DMAA

Yesterday was spent doing paperwork and picking up the new car. It's very nice but I need to have them look at the tires and balance then align them. It shakes when you brake and I can not have that. It's just not acceptable.

We spent most of today at the Woodstock Fair. DMAA did a demo...which I will add pictures to this later. Chase joined the children's class and it was nice..he seemed to pick up right where he left off.

We went and rented some movies, so we are heading upstairs to relax and watch those. Also, my friend Jenna is getting her house cleaned up and the last of her stuff moved into it. So I offered to take Jonah with us to the beach tomorrow. I did a little online research and there are two places we can go to. Either a beach, or a swimming hole. I will ask the boys which one they want to go to tomorrow. Personally, as long as I can kick back and relax..I don't care which one we go to.

OK, I'm taking the boys upstairs now.

Ginormous Stretch!

So you don't realize how attached to something you are until you start cleaning it out. I'm talking about the Cavalier. Chase and I cleaned it out today, scraped off stickers and took all our personal stuff out of it. Poor little thing looks naked. And I'm going to miss it. But tomorrow we are thinking that we get to pick up the Avenger.

I am going to let Chase ride the bus to school in the morning. This is a HUGE stretch for myself. I am over protective, I can admit that. I am fearful of losing my son as well. It's nerve wracking. But I will make it through this. I took a bunch of baby clothes to the school today and gave them to another mother who is going to have a boy. It feels good to help someone else out. I just hope she *pays it forward* as well.

It is going to be a busy weekend for us. Chase and I are going to visit with Jenna at the Woodstock fair. Both the boys will be participating in an DMAA Demo there. Two times, 11 am and 5 pm. So it will be a very long day for all of us. Thank goodness Sebastian travels well. I am thinking also that Sunday or Monday the boys and I will take a drive to the Beach. We don't know where, but we will find a beach. If I have too, I will ask my Mother in Law. She seems to know all the cool little spots.

OK, I'm going to not even worry about dishes tonight. I'm going to go crawl into bed and fall asleep.

Retirement of Memories.

Today was the start of a new moment in time for my family. I went through the processes and bought my husband a new car. For three years this man has done everything in his power to make sure the boys and I are taken care of. Now he is in this awful sand trap and is completely miserable because he can not be with his family. He has bought me diamonds. He has bought me a new car. I have nice clothes, camera's, all kinds of gadgets. So this one sacrifice I made for him. Well, aside from giving birth. But that was no big deal. LOL

I retired the Cavalier today and traded it in for Jim's new car. A beautiful shiny red Dodge Avenger. I added some pictures below, and as soon as the paperwork is finished it will come home with us. I will be driving it when I need to, but this is Jim's Welcome Home *We Missed You* gift. The only thing in this car that sucks in my opinion is that it is automatic. But we have the PT Cruiser if he has stick issues. LOL

Driven to Distraction.

Sometimes things happen in your life just to make you wake up. I got a phone call this afternoon that really shook up my world. Don't worry, Jim is OK. It had nothing to do with him. I will share more about this phone call once my world is squared away again.

I decided not to take our road trip because of this phone call. I want to try and make sure my stuff is all together just in case. So Ive been working on the house with chores. Laundry is almost done. I'm going to get Chase into bed soon so I can do the floors downstairs. His first day of second grade is tomorrow. And that is another thing driving me nuts. My baby is in second grade. I was just changing his diapers not long ago.

He has been having some issues the last few days with bed wetting. I was angry but then I pulled up some pages and learned quite a bit. For instance, bed wetting is a heredity thing. I think I may have wet my bed once in awhile, but I will be quiet and pin this one on my ex spouse.

Just a couple of little excerpts from what I read:

The most important thing to remember is that no one wets the bed on purpose. It doesn't mean that you're lazy or a slob. It's something you can't help doing. For some reason, kids who wet the bed are not able to feel that their bladders are full and don't wake up to pee in the toilet. Sometimes a kid who wets the bed will have a realistic dream that he or she is in the bathroom peeing - only to wake up later and discover he or she is all wet.

Some kids who wet the bed do it every single night. Others wet some nights and are dry on others. A lot of kids say that they seem to be drier when they sleep at a friend's or a relatives house. That's because kids who are anxious about wetting the bed may not sleep much or only very lightly. So the brain may be thinking, "Hey, you! Don't wet someone else's bed!" This can help you stay dry even if you're not aware of it.

So I was happy to know I was on the right track when I made Chase change his own sheets each time. But that's a lot of laundry. Oh wait. I like cleaning. Never mind.

OK, I'm going to take my over stressed mind and go tuck in my big boy.

Still there...

I still have a headache so I took some tylenol and am heading to bed. I will be up early in the morning to write this blog about San Francisco!

Santa Cruz

Nothing fancy tonight...just some pictures of our trip to Santa Cruz. My head is killing me and we have to get up early tomorrow morning to get Carter in for shots. It was a nice, quiet weekend..no drama. Got a couple of good phone conversations in with my husband. Messed with the GPS unit a bit. Started figuring out how and what to pack for our trip to Virginia. I'm excited yet a little scared at the same time. It is a long drive...but I will be able to mark more states off of my calendar and get some more shot glasses. The picture above was the view of the shoreline at Santa Cruz. We just stayed on the boardwalk as we were ill prepared to take the kids out into the sand.

Does anyone recognize that bridge? It was used to film one of the best almost cult classic movies ever! The Lost Boys. Remember the scene when he falls into the fog down below? And how far it seemed like he was falling? Yeah...you could stand a 6 foot person on my head and that is how far the ground really is from the bottom of the bridge.

That picture of the roller coaster could soooo be a post card, couldn't it?This is the water ride that I managed to somehow get the kids on...And the end result was this fantastic picture...My friend Andrea said this ride probably took about 5 years off her life...

By the time the kids got off this ride...a giant pirate ship that rocks back and forth...Chy had sunk clear down in the seat and was almost under the bar...I think she was scared...

The air ride that took you from one end of the Boardwalk to the other.

The kids playing on some of the arcade games along the walk way.

The world's greatest Grandma walking with her youngest and last Grandchild!

San Pablo...here we are!

San Pablo...Home to many of my family members. Just a few are listed below for all to enjoy. Last time I saw this part of my family I was still pregnant with Chase. So almost 8 years have passed. Amazing how time flies.

That is Great Grandma Oletha Marston holding Sebastian. Her last Great Grandchild. She was thrilled, yet saddened at the same time.
My Mother's youngest brother David is above with his daughter Courtney. Last time I had seen her she was almost 2. Now she is heading into private school. A beautiful young lady with a good heart. Uncle David and Courtney just couldn't get enough of Sebastian. It has been a very long while since they have had a baby in their midst. Sebastian slept really well that night.

The two pictures above are of my Uncle Don. His nickname my entire life growing up was *Indian*. Harley should have been his name. He and Uncle Odell are Harley collectors and have some beautiful cruisers in their little garage. God help the person who messes with their bikes.

The man above who seems to be napping is not Willie Nelson. Sorry to disappoint. It is actually my Uncle Tracy who lives a few blocks away from Grandma Leta. I absolutely love how that black and white picture turned out. Below are some random pictures I stopped and took along HWY 101 from Monterey on through to San Francisco.

Just a small note on the opposite end of the world here...Jim told me to go out and buy a GPS system as an early birthday present since some of you know I am taking a road trip next weekend. We are going to help a friend of mine Tonia celebrate True Love with her marriage to a wonderful man named Robb. It wont be a big ceremony, and there will probably be more kids than adults. But that will not matter in the slightest. She found what she wanted, and he got a wonderful woman with three beautiful children. As I was saying, I bought a Garmon Nuvi...Chase and I were messing with it this afternoon and it rocks! Did I mention how cool this little gadget is?

Our trip to Cali Part 1

Yes, the gratuitious self camera portrait while driving. This was actually taken towards the end of our trip, however I thought it appropriate for the beginning of this blog. The first leg of our trip started at 0400 on Monday the 11th of August. The kids were wide awake for some time that early, but eventually Chase fell asleep on Chy's lap. She giggled for awhile as well at Chase snoring. Soon there was a loud chain saw noise from the back as both kids were snoring. Oh, did I mention Sebastian snores as well? Yeah. It was a long drive. We made it through Redding at about 1300 and then to my Mother's long time friend Sheila's house about 1530. It was a beautiful trip minus the fact we could not get the stupid AC to work. I personally think that maybe it was just too hot for it to work. 108 degrees is really damn hot. But it was a DRY heat. Yay!!! I added some more pictures below of us in the car during this first part of the trip.

Chyilene absolutely passed out in the car sound asleep. Chase is asleep below.

What a fantastic big brother! He was right there to help out provided we had a good bottle made for Sebastian!

I soooo have the cutest kids in my family! This would be Chase and Chy hamming it up on the way home from Cali...We were again messing with the camera.

Yes, even Sebastian was sacked out for the drive. Chase and Chy had to take a picture of him so he could be included as well.

Our First Motel.

So after the very nice visit with Sheila we drove this really long windy road and ended up in Vallejo. *Just a small added note..if you ever travel with my mother...dont ask her to read the map...you will get dizzy in the process* We stopped at one motel with the ideals that they had a heated outdoor pool. When I walked in to check out the place, I noticed the pool was covered. Oh..I noticed the one legged man standing as though he was in trouble in the corner as well. Kinda gave me the creeps. I then asked the clerk if there was another pool, or just this one that was covered. Would you believe me if I told you she actually asked...*what pool?* Smile, nod and walk quickly out the door. Explain to my mother that we will find another motel. Around the corner to Motel 6. Rent our room, very nice accomodations. Very clean, nice pool area. Corner room and QUIET! So I run and get dinner, feed the kids and then *TO THE POOL BATMAN!!* For like two seconds, cause it was FREAKING COLD!!! Yes...Not a heated pool like those of us from Oregon are used too. Even poor little Sebastian was shivering. My Mom was heading out the door to take pictures as we were heading in. All of our teeth chattering REALLY explained it all. So we settled in and got some well earned sleep.

Sebastian and I were obviously the first ones awake. That boy has an internal alarm clock that bothers me. His idea of sleeping in is 0630. Damn. He is his father.

Did I happen to mention at all sometimes Chase does not wake up well if there is a camera in his face? Just in case...See above...Hehehe

I have to admit. I love waking up to my two wonderful boys. Look at that smile. And doesn't it look as though he is waving at me? Ever little inch of his chubby legs and small, nimble fingers makes me feel I have done well. Chase amazes me everyday with simple things. Holding the door open for me. Telling me he loves me. Wanting to hold my hand. I am truly blessed.

Tomorrow I will write about our visit with Great Grandma and my long lost Uncles. I seem to finally be tired this evening.

Yay! We are home!

It seems to be taking me a little bit longer this time to get us unpacked and readjusted into our schedules..but it will happen soon enough. Our trip back to Oregon and through California was fantastic! I really enjoyed myself and know my Mom, the boys and Chy did as well. For those of you who did not know we took my niece Chyilene with us. It was great entertainment...:) I am going to just add pictures to this blog and write little commentaries as I go. This will go on for a few days so be patient...:)

The pictures here are Chase seeing Sebastian for the first time after 8 weeks. His hair was a mess, but that was ok...You will see why below...:)

Now how cool did his hair turn out? Mommy promised to put some Orange on it so I will post more later. So far everyone has liked it but his father. I shared with Chase to enjoy his hair, it is what he wanted whether his father likes it or not. That he would never be able to please the ex spouse, so just work on pleasing himself. We shall see how that advice goes.

So far Chase is turning out to be a very attentive big brother. We slept out in the trailer while we stayed at my Mom's house..It was a lot of fun. The boys enjoyed it and I actually slept pretty well for once. I think it was because I knew my parents were right there. Im not sure. I was a little nervous about the age difference for awhile but that feeling is beginning to subside. Chase is taking on a whole new outlook and realizing he is not the only child anymore. Yes, I am still awaiting the temper issues of a child adjusting to a new sibling. I will tap my foot until it happens.

Tomorrow I will write about our first visit to Shelia in Lodi, and our first motel we stayed the night in. I will also share about our visit to San Pablo and the long lost Uncle's and Cousin.

Slight Delay..

So there will be a few slight delay's in my personal blog over the next 10 days. I am traveling to Oregon to pick up my oldest from his father. Other plans include taking the boys, my neice and my Mother to California for a few days to see the San Francisco Bay. I am really excited to be able to take my kids to these places I went at thier ages as well.

I will try my best to write, but wont make any promises right now. I Love You all, and look forward to bringing both my boys back home to thier true lives.

No more itchiness!

That would be Carter and Sebastian up there playing. They are both just fascinated with the dangling toys on that play gym. Those two just crack me up together. Today, Carter scared me something fierce...and it would have been bad had I not already been peeing. I was upstairs and Sebastian was playing in his bouncy chair. I got ready to take a shower, and was taking that last minute leak with Carter attacked my foot. So instead of kicking him *like I should have* I stomped my other foot down really hard. Sebastian started, but the humor came when I noticed I was eye to eye with the cat all of a sudden. Yes, I scared the cat so bad he jumped in the air about 4 feetish. And I laughed so hard at this that I got Sebastian laughing. And his laughing made me laugh even harder. Which in turn kept me on the toilet for fear of peeing yet again. It was a long morning.

I went and picked up Chase's meds today. Still no word from his father if he needs them or not. Figures, huh? My Mom made me laugh as well. The ex spouse is supposed to drop off Chase at my Mothers house Thursday after 7. But my parents have plans, so she emailed me to ask if she wanted me to call and have it changed to 8..or if she should just call. I asked her to call as I am trying to avoid him like the plague right now. LOL..her response in email...Should I wait until Friday to call? Yes, I thought that was pretty funny and for those of you who know how badly he procrastinates...It was a damn good joke. I just can not wait to hold both my boys in my arms again. Now if I can survive until Jim gets home.

I went as well and got my hair done today. I was needing a root touch up. Yes, I am in denial. Yes, I dye. Not like Stef says...I don't Die. I dye. My friend Andrea and I got a kick out of this lack of spelling intellectualism. It amazes me that a person can attend school for 12 years straight and spell worse than my 7 year old does. And I am not speaking of just one person. I am speaking of a large amount of people. If it does not look right to you, chances are it is incorrect. Oh...did I mention there is this thing called spell check as well? Yeah..great little button at the top!! Has a check mark with ABC!!

And now I am trying to figure out which font to use for the boys birthdays. I have 7 fonts I like, and when I did a poll...I had 7 fonts others liked. Nice way to go there people!! LOL I will figure it out, or have my artist do it for me.

Ok...Love you all but I'm going to go get some sleep. I am wiped for some reason today.

One more added note for the Wisenhiemer there...I did spell check...TWICE..and thier came out spelled correctly! So maybe you need to check your spelling as well...*wink*

Predni-what?

Off to the tanning bed this morning thanks to my sister in law sitting with Sebastian. YAY. And then I went and got my nails done. A little mommy time for herself. I always feel guilty afterwards though. Sebastian has been kinda fussy all day. I think his tummy was bothering him. And even now it is 7 pm and he is sound asleep upstairs. Which leaves me to my own creative side. What am I doing to enjoy the quiet? Seriously? Im cleaning the damn house. How sad am I?

Today I snuck in an appointment at my Dr's office. Ive had these itchy bumps all over. I just figured they were simple flea bites from the new kitten, Carter. Well, according to my Dr I am allergic to the flea bites. So I am taking prednisone for the next 6 days, Fexofenadine once a day for 30 days and Tretinion Cream each night at bed for my "Adult onset Acne". Nice, huh? I can handle that though. I tan normally to rid myself of the acne. But with a midget it is much more difficult to get out and tan. Such is life.

I went and picked up Chase's medication today as well. I still have not heard anything from my ex as to whether or not he needs it. He has probably ran out or is not even giving Chase his meds. Nice, huh?

Jenna made our appointment for Wed at 1230 to get her tattoo done and mine touched up. I am going to have the boys birthdays added above thier prospective hands and feet. That way my Mom can tell them apart. Yes, she is going senile in her old age *wink*

I can say that, Im too old to ground now.

Ok, Im going to go finish cleaning up my dishes and stuff. Then I think I will hit the hay early.

Another day...

In paradise I suppose. Sebastian and I just spent the day inside. It was nice outside, then cloudy, then nice..a little rain. I am simply just counting down the days until I can pick up my oldest boy. I miss him. I am running out of things to do to keep myself entertained. And I am sure Sebastian can pick up on that. I was going to take a trip to Yankee Candle, but I will wait until I have Chase with me. Maybe a water park when we get back from Oregon? Definately a birthday party. Chase was invited to one, and I love taking him to parties!

I dinked around a little today. I edited the DMAA demo pics and emailed them to Master Savoie. I have not heard it he liked them or not. I cleaned up Jims profile. He joined all those stupid little gaming groups online and has so much crap posted from them I had to delete 38 comments to finally get it to where his family had posted thier comments. I personally think that stuff is a waste of time. But apparently that is all he has is time over there. He could be doing class work, but I see him online playing these stupid Mobster games and what not. Pleh.

No, I am not jealous because he has the time to play them either. I am annoyed because that stuff cut into family time when we were in Germany. Yes, the boys both keep me hella busy..but I will not spend my down time playing those stupid things.

Carter is doing fantastic now that he is flea free. Lots more energy and a very loving little kitten. He sure adores Sebastian but I really catch him sleeping in Chase's room more often than not. One more small note..I went to Groton Sub Base yesterday as well and bought Sebastian his high chair. He sat like a big boy and this morning ate his first solid food meal in it. I am now feeding him solids one to two times a day depending on how he acts. I am a month ahead on feeding him solids according to his pediatrician. But I am also going by what Sebastian is showing me. Drinking four to five bottles a day shows me that he is still hungry and ready for something more solid. I posted a pic above of Squeaky in his high chair.

Now, it is time for Army Wives so upstairs I go.

Off to the St James Fair again...

This time I went to cheer on Danielson Martial Arts Academy. I will update this tomorrow with more of a blog and add pictures to it as well. But right now...I so need to go to bed.

Blah Blah Blah

Nothing totally exciting today. Paid bills, walked down to the little St. James Bazaar thing. Going to walk down there tomorrow as well to support the Demo team. They are performing there for the Karate school. Only 6 more days until I go to Oregon and get my midget! I just realized today he is big enough to not have a car seat anymore. Wow. Thats all I can say about that.