit that the culprit has been that Facebook hook that's gotten a hold of me! I don't have a lot of time but the time I do make for computer play, I tend to spend on Facebook!

We are now into December, can you believe that? I am still in awe... Where did 2008 go? I still haven't adjusted to writing it--Alexys said that even she was occasionally jotting down 2007 instead! Time truly flies-- so does that mean that we are truly having fun? October and November came and went. I will have to post some pictures on a later date about those poor forgotten months...

Let's see, I will try to do a quick recap:

I am now a certified school substitute teacher for Kansas-- K-12 although I have decided to only limit it to K-9 and only the 2 schools that the girls attend. It just makes life a little easier this way.

I also found out that I have bulged discs and degenerative disc disease in my L4-L5 and L5s1. This is the little bugger that has been putting me in a lot of pain intermittently. Well, I am now scheduled for Physical Therapy, am taking muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatory and will devote an hour a day for the practice of Yoga on top of my regular daily run. I also have taken up swimming but I don't have the time to do that as often as I would like--

Alexys made the honor roll for the what, the like 40th time in her young life... She maintains a 4.0 and also made All-county Choir and she was just informed she also was one of the chosen for All-State Choir. Isn't that neat? She still spends every evening in the pool swimming for 2 1/2 hours-- and she has a meet fast approaching!

Angelene and Alanah are doing great in school and are both enjoying gymnastics and swimming. They have a blast doing these two activities. Alanah is working hard with all her K-garden classes on a little skit/play that they will be performing in a couple of weeks. Alanah is proudly playing the role of a cute elf!

Well, that's the quick and edited version of what is going on with this family of ours! I hope to spend a little more time here and write more often and post some pictures! So stay tuned...

concerts & swimming

2008-10-29T10:14:00.003-04:00

Alexys had her first Choir concert (in this school) this month. The group sounded great! She got a solo part and did very nicely. Which brings me to the present, finally! Took me long enough to catch-up!

Alexys made the all-county choir and she will be singing for judges in December! Additionally, her teacher just sent in her Demo in order to compete in the state competition. This month, she also started her Swim Meet season-- she did nicely and earned points for her team. The good thing is that Volleyball season is over--she liked it but she had no free time, ever! All this, and she still managed a 4.0 on her report card (even in Biology and Geometry!). There, mom's bragging moment is finished!

Wow! This month is almost done--where did it go?!

silly times

2008-10-29T10:09:00.004-04:00

I found these shots in my camera-- I didn't take them...I wonder who...

I thought they were real reflections of the girls in all of their silly glory! Even Blue didn't escape the lens!

more zoo animals

2008-10-29T10:05:00.001-04:00

I am partial to Giraffes-- had to add at least one!

zoo trip

2008-10-29T09:59:00.003-04:00

Angelene got to attend the Topeka Zoo with her class a few weeks ago. The zoo is small and easy to explore for kids this age. It took us but 2 hours or so to finish the entire thing!

Many years ago when we lived in Fort Riley, (pre-children) Frank and I visited this zoo. It wasn't as "nice" back then but we still had a good time!

All-in-all, the kiddos all had a great time! I had one too, considering I was chaperoning!

book review... or not

2008-10-27T13:21:00.003-04:00

I finished reading Capote in Kansas: A Ghost Story by Kim Powers. I am giving it a 3 out of 5 stars. In a nutshell, it is about the life of Truman Capote and his childhood friend Harper Lee-- remember her? Yes, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird Powers admits to some of the facts in his book being of a fictional state. As you know, I dislike writing book reviews, unlike Alexys who enjoys writing them! All I can tell you is that if you have nothing to read, then check this book out of the library--

Edited to add: Okay, I will expand a little about why I didn't LOVE this book and give it 5 stars! First let me start off by stating that by nature I am hard to please. So please don't expect many 5 stars coming from this blog! :)

People that have read this give it mix reviews. I think that the intertwining of true facts with nonfiction is a sticky situation for a writer; not easily done. Powers takes the liberty to expand on some facts by offering his own interpretation, it all falls together and makes sense, yet some readers are left with an uneasiness about it. The consensus amongst some people is that if other books about Lee and Capote are read beforehand, Capote in Kansas..." will be more enjoyable. I will have to report back on this matter for I will be reading some other books in the next few months about these authors.

Sorry about this horrible attempt at a speedy review-- I really do detest writing about how a book makes me feel and what I think about it! It may be contributed by school book reports from the past! So please bear with me!

block party

2008-10-27T13:07:00.005-04:00

On September 20th, our street had a Block Party. It was nice to have all the neighbors mingle with each other at one time. We are all usually outside in small groups at different times of the day-- it is funny how this is basically dictated by the ages of our children!

Everyone here is very nice and friendly. We wives have created several groups that meet once a month. We have a Bunco group and a Lunch Bunch. As you can see, we are making the best out of the year we are here and living in not so nice quarters!

soccer

2008-10-27T12:50:00.005-04:00

Soccer is finally over! It was over officially last week, yet these shots are from last month! Angelene had a good time! The tough part was juggling soccer and swim class! She had one after the other! She enjoyed her team and overall, had a blast! She will definitely be playing Spring Soccer!

life in kansas

2008-10-27T12:43:00.005-04:00

Life here is rather fast-paced! I would have never guessed! I can't believe how fast time passes-- it is almost November already! WOW! Before we know it, it will be Christmas!

Volleyball season is over for Alexys, so that means more time for her to read and do whatever she wants and less driving around for me! Swimming keeps her very busy though.

There are a lot of different critters and bugs here in Kansas. We have lizards and grasshoppers to name a few. The grasshoppers are beautiful--yes, they are! Their colors are extraordinary!

more catching-up

2008-10-27T12:38:00.005-04:00

Here are more shots from September 11-- the bird was hanging out under the bleachers where the schools gathered for the Freedom Walk ceremony. He wasn't scared or trying to avoid us, as a matter of fact, he was trying to get us to pay attention to him! It was rather odd-- I mean, this bird was extremely friendly. I got so close to it-- I am talking inches! This bird was not just any ordinary bird... you make what you will out of this.

wow, i am so behind!

2008-10-27T12:21:00.005-04:00

These shots were taken on September 11-- the schools here on post participated in the Freedom Walk and as you can see, the kids were very into it!

OK, now I feel highly overwhelmed! I can't believe that I have let myself slip so behind. The culprit is Facebook. I seem to spend my free time there instead of here. I need to find a happy balance, right?

So here is Alanah in her first gymnastics class in last month-- Yeah, LAST MONTH people!

the new thing is

2008-09-29T21:06:00.003-04:00

a new competition that a group of us are starting.

We are doing our version of The Biggest Loser in an effort to lose weight and get into better shape.

During our AFAP conferences I remembered my friend Teah's (from West Point)explanation about her neighborhood and her putting together a group with the same objective-- so as I sat there waiting in the group I turned to my friend Van and mentioned to her how it would be so cool if we did this and she was totally into it.

So Van and I have decided to put together the competition that will be pretty much the same as the show, with the prize being incredibly smaller of course. We will start next Monday and perhaps finish on the 31st of December. I don't know what the specifics will be yet until we vote on them this upcoming Thursday. But doesn't that sound like fun? I so want to be the biggest loser! lol

I will most definitely blog here short updates on how this thing develops.

Another new thing is my exposure to Facebook. Yeah people, I finally opened an account this morning! Hard to believe right?

No shots at this time again solely because I am too lazy this minute to run downstairs into our dungeon to the other lap top where I have my photo files-- so sorry... (sorry mom)

'nite y'all!

tgif

2008-09-26T09:21:00.002-04:00

AFAP(Army Family Action Plan) conferences have kept me busy for the past 2 days. I should probably say busier since this house is jam-packed of busy bees! I made myself stop, sit, and blog while have a cup of joe this morning.

My highlight of the day this morning will be my visit to the spa. No, no don't start chanting "lucky her" I am not going in for a massage or facial-- people I am FINALLY going in to get my hair done! Oh my, I am so in need of a touch-up, trim, and my ever so glam foils! Yay! With the move and getting this house unpacked, getting in to the salon was way down on the priority list. So today is the day! I am trying a new place out: Jabez Salon and Day Spa it is an Aveda joint so I am hoping for the best.

Did I mention last week that I fell? I can't remember but last Friday Alexys had volley ball practice at 6:30am and while I was walking down the steps of my porch outside, I ate it big time! I fell and I messed up my ankle or the ligaments around it-- couldn't say for sure since I never went in to see the doc. Well, one leg is swollen still and the other has a 6-inch deep cut on my shin. Very attractive, right? Well, today Alexys had 6:30am practice again and I made Frank drive her! My neighbors are on me about going to the doc to get it checked out. I think I may end up going in since I have not gone on a run now for 7 days! I am gaining weight as I type this!

Which brings me to a perfect transition point to mention my new project-- it is in the development stages so I can't say much about it yet. All I can say is that a few of my friends and I are thinking about creating a contest here-- one that mimics the Biggest Loser sounds like fun right?

More to follow later...

book: thumbs up

2008-09-24T20:06:00.003-04:00

I finished reading Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran last week and I am so glad I read it! This was my book club's September selection and we all gave it 2-thumbs-up. I am not too keen at writing long winded reviews mainly due to time constraints. I am always blogging in a hurry! Having said that, I do want to take a couple of minutes to encourage everyone to pick up this book and read it. It is a story told through the eyes of a child that lost his father on September 11. Okay, that is all I am saying. Read it.

oooh where do i begin...

2008-09-24T19:58:00.001-04:00

Hello family and friends... I am so sorry I have been so bad about checking in here. Life in good ol' Kansas isn't as slow-paced as most of us would think. My girly girls are sure keeping me busy! Here is a brief synopsis on the happenings of our lil' clan:

1. Alexys is still very busy with volleyball and swimming. Last Saturday they (school team) had a tournament and they came in 2nd! That is a good thing. They are getting ready for this Saturday's tournament. She also has meet season starting in a couple of weeks so she is putting in many hours in the pool. She is very much settled into her new life. Fabulous.

2. Angelene is learning a lot in swim class. She was introduced to the butterfly this afternoon and she was excited about that! Soccer is also a big hit! She is naturally high-energy and this is very helpful in the sport...She is a little energizer bunny that keeps going and going and going... Fabulous.

3. Alanah going strong in gymnastics although she complaints all the time why she isn't doing soccer and swim lessons. Geesh-- I am only one person!

Frank tries to tag team and help out but he is limited on time as well. He is not only doing the school here but now he decided to earn yet another masters-- since having one isn't enough I guess... lol more power to him. We are all about learning and growing and this is great. I don't do well when people live life idling. So the poor guy has gigantic amounts of homework and reading on top of papers.

Fort Leavenworth offers so much to do. Last night some friends and I went to a Mexican Cooking class hosted by the company that leases the homes to us. Blah blah blah-- long story but you know what I mean. It was pretty cool. They demonstrated the proper techniques to prepare salsa, rice, mole, and tamales. Yes my people, the real McCoy! They also had pan dulce and great margaritas! We had a blast!

So much to say and so little time... Life is calling me off the PC again so come back tomorrow--

HEY BTW people... I really would like to add some of you to my favorite blogs to visit... BUT first you must start one! So c'mon people, give it a try!Tata for now!

soccer in the mud

2008-09-04T22:48:00.002-04:00

super-- just great! Yeah, the continual rainfall finally seized this afternoon to a drizzle here and there and soccer practice was not cancelled. Today was Angelene's first soccer practice for the season. Let me just say, this kiddo loves soccer! She was very disappointed by the mere hour that the practice lasted. She said she wanted more hours!

I am very glad and feel very blessed that all three girls are doing activities they enjoy. Alexys apparently likes volleyball after all to her surprise-- of course she also loves swimming. Alanah is loving gymnastics and wishes she could go more often. She is asking for pool time as well. Angelene is doing soccer and swimming and so far so good. Life here here is now on a true roll.

Today I was able to enjoy fellowship at a WOSI meeting; watch Angelene play soccer; and attend a spouses' brief on nutrition. Of course with all of the fillers in between. It was a full day... it was a good day.

game 1

2008-09-03T16:05:00.005-04:00

The 9th grade volleyball team had their first game last night. It didn't go as they hoped and I hear that the biggest complaint was playing in a no-A/C gym! The nerve of the school... Keep in mind that Alexys' school has not one, but TWO gyms and well, overall the school is very high-tech and up-to-date. I wont go into a rant about how the kiddos are spoiled by their school's aesthetics because let me tell you-- Alexys' last school had one of those small non-A/C gyms and overall small and old everything! BUT--and a BIG BUT: She loved and loves that little school!

It has been pouring here all day today-- this morning some loud, very loud sirens went off all over post... Was it a tornado watch alert maybe? or was it a flash flood warning? I don't know! I haven't really been around in such weather in a long time! The last time we lived in KS (over 14 years ago) and we heard sirens go off during a storm, we happily opened the door and enjoyed the rain. How were we to know that those loud shrills were a warning to take cover-- tornado watch in effect! Remember people, both Frank and I are Californians-- So.Cali to be exact! No such thing as an earthquake watch/warning siren!

a guilty pleasure

2008-08-28T16:07:00.003-04:00

Okay people, we all have them. I already told you all about the show Army Wives but I figured I would share yet another.

So a few months before we left West Point my good friend Lavonne (oooh miss her sooo much!) introduced me to this guilty pleasure. She knows I simply LOVE the whole Anne and king Henry era-- who doesn't right? Well, she told me about a series on Showtime called The Tudors and well, from the very first episode, I was hooked! Oh my is this a good show! So I watched the first season on "on demand" while still in NY.

So last week while going through the channels-- which by the way my hubby insisted on the premium package with all of those channels with movies and such-- well, I discovered that season 2 was already on Showtime's "on demand" and yes, I did-- I admit it, I watched all 20 episodes in 7 days! Last weekend Frank was gone so from 9 to 3am I crammed more than half! Yep-- I sacrificed much needed rest for that darn series. Am I a die-hard fan? Probably not, but I sure love me some Tudors!

in case you were wondering...

2008-08-27T15:37:00.005-04:00

what the student housing looks like here, I decided I would post some shots that I took the day that we were waiting for the moving truck to bring our household goods. These shots are from 4 August--

Now keep in mind that these houses were tagged and ready for demolition-- that is until some shortages and housing issues arose and of course the best thing and the easiest thing to do was to put us in these very dated and old houses-- some of which don't have a dishwasher! We do, thank heavens! But we are all paying a whole lot of

money-- and well that is all I am going to say about that.

That swing that Alexys is on is by the house-- as you can see, we have tons and tons of beautiful mature trees. They are simply breathtaking! That playground that Frank and the girls are at is one of many that are near. We have one to our left, one to our right, and yet another behind us. The pool is at the end of the block-- seriously, just feet away!

All in all, we are thankful for our home and our family. We always make the best of everything and we have a good time! The kids all like the schools and they are always busy either with friends or with activities.

As soon as we are done clearing up the patio from boxes, I will take more shots of the kids playing outdoors. With all the boxes and junk laying around, I don't really get motivated to get the camera out! Soon to change, though!

Ta-ta for now!

note to self...

2008-08-25T13:37:00.002-04:00

Always, ALWAYS, pack all furniture hardware in one box and travel with mentioned box.

JEESH! What an ordeal it has been with a whole lot of hardware missing. Most of the missing stuff was replaced by frequent visits to Home Depot, but when it comes to the girls' bedroom set, what an ordeal!

Their bunk beds use fancy-looking bolts and screws. They can't easily be found-- as a matter of fact, they can NOT be found! The manufacturer (PJ KIDS) is no longer in business and well, it has been a headache. Being that I have quite the intelligent and resourceful husband, he figured out how to fix the situation. Hence, the girls are now finally sleeping in their own bed!

Now, the dining room table hinges... that's for another day...

Moving is not easy by any means. I am happy to report though that the basement is almost there. I have a feeling that by the weekend, it will be operable and habitable! lol

The patio is something I am dreading. It holds all the stuff that was in temporary storage in NY. It is packed! We plan on using the patio as an outdoor living room since it is closed in and screened all around. We will see...

last from the series

2008-08-18T23:11:00.004-04:00

sniff...sniff... These shots will be the last ones I share from our last weekend in the city last month. I need to let go and move on... Deep breath.

It is hard to believe that life is back on track. The girls are in school and things are beginning to get into a groove. Grant it, we still have the basement a total disaster and the patio is still covered by the same 20-something boxes... This week hopefully we will do a little more. This past weekend we opened so many basement boxes that we filled our yard with empty, broken down boxes waiting for the garbage day. I just can't wait to be done! The basement is divided into 3 rooms. One will be the laundry room and an entertainment area for the girls. TV center, a table to craft and their kitchen. The other rooms will be an office/toy room and Frank's bike room. Yes, he actually gets one of those. While some guys long for a "dude" room, he asks for a bike room. I guess I can't blame him, he does have many many of them after all.

Alexys began volleyball practice today. We will see how this goes. She practices till 5 and at 6 she has swim practice till 8. Next month her swimming will double up to 5am practice sessions on top of the other. Busy busy girl! On top of this, she has to maintain her awesome grades-- as you can tell by her schedule, she will be one busy girl.

Alanah began gymnastics today as well. She had a blast. I would too if I had the chance to play on all the cool gymnastics equipment!

Angelene starts swim lessons and soccer shortly. She is asking and asking about doing Girl Scouts. I haven't decided on that. I just don't know... With the family's schedule and all... Oh I almost forgot to mention, Frank decided that he wants another Masters to add to the one he already has. So he will be busy with studying for that on top of studying for his regular load. I for one, contemplated getting a job at the kids' school but I just don't think I will be able to handle it with this family's schedule. If I can't have the evenings to tidy-up, then when will I? I have no choice but to have the day to do such activities. For those of you that know me well (most of you do) you know I can be pretty stubborn about house stuff (although I have backed off a bit because of the space issue--what can a girl do?).

I have been very bad about taking my camera out with me. I will definitely do a better job soon.

**NOTE: Blogger seems to be having issues, so I unable to upload shots today. I will try again tomorrow!

latest book

2008-08-15T21:48:00.003-04:00

I just finished reading this book: green chic SAVING THE EARTH IN STYLE by Christie Matheson. It was okay--not great but okay. Do I recommend it? yes, especially for those that aren't too informed about living green. A lot of the info in the book is stuff most of us already are aware of, but it offers some savvy suggestions and alternatives. I like the no preaching style and the fact that the author is not advocating total extremist behaviour. If you want more info, look here.

wow, who knew...

2008-08-15T20:20:00.003-04:00

That it rained so much here! Now, we lived in Ft. Riley, KS 15 years ago-- Alexys hails from there after all. But I really don't remember this much rain! And it isn't little droplets, it's gigantic showers! We were outside just now-- the girls with the neighborhood kids riding scooters and bikes while I organized my week's menu. I stepped into the house for one minute and when I came back outside, it was pouring! All the kids of course got drenched. No biggie. It is actually a good thing since now I can stay indoors and start tackling the basement boxes!

I have not downloaded any shots from my camera, so I am going to share some that we took the last weekend we were in NY-- our visit through Central Park... sniff sniff...

(BTW-the girls finally got to see Balto!)

quick update

2008-08-13T13:17:00.002-04:00

Ok this has to be fast and short-- I am on a community library PC. My triple play with Time Warner finally got hooked up yesterday but Frank has yet to hook up the PCs and the wireless network is not up and running for me to use the laptop. I would have to use it in the basement standing up since there are about 100 boxes in there. We have yet to tackle the basement!

To make a long, LONG story short (I will give details later) I will just say that we are on day 3 of school-- girls and Frank-- and everything is going smooth. We are 90% done with the 1st and 2nd floor but still have the basement and covered patio to get to. UH!

It has been quite the move, I don't know why it is taking longer to unpack everything!

Today was the 1st day I could get a run in! Yay! This morning was the first day that I didn't have to wait at home all day waiting for some service or repair guy to show up-- how I hate the "9-12" thing!

I hope to be up and running by next week so I can add some photos!

I hope everyone is doing well!

in kansas

2008-07-30T14:42:00.004-04:00

Meteor getting some love...

This is Alanah's Gum-Gum that she loves so much!

Oh what a trip! Where do I begin...?

On Sunday the 20th we went to the city for the last time before our departure the following day. We were not done with the final inspection preparations we were in the middle of-- but we said why not? We spent the day at the American Museum & Natural History, a walk through Central Park, and dinner with one of Frank's cycling buddies. We had a fabulous day even though we didn't pull up to the house until after midnight!

The following morning we got up at 5am to weigh-in the vehicles at the scales, finish cleaning the house, mop, mow and clean the patio-- all before 10am when our inspection was scheduled for. Jeesh... We passed the inspection and we said farewell to our friends and off we went to our first stop in Virginia to visit good friends of ours and Frank's old boss from Ft. Hood during OIF#1's deployment. To make a long story short, all I will say is that 2 hours into the 7 hour trip the Land Rover got a flat!

We had a wonderful 5 days in Virginia! But on Saturday we were off again to start the 1200 mile drive to Kansas. We decided to stop midpoint to get a room and sleep. The midpoint was Indianapolis, Indiana. OMG! What a mistake to choose this city-- this state! (on this particular weekend, at least). We got into Indianapolis around the midnight hour-- we could not find a room anywhere from Indianapolis and about 200 miles past this city! Apparently there was a huge Nascar event going on this weekend~! So we finally found a room in some random city somewhere in Illinois-- we arrived at 3:30am and left at 9am. Yuk.

Sunday, we drove the last 500 miles and we finally arrived into Ft. Leavenworth. Tired, hungry and dirty we get a place in the post's lodging.

Monday we were at the housing office at 7:30-- second in line! We got some keys to look over some homes and we finally agreed upon a home that is not currently available but it is vacant. We put a hold on it with the hopes that it will become available sometime this week. We already scheduled Transportation to deliver our household goods next Monday so let's hope for the best. I also attended all of the school orientations for the girls' schools.

Tuesday we got a verbal confirmation that most likely the house will be cleared by Wednesday or Thursday-- I hope so because I have been putting down that address as our own, we own it dude! Alexys got enrolled into the 9Th grade. She got all her classes-- Geometry, Biology, the regular core, and her electives she hopes will be Journalism and Choir. She signed up for Volleyball and Track try-outs. That evening while she went to the pool to workout, the swim team coach was there and she got picked up for the team. Good! She doesn't have to go through the tryout next month! The season starts in September so she has 6 weeks to get into tip-top shape!

Wednesday, today was consumed with the little girls' enrollment. Wow, talk about paperwork! Did I mention how impressive these schools are? At least the actual buildings are very nice-- I can't say much of anything about anything else since school hasn't started, but the actual buildings are very impressive.

empty house

2008-07-18T17:43:00.002-04:00

So the house is empty of furniture and boxes. All that remains is our air mattresses and suitcases.

Yesterday was spent on painting the walls back to their original egg shell white-- yuk. We did a whole lot, but we still have the master bedroom and some touch-ups throughout the house. I am so glad we changed our minds about painting the basement as well 3 years ago!

I think that the girls and I may be coming down with a bug. It could simply be our allergies acting up with all the dust we have been around to or it could be exhaustion from the move this week.

Sorry, no time to take pictures and no time to load them here.

BTW, I think I am starting to dislike Subway... ;)

day 1 of move

2008-07-14T21:21:00.004-04:00

Really, it is day 1 of packing. The packers arrived right before noon today. They worked very hard up until 6 this evening. They packed-up the basement stuff and some of the dining room items like stemware and such. Tomorrow morning will be an earlier day and hopefully they will get most of the other stuff into boxes. I doubt that they will be able to finish 100% with the packing tomorrow, but we will wait and see.

I realized today that I never photo journal the USMA Class of 2008 Graduation at all! So, I will be including some shots of the big day. It rained a little but it held off until the ceremony ended! Frank swore in several second lieutenants but I don't think I can find any shots of them without the name-- and I can't blur them at the moment since I am short on time. So I will only include random shots for now and maybe later on I can include some other more personal ones.

So now you know why we will miss this place! It is gorgeous, breathtaking-- and this even on a rainy day!

p.s.

2008-07-13T12:16:00.002-04:00

I may not be posting much in the next week-- depending at how readily available my stuff is. In any case, just wanted to throw that out. Also, felt I should share this picture as well. This is also from Alexys' stash.

prepping for the move...

2008-07-13T11:52:00.004-04:00

Alexys and Chelsie went to Bailey's old house and the new family was moving in already. As you can tell by the boxes...

I can't believe that tomorrow at this time the packers will be putting all of our belonging into boxes! The house is beginning to show the signs of a military family getting ready for the big day when huge moving trucks and people in matching T's come knockin' at our door...

This morning I starting taking down all of our curtains and started bringing all of the over-flow of kitchen items upstairs. I need to make sure that it all gets packed together.

The house is echoing a bit now with the windows being exposed... Tomorrow morning unfortunately the actual formal portion of the move begins. Along with that, one of the girls has a sport's physical tomorrow morning. I am expecting tomorrow to be a very long and draining day.

my new bike

2008-07-09T20:09:00.003-04:00

So my darling husband finally put together my road bike--yes, I had told myself years ago that I would never again get on a road bike again. Jeez, have you seen the wheels on those puppies? Itty-bitty wheels. Mountain Bike baby-- Well, he did put the bike together, so my pretty, shiny, and supra-light bike sits proudly amongst the in-crowd of bikes in our household. You see, Frank's bikes have a room to themselves in the basement, I think he has around 5 or 6 bikes in total there. They are the babies, the VIPs of bikes. The poor, sad, and dusty Gary Fishers sit in a make-shift little shed-like room he built for the girls' bikes. Yes, they sit amongst the little one's bikes, scooters, beach toys, and i think even the dog's crate is in there!

Will I be riding the bike? Well, I guess it would be the right thing to do being that I totally enjoy spinning and well, spinning is suppose to mirror a road bike ride. More on the road bike to follow in the near future--

army wives

2008-07-08T23:49:00.003-04:00

Has anyone else watched this show on the Lifetime network? I have been following it along since last season. I actually look forward to watching it every Sunday-- I love the way Lifetime will replay it the following week just in case anyone misses it! Anyway, I really can't put my finger on why exactly I like it. It isn't actual true army wife story lines, or maybe they are but they are sure stretched out! Some of the stuff drives me nuts though! It is sort of like when Frank and I are watching a movie that involves the military-- he goes bonkers if (which is always) a General (or anyone for that matter) wears their insignia or awards incorrectly. He quickly makes verbal observations about how the guy or gal is so out of uniform. So for me, this Army Wives show is the same thing. I can't help but to think out loud about the inaccuracies of the plot. But I will keep watching.

notice the new banner?

2008-07-08T23:16:00.003-04:00

Created by Alexys.

Just wanted to give her credit for it!

Thanks, Love. :)

last day

2008-07-08T13:29:00.002-04:00

How many hard-core cyclists does it take to load up bikes onto a car? Take a guess...

just for fun

2008-07-08T13:18:00.002-04:00

First two shots are from West Point, my back yard. The others are from our friends' home this past weekend.

bronx bridge

2008-07-08T12:54:00.007-04:00

These images are of the Bronx Bridge which we took on our way to the Hampton's this weekend. I am rather impressed that my camera managed to take the shots while driving over the bridge and they came out pretty good free of most blurr. The shot I took of the city didn't come out great due to the horrible haze in the air. It seems that we haven't had a true clear day in weeks!

The girls and Maggie-- such cute group! They played so well together and they all shared! lol

Dad and his little girl... awe... Here they are watching a movie while dad absorbs every second of his little girl.

more 4th pictures

2008-07-08T09:49:00.004-04:00

During our stay, Alexys was able to get a lot of reading done.

Maggie is a great swimmer! She loved the girls and playing with them. She is a very hands-on pup-- she is just too cute!

4th of july

2008-07-08T09:32:00.004-04:00

We spent the 4th weekend with friends at their Summer home. It was us and another family. The 3 days were spent relaxing and getting to know each other better. Thursday we arrived in the evening so we pretty much talked and hung-out. On Friday the girls went with my friend to the beach to walk Maggie the dog. Oh and my friend had a relaxing massage waiting for me! I had never had one by a male so it was a little different, but it was very nice. The rest of the day was spent by the pool, hanging-out, and eating. On Friday morning we went to her exercise studio where we signed-up to do a Brazilian Booty class. We perspired buckets! I have been so sore form this class, I can barely move!

The weekend was great and we took many pictures so bare with me please!

Here is Alexys with Brody-- my friend's friend's pup.

lights out

2008-07-02T21:59:00.009-04:00

I can't believe that we are into July already! So much that I have been one day behind! So now I am having to pack last minute. I have been packing up for our trip tomorrow.

So with our housing here getting privatized now, we are stuck in limbo. The new leasing office doesn't officially take over until August 1st, but the housing office is not fully up and running anymore. Self-help closed up shop already apparently. Not only do we need a ton of stuff to clear housing, but the bulbs in the bathroom (only shower) blew out yesterday. The bulbs are those long florescent bulbs that are not sold at the PX, of course. So now that Self-help is closed, I have to pick some up at Home Depot, which isn't just here outside the gate. Why couldn't blow out in 3 weeks after we leave? Of course not!

On to the pictures now after a little complaining...

These shots were taken minutes before Bailey left West Point. The duck's name is Wasabi and he is their traveling buddy. Recall the story about the traveling pair of jeans between friends? Same concept really. This little creature has been to VA, MD, DC, and PA thus far since Bailey was the first to take him.

catch-up

2008-06-30T21:48:00.003-04:00

Our days are flying! June is pretty much done which means that we have but 3 weeks left here on West Point. Such a bittersweet feeling...

We were invited to celebrate Independence Day with Frank's really good friend that is in the same cycling team. He is a very nice person and has a fabulous wife. Frank and I are very blessed to have friends such as these. I am sure that there will be tons of great pictures to take once we are there-- we are spending 3 days at their summer home so there will be no excuses!

After we get back next week, our move begins. We have to repaint the entire house to its original colors. On the 14th, our packers begin boxing everything up. It should take them 2-3 days depending on how large the crew is, and on the 17th, our household goods will be on its way to Kansas! More details on our move to follow.

finally done

2008-06-23T21:46:00.003-04:00

I finally finished The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I was determined to finish it this past weekend after starting several times in the past 6 months. I really like this book. I enjoy nonfiction and this book offered a glimpse at a life and lives really, of people that lead an unconventional life. It had me gasping and sighing quite frequently, not believing some of the details in this book. I will not go into the details because I don't want to give anything away, all I could say is READ it! I recommend it!

I finished it on Saturday and quickly I grabbed my next read. I am on to Pride and Prejudice by of course, Jane Austen. I read this novel years and years ago, and it still rouses my anticipation!

Nothing much going on in our household besides Vacation Bible School starting today. The little ones enjoy it very much while the eldest volunteers her time as a Crew Leader. I have the best kids!

sadness sinks in...

2008-06-16T17:01:00.004-04:00

...and reality slaps us in the face.

Bailey left today and the last minutes that the girls had together were very difficult. Yes, they will talk every day, email, chat, and eventually Skype. But it still hurt-- they will miss each other tons.

i am melting...

2008-06-10T10:10:00.003-04:00

It was another scorcher yesterday, Monday. I took Alexys, Bailey, M, and B to the mall so they can catch a show and hang-out. I couldn't believe my eyes, it was 105 degrees when we reached our destination! The kids went to the show while I shopped. The mall we went to is 4 levels of shopping with a lower level of parking- so five total. Let me say that the mall felt like a greenhouse! I guess their A/C couldn't keep up with the heat because most of the stores were an oven! I sought out refuge at the Lindt store-- they of course have to keep their temps low enough in order for their merchandise not to spoil! That refuge cost me about a pound I am sure! Those peanut butter truffles are amazing!

When we got back home the temp had dropped down ten degrees but it was still hot! The kids got out the water guns and had a good time battling each other.

happy birthday, mom

2008-06-08T20:58:00.003-04:00

Today is my ma's birthday. The girls called her this morning to wish her a fabulous day.

The day was very hot once again. Both little ones would have short spurts of outside fun. They painted outdoors and they blew bubbles. That is pretty much it as far as outdoor activities went.

Mid-day, we experienced a huge storm coupled with thunder and lightning. WTH? It was rather odd, but we rolled with it. Alexys and Bailey ran outside to play in the rain and so I grabbed my cam and took the shots. They were rather crazy, if you ask me!

through the humid lens

2008-06-07T19:43:00.004-04:00

It was hot. It was HOT. It was actually very humid! The temps were in the 90's today and being that I am originally a So. Cali girl, I can easily handle 90 degree weather, even 100. But I do not do well with humid temps. And it isn't the vain, hair-worrying side of me saying this, I can actually give a hoot about that stuff, really (that is, if I am not going anywhere special of course since I am my mother's daughter). It is the suffocating feeling that I get. I can eventually get used to it if I am gradually introduced to the humidity. But to got from a cool, dry temp to a high, humid one the next day doesn't cut it. I do not do well with the submerging of either very high humid temperatures or very low, wet ones. So there.

The little kids played in the front yard in the sprinkler today while Alexys and Bailey played in the back yard in the kiddie pool. Frank had a race in Rhode Island so we pretty much hung out all day. Other than Alexys going to Bailey's riding (equestrian) competition for a couple of hours, none of us left the house-- besides Frank.

I took the camera out back to shoot the big girls having some fun, of course hoping to get a good embarrassing shot I can hold over their heads and taunt them for a few days. I figured if I got a good one, I could easily threaten to show it to their bf's. But nothing really good is in my power...Argh...

My lens got all fogged up from the shocking temp change when I went outside. So that is why some of the shots look so faded! They are through a foggy lens.

class of 2008

2008-06-05T21:23:00.002-04:00

...and future Class of 2012.

Wednesday was graduation day. So bittersweet the day was. A great day in a sense, but a reminder that our kids are growing up before our eyes. Half of the class will leave this summer while the other half carries on. Alexys and her bff being amongst the leaving half. It will be a difficult time, but that is one of the things that makes Army Brats so special-- they can endure so much change and grow... they adapt, drive-on, all while loving and enjoying their friendships only to say goodbye after a couple of years.

Alexys' age now allows her a broader capability of keeping in touch. She has mastered the ancient art of texting and is working diligently on her IMing skills. I am confident that she will continue her friendships across state lines and even across continents.

The ceremony was great, everything went smoothly. We were so proud of our beautiful, intelligent, and multi-talented graduate.

Even smart kids can be silly...

Awe..................

Did I mention that the kids on these pictures are all very intelligent with a variety of talents? Yep, they are!

grad dance

2008-06-05T20:59:00.002-04:00

The graduation dance was on Tuesday. The kids were very excited about it and was the talk of the month! Alexys looked beautiful and her date M looked very handsome. They made a very attractive couple although they were a 10 on the shy scale! I don't think that they like to be photographed... M put on the corsage so sweetly and as it is plain to see by the 1st shot, Alexys was in lala land as well. I have to hand it to them, they were so nicely color-coordinated! Kudos to M for asking Alexys for the color of her dress-- and double kudos to his mom for suggesting it to him so he can match the tie with the dress.

All of her girlfriends looked very pretty. I don't think I have ever seen this crowd looking so good! I am used to seeing them in their running clothes all sweaty after a run.

While I was taking the pix of the kids, I couldn't help to think about how lucky they are to have such a beautiful setting on such a beautiful day. The slightly overcast sky offered a coolness about it that allowed the kids to not get overheated and so it offered all the parents more time of recording history. We were all so proud of our kids and we were all so eager to take every shot we could from every angle.

The kids had a blast at the dance and Alexys and her BFF's had a sleepover afterwards, which was the only right thing to do: A recap of the evening was in order of course!

sprinkler fun

2008-05-27T09:40:00.002-04:00

When we got back from NJ, the kids wanted to play in the sprinkler... why not? They got into their suits and off they went!

happy memorial day!

2008-05-27T09:18:00.002-04:00

I hope that every one's day was pleasant and that everyone took a moment to take in what this day actually is. Let us never take for granted those that have sacrificed the ultimate.

The day started off with a house full of lazy, sleepy girls. Dad finally managed to wake us up and get our behinds in gear to head out the door to Sommersville, NJ where he was going to race. Meanwhile the race was going on, the town was having a celebration. They had vendors, food, a petting zoo, moon bouncers and all sorts of neat things for kids.

The girls bounced around while Alexys finished her homework assignments under a tree. Did I mention the day was without a cloud in the sky?

I don't really agree or condone petting zoos-- at least some of them. But I indulged the girls in petting the animals that seemed (to me) to be sedated. (Reason in point!) They fed the animals one round after much begging on their part. I tried to explain that these animals' activity level is close to none and there are hundreds of people feeding them all day, it can't be healthy! The girls somewhat understood and agreed to one feeding of the food provided. Later on I saw them feeding the ponies grass-- in their mind it was a plant, therefore it was healthy! Goodness, there I go again explaining the reason why we don't feed the animals grass!

My girls really, really wanted to ride the ponies. There, I couldn't budge. I seriously could not bring myself to allowing such thing. These poor animals had been there all day with nowhere to run and people sitting on them all day. Yes, I know many will not agree with me, but it's my prerogative. The girls ultimately understood. So they caressed, rubbed, and loved on the animals instead.

There was also a station where kids can make Spin Art which Angelene enjoyed.

breaking-in shoes... teenager style

2008-05-25T16:40:00.002-04:00

This Sunday afternoon has been one of the first days that we actually don't have to be somewhere... have to do something... etc...

After Church, while Frank went on a ride, the girls and I played outside. It is a beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky! The big girls also joined us outside. They multi-tasked by studying for a test while they completed their first attempt at breaking-in the shoes that they are wearing next week to their Grad dance! Exciting! So here they are studying-- Alexys and her BFF "B".

By the way... these kids do study when they say that they are.

These are the shoes...

BeeeeUTeeeFulllll!

scooting around

2008-05-25T16:24:00.002-04:00

So the afternoon pretty much ended on Saturday with the girls playing outside, and in the night Frank hung out with neighbors by the fire pit while I rested and went in-and-out of sleep. I was tired!

we hate good-bye's

2008-05-24T14:46:00.002-04:00

I guess it must be because we are always saying "see you later" to someone, being that we are a military family on the move!

Today, we took my parents to the airport. We did it as quickly and quietly as we could-- no commotion or long good-bye's. I don't want to foster such rituals in the kids. Good-bye's should be done similar to the removal of band-aids; quietly and quickly! Let it hurt in one wave-- don't prolong the inevitable! A lesson learned by many and most Army Brats and their families.

Our Army Brats are now home while their Tita and Tito are way up in the sky traveling cross-country back to their sunny home in California. Angelene and Alanah are running around playing music one minute and the next they are watching a movie and then again they change their mind and they run out back where their daddy is kindly washing both vehicles. Yes, it will most likely rain today, but the cars are screaming for a little soap!

Alexys just left with her BFF (see, I'm cool like that-- or something [that's for you!]) to the mall and to catch a flick.

The girls know that my parents will be visiting them for the winter holidays, so they are easily refocused when they ask questions. Kids are so cool!

(By the way-- Blue the dog misses my dad. She was very fond of his attentiveness to her feeding schedule!)

tooth fairy pays a call on us

2008-05-23T09:09:00.002-04:00

Angelene lost her very first tooth yesterday! After school I was greeted by an "It fell!" instead of my usual "hi mommy". She waited so long... 2 full school years of watching her peers as they discussed their tooth fairy loot and such. While some of her friends had lost half their baby teeth, she had lost none. What can I say? Our family has never been in a rush to lose those tiny pearly whites. Alexys was the same way. So her tooth finally fell out... she placed it under her pillow last night... this morning she found that the tooth fairy had indeed paid her a much awaited visit during the night.

My pretty girl now has a window in her mouth.

alto in the family

2008-05-23T09:05:00.004-04:00

Alexys' choir concert was last night. She did a great job-- she got a solo part and although she is her worse critic, she did wonderful! The entire senior choir did great. It is a little bittersweet to think that it will be the last musical concert she will be a part of in this school... Time sure does fly when you are having fun! These past 3 years have gone by so fast, we had a good time here.

broadway at the point

2008-05-20T15:53:00.005-04:00

The girls' dance recital was this past Sunday. The show was named Broadway at the Point and it was great! All the kids (ages 4 to 18) did a wonderful job! Angelene and Alanah were in 4 numbers.

Alanah's tap number was I just Can't Wait to be King from The Lion King. Note the tail in her hand!

Her ballet number was to The Girl I Mean to Be from Secret Garden.

Angelene's Ballet number was to I'm Not That Girl from Wicked-- funny, Alexys is dying to to go see the real Broadway show Wicked!

Her tap number was to You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile from Annie. Do I have to say what a show stopper this number was? TOO TOO cute for words!

The girls had a blast even though it was a lot of work! They were extremely tired that evening and ended up falling asleep during the car ride after dinner. We were very happy that their grandparents were able to finally be at their dance recital!

graduation

2008-05-19T08:58:00.004-04:00

Oh joy~ the final chapter to this roller coaster of a book that I have been reading for a long time! The day's forecast called for rain showers, but to the contrary of our weatherman's news, the day was filled with sunshine and a blue sky with not one itty bitty cloud in sight! With a gentle breeze and no trace of humidity, we were in for a tolerable ceremony. I was afraid that if it rained coupled with warmer temps and humidity, we would be stuck in a greenhouse! But the tent was very comfortable.

Now, I must add before I move one to photos: I detest taking photos of myself. I enjoy being behind the camera opposed to in front! But this being a special day, I convinced myself that it wouldn't kill me!

I also want to give credit where credit is due: Alexys took most of these shots. She did a pretty awesome job!

My parents were able to fly in from Cali which has been wonderful! Not only did they get to join me on this momentous day, but they will also be a part of a couple of other events in the girls' life that they always miss being that we live so far from each other.

This is our little family. My dad took this shot.

This is my mom-- and when she sees this on here she will not be a happy lady.

Here's my dad...

...and here we are-- minus Angelene who is playing somewhere around us and Alexys who is obvioulsy behind the camera.

spring concert

2008-05-15T09:48:00.004-04:00

Yesterday the elementary school had their Spring Concert. All grades (except Pre-k) put on a show. Angelene (1st grade) was very much into the groove of the music. She is such an entertainer! The kids did a fabulous job!

Parents of our schools here are very involved. The schools usually have a 100% parent attendance at every occasion. There has to be something said about this place! I am going to miss it once we leave this summer. I can't even imagine life any other way or place anymore. The environment both natural and social is very diff rent to what other places offer. Being surrounded by the Hudson and enjoying it everyday on my run doesn't hurt either! ;)

monday, monday

2008-05-12T21:16:00.003-04:00

Yay! My first with no school to think of! I am done-- YES! I love having the time to hang out with my girls and let them take their bath and do their homework without any rush. I actually hit the gym this evening at 7! I never was able to really do that; if I missed working out during the day due to my schedule, I was stuck not doing anything till the next day. Who wants to work out at 10 at night? Only nutty cyclists do that! (Oops.. are there any reading this?) Did I mention that cyclists have the nicest legs? ;)

Other great news is the receipt of a letter from the academy-- well, the prep school that Alexys had applied to. She apparently got accepted, but due to the fact that she was several months past the deadline for her admission application, she will be placed on a waiting list contingent on the school's attrition next academic year (which is only a few months away!). Obviously for coping mechanisms, I have convinced myself that she will not go this upcoming year and next year, I will seek out another method of coping. In all fairness though, she really does have the desire to go. She already told me matter of fact that if she gets a slot this year, she is accepting it. OMG!

Speaking of Alexys, the big talk around here has been graduation, Gettysburg, and the graduation dance. One down, two to go. Alexys and most of the 8th graders went to a 3-day trip to Gettysburg. This group had been studying it intensively for what I think was the entire year. They studied it inside and out, tactics, strategy, terrain, people, etc.. It is very impressive hearing a 13-year-old speak in detail about such a key subject. These kids know more than most adults! The kids had a wonderful time, although they had to deal with ticks! Eek! Now we await the Grad dance for which Alexys bought her dress this past Saturday-- it is an awesome dress and it looks so good on her! Then, it is graduation...

So that is a quick wrap-up of some of the events in our life! there is more, but the oven just beeped! I've got giant soft chocolate chip cookies ready to come out!

first school field trip

2008-05-12T10:22:00.004-04:00

Alanah (A3) and her class went on their first field trip! The plan was to take the kids to the Bear Mountain Zoo, but since it rained, we went with plan B which was to spend the time at the indoor carousel there at the park. The kids had a blast riding over and over on the ride-- we had the place to ourselves! After they had their "Gourmet Hot Dog" lunch, we headed back to our school. They will be talking about the field trip for months to come!

Alanah enjoyed analyzing the workings of the ride-- how and why mom? She is so inquisitive!

happy birthday!

2008-05-12T10:15:00.002-04:00

The birthday girl does not appreciate her mug shot being taken! She gets that from mom!

catching up

2008-05-12T09:56:00.004-04:00

We finally fixed the PC issues we've been having enough to be able to download my shots from the past month. Unfortunately, we lost years worth of photos in our other PC, but I guess we live and learn. We must always back-up our files! So before I get into current family events, I am going to play a little catch-up with my photos.

These shots are from a stage race Frank competed in PA on April 27th.

All in all, it went well. It was a rather relaxing weekend for us girls, considering the perpetual smell of cow manure 24 hours a day!

deals of the day

2008-05-02T10:49:00.003-04:00

Disney 40% off sleepwear and shipping only $5 with coupon code SHIPFOR5

Libby Lou $10 Libby Loot with every make-over in the month of May

Origins Friends & Family sale 25% off with code 0508FF with free shipping on orders over $25-- and until 5 May, you can get a free 2nd day shipping upgrade with code 05081

in memory of laurie

2008-05-02T10:23:00.002-04:00

I have been in total shock and disbelief for the past 12 hours. Late last night I found out that a cyber friend I met on a board had passed away. She is my same age and also has 3 kids. She was a funny, generous, trusting and giving person. She always had something funny to add to any and all discussions. I am still in shock! All night I kept thinking about her and her kids. I just couldn't stop my mind from racing. Eventually, I guess I ended up dozing up sometime this morning after 3 (I remember watching FOX at 3). So this morning at 8:30 A2 comes into my room to notify me that her neck does not hurt so much anymore (yesterday morning she woke up with a very stiff neck which prevented her from going to school until the Motrin kicked in). I realized we had overslept by 2 hours! In my stupor last night, I didn't get my cell phone on my night stand-- and I use that as my alarm. Well, I got A2 ready for school in a record breaking 20 minutes-- gave her a cereal bar and drove her to school. The funny thing is, that my neighbor and I carpool. Friday is her day. A bit a go she came to tell me that she knocked and nothing (my doorbell is broken) and since the kitchen door was wide open, she came into the kitchen-- into the dining room and it was quiet. She called out for me-- nada! So where was Blue the dog? She didn't even move a muscle to greet her. She also slept through it!

Anyway, back to Laurie. This gal was one serious shopper-- she LOVED to shop but she also loved a good deal. So several times we would email coupon codes to each other. Just a couple of months ago I mailed her my Coach coupon because Coach forgot hers! The nerve of them, with all the business she brings to that place!

I am going to add to this blog all of the weekly coupon codes that I get through companies' marketing emails, through my good friends emails, and the good old fashion mail. I will post them here to share-- I usually email them to you all, but I will list them here.

Please mention Laurie's kids in your prayers!

happy birthday A1!

2008-05-01T21:42:00.002-04:00

Today is A1's 14Th birthday! I really don't know where time goes! She is fourteen! I feel so old...

The day falling on a school night pretty much assures a mild celebration. Besides taking her one of her fave lunches to school today, her friends celebrated with her at the local coffee shop here on post (typical for this age, I guess). Afterwards, the family sang to her and she blew her candles. It wasn't the typical birthday cake-- she asked for her favorite desert: Peanut Butter Cookie Pie-- a 10 year-old family favorite. My good pal Phyllis, from Show242 shared this great recipe with me when we were all living in Alaska many moons ago. Since that day, this pie has been a family staple several times a year.

It is hard to believe that she is about to graduate middle school. In no time at all, she will be learning to drive!

playing catch-up

2008-05-01T16:40:00.004-04:00

Hello friends and family. It has been quite some time (in blogging time) that I've been here. So sorry... especially to family! There will be no photos in this entry-- just a quick recap about the last week and a half or so.

Our new lap top's on switch malfunctioned. So it was out of commission until Frank or I had time to call Dell and get the parts needed to fix. (Man, I want a Mac so bad...)So we were down to the main PC and the basement PC which is okay, but it is older and the monitor isn't super big like we like. I had been working the blogs from our main PC-- downloading all our pics there and managing everything that entails this blog. I did hate it though-- I am more of a lap-top girl than anything else...(wow, that sounds kinda wild, right?) So what happens a week ago? The main PC decides to freak out as well! It wasn't sending the signals needed! Man, was I p'd off! There goes all of my photo files with that one-- A1's Itune's library, Frank's music library-- (my Itune's is on the laptop, of course). So now we were down to one computer! Wow! How did people manage back when... Needless to say, I hated working on the basement PC-- it is not my favorite place to be. The kids like playing down there since they have tons of toys there and Frank spends a huge chunk of his life there spinning on days that offers foul weather. But me, it is just a reminder that I need to do laundry! (our laundry room is adjacent to the main room). So I didn't post for this reason. BUT my wonderful husband found the time to call Dell and order whatever needed to be ordered, Dell expedited the shipment of such part and husband installed it the minute he had was able to squeeze it in. So now I have my beautiful, lovely, and ever-so-missed laptop. I do have photos to post, but will do another day.

Last week we got A1's SSAT results--- Yay! She did awesome. She scored very high in all areas! Statistically speaking (nationwide) she is waaaaay up there! I wont share her scores because she would never speak to me again! (she is extremely shy about stuff like this)

While we are on the academic path, last Friday my school had its Honor's Day ceremony. I am graduating with 4 honors-- and in the top 10% of my class--- yay! (I, am not shy about these things!)

This past weekend, the family headed out to PA to accompany Frank to do a stage race. I will post about it another day once I can offer photos with my journal.

I don't have time to edit this post for errors--lol being that I have to be in class in one hour ready to finish negotiations. Yes, we are in the middle of negotiations in my Labor Relations class. Thankfully, I am management.

Somewhat caught-up now. Details will follow with photos, hopefully soon.

Hugs!

spring has sprung!

2008-04-16T09:43:00.006-04:00

The weather has been amazing! The days are getting warmer every day. Today we are expecting temps to actually reach the 70's! This week's beautiful sunshine and warmer climate (very windy though) has brought me to the outdoors. I am a gym brat-- I don't really venture outdoors to workout like mane people here on West Point. But this week, I changed my routine. Yes, I actually took my workout outdoors. There are some killer hills here and they can kick butt! Blue has also appreciated my new routine. She gets to go with me all over and she too, gets a good workout. I figure this will only last for the next 2 months. Once the humidity arrives, see ya! Back to the gym I go! Actually, I do plan on frequenting the gym a couple of times a week to get my strength training done at the Body Pump classes. If you have never attended a Body Pump class, you must! It is an hour of light weights and high repetitions of non-stop sets targeting your entire body! They are fun, motivating, and a super workout!

and he takes third!

2008-04-12T19:31:00.003-04:00

I was just updated on F's race today. He placed 3rd and is very happy-- we are thrilled and proud of him!

We'll see how he does tomorrow in Central Park...

at the yard sale

2008-04-12T19:02:00.003-04:00

Today was a full day. Early in the morning, F took A1 to go take her exam, the SSAT. Meanwhile, the girls and I hung out outside while the neighborhood held it's bi-yearly Yard Sale. We decided not to participate-- it is too much work and hassle for the amount of money people will be willing to pay. So, we usually give away the kids' stuff to friends and we donate the rest to Goodwill. The kids were very busy running around and chasing each other. They did have some sit-down play once in a while... not much though. At some point, they decided they wanted to play make-up artist. So they began to pile on the make-up and the nail polish. This kept them busy for a good 30 minutes.

A2 is making sure she glams those pretty eyes...

In the front of the houses-- across the street (a narrow one-way street) is a little hill that the kids love to climb. They are constantly scaling it and playing up there.

A3 made sure she painted her fingernails...

Here is one of our youngest little neighbors kids--Little Miss. A! She was so cute , I couldn't resist!

We did have an incident today. One of the neighbors-- one nobody really knows well-- had their dog out during the yard sale. He bit a couple of people and also A3. A3 is alright-- she went to the ER and had it checked out. Is she afraid of dogs now? Heck no! As soon as we got home, she went over to another neighbor's yard to play with her Husky!

We are finally winding down for the evening-- dad has the DVD in the machine, the munchies are ready (he brought home Panera! YUM!) and we are ready to relax! By the way, A1 feels confident about her performance on the SSAT.

surfer girl

2008-04-10T11:43:00.006-04:00

Apparently, I went out surfing last night and I refused to take A3 along. I surfed for hours and caught many, many waves! ha ha ha

A3 informed me this morning that she had a nightmare last night. I asked her to share it with me. She went on and on about how I went surfing and I did not take her along! I can't help to chuckle when I get a visual... yeah right! Last month when the family and I went to Great Escape during Spring Break, I didn't even want to body surf on their cool-high tech man-made wave pool. Not with 30 people watching! A1, A2, and A3 of course rode the wave. A3 was probably the youngest kid that I saw there try it. She did okay, but when then she wiped out and she no longer wanted to do it again! A1 did well. And A2 was a PRO! She even got applause! Again, this is a 6-year-old we are talking about! She was riding the wave for so long, that the person teaching yelled to her to do a trick-- get on all fours-- and that she did...like a PRO! She was so darn good! The sad thing is that while everyone cheered for her and high-fived her when she was done, Daddy wasn't there to watch...:( He was somewhere in the hotel grading papers. And well, the line to get back on was about an hours wait-- 5 and 6-year-old's don't do appreciate the wait.

what's up with all the code?

2008-04-09T22:34:00.007-04:00

Happy hump day everybody. Let me start off today by going over all the (ahem...shhh) code like A1, A2, etc... As I have mentioned in this blog, we are a military family. Despite the fact that most people that visit my blog will have good intentions, there are still some very unscrupelous people out there. So for the time being-- (until I can ease my extreme paranoia) I will refer to most people in the family or anyone that I post photos of as a letter. I know, I know-- it can get to be a drag. But while I am still new to the blogging deal and I get more at ease with it, please bear with me.

Another clarification I would like to make--(and I thought I'd mention since my good friend P over at show242family brought it up)-- yes, there is a third Brat for those of you that don't know me. NO, Blue is not in any way or form, our third brat! :) A1 has been hiding from me whenever I whip out the camera. She ducks for cover and fights me over this. So, I have made it my mission to get her by this weekend. Somehow...somewhere... If not, I will be left with no choice but to confiscate her cell phone and download her photos... I have seen those photos and I am sure with that threat over her head, she may become quite the little model!

On to A3. Today after a long day of school and shopping, the girls were playing so nicely and I of course, being the mother that thinks every little gesture and movement is better than the last, took the shots! Enjoy them!

A3 has a depth to her that astonishes me ever so often. Ever since she was a baby (not that she isn't anymore) she would gaze out into space it seemed. Now that she is adapt to verbalize her feelings and thoughts, she usually has a question or a statement to share after one of these moments of Kiddie Meditation. ha ha

She really gave me a hard time today taking her photos. Most of the 50 I took were candid.

If there is something that I can be accused of is: Preseverence.

I also wanted to share my joy about my good old pal (another Army wife and mom) that just began her blog. I know she will do an awesome job. She is quite the scrapbooker. She is taking suggestions about what to include in her blog, and my input is going to be: Please P-- share your scrapbook pages! Hopefully she can give us ideas and tips... Oh and let me add, she is a chef. So maybe if I twist her arm, she will also add a recipe corner... C'mon-- do it! I, myself will be adding one in the next few days when I get a little time to get organized. I will add her blog address to my page ---> side bar ---> so visit her site and take a look at her beautiful family!

Hasta Luego!

what day is it?

2008-04-08T23:39:00.004-04:00

It is Tuesday today and we all know how I feel about them. There are just not enough hours in the day to get everything done. I am finally done with tomorrow's homework (it is 11:45pm) and I really should be in bed considering it is almost midnight. But I just wanted to include some news that I was given today. I found out that I am graduating in the top 10% of my class next month. Is that not exciting? Not too shabby for an old gal with 3 kids and a non-stop routine...Okay, okay enough about that.

I don't think I had mentioned this, but I took out all refined sugars from my diet for a week. I was doing great on day 5...until tonight. I was at school and I needed a drink. I popped into the bookstore and quickly grabbed what seemed to me a Diet Cherry Pepsi. Half way through drinking the bottle, I noticed it wasn't diet. Yep-- I wasn't very happy. I guess I will just have to ad another day. This means that on Friday I can have a candy bar again! Not that I need it, of course :()

Goodnight!

monday, monday

2008-04-07T22:55:00.002-04:00

This morning before school, A2 and I had a few minutes to spare to take a moment to takes some shots of her. I was afraid that we would get rain and again, the natural light would be at a minimum. She was ever so playful as always...

I am not kidding-- she loves to pose!

Blue got out today...again. Honestly, I am losing my patience with her-- I have to remember not to let the little things get to me. It is tough though. She keeps getting out and roaming the neighborhood until she decides to come home. I have tried chasing her, driving after her, you name it, I've tried it! I may have to call in Cesar to help us out. Yeah, the Dog Whisperer! F makes fun of me when I watch the show.

I read somewhere today about making not-so-unhealthy brownies. Grant it they are still not healthy, but not as unhealthy as the normal variety. Apparently, all you do is take a Devils Food cake mix and a can of pure pumpkin, mix them together and place batter into a muffin mold and voila! I don't know how they taste, but I hear pretty good! I think I may have to make some tomorrow sometime...

Oh and on to some super-duper news. I found out today that my cousin is 12 weeks pregnant! This will be her 2nd as she has a little girl that was born just a couple of weeks prior to A2's birth. I had the opportunity to be in California (where we originally come from) during my last trimester. During this time, two cousins and I had baby girls!

Oh well, Monday...Monday...

more change

2008-04-06T21:59:00.004-04:00

Yep, I changed it once again. The black background kept bothering my eyes and it distracted me from the photos. I guess it would work for a single shot, but I have so many on the page that it gets too busy. This looks cleaner than the last one.

a3's fun...too!

2008-04-06T19:23:00.003-04:00

A2 isn't much of a model-- she really could care less if the camera is after her-- or perhaps it's an act... yes, that must be it!

She is always after my cup of Joe, why is that? A1 was the same way. A3 takes every opportunity to swipe anything of mine that contains some form of caffeine.

CAUGHT in the moment! She can't say it wasn't her when I ask who drank my drink!

She is always the character! A girly girl, really...

She is a Texan for those that were not aware...

Really! Hails from Fort Hood, Texas!

After our little photo shoot fun, the neighbors came out and played with the girls. We hung out until the cold got the best of the moms. It is already April, but the air still has a crisp to it and at times, somewhat chilly.

On another note, F had a race today in the city and he came in 10th. That is terrific! Sorry, no photos or details. I promise one of these days I will have the entire story!

a2's fun outside

2008-04-06T19:06:00.006-04:00

Despite the over cast sky, we went outside to play. What a great opportunity for some cool, candid shots. Well, maybe not-so with A2's shots. She is quite the little model. I keep reminding her not to pose. But she just can't help it! She naturally has a flirtatious nature about her (that her dad doesn't appreciate, of course) and she clearly can't help it! So here are a fraction of the shots we took outside of her just a few minutes ago!

She is such a cool kid! She is also quite the performer-- on stage as well as off! I should look into getting her an agent...

bike ride with dad

2008-04-06T18:23:00.002-04:00

Saturday afternoons are simply the best! There is still plenty of weekend left and the kids have a great time playing and just being kids. We are in no time constraints (most of the time) and we all get to indulge in whatever makes us happy. For me, it is shopping, watching some TLC, and reading. For F is mostly riding, A1 hanging out with her BFF, and the 2 little ones-- play time! Today, (Saturday) F took the kids out to Trophy Point on their bikes. They stopped at Subway along the way to pick up some lunch and once they got to their destination, they picnicked.

Getting all geared up-- A2 recently got a new bike. Soon the training wheels will come off.

All set to go...
There they go...
Unfortunately, F didn't take a camera with him so there are no photos of their picnic at Trophy Point. But I hear that they had a very good time!

book I am reading

2008-04-02T21:15:00.002-04:00

I am currently reading Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin.

It is a wonderful and inspirational true story about how a man's failed attempt to climb K2 inspires him to make the promise to an impoverished mountain village that he will somehow return and build a school for their children, especially the girls. I will not say anymore so I don't give the entire story away. If you are looking for a good, easy and positive read, give this a try!

the craziest day of the week

2008-04-01T23:57:00.005-04:00

Tuesdays... How I dread Tuesdays...

I shouldn't complain, they are actually loaded with fun and entertainment, but it is the most hectic, non-stop day of the week for me! Both A2 and A3 have dance on Tuesdays. A3 goes to dance for about 1 1/2 hours in the morning, consisting of half ballet and half tap. Although she has yet to master the technique of grace, she is truly a trooper! She goes at it with such diligence! We think she would be best suited for Jazz or maybe that STOMPing style...

She does a few stretches in order to warm up and get ready to practice her ballet routine. This is her 1st year dancing, while most of her class are in their 2nd year. She wasn't interested in dance last year, until she went to A2's recital and she too, wanted to wear a pretty costume and dance on stage.

Being that A2 is in an older group, her lessons run approximately 2 hours long. Half of Ballet and the other of Tap. This is her 3rd year dancing, she really loves it, although Tap has become more work than in the prior years. Even us moms have tried to do shuffle combinations and we have to hand it to the girls, those combos are tough!

Here the girls have to stretch out before dancing. Their instructor Susan, is very good. She is the most patient person! She always makes sure the kids are all warmed up and stretched properly before they can start to dance.

The girls' recital is next month! So is my graduation and A1's 14th birthday! Busy, busy month!

On another note, F had a race today and I beleive that he placed 6th. I don't know the details, but will post them as soon as I get them!

tree huggers

2008-03-30T20:06:00.012-04:00

Today was a very laid back type of day. It had to be. Blue had a case of the runnies sometime during the wee hours of the night. This created commotion for A1 and her bff "B" (yeah, I'm hip with the lingo!) and this resulted in an obviously rough night for us. The story as we believe it to be is that while I was with my Friend, the girls (little and big) were hanging out baking a cake, eating the candy and chocolate I had bought them earlier in the day and working on crafts. During this time, apparently Blue got into the candy and well, you can figure the rest... F got back from Gettysburg in the afternoon tired so he dove into a siesta while the girls and I went outside to hang out with our neighbors and we decided we would get the fire going in order to warm up and roast marshmallows. Did I mention that it is still cold here? It is in the 40's but the wet wind feels more like the 30's!

It was a great end to a great (but sleep deprived) weekend. I for one, am looking forward to jumping into our cozy bed! By the way, if anyone is in the market for a new mattress, we recommend Dormia http://dormia.com/ we have been very pleased with our purchase.

Not even the cold will stop these kids from having a good time!

A2 has a ton of energy like her little friend "N" .

I am such a proud mom, I have TreeHuggers in my children! They were chanting "treehuggers, treehuggers..." while they gave this old Maple some lovin'. All kidding aside, I have tried to be more conscious and have been trying to be a little greener whenever I can. I am now using reusable shopping bags when I go to the grocery store-- and they actually hold more and are way better! Of course we recycle all that can be recycled, we stopped using paper napkins about 3 months ago and have switched to using cloth. Those nice napkins aren't for special occasion anymore-- it's an every day occasion! I have acquired quite the collection! As soon as my cleaners are finished, I will begin to make my own! More on that later...

it's ladies' night

2008-03-28T20:32:00.006-04:00

Frank is out of town on a staff ride to Gettysburg. Lucky him! So, it is only us girls today. A1 is at a Luau being hosted by the God's Gang club so she will be having a good time then. A2 and A3 have been busy since school got out. It was raining on and off today, so I knew that the play would have to be mostly done indoors. A2's girl pal came over for a play date afterschool so the three girls had a good time playing the regular games: My Little Pony, Bratz, Littlest Pet Shop, among other games. After a few hours of that, we went out to find some dinner. It is late and the girls should be getting ready for bed, but they are so goal-oriented at the moment that I don't want to be the cause of a break in concentration. They are working with these little peg board thingy-things and it takes great calm and patience. I decided to take a snapshot of this time-consuming undertaking.

A3 soon became frustrated when all of the little tubes kept sliding off with every little shake of the table or with every yawn… A2 kept to her task. She ended up feeling very accomplished when in the end, she completed her cat. I ran upstairs to the ironing board and pressed her cat. She created a colorful work of art! Needless to say, this is the conclusion to a very busy Friday evening. We will now call daddy on his cell and bid him a goodnight.

easter morning

2008-03-28T12:47:00.009-04:00

What a great Easter! Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to take many photos of the girls in their Easter outfits. We were running late to mass-- (truthfully, we were on time but Easter and Christmas services are always the most popular Masses so the Church overflows). We decided to take photos after mass. Well, it wasn't too good of an idea. The wind was blowing hard and the girls' hair was all over the place! The overcast sky wasn't very accommodating as well.A2 didn't want anything to do with the camera and was begging to get in the car! A3 was the only one that battled the wind with me while daddy went to get the car. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that he had to park VERY far from the actual Church's property! We finally headed out to go grab brunch and by the time we got home, the girls were all so eager to change into their play clothes! So that they did and the rest of the afternoon was spent outside riding their bikes and scooters, playing football with daddy, and just being silly!

under construction

2008-03-28T08:44:00.001-04:00

I can't beleive that I finally gave into the blogging trend and am now creating my first blog! I feel so cliche, but I figured this can actually be fun! With my studies soon coming to an end, I will have a little more time to dedicate to other things, so why not blogging? For the time being, I will be designing a "look" for this page and also trying to make a final decision as to what the parameters will be for my posting of photos. Being that we are a military family, I am somewhat hesitant to go all out, so there will have to be limits. Of course, Frank doesn't think it's a good idea, and perhaps he is totally right (there, I said it!). There's a compromise somewhere-- for those that know me well, they know I am a strong advocate of balance in one's life and in everything we do. So, I will eagerly find that balance between acting prudently with one's personal life and blogging! (is that even a word?)