On Veterans Day Erin
and I were off and took the kids into daycare. We just wanted to catch a break for a day. It was rainy so we went to Bob Evans
for breakfast. Matter of fact it kept raining for days from the remnants of Ida. In the afternoon we got a fire going and
watched DVR shows of the Little Couple on TLC. It was nice to just sit on the couch for a few hours.
We picked the kids
up early and watched Marley and Me. Now that is a grab the tissues kind of dog movie! It was sad but touching movie at the
same time. We all enjoyed it.
On Thursday I had
a major power outage at work for most of the afternoon. The next day I discovered I had some outlets not working anymore in
my cubicle. Earlier I had visited with Ms. Pat at Jaxson’s daycare for a conference. He is doing very well and the temper
tantrums he occasionally had at home have not spilled over into daycare. They are better at home too. They say he is right
on track and has become a lot more social. We need to work on drawing shapes
and basic writing skills. He is mainly a lefty, but throws a ball equally with either arm.
Thursday night saw
us quite busy before Survivor. The walls of the basement against the front side of the house had started to let water seep
in. It was not standing water but it soaked some carpeting. Erin and I spent some time moving the toy room around. We then
spent time keeping the towels rotating from the basement floor to the washer and then the dryer and back again. I also spent
some time in the rain out in the yard getting water through the fence line and raking leaves out of the way. We had 8 inches
of rain in around 24 hours so it was bad and with some heavy wind.
Survivor was AWESOME.
Russell, who needs to start geocaching, found his second immunity idol without a trace of a clue. On top of that he used it
instead of leaving it in his pocket. Boy the faces at tribal council when he pulled that out were priceless. Instead of being
voted out which is what happened he started a civil war. That was a great episode!
Friday Erin was off
but I was making up time for being out Monday with a cold. School was also 2 hours late due to closed roads. Erin cleaned a little ran
a few errands and thrift shopped a little for clothes. We had a coupon for Lone Star Steakhouse, so I met her and the kids
there for a delicious meal at a reasonable price.
When we got home
we had promised the kids to play some games in the dining room. We
all enjoyed each game although we had to remind and teach a little sportsmanship. Jaxson won Candyland, Mom won Pizza Time
(which all made up dances too), and Liam won the matching game. We have to remember to do this more ofeten but the kids are
just starting to catch on so we can all four play.
Sadly when we took
the kids up for bed we discovered Nemo, Liam’s Blue Beta laying sideways at the bottom. At first Liam was very matter of fact.
We all went to the Jack and Jill Bathroom and paid last rites as do all kids when they lose their fish. We had Nemo since
June of 2007 so he had a great run at the house. Jaxson has had his red Beta, Bobby Russ, for over a year now and he has gotten
big. So I go into our room for a few minutes and when I came back into Liam’s room he is just bawling. It hit him that his
little Nemo was gone for good. We both talked to him and settled him down and said he could get another Beta when he was ready.
During prayer he prayed for Nemo and the new fish he was gonna get tomorrow. So with that said I knew I would be taking the
boy looking at Petco the next day.
Two pieces of mail
arrived Friday that were good news. Liam’s kindergarten pictures came in and they were good. He had a sweet smile and looked
kind of like Opie the way I styled his hair that morning. Also our 30 amp breaker came in. I still need to get it in the box
now. In the evening I cut out the pictures for family and got them ready. We will bring some along Thanksgiving to give out
and mail others in Christmas cards in a few weeks.
On Saturday Erin headed out early to get the kids registered for swimming. Liam is very excited to transition from
football to swimming. Jaxson is a little apprehensive but seems happy Daddy is
going to go on Saturday mornings too. Now that makes two boys, Daddy and Jaxson,
who need to be braver in the water LOL. Honestly I will be good so Jaxson gets used to it. Midday Erin
started to rearrange the toy area in the basement. Liam and I ran out for some chores. Coach Billy had given me a Sears Coupon
for helping out I most appreciated. I went to Sears and got a big leaf rake. I broke the one we had last year after we taped
it up once. I also got a nice big garden trowel. We went on to Lowes for Concrete sealer and stopped at BK for lunch. We went
and got a few groceries and our last stop was Petco.
Liam looked at quite
a few Beta’s but in the end he picked a crown tail beta. He is very handsome with a purple head and red body. Liam already
had the name, Anakin, picked out. How could it be any other from our Star Wars fan?
When we got home
Erin and I tag teamed to get the bottom bricks and part of the floor in concrete sealer. Although the minor flooding was rare
and the first time since we moved in 2006, we thought it would prudent.
Saturday night we
watched Hotel for Dogs with the kids. We all enjoyed this movie quite a bit too but it was funny how all the dogs were mostly
pure bred. Erin said the movie was quite a bit different than the book but enjoyable just
the same.
On Saturday night
Erin and I Wii’ed a bit for the first time in a while. We played Monster Jam. We also talked to our friends, Sue and Perry, and firmed
up a visit with them Thanksgiving weekend. The gang is going to get together at a restaurant for a dinner.
On Sunday Erin went to take her punishment at a drivers course. The base has cracked down on Cell phones while
driving and she was unlucky enough to get caught. The good news was she was top of the class after sitting through 4 hours
of lectures. She had a perfect score and said it was a nice refresher even if it cost her 60 bucks and 4 hours of life.
The boys played out
in the yard and then we all took turns playing Monster Jam on the Wii. The boys enjoyed each others company playing. They
really are pretty good friends at this point. That is exactly why we planned to welcome Jaxson on this Earth!
Erin went to WalMart for some pants for Jaxson while I watched the kids and the Redskins finally WIN
against the Broncos! It felt GOOD!!!!
Erin let the boys play out front and talked to her parents for a little bit. We watched a nature show
about birds, a Hows it Made about ATVs and Stormchasers while we ate Chinese Food. I then watched the Patriots hand the Colts
a win. What a boneheaded call not to punt and go for it deep in their own territory. I was glad the Pats ate it - They deserved
it.
On Monday I took
in the fundraising stuff people bought at work from Liam’s first fundraiser. Man this solicitation stuff is going to be a
necessary evil! I also found out my hard drive was on the blink big time. I will be using a lap top until they can get the
issues settled. I spent most of Monday setting it up for doing my job.
We have a pretty
normal week coming up I hope. Everybody is healthy and we are all looking forward to Thanksgiving. I have a Potluck on Thursday
so Erin is helping me make a Pumpkin Pie on Wednesday night and I must find time this week
or weekend to get that breaker in.
Monday, Nov 2:
Russ and I headed to work. Liam and Jax went to school/daycare. Dawn saw Mom & Dad off mid morning.
Then Dawn had the house to herself, and I'm sure after all the weekend chaos, the quiet felt kind of good. She took
the big dogs for a walk, and explored the neighborhood a little.
Tuesday, Nov 3:
Russ and I headed to work, but I planned to duck out a little early if possible. Liam headed to daycare/school,
but Jaxson stayed home with his Aunt Dawn for a special day together. They had a nice day together, walking all around
the neighborhood, playing on the playground, putting puzzles together and just bonding. That evening, we went to Liam's
last football practice, and then Dawn took us to Arizona Pizza for dinner - THANKS!!
Wednesday, Nov 4:
Liam only had a half day of school today. We all headed to work/daycare/school, but around 11:30 Dawn walked up
to Liam's school to have lunch with him and then bring him home. They too, had a nice afternoon together. They
played on the playground, played the Wii Batman and Star Wars Lego games, and just had a nice time together.
After dinner, Russ, Dawn and I watched a movie with Leonardo de Caprio and Kate Winslet in it, called (no, not Titanic)
Revolutionary Road. Um... I can't say it was a bad movie, because the acting was great, but it was a little like watching
your worst partner fight ever. The ending provoked an interesting debate as well.
Thursday, Nov 5: It was my turn to have some special time with Dawn. Russ offered to take the kids in to
daycare/school, as well as pick them up, so Dawn and I could do a Thrift Shop Tour together. THANKS, RUSS! We
had a nice, leisurely breakfast together, and then headed over to Solomon's Island around 9:30. The stores weren't open,
so we walked along the boardwalk a little.
By 10:00, Pepper's Pet Pantry was open, so we took the opportunity to shop a little there. Then we drove North
to St. Leonard to check out an Auction House and a Thrift Shop that benefits a Spay/Neuter program.
Though the Auction House didn't have a live auction going on, we had a great time just looking at all the OLD tools and
gizmos from the past. It was great fun, and I learned that they host Auctions every Friday night. Sounds like
a fun trip!
There was also an old used book store near the auction house, so we spent some time and a few bucks in there as well.
I'm always looking for Little Golden Books.
Right up the street from the Auction House, was the SPOT Thrift Store. What a bargain place! It was
clean, well organized, and FULL of cast-offs. Dawn and I probably spent more than an hour here, just going through the
racks and shelves. We each got some really cool shoes. Dawn got a couple of skirts, and I found a perfect pair
of jeans (among a few other wardrobe additions).
We were both getting hungry, so we set our goal for Prince Frederick. We wanted some sushi, but they'd stopped
serving for the afternoon. So, we ended up next door at the Green Turtle. Here, we ordered some bar munchies that
filled our shopping bellies well. Then, just a few paces up the shopping center, we hit a Vintage Values Thrift Shop.
Here, we did well too, and had a great time searching through the 35 Cent bins.
We left Prince Frederick and headed home around 4:15. I'd really intended to circle around towards Waldorf
and THEN head home, but we seemed to do well enough on the Eastern part of SOMD, so we were satisfied. In fact,
we got to the boys' daycare just about pick-up time, so we called Russ and told him we'd get the boys, and he could just go
home.
That evening, Russ treated us all to Asahi Japanese Steak House for dinner, seeing as though Dawn and I never did get
our Asian fix for the day. It was so good, and the kids had a great time watching the chef too.
Friday, Nov 6:
Friday was much like Monday. We all left Dawn at home to have a quiet day. I really wanted to leave work
early, but a software delivery prevented me from dashing out before 3:30. The weather was chilly, but we needed to dress
warm for the Patuxent River Raiders FLAG BOWL!!!! This end of the season game, was a challenge between the two Raider's
Flag teams - Black vrs Silver. The commissioner of the league got all the kids pizza. We let the kids make their
own banner to run through, and the commissioner announced their names one by one...
"Pax River Raiders.... Number 10.... Liam - COCKADOOOOODLLLE DOOOO - Rooster - COOOOOLLLLLEEEE!"
The parents and spectators (even Mr. Rick came!) kept warm by cheering on their kids. The first few plays were
awesome, but then the sugar high began to wear off. Feet and hands began to get cold, and the tears began to flow.
Much of the team kept their spirits up, but a few of the players, Liam included, were just miserable.
We pep talked Liam into staying in the whole game though, and were super proud of him for doing so. Once he warmed
up in the van, we think he was proud of himself too.
We didn't win the game, but most didn't care. We don't usually keep score anyway.
That evening, after the boys (and us) warmed up, I figured some popcorn while watching the Wizard of Oz would be a good
thing to wind down too. It was. We called an end when Dorothy and the Scarecrow head down the Yellow Brick
Road.
After the boys got to bed, Russ and I introduced Dawn to the Brit show, Spaced. I don't know if she'll be
an obsessed fan like we are, but she sure found the same humor we did! Hopefully, she can watch a few more episodes
on her next visit!
Sat Nov 7:
Saturday morning it felt good to sleep in. It was the first Saturday in a LONG time where we could. No football
game to rush off too, and we could ease into the day. Our morning had a tinge of sadness in it, though, as it was Dawn's
last day. We had a nice pancake breakfast together, and then Dawn and I took the big dogs for a walk. Then we
all got around to take Dawn up to BWI. It was a beautiful day out, so it made the drive a little brighter. We'd
had such a nice visit. Halloween had been such a blast, and the following week, had just the right amount of activity
and relaxation.
Around 1:30, we said our goodbyes at the gate. The weather looked good, and Dawn had an evening date in Billings
to look forward to, so we hugged with smiles in our hearts. We all hope we can repeat the visit next Halloween, but
we'll just have to see how things work out.
After we left BWI, we were pretty hungry. We'd originally hoped to eat together before Dawn left, but traffic
cut time too close for comfort. We settled into a Wendy's on the way home, and the exhustion began to set in a little.
Russ had already been coming down with a cold, and it seemed to really be settling in as well.
It was early evening when we arrived back home. We'd had a late lunch, so we just pieced for dinner, and we got
the boys to bed early. Russ and I hadn't had a lot of one on one time in the previous days, so we spent the evening
just catching up with each other and reflecting on the visits. We both agreed that it was a good time.
Sunday Nov 8th:
Another day to sleep in! Now, mind you, sleeping in, is really only until about 7:30, but just the opportunity
to wake up without the alarm is valued. Since we had no eggs, I ran out to Sheetz to get us some breakfast sandwiches.
The boys enjoyed playing together in the morning, and Russ and I got things around for the End of the Season Party that afternoon.
We made little party favor goodie bags, and had our certificates and gifts ready. It had been a great season.
Russ really enjoyed working with Billy to coach the kids. I always had confidence in him, and I think he can't deny
the confidence he now has in himself. He sincerely LOVES working with these kids, teaching them the basics of football.
I too, have learned to enjoy the game. Liam has decided to move on to swimming, and that is just fine. I'll be
registering him for lessons this weekend. Jax is much like his father, in that football just seems to be part of his
DNA, so Russ will get the opportunity to continue his coaching next year.
The party at the One Stop Family Adventure Center was great. Almost all the team came. They enjoyed the go-karts,
the moon bounces, the video games, the pizza and the CAKE!!! They all got personal football cards of themselves that
Russ had made, and we handed out Parent Awards, and Coaches Gifts. They even got me a little something for being the
team mom. I would be glad to give my support again next year.
After the party, we came home and pretty much collasped. The house has it's share of clutter, but it'll just have
to wait. I made us a little dinner, Russ had some crabs, and I cleaned up the kitchen, but that's as far as I got.
I tried to stay up with Russ, but once my body hit the couch at 8:30, I was really struggling to stay awake. Finally,
I gave up and went to bed.
Russ still had a hum-dinger of a cold. He couldn't get to sleep last night, and is just this side of miserable.
I suggested he not go to work today, and he didn't. We'll all need our rest. With the nasty flus going around,
we need to be a bit on the offensive.
Things are back to "normal" for a little while. We'll cherish the next couple of weeks that have us sticking around
the house. Time to get back into a routine, but then we'll need to start planning for the holidays.
