One of those days

It was one of those days.
Stuntman did arrive home earlier than he had for the last 2 weeks (7pm). I was able to sit by the pool and watch everyone swim while enjoying my mango margarita.

update 7/17* I should mention that it was a delicious Tastefully Simple Mango Margarita. If you would like your own, contact Butterfly Wife. Seriously, delicious.

Unaccompanied trip

I enjoyed my Mother's day gift today. I didn't ask for much. All I wanted is whatever the girls brought home from school in secrecy and a couple hours to go to the mall... alone.
I had a Macy's gift card that I received when I attended the Ellen show about a week ago. Who knew that they were also having a sale today? Apparently everyone else did. The place was packed and I spent more time in line than I did shopping. It was early in the day and the entire mall was packed! This mall has recently finished ANOTHER major add-on... and it is still packed. Recession... really?
Anyhoo... I found some fancy high-heels and some fat-squishing undergarments to accompany my little black dress that I plan to wear to an upcoming event. I also found two cute summery shirts on the clearance rack. I had $7 left on the $100 gift card, so I picked up an acrylic pitcher that will be perfect for margaritas by the pool. I spent less than $7 out-of-pocket, whew!
Now I can go another 12-24 months without stepping foot in a mall. I can't handle it. It would be bearable if it was empty... but I don't think it ever is.

My kitchen is basically finished, just waiting for crown moulding. Pictures will be uploaded as soon as the finishing touches are complete. I absolutely love my new kitchen/dining/living room. It is very functional... plus it it exactly my style.

Did you know that black or brown photo frames are a fraction of the cost of white ones? I didn't. Ten white wood photo frames in various sizes would have cost me around $100, but the same frames in black, plus paint, cost only $40.

Checking in

I have started a post more times than I can remember... but I am finally going to finish this one (I've said that before too).
It's been a bit busy around here. In the last few weeks we have gone through two nasty viruses, one stomach, and one cold... and I caught both. Things don't move smoothly when mom gets sick.
We just returned from walking around the neighborhood delivering Girl Scout Cookies. (Butterfly Wife, yours will be in the mail tomorrow). We lucked out and all but one person was home.
It's a beautiful day today. In the 80's I'm guessing.
Stuntman is working his butt off cleaning out two rooms that are in the path of demolition this week. We are doing some house remodeling that involves moving Stuntman's workbench and the laundry room. It also means cleaning the playroom in order to access everything. It's amazing all the crap that can collect in 13+ years.
Next week, I'll need to find a place to put everything in my kitchen while it is remodeled. I can't wait to say goodbye to my pink kitchen tile! I didn't even know they made pink grout.. seriously... who special-orders that?
I don't do well when there are too many choices... it took me two hours to pick out the color of white that I wanted for the cabinets. Many more choices, and my head may explode in the next month. Wish me luck, I'm going to the slab warehouse tomorrow to pick out the countertops. It is very likely that my head WILL explode.
I'm also in the midst of creating a new website for the girl's school. It looks great so far, if I do say so myself. (don't judge by the looks of the blog, I haven't put my best effort in it, sorry)
OK, I must post this now. I need to go back to helping Stuntman before he tries to move the washer and dryer by himself... like he did with the freezer.

Ugh

Looks like my plans have changed today.
I'm sitting home with E3, who pukes every 30 minutes (luckily he mostly hits the bowl) and E2 who has a bout of diarrhea.
I hear that it's been going around school for the last few weeks... it was only a matter of time until it hit our house.
Stuntman drove E1 to school. I needed to brief him on the strict drop-off procedures since he had never done so... which driveway to drive in, where to open the door, where to drive out, etc..

On another note, looks like a few of the moms at the school will be taking on a big project. I'm excited about it. If you want something changed, sometimes you just need to do it yourselves... and convince those in authority that it needs to be done.

Rain?

Looks like rain.
I just love the rain... always have. I love it even more since I live somewhere that rain is rare. It'll be a nice change of pace from the 80 degree weather that we've had for the last week or so. I REFUSE to wear shorts in February... downright refuse to. No, I'm not complaining about the outrageously beautiful weather here, it's what keeps up here, I'm just looking forward to the rain.
I have beef stew in the crock-pot, and a frozen loaf of bread dough thawing and rising on the countertop. Should be a good day for it.
I'm heading to the Red Cross to donate blood today. It's been over a year since my tattoo, so it's go.

Also here is a E1's sure-fire sales pitch to Grandma...
E1: "Grandma, would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?"
Grandma: "of course I'll buy a few"
E1: " You know, Barbara next-door bought 8 boxes"
Grandma: " OK, I'll buy 10"

There goes my manicure

We've been doing a little work around the yard for the last couple weeks. One of the benefits of living here is that it is currently 75 degrees and sunny outside, perfect for yard work.
Last week we, I mean I, dug out a huge tree root that was going across the back yard. After I dug all around it (it took almost 2 hours), Stuntman chopped it up with an ax and pulled it out of the ground in 10 minutes.
Today, I am stuccoing the low wall that runs across the middle of our back yard between our house and the upper level where the playground stands. We've talked about stuccoing the wall since we moved here 13 years ago. Finally. Neither of us have stuccoed before, but I am half done with the scratch coat and it already looks great. I hope that it all doesn't fall off in a year.
Stuntman is building steps to go over the wall, instead of walking around it like we always have. Looks good and it definitely will be useful. We will finish with a walkway of some sort to the steps. I think we will make some type of casual stone pathway.
Cheaper and more effective than going to the gym.
The title to this post may be deceiving because I don't have a manicure. Am I the only woman that thinks manicures are a total waste of time and money?

Anticipation

The time between posts has been stretching.
It's been a bit busy around here and it seems as if the one moment that I have a chance to type up a quick post, that is the exact same time that E3 has decided that pbskids.com has the perfect game. I really cannot believe how computer-savvy that little kid is. It is so fun watching him click-around like a tiny computer geek.
My paying job has been extremely busy. My backup person, hence, I am her backup as well, is on vacation for a couple weeks. Add in the end-of-the-year-sales-crush, and I have been BUSY. But, ya gotta make hay when the sun shines, doncha know.
I listen to podcasts as I type, and last night I ran out, so I listened to music instead. I heard songs that I listened to on my trip to California to marry Stuntman. (it was on a walkman, not an ipod at that time) After 13 years, he still makes my heart flutter.
I also listened to songs that I played a lot during the deployment. It seems like ages ago.
I cannot believe how happy I am with my life right now. The anticipation for Christmas is as strong as it was when I was a child. Not because of what I'm hoping to see under the tree Christmas morning, but because we are all here as a family.
I feel so very blessed.

There is snow on the local mountains, only a couple hundred feet above us. We can see it from our windows. It is suppose to be even colder tonight, and I am hoping that the precipitation that we receive overnight is in the form of snow.
If so, the kids will be late to school. It's not as if there are a lot of snow days here in Los Angeles.
I hope to post pictures tomorrow of newly fallen snow and kids on sleds. fingers-crossed.

Wow

I was just cleaning the house and heard a BOOM!
I checked outside, no explosions, so I turned on the TV.
Duh, the shuttle just landed at Edwards AFB, it was the sonic boom.
The kids and I watched the landing. We had watched the blast off 16 days ago.
E3 ran to the Christmas tree and grabbed the little Space Shuttle Hallmark Ornament and said "Rocket Ship!!"
Now he's playing with a toy astronaut. His rocket-scientist/Navy pilot grandfather would be proud :)

Black Friday...

I just returned from my Black Friday shopping trip. Coffee tastes...gooood.
I don't usually venture out before dawn to go to the store. I've shopped early on the day after Christmas, but never on the day after Thanksgiving.
I left the house without even turning on a light. I didn't want to wake anyone before I left, and it worked. The dogs didn't even wake up. My clothes were ready to go, I washed my face and brushed my hair and teeth in the dark, and headed out the door.
I didn't see another car on the road until I was almost to the freeway.
I thought that maybe the cold kept people in the house today. (it was 45 degrees!!)
Once I was close to WalMart, I saw the crowds. Cart after cart was filled with giant flat-screen TV's.
People were pleasant, and I had a fun conversation with the shopper behind me in the electronics line. We agreed that chatting the entire time sure made the hour and a half line go quickly! We figured that we could take the guy in front of us in case the Wii's ran out... but they didn't ;) The laptops and x-box's ran out, but the Wii's were safe. Yes, I finally broke down and purchased a Wii for the family. The kids and I have played it several times at friend's homes, and it is a blast. Probably not for the serious gamer, but a lot of fun for the family. You should have seen E3 boxing on it last week, hilarious.
My workload the last few weeks and the upcoming months will definitely cover todays shopping trip. Actually, I think the next 4 days will cover it... My inbox is stacked about 3 feet high, and I don't see an end. Hopefully, we can catch up after the giant hit our finances took the last year with the deployment and everything. I am so thankful that as far as we know, our jobs are safe. No matter what the economy, people still get sick.

On the drive home, I happened to pass by the mobile home park that was hit in the most recent fire. I don't know what to say. Over 500 homes were lost. The devastation just goes on and on. Two of the people that were at Thanksgiving dinner yesterday had lost their home in the park. They are getting back on their feet and have a good outlook and a new place to stay.

I'm calculating what I saved on my shopping trip today, and I'm splitting it amongst charities (one is on my sidebar).

Only one night

I hadn't realized that it had been so long since my last post. I guess the day to day excitement around here has kept me entertained. The nonstop hilarity of getting the kids to school, volunteering at the school, housework, diaper changes, cooking, cleaning and working has been keeping me away from my blog.
Tonight is the first night that Stuntman is away since he returned from deployment. He's had several late nights at work, but tonight he will not be home. He's only in San Diego, but it still hit a chord in me. As I was closing up the house for the night.... double-checking the doors, turning off the automatic sprinklers (it's raining, whoohoo!) and setting the alarm for the morning, I had the same empty feeling that I had every night when he was away at war.
I so love that man, and I wish that he was home... I don't want to wait until tomorrow.

Still burning

The fire from last night has raged due to the tremendous winds around here. Remind me again, why do we live here?!
Stuntman had to go to work for a little while today, so I'm here trying to keep the kids entertained while I go through a box of tissues. The air is so dry, but yet my nose won't stop running.
E3 now needs the computer to play a game online. Have I mentioned that my 2 year old is quite proficient with the mouse? He can't use the toilet, but he can use the computer, priorities, I guess.

*update* what a nightmare today has been for so many people. Please keep up the prayers for everyones safety.
The wind has lessened for now in this area, but I'm not sure if it is only temporary.
*update a few minutes later* the house is shaking again, !@#$%, the wind is back, !@&^%!!

TGIF

I picked up some virus from the kids... can't swallow... feel like crap, but it'll hopefully be short-lived.

It's hot, dry and WINDY today. REALLY windy.

I'm praying that everyone stays safe today.

Resistant vs Proof

Did you know that if something is marked "chip and break resistant", it can still hit the countertop just so and EXPLODE into a million pieces all over the kitchen?

the crappy spa

One day this week, I sat in a room full of other women. Many of us were wearing matching robes, reading magazines, and drinking tea. It was very similar to my visits to Burke Williams … except… we weren’t waiting in the quiet room for someone to call us for our massage or facial. We were waiting for our mammograms. Otherwise known to me as a b@@b panini.
It was my first time, so I was a little nervous, but the thought of it being a low-grade spa kept my mind entertained. It wasn’t bad, and not painful… uncomfortable, but not painful.
I needed to stick around for additional tests after the initial mammogram, but I was finally told that there was “nothing of concern”.

Mistaken Identity

We went to WalMart a few days ago. Somehow (I think I became distracted), we were separated. Stuntman and E1 were looking for me, E2 and E3. E1 ran up to a woman saying “here’s Mom!” but it wasn’t… luckily, I was only an aisle over and they found us:

Stuntman: “E1 ran up to someone else, mistaking her for you”
Me: “awwww, poor girl… who was it?”
Stuntman: “the lady in the next aisle”
Me: (I peek into the next aisle and whisper back to him) “ the 50-something lady with the big rear?”
Stuntman: “wha???” as he looks into the next aisle, then keeps looking into other aisles. “No, the one two aisles over now”

Well, I now realize that I must look like a bleach blonde with giant b@@bs, but she did have a tiny rear, and was obviously younger than 40 ☺

I think E1 may need glasses.

This and that

I just finished mowing the lawn. I actually enjoy mowing the lawn, except for the occasional rock in the yard. We have rocks everywhere around here. You should see the size of the granite boulders dug out when we had the pool built!
It was worse when Sparky was still around, she carried rocks all over the place and would leave them scattered throughout the grass.
When Stuntman was deployed, I hired a gardener. It was difficult to justify a gardener now that we are fully-staffed at home, so we let him go. Just because the majority of my neighbors don't mow their own lawn, doesn't mean that we can't.

I've revived my thriftyness as of late. I've always been relatively frugal, but the key term here is relative... compared to most people that I know. The deployment and the subsequent pay issues on re-deployment have whittled down our liquid assets. We're not in actual financial trouble like many are right now, so I'm not complaining... OK, our so-called house value dropped $200k, but does that really affect me day-to-day? No. I'm just taking this as a wake-up call.
I remember when I was in college and lived on $5 spending money a month. This broke down to one candy bar (peanut butter Twix) and nine 50 cent beers. OK, not the best financial plan, but it worked.

One of the easiest places to trim our budget has been our food bill. We were never really big on eating out, maybe 2 or 3 times a month, but that has changed to one or zero. I'm planning our meals better, and doing the majority of my shopping at my new favorite store. The produce is ultra-cheap, and fresh. It's a bit of an adventure the first time, but you just need to realize that some people have different definitions of personal space, or courtesy.
I have found a great site, via a comment on Spousebuzz, Gayle, at the Grocery Cart Challenge, has great posts regarding her family's food budget. I have found fresh ideas from the site as well as from those who comment at her site. Plus, I'm always up for new recipes and she has tasty ones each Friday in a recipe Swap.

Today and tomorrow

I cruised down Sunset Boulevard today, listening to my music as loud as I wanted since Stuntman was watching the kids.
Sounds fun, except I was only going to the doctor's office.
In May (or was in early June) I had a biopsy of a mole. It came back as basal cell carcinoma, which is what the doctor described as "if you get skin cancer, this is the one you want". In other words, it's the type that does not metastasize.
I finally had a referral to and an appointment with a dermatologist today.
She removed another tiny, but suspicious-looking thing while I was in the office.
E3 kissed it and made it all better when I arrived home.

I was a little concerned when the biopsy came back, even though I know that it really isn't a big deal. I just don't like the term "carcinoma" or "cancer" when spoken by my doctor.
I have so many family members that have died from various cancers. My dad, my brother, many cousins, uncles, aunts (all on my father's side). My mom's side all have high blood pressure, strokes or diabetes. I seem to have avoided any blood-pressure issues and my blood sugar levels are always normal. One more reason to continue my commitment to healthy eating.

the Weekend

First of all, I want to thank everyone for their heart-felt thoughts regarding Sparky. I know, just a dog, but for those of you that have or have had pets, you know that they become part of the family.
Stuntman and I were laughing about some of Sparky's antics over the years. We still can't decide if she was extremely intelligent, or an idiot dog. She really was one of a kind and we miss her.
Roxie and Emma are doing well, and so are the kids.

We went to the beach today. I should be uploading photos right about now, but my camera battery was dead. dang.
The kids (and Stuntman and his brother) spent most of the time catching sand crabs and putting them into a bucket.
I need to clean and vacuum the car tomorrow, I think we hauled most of the beach home with us.

It's been a year

I've been blogging for a year. A year…
Actually, 13 months, but I finally have a chance to review...
It began as a way for me to document the deployment and it’s ups and downs. I never really thought that anyone would read what I wrote. Still, not very many do, but that is still more than the zero that I predicted.
I’m looking back at what has happened during the year. Some feelings that I wrote about seem so foreign to me now, and some seem so fresh.

June:
my very first entry
I’m glad that I didn’t get my wish of a year-long hibernation. I would have missed so much.

July:
I still cringe when I remember our trip home from San Diego.

August:
There was a time when E3 was easier to catch . Man, that seems like ages ago!

A typical time of rest during the deployment, and a summary of all days.

September:
I forget how much work was done around here in the last year. Now, Stuntman is home to enjoy it.

October:
I finally told Stuntman my blog address.

November:
We lost a furry member of the family. I still miss Pumpkin , she was one of a kind. Sparky’s health has really deteriorated since Pumpkin died. She must miss Pumpkin as well. I didn’t even think they liked each other.


December:
I met a good friend face-to-face. She does exist ☺
Later that month, I was tattooed.

January:
My typical thoughts about the unit with whom Stuntman was deployed… I didn’t mention them a lot just in case anyone was reading. I didn’t want to rock the boat when Stuntman was with them, but the leadership totally sucked. There, I said it.

February:
Stuntman returned home for R&R. R&R was just an odd experience. Stuntman was home, but not really here. We did the best that we could, but couldn’t forget that it was so temporary.

March:
A memorable trip to Legoland, not.
… and I got old .

April:
Stuntman’s love for me easily survived the distance.

May:
Stuntman came home. Seeing him in person, and knowing that he would be staying home indefinitely, was one of the best feelings that I have ever felt.
… and life goes on.

June:
After a year of trying not to worry each other, Stuntman and I have had many open conversations .

The last year has been a crazy and memorable experience. I’ve learned more about myself in one year than I ever have. Sometimes exciting, sometimes boring, sometimes heart-wrenching, sometimes full of love… and life continues…

Things missed (not by me!)

When Stuntman was deployed, this photo would NOT have been taken.
He caught a snake in the walkway (while it was busy eating a lizard). E1 retrieved the snake book and they all found the photo of the snake in the book to identify it before they released it.
A California King snake, I guess.
A good snake to have around since they eat rattlers... but I prefer to not see them this closely.