*Sigh* . . . . I love this time of year!
Yes, it's busy. It's stressful. It can be a pretty expensive time, too.
But it's so full of magic. I love the fun and joy, and spending happy time with friends and family. Reminiscing about old times, good and bad.
Usually, our first Christmas is on Christmas Eve with my dad's side of the family. This year, our first Christmas was on Saturday, with E's family. E's Mom, brothers, and sister were there. I brought my boys and E brought his daughter.
It was a day of fun. Games, movies, snacks, then presents and dinner. Everyone was excited about the gift-giving . . . That's always my favorite part: the giving. I felt bad that I didn't have anything to give to anyone, but they all understand my financial situation. Maybe I'll give everyone Valentine's presents when I'm back on my feet. It was still a joy to see everyone so excited.
The best part of the day? The visiting. Just being there, hanging out with Christmas in the air.
I'm looking forward to more. More togetherness, more joy. More giving, more love. Too bad there's only two more days of Christmas. I could handle a little bit more. Even with the boys, the stress, and the lack of cash, I love it. Hope you are all enjoying the magic as much as I am.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Christmas Cards
Christmas Cards: A blog and an advertisement.
Advertisement? Yes. Sorry. But Shutterfly is offering bloggers 50 Christmas / Holiday cards for posting about their holiday products. If you have a blog, check it out. If you haven't gotten your Christmas cards yet, check out what they have. http://bit.ly/sfly2010
Okay, so there's the plug. Here's the blog.
I have never really done Christmas cards. I've always thought about it. The last few years I've even written a letter. Last year I got addresses from lots of people, near and far, old and new, navy and civilian. But I never sent them. This year I had our first family portrait taken since 2007. I used to do it every year, starting with a portrait of Jacob and I when I was pregnant with Zack. This year, since so many things have happened since I've been in touch with people, and so many things are getting ready to change in our lives, I really want to follow through.
The pictures (even though I was nervous) turned out great. There's a few with a funny face, or hair out of place, but overall, they did a really good job. Regret: I didn't have her take one of anyone alone. Oh, well. The family shot is the important one anyway.
Here's a sample of my favorite:
So, the next choice: Which card to put them on. After I saw the Shuttefly blog on a friend's post, I started browsing the options. I prefer a card with one big picture instead of a collage. Do I want color, black, or white? Christmas or Holidays? Snowflakes, trees? Why are there so many choices?
Here are a few of my favorites . . . why don't you tell me which one you like?
Well, that's all for now. I look forward to hearing what you think . . . almost as much as I'm looking forward to actually sending cards this year! Thanks to my mom for encouraging me to get our pictures done. I really am happy with them. Thanks also to Brandy and to Shutterfly for the offer of free cards!
Advertisement? Yes. Sorry. But Shutterfly is offering bloggers 50 Christmas / Holiday cards for posting about their holiday products. If you have a blog, check it out. If you haven't gotten your Christmas cards yet, check out what they have. http://bit.ly/sfly2010
Okay, so there's the plug. Here's the blog.
I have never really done Christmas cards. I've always thought about it. The last few years I've even written a letter. Last year I got addresses from lots of people, near and far, old and new, navy and civilian. But I never sent them. This year I had our first family portrait taken since 2007. I used to do it every year, starting with a portrait of Jacob and I when I was pregnant with Zack. This year, since so many things have happened since I've been in touch with people, and so many things are getting ready to change in our lives, I really want to follow through.
The pictures (even though I was nervous) turned out great. There's a few with a funny face, or hair out of place, but overall, they did a really good job. Regret: I didn't have her take one of anyone alone. Oh, well. The family shot is the important one anyway.
Here's a sample of my favorite:
 |
| No, this is not the shot for the card. Not going to give everything away here. This is just a sample. And if you come to my house in a few weeks, you'll see it in a frame on my desk. Love it. Zachary and I are doing "nose wiggles" on the left, and Jacob and I are on the right. How much they've grown up! |
So, the next choice: Which card to put them on. After I saw the Shuttefly blog on a friend's post, I started browsing the options. I prefer a card with one big picture instead of a collage. Do I want color, black, or white? Christmas or Holidays? Snowflakes, trees? Why are there so many choices?
Here are a few of my favorites . . . why don't you tell me which one you like?
Well, that's all for now. I look forward to hearing what you think . . . almost as much as I'm looking forward to actually sending cards this year! Thanks to my mom for encouraging me to get our pictures done. I really am happy with them. Thanks also to Brandy and to Shutterfly for the offer of free cards!
Where have I been?
Well, I've been right here. But also a little bit lost.
I have thought about blogging through all of the problems that I've had, but most of the time I'm pretty sure that my blogging is like writing letters to no one. I also haven't been to blog because I feel an obligation to "catch up" for lost time. I've tried to do it a few times . . . when I caught up on all of our Disneyland highlights, and I wrote about my trip to SF with E. But I didn't always feel like blogging about our vacations or the boys going back to school. There have been many days that I have written a blog in my head, but not put it on the computer because my blog feels stuck in June and I didn't have the heart or the time to get the blog up-to-date.
What is the first step to change? Making the choice. With my kids, our "theme" is Making good choices. I tell them that you choose your own behavior. They know that if they are in trouble, it is because they did not make good choices. I am trying now to make my own good choices. Actually, I've been working on it for a few weeks now. The most important choice I've been making lately? Well, it's not always as easy to do as it is to say, but I have really been trying to not be depressed.
Even having chores and to-do lists doesn't always help, especially when you're alone. When you're down in a hole, trying not to be depressed can be harder than it sounds. I've had quite a few bad days - and even bad weeks - since graduating in August. I still have bad days, but making the choice that I don't want to just be makes a difference.
Things are also getting better. Things in our lives are changing, and I'm looking forward to many of the changes. As I feel better, and things start happening around here . . . well, I'm going to be busy, but I want to feel better, so I'll be here. On good days I look forward to sharing our job, and on bad days, I am hoping that it will help me to write and release the frustration, stress, and depression that I feel.
I hope you are all well. It's been a rough week. but we are choosing to have a better day.
I'm enjoying the peace right now, praying for dinner and bedtime to go as well as free time!
I have thought about blogging through all of the problems that I've had, but most of the time I'm pretty sure that my blogging is like writing letters to no one. I also haven't been to blog because I feel an obligation to "catch up" for lost time. I've tried to do it a few times . . . when I caught up on all of our Disneyland highlights, and I wrote about my trip to SF with E. But I didn't always feel like blogging about our vacations or the boys going back to school. There have been many days that I have written a blog in my head, but not put it on the computer because my blog feels stuck in June and I didn't have the heart or the time to get the blog up-to-date.
What is the first step to change? Making the choice. With my kids, our "theme" is Making good choices. I tell them that you choose your own behavior. They know that if they are in trouble, it is because they did not make good choices. I am trying now to make my own good choices. Actually, I've been working on it for a few weeks now. The most important choice I've been making lately? Well, it's not always as easy to do as it is to say, but I have really been trying to not be depressed.
Even having chores and to-do lists doesn't always help, especially when you're alone. When you're down in a hole, trying not to be depressed can be harder than it sounds. I've had quite a few bad days - and even bad weeks - since graduating in August. I still have bad days, but making the choice that I don't want to just be makes a difference.
Things are also getting better. Things in our lives are changing, and I'm looking forward to many of the changes. As I feel better, and things start happening around here . . . well, I'm going to be busy, but I want to feel better, so I'll be here. On good days I look forward to sharing our job, and on bad days, I am hoping that it will help me to write and release the frustration, stress, and depression that I feel.
I hope you are all well. It's been a rough week. but we are choosing to have a better day.
I'm enjoying the peace right now, praying for dinner and bedtime to go as well as free time!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
A getaway weekend - long post
Shortly after we returned from Disneyland, it was time to get away again. Vacation from a vacation? No, just me and E. Mom and Dad agreed that we needed some real time for ourselves and they would keep the boys for a weekend. Yep, a whole weekend. They had had overnights before, but not a weekend. From Friday night until Sunday afternoon. Who was excited? Everyone! Well, maybe not Mom and Dad, but the boys were excited, as were E and I.
So, M&D agreed to babysit. What's next? Deciding where to go! We tossed back and forth the idea of going to Reno. It's not too far, and there are sights, shows, and lots to do besides throw your money away. We decided, almost at the last minute, that it wasn't worth it. Even with a cheap hotel room and one free dinner, going to Reno would still be pretty expensive. What's closer, cheaper, and doesn't run on schedules?
We decided on San Francisco. I was a little reluctant at first, not knowing where to go or what to do. I didn't even know what area to stay in to be close to the kinds of things we wanted to do. Then I got an idea. I know someone who knows San Francisco. My cousin and her fiance' live there. I figured that they would know where to stay, and help narrow down our to-do and to-see list.
So I first talked to Val just to ask about things to do and where to stay. Being just a few days in advance, the hotel rooms were all much more expensive than the cheap room we could have had in Reno. Val and Buzz had a talk and offered us their guest room. They had some plans for the weekend, but they would offer us advice, driving directions, and a place to stay. So, with plans made, what's left? Laundry and packing!
Friday afternoon the boys were dropped off with clothes, books, and a pile of other stuff that they decided they needed for a whole weekend. E and I got out the door and on the road.
We hit some traffic, and things with Maggie (my Magellan GPS) got a little bit tricky. . . but we got there! After a quick welcome tour and freshening up, we were ready for dinner. We decided to go to a popular local spot. Dinner was on us in exchange for the place to stay, so we took their word on where to go. If either of them ever tell you where to eat dinner, you should listen! Wow. It wasn't a quick bite to eat, but it was great!
The next morning, the plan was to get up and get going early. We didn't quite make it. We got up, showered and dressed, but the idea of breakfast at another great place was too good to pass up. Especially since it would put us exactly where we wanted to be for our first plan of the day. Breakfast was just outside of the Presido. . . So after we were done, that's where we went. We explored the old base, some of the buildings and learned a little about its history. I could have stayed all day. . . but we had somewhere to be. We bought tickets to the Walt Disney Family Museum. It is located on the Presidio, which is why our brunch location was so perfect. E and I both wanted to see and explore the history and artifacts that the museum held. One downside is the "no pictures" rule. And Val had some advice for me . . . to watch the time. It really was easy to get lost in the exhibits! Lots to see, read, watch, and do. We spent much more time inside the exhibits than we meant to, but I think we both could have stayed longer.
We finally left, and . . . got lost! Doesn't everyone? We ended up down by Fisherman's Wharf. We walked a little bit, but I was *cold* out there! It was cloudy, it was windy, and it was cold! E was wearing short sleeves and didn't seem to care, but I couldn't handle it. I saw a sign and ducked in to a shop. I bought a gray fleece jacket. I know, I know. . . what a tourist. But I felt much better!
We walked around, considered renting bikes, and talked about taking a ferry ride. Instead of all that, we took a self-guided tour of the USS Pampanito. It is a WWII-era submarine that is moored and open for tours. You can't see everything, but we saw a lot . . .including the radio room! Usually that is closed, but they were just finishing a test of all of the equipment. It was very small and cramped. Some of the equipment, and the style of the equipment looked familiar, but obviously way out of date. It was exciting getting to see that, and the rest of the sub. We saw equipment, berths, the tiny galley and mess area. I thought it was pretty awesome, though I would much prefer an aircraft carrier over that tiny sub! After the sub, we walked over to Pier 39, but weren't too excited. There were SO many people it was hard to walk. We were getting hungry, but didn't want anything that the pier had to offer. We also wanted to get away from the crowd! We ended up at a diner for dinner. Full, warm, and tired, it was time to go. We had a frightening (and hilarious) encounter with the "bush man" on the way, but eventually made it to the car.
We drove over the golden gate and stopped at a lookout. After taking pictures, it was time to get out of the wind and get going. Time to head back. Before getting back to the house, we stopped at the Cliff House. I had never heard of it before hearing stories from Buzz. We first tried to look at what used to be the baths, but it was getting dark. I didn't think it would be safe to walk all the way down. I wanted to see the Cliff House, though. We looked over the cliffs, took some pictures, and headed inside. We got a table and read about the history of the Cliff House and the baths. After a delicious slice of dessert, it was time to get back to the house. I'd been cold most of the day and I was ready to relax.
We recapped our day for Val and Buzz, and yes, relaxed. E and I also decided to head out early in the morning, so it was definitely time for sleep!
In the morning, we got up and started driving. We had breakfast at a great little spot in Sausalito. The last time I had been to Sausalito, I went by boat. It lost something by car. After breakfast, we started driving north. It was supposed to be a scenic route. Most of it was. Beautiful. We drove around the cliffs, stopped at a beach, and made it to Point Reyes. Well, sort of. We went to the visitor's center. Once we found out that the lighthouse was 45 minutes out, though, we had to decide that we didn't have an hour and a half to spare. We headed towards home. But . . . what would a scenic route be without a detour? Yes, we got lost. Sort of.
Finally, we made it home - to Mom and Dad's. Stories were told about the weekend . . . and at last we got on our way. It was important not to be too late getting home. The next day was the first day of my externship.
So, here's a photo recap of our weekend. . .
So, M&D agreed to babysit. What's next? Deciding where to go! We tossed back and forth the idea of going to Reno. It's not too far, and there are sights, shows, and lots to do besides throw your money away. We decided, almost at the last minute, that it wasn't worth it. Even with a cheap hotel room and one free dinner, going to Reno would still be pretty expensive. What's closer, cheaper, and doesn't run on schedules?
We decided on San Francisco. I was a little reluctant at first, not knowing where to go or what to do. I didn't even know what area to stay in to be close to the kinds of things we wanted to do. Then I got an idea. I know someone who knows San Francisco. My cousin and her fiance' live there. I figured that they would know where to stay, and help narrow down our to-do and to-see list.
So I first talked to Val just to ask about things to do and where to stay. Being just a few days in advance, the hotel rooms were all much more expensive than the cheap room we could have had in Reno. Val and Buzz had a talk and offered us their guest room. They had some plans for the weekend, but they would offer us advice, driving directions, and a place to stay. So, with plans made, what's left? Laundry and packing!
Friday afternoon the boys were dropped off with clothes, books, and a pile of other stuff that they decided they needed for a whole weekend. E and I got out the door and on the road.
We hit some traffic, and things with Maggie (my Magellan GPS) got a little bit tricky. . . but we got there! After a quick welcome tour and freshening up, we were ready for dinner. We decided to go to a popular local spot. Dinner was on us in exchange for the place to stay, so we took their word on where to go. If either of them ever tell you where to eat dinner, you should listen! Wow. It wasn't a quick bite to eat, but it was great!
The next morning, the plan was to get up and get going early. We didn't quite make it. We got up, showered and dressed, but the idea of breakfast at another great place was too good to pass up. Especially since it would put us exactly where we wanted to be for our first plan of the day. Breakfast was just outside of the Presido. . . So after we were done, that's where we went. We explored the old base, some of the buildings and learned a little about its history. I could have stayed all day. . . but we had somewhere to be. We bought tickets to the Walt Disney Family Museum. It is located on the Presidio, which is why our brunch location was so perfect. E and I both wanted to see and explore the history and artifacts that the museum held. One downside is the "no pictures" rule. And Val had some advice for me . . . to watch the time. It really was easy to get lost in the exhibits! Lots to see, read, watch, and do. We spent much more time inside the exhibits than we meant to, but I think we both could have stayed longer.
We finally left, and . . . got lost! Doesn't everyone? We ended up down by Fisherman's Wharf. We walked a little bit, but I was *cold* out there! It was cloudy, it was windy, and it was cold! E was wearing short sleeves and didn't seem to care, but I couldn't handle it. I saw a sign and ducked in to a shop. I bought a gray fleece jacket. I know, I know. . . what a tourist. But I felt much better!
We walked around, considered renting bikes, and talked about taking a ferry ride. Instead of all that, we took a self-guided tour of the USS Pampanito. It is a WWII-era submarine that is moored and open for tours. You can't see everything, but we saw a lot . . .including the radio room! Usually that is closed, but they were just finishing a test of all of the equipment. It was very small and cramped. Some of the equipment, and the style of the equipment looked familiar, but obviously way out of date. It was exciting getting to see that, and the rest of the sub. We saw equipment, berths, the tiny galley and mess area. I thought it was pretty awesome, though I would much prefer an aircraft carrier over that tiny sub! After the sub, we walked over to Pier 39, but weren't too excited. There were SO many people it was hard to walk. We were getting hungry, but didn't want anything that the pier had to offer. We also wanted to get away from the crowd! We ended up at a diner for dinner. Full, warm, and tired, it was time to go. We had a frightening (and hilarious) encounter with the "bush man" on the way, but eventually made it to the car.
We drove over the golden gate and stopped at a lookout. After taking pictures, it was time to get out of the wind and get going. Time to head back. Before getting back to the house, we stopped at the Cliff House. I had never heard of it before hearing stories from Buzz. We first tried to look at what used to be the baths, but it was getting dark. I didn't think it would be safe to walk all the way down. I wanted to see the Cliff House, though. We looked over the cliffs, took some pictures, and headed inside. We got a table and read about the history of the Cliff House and the baths. After a delicious slice of dessert, it was time to get back to the house. I'd been cold most of the day and I was ready to relax.
We recapped our day for Val and Buzz, and yes, relaxed. E and I also decided to head out early in the morning, so it was definitely time for sleep!
In the morning, we got up and started driving. We had breakfast at a great little spot in Sausalito. The last time I had been to Sausalito, I went by boat. It lost something by car. After breakfast, we started driving north. It was supposed to be a scenic route. Most of it was. Beautiful. We drove around the cliffs, stopped at a beach, and made it to Point Reyes. Well, sort of. We went to the visitor's center. Once we found out that the lighthouse was 45 minutes out, though, we had to decide that we didn't have an hour and a half to spare. We headed towards home. But . . . what would a scenic route be without a detour? Yes, we got lost. Sort of.
Finally, we made it home - to Mom and Dad's. Stories were told about the weekend . . . and at last we got on our way. It was important not to be too late getting home. The next day was the first day of my externship.
So, here's a photo recap of our weekend. . .
 |
| The Golden Gate Bridge, in the fog . . . walking along a beach just below the Presidio after breakfast. |
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| Me, coming through a hatch on the USS Pampanito. Back then, they really were knee-knockers. I think it was easier for me to get through the hatch than anyone else I saw! |
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| The hatch wasn't so easy for E! Some things just aren't made for tall people! |
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| Alcatraz, across the bay from the pier. |
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| The lone sailor, at the lookout point that we stopped at. |
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| An aircraft carrier with a plane taking off. There was a bronze sculpture like this for each of the services who go to sea. Wish I had taken a clearer picture of the plaque that told the story. Basically, passing this lookout point is the last place where a sailor can still look back as they go out to sea. . . it sounded better on the plaque, but that's pretty close. |
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| Finally! We got someone to take pictures of me and E. None of them turned out really well, but this was the best. And what's behind us? Gray. Fog. In July! Yeah, yeah. That's San Francisco. At least I didn't have to take the dreaded self-portrait holding the camera out in front of us! |
Saturday, September 11, 2010
More Vacation Pictures!
Whew! What a trip it was . . .
So, there's no pictures of our visit with K and S, and all of the pictures of our time in Ventura are on Dad's camera. I also missed taking pictures of my crazy kids chasing the birds. Oh, well. There will be more cute / crazy things next time, and I'll have my camera ready.
So, there's no pictures of our visit with K and S, and all of the pictures of our time in Ventura are on Dad's camera. I also missed taking pictures of my crazy kids chasing the birds. Oh, well. There will be more cute / crazy things next time, and I'll have my camera ready.
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| Z, with a nice frosty drink, looking at the ocean. |
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| On the bumper cars . . . finally! |
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| Whee! He had so much fun, I enjoyed just watching him ride around and go in circles! |
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| This just got me. Really . . . a designated smoking area. You're outside, and fishing. Does someone not realize that the air does not stay within this nice little boundary line? |
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| Grandpa and his boys on the pier . . . this is almost to the end, looking back at the main area. There are at least five shots, and not one that has everyone looking at the camera. I take what I can get. |
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| Yep. Here's where we were. . . |
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| J, sleeping in the hotel that night. This is pretty much how he slept every night of the vacation, though . . . and why he slept alone. |
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| Z, in bed at the hotel. Sure looks cute. But he does take up some room. Why didn't we get three beds? Can't sleep with sideways J . . . and trying to share with Z didn't go so well, either. Rolls over and over, and he's either too close, or he's over a little bit, but shoving and kicking. Yes, I was very happy to get back to my own bed! |
More Disneyland Pictures
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| I'm never very good at these self-portraits . . . But here we are on the teacups. It's somewhere around 2 or 3 in the afternoon, and I had been up since 3:15 am. The boys did great that first day. |
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| Yes, the boys did great that first long day -- up early, driving all day, etc. No meltdowns at all. Apparently, though, Z wasn't very in to the parade. I was diggin' it, and J thought it was cool, but here is Z, not paying attention to a thing . . . sunglasses, cheetos face, and frozen drink. Can't even tell by looking that it's his first day at Disneyland. Punk. |
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| J and Z, with Winnie the Pooh. I feel a little bad that we didn't get more characters, but each time we were either on our way somewhere, or there was a huge line already. It also wasn't a priority. Pooh and Tigger were together, then there was Woody and Jessie, and Mickey Mouse, of course. The sights and the rides (and naptimes) were more important. |
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| J, trying to open the un-openable door in Toontown. |
Disneyland, in pictures
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| I think it's a rule . . . don't you have to take a picture of the Mickey? I did. |
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| This is the parade we saw on the first day. Jut me, dad, and the boys. They were stopped in front of us, dancing and "Celebrating" for at least 15 minutes. Great parade! |
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| The parade from the first day . . . Singing, Dancing, and more characters than I've ever seen at one time. It was awesome! |
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| Here's Dad and Z, the first time that we went on the Storybook ride. He was a little nervous about the boat, and wanted to sit with his Grandpa. |
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| Z and Jessie the Cowgirl. Toy Story, in case you're confused. |
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| J and Sheriff Woody. |
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| Me, Auntie M, Z, and J . . . Oh, yeah, Tigger, too. Best picture of the whole vacation! |
Oxnard, Ventura, and the long way home . . .
Yep. Oxnard. Never been there before, but K and S had just moved there.
K was the first female friend I had when I moved to San Diego. We were stationed together at FACSFAC when I was pregnant. Then she got out, and her hubby stayed in. And they got new orders and moved away. Who was excited when orders brought them back to SD again? Me! She's one of those people (I have quite a few) who will always be a close family friend. I can talk to her about anything . . . and even if it's two years until the next time I see her, I'm sure I'll still feel the same.
Okay, enough history.
I was a little bit nervous about how the boys would do on this visit. They got excited in the car, but really . . . two years. Would they remember her and her kids? Answer: yes!
The kids all ran and played, having a great time. K, S, and I caught up, chatted and visited. Two hours passed and it seemed like twenty minutes. But it was time to go. It wasn't easy rounding up the boys, but after all the goodbyes, we got everyone back in the car. As we were pulling away, Dad asked me if I had my camera. Yeah, in my purse, why? *Gasp* OMG, we were there two hours and I didn't take a single picture!? Big regret! Next time, right? The kids will be bigger, but we'll do it again.
Okay, on the road again . . . Next stop: Ventura. What's in Ventura? My aunt and uncle. They live there, on their boat. A little bit sad for my dad, I think . . . because it was his dream to live on a boat, too. But he still enjoys theirs when he can.
We put lifejackets on the boys, and went over the rules. No running, no jumping, and don't touch anything! Okay, let's go. We had to hang out a bit and wait for Aunt C to get "home" from work so we could have dinner. When she got back, we got ready for dinner. In the car, you ask? Nope. A tender ride across the harbor. I'm sure Dad's blood pressure dropped the moment he got out of the car at the marina. The ride must have put him in heaven. I know I felt good.
After dinner, we rode back across the harbor. It was getting dark, and cold. But still a great ride. The boys had a little dessert, and we watched the beginning part of a movie. Dad took us to a hotel across the parking lot where I settled the boys down. . . and he went back to sleep on the boat. I got kicked all night, and he probably slept better than he had in weeks.
What a great day!
Okay, so I didn't sleep so well . . . but I was comfy and relaxed, and woke up early enough to shower while the boys were still sleeping. Then I sat outside the room reading . . . relaxing because I knew that today might not go so well.
Honestly? Not as bad as I thought. We got bored. We had to stop a few times. And we ran out of books and toys and had to turn on the DVD player. But we made it back to M & D's house at last.
I unloaded the car and got ready to load up mine and go. I was ready to get to my house. But in our family, there is always a snag at the end of a vacation. My car wouldn't start. Really, not joking. We figured out that it was the battery. Nothing was left on, but it was a five year old battery. It was used to running every day, and sitting for a week just did not agree with it.
What did we do? Well, E was at Mom and Dad's house waiting for us to get back. There was a lot of stress in both of our lives before the vacation, and the separation was tough, so it was good to see him and feel like everything was okay. So we loaded in to his car and went home. Vacation: over.
K was the first female friend I had when I moved to San Diego. We were stationed together at FACSFAC when I was pregnant. Then she got out, and her hubby stayed in. And they got new orders and moved away. Who was excited when orders brought them back to SD again? Me! She's one of those people (I have quite a few) who will always be a close family friend. I can talk to her about anything . . . and even if it's two years until the next time I see her, I'm sure I'll still feel the same.
Okay, enough history.
I was a little bit nervous about how the boys would do on this visit. They got excited in the car, but really . . . two years. Would they remember her and her kids? Answer: yes!
The kids all ran and played, having a great time. K, S, and I caught up, chatted and visited. Two hours passed and it seemed like twenty minutes. But it was time to go. It wasn't easy rounding up the boys, but after all the goodbyes, we got everyone back in the car. As we were pulling away, Dad asked me if I had my camera. Yeah, in my purse, why? *Gasp* OMG, we were there two hours and I didn't take a single picture!? Big regret! Next time, right? The kids will be bigger, but we'll do it again.
Okay, on the road again . . . Next stop: Ventura. What's in Ventura? My aunt and uncle. They live there, on their boat. A little bit sad for my dad, I think . . . because it was his dream to live on a boat, too. But he still enjoys theirs when he can.
We put lifejackets on the boys, and went over the rules. No running, no jumping, and don't touch anything! Okay, let's go. We had to hang out a bit and wait for Aunt C to get "home" from work so we could have dinner. When she got back, we got ready for dinner. In the car, you ask? Nope. A tender ride across the harbor. I'm sure Dad's blood pressure dropped the moment he got out of the car at the marina. The ride must have put him in heaven. I know I felt good.
After dinner, we rode back across the harbor. It was getting dark, and cold. But still a great ride. The boys had a little dessert, and we watched the beginning part of a movie. Dad took us to a hotel across the parking lot where I settled the boys down. . . and he went back to sleep on the boat. I got kicked all night, and he probably slept better than he had in weeks.
What a great day!
Okay, so I didn't sleep so well . . . but I was comfy and relaxed, and woke up early enough to shower while the boys were still sleeping. Then I sat outside the room reading . . . relaxing because I knew that today might not go so well.
Honestly? Not as bad as I thought. We got bored. We had to stop a few times. And we ran out of books and toys and had to turn on the DVD player. But we made it back to M & D's house at last.
I unloaded the car and got ready to load up mine and go. I was ready to get to my house. But in our family, there is always a snag at the end of a vacation. My car wouldn't start. Really, not joking. We figured out that it was the battery. Nothing was left on, but it was a five year old battery. It was used to running every day, and sitting for a week just did not agree with it.
What did we do? Well, E was at Mom and Dad's house waiting for us to get back. There was a lot of stress in both of our lives before the vacation, and the separation was tough, so it was good to see him and feel like everything was okay. So we loaded in to his car and went home. Vacation: over.
Disneyland . . . Over
I was bummed when it was over, but so it goes. Every vacation must end.
We cleaned up, packed up, and loaded up. All checked out and back in the car, we said goodbye to Mom / Grandma. She got on the airport shuttle and we headed off for another adventure.
From Anaheim, we went to Santa Monica. I'm sure glad Dad was driving! Our stop was at the Santa Monica Pier. The boys were so excited! There was a beach, rides, games, and so much to see!
We walked along the pier, looking at the souvenirs and craftspeople. We walked all the way to the end of the pier. We saw people fishing . . . Okay, lame joke time. Dad said "Somebody kicked the bucket" . . . I'm thinking "OMG, there's a dead person here? We're leaving" . . . But, no. There was a bucket floating in the water off the end of the pier.
I thought it would be fun to ride the Ferris Wheel, but there would be no way that Z would do it. What's the one kid ride that we didn't get to go on? The bumper cars. Once we got out of line because of the age restrictions, then it broke down . . . So we got tickets to let the boys ride bumper cars on the pier. When that was over, we decided to play a game, too. Whack-a-mole it was. And I did. I guess it doesn't matter who won, because it was only the three of us playing. . . But there was a big stuffed dog at the end. What do you do with one stuffed dog and two kids? Well, someone has a fit, obviously. But it really wasn't fair, so I gave in and we all played again. So both boys have a stuffed dog from the Santa Monica pier. No shot glasses, no magnets. Just a few pictures and two stuffed dogs.
One other highlight before we got in the car: the birds. No, they didn't sh*t on us . . . but the boys got such a high out of chasing them, it was hilarious. Like they've never seen a bird before? Or it's just so exciting to run straight at one until it makes a noise and flies away. It was time to stop because people were looking at us like weirdos whose kids have never seen a bird before.
Back in the car. Next stop: Oxnard, since it's on the way. We were going to see K, S, and their kids. I had wanted to visit some of my San Diego friends, thinking it was perfect. Disneyland is only three hours away. We weren't going an extra three hours. But what timing, that K&S had just moved.
Janis, do you have directions? Sure, right here. Okay, call her and let her know we're on our way. Um, oops. Had to get creative with that one. . . . and then tell the boys!
We cleaned up, packed up, and loaded up. All checked out and back in the car, we said goodbye to Mom / Grandma. She got on the airport shuttle and we headed off for another adventure.
From Anaheim, we went to Santa Monica. I'm sure glad Dad was driving! Our stop was at the Santa Monica Pier. The boys were so excited! There was a beach, rides, games, and so much to see!
We walked along the pier, looking at the souvenirs and craftspeople. We walked all the way to the end of the pier. We saw people fishing . . . Okay, lame joke time. Dad said "Somebody kicked the bucket" . . . I'm thinking "OMG, there's a dead person here? We're leaving" . . . But, no. There was a bucket floating in the water off the end of the pier.
I thought it would be fun to ride the Ferris Wheel, but there would be no way that Z would do it. What's the one kid ride that we didn't get to go on? The bumper cars. Once we got out of line because of the age restrictions, then it broke down . . . So we got tickets to let the boys ride bumper cars on the pier. When that was over, we decided to play a game, too. Whack-a-mole it was. And I did. I guess it doesn't matter who won, because it was only the three of us playing. . . But there was a big stuffed dog at the end. What do you do with one stuffed dog and two kids? Well, someone has a fit, obviously. But it really wasn't fair, so I gave in and we all played again. So both boys have a stuffed dog from the Santa Monica pier. No shot glasses, no magnets. Just a few pictures and two stuffed dogs.
One other highlight before we got in the car: the birds. No, they didn't sh*t on us . . . but the boys got such a high out of chasing them, it was hilarious. Like they've never seen a bird before? Or it's just so exciting to run straight at one until it makes a noise and flies away. It was time to stop because people were looking at us like weirdos whose kids have never seen a bird before.
Back in the car. Next stop: Oxnard, since it's on the way. We were going to see K, S, and their kids. I had wanted to visit some of my San Diego friends, thinking it was perfect. Disneyland is only three hours away. We weren't going an extra three hours. But what timing, that K&S had just moved.
Janis, do you have directions? Sure, right here. Okay, call her and let her know we're on our way. Um, oops. Had to get creative with that one. . . . and then tell the boys!
Disneyland, Day Four
Yes, I know . . . it was three months ago. I hope you're not still on the edge of your seats.
Recap? Okay . . . Day One was driving, Day Two was eaten up by naps and temper tantrums, and Day three - more naps, and then puking at Disneyland. I was frustrated, and angry. It was no one's fault, but I felt like "This vacation is taking shots at me, and somewhere, laughing about it." I chuckle now, going back to what I said late late in that blog on Day three, but it was a tough day.
Day four, much better. Three months later, I can't give you a play by play, but it got much better. I was able to get over (most of) the bitterness I was carrying around. We had pictures taken, finally made it to Toon Town, and did loads of other stuff on my list. I don't think it was on anyone else's list, but I wanted to go to the Tiki Room. The boys and I listen to the song all the time, so I think it was exciting for them to get to see it. The boys still had to take a nap, but I was able to (finally) get on Indiana Jones.
After the boys' nap, we went back to the park . . . and did our end of vacation shopping. Jacket, shirt, hat, and a stuffed animal . . . for everyone! Mom decided to take all of the goodies back to the hotel, and even though I had a bit of an upset stomach, Dad and I stayed with the boys. No, you don't get all of the details. It was three months ago. After we were done, though, we headed to New Orleans. Earlier in the day, the Pirates of the Carribbean was closed. Now it was open, with TEN minutes' wait time. We jumped in line. I was a little bit nervous for Z, but he sat between dad and I, and did great! By the time we were done, it was getting darker. We decided not to stay for the show in New Orleans. There was just nowhere to be.
We went, instead, to Fantasyland. And what a great idea! I wanted to see the Storybook ride at night. They told us, in line, that if you're on the boat when the fireworks start, the boat stops and you stay. Dad and I hesitated. When we were in the front of the line, we stepped off to the side. And jumped on the last boat. We barely pulled away from the loading dock when the fireworks started. We were sitting down. There were no crowds, no trees. A perfect view. When it was over, we got to finish the ride, which was beautiful at night.
Time to book it back to the shuttle. We made it with a few minutes to spare. What a great night, and a great ending to the vacation! There were a few things I didn't get to do (like the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain), a few things we never saw (like California Adventure) . . . but we did a lot in four days, especially considering the naps, tantrums, and bedtimes that we had to schedule around!
Whew! Time to pack up and head home . . . with a few detours.
Recap? Okay . . . Day One was driving, Day Two was eaten up by naps and temper tantrums, and Day three - more naps, and then puking at Disneyland. I was frustrated, and angry. It was no one's fault, but I felt like "This vacation is taking shots at me, and somewhere, laughing about it." I chuckle now, going back to what I said late late in that blog on Day three, but it was a tough day.
Day four, much better. Three months later, I can't give you a play by play, but it got much better. I was able to get over (most of) the bitterness I was carrying around. We had pictures taken, finally made it to Toon Town, and did loads of other stuff on my list. I don't think it was on anyone else's list, but I wanted to go to the Tiki Room. The boys and I listen to the song all the time, so I think it was exciting for them to get to see it. The boys still had to take a nap, but I was able to (finally) get on Indiana Jones.
After the boys' nap, we went back to the park . . . and did our end of vacation shopping. Jacket, shirt, hat, and a stuffed animal . . . for everyone! Mom decided to take all of the goodies back to the hotel, and even though I had a bit of an upset stomach, Dad and I stayed with the boys. No, you don't get all of the details. It was three months ago. After we were done, though, we headed to New Orleans. Earlier in the day, the Pirates of the Carribbean was closed. Now it was open, with TEN minutes' wait time. We jumped in line. I was a little bit nervous for Z, but he sat between dad and I, and did great! By the time we were done, it was getting darker. We decided not to stay for the show in New Orleans. There was just nowhere to be.
We went, instead, to Fantasyland. And what a great idea! I wanted to see the Storybook ride at night. They told us, in line, that if you're on the boat when the fireworks start, the boat stops and you stay. Dad and I hesitated. When we were in the front of the line, we stepped off to the side. And jumped on the last boat. We barely pulled away from the loading dock when the fireworks started. We were sitting down. There were no crowds, no trees. A perfect view. When it was over, we got to finish the ride, which was beautiful at night.
Time to book it back to the shuttle. We made it with a few minutes to spare. What a great night, and a great ending to the vacation! There were a few things I didn't get to do (like the Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain), a few things we never saw (like California Adventure) . . . but we did a lot in four days, especially considering the naps, tantrums, and bedtimes that we had to schedule around!
Whew! Time to pack up and head home . . . with a few detours.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Disneyland, Day Three
Whew! What a day . . . there was good stuff in there, but like day two, it ended badly. I had thought that things would get better . . . there's still time for improvement, though.
I stayed up last night to wait for Z to come back from his late night and watching the fireworks. He had a ton of fun, but by the time he came back, got dressed, and fell asleep, it was just before 11 pm! Because it was so late, I did not want to wake him up in the morning. I thought it would be best to let him sleep in.
The down side of sleeping in? We get to Disneyland later . . . when there's more people, and not as much time before naptime. Yep, there was naptime again on day three. We did get some good fun stuff in before - but also a few meltdowns. I left with the boys to come back to the hotel at 1:45. We stopped to go to the bathroom, had to fight crowds, and just barely made it to the 2:15 bus. We got to the hotel room, took off our shoes, and the boys went to sleep.
After an hour and a half, it was time to get up, ready, and get back to the shuttle bus. We headed over to California Adventure, where everyone else was hanging out. On the way in, we were given a stroller by someone who was leaving. I thought it might come in handy if we were staying late, but I also wish they had double strollers. Do you believe that they don't? Anyway. . .
We went in and headed to "A Bug's Land" which was cute. Everything was gigantic. But also, from my point of view, a bit lame. The caterpillar ride was about thirty seconds long, and only went in a circle. Took longer to load and unload than it did to ride. We did the ladybug thing, and then everyone made it over from the other end of the park. We did one more ride, but there were tantrums and meltdowns in the line for it, and in line for the ladybug ride. I was pretty much done, but I will say that having Mom and MG there helped a lot. They helped to settle the boys down and tried to make them happy. J was not just being naughty, but also sad. He had complained of a headache, but I thought it was a combination of being tired and hot. One way to make them happy was to go on the bumper car ride. I couldn't take them because an unaccompanied rider must be 7 years old, and there would be no way I would leave one of the boys alone to ride with the other one. So we waited in the line. We made it all the way to the front. We were in the next group of people to go . . . and then the ride broke. Great. Oh, well. Time for a bathroom break, and then we thought we'd head to find some dinner. M& J had already eaten, so we parted ways.
We headed out of A Bug's Land. . . stopped when we got to the main walkway and J sat down on a bench and started to cry. I heard Dad ask him what was wrong . . . "My throat hurts" he said . . . and a few seconds later, he started puking. Oh, jeez. Seriously? He didn't have a snack, and we haven't had dinner yet. No fever, nothing wrong with him . . . except for that headache. Well, we wiped his face, he rinsed his mouth with water, and it was time to go. Cleanup, aisle J. Bring a hose, please . . .
We were a bit early for the next shuttle back to the hotel, but waiting was better than getting sick inside Disneyland again! Mom turned in her wheelchair, and I passed the stroller off to someone just coming in the park. We made it to the shuttle stop with about a half an hour to wait. He was given a plastic bag, and for most of the wait time, we were away from the rest of the group. Hmm, maybe it's a good thing we never made it on the bumper cars! Auntie M sure thinks so, because she was going to ride with him!
It was 8:15 when we got back to the hotel. Time to settle them down, make sure he's all right. Well, he wasn't. Got sick again. Settled down, finally, and put a movie on my laptop.
Dad came over to help and make sure we were all right, but I wasn't. Want the truth? I cried. I made sure that I told Jacob I wasn't upset with him. It was not his fault that we got sick. But seriously? This vacation is taking shots at me, and somewhere, laughing about it. Between the naps, the tantrums, the fights in line, and now puking, I was having an awful time, and hardly getting to do anything. Aside from all of that, I miss E. We're having a tough time with all of the stress he's going through and this separation. I didn't mean to do it in front of the kids, but I think I needed to cry. Okay . . . Breathe in, breathe out.
Day three: Over. And oh, please let tomorrow be better! Let him rest, and not still be sick in the morning - or in the middle of the night! Can we also have fun tomorrow? Less fighting, less whining, and maybe I'll even get to stay past 7:30?? Thanks . . .
I stayed up last night to wait for Z to come back from his late night and watching the fireworks. He had a ton of fun, but by the time he came back, got dressed, and fell asleep, it was just before 11 pm! Because it was so late, I did not want to wake him up in the morning. I thought it would be best to let him sleep in.
The down side of sleeping in? We get to Disneyland later . . . when there's more people, and not as much time before naptime. Yep, there was naptime again on day three. We did get some good fun stuff in before - but also a few meltdowns. I left with the boys to come back to the hotel at 1:45. We stopped to go to the bathroom, had to fight crowds, and just barely made it to the 2:15 bus. We got to the hotel room, took off our shoes, and the boys went to sleep.
After an hour and a half, it was time to get up, ready, and get back to the shuttle bus. We headed over to California Adventure, where everyone else was hanging out. On the way in, we were given a stroller by someone who was leaving. I thought it might come in handy if we were staying late, but I also wish they had double strollers. Do you believe that they don't? Anyway. . .
We went in and headed to "A Bug's Land" which was cute. Everything was gigantic. But also, from my point of view, a bit lame. The caterpillar ride was about thirty seconds long, and only went in a circle. Took longer to load and unload than it did to ride. We did the ladybug thing, and then everyone made it over from the other end of the park. We did one more ride, but there were tantrums and meltdowns in the line for it, and in line for the ladybug ride. I was pretty much done, but I will say that having Mom and MG there helped a lot. They helped to settle the boys down and tried to make them happy. J was not just being naughty, but also sad. He had complained of a headache, but I thought it was a combination of being tired and hot. One way to make them happy was to go on the bumper car ride. I couldn't take them because an unaccompanied rider must be 7 years old, and there would be no way I would leave one of the boys alone to ride with the other one. So we waited in the line. We made it all the way to the front. We were in the next group of people to go . . . and then the ride broke. Great. Oh, well. Time for a bathroom break, and then we thought we'd head to find some dinner. M& J had already eaten, so we parted ways.
We headed out of A Bug's Land. . . stopped when we got to the main walkway and J sat down on a bench and started to cry. I heard Dad ask him what was wrong . . . "My throat hurts" he said . . . and a few seconds later, he started puking. Oh, jeez. Seriously? He didn't have a snack, and we haven't had dinner yet. No fever, nothing wrong with him . . . except for that headache. Well, we wiped his face, he rinsed his mouth with water, and it was time to go. Cleanup, aisle J. Bring a hose, please . . .
We were a bit early for the next shuttle back to the hotel, but waiting was better than getting sick inside Disneyland again! Mom turned in her wheelchair, and I passed the stroller off to someone just coming in the park. We made it to the shuttle stop with about a half an hour to wait. He was given a plastic bag, and for most of the wait time, we were away from the rest of the group. Hmm, maybe it's a good thing we never made it on the bumper cars! Auntie M sure thinks so, because she was going to ride with him!
It was 8:15 when we got back to the hotel. Time to settle them down, make sure he's all right. Well, he wasn't. Got sick again. Settled down, finally, and put a movie on my laptop.
Dad came over to help and make sure we were all right, but I wasn't. Want the truth? I cried. I made sure that I told Jacob I wasn't upset with him. It was not his fault that we got sick. But seriously? This vacation is taking shots at me, and somewhere, laughing about it. Between the naps, the tantrums, the fights in line, and now puking, I was having an awful time, and hardly getting to do anything. Aside from all of that, I miss E. We're having a tough time with all of the stress he's going through and this separation. I didn't mean to do it in front of the kids, but I think I needed to cry. Okay . . . Breathe in, breathe out.
Day three: Over. And oh, please let tomorrow be better! Let him rest, and not still be sick in the morning - or in the middle of the night! Can we also have fun tomorrow? Less fighting, less whining, and maybe I'll even get to stay past 7:30?? Thanks . . .
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Disneyland, Day Two
Today, thankfully, did not start as early as yesterday did.
We got up when we got up, which was nice. We got dressed and ready, and went down for our breakfast. Breakfast got a little hectic, which can happen with two boys. But we all ate good, and got ready in time for the shuttle bus. Disneyland at 9 am. We had to get Mom a wheelchair . . . Correction: Mom got a motorized scooter. Pretty cool for two reasons - one, she doesn't have to do all of the walking and cause herself extra pain, and two, no one has to push or wheel her around.
When we got in the gates, we decided to head for a real ride - one that would have a long line later in the day. First stop: the Matterhorn. Wait time: about ten minutes. Awesomeness! Everyone except Mom went, so she got the bags. M and J went up front. Dad and Z were in the back, and he wasn't as excited about the ride. We have told him that the rides can't hurt. There's lights, music, and magic here. Nothing is real, so there's nothing to be afraid of. I had to start that after just walking through Sleeping Beauty's castle! I don't want him to whine out of everything without trying it. So he tried it. He wanted his grandpa, and he put on a brave face, but he was scared. I forgot how much of the ride is dark! In the end, he said it was fun, but he doesn't want to do it again.
We walked off of the ride, and right on to the Storybook Land boat ride. I didn't remember the last time I went on it. Pretty cool, really. Nice and tame, so everyone calmed down, and Mom came with us. From there we went on Dumbo's flying ride, and Casey Junior. Both were very short lines. That was nice for getting started. We left Fantasyland and headed toward Frontierland. We found another very short line at the Thunder Mountain Railroad. Z was excited about it, but we were smart in thinking that he might not love it. He was sat with Grandpa in the back of the ride. I loved the ride - laughed most of the way through - until my hat flew off! As soon as we leveled out, I turned around. Thought it was gone, but there it was on the seat next to Z. I hollered for Dad to hold on to it, and turned back around, as we went down another hill. J wanted to do it again . . . but it was another ride that Z said was fun - but he didn't like it, and didn't want to do again.
We all rode the Winnie the Pooh ride, and Z loved it. Why couldn't he fall in love with one of the classics? Oh, well. We had a less-than-perfect lunch, but made the best of it. While we were finishing up, M took our tickets to get "Fast passes" to Splash Mountain. I'm not a fan of the ride, and I knew Z couldn't go. So after we saw Pooh and Tigger, we went our separate ways. I took Z back to the Winnie the Pooh ride. We were almost to the front of the line, and he leaned his head on me. I picked him up and asked him what was wrong. "I'm tired," he told me. "How tired, baby?" "A hundred tired" Oh, boy. We rode the ride, and then had about twenty minutes to make it to the shuttle stop. It was a loong walk. My baby, though, he's a trouper. He didn't whine or asked to be picked up the whole way there.
So, here I was, in the hotel room, with a sleeping boy. Everyone else was having fun and riding rides. They made it back just as naptime was over. We got to play a while, and then it was time to go to dinner. After dinner and back in the room, J was being mean, throwing toys and tantrums. I sent Z to Mom and Dad's room to color for a few minutes while J got it out. He got it out all right . . . and then he fell asleep.
So here I sit, for the second time in one day, in a hotel room with a sleeping child . . . while everyone else is at Disneyland, having fun. I guess it happens, and I'm thankful that Mom and Dad and M & J have been willing, both times, to take the other one with them. I just wish that I could go play, too. Oh, well. Still lots of time to see Mickey, Indiana Jones, the Pirates, and everything else. I'll hope for no naps and no tantrums tomorrow, but I won't hold my breath.
Boy one: Passed out, mom turned the lights out.
Boy two: Out with grandma and grandpa. Having fun.
Mom: Quiet and bored. Restless, but ready for bed.
Day two: Done.
We got up when we got up, which was nice. We got dressed and ready, and went down for our breakfast. Breakfast got a little hectic, which can happen with two boys. But we all ate good, and got ready in time for the shuttle bus. Disneyland at 9 am. We had to get Mom a wheelchair . . . Correction: Mom got a motorized scooter. Pretty cool for two reasons - one, she doesn't have to do all of the walking and cause herself extra pain, and two, no one has to push or wheel her around.
When we got in the gates, we decided to head for a real ride - one that would have a long line later in the day. First stop: the Matterhorn. Wait time: about ten minutes. Awesomeness! Everyone except Mom went, so she got the bags. M and J went up front. Dad and Z were in the back, and he wasn't as excited about the ride. We have told him that the rides can't hurt. There's lights, music, and magic here. Nothing is real, so there's nothing to be afraid of. I had to start that after just walking through Sleeping Beauty's castle! I don't want him to whine out of everything without trying it. So he tried it. He wanted his grandpa, and he put on a brave face, but he was scared. I forgot how much of the ride is dark! In the end, he said it was fun, but he doesn't want to do it again.
We walked off of the ride, and right on to the Storybook Land boat ride. I didn't remember the last time I went on it. Pretty cool, really. Nice and tame, so everyone calmed down, and Mom came with us. From there we went on Dumbo's flying ride, and Casey Junior. Both were very short lines. That was nice for getting started. We left Fantasyland and headed toward Frontierland. We found another very short line at the Thunder Mountain Railroad. Z was excited about it, but we were smart in thinking that he might not love it. He was sat with Grandpa in the back of the ride. I loved the ride - laughed most of the way through - until my hat flew off! As soon as we leveled out, I turned around. Thought it was gone, but there it was on the seat next to Z. I hollered for Dad to hold on to it, and turned back around, as we went down another hill. J wanted to do it again . . . but it was another ride that Z said was fun - but he didn't like it, and didn't want to do again.
We all rode the Winnie the Pooh ride, and Z loved it. Why couldn't he fall in love with one of the classics? Oh, well. We had a less-than-perfect lunch, but made the best of it. While we were finishing up, M took our tickets to get "Fast passes" to Splash Mountain. I'm not a fan of the ride, and I knew Z couldn't go. So after we saw Pooh and Tigger, we went our separate ways. I took Z back to the Winnie the Pooh ride. We were almost to the front of the line, and he leaned his head on me. I picked him up and asked him what was wrong. "I'm tired," he told me. "How tired, baby?" "A hundred tired" Oh, boy. We rode the ride, and then had about twenty minutes to make it to the shuttle stop. It was a loong walk. My baby, though, he's a trouper. He didn't whine or asked to be picked up the whole way there.
So, here I was, in the hotel room, with a sleeping boy. Everyone else was having fun and riding rides. They made it back just as naptime was over. We got to play a while, and then it was time to go to dinner. After dinner and back in the room, J was being mean, throwing toys and tantrums. I sent Z to Mom and Dad's room to color for a few minutes while J got it out. He got it out all right . . . and then he fell asleep.
So here I sit, for the second time in one day, in a hotel room with a sleeping child . . . while everyone else is at Disneyland, having fun. I guess it happens, and I'm thankful that Mom and Dad and M & J have been willing, both times, to take the other one with them. I just wish that I could go play, too. Oh, well. Still lots of time to see Mickey, Indiana Jones, the Pirates, and everything else. I'll hope for no naps and no tantrums tomorrow, but I won't hold my breath.
Boy one: Passed out, mom turned the lights out.
Boy two: Out with grandma and grandpa. Having fun.
Mom: Quiet and bored. Restless, but ready for bed.
Day two: Done.
Disneyland, Day One
Well, it started early, for sure!
I woke up to Mom shaking my foot at 3:15. Brushed teeth, quick shower, and in to clothes. Time to go! The boys were woken up (mistake, but not my idea) to go to the bathroom, then put in to the car. They each had a blanket and a little stuffed animal, and we told them to go back to sleep. We were on the road at 4:00! I used to be familiar with 4 am, but it's been a long time . . .
The plan was supposed to be simple. Start driving early so they'll sleep a few hours. Stop for breakfast and let them run around a bit. Back in the car, and by the time they get bored, we'll be there. It was a great plan, but it didn't work quite as we thought. Once they were awake, they were awake. The boys were tired, but did not go right back to sleep. It took an hour for Z to go back to sleep, and an hour and a half for J. They only slept for an hour. They were still tired, but couldn't sleep any more, so we were able to keep driving. We had a few less-than-perfect moments during and after breakfast, but I prefer a few scattered moments to several hours.
We arrived at our hotel at 11:00 in the morning. Pretty good. Breakfast was about an hour, so we made great time! It could have gone better, but it also could have gone so much worse! We arrived before checkout time, so we only got one hotel room. That was enough to unload in, and sit down in. Mom, M, and J weren't due (by plane) until about 4 pm. We had lots of time, so after we unloaded the car, we decided to head for the fun! The hotel's next shuttle was at 1 pm, and we were on it!
Once we got there, we decided to start nice and easy . . . with the train ride around the park. We rode all the way around to give the boys a glimpse of the areas of Disneyland, and to decide what to do next. After a walk down Main Street, we headed through the Castle. We did the walk-through, and then decided to find a ride. We just happened to find the shortest line in the whole park. Snow White's Scary Adventure . . . we waited about a minute and a half before getting in the mine car. After Snow White, we rode the teacups and walked around a bit. It was time for a drink and a snack. Then we heard an announcement: a parade in fifteen minutes. We took our snack and drink to get a good spot to wait and watch. The show was great - singing and dancing with the characters and real dancers. Lots of fun . . . then we realized that we had to jam in order to make the shuttle. It only picks up every hour, so it was time to hurry!
We had to go around the parade route and get in front of it before it got to Main Street. We were almost there, and Zachary reminded me that he had to go to the bathroom . . . he told me he was trying really hard but he did not want to pee his pants! So, of course, we stopped- and he made it! We hurry, hurried - and again, just barely made it! We got in front of the parade right before they cut off traffic! Back up Main Street, out the exit, and to the shuttle stop. We made it with about two minutes to spare. I am so proud of my boys - especially little Z, who didn't whine or ask to be held, even when we were hauling to make the shuttle. I had been skeptical about going, even for just a few hours, on our long travel day, but they did great!
There was a lot of excitement, and we had fun, but after such a long and busy day, they were exhausted! Mom and Dad went to dinner with M&J to celebrate her birthday. We gave her hugs and a present . . . then ordered room service. After dinner and a bath, we were all asleep by 8:15!
Day One: Success!
I woke up to Mom shaking my foot at 3:15. Brushed teeth, quick shower, and in to clothes. Time to go! The boys were woken up (mistake, but not my idea) to go to the bathroom, then put in to the car. They each had a blanket and a little stuffed animal, and we told them to go back to sleep. We were on the road at 4:00! I used to be familiar with 4 am, but it's been a long time . . .
The plan was supposed to be simple. Start driving early so they'll sleep a few hours. Stop for breakfast and let them run around a bit. Back in the car, and by the time they get bored, we'll be there. It was a great plan, but it didn't work quite as we thought. Once they were awake, they were awake. The boys were tired, but did not go right back to sleep. It took an hour for Z to go back to sleep, and an hour and a half for J. They only slept for an hour. They were still tired, but couldn't sleep any more, so we were able to keep driving. We had a few less-than-perfect moments during and after breakfast, but I prefer a few scattered moments to several hours.
We arrived at our hotel at 11:00 in the morning. Pretty good. Breakfast was about an hour, so we made great time! It could have gone better, but it also could have gone so much worse! We arrived before checkout time, so we only got one hotel room. That was enough to unload in, and sit down in. Mom, M, and J weren't due (by plane) until about 4 pm. We had lots of time, so after we unloaded the car, we decided to head for the fun! The hotel's next shuttle was at 1 pm, and we were on it!
Once we got there, we decided to start nice and easy . . . with the train ride around the park. We rode all the way around to give the boys a glimpse of the areas of Disneyland, and to decide what to do next. After a walk down Main Street, we headed through the Castle. We did the walk-through, and then decided to find a ride. We just happened to find the shortest line in the whole park. Snow White's Scary Adventure . . . we waited about a minute and a half before getting in the mine car. After Snow White, we rode the teacups and walked around a bit. It was time for a drink and a snack. Then we heard an announcement: a parade in fifteen minutes. We took our snack and drink to get a good spot to wait and watch. The show was great - singing and dancing with the characters and real dancers. Lots of fun . . . then we realized that we had to jam in order to make the shuttle. It only picks up every hour, so it was time to hurry!
We had to go around the parade route and get in front of it before it got to Main Street. We were almost there, and Zachary reminded me that he had to go to the bathroom . . . he told me he was trying really hard but he did not want to pee his pants! So, of course, we stopped- and he made it! We hurry, hurried - and again, just barely made it! We got in front of the parade right before they cut off traffic! Back up Main Street, out the exit, and to the shuttle stop. We made it with about two minutes to spare. I am so proud of my boys - especially little Z, who didn't whine or ask to be held, even when we were hauling to make the shuttle. I had been skeptical about going, even for just a few hours, on our long travel day, but they did great!
There was a lot of excitement, and we had fun, but after such a long and busy day, they were exhausted! Mom and Dad went to dinner with M&J to celebrate her birthday. We gave her hugs and a present . . . then ordered room service. After dinner and a bath, we were all asleep by 8:15!
Day One: Success!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Memorial Day Weekend fun!
Yes, I know that Memorial day was several weeks ago . . . but I keep meaning to write this post. It was such a great weekend, I have to get it out before I can go on.
A year ago -- even six months ago, if you told me that we were going to have a three day weekend, I would panic. I had no idea what to do with the boys. Fairytale town and the Zoo were always fun, but the idea of going and being there often overwhelmed me. When we stay in the house too long, the boys get stir crazy and can't behave. On the other hand, it's also difficult to get out of the house in one piece. So with all of that in mind, let me say that I think I've come a long way. It is still difficult to get organized and get out of the house, but I am much more willing to do it. I am still outnumbered, but more confident in my ability to take the boys somewhere to have fun and relax.
I decided to have fun for Memorial Day weekend, as well. Friday afternoon, I had a lot of ideas, but no plans. I just knew that we were going to do something. We ended up busy . . . and it was great!!
Saturday started lazy, as they always do. I like that. Then I decided to get ready and get out. Memorial Day weekend is the weekend of the Sacramento Jazz Festival. I went for the first time when I was barely older than J. I was a little bit nervous, but decided to try it. I planned to leave and get there with the first stop of the day being my favorite performer. Then if the boys couldn't handle it, at least I would get what I wanted.
Bob Draga is simply amazing. He has been our favorite - dad and I - since I can remember. He started in a group, now he is both a soloist, and a guest performer with various other groups. By the time that I paid for my wristband, we were late. . . and there was a line outside the room. I went to the front to listen outside the door. The boys did not do well during the performance. I was heading towards embarrassed, but people just smiled as they danced in the hallway and didn't seem to mind when they said they thought listening to music was boring. When the show was over, people began filing out. And we went in. There I found my aunt and uncle. They have been working as volunteers for the Jazz Festival since before I was an attendee. Then we went right to the front. Bob has always been a joker, and also very friendly with the audience. He was surprised that I came just to see him, and also that I have been a fan that long. He wasn't offended when I told him that my boys were a little bored. He decided to change their minds.
So, that's my boys . . . making music with Bob Draga. They didn't do as well as he does - and another musician getting ready for the next set joked "Bob, I never heard you sound so good" . . . They were excited, though. High fives when he had to go. After that, we walked from the hotel through the freeway tunnel to Old Town Sacramento. We sat on the lawn and had lunch with my aunt while listening to more music. It was time for her to go after lunch. The boys and I had some ice cream listened a little while longer, and then we left. We spent about forty minutes inside the train museum (hooray for the family passes) and headed for home.
I wasn't quite ready to go home. So I called M, and she and her two boys, J and J, met us at the park. I had sand toys and park chairs in the trunk. Then we had M, J, J, J, Z, and J all hanging out at the park. Sometimes it does get confusing. Three boys with a J. Tongue tied - and sometimes we can't even remember Z's name. Maybe it would be easier if I gave him a J. Anyway, sometimes we just yell "Hey!" or "Knock it off!" and they know who we're yelling at. We have begun hanging out a lot. She has gone through a lot of the same stuff as I have. She is a single mom. For a while, she and her boys lived with her parents. They're on their own now, and getting life back to normal. Going somewhere together helps get us both out of the house. We're still outnumbered, but it does make it easier.
E and I had a date that Saturday night, but it was casual. And with all of the stress he's been having, we didn't actually have very much fun. I guess you're supposed to de-stress before bowling.
Sunday was a day at my parent's house. Nothing major. It was fun, but no good stories. Hanging out, swimming, and food. Then we came home . . . I like days there. They are easy, laid back.
Monday was another big day. The plan (on Sunday night) was for Me and E to take the boys to the County Fair. M thought it was a great idea. . . and so, on Monday morning, when I hadn't heard from E, we went. The kids were all free . . . so we paid for parking, and only a few dollars for me and M. We stayed for about an hour and a half - the boys played on the farm, roped cattle, and saw all of the animals. The rides were way expensive, but we did make one stop in the carnival area. I popped enough darts to win all of the boys a stuffed animal.
The boys . . . J, J, Z, and J. They are 6, 5, 5, and 2.
When it works, it works well. When it doesn't, we have chaos!
Here's all of us. I dressed my boys both in green on purpose to make it easy . . . but my green shirt was an accident! It was cheap fun for all, without a 20$ fair ride or a 40$ meal!
Lunchtime found us at McDonald's. . . more playtime, more fun. The boys could have probably taken a nap at this point, but we decided we weren't quite done.
So, we headed to the zoo. I renewed my family passes there, and we were ready to roll. We saw animals, played in the backyard, and had more fun than I thought! I've seen all of the animals before, but it never matters. There's always something exciting when you go with kids.
What a day, right? What a weekend! A year ago, I would never have done so much . . . but it worked, and it was great! Thanks for being there, M. I look forward to next time . . .
A year ago -- even six months ago, if you told me that we were going to have a three day weekend, I would panic. I had no idea what to do with the boys. Fairytale town and the Zoo were always fun, but the idea of going and being there often overwhelmed me. When we stay in the house too long, the boys get stir crazy and can't behave. On the other hand, it's also difficult to get out of the house in one piece. So with all of that in mind, let me say that I think I've come a long way. It is still difficult to get organized and get out of the house, but I am much more willing to do it. I am still outnumbered, but more confident in my ability to take the boys somewhere to have fun and relax.
I decided to have fun for Memorial Day weekend, as well. Friday afternoon, I had a lot of ideas, but no plans. I just knew that we were going to do something. We ended up busy . . . and it was great!!
Saturday started lazy, as they always do. I like that. Then I decided to get ready and get out. Memorial Day weekend is the weekend of the Sacramento Jazz Festival. I went for the first time when I was barely older than J. I was a little bit nervous, but decided to try it. I planned to leave and get there with the first stop of the day being my favorite performer. Then if the boys couldn't handle it, at least I would get what I wanted.
Bob Draga is simply amazing. He has been our favorite - dad and I - since I can remember. He started in a group, now he is both a soloist, and a guest performer with various other groups. By the time that I paid for my wristband, we were late. . . and there was a line outside the room. I went to the front to listen outside the door. The boys did not do well during the performance. I was heading towards embarrassed, but people just smiled as they danced in the hallway and didn't seem to mind when they said they thought listening to music was boring. When the show was over, people began filing out. And we went in. There I found my aunt and uncle. They have been working as volunteers for the Jazz Festival since before I was an attendee. Then we went right to the front. Bob has always been a joker, and also very friendly with the audience. He was surprised that I came just to see him, and also that I have been a fan that long. He wasn't offended when I told him that my boys were a little bored. He decided to change their minds.
I wasn't quite ready to go home. So I called M, and she and her two boys, J and J, met us at the park. I had sand toys and park chairs in the trunk. Then we had M, J, J, J, Z, and J all hanging out at the park. Sometimes it does get confusing. Three boys with a J. Tongue tied - and sometimes we can't even remember Z's name. Maybe it would be easier if I gave him a J. Anyway, sometimes we just yell "Hey!" or "Knock it off!" and they know who we're yelling at. We have begun hanging out a lot. She has gone through a lot of the same stuff as I have. She is a single mom. For a while, she and her boys lived with her parents. They're on their own now, and getting life back to normal. Going somewhere together helps get us both out of the house. We're still outnumbered, but it does make it easier.
E and I had a date that Saturday night, but it was casual. And with all of the stress he's been having, we didn't actually have very much fun. I guess you're supposed to de-stress before bowling.
Sunday was a day at my parent's house. Nothing major. It was fun, but no good stories. Hanging out, swimming, and food. Then we came home . . . I like days there. They are easy, laid back.
Monday was another big day. The plan (on Sunday night) was for Me and E to take the boys to the County Fair. M thought it was a great idea. . . and so, on Monday morning, when I hadn't heard from E, we went. The kids were all free . . . so we paid for parking, and only a few dollars for me and M. We stayed for about an hour and a half - the boys played on the farm, roped cattle, and saw all of the animals. The rides were way expensive, but we did make one stop in the carnival area. I popped enough darts to win all of the boys a stuffed animal.
When it works, it works well. When it doesn't, we have chaos!
Lunchtime found us at McDonald's. . . more playtime, more fun. The boys could have probably taken a nap at this point, but we decided we weren't quite done.
So, we headed to the zoo. I renewed my family passes there, and we were ready to roll. We saw animals, played in the backyard, and had more fun than I thought! I've seen all of the animals before, but it never matters. There's always something exciting when you go with kids.
What a day, right? What a weekend! A year ago, I would never have done so much . . . but it worked, and it was great! Thanks for being there, M. I look forward to next time . . .
Monday, May 31, 2010
Another song that gets to me . . .
If you skip down and see what the song is, you're going to think I'm nuts. I'm mostly a country music girl. I like some pop, and a little bit of hip hop. Very little rock. Seriously. So why is this a song that gets to me? Why am I writing this on Memorial Day? Of course there's a story . . .
When I left on my first deployment, Z was six months old. JR was about a year and a half. It killed me to leave them . . . especially since N and I were divorce-in-progress. I had no idea what was going to happen to them in that six months. It wasn't just because I had no control over what they were fed and and how they got to play . . . it was because I couldn't see them, tuck them in, kiss them, spoil them, or fix their hurts . . . for six months. But I left because it was my job. I was a sailor. Sailors are on ships, and ships belong at sea.
For that six months, I could count the pictures that I got on my hands. I had very few phone calls to my children . . . and not just because they were expensive, but because of the time difference, bedtimes, and because they still didn't really talk. It was more like lectures and b*tch sessions from N when I had a phone card, tracked the time difference, and stayed up and waited for a phone.
So when it was time to come home, I was ready. I wanted my babies. Just like any returning service member, I was worried that they wouldn't recognize me, or that I wouldn't recognize them, but those were minor details. I knew they were out there. I was in dress uniform, standing on the outside of the "island" on the USS Ronald Reagan. Not only were my boys out there, but my mom and my aunt, too. My dad and my sister weren't waiting for me. They were on board as my "Tigers". That's another story. But as I was out there, and my shipmates lined the flight deck in dress uniform, I felt proud. I was anxious to get there. Nervous, scared, and excited - all rolled up into one emotional me. As we came around and Coronado came into view, "they" began to play music over the 1MC (Or was it the 5MC? Brandy, correct me because I know it's not the 1MC). Even if I have the wrong number, it was basically music on loudspeaker for everyone to hear.
They played quite a few songs. Only two I remember. "California, Here I come" . . . and "Mama, I'm coming home". . . by Ozzy Osbourne. It was the first time I had ever heard the song, and it stuck with me. I was coming home to my mom, and I was a mom coming home to my children. A few of the lines really stick out, like "Here I come, but I ain't the same" and "Hurts so bad, it's been so long" . . . then there was "I've seen your face a hundred times, Every day we've been apart, I don't care about the sunshine, yeah, Cuz Mama, Mama, I'm coming home" . . . . So, do you have chills yet? Think about it again with the music and lyrics somewhat distorted through the sound system. Remember that your family that you haven't seen in six months is out there, and getting closer. There's balloons, flags, and they're all cheering. That's what I think of, and how I feel every time I hear this song.
Ozzy Osbourne
Mama, I'm coming home
Times have changed and times are strange
Here I come, but I ain't the same
Mama, I'm coming home
Times gone by seem to be
You could have been a better friend to me
Mama, I'm coming home
You took me in and you drove me out
Yeah, you had me hypnotized
Lost and found and turned around
By the fire in your eyes
You made me cry, you told me lies
But I can't stand to say goodbye
Mama, I'm coming home
I could be right, I could be wrong
Hurts so bad, it's been so long Mama, I'm coming home
Selfish love yeah we're both alone
The ride before the fall
But I'm gonna take this heart of stone
I just got to have it all
I've seen your face a hundred times
Everyday we've been apart
I don't care about the sunshine, yeah
'Cause Mama, Mama, I'm coming home
I'm coming home
(solo)
You took me in and you drove me out
Yeah, you had me hypnotized
Lost and found and turned around
By the fire in your eyes
I've seen your face a hundred times
Everyday we've been apart
I don't care about the sunshine, yeah
'Cause Mama, Mama, I'm coming home
I'm coming home
I'm coming home
I'm coming home
As the notes end, it all stays quiet for a minute. We're so close that you can see people, instead of just a crowd. You start looking for your people. . . and then you hear a shot. No, no. It's the shot line being sent from the ship to the pier. And the crowd goes wild, because at last, it's official. We're home. The whistle blows, and we are in port. Wipe the tears away. It's a good day. Wave your flags, grab your bags, and hurry up and wait to get off of here.
How about one last detail? For our country's newest Aircraft Carrier's Maiden Deployment, we could have pulled in on the Fourth of July. What a celebration, right? But we didn't. We waited two whole days to come in on July 6th. Why? It's Nancy Reagan's birthday. She referred to us as "her ship" and "her crew". I would have liked to be home two days earlier, but getting off the ship and getting my boys back was the best birthday present that I've ever had!
Well. . . I can't believe I stayed up this late writing. And I didn't even say anything about what we did this weekend - and it was such a great one! I guess those are posts for tomorrow.
It's time for peace and bed.
When I left on my first deployment, Z was six months old. JR was about a year and a half. It killed me to leave them . . . especially since N and I were divorce-in-progress. I had no idea what was going to happen to them in that six months. It wasn't just because I had no control over what they were fed and and how they got to play . . . it was because I couldn't see them, tuck them in, kiss them, spoil them, or fix their hurts . . . for six months. But I left because it was my job. I was a sailor. Sailors are on ships, and ships belong at sea.
For that six months, I could count the pictures that I got on my hands. I had very few phone calls to my children . . . and not just because they were expensive, but because of the time difference, bedtimes, and because they still didn't really talk. It was more like lectures and b*tch sessions from N when I had a phone card, tracked the time difference, and stayed up and waited for a phone.
So when it was time to come home, I was ready. I wanted my babies. Just like any returning service member, I was worried that they wouldn't recognize me, or that I wouldn't recognize them, but those were minor details. I knew they were out there. I was in dress uniform, standing on the outside of the "island" on the USS Ronald Reagan. Not only were my boys out there, but my mom and my aunt, too. My dad and my sister weren't waiting for me. They were on board as my "Tigers". That's another story. But as I was out there, and my shipmates lined the flight deck in dress uniform, I felt proud. I was anxious to get there. Nervous, scared, and excited - all rolled up into one emotional me. As we came around and Coronado came into view, "they" began to play music over the 1MC (Or was it the 5MC? Brandy, correct me because I know it's not the 1MC). Even if I have the wrong number, it was basically music on loudspeaker for everyone to hear.
They played quite a few songs. Only two I remember. "California, Here I come" . . . and "Mama, I'm coming home". . . by Ozzy Osbourne. It was the first time I had ever heard the song, and it stuck with me. I was coming home to my mom, and I was a mom coming home to my children. A few of the lines really stick out, like "Here I come, but I ain't the same" and "Hurts so bad, it's been so long" . . . then there was "I've seen your face a hundred times, Every day we've been apart, I don't care about the sunshine, yeah, Cuz Mama, Mama, I'm coming home" . . . . So, do you have chills yet? Think about it again with the music and lyrics somewhat distorted through the sound system. Remember that your family that you haven't seen in six months is out there, and getting closer. There's balloons, flags, and they're all cheering. That's what I think of, and how I feel every time I hear this song.
Ozzy Osbourne
Mama, I'm coming home
Times have changed and times are strange
Here I come, but I ain't the same
Mama, I'm coming home
Times gone by seem to be
You could have been a better friend to me
Mama, I'm coming home
You took me in and you drove me out
Yeah, you had me hypnotized
Lost and found and turned around
By the fire in your eyes
You made me cry, you told me lies
But I can't stand to say goodbye
Mama, I'm coming home
I could be right, I could be wrong
Hurts so bad, it's been so long Mama, I'm coming home
Selfish love yeah we're both alone
The ride before the fall
But I'm gonna take this heart of stone
I just got to have it all
I've seen your face a hundred times
Everyday we've been apart
I don't care about the sunshine, yeah
'Cause Mama, Mama, I'm coming home
I'm coming home
(solo)
You took me in and you drove me out
Yeah, you had me hypnotized
Lost and found and turned around
By the fire in your eyes
I've seen your face a hundred times
Everyday we've been apart
I don't care about the sunshine, yeah
'Cause Mama, Mama, I'm coming home
I'm coming home
I'm coming home
I'm coming home
As the notes end, it all stays quiet for a minute. We're so close that you can see people, instead of just a crowd. You start looking for your people. . . and then you hear a shot. No, no. It's the shot line being sent from the ship to the pier. And the crowd goes wild, because at last, it's official. We're home. The whistle blows, and we are in port. Wipe the tears away. It's a good day. Wave your flags, grab your bags, and hurry up and wait to get off of here.
How about one last detail? For our country's newest Aircraft Carrier's Maiden Deployment, we could have pulled in on the Fourth of July. What a celebration, right? But we didn't. We waited two whole days to come in on July 6th. Why? It's Nancy Reagan's birthday. She referred to us as "her ship" and "her crew". I would have liked to be home two days earlier, but getting off the ship and getting my boys back was the best birthday present that I've ever had!
Well. . . I can't believe I stayed up this late writing. And I didn't even say anything about what we did this weekend - and it was such a great one! I guess those are posts for tomorrow.
It's time for peace and bed.
Memorial Day 2010
I'll blog about the day, and how great it was tomorrow . . . but for now, I'm thinking of something else.
Heather blogged today about her love of America and her dislike of "our song". She thinks it's time to ditch the old Lee Greenwood "God Bless the USA" and get something new.
I, on the other hand, love this song. Come on . . . how could you not get chills? Maybe over and over again, it can be a little much. And perhaps it does something more for me because I was in the military. I don't forget those who died. And I would gladly stand up next to you (or for you, and you can sit down) and I would defend this country. Over and over again. I tried to get the full lyrics, but for some reason, none of the lyrics sites will let me highlight or copy. Well, anyway. You get the idea:
And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
Perhaps it is time for something new. There is another patriotic song that I love. Well, there are lots. But one in particular that I've been hearing now and again lately. . . It's "Some gave all" Perhaps America isn't quite ready to embrace another country song by Billy Ray Cyrus. I will say another singer could do it better. . . but it does have a message that hit me with chills the first time. It's similar to that "all for one and one for all" three musketeers thing. Anyway . . .
Love your country and live with pride
And don't forget those who died. America can't you see. . .
All gave some and some gave all
And some stood true for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
So if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all
There are so many more good ones, really. I could get chills from most of them, in the right mood. Even the National Anthem gets me. I do get chills, especially after being on the Honor Guard on the ship. Taps chokes me up, too. On bugle or trumpet, it will get to me every time. Once you've been a part of a burial at sea, or been in dress uniform and held a flag for the anthem, you'll never think of them quite the same way.
Okay, I'm about done reminiscing. What's your favorite patriotic song? Is there a memory with it? Let me know. Seriously, leave a comment and tell me. . . .
And, in closing . . . Happy Memorial Day . . . to all Veterans, Active Duty, and to family members who have lost loved ones in service to our country. None of you are forgotten.
Heather blogged today about her love of America and her dislike of "our song". She thinks it's time to ditch the old Lee Greenwood "God Bless the USA" and get something new.
I, on the other hand, love this song. Come on . . . how could you not get chills? Maybe over and over again, it can be a little much. And perhaps it does something more for me because I was in the military. I don't forget those who died. And I would gladly stand up next to you (or for you, and you can sit down) and I would defend this country. Over and over again. I tried to get the full lyrics, but for some reason, none of the lyrics sites will let me highlight or copy. Well, anyway. You get the idea:
And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
Perhaps it is time for something new. There is another patriotic song that I love. Well, there are lots. But one in particular that I've been hearing now and again lately. . . It's "Some gave all" Perhaps America isn't quite ready to embrace another country song by Billy Ray Cyrus. I will say another singer could do it better. . . but it does have a message that hit me with chills the first time. It's similar to that "all for one and one for all" three musketeers thing. Anyway . . .
Love your country and live with pride
And don't forget those who died. America can't you see. . .
All gave some and some gave all
And some stood true for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall
So if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all
There are so many more good ones, really. I could get chills from most of them, in the right mood. Even the National Anthem gets me. I do get chills, especially after being on the Honor Guard on the ship. Taps chokes me up, too. On bugle or trumpet, it will get to me every time. Once you've been a part of a burial at sea, or been in dress uniform and held a flag for the anthem, you'll never think of them quite the same way.
Okay, I'm about done reminiscing. What's your favorite patriotic song? Is there a memory with it? Let me know. Seriously, leave a comment and tell me. . . .
And, in closing . . . Happy Memorial Day . . . to all Veterans, Active Duty, and to family members who have lost loved ones in service to our country. None of you are forgotten.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Things that break your heart . . .
Broken heart number one:
Okay, the scene: I'm at my desk, reading. The boys are in the playroom, play-acting a scene from the beginning of Peter Pan. . . then it all stops and gets quiet.
Z: Why do Michael and John and Wendy have a father living with them?
J: I don't know. We don't have a father.
Z: No, we don't.
OMG, what do I say? How do I make that better? When I heard that, it was just quiet. Both J and Z's voices when they said it were quiet, too. Sad, but matter-of-fact. My heart stopped for a moment.
I used to be the ever-positive one, even when it killed me. I vowed early on not to "bash" N in front of the boys. If they have a negative view of him, it's because they have decided for themselves what they think or believe. I still try, though it gets harder the older they get. I was going to interrupt and explain to them that they do have a dad, he just doesn't live with us. It is a delicate subject. . . I have said before that "he's not part of our family" . . . which sounds wrong, but it's not too far from the truth. I give him updates and tell him stories when he calls, but he's not part of our family. The older they get, though, the harder it is. Really. They understand a lot more than they did years ago. We separated when I was pregnant with Z, and he walked away from them in January of 2007. Getting close to 3 1/2 years. So they don't know him. But it's sad. Typical family is a mom, dad, and kids. And they've never really had that. No words can really fix it.
But I didn't have to try. After just a few seconds of quiet, they went right back to playing and singing about happy thoughts and flying to Neverland.
Since it was that easy to get over and go back to their game, I guess it doesn't matter too much. I'm doing my job . . . or they don't really miss having a dad . . . or Peter Pan and Captain Hook really were more important in that moment than not having a dad.
Broken heart number two:
I think every mom has heard it . . . but it still hurts. Maybe it hurts me more because I'm doing this all by myself . . . or because I know a little bit of the psychology behind it. They lash out at me because they know I'm here. I'm always here, no matter what they say or how they treat me.
So, what is it?
I hate you!
Yeah. It hurts. And I never know just how to handle it. I try to brush it off, especially when I know that they're mad. When they're in trouble, I really try not to show that I care, and stick to the punishment. It's hard to stick to a timeout, though, when a part of me wants to cry, and another part of me just wants to hug him and tell him that no matter what, I will always love him. It doesn't matter whether it's J or Z. It hurts either way. I also know that they don't really mean it. . . . But it sucks anyway. Every time.
*********************************************
That's all for now. It's time to get out of here.
Time for peace and quiet, and some good weather!
Okay, the scene: I'm at my desk, reading. The boys are in the playroom, play-acting a scene from the beginning of Peter Pan. . . then it all stops and gets quiet.
Z: Why do Michael and John and Wendy have a father living with them?
J: I don't know. We don't have a father.
Z: No, we don't.
OMG, what do I say? How do I make that better? When I heard that, it was just quiet. Both J and Z's voices when they said it were quiet, too. Sad, but matter-of-fact. My heart stopped for a moment.
I used to be the ever-positive one, even when it killed me. I vowed early on not to "bash" N in front of the boys. If they have a negative view of him, it's because they have decided for themselves what they think or believe. I still try, though it gets harder the older they get. I was going to interrupt and explain to them that they do have a dad, he just doesn't live with us. It is a delicate subject. . . I have said before that "he's not part of our family" . . . which sounds wrong, but it's not too far from the truth. I give him updates and tell him stories when he calls, but he's not part of our family. The older they get, though, the harder it is. Really. They understand a lot more than they did years ago. We separated when I was pregnant with Z, and he walked away from them in January of 2007. Getting close to 3 1/2 years. So they don't know him. But it's sad. Typical family is a mom, dad, and kids. And they've never really had that. No words can really fix it.
But I didn't have to try. After just a few seconds of quiet, they went right back to playing and singing about happy thoughts and flying to Neverland.
Since it was that easy to get over and go back to their game, I guess it doesn't matter too much. I'm doing my job . . . or they don't really miss having a dad . . . or Peter Pan and Captain Hook really were more important in that moment than not having a dad.
Broken heart number two:
I think every mom has heard it . . . but it still hurts. Maybe it hurts me more because I'm doing this all by myself . . . or because I know a little bit of the psychology behind it. They lash out at me because they know I'm here. I'm always here, no matter what they say or how they treat me.
So, what is it?
I hate you!
Yeah. It hurts. And I never know just how to handle it. I try to brush it off, especially when I know that they're mad. When they're in trouble, I really try not to show that I care, and stick to the punishment. It's hard to stick to a timeout, though, when a part of me wants to cry, and another part of me just wants to hug him and tell him that no matter what, I will always love him. It doesn't matter whether it's J or Z. It hurts either way. I also know that they don't really mean it. . . . But it sucks anyway. Every time.
*********************************************
That's all for now. It's time to get out of here.
Time for peace and quiet, and some good weather!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Belated post: Mother's Day
It was the best Mother's Day ever, really.
You know, Mother's Day doesn't mean a whole lot when you still have to change diapers, make bottles, and you're just exhausted. I also had a mother's day when I was pregnant with Z. Since then, it's been just me and the boys, and they haven't really understood the concept of Mother's day, or been able to do anything about it.
This year . . . was the best.
It started on Friday, when I had a hint that there was going to be something special for me on Sunday. I was not allowed to touch, carry, or look inside the boys' backpack when I picked them up from school.
Sunday morning, I got to sleep in. I've never been a really lazy person. Even in high school, I don't think that I ever slept past nine. My goal for Mother's Day was 7:30. I got 8:00. Then I got up and left. I wanted a nice breakfast. Not a breakfast with a lot of work, but something that tasted better than cereal - and I'm a long way from the boys making me breakfast. So I got up and went to the store. It's less than a half a mile, and the boys weren't alone. I got a box of Eggos, some of that expensive instant bacon, and some juice. I went home, and that was breakfast. Mmm, mm, it was good!
After breakfast, I got my presents. The first thing I saw on my desk was an envelope with "mom" on it. It was a real card. I might be wrong, but I am assuming that E bought it, and had the boys write their names in it when I went for breakfast. It was one of those sweet/funny cards, but the gesture alone touched me more than I can express here. Next up was a very nice laminated card from Z with his handprints and picture on it. Next, I got my present from JR. There's a picture of flowers on the front, and the inside is a fill-in-the-blanks card. I'll skip past the name, age, and hair section. . .
She cooks chicken and noodles the best and she loves to eat Spaghetti. I think her favorite color is red. She doesn't like staying up late very much. She likes to watch The Biggest Loser on TV. My mom spends a lot of time cleaning up. She can do many things. She is best at cleaning the house. My mom is smart. She even knows how to clean the house. My mom has a pretty smile. I can make her smile by being good for her. I love my mom.
Is that not the cutest, funniest, melt-your-heart thing? Some of it made me laugh, some of it made me cry. . . and a few things just stumped me. Like, I don't think JR has ever seen me eat spaghetti. Why is that my favorite food? And red? I don't wear or decorate in red. Apparently, though, I clean a lot, and my son thinks that it's my best talent.
After cleaning up from breakfast, we all got ready to go. We headed to Red Hawk Casino. I had never been there before, because it's new, it's far away, and I don't gamble. But this was Mother's Day . . . and my grandmother loves gambling. So we all met there. My grandma (dad's mom) two of my aunts, M&D, me, E, and the boys. This casino is so new and family friendly that they have a child care center. It's not cheap, but it was awesome. I checked the boys in when we got there, and sat down at a penny slot with my grandma. I like penny slots . . . there are more "lines" that you can win on, and even if you don't win, you don't lose your money very fast. So we sat and we played (and lost). Shortly after M& D arrived, we went to play some other games. Mom likes roulette, and they had a pretty neat video version. At some point, most of us decided we were hungry. Here's the problem. You're supposed to stop gambling and get in line to eat an hour before you get hungry. Um, yeah. Closer to an hour and a half, actually. The food was great, the wait just sucked. And we were minus one "mom" and one aunt for lunch. Grandma says you don't stop to eat. Especially if you're winning. Well, none of us were winning - and we were hungry, so it wasn't too hard to stop for lunch.
When lunch was over, we went up for just a few more minutes of play. I won back some of the money I had lost earlier, and then we all went to get the boys. They had a blast! There was a huge jungle gym, unlimited rides and video games. They even got a snack, lunch, and a drink while they were there. No wonder they didn't want to leave! I say they're lucky we had to wait so long for our lunch, because we were only planning on staying at the casino for an hour or so.
That was mother's day. The best one I've had yet. The rest of the afternoon / evening was pretty low-key, just hanging around the house. But there was no fighting, no squabbling, and bedtime went pretty well.
I can't wait until they're even older, and they can really appreciate what I do to take care of them.
I hope all of you moms out there had as great a day as I did!
You know, Mother's Day doesn't mean a whole lot when you still have to change diapers, make bottles, and you're just exhausted. I also had a mother's day when I was pregnant with Z. Since then, it's been just me and the boys, and they haven't really understood the concept of Mother's day, or been able to do anything about it.
This year . . . was the best.
It started on Friday, when I had a hint that there was going to be something special for me on Sunday. I was not allowed to touch, carry, or look inside the boys' backpack when I picked them up from school.
Sunday morning, I got to sleep in. I've never been a really lazy person. Even in high school, I don't think that I ever slept past nine. My goal for Mother's Day was 7:30. I got 8:00. Then I got up and left. I wanted a nice breakfast. Not a breakfast with a lot of work, but something that tasted better than cereal - and I'm a long way from the boys making me breakfast. So I got up and went to the store. It's less than a half a mile, and the boys weren't alone. I got a box of Eggos, some of that expensive instant bacon, and some juice. I went home, and that was breakfast. Mmm, mm, it was good!
After breakfast, I got my presents. The first thing I saw on my desk was an envelope with "mom" on it. It was a real card. I might be wrong, but I am assuming that E bought it, and had the boys write their names in it when I went for breakfast. It was one of those sweet/funny cards, but the gesture alone touched me more than I can express here. Next up was a very nice laminated card from Z with his handprints and picture on it. Next, I got my present from JR. There's a picture of flowers on the front, and the inside is a fill-in-the-blanks card. I'll skip past the name, age, and hair section. . .
She cooks chicken and noodles the best and she loves to eat Spaghetti. I think her favorite color is red. She doesn't like staying up late very much. She likes to watch The Biggest Loser on TV. My mom spends a lot of time cleaning up. She can do many things. She is best at cleaning the house. My mom is smart. She even knows how to clean the house. My mom has a pretty smile. I can make her smile by being good for her. I love my mom.
Is that not the cutest, funniest, melt-your-heart thing? Some of it made me laugh, some of it made me cry. . . and a few things just stumped me. Like, I don't think JR has ever seen me eat spaghetti. Why is that my favorite food? And red? I don't wear or decorate in red. Apparently, though, I clean a lot, and my son thinks that it's my best talent.
After cleaning up from breakfast, we all got ready to go. We headed to Red Hawk Casino. I had never been there before, because it's new, it's far away, and I don't gamble. But this was Mother's Day . . . and my grandmother loves gambling. So we all met there. My grandma (dad's mom) two of my aunts, M&D, me, E, and the boys. This casino is so new and family friendly that they have a child care center. It's not cheap, but it was awesome. I checked the boys in when we got there, and sat down at a penny slot with my grandma. I like penny slots . . . there are more "lines" that you can win on, and even if you don't win, you don't lose your money very fast. So we sat and we played (and lost). Shortly after M& D arrived, we went to play some other games. Mom likes roulette, and they had a pretty neat video version. At some point, most of us decided we were hungry. Here's the problem. You're supposed to stop gambling and get in line to eat an hour before you get hungry. Um, yeah. Closer to an hour and a half, actually. The food was great, the wait just sucked. And we were minus one "mom" and one aunt for lunch. Grandma says you don't stop to eat. Especially if you're winning. Well, none of us were winning - and we were hungry, so it wasn't too hard to stop for lunch.
When lunch was over, we went up for just a few more minutes of play. I won back some of the money I had lost earlier, and then we all went to get the boys. They had a blast! There was a huge jungle gym, unlimited rides and video games. They even got a snack, lunch, and a drink while they were there. No wonder they didn't want to leave! I say they're lucky we had to wait so long for our lunch, because we were only planning on staying at the casino for an hour or so.
That was mother's day. The best one I've had yet. The rest of the afternoon / evening was pretty low-key, just hanging around the house. But there was no fighting, no squabbling, and bedtime went pretty well.
I can't wait until they're even older, and they can really appreciate what I do to take care of them.
I hope all of you moms out there had as great a day as I did!
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