Pumpkin Patch!

Is it just me or is my tummy about to pop out of that shirt?

dusty and HOT...Arizona needs more "liquid sunshine."

He LOVES halloween...check out that gigantic pumpkin he picked out.

Pregnant lady squat...that pumpkin reflects how big I feel my belly is right now.

My cutie patootie in the pumpkin patch!

Apple Annies tractor photo op...

Happy Fall Time!

Little Giggle's 1st month of 1st grade

LIttle giggle has been having some troubles in school. First, we heard through the grapevine that she'd been expelled for 2 days for throwing a fit. Then we heard that she was having some "medical tests" done on her to rule out certain things. Finally, we got word that she'd been removed from the regular first grade class and placed in a "special needs" class...

Yes...(mouths open wide)...what does that all mean?

Well, it means that Miss Maddie is still behaving erratically just like she did the past 4 years in pre-schools. Its frustrating that "people" thought she'd just all of a sudden become a behaved child once she hit public school. She's been kicked out of so many preschools for poor behavior I have to say that this didn't surprise me much...but it does make me incredibly sad and frustrated for her.

So...whats the current status... When John met with the teacher and principal they said her behavior was some of the worst they'd seen. That is was similar to children with severe emotional disabilities, but neither of them thought that was the case with her...they think she acts this way because its how she's been allowed to act.

They have whats called the "safe room" at school...a small room, painted white used for children that are throwing temper tantrums. Maddie, apparently, has spent a lot of time in the safe room during her first month of 1st grade.

Her new class only has 7 children in it and 4 teachers. Its a class for children with special needs for emotional disabilities. What a stigma to place on a 6-year old! But, I do see some good things that will come out of this.

1. Her IQ was tested and she scored a 139. So what does an IQ score of 139 mean?
According to the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, an IQ Score of 139 is classified as very superior intelligence. An IQ of 139 or higher means that you are more intelligent than approximately 98% of the rest of the world. Only two percent ( 2% ) of the population can match an iq score or higher.

2. Because of her IQ test they are now teaching her at a second grade level. Perhaps a more challenging work load will help her focus and concentrate more?

3. With 4 teachers and 7 kids there is bound to be lots of one-on-one time that is spent helping Maddie understand good behavior, appropriate reactions, and good learning habits.

4. John is now finally "in the loop" with what is happening with his daughter. There were commitments from the principal and teacher to make sure he was notified if there were issues at school.

What will happen with this little girl. She is so smart and fun and I am blown away when we hear stories of her behavior. None of that happens when she is with us...none of it. It can't just be a boundaries issue...can it?

Someday I'd like to see John have a chance to help Maddie...as in full-time care...which means she'd come live with us. I think she needs her dad's style of love and discipline. I think she needs the strict boundaries he places on her and the kind of structure he can provide.

Who knows if that will ever happen...I'll just continue to wish and hope that something good and smart happens for her...I can't imagine another 12 years of school with this type of start.

Portland Vacation

I thought I'd better write a bit about our fabulous yet too short vacation in Portland.

I arrived early to help out with some work commitments and Mr. C flew in on Thursday night. Poor thing arrived at the hotel I was staying at around midnight absolutely exhausted. I, on the other hand...had spent a leisurely evening shopping with my dear friend for baby stuff, , eating Japanese cuisine and watching TV waiting for John to arrive.

The next morning we headed to my in-laws house...they had so kindly set up their motorhome outside the front of the house so we could sleep in there with the kids and still have some privacy. It was the perfect arrangement.

John's grandfather was also there from Kennewick, WA so we had a pretty full house and it was wonderful to have so much family around.

We beat the kids to the house by about 10 minutes. It was pretty cute watching Mr. C peer anxiously out the window while waiting for them and sure enough...when they pulled up both little giggle and chortle when racing for their dad. **sigh** They missed him as much as he missed them.

They were also both carrying cute little bear signs that read, "Its a girl!"

The weekend was a whirlwind! We played and had a big family dinner on Friday, football game and baby shower on Saturday, Salmon Festival on sunday and back to school/home to Arizona on Monday.

We met Lexi's new squeeze...He JUST turned 20, rides motorcycles and works in a guitar store. Pretty nice guy...tried really hard to fit in and be part of the family. I thought he was a good match for our music loving almost 18-year old!

Eric played a GREAT game of football on Saturday. He looked so cute in his uniform and so SMALL compared to some of the other guys on his team. We had a full house at the game...Great grandpa, grandpa, dad, me, auntie sarah, 4 cousins, uncle mike, sissy lexi and maddie...it was a fun cheering section.


Orion and Sarah came and spent most of Saturday with us. It was wonderfully fun. John took the kids to play while Sarah and I went to the baby shower that had been planned. The shower was really fun and Orion ended up spending the night in the motorhome with us. He and Eric had a great time playing together.

The Mike Larson family came over for the family dinner on friday and also on Saturday and we had so much fun just chatting and hanging out...the little guys are getting so big. Josh is still "little boy gullible" and came to hear my secret every time I told him I had one...of course it was always a tickle. Jake...much more wary of his crazy auntie Anna and I was amazed at how much Nick had grown...he's really starting to look more like his mom.

The Salmon Festival with Sarah, Greg and Orion was a big surprise. WAY more fun than I thought it would be...We drove out to Oxbow park on the East side of Portland...the festival had all kinds of kid-oriented things to do. The best was the life-cycle of the salmon bracelets they made. All three kiddos can tell you how and where a salmon is born, lives, spawns and dies. Pretty impressive for an afternoon at a festival. They also had a big Indian village complete with teepees and smoked salmon to try. We also spent a little bit of time just sitting down by the Sandy river. It was so peaceful and beautiful. I really missed Oregon at that moment...

At the end of it all...we went out for breakfast on Monday morning and let the kids play hookey from school for the morning hours. When John dropped Maddie off he met with her principal and teachers. More on Maddie in another post...

We said some sad goodbyes and then spent the next couple of hours packing and cleaning out our mess in the motorhome.

Goodbye dear Oregon! We'll miss you!

sprechen sie deutsche?

HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU!

John received a request for orders (RFO) last Tuesday. What that means is he received the "precursor" to actual orders that give us a move date, time and location that is 100% for the Army...

BUT...the RFO is "nearly" as good in that it at least gives us a timeframe and a location.

Anyone want to come visit us in GERMANY next summer???

Vilseck, Germany - to be exact...


Vilseck is located in the state of Bavaria approximately 60 miles from Nuernberg, 29 miles from Weiden and 25 miles from Amberg. And its close to Austria, Czech Republic and Poland. I am so so excited!

A little history for those of you who might be interested...In 1907, Prince Luitpold,regent of Bavaria, selected the area near Grafenwoehr as the place best suited for training of the Bavarian Army. Throughout WWI, from 1914-1918, the training area was used for training andre-equipping of combat units.

In 1936, Adolf Hitler came to power and in a few years the training area became too small for the fast growing German army.

The American era began after the last German Commander of the training area surrendered to the American forces on 20 April 1945. During the first few years, only units stationed at Grafenwoehr used the training area. In 1947, the American Army reactivated the training area for unit training purposes.

Still in shock...

It all started on Saturday...a warm day...football game playing...little Chortle in uniform and all of us there to watch when Cruella Deville came marching up to me.

And in summary...shocked the h-e-double hockeysticks out of me. She told me I was looking wonderful. She told me my baby belly was adorable. She told me how happy she was for Mr. C and I. She was incredibly friendly and to be honest...I just didn't know quite what to say.

So I introduced her to my sissy Sarah and then she left.

Afterward...this comment was made, "Wow...she practically gave you a BFF bracelet." (BFF stands for best friends forever for those of you not familiar with the acronym.)

Could it be that a new leaf is being turned? She called Mr. C yesterday and OFFERED the kids to us for Christmas... Less than a month ago her response was, "Hell no."

We're wary...is it a ploy? A trick? Is it for real? We're not used to this, but I hope its here to stay.

I'll have to come up with a new name...if this continues, Cruella Deville will no longer be appropriate!

Another little buggy friend in AZ...

New "do"

Red

I did an interesting thing yesterday...I got a hair in my bonnet...literally and decided I needed a style change. I now have RED hair. Yes...you heard me right. Its actually auburn red...I like it ok...still getting used to it.

Pictures to come.

What oh what will my pregnancy hormones bring on next? :)

Little lizard on the wall

Just a little friend we see often. He's probably about 10-12 inches long and is often hanging out at our house.

We have our tickets!

We're coming back to Portland! I'm so excited. I fly in on Tuesday, October 7th and John flies in on Thursday, October 9th. We'll be there until Monday, October 13th when we go back to phoenix just in time for the NEW KIDS concert....

I really am excited...Hoorah!

Friday

I
Am
So
Glad
Its
Friday.

Phew....

The weekend is almost here.

Plus...did you know I've found the secret to weight loss?

She or He?

We found out the sex of our little alleykitten!

Visit BabyChucklehead to find out!
http://babychucklehead.blogspot.com/

Mixture of emotions

Today is just one of those days. After posting all about my excitement regarding boy bands I came across my cousin's blog that had this video and story...

There is a christian element to it as well as a familial love element to it...I couldn't help but watch it with tears streaming down my face and fall in love with this video...and this story...

THE STORY OF TEAM HOYT:
A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me? The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together.

Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes' too.

Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever.The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island.

Watch the video as Father and son complete the race together.


Follow-up story:
The real life story of Team Hoyt: Father (Dick Hoyt) and son (Rick Hoyt) have joined many marathons, triathlons and other athletic competitions. But, what makes them really different from others is that Rick suffers from cerebral palsy - a condition involving permanent tightening of the muscles caused by damage to the brain during the time of birth. Rick was disabled at birth by a loss of oxygen to his brain because his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck.

Here are some of proud achievements of Team Hoyt:

216 Triathlons, 6 Ironman distances
20 Duathlons
65 Marathons, 25 Boston Marathons
They have also biked and ran across the USA in 1992 with a total of 3,735 miles in 45 consecutive days.

This year, 2008, Dick Hoyt and Rick Hoyt are going to be 68 and 48 years old. Finally, after so many years, Team Hoyt managed to raise public attitudes toward the physically and mentally challenged. Their best time, 2 hours 40 minutes in 1992 is merely 35 minutes from the world record. I mean, world record hold by someone who does not have to pull another man, cycle another man and push another man.

When Rick was asked about the thing he really wants to give his dad - “The thing I’d most like…is that my dad sit in the chair and I push him once.”

Boy Band Craze

Ok...while I haven't had a chance to really divulge this great news...its not been a secret. On October 13th I have tickets to see NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK in concert in Phoenix, AZ. I am soooooo excited. Also, they came out with their new CD...The Block and it rocks my socks. **note how that all rhymed**

Furthermore...closet new kid fans are just crawling out of the woodwork. A bunch of my MySpace pals have admitted to be fans, my HUSBAND has admitted to liking a few of their songs, people in general are slowly coming around to see the light.

New Kids Rock!

So, if you run out to the store to get your new CD...make sure its the one with the blue cover which has 4 EXTRA songs and a DVD. Its totally worth it.

And October 13th...you can just sit in jealous awe as I rock out to the best boy band ever with a 33-week pregnant belly.

We're still trying to come up with an appropriate shirt for me to wear. I'm going to make my own t-shirt...John suggested, "I've got the right stuff." Others like the "newest kid on the block" theme and then a close friend suggested, "Donnie's love child." HA HA HA!

Any ideas???? Buhler? Buhler?

Vegas baby!

I'm in Las Vegas right now...yeah...yeah...not supposed to travel and all that, but I needed to take this one last trip for work.

The plane ride(s) were good...except the flight attendant sat right behind me on the first leg to Phoenix and used about 7 different soaps and/or lotions during the 35 minute flight and it was making me GAG. Every time she touched something she went to wash her hands and she had all these little soap things in her uniform pocket...talk about obsessive compulsive disorder. Then because she washed her hands a new lotion bottle would come out and she'd lotion up her hands and arms and then pat her face with it. I really wanted to barf by the end of the flight.

Other than that nastiness....I've enjoyed my time here in Vegas so far. I get to see my dear old friend from Switzerland, Ilaria and family tonight and tomorrow I'm meeting on of my stepmom friends from an online forum I belong to...

Home on Wednesday...short trip...just the way a Vegas experience should be.

Welcome Savannah!

Hoorah! My oldest sister had her 4th baby on Friday at 2:51 EST. Savannah Marie Day was 7 pounds 10 oz and 19 1/2 inches long. Both mama and baby are doing just fine.

CONGRATULATIONS DAY FAMILY!!!

This is new baby #1 of 2008. Emma is due in November and I'm due December 1st to make three new baby cousins for 2008.

Is it any wonder?

Yours truly got the distinguished award of being Portland, Oregon's number 1 New Kids on the Block fan....

OK...truth be told...I was co-awarded this great honor along with my best friend from high school Miss Athena because we created a huge NKOTB Newspaper for a contest the Z100 Radio Station was having.

Most of you know that I was an especially dedicated fan to Mr. Donnie Wahlberg...(be still my beating heart) Yes, I am talking about the older Wahlberg boy...not Marky Mark, the Calvin Klein undies model (although Marky certainly does hold his own certain "appeal"...as in YUMMY), but the man of my teen dreams was Donnie...the "bad boy" of the hottest boy band ever.

I was just looking through some old photos and had to laugh...is it any wonder I fell for the man I did?

What do you think?

Its all about strategery.

So they say McCain either just killed his presidential campaign or made a bold move that will win it for him. I had never hear of Ms Palin from Alaska until today...so I thought I'd find out just a little about her before making my mind up what I think...

From Time News...just a little info on the republican ticket VP...

-Palin is the first woman on a Republican ticket (Do I smell Hillary voter appeal?)
-She's a fresh face to counteract Obama's message of change
-She's about as far outside the Beltway as you can get (Alaska is its own beltway)
-A child of the middle class with a friendly face and big hair, she is so affable that she once won Miss Congeniality in a beauty pageant. (and she has a "dishy" husband.)
-Her son is about to deploy to Iraq. (Love a military family)
-She's an ice fisherman, a moose hunter, a small business owner and a lifetime NRA member. (Diverse interests...:))
-She's risen to power by battling corruption in her own state's Republican establishment, exposing misconduct by the state GOP chairman and challenging the incumbent GOP governor. (Go SHE-RA! Defender of good...fighter of evil)
-She's a committed Christian who's pro-life in practice as well as in theory; she recently gave birth to a son that she knew would have Down Syndrome. (A strong woman)

So far...I like her. I'm impressed with what I read and I'll be very very interested to watch the election coverage this year.

If I lived in the old west...

I don't think I would have been a saloon girl.



I think I would have gone more for the cowgirl experience...riding and roping and shooting my 6-shooter.

Fitting my belly into that corset was pretty funny.

Recycle!

Oh dear fellow blog readers. If you live in a town that has recycling...rejoice!

After much trial and error I have learned that in Sierra Vista, AZ the only items that can be recycled are aluminum cans, magazines and newspapers.

No paper
No glass
No plastic

I remember a cartoon my mom sent me when I was in college of a mother standing outside her kitchen door. Two little boys are looking up at her and she says, "No, Billy. You can't play with Roger. His mother doesn't compost."

Having grown up in a composting-recycling family it just kills me to toss this stuff in the garbage knowing that its headed straight to a landfill.

Funny how important something like recycling is when you no longer have the option!

Those were the days...

And if you so desire check out these fab photos my sissy posted to wish me a happy birthday. I must say...where did those days when riding the lawn mower around the neighborhood was good fun go?

http://cothranfamily.blogspot.com/2008/08/happy-birthday-anna-8-23-08.html

Happy Birthday to me!

I had such a great weekend. Saturday, I turned the big 3-5! It wasn't as traumatic as I thought becoming a mid-30's girl...probably because of this pregnancy. They refer to me as "old" all the time since the baby will be born after my 35th birthday so therefore I'm an "older" mom. **sigh** Something I'll have to get used to.

John planned a day in Old Tucson with a couple that we met here in Sierra Vista, John and Chris. They are both from Florida, going through the interrogator courses that my John is finishing up and just found out they are getting deployed in January to Iraq! That really messed up their wedding plans for next April so they have decided to get hitched in October in Vegas....Oh I wish I could go! :)

John and Chris practicing the "getting hitched" pose in Old Tucson.

Even though it was incredibly hot and sunny we spent most of the day walking around Old Tucson. This is where they filmed a lot of the old western movies...including the Three Amigos, which just happens to be a favorite of mine...


John and I demonstrating our three amigos hip thrust in front of the last remaining piece of the set...

We took a train ride, rode on the carousel, painted southwestern tiles, watched a stunt show, fed steers, took an old western photo, enjoyed the CanCan girls, ate BBQ and were exhausted by the afternoon. I really had a wonderful day!

Going Home!

I'm so excited to go home today. I have enjoyed Illinois. I spent some interesting time here in Urbana...they have a haunted hotel. I didn't stay in it, but some of my coworkers did the last time they did a round of seminars. Apparently a bride hung herself in the hotel on her wedding night and ever since then its been haunted. Spooky eh?

Laugh of the day...

I couldn't help myself. It just made me giggle.

Sunrise in Illinois

I spent some time walking along the Illinois river...the Peoria Riverwalk last night. It was beautiful...very calming for my heart and soul.

Today I was out the door this morning driving to the next city by 6AM and had a chance to see the green fields folded in morning mist and an absolutely incredible sunrise...which brought back the peace of last nights riverwalk experience.

I couldn't help but start thinking about a Frederick George Scott poem that I've always loved....

Sunrise

O rising Sun, so fair and gay,
What are you bringing me, I pray,
Of sorrow or of joy to-day?

You look as if you meant to please,
Reclining in your gorgeous ease
Behind the bare-branched apple-trees.

The world is rich and bright, as though
The pillows where your head is low
Had lit the fields of driven snow.

The hoar-frost on the window turns
Into a wood of giant ferns
Where some great conflagration burns.

And all my children comes again
As lightsome and as free from stain
As those frost-pictures on the pane.

I would that I could mount on high
And meet you, Sun--that you and I
Had to ourselves the whole wide sky.

But here my poor soul has to stay,
So tell me, rising Sun, I pray,
What are you bringing me to-day?

What shall this busy brain have thought,
What shall these hands and feet have wrought,
What sorrows shall the hours have brought,

Before thy brilliant course is run,
Before this new-born day is done,
Before you set, O rising Sun?

Frederick George Scott

Peoria, IL

Today I leave for Peoria, IL. I am going for work purposes, but when going to a new city I like to get a feel for where it is I'm headed. Here is what I found out about Peoria...

1. National Geographic has named it the "next great American adventure town!"
2. They are big baseball fans...the Peoria Chiefs
3. They have a beautiful riverfront area and the carnival is going to be there the same time I am! :)
4. Weather right now is mid 80's with 60% humidity
5. Its the 1/2 way point between Chicago and St. Louis.
6. Named after the Peoria tribe
7. Headquarters for Caterpillar Inc
8. Famous natives include:
Gary Richrath — guitarist from REO Speedwagon
Richard Pryor — comedian and actor
Susan G. Komen — namesake of Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Wayne A. Downing — Four-star general in the United States Army
Curly "Boo" Johnson — Harlem Globetrotter
Dan "Too Tall" Knapp — Brother of former NBA player Manute Bol and owner of Taco Johns
9. Famous for the saying: "Will It Play In Peoria?" On the Vaudeville circuit, it was said that if an act would succeed in Peoria, it would work anywhere.

In shock

Well, we heard back and the announcement will be made today that our Oregon contract will not be renewed. I'm in total shock. They said they were extremely happy with what we provided...not displeased in any way and if they wanted to maintain the program as is they would have kept us.

Instead they decided it was time to try a different direction.

I have mixed emotions...shock, nervousness...I'm in much better shape than most of my Portland people...I transferred my work load to other projects because of my move with John, but everyone else is possibly out of a job come December. And who knows...after my maternity leave...will there still be work for me?

I really never ever in a million years thought that would happen. I don't think anyone else did either. My big boss was in disbelief. Of course the company gave us the party line about finding other work, maintaining the office, etc, but I think when reality sets in we'll see a few people beefing up their resume because I can't imagine they can keep all of us.

Gaaaaaaah...

Happy Birthday Mama!

Mother....

You filled my days with rainbow lights,
Fairytales and sweet dream nights,
A kiss to wipe away my tears,
Gingerbread to ease my fears.
You gave the gift of life to me
And then in love, you set me free.
I thank you for your tender care,
For deep warm hugs and being there.

I hope that when you think of me
A part of you
You'll always see....

- Author Unknown.

Frog Story

Yesterday during my lunch hour I took about 30 minutes and headed to the pool to get in a few laps and stretch my legs. I was just finishing up and cooling down with a couple of laps of breast stroke...I popped my head up and there in front of me...not even 2 ft away in the pool is a gigantic FROG.

Let me tell you that there is nothing quite as dramatic as having a frog in the pool with you unexpectedly. Luckily I was in shallow enough water to not nearly drown with what I'm sure anyone looking out their window would have found to be quite a series of arm flailing, leg kicking, body thrashing antics for a big ol' pregnant lady.

This frog was not a little froggie that you see in the pond. No, this frog was probably 7-8 inches long and 4-5 inches wide with its little peepers just hanging above the water line.

I got out of the pool and watched it for a bit...laughing out loud at the whole idea of a frog in the pool. (again...what must these pool neighbors think of this weird lady that swims every afternoon) then I grabbed my towel and ran home for the camera. Unfortunately, when I got back...the frog was gone so I cannot grace this story with actual footage of the incident.

But, its totally true. I promise it is.

FedEx came

I got in the mail today my shirt that I have to wear to my work stuff next week. Now, in my client's defense, they didn't know I was pregnant...but just to give you a taste of how incredibly uptight this client is about this event and these shirts...they had a 5-minute conversation in our last conference call about WHO IS BRINGING THE IRON FOR THE SHIRTS...

When I mentioned a hotel has an iron and ironing board they said, "WE CAN'T COUNT ON THEM WORKING PROPERLY."

Ok....so for some of you maybe this sounds normal? Being the domestic dimwit I am there is no such thing as an iron for shirts...unless the dryer is really ineffective with getting out the majority of the wrinkles and even then...I'd almost rather just have those clothes drycleaned...but I do occasionally turn on an iron when its needed for a work function...but really...an entire hotel and we can't count on the iron working?

On top of that they tried to get the admin to be the one to iron ALL the shirts. I think her response was, "I don't do laundry." ha ha ha

That being said...I decided I better have them presend my shirt because the fearful thought of "what if this shirt doesn't fit me" hit me last week. My belly is the size of a soccer ball and these aren't polos...they are button ups.

Sure enough...I can button the shirt, but its stretched so tight across the belly there will be no need for an iron on my end. What to do....

1. Fess up to being pregnant and forwarn them that the shirt will be on the body, but not buttoned

2. Show up to the event and just surprise them with it

3. Claim the shirt was damaged and that I can't wear it

4. Put large iron burn right on the back and see if they ever buy shirts that require ironing again.

I like #4....but most likely will be action oriented with #2.

Can you believe I even have to spend 10 minutes worrying about this?

Catch Up

Just back in town from traveling and I'm just too tired to do much other than a brief catchup...

1. Hopefully I have a job in a week! Wen't back to Portland for the final interviews on our rebid. This is a 3-5 year contract which would be MARVELOUS. Have to head to Illinois next week and my boss wants me to go to Las Vegas this week...I'm just too tired. Too tired...

2. House if finally getting set up and unpacked. It will help for me to be home for a FULL WEEK with no travel. :) We made a goal...the Vets are picking up all our "excess" on Thursday. That gives me 4 days. :)

3. Court is over and we won some and lost some. That being said...at least the new child support and visitation is being set and the judge thinks that me not being allowed to spend time with the kids is baloney. :) He also thinks they need to spend MORE time with their dad to combat their bad behavior. Hmmmm...go figure...and I have to say a small twinge of "muwahahahaha" came bubbling over.

Thats about it...back with more later...first Sierra Vista Doctor's appt today!!!

Internet from H-E-double hockeysticks

Just the other day I heard a story about an 80+ year old lady that had Cox cable, phone and internet service. She lived in the boonies with her husband and he was very ill so having a good phone connection was important in case she needed to call the ambulance.

Well, after 4-5 days of spotty service she went to her local Cox cable outlet and asked to speak to the manager. After making her wait nearly TWO hours the manager went home without speaking with her. So she went home and got a claw hammer and went back to the cable store and started smashing computers.

When they finally stopped her she yelled, "Do I have your attention now?"

Now my story...
For the past week I've had internet service go down for 3-5 hours every afternoon. The service techs were useless...the call to the local cable store was useless...

If my garage and our tools weren't still packed in boxes I think I'd be headed down there with a claw hammer.

American Idol Part 2

Well, unfortunately, Miss Lexi Loo didn't make it this year, but they encouraged her to try again next year.

We're so proud of her for taking a dream and running with it. And, really glad she gets this experience to add to her book of memories...not everyone can say they tried out for American Idol!

American Idol

Miss Lexi Loo is in Salt Lake City today trying out for American Idol.

Yup - the REAL on TV American Idol show.

She had to try out today and we're anxiously awaiting to hear if she got picked up for the second step.

Apparently they only have 10 seconds to sing....then if they get chosen for step two they get a little more time...then from there they narrow it down to the people who actually go onstage...or something like that.

Unfortunately we didn't hear that she was doing this until just the night before she went...so we didn't have a chance to send out the information to family and friends to wish her luck..so if you get a chance...send lots of luck her way in whatever format you want!

We'll keep you updated on what happens!

Settling in

We spent much of this weekend unpacking more boxes. Our office is almost completely set up. We had soooo much storage space in our Oregon house that its been hard to find a place to store stuff here. We're having to invest in storage bins and things like that so that its not just hanging out on the floor in a pile.

I'm ready to have my house put together. Unfortunately, we still have to finish up the office, the spare bedroom and then tackle the garage. GAAAAAH!

Juggling Dirt

A favorite memory of mine I just rediscovered...filmed during a camping trip a few years ago...look how little Chortle is!


Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Dark Knight - Rated PG-13

We went to see the new Batman movie last night - Dark Knight. It was 2.5 hours long...a looooong movie for a pregnant lady that had too much water at dinner. That being said...there had been so much hype about how great of a movie it was and how Heath Ledger was magnificent in it as the joker that Mr. C and I decided to have a night out and go watch it.

First, a commentary on SV movie theaters. Not as comfy and I'm used to and they have these bright neon orange guide lights on the stairs that made my eyes go crazy...I felt like I was going to fall the whole time I was trying to walk down them. I think John referred to me as a "clumsy pregnant lady." Hmph. I'm blaming the lights.

Regardless, the movie was good. Good action, good characters and I have to give props to Mr. Heath Ledger....as the joker he was magnificent. the best joker that I've seen in a batman movie...better than Tommy Lee Jones and I love Tommy Lee Jones. Its too bad that Mr. Ledger is now deceased and won't be around to glory in his performance.

The only part I didn't like was batman's voice. When Bruce Wayne turned into Batman his voice was suddenly this deep scratchy monstery voice...kind of like what you expect from a werewolf or something like that. I didn't like it. It also looked like he had a retainer in his mouth and was trying to talk around this weird mouthpiece.

Oh yeah and I didn't like that Two Face had such a minimal role at the end of the movie...even as long as it was it looked like they were just trying to get the movie to end.

Overall...from 1 to 5 stars I would give it a 4 ****. Recommended from the Larson peanut gallery - but don't drink too much before because it really does just keep going on forever.

Whats the status

I just got a message from those property management people...3 days late...

"Mrs. Larson, we just wanted to know what the status of the leaks in the house are..."

???????

The status?

???????

I'm unsure if they want to know if water is still dripping from them or if we somehow miraculously repaired it on our own or if the roof has now caved in because we put a hole in the bubble over the door?

I should call them back and tell them not to worry about it because I stapled cardboard to the ceiling to cover the hole...do you think that will get them moving any faster?

Commissary Shopping

I just had my first commissary shopping experience...this is the grocery store on the base that you can only use with military ID. So, after dropping John off at 7:30 I ran to the store only to find that its not supposed to open until 9AM, but they let disabled people in early.

I went shopping.

Here is my rational...I have to go on disability when this baby is born therefore I can consider myself as disabled while pregnant...right?

Anyhow...I looked around and really...didn't see very many "visibly" disabled persons running around with a shopping cart. So I thought I'd be safe...whats the worst they can do...sick the MPs on me.

Wouldn't that be hilarious? John has to bail me out for pretending to be disabled at the commissary?

I filled up that cart with SO MUCH GOOD FOOD! Which was desperately needed as we've been eating food as we unpack it...a can of black beans here...a package of top ramen there. Now I've got veggies and high fiber bread (yummmy!) and tillamook cheese cuz I'm an Oregon cheese snob and mmmmmmmm....I can' hardly wait until lunch.

Here is the other thing I learned about the commissary. They don't pay their baggers. They work for tips only. Who would have known...so because I left with about 12 bags of food and this poor little Korean woman carted everthing around for me and loaded it all in the car I tipped a $5...hoping that would be enough.

Her response, "Ohhhhhh thankyou. $5 dolla make everybody happy happy happy."

I guess I did good.

Dare I dream?

I was just noticing that over the past 3 weeks there hasn't been a single post that I've written about Cruella.

Not that there hasn't been any Cruella incidents, but none that I felt I needed to vent about or snarl about...

Dare I dream that just for a time my life will not be infiltrated by her poisonous influence?

Fingers crossed...fingers crossed.

Memory Tag

I had fun leaving a memory on my cousin's blog, so I thought I'd join in and play the game! Read the directions if you're interested!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Storm

Last night I experienced the most terrific storm of my life. I thought I'd seen rain before....not until last night did I see rain. POUNDING...pouring rain that just amazed me. Thunder cracking every 2 minutes and lighting that flashed the whole sky into daylight brightness. The storm lasted an hour or so and in the process we lost electricity 3 times...

There's nothing that gets you moving fast looking for candles and flashlights in unpacked boxes than losing electricity at 10PM.

On top of all that we discovered our new little rental house has two leaks in the roof. One, a big bubble right over the door and the other was leaking through the lighting fixture.

I called the property management emergency line...and if I haven't yet expressed my extreme dislike of this property management group let me just tell you they are the most unfriendly, unlikeable and unhelpful group I've ever worked with...and I've delt with all 3 employees and my opinion remains the same. So, anyhow...back to the story...called the emergency line and their solution...pop the bubble in the ceiling and don't turn on the lights in the kitchen...we'll see if we can get someone to the house tomorrow and the whole time it was like she couldn't believe I bothered her for this petty little thing...

Duh...I wasn't born yesterday...dripping water from a lighting fixture is a pretty good indication that you shouldn't turn the lights on.

What a suprise that we haven't heard from the prop. mgmt peeps yet...(dripping sarcasm there...)

We knocked on our neighbor, George's door and as he told us the owner of the house was his good friend he said he'd email them immediately as he'd asked George to keep an eye out and let him know when there was a problem with the house.

So, with the weather forcast pointing to thunderstorms all week long this should be an interesting time for us...who knows what else we'll find out about our new house!

There is no place like home....

One week after getting to Sierra Vista I turned around and had to fly back to Portland for work. I drove to Bend for 2 days, then drove to Medford for 2 days and then back to Portland to fly out by Friday evening. It was a whirlwind trip. I really didn't get to see anything or anybody except my in-laws. We had a nice little visit over the lunch hour.

It was strange being so excited to get back to Tucson and Sierra Vista. Having only been there a week I wondered if I would miss Portland so much that I just wouldn't be able to stand leaving again, but while there I realized a couple of things.

1. Home is where your hubby is... I missed Mr. C terribly that week. I really love having him around...even with all those corny jokes he tells and to only get a few minutes here and there on the phone was not satisfying at all. It makes me think that when (not if, but when) he has to deploy I will be a very very sad girl.

2. Its strange to knock on the door of your own house. I had to stop by to pick up mail from our Portland house...I knocked on the door and as strange as it may seem having only been gone from there a few weeks - it didn't really feel like my house anymore!!!

3. Traffic is my new nemesis. In one week I got used to Sierra Vista - 10 minutes to anywhere. I got to Beaverton and everything took me 10 minutes longer than expected. When I left my inlaws to get to the airport...it was just before 3pm. Hwy 26 was a nightmare as usual...but I made pretty good time taking some back road shortcuts and was on 405 by about 3:15. Where 405 turns into I-84...I didn't get about about 12 miles per hour the entire way to the airport. And let me tell you how stressed out I was. My plan left at 5:45 and I got to the rental car return at 4:50. YIKES...Portland airport on a Friday!!! I thought I'd miss my flight for sure because of the crowds of people....lets just say that someone was watching out for me. I have never seen it so uncrowded. I had my tickets, got through security AND was at my gate by 5:10. WOW.

So, after all that...as much as I love Portland I have a new home now. It feels nice to be back. :)

Tagged!

Here I am TRYING to go to bed when I think...well, I'll just check out a few other blogs since I've been in "no computer/internet land" for the last few days and BOOM...I got tagged and since I can't NOT do it I figured I better fill out the following little survey for la bella donna Jenny...

Four Places I've Lived:

1. Vale, Oregon

2. Lugano, Switzerland

3. Alexandria, Virginia

4. Sierra Vista, Arizona


Four Favorite Books (not in any specific order): (Oh this is tough for me...ONLY FOUR???...I'll just list four favorite-ish books from my life that have changed me forever...)

1. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

2. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls

3. PollyAnna by Eleanor H. Porter

4. Any and all Louis L'Amour books


Four Favorite Movies

1. The Fugitive

2. Dodgeball

3. Beaches

4. Sneakers


Four Embarrassing Facts About Me

1. I got stopped at an airport security when my bra set off the metal detector

2. I drool when I sleep really deeply

3. I love New Kids on the Block

4. You can count on me to drop food during every meal right on my shirt. Especially if its red tomato sauce, anything that stains or is greasy.

Four Dreams of Mine
1. To finish a triathalon
2. To be an oceanographer
3. To travel the world
4. To write a novel...(a GOOD one.)

Four Pet Peeves
1. People who don't use their blinkers while driving
2. Snotty customer service people
3. Parents who let their kids feel entitled to do or say whatever they want even if its intrusive, wrong or just plain mean.
4. Hair left in a shower or tub. Ewwwwwwww!

I now get to "TAG" four people. They are:
1. My cousin Jen
2. My friend Tina Marie
3. My sister Emma
4. My love John the terrorgator

All moved in.

Well, we've done it. We're finally actually and truly established in Sierra Vista, AZ...with a house and an address and the whole works.

Our little house is a rental. Its in a cute little gated community that we thought was a 55+ community at first because of all the "older" folks that we saw there...but it turns out thats not right...there are a few younger couples that live in the development. Anyhow...the reason I mention that is there is a community pool and I LOVE the fact that NOBODY and I mean really - nobody gets in the pool except John and I...its like having our own little water play ground.

So, first about the house then about the weather...the house is cute...1500 SF/3bedroom/2bath. We got our household goods last Thursday so as you can imagine (since its only Monday) we're not quite fully settled. We did get the bulk of the living room, kitchen and master bedroom done over the weekend. Phew...what a lot of work! Address to come soon along with photos of the house...but give me a little more time to unpack!

The weather in SV is intense right now. Its monsoon season so we get a daily thunder and lighting storm. I love it...absolutely love it. It floods the streets and puddles on the porches and within 2 hours its all gone and its as if the rains never actually came!
An incredible red-sky sunset just before a storm

The storm!


Today, Mr. C started his course. It was intense morning...they all met at Denny's for breakfast...had a little chitchat and he spent the afternoon golfing with two new friends... I'm going to suggest that to my boss for our next meeting....either that or I need to join the Army.

Of course he starts tomorrow with 6AM PT...situps, pushups, running. Muwahahaha...and I shall be sleeping through it.

Unfortunately, I can rub it in too much. I ended up having to fly back to PDX this week. I'm in Bend, OR right now and then heading to Medford to train a couple of new hires for this program. Its going to be a LONG week for me. I'm at 20-weeks right now for this pregnancy. Half-way mark as of TODAY! Woohoo!

I feel good...pretty tired lately, but that may be more because of the sunshine, unpacking, travelling etc. more than the actual pregnancy thing. Who knows. All I know is my baby bump is expanding daily and getting more and more insistent about being noticed. I love it. :)

Ok...speaking of tired...at 11PM...I'm signing off.

Not so bad...

Ok...so we've been in Sierra Vista for about 5 days now and I am conceding that its not as bad as I anticipated.

Fear: I was dreading 100+ temperatures...
Reality: The higher elevation has made the top temperature so far no more than about 94 degrees...and there are daily rainshowers (thunder and lightning storms!) now that its monsoon season so by the evening its actually a pleasant 75-85 degrees.

Fear: No place to live...
Reality: It took us two days to find a house we both like. At 1500SF its smaller than our Florence house, but its going to work really well. We were approved last Thursday, but due to the long weekend won't sign a lease until Monday. Furniture is supposed to be delivered by Wednesday! Wooooohooo! Ya'll can expect an updated address soon. The best part...its a gated community with only about 30 houses and it has a community pool about a block away. :)

Fear: Nothing to do...
Reality: We've watched more TV in the last week than I have in the last 10 years so its not as though the city is "action packed" BUT, the 4th of July festival was a blast. The fireworks were amazing (the biggest display in all of Arizona). We've visited most of the city just to look around, but still have plenty to discover, we spent today in Bisbee just walking around looking at all the cool little shops and then ended up in Douglas (hole in the wall border town) and looked at Mexico, but did not enter...(John has to have permission from the army to enter Mexico.)

Monday starts our busy week....I go back to work and John starts his daily duties on post. It will be interesting to see what our routine turns into.

Fear: Armyness...
Reality: Armyness stinks. HA! I knew there was one thing that wouldn't go perfectly. We can't do what we need to do with getting registered on the family support and medical thing because of....well....I like to call it Armyness. A bunch of red tape that any corporation would cut off at the neck, but the military seems to thrive on...Oh well, I suppose I shall learn to live with it, deal with it, and eventually will probably love it. Right?

Travel Log

I think in my last post I got as far as getting to mom's house...it was a good final evening...we set off some fireworks that we bought in Idaho...

Did you know fireworks are virtually illegal in Arizona? All they have in the stores here are poppers. Ugh...I LOVE fireworks...I did hear that they do a spectacular show on the 4th as a city so I guess I have that to look forward to...Ok...small detour...back on subject...Fireworks....oh and thats Aaron doing the amazing jump through the sparks. Hysterical.

After leaving Mom's we went to Zion Canyon and stayed the night there. We took a trip up the canyon and snapped some incredible photos.



From Zion's we spent two days in Las Vegas....woohooo...Vegas baby. I was supposed to meet up with an old friend, but it never happened. I was pretty bummed....lines got crossed and communication never happened, but I did get to see an amazing Cirque du Soleil show...Ka. Go see it if you get the chance.

We didn't spend much time outside in Vegas...it was averaging about 110 degrees and neither John or I could hack it. We did sit and play the slot machines for about 20 minutes. I think we lost a total of $10. HA! Looks like we're not really high rollin' Vegas people.

**Vegas pics coming soon**

From Vegas we went to Sedona, AZ. It was BEAUTIFUL. I have always loved Sedona. It has doubled in size since the last time I was there. It kind of spoiled the pristine beauty that I remembered to see a sprawling city of 16,000 instead of the tiny town of 3-4,000 that I remembered...so many new houses and buildings...but it didn't change the beautiful scenery.


Is it just me or is my belly getting sooooo big?!

And finally....from Sedona we went all the way to Sierra Vista...arrived last night and I'm absolutely exhausted. E-x-h-a-u-s-t-e-d.

The hottest it got on the trip here was 117 degrees. That was just after Phoenix.
So far Sierra Vista has been a tolerable 90+. How am I ever going to survive this heat?