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Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Thanksgiving Weekend!!
What a week! First of all, Liam and Jaxson had a topsy turvy week with daycare. Anna was on vacation this week, so on Monday
our friend, Sue - aka Aunti Sue - watched the boys for us. On Tuesday, I took off work to be with them, and on Wednesday Russ
took a turn.
Wednesday late in the afternoon - and the POURING rain - Russ headed North to New Carrollton to the train station to pick
up Marcie and Noah. God was with them, and they made the trek without any major incidents besides the crappy weather. The
boys and I finished getting the house ready for them, and then we baked a cake so they'd have something warm to put in their
bellies upon their arrival. Not to mention, we kept the fire going too! They arrived around 8:30 and I let both Liam and Jaxson
stay up so they could welcome them. Liam was TOTALLY excited and just pranced around and around his big brother and Grandmom.
I let him stay up just a bit longer, while I seasoned the Turkey for frying the next day. Unfortunately, he was none too impressed
when I made it dance a little jig for him in the sink. At which point he told me that the Turkey was scary and he wasn't going
to eat it. As I put him to bed, I had to reassure him that the Turkey was for eating, and was surely dead.
 
The next day we all felt pretty good after getting a good night's sleep. We had a decent breakfast and just continued visiting
while we made the cooking plan. Of course, I had to send Russ and Noah out to get more milk, and some brown sugar for the
Sweet Potatoes. Marcie cooked the stuffing, and mixed up the (shhhh, Instant) potatoes. On the menu was the standard fare.
We even had the Green Bean casserole, and I managed to make a couple of decent crusts for a pumpkin and apple pie. Noah and
Russ fried the turkey perfect. Things all came together around 4:00 and we were all ready for a dandy Thanksgiving dinner.
Yes, Liam had a little turkey too! Jaxson also partook having a little bit of potatoes!
 
 
Later that evening, we watched a movie called You, Me & Dupree, but honestly, it was kind of dumb.
Friday, Russ had to go to work. Noah and Marcie slept in, but later in the morning we ventured out to check out a local
yard sale, and run a couple of errands. Marcie enjoyed getting dog food at the local Petco. Liam, as always, delighted in
seeing the lizards, rats, spiders and fish! We also went to Bath & Body works, but it was pretty crowded. I managed to
get a few needed things, and a little something for Noah's girlfriend, Kayla.
Once home, I put Liam down for a nap, and while Marcie watched Jaxson, Noah helped me haul out some Christmas stuff from
the attic. We planned to open some presents after dinner, so I figured we'd better at least have a tree up to put them under!
So, Liam awoke as we were putting the last few ornaments on the tree. Russ arrived home early from work, too, so he also got
to hang a few and help gather the presents.
 
That evening we cooked up a mess of Alaskan Crabs, and steamed a couple dozen oysters. It was a grand MD feast to be sure!
The best treat was Noah and Russ cleaning it all up! Liam could barely contain himself around the presents, but finally, we
got him into some pajamas, and we all settled in around the Christmas tree to distribute the gifts to each other. Marcie was
an excellent shopper throughout the year and found us all some great gifts. I love the shoes she found me, and Russ got a
really nice sweater and a pair of jeans. Noah, too got a couple of shirts. Marcie loved the drill the boys got her. Of course,
Liam and Jaxson got their share of toys and books. Noah got Liam the Cars movie DVD. Liam loved the fire truck, and Jaxson
was kicking away at his Kick & Play piano! Russ and Noah then watched Goodfellas that Noah got his Dad for Christmas.
The next day we had decided to go Christmas shopping for and with Marcie and Noah. We went to the Annapolis Mall. This
is the Mall that we told Russ's Mom that was safer than Waldorf and then a gangland shooting takes place two days later that
makes the national news. Our day was safe though. We ate lunch first at SBarro's Pizza. Russ and I had a moment of frustration
over where to go so we split up. I took Marcie and the kids and Russ took Noah. We had our cell phones and we did pass by
each other at Border's where Noah found a couple of books on Psychology. Marcie and I did not really find anything for her
as she was looking for a full size bed in a bag. Noah and Russ struck out on weather proof coats as they were all ringing
up over $200. We all met back at Build a Bear Workshop where Grandmom had the fun experience of helping Liam pick out a stuffed
animal. Liam ran right for the monkey and totally was interactive with the whole process. He helped stuff the monkey and put
a heart inside it and made a wish with the girl helping him. He also picked out a Pirate Costume I found for him after he
almsot chose a Redskins uniform his Dad showed him. He named him Mikey and teh two are now inseprable. Mikey even has boxer
shorts he sleeps in at night. Noah and his Dad too a quick jaunt down to a games store where Noah got Microsofts new Flight
Simulator and a new History Channel Civil War game. We headed out as it was getting dark. We stopped by Friendly's for dinner.
When we arrived home we got the little ones to bed and started a cozy fire. Russ then set online with Noah first as they
found a pair of sneakers to finish his Christmas shopping. Then Russ and I helped Marcie find an excellent deal on a bed in
a bag for only $19.99 on clearance. It arrived yesterday and she really likes it. It came complete with shams and skirt. That
was such a good deal we went shopping for lamps for her bedroom. Russ was able after a long search to find a really nice pair
for a great price.
On Sunday I fixed a big breakfast for all of us as we had to go to the train station at New Carrollton. We arrived the
station which was surprisingly light of people. Marcie and Noah's Train arrived on time and we all hugged and they went safely
on their way. Marcie called later that night to say the ride back went well and Dixie picked them up at the station. We certainly
had a great first Thanksgiving at the house and missed them both Sunday night. It was too quiet. It was a nice visit and we
are glad that Marcie made the trip and that Noah was so helpful. He is growing up to be a fine young man.
Monday, November 20, 2006
11/17/06- 11/19/06
On Friday I worked so I could take off the following Wednesday before Thanksgiving. It is funny we are not allowed to sawp
our Friday's the day after Thanksgiving. It is the only date they are sticklers about on base. It doesn't make sense since
productivity is way down since so many people are out. Well off that soap box. Mom and Noah are coming down via Amtrak so
having the day off will be good. Actually Erin and I had to scramble a bit because daycare is closed this week. Sue is watching
the kids today, Monday, then Erin will tomorrow and me on Wednesday. Well I kidded Liam and asked him if he wanted to go to
work with me and see the planes. He did and Erin said put your money where your mouth is.
We loaded up the Jeep and came on in and stopped to get some breakfast at McDonalds. He was a good boy and colored at a
little table behind me. After a potty break we went and saw all the planes in the hangar much to his delight. Erin in the
meantime took Jaxson to the doctor where he got four shots. He is in the 90th percentile as far as his weight and height.
Jaxson is quite the solid baby. Surprising since he was so much smaller than Liam at birth. Erin brought us lunch and my co-worker
Meredith visited with us and played with Liam.
Friday night we watched a scary movie that was just too convoluted and pretty mediocre called Silent Hill. It had the makings to be good but the plot never got around. When we found out it was based on a game by Konami we realized
they were playing to fans of the game.
On Saturday Erin went shopping in the morning and to mail her Small Fuzzi-Bunz diapers Jaxson has outgrown. She sold 28
diapers for $302 dollars on Ebay in 3 days. Liam and I were going to go pick up Mommy' wedding ring in Waldorf as it was being
fixed and to go to Chucke E. Cheese for the first time. I loved taking Noah when he was little so it was reliving some of
those memories. Erin was having a party but nobody showed up and her and the consultant visited for a couple of hours.
Liam and I got the ring and went to Chuck E. Cheese. It was super crowded with a couple of birthday parties and no place to sit and it so we played and we played hard. Liam
loved all the games and the rides. We finally got a table and one of the workers watched it for a few minutes while Liam and
I ordered. Liam got a bit unruly in line so we had a talk when we got back to the table. An elderly lady sitting across from
us complimented me on how I dealt with Liam. It was a nice compliment on how I treated Liam and discussed his misbehavior
and how he could correct himself.
 
After we got done eating we played on more rides and games. He was really good at the football game and smacking down ducks
with a boxing glove. He pottied twice and did great except at the end a Soccer game with an ugly fake Goalie scared the dickens
out of him. I asked him to potty but he just wanted to go. We turned in our tickets in which Liam thought was a game to as
you had to feed the tickets into a machine. We then got a few little toys he got to pick out for the redeemed tickets. He
got some fake pirate tattos, a rubber cockroach, a plane, and a spider ring. When we got to the parking lot we had an accident
but we came prepared thanks to Mom. We took a quick jaunt into Michael's for a frame and Liam saw a snow globe he liked that
I got for his room at Christmas. I called Erin and she was more than ready for us to come home.
 
We watched Little People Big World on TLC (my favorite show now) and I shared my crab as her Sushi was not very good.
On Sunday Erin worked on her shelving for the Laundry room and I got the front yard raked and wheel barrowed around to
the side of the garage for future burning. Jaxson and I grabbed a quick catnap together after the raking.
We then did a little grocery shopping and Liam picked out gifts for Grandmom and Noah from Jaxson and him. Sunday night
Erin got the laundry done and we watched Desperate Crossings on the History Channel. Some of it was filmed in St. Mary's county
where we live and one of Erin's co-workers, Rick, was in it.
This week is a short but hectic week. Thank goodness Sue was able to watch the boys today. We are very excited to have
Mom and Noah down to the new house for teh first time. Noah was down when Jaxson was born but Mom has not been down since
we were married back in 2002. We bought our Turkey yesterday so we will be frying a small 14 pounder on Thursday. We have
a lot to be thankful and feel blessed about so God deserves our gratitude for the gift of our lives.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
11/10-11/12 2006
This week, I was all excited because I purchased a Serger (like a mega sewing machine) from a co-worker of mine. I couldn't
wait for the weekend to try it out. "Unfortunately," the weather did not permit me to stay inside and play with my new toy.
It was simply tooooooo nice outside.
On Friday, Russ went in to work while I stayed home. I played with the kids a bit in the morning, before getting us all
ready to meet Daddy for lunch. I had planned to clean out his truck before departing, but lost track of time. Just as we were
about to leave, I realized that Russ had taken both sets of keys to work with him! oops. So, our lunch date had to be postponed.
Since we were all dressed, we decided to go outside.
Soon I found myself raking leaves while Jaxson snoozed in the swing, and Liam played with stray sticks in the yard. I sacrificed
a small circle near the garden for burning leaves. I had seen our neighbor doing it days before, so I figured it was "legal."
In fact, my neighbor was actually outside raking leaves herself, so I stopped to introduce myself and we had a brief chat.
I had a slight problem though.... I was getting hungry, and Liam was due for a nap. However, I didn't dare leave my burning
circle. Finally, my hunger pangs wouldn't leave me alone, so I had no choice but to douse the flames a bit while I took the
kids inside for lunch and a nap. Fortunately, once I returned, it didn't take long to get the flames going again.
Just as the kids were up from their nap, Russ returned home, and started helping me out with the leaves. It seemed such
a slow process, but at least we didn't have to bag them all up.
 
 
That evening, since we were all pretty tired, we just ordered a pizza for dinner.
On Saturday, we slipped out to do some usual errands. We even had to buy a couple of new rakes! Russ also wanted to get
some supplies to repair the small dent in the back of the truck. Our venture was pretty short, and soon we were back outside
raking leaves and enjoying the beautiful weather. Russ worked on the truck, and the repair looks pretty good.
 
The sunny days came to an end on Sunday. At first, I thought this would allow me the perfect opportunity to play with my
new serger. I did manage to watch some of the instructional video, but soon all the tasks that I'd put off on Friday and Saturday
overcame me, and I was sprucing up the house in prep for our turn at hosting the monthly playgroup.
Since the weather was so nasty, I didn't expect too many to attend the playgroup, but it made me tidy up nonetheless. Around
3:00 the doorbell rang, and it was our friend Janet, with her daughter, Rosalia. So, Janet and I spent some time with the
kids in the basement while Russ watched the end of the Redskins game. After a couple of hours, Janet's husband, Bill came
by as well. Russ used to work with Bill several years ago. Janet, Bill and Rosalia ended up having dinner with us, and it
was fun watching the kids play together.
 
Sunday evening brought a mad dash of diaper washing in prep for the week ahead. Never did get to even turn on the serger,
but that will just have to wait.
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
November 4th-5th 2006
It was a quiet weekend. I took the kids to Anna's on Friday while Erin ran some errands and I worked. She got the loan
down on the van through ESE with better rates. Good thing she went she almost missed the grace period to do this. When I got
home we ran to Nicoletti's. It had been a while since we ate there.
On Saturday we got a few groceries and dropped the van off for a change of oil. I needed to get some paint for repairing
the Jeep and while at Lowe's we saw that they had a 50% off sale on all the gardening plants. trees, and shrubs. We have an
open space at the fence in teh side yard. It looks right in our neighbors garage so we figured we would plant some for future
privacy for the both of us. Erin picked out the Blue China Girl Holly's we got for only $12 a piece. They should grow to about
6 feet by 4 feet.
I was restless and wanted to get the trees planted and Erin took the rare opportunity to actually relax on the couch
while the boys napped to watch some of her Lost Season two DVD's. I went out and got the trees planted. On Saturday night
we watched Little People Big World which I am addicted to and had a nice dinner by the fire.
On Sunday after breakfast we got the van and dropped off the Jeep for its oil change. When we got home we wrapped
up and got the wagon out. The leaves are pretty much peaking now here and we took the boys to the playground for some fresh
air.
On the walk home we met a neighbor on Gunston named Pat who had a little Italian Greyhound that looked a lot like a miniature
Ash. Erin had ideas for the basement play area so I helped her move the big shelf to segregate the two halves of the room
and she reorganized the area into something she now feels is effecient for her and the kids to play in. I worked on the computer
and watched the Skins pull off a miracle no seconds left victory over the Cowgirls!
We had some good steaks got the kids ready for bed and watched a movie that was really good. A great cast and probably
the best Jennifer Anniston has ever acted. It was a surprise good one named Friends With Money. Alas this week is rushing by. We voted last night and I purchased a microwave for work with funds raised by co-workers.
Erin's old co-worker Rick is coming to dinner tonight and bringing his new puppy Flash. Liam loves to see Mister Rick.
We have a Playgroup we are hosting next Sunday Afternoon and I need to work on the Jeep and repair the tail gate rust,
a bulb in the drivers taillight and some little maintanence.
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Halloween Weekend
We had a very special weekend with the visit of Erin's folks and her sister Dawn from Wyoming. Saturday we finished up
final unpacking which meant Erin cleaned off the Dining Room table while Russ spackled and painted where the new curatins
went as well as hung the last of the pictures.
Our guests arrived on Sunday at 11 AM as I was painting the backdoor to the garage. We enjoyed a visit and tour of the
house and then partook the sunlight and loaded up the wagon for a walk to the playground.
On Sunday night we lit the firepit and enjoyed Smores and Mulled Cider outside.
On Monday I went back to work and everyone spent time out in the yard while Dawn and Mom Day turned the graden over for
the winter Erin and Dad bought a chain saw at Lowe's to take down the dead pine tree. Dad then split the wood but saved some
for me to practice on the next day. He even put up a swing for Liam to swing on. Everyone enjoyed loving on the kids. Liam
was DELIGHTED to have the attention of his Grandpa, Gramma and Aunt Dawn.
On Monday night we watched the scary movie An American Haunting. It was okay but left a lot of holes at the end. The suspense sort of petered out.
On Tuesday I was off so while the Women all went shopping Dad Day gave me a lesson on my new ax. It was a knotty pine
that we will use for the fire pit. At first I struggled and did not swing with enough force. Later I got the hang of it and
got a big swing and looked for cracks to play off of thanks to my good teacher. Liam got a chance to try out his car some
more. Grandpa had helped him get the hang of it. All but the steering that is. ;-)
When everyone arrived home we went to eat at Cheeseburger in Paradise. Everyone seemed to enjoy there dishes and we beat the dinner rush.
We then ran home to carve pumpkins in preperation for all the Trick or Treaters. I carved my Pumpkin, and Erin hers as
Dad carved Liam's and Dawn did a cut carving on Jaxson's little pumpkin. It was a lot of fun!
We then went out trick or treating in the wagon. We went to about 8 houses and introduced ourselves to our new neighbors
at a couple of houses and saw Rick and Tammy out with their kids. We had about 25 trick or treaters at the house including
the Mike and Michael Danko who stopped by t see their old house. Michael was a cool Pirate with an outfit his mom, Katie made
that Liam liked. We then divvied up the loot. It was fun to watch Dawn and Erin joke laughing and going clickity clackity
down the road with their skeleton costumes.
Alas it was too quiet on Wednesday night. We had such a great visit with loving family and beautiful Autumn weather.
We were so happy to finally host in our new place and feel settled finally.
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