Saturday, February 18, 2006
We Got Orders!
Hooray! We finally got our orders (I've only been calling down to MPF every day for the last two weeks, but at least we've got them!). Now we can actually start making arrangements to leave Japan and get a move on :) I'm going to Seattle this weekend for my girl Susanne's wedding (me & Jocelyn on a 16hr odyssey, should be interesting!) then we'll have about a week after I get back and Tim leaves for Texas (he's going to visit his kids and pick up our new Lincoln Navigator!!). We'll be apart for almost a month, wah! I'll have the girls here with me so Caitlyn can stay in school, then we'll join him in Buffalo on the 3rd of April. We've got another wedding to attend on the 8th of April, so we're going to make a quick trip to Colorado from Buffalo (just me & Tim, no kids!!!), and then get started on our long-ass drive from Buffalo to LA. We plan to make a quick stop in Chicago to see my sis and her fam (we just missed Lexi, who is now an ex-pat herself since she just moved to Amsterdam) and then we'll stay a few days with my parents in Abluquerque before finally winding up in LA. I probably won't post much during this time since we're going to be so busy with the move and then in transit for so long, but, rest assured, we love you all and are excited to be coming back to the same continent where our lved ones are located!
Monday, February 13, 2006
I got plastic surgery to look like a monkey because thats how I do
?? Don't ask why ??
Pick the month that you were born in....
1----I fell in love with
2----I choked on
3----Today i murdered
4----I dance with
5----I had sex with
6----I glued myself to
7----I slipped on
8----I got plastic surgery to look like
9----I had a fight with
10----I ate a
11---I threw shit at
12---I slapped
Pick the day (number) you were born on
1-3-------A Homeless guy
4-6-------A hot dog
7-9-------Paris Hilton
10-12----A pickle because
13-14-----This bomb ass girl
15-18---A gangstar
19-24---- A monkey
25-27----This guy
28-31----A condom
pick the color of shirt you are wearing
White----Because my psychiatrist said to
Black----Because I was high
Pink-----Because Im dying tomorrow
Red-----Because i have Aids
Blue----Because i'm horny
Green----because i hate myself
Purple----because thats how i do
no Shirt-----Because i was drunk
Other-----because thats how i do
Pick the month that you were born in....
1----I fell in love with
2----I choked on
3----Today i murdered
4----I dance with
5----I had sex with
6----I glued myself to
7----I slipped on
8----I got plastic surgery to look like
9----I had a fight with
10----I ate a
11---I threw shit at
12---I slapped
Pick the day (number) you were born on
1-3-------A Homeless guy
4-6-------A hot dog
7-9-------Paris Hilton
10-12----A pickle because
13-14-----This bomb ass girl
15-18---A gangstar
19-24---- A monkey
25-27----This guy
28-31----A condom
pick the color of shirt you are wearing
White----Because my psychiatrist said to
Black----Because I was high
Pink-----Because Im dying tomorrow
Red-----Because i have Aids
Blue----Because i'm horny
Green----because i hate myself
Purple----because thats how i do
no Shirt-----Because i was drunk
Other-----because thats how i do
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
A Winter Wonderland
It has snowed an average of 8-12 inches a daysince the beginning of February, not fun!!
Friday, January 27, 2006
It's stomach ache, not stomachache!
Taking Over Lisa's Blog
Well, Lisa asked me to post some more recent pictures up on her blog for her today. Of course, I could not pass up this opportunity without saying something! Now, I can tell you something hilarious that happens within our family on a daily basis, or I can use this time wisely!! Usually I will catch Lisa typing an e-mail or complaining on the phone to somebody about her "diet" and how I play such a major role in disrupting it by bringing junk food into the house and usually eating it directly in front of her (umm these chips are just awesome, by the way feel free to bring flowers to my funeral because she is going to kill me for this!) During these conversations, Lisa constantly blames me for only losing 3 pounds a week versus 5 pounds a week, (all your fault Tim) I just wanted to set the record straight. That guy who looks well in shape with a six-pack is me before our relationship began, the stubby guy holding his child up with his stomach is also me, so now you see for yourselves, the before and the after. I personally feel that both of us are in excellent shape, Lisa just having a baby looks fantastic, as we both workout 5 days a week, including Caitlyn! But just whenever Lisa is about to tell you how Tim is ruining her diet, say no more, you have the proof in these pictures that it certainly goes both ways. I love her more than anything in this world, even if she wants to blame me for making her get off the couch, go into the kitchen and grab a cookie! How could one force somebody to do all that!!?? Now, I may strategically bring them into the house but geesh, Lisa, I would never!Also, next time, if I ever have this opportunity again, (I think not) I will share with you how Lisa earned the nickname "the cookie monster".
If I am not dead!!
Take care and enjoy the pics!!
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Try This
DO YOU HAVE THE HANDS OF A BRAIN SURGEON OR DO YOU WRITE WITH CRAYONS? I TRIED THIS 5 TIMES AND COULDN'T GET PAST LEVEL 3. I CHEATED AND USED BOTH HANDS ON LEVEL 3. I JUST COULD NOT MAKE IT TO LEVEL 4. I DON'T THINK IT'S POSSIBLE ! TRY IT . IF YOU MAKE IT TO 4 LET ME KNOW. Sound Effects or having some type of volume will help you on level 3 and 4. Good Luck--->http://www.winterrowd.com/maze.swf
Friday, January 20, 2006
You Know You're From LA When...
You're driving on the 101 and see a clear cut definition of where the smog begins and ends
You go to a karaoke bar and battle with seven year old divas-in-training who are trying to steal your thunder
You're sitting in traffic for at least an hour at any given part of the day
You go to the beach and see that real lifeguards actually do look like the lifeguards from Baywatch
You see purple and gold and the word "Threepeat" on every corner
You begin to "lie" to your friends about where you are (i.e. "Yeah I'm like 20 minutes away") - when you know that it'll take you at least an hour to get there).
You eat a different ethnic food for every meal
You look around at the nice cars around you during traffic, thinking it'll be your favorite Laker or WB star.
You make a conscious choice to watch Jay Leno over David Letterman
You mourned for Tupac and not for Biggie
You know it's best not to be on the 405 at 4:05 pm.Getting anywhere from point A to point B, no matter what the distance, takes about "twenty minutes".
You know what neighborhood someone lives in by the degree of damage incurred during the riots.
You've inadvertently learned Spanish.
You've got to bring the cat/plants in when it drops to 55 degrees.
In the "winter", you can go to the beach and ski at Big Bear on the same day.
You've bumped into a celebrity at El Pollo Loco.
You know what "sigalert", "PCH", and "the five" mean.
Your pizza delivery guy is also on contract with Warner Bros.
If your destination is more than 5 minutes away on foot, you're definitely driving.
You have a gym membership because it's mandatory.
Your TV show is interrupted by a police chase.
You can't fall asleep without the lull of a helicopter flying overhead.
When tourists ask where they can get souvenirs, you direct them to Venice Beach.
You know someone named Freedom, Rainbow, Persephone or Destiny.
You've trespassed through private property to get to the "Hollywood" sign.
You've partied in Tijuana at least once.
You know Hollywood has a "lake".
You don't stop at a STOP sign, you do a California Roll.
You've lost your car in the Century City Shopping Center parking lot.
You've ever bought oranges, flowers, cherries or peanuts on a freeway off-ramp.
You think that Venice is a beach.
You drive next to a Rolls Royce and don't notice.
You've started crossing a street and returned to the curb when the DON'T WALK sign started flashing.
You've never listened to NPR.
Calling your neighbors requires knowing their area code.
You have a favorite Thai restaurant.
You think Johnnny Rocket's is an accurate depiction of a diner.
You think Manhattan is a beach.
You eat pineapple on pizza.
You've been to Disneyland more times than Downtown.
When giving directions , you follow up with the phrase: "With/Without traffic."
You classify new people you meet by their Area Code. An "818" would never date a "562" and anyone from "323" or "213" is ghetto/second class. Best area code: "310."
Driving along, you see a high-speed police chase approaching in your rear view mirror. You don't panic or even flinch. Instead, you call your friends on your car phone and tell them you're on TV.
You know that if you drive two miles in any direction you will find a McDonald's or a Starbucks.
Your cell phone has left a permanant impression on the side of your head.
You never, ever go into the water at the Beach. You barely touch the sand.
Everyone you know has 3+ phone numbers. Home, Office, mobile, pager, two-way, voicemail.....
It is not unusual for your waitress at a restaurant to have blue streaked hair, a dragon tattoo and tounge piercing.
You are awakened in the middle of the night by a moderate earthquake. Your reply: "That ain't even a 5-pointer" and go back to sleep.
You think you are better than the people who live "Over the Hill". It don't matter which side of the hill you are currently residing, you are just better than them, for whatever reason.
You live 10 miles from work. It takes you 60 minutes to get home.
Walking out of Jamba Juice, you see that a movie is being shot on-location across the street. You are not happy, or even slightly exited that there may be a movie star there. You just say, " They f*ckin better not be blocking my parking space."
You have to yell at your bank teller through a 2 inch thick wall of plexi-glass. That last one goes for your local convienience store man, too.
You go to Las Vegas for a weekend getaway and the whole trip cost you $50.
You personally know at least 5 people with agents.
You personally know at least 3 people who have been in a movie or TV show.
You know what In N Out is and feel bad for all the other states because they don't have any.
You know that not everyone in Beverly Hills is a millionaire.
You know who the tinsel underwear dude in Venice Beach is.
You've done something on a street corner in an attempt to get money (i.e. sang, tap danced, told jokes).
You've gotten parking tickets from parking in the red zone in front of your house.
You say you live in LA when really you live in a subsection of a subsection of a subsection of southern LA.
Any major movie star is picking out the best portobello mushrooms next to you at the grocers and you don't notice.
The guy at 8:30 in the morning at Starbucks wearing the baseball cap and sunglasses who looks like George Clooney IS George Clooney.
You really can never be too rich or too thin.
The gym is packed at 3pm...on a workday.
The workday starts at 10am...or whenever you get out of your therapy session.
Any invitation comes with, "Starts at 8pm or as soon as you can get through traffic."
You have never met a waiter that wasn't really an "Actor."
You never go to a coffee house without a copy of a script - any script.
It's sprinkling and there's a report on every news station about "STORM WATCH '99"
You call 911 and they put you on hold.
You have to leave the big company meeting early because Billy Blanks himself is teaching the 4:30 tae-bo class.
The three hour traffic jam you just sat through wasn't caused by a horrific 9 car pile-up, but by everyone slowing to rubberneck at a lost shoe lying on the shoulder.
You go to a karaoke bar and battle with seven year old divas-in-training who are trying to steal your thunder
You're sitting in traffic for at least an hour at any given part of the day
You go to the beach and see that real lifeguards actually do look like the lifeguards from Baywatch
You see purple and gold and the word "Threepeat" on every corner
You begin to "lie" to your friends about where you are (i.e. "Yeah I'm like 20 minutes away") - when you know that it'll take you at least an hour to get there).
You eat a different ethnic food for every meal
You look around at the nice cars around you during traffic, thinking it'll be your favorite Laker or WB star.
You make a conscious choice to watch Jay Leno over David Letterman
You mourned for Tupac and not for Biggie
You know it's best not to be on the 405 at 4:05 pm.Getting anywhere from point A to point B, no matter what the distance, takes about "twenty minutes".
You know what neighborhood someone lives in by the degree of damage incurred during the riots.
You've inadvertently learned Spanish.
You've got to bring the cat/plants in when it drops to 55 degrees.
In the "winter", you can go to the beach and ski at Big Bear on the same day.
You've bumped into a celebrity at El Pollo Loco.
You know what "sigalert", "PCH", and "the five" mean.
Your pizza delivery guy is also on contract with Warner Bros.
If your destination is more than 5 minutes away on foot, you're definitely driving.
You have a gym membership because it's mandatory.
Your TV show is interrupted by a police chase.
You can't fall asleep without the lull of a helicopter flying overhead.
When tourists ask where they can get souvenirs, you direct them to Venice Beach.
You know someone named Freedom, Rainbow, Persephone or Destiny.
You've trespassed through private property to get to the "Hollywood" sign.
You've partied in Tijuana at least once.
You know Hollywood has a "lake".
You don't stop at a STOP sign, you do a California Roll.
You've lost your car in the Century City Shopping Center parking lot.
You've ever bought oranges, flowers, cherries or peanuts on a freeway off-ramp.
You think that Venice is a beach.
You drive next to a Rolls Royce and don't notice.
You've started crossing a street and returned to the curb when the DON'T WALK sign started flashing.
You've never listened to NPR.
Calling your neighbors requires knowing their area code.
You have a favorite Thai restaurant.
You think Johnnny Rocket's is an accurate depiction of a diner.
You think Manhattan is a beach.
You eat pineapple on pizza.
You've been to Disneyland more times than Downtown.
When giving directions , you follow up with the phrase: "With/Without traffic."
You classify new people you meet by their Area Code. An "818" would never date a "562" and anyone from "323" or "213" is ghetto/second class. Best area code: "310."
Driving along, you see a high-speed police chase approaching in your rear view mirror. You don't panic or even flinch. Instead, you call your friends on your car phone and tell them you're on TV.
You know that if you drive two miles in any direction you will find a McDonald's or a Starbucks.
Your cell phone has left a permanant impression on the side of your head.
You never, ever go into the water at the Beach. You barely touch the sand.
Everyone you know has 3+ phone numbers. Home, Office, mobile, pager, two-way, voicemail.....
It is not unusual for your waitress at a restaurant to have blue streaked hair, a dragon tattoo and tounge piercing.
You are awakened in the middle of the night by a moderate earthquake. Your reply: "That ain't even a 5-pointer" and go back to sleep.
You think you are better than the people who live "Over the Hill". It don't matter which side of the hill you are currently residing, you are just better than them, for whatever reason.
You live 10 miles from work. It takes you 60 minutes to get home.
Walking out of Jamba Juice, you see that a movie is being shot on-location across the street. You are not happy, or even slightly exited that there may be a movie star there. You just say, " They f*ckin better not be blocking my parking space."
You have to yell at your bank teller through a 2 inch thick wall of plexi-glass. That last one goes for your local convienience store man, too.
You go to Las Vegas for a weekend getaway and the whole trip cost you $50.
You personally know at least 5 people with agents.
You personally know at least 3 people who have been in a movie or TV show.
You know what In N Out is and feel bad for all the other states because they don't have any.
You know that not everyone in Beverly Hills is a millionaire.
You know who the tinsel underwear dude in Venice Beach is.
You've done something on a street corner in an attempt to get money (i.e. sang, tap danced, told jokes).
You've gotten parking tickets from parking in the red zone in front of your house.
You say you live in LA when really you live in a subsection of a subsection of a subsection of southern LA.
Any major movie star is picking out the best portobello mushrooms next to you at the grocers and you don't notice.
The guy at 8:30 in the morning at Starbucks wearing the baseball cap and sunglasses who looks like George Clooney IS George Clooney.
You really can never be too rich or too thin.
The gym is packed at 3pm...on a workday.
The workday starts at 10am...or whenever you get out of your therapy session.
Any invitation comes with, "Starts at 8pm or as soon as you can get through traffic."
You have never met a waiter that wasn't really an "Actor."
You never go to a coffee house without a copy of a script - any script.
It's sprinkling and there's a report on every news station about "STORM WATCH '99"
You call 911 and they put you on hold.
You have to leave the big company meeting early because Billy Blanks himself is teaching the 4:30 tae-bo class.
The three hour traffic jam you just sat through wasn't caused by a horrific 9 car pile-up, but by everyone slowing to rubberneck at a lost shoe lying on the shoulder.
And the Winner Is...
Sorry I didn't post this sooner. It looks like sun and sand is definately in our future. I got word a couple of days ago that we are for sure going to LA. Of course, that's what I heard about DC, so I'll take it with a grain of salt until I have orders in hand. Hopefully those won't be too far off since we are leaving really soon!!
Friday, January 13, 2006
Assignment Woes
Okay, so I evidently I lied in my end of the year letter. I got news the other day that we are now definately NOT going to DC. Evidently AFPC gave my assignment to someone else when I was still on the chopping block for Force Shaping. Now, of course, I'm left with the dregs of the assignment list since nearly everything from my cycle has been filled. My CC is trying to work a couple of things for me, so, at this point, it looks like we may end up at Los Angeles AFB or Wright Patt (in Ohio). I'm not holding my breath, though. I checked out the "must fill" list and most of the assignments aren't too bad (they can't keep my overseas for another assignment without my express agreement so we are definately coming back to the States). The only one I would be really disappointed with is probably Hill (which is in nowhere Utah), but all the others would be acceptable. Ft Meade is even on there, so we could conceivably end up in Maryland anyway (although that is somewhat unlikely since it is another SIGINT assignment and the AF wants to "broaden" our career knowledge so they don't like to send you to a similar type of job). At any rate, I'll be sure to post when I hear anything. It is just very disappointing since all I'd been hearing up to this point was that my assignment was a 99% for sure thing and we were just waiting to hear back the confirmation from AFPC. And, of course, we really wanted to go to Maryland since we planed to buy a house there. We'll be alright no matter where we end up, together and happy to be in the same country as our loved ones, but it would be very nice to know where we're going since we leave in less than 3 months! :)
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Last Televised Bills Game
Can you tell what team we root for in this house? ;) (Jocelyn puked on my jersey b4 we got pics)
Year In Review
Well, it's the end of yet another year. So here's our obligatory end-of-the-year newsletter:
2005 just flew by, and I can hardly believe everything that's happened for us in such a short period of time. Of course, Tim and I got married, combining our three children, and then added a fourth. Can you believe I am now the mom of four!! Of course, Tommy and Vanessa don't live with us full-time, but we are hopeful that they will get to spend most of the summer with us this next year. We have been enjoying our time in northern Japan. We've spent a lot of time traveling around the area and down to Tokyo. When my mom came in August, she and I also headed down to Kyoto for a visit, and we have a family trip planned in February to attend the ice festival in Sapporo. In April we will be leaving the area for good and moving to Maryland.
Caitlyn has had an excellent year. She started first grade in the fall and really loves school. She is excelling both academically and socially, and we hope to get her involved with more group activities, like sports, when we return to the States. She is also enjoying her new status as older sister to three new siblings. I worried that this would be a difficult transition for her, but she really surprised me with her excitement and enthusiasm. She loved having Tommy and Vanessa around (I really think she hated being an only child--very boring!), and she never mises an opporunity to show off Jocelyn (it's a little embarressing, actually, since she often demands that strangers admire her sister!). Caitlyn's 7th birthday is tomorrow, though her actual party will be the week after she returns to school since all her friends are on vacation right now, and she is very excited about getting older and being able to do more things on her own (she really, really wants to be able to hold Jocelyn by herself!)
Jocelyn came to us a little early this year, but she is as round and chubby as any baby should be! She has filled out so much you would never be able to tell what a scare she gave us when she first came into the world. Now she's reaching and grabbing for things, and the ever-present drooling has starting up (teething is just around the corner!). I can hardly believe how big she's gotten already. She loves to make sing-song noises and smiles all the time. We used to think she was such a sour puss baby, but now I think she was just really pissed about leaving the womb early. Now she's adjusted to the world and seems to like it :) It helps that she goes to a great childcare worker, and the other kids seem to adore her. It is so cute to see them all trying to make her smile, she absolutely loves it!!
Tommy and Vanessa also came into our lives this year -- well, into mine and Caitlyn's anyway! We got to spend several weeks with them over the summer (though Tim has gone by himself to visit them a few other times) and had an absolute blast! We were lucky enough to get to spend Tommy's fifth birthday with him over the summer (Chuck-E-Cheese is still cool ;) and he also started kindergarten this year. If you have any 4-5 year olds in your life, get the Pigeon books (like Pigeon Drives the Bus), they are sooo cute and Tommy just loves them. Vanessa is two and her birthday is just 8 days after Caitlyn's. She is learning to talk and emulate her idol, Dora the Explorer :) Everything is Dora the Explorer with this kid, and she looks just like her, too, which makes it even cuter! It reminds me of Caitlyn's obsession with Scooby Doo. Both Tommy and Vanessa live with their mom in Texas, but we are looking forward to having them as a big part of our lives when we get back to the States and it's easier to travel down there! We will definately have them over the summer and hopefully for their winter break next year, as well.
Surprisingly, though we live so damn far away, we made quite a few trips this last year. Over the summer we went to Texas to see the kids and to Minnesota for my family reunion. We also met up with Tim's mom in Minnesota where she proceeded to spoil Caitlyn rotten! We are so excited to be moving to east coast (his family is up in Buffalo, NY), so we can see a lot more of her. Then my mom came here to Misawa to visit for three weeks in August. I had really hoped she would be here for the birth, but Jocelyn was having none of that! Even so, we gathered our courage and forayed off to Kyoto when Jocelyn was just 3 weeks old. It wasn't the easiest trip, but it was well worth it to see such a beautiful place! Then in November, Tim traveled back to Texas to spend some time with the kids and he also stopped off in Chicago to spend a very brief time with Stef, John, and Yelena. This next year promises to be even busier as far as traveling. I'm currently planning a very quick trip to Seattle at the end of February for my girlfriend Susanne's wedding (I'm a bridesmaid :). We are then moving in April, though Tim and Caitlyn will probably leave a couple of weeks early and take the dog to his mom's house in Buffalo, then I will meet them there and we will head off to Colorado for my girlfriend Laura's wedding (another bridesmaid :) Hopefully we will also be able to visit my parents in Albuquerque during that same trip.
So that's our year in review. I know you probably know most of it, but I always feel obligated to re-hash everything in a condensed version for your perusing pleasure. Enjoy the pics!!
2005 just flew by, and I can hardly believe everything that's happened for us in such a short period of time. Of course, Tim and I got married, combining our three children, and then added a fourth. Can you believe I am now the mom of four!! Of course, Tommy and Vanessa don't live with us full-time, but we are hopeful that they will get to spend most of the summer with us this next year. We have been enjoying our time in northern Japan. We've spent a lot of time traveling around the area and down to Tokyo. When my mom came in August, she and I also headed down to Kyoto for a visit, and we have a family trip planned in February to attend the ice festival in Sapporo. In April we will be leaving the area for good and moving to Maryland.
Caitlyn has had an excellent year. She started first grade in the fall and really loves school. She is excelling both academically and socially, and we hope to get her involved with more group activities, like sports, when we return to the States. She is also enjoying her new status as older sister to three new siblings. I worried that this would be a difficult transition for her, but she really surprised me with her excitement and enthusiasm. She loved having Tommy and Vanessa around (I really think she hated being an only child--very boring!), and she never mises an opporunity to show off Jocelyn (it's a little embarressing, actually, since she often demands that strangers admire her sister!). Caitlyn's 7th birthday is tomorrow, though her actual party will be the week after she returns to school since all her friends are on vacation right now, and she is very excited about getting older and being able to do more things on her own (she really, really wants to be able to hold Jocelyn by herself!)
Jocelyn came to us a little early this year, but she is as round and chubby as any baby should be! She has filled out so much you would never be able to tell what a scare she gave us when she first came into the world. Now she's reaching and grabbing for things, and the ever-present drooling has starting up (teething is just around the corner!). I can hardly believe how big she's gotten already. She loves to make sing-song noises and smiles all the time. We used to think she was such a sour puss baby, but now I think she was just really pissed about leaving the womb early. Now she's adjusted to the world and seems to like it :) It helps that she goes to a great childcare worker, and the other kids seem to adore her. It is so cute to see them all trying to make her smile, she absolutely loves it!!
Tommy and Vanessa also came into our lives this year -- well, into mine and Caitlyn's anyway! We got to spend several weeks with them over the summer (though Tim has gone by himself to visit them a few other times) and had an absolute blast! We were lucky enough to get to spend Tommy's fifth birthday with him over the summer (Chuck-E-Cheese is still cool ;) and he also started kindergarten this year. If you have any 4-5 year olds in your life, get the Pigeon books (like Pigeon Drives the Bus), they are sooo cute and Tommy just loves them. Vanessa is two and her birthday is just 8 days after Caitlyn's. She is learning to talk and emulate her idol, Dora the Explorer :) Everything is Dora the Explorer with this kid, and she looks just like her, too, which makes it even cuter! It reminds me of Caitlyn's obsession with Scooby Doo. Both Tommy and Vanessa live with their mom in Texas, but we are looking forward to having them as a big part of our lives when we get back to the States and it's easier to travel down there! We will definately have them over the summer and hopefully for their winter break next year, as well.
Surprisingly, though we live so damn far away, we made quite a few trips this last year. Over the summer we went to Texas to see the kids and to Minnesota for my family reunion. We also met up with Tim's mom in Minnesota where she proceeded to spoil Caitlyn rotten! We are so excited to be moving to east coast (his family is up in Buffalo, NY), so we can see a lot more of her. Then my mom came here to Misawa to visit for three weeks in August. I had really hoped she would be here for the birth, but Jocelyn was having none of that! Even so, we gathered our courage and forayed off to Kyoto when Jocelyn was just 3 weeks old. It wasn't the easiest trip, but it was well worth it to see such a beautiful place! Then in November, Tim traveled back to Texas to spend some time with the kids and he also stopped off in Chicago to spend a very brief time with Stef, John, and Yelena. This next year promises to be even busier as far as traveling. I'm currently planning a very quick trip to Seattle at the end of February for my girlfriend Susanne's wedding (I'm a bridesmaid :). We are then moving in April, though Tim and Caitlyn will probably leave a couple of weeks early and take the dog to his mom's house in Buffalo, then I will meet them there and we will head off to Colorado for my girlfriend Laura's wedding (another bridesmaid :) Hopefully we will also be able to visit my parents in Albuquerque during that same trip.
So that's our year in review. I know you probably know most of it, but I always feel obligated to re-hash everything in a condensed version for your perusing pleasure. Enjoy the pics!!
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Tim in Chicago
I forgot to post these earlier. When Tim went back to the States last month he made a quick trip to Chicago to visit Stef, John, & Yelena (we mixed sigs with Lexi, so he missed out on seeing her). So, here's some really cute pics from that trip. I love the peek-a-boo one! Doesn't Yelena look exactly like Stef did as a baby?!
My Daughter is a Genius
I had to brag a little. Caitlyn may not be the most well behaved of children (she has this tendency to never stop talking is class...not sure where she gets that from ;) But, she is definately one of the smartest. Her first term in the first grade and she's already won the Principal's Scholarship Award. She was sooo proud to show her Mommy and Daddy when she got home. How cute is that!!
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Friday, November 18, 2005
Family Controversy
So, for years my family has been embroiled in deep controversy over a very serious issue. We battle back and forth in our divided camps - my father and I on one side, my sisters staunchly on the other, with my mother settling comfortably in the middle - each side firmly convinced of the righteousness and merit of their decision. My faith that we may one day convert them never waivers. Every year without fail I continue to ask, beg and even threaten to no avail. My sister absolutely refuses to make a Christmas list.
Now, she has always maintained that this is because lists are impersonal. As devoted family members we should automatically be able to read her mind and "know" what she wants. Which is all nice and sweet, but if you, like me, are one of those whose mind-reading skills have either never developed or simply haven't emerged yet (holding on hope for that one yet), then you are totally screwed. My father and I maintain that lists are helpful, and they guarantee that you will actually get something you want under the tree instead of having to force that fake smile on your face when you receive your fifth "Bubba" the singing fish.
This conflict goes back so far into our family history that I can't even remember when it began. Over the years, though, I have become accustomed to the stubbornness of the opposite side and have slid into the simplistic pattern of buying the ultimate gift for the list-less, the gift certificate. But, this year, well, this year, my friends, is quite different. You see, in times past I could forgive my sister's recalcitrance and chalk it up as one of her charming idiosyncracies. Now, however, she has dragged my adorable and oh so innocent little niece into the dark and sinister land of the list-impaired. My poor innocent and beautiful niece (she's the angry chicken from the self-titled post below :) who has done nothing wrong execpt have the misfortune to be born into a family which worships list-lessness. I can't give an 8-month old a gift certificate! Can you imagine her little face on Christmas morning, eagerly ripping the wrapping paper into tiny, little edible shreds, stuffing those shreds eagerly into her little mouth, then having said shreds forcibley removed from her mouth by her poor parents (who have probably begun to realize that and 8-month old has little interest in opening presents for any reason other than to stick the paper in her mouth), then she finaly gets to the actual present only to realize that she's accidentally eaten it!!?? Poor, poor, Yelena! And, kids don't outgrow the wrapping paper eating habit for years. Can you imagine the number of gifts she'll consume!!?? All the while thinking, "My aunt Lisa is a real jerk! Can't she buy something I'm not interested in chewing up into spitwads?"
I write this narrative not just to inform, but also as a plea to all of you list-defectives in the audience. For the love of all that is holy, spare your loved ones the pain, agony and inevitable paper cuts, give them a freakin' list!
Now, she has always maintained that this is because lists are impersonal. As devoted family members we should automatically be able to read her mind and "know" what she wants. Which is all nice and sweet, but if you, like me, are one of those whose mind-reading skills have either never developed or simply haven't emerged yet (holding on hope for that one yet), then you are totally screwed. My father and I maintain that lists are helpful, and they guarantee that you will actually get something you want under the tree instead of having to force that fake smile on your face when you receive your fifth "Bubba" the singing fish.
This conflict goes back so far into our family history that I can't even remember when it began. Over the years, though, I have become accustomed to the stubbornness of the opposite side and have slid into the simplistic pattern of buying the ultimate gift for the list-less, the gift certificate. But, this year, well, this year, my friends, is quite different. You see, in times past I could forgive my sister's recalcitrance and chalk it up as one of her charming idiosyncracies. Now, however, she has dragged my adorable and oh so innocent little niece into the dark and sinister land of the list-impaired. My poor innocent and beautiful niece (she's the angry chicken from the self-titled post below :) who has done nothing wrong execpt have the misfortune to be born into a family which worships list-lessness. I can't give an 8-month old a gift certificate! Can you imagine her little face on Christmas morning, eagerly ripping the wrapping paper into tiny, little edible shreds, stuffing those shreds eagerly into her little mouth, then having said shreds forcibley removed from her mouth by her poor parents (who have probably begun to realize that and 8-month old has little interest in opening presents for any reason other than to stick the paper in her mouth), then she finaly gets to the actual present only to realize that she's accidentally eaten it!!?? Poor, poor, Yelena! And, kids don't outgrow the wrapping paper eating habit for years. Can you imagine the number of gifts she'll consume!!?? All the while thinking, "My aunt Lisa is a real jerk! Can't she buy something I'm not interested in chewing up into spitwads?"
I write this narrative not just to inform, but also as a plea to all of you list-defectives in the audience. For the love of all that is holy, spare your loved ones the pain, agony and inevitable paper cuts, give them a freakin' list!
Friday, November 11, 2005
Working Moms
*sigh* I've been having to leave the kids with a childcare provider full-time for the last couple of weeks since Tim is in the States (wah! Come home soon!!), and it has become increasingly hard to drop off my precious little babies with someone else. Don't get me wrong, I really love our provider. I spend a lot of time over there since I usually stop by for my lunch hour to feed Jocelyn, and she is a really great lady. In fact, she started her own day care specifically so she could stay home with her kids, so she can sympathize with my feelings. I never expected to feel this strongly about it. Of course, part of it might be that I really detest my job right no, get absolutely zero satisfaction out of it, and my boss is a big jerk-face, all of which just adds to the immense feelings of guilt and jealousy at having to leave my baby with someone else who then gets to experience all her little smiles and coos. But, I also just saw this piece on the news about working moms who take a few years off to stay home with their kids. Mainly it was about a study which showed that out of 100+ Wharton MBA women who took time off after haing kids, every single one of those who returned to the workforce had lower paying, non-managerial jobs that were less prestigious than their old jobs. They also found it harder to get promoted once they were hired by a company. That is so depressing! I would really like to take a break from working for a while and stay home, especially when we have another baby, but I don't want to completely de-rail all of my professional dreams. Why does it have to be this hard!!??
Monday, November 07, 2005
Children & Halloween
Some recent comments have inspired me to write this short and sweet guide to children and Halloween. 1st, my big sis is absolutely correct, you can never spend too much money on a costume that will only be worn once for approximately 20 minutes and be the recipient of so much baby urp that you will never be able to resell it on Ebay to recoup your money. Why? Well, just look at the below pictures. Just one of those photos is worth any amount of cajoling, pleading and bribing necessary to get your child to wear whatever ridiculous costume you've picked out. 2nd, I am particularly lucky this year because my oldest is six, which, as it turns out, is the best age at which to manipulate your child into wearing the costume you picked out by telling them that Little Bo Peep is, in fact, a very famous "singing star." Okay, so she didn't actually believe that, but she did really like the idea of having her sister and Britney (our dog) as her sheep. Unfortunately, it appears as though the booming doggie costume business (and that is not a joke) have neglected the lucrative farm animal corner of the market, and so I was unable to turn Britney into a sheep (since I clearly lack the creative gene my mom possesses, making such a costume was out of the question). Still, it was easy to console Caitlyn with the knowledge that Britney was actually a sheepherding dog, though she very much attempted to be a small children-herding dog since she was completely overwhelmed by the multitude of trick-or-treaters on the streets. 3rd, three months is the absolute best time to get an infant to wear a costume (so plan to have your children in late July or August) since they are just old enough to fit the costume, yet completely oblivious to anything going on around them. And so they will sit quietly since they are not yet old enough to complain or be embarressed by your obsessive mommy-ing, while you take the previously mentioned pictures of cuteness. And that, my friends, is what I've learned so far about children and Halloween. I understand from my friends with older children, a species far different from the smaller versions, that it gets successively more difficult as time goes on and you have to worry about your pre-teen wanting to go out as something "sexy" or co-ed parties, etc. I hope to God both of my children are as geeky as I was during my middle school years so I don't have to deal with that!
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