More of the retaining wall. second course (i think) with the landscape fabric and gravel. Next see the drainage pipe
12/29/08
Happy Halloween 08
We invited wolfman to our halloween party - he loved all my treats! Isnt he adorable!Franken Brownie
NOt sure if I showed you my franken brownies I made for our lil halloween party at the house! Arent they cute - idea from a better home and gardens magazine from 2007 or was it 2006?!
Retaining wall project 2008
Okay so this is what Ive been working on for the past two months. My hubby and I finally tackled the backyard retaining wall project. We were racing against the weather. We wanted to make sure it was finished before the first snow. So luckily we completed the task in two weeks (after the ground was all dug up) prior to Thanksgiving. Whew! Im so tired of shoveling dirt and gravel and stone. LEt me tell you -major grunt work! UGH! OUr backs were so sore every morning. Some mornings we were whinning just prior to crawling to the shower! lol. So its finished except for the wall caps and the drainage pipes out to the alley way. Kewl huh. thank you auntie and uncle for all those HAndyman magazines! A very valuable resource!
This is poor grammy lucy being dragged around town for christmas shopping by nana and I one saturday in December. Grammy was such a trooper on our errands I rewarded her (when nana wasnt looking) with a Frosty from Wendy's. Let me tell you she loved it. Grammy is 87 yrs young and still a pistol! Wonder what she would say about her pict posted on this thing called the "internet". lol. Luv u grammy !
My wonderful tree christmas morning (at 6am - see the sun is not even awake)! I was so excited - more excited than the family! I was up at 6am and the other two bums stayed in bed till 9:30 and 10am. I couldnt wait for the Disney Christmas parade, the ham I popped in the oven, the holiday music on our XM stereo, the gifts - and relaxing in my clean house!!!!!!!!!!!!A clean house - yes - a clean house. Thats a big feat for me especially while monitoring my dinner menu, shopping, and crafts! See the big green present with the gold bow - thats the present santa dropped off for rhy. She asked for a disney scooter. We found it for $24 at Walmart. Cheapest of all places we looked (Target, Amazon, toyrus). Yahoo!
One of the many cards I made for my christmas mailers to family and friends! 
I cant take credit for this crafty candy bag, M. Guimaraes my old upline demo for stampin up made it. I bought it from her at a local craft fair. Cute arent they?!
Although today at Walmart I saw this plastic reindeer that dispenses reindeer poop in the form of chocolate covered raisins. Too cute!
11/12/08
HAppy HAlloween '08
Okay so how late am I? Sorry for the absence. So much has been going with me and Ive been super occupied with the family. Well Im so excited to show you all the costumes I made for halloween. I cheated this year on Rhy's costume. I purchased it at Walmart for $17.00. Portions of DC and my costume were sewn by yours truly and a few items were purchased from Goodwill Store. As usual I had to stay up til 3am sewing DC's costume because like all procrastinators he continued to put it off - for weeks. The fabric for my costume was all of $4 and I didnt need all of it. How cool was that? Typical white t-shirt, white stockings I already had (not shown), and $4 red shoes from Goodwill. If you havent already guessed it Im Dorothy and Rhy's Glinda the Good Witch (from the Wizard of Oz). DC of course if Capt JAck Sparrow. If I had known DC was serious about dressing as JAck Sparrown I would have gone the distance and made rhy the monkey and I would been the girl...whats her name????? Kiera Knightleys character. That would've been fun. But o'well. He doesnt get on board until last minute. So coordinating with him on ANYTHING is always hard. So I collaborated with my 4 yr old because I have control over her. She HAS to do what I say! MUAHHAAAWWW! Hope you enjoyed the picture and I will post more later on the new food items I experimented with. We are so behind on everything, its not even funny!
Just Monday night we finally got around to making our halloween cookies and Ms.. Toni's banana bread loaves. Thanks again Ms. T for giving me the recipe so many yrs ago. I make it only once a year. FYI: the albertsons here has stop carrying GERBER's Banana yogurt baby food jars. So I either have it mailed from CAsa Grande, AZ or by 'em up when we venture to ABQ! So have a good day all and talk with you all soon.
FYI: YEah President Elect Obama!
10/21/08
Halloween is only 10 days away!
Rhy infront of Grammy Lucy's casa. We were locked out because she and nana decided to take a road trip to a nearby town for a "maggie" replacement to keep 'em warm this winter! For those of you from the Todacheenie clan - you understand the reference. lol!
A current family pict from this weekend. Nice pict if only DC took off his SHADES!!!!Argh!!!!
Apache Crown Dancers at Diamond Creek, Arizona
What have we been up to lately? well so much but this past weekend we were able to attend a traditional Apache wedding ceremony in ShowLow, Arizona. Never been to one so it was a real adventure. DC has never been to the White Mountains so it was also fun to show him where I have camped out as a child. Rhy is extremely terrified of Apache Crown DAncers, therefore she was none to thrilled to find out they would make an appearance at the ceremony. See pictures above.
Current pict of Rhy at her last tap class. Very sad to report the performing arts center has CLOSED for good! We have paid tuition there for Rhy to creatively explore herself and now we have nowhere to take her. Such a bummer!
Apache Crown Dancers at Diamond Creek, Arizona
What have we been up to lately? well so much but this past weekend we were able to attend a traditional Apache wedding ceremony in ShowLow, Arizona. Never been to one so it was a real adventure. DC has never been to the White Mountains so it was also fun to show him where I have camped out as a child. Rhy is extremely terrified of Apache Crown DAncers, therefore she was none to thrilled to find out they would make an appearance at the ceremony. See pictures above.
Current pict of Rhy at her last tap class. Very sad to report the performing arts center has CLOSED for good! We have paid tuition there for Rhy to creatively explore herself and now we have nowhere to take her. Such a bummer! 9/28/08
Hello All - its has been a long while!
Hi there. Sorry for the absence but sometimes I get so tired of logging onto the internet and sitting endlessly for hours searching crap. It an addiction I think. I feel guilty when Im searching and Rhy is left alone. So I try to wait until shes asleep or at school.
With that said I have had no free time. Im so busy with UNM class, preschool volunteer work, soccer preparations, housework, and rhy things!!! So any free time I have I try to sleep. Im in bed with her by 9pm. Can you believe it. Am I gettin' old?
Ive up'd my distance to 3.2 miles now! Whew! I havent run that since High school and wasnt sure if I could endure that haul. But I did it.... in 43 minutes the first time and 39 mins the second. My one mile pace is about....12 to 14 minutes. Depending on how yucky I feel on any given day. So Im happy to say that all the weights Ive been lifting has paid off. I can run without back pain and my legs sure help me out when I feel like stopping and walking!
Gotta keep up the hard work.
Its getting really chilly here in the mornings and my floors are cold throughout the day. We dont have radiant heating in the tiled areas ... so come winter time we live in an ice box. Burrr!
One more soccer practice and one more game. yea! Then I dont have to worry about soccer until next year. Downside, I have to gather all the equipment for returning and plan an end of the season soccer party. UGh! I have to draft a letter of appreciation to the volunteer asst coach and certificates of completion or achievement for my lil players. Not quite sure what it is I'll do. Have any ideas???
Fire season for DC is officially over! Yea! Looking forward to enjoying my hubby for the holidays. As for Hurricane Gustav, well you know it downgraded to a tropical storm as well as the other two that followed. So DC was staged out in Texas for several days and eventually sent home.
We were happy to have him home. Can you believe it! This season was the longest our lil family has endured. May 7th to Sept 12th! I think we have three more years of this and then he'll settle down. Well thats what he promises. Whom I kidding - it may never slow - not till he retires. Hes a firechaser at heart! UGh!
With that said I have had no free time. Im so busy with UNM class, preschool volunteer work, soccer preparations, housework, and rhy things!!! So any free time I have I try to sleep. Im in bed with her by 9pm. Can you believe it. Am I gettin' old?
Ive up'd my distance to 3.2 miles now! Whew! I havent run that since High school and wasnt sure if I could endure that haul. But I did it.... in 43 minutes the first time and 39 mins the second. My one mile pace is about....12 to 14 minutes. Depending on how yucky I feel on any given day. So Im happy to say that all the weights Ive been lifting has paid off. I can run without back pain and my legs sure help me out when I feel like stopping and walking!
Gotta keep up the hard work.
Its getting really chilly here in the mornings and my floors are cold throughout the day. We dont have radiant heating in the tiled areas ... so come winter time we live in an ice box. Burrr!
One more soccer practice and one more game. yea! Then I dont have to worry about soccer until next year. Downside, I have to gather all the equipment for returning and plan an end of the season soccer party. UGh! I have to draft a letter of appreciation to the volunteer asst coach and certificates of completion or achievement for my lil players. Not quite sure what it is I'll do. Have any ideas???
Fire season for DC is officially over! Yea! Looking forward to enjoying my hubby for the holidays. As for Hurricane Gustav, well you know it downgraded to a tropical storm as well as the other two that followed. So DC was staged out in Texas for several days and eventually sent home.
We were happy to have him home. Can you believe it! This season was the longest our lil family has endured. May 7th to Sept 12th! I think we have three more years of this and then he'll settle down. Well thats what he promises. Whom I kidding - it may never slow - not till he retires. Hes a firechaser at heart! UGh!
8/31/08
Hurricane Gustav
Okay so we had DC home for little over a week. Spent time with him in ABQ. Took Rhy to the Rio Grande Zoo. Nice Trip - we have never been. DC went when he was younger so it was a neat trip for him to show us around. We opted to take the trip to ABQ for the Zoo trip only. No side trips to the mall or any other shopping. It was Rhys day! She didnt get a summer vacation trip so this was IT!
Let me tell you. She had a blast. She fed a giraffe, lorikeets, and ducks. She watched in amazement as the zoo keeper flung fish at the polar bears and sea lions. She shouted with delight as sea lions swam inches awaw from her while viewing them in an underground window. WOW!
Glad she enjoyed herself. We rode on the train that travels through the zoo grounds. My favorites part of the day was picnicking with my lil family inside the zoo park. Yippee!
So we were able to spend quality time with DC knowing he would become available again on Friday. Sure glad he chose not to work on Sat because by 8pm that evening he was called with yet another resourse order, UGH! - double UGH!
So off he went this morning at 5:30am to Denton, Texas. Where he and the remaining Navajo Hotshot crew will stage until the Hurricane hits on Weds. At which time, they will travel to where their needed to cut away trees from the fallin' debris. Stay safe guys!
Any one getting married SOON!?
I had a dream that one of you called to tell me your were tying the knot! Hmm...who could it be!
So take care and you all are in our prayers.
Let me tell you. She had a blast. She fed a giraffe, lorikeets, and ducks. She watched in amazement as the zoo keeper flung fish at the polar bears and sea lions. She shouted with delight as sea lions swam inches awaw from her while viewing them in an underground window. WOW!
Glad she enjoyed herself. We rode on the train that travels through the zoo grounds. My favorites part of the day was picnicking with my lil family inside the zoo park. Yippee!
So we were able to spend quality time with DC knowing he would become available again on Friday. Sure glad he chose not to work on Sat because by 8pm that evening he was called with yet another resourse order, UGH! - double UGH!
So off he went this morning at 5:30am to Denton, Texas. Where he and the remaining Navajo Hotshot crew will stage until the Hurricane hits on Weds. At which time, they will travel to where their needed to cut away trees from the fallin' debris. Stay safe guys!
Any one getting married SOON!?
I had a dream that one of you called to tell me your were tying the knot! Hmm...who could it be!
So take care and you all are in our prayers.
8/26/08
what makes your tummy tickle these days???
Hi all! I wonder sometimes if any one ever checks in to read my blogs. I know that Ms. Toni does cuz she always leaves me a message - that is when I need some talkin' to.
So I finally have a break from Soccer and the Preschool. I decided to schedule one of the two practice sessions this week and labor day off. We resume practice the weds after labor day and then a game the week of Labor Day. Preschool is going well and Rhy wants to go every day now, not just M/W/F. I dont know if she'll handle it very well, gettin' up early every day. I know it'll be a challenge for me - that is getting ready every morning as if I was going to work. Hmm! Maybe I should get the practice. Seeing as we'll be doing it in exactly one year (Kindergarten). I have a question, is kindergarten all day (8hrs) or is that a half day thing too? What do most people do with their children in kindergarten when they need to work? Im sure not all of America is staying home with their children until their off to college - wouldnt that make us moms happy! But honestly, is it common knowledge for all employers to excuse their employees for an hour when schools out to drop them off at a sitters. Only to return to work after?
Or should I look for a job that requires DC to drop the lil one off at school in the morning while I go to work at 7:00am, putting in 8 hrs by 3pm. In order to pickup the little girl from school. Boy how do people do it in BLue collar society. We know the white collar peeps have nannys and au pairs to care for their offspring. But us? what an ordeal. And what about the people that leave their kids in day care for 12 to 16 hrs a day and pay almost $1000.00 a month for child care! Whewee!
So on to other news.
Lets see is there any other news other than what goes on with Rhy! OMG! I've turned into my worst nightmare. YUck!
So we decided to take Rhy on her Summer Break Vacation - hahahah. We're already into the next school year and we havent had a vacation yet! Poor child.
So I figured something close and not outlandish... a trip to ABQ. Visit the aquarium, zoo, ride the trains and have a picnic. We planned on camping somewhere east of ABQ but Im not too crazy bout camping in unknown territory! We want to take Rhy camping because she will not let up on the nagging. A tent, camp fires, sleeping bags, stars, etc etc. She thinks its so wonderful - wait till were out there and shes scared out of her wits. Then she'll think twice 'bout camping! lol
Not much else to report on. Havent had time to stamp or even sit at my new craft table. I have been doing double duty as a mother and father. Now DC's home - I have time to actually sit in bed at night and watch ATLEAST 30 minutes of the boob tube. My backyard looks disgraceful. The pantry is a disaster. The garage looks like we just moved in! I need to do major cleaning and organizing before we begin the Fall Holidays. Soooooo looking forward to halloween. Not so much Turkey day. Thanksgiving is soo boring to me these days. The only reason I ever like Turkey day was to pig out - I dont do that any more and the most I can eat of any of that terrible high calorie food is a qtr cup of each dish - not including the turkey. So not so fun anymore. Besides Im the only one cooking and its soo much work. So I would prefer to eat steak or seafood on turkey day. Doesnt matter to me. But then there is Christmas - I love the ambience of the entire month. Not the gifts but the colors, the treats, the music, the singing, the decorations, the lights, all of it. ILOVE IT ALL!
So I have twenty or so pounds before I hit my goal and its the hardest twenty yet! Harder than the first 44 pounds I lost. UGh! Hard work trying to resist junk food. Its not healthy for me but if I only eat small portions it doesnt hurt right? Just kidding I know its bad all together. The off set is if I eat it - I have to drink almost 5 gallons of water to flush it from my system - NOT FUN! So I would rather put it off and slurp down a low carb chocolate slim fast or a low carb strawberry yogurt cup! OR better yet.... slice of turkey, fat free cheese with low carb bread slices and super HOt red chili!!!! Yummo!
So I finally have a break from Soccer and the Preschool. I decided to schedule one of the two practice sessions this week and labor day off. We resume practice the weds after labor day and then a game the week of Labor Day. Preschool is going well and Rhy wants to go every day now, not just M/W/F. I dont know if she'll handle it very well, gettin' up early every day. I know it'll be a challenge for me - that is getting ready every morning as if I was going to work. Hmm! Maybe I should get the practice. Seeing as we'll be doing it in exactly one year (Kindergarten). I have a question, is kindergarten all day (8hrs) or is that a half day thing too? What do most people do with their children in kindergarten when they need to work? Im sure not all of America is staying home with their children until their off to college - wouldnt that make us moms happy! But honestly, is it common knowledge for all employers to excuse their employees for an hour when schools out to drop them off at a sitters. Only to return to work after?
Or should I look for a job that requires DC to drop the lil one off at school in the morning while I go to work at 7:00am, putting in 8 hrs by 3pm. In order to pickup the little girl from school. Boy how do people do it in BLue collar society. We know the white collar peeps have nannys and au pairs to care for their offspring. But us? what an ordeal. And what about the people that leave their kids in day care for 12 to 16 hrs a day and pay almost $1000.00 a month for child care! Whewee!
So on to other news.
Lets see is there any other news other than what goes on with Rhy! OMG! I've turned into my worst nightmare. YUck!
So we decided to take Rhy on her Summer Break Vacation - hahahah. We're already into the next school year and we havent had a vacation yet! Poor child.
So I figured something close and not outlandish... a trip to ABQ. Visit the aquarium, zoo, ride the trains and have a picnic. We planned on camping somewhere east of ABQ but Im not too crazy bout camping in unknown territory! We want to take Rhy camping because she will not let up on the nagging. A tent, camp fires, sleeping bags, stars, etc etc. She thinks its so wonderful - wait till were out there and shes scared out of her wits. Then she'll think twice 'bout camping! lol
Not much else to report on. Havent had time to stamp or even sit at my new craft table. I have been doing double duty as a mother and father. Now DC's home - I have time to actually sit in bed at night and watch ATLEAST 30 minutes of the boob tube. My backyard looks disgraceful. The pantry is a disaster. The garage looks like we just moved in! I need to do major cleaning and organizing before we begin the Fall Holidays. Soooooo looking forward to halloween. Not so much Turkey day. Thanksgiving is soo boring to me these days. The only reason I ever like Turkey day was to pig out - I dont do that any more and the most I can eat of any of that terrible high calorie food is a qtr cup of each dish - not including the turkey. So not so fun anymore. Besides Im the only one cooking and its soo much work. So I would prefer to eat steak or seafood on turkey day. Doesnt matter to me. But then there is Christmas - I love the ambience of the entire month. Not the gifts but the colors, the treats, the music, the singing, the decorations, the lights, all of it. ILOVE IT ALL!
So I have twenty or so pounds before I hit my goal and its the hardest twenty yet! Harder than the first 44 pounds I lost. UGh! Hard work trying to resist junk food. Its not healthy for me but if I only eat small portions it doesnt hurt right? Just kidding I know its bad all together. The off set is if I eat it - I have to drink almost 5 gallons of water to flush it from my system - NOT FUN! So I would rather put it off and slurp down a low carb chocolate slim fast or a low carb strawberry yogurt cup! OR better yet.... slice of turkey, fat free cheese with low carb bread slices and super HOt red chili!!!! Yummo!
8/15/08
Why do people talk back to one another?
I just love that I found this new blog page at wildlandfirefighterwives.blogspot.com!
Below is a copy of a blog posted today on this woman's yearning to hear her hubbies voice!
When our husbands are out on assignment they have limited time to phone home to chat. Sometimes their cellphones have no signal due to the rough terrain and high mtn peaks. Everyonce in a while the fire camp has satellite phones the guys use to call home. So imagine two or three satellite phones to a group of 100 to 200 hotshots. They only get 4 to 5 mins each. If that at all. Most of the guys are sooo tired they dont wanna bother with the long line, so they skip the phone and head to their tent.
I know DC, at times, forgets the showers so he can get more shut eye in his sleeping bag.
Every blog entry Ive read at the above mentioned site could have been written by ME! Thats how true and close to home this womans life is to mine. Only exception, she has dogs and I have a four year old daughter.
FYI: second soccer game tonight and it was great! Starting the soccer program off from nothing was very tiresome and mind grueling. If you know me I stress about every little detail. I am on our team's second newletter, I held a parent mtg, required team management officers. etc etc etc. Usually I provide water only in the water cooler but today I thought it be nice to supply thw kids with gatorade. I also bought two huge bags of oranges, cut and bagged them. My stress is limited so far because I finally have parents committed to bringing snacks on different days. I have been stuck with snack duty for the past two weeks and Im soo finished. Dont have snack duty again until the last week of soccer. Oct 1 thru 4th. Yea! I think DC was getting tired of spending money.
The league requires we have soccer practice once a week with one game at the end of the week. Most of the parents wanted more practice and voted we add another practice time. SOOO that leaves me with two days of practice---so exhausted and one game per week. UGH!
All in all, its been the most fun Ive had in the past few yrs outside of the house. Better than stampin up events. So cant complain that much. Except that it wears me out tremendously, esp. with the heat. Im sweating out there and getting alot of exercise, so by 3rd qtr My blood sugar levels are REAL low and I need some food. If I dont get something in my system I get shacky, sweating more, dizzy, etc. So thats why I added the gatorade and oranges. Healthy for me too. They both have just the right amount of carbs that it gives me enough pick me up to last till we travel home for dinner. Thank heaven.
Preschool Board meetings are constant. Rhyans the trouble child at school. Not a good thing for me. Trying not to let the embarrasment get to me. If I do thats when I take it out on her more.
So trying very hard to keep my anger level down. Today she screamed and kicked all the way home (14 miles). Exhausted and worn out from crying she could barely talk when we walked in the door. This time I ignored her hoping to take the advice from "experts" on tv. It made me feel horrible. I cried all the way home too. Im at a real loss with this child. I dont know what to do anymore short of slapping her crazy. I know I dont want to go there!
So I ignored the situation - different from what I usually do. I usually yell back at her and threaten up and down. Then talk over her head about what she should be doing. Hasnt seemed to work. If anything its aggravated the situation thus far. I thought I was being a good parent. I stay home - Im attentive to her. What more? I ask what am I doing wrong. So please Lord help me.
I will have to tell you all later what exactly happened and what I did.
The other day, weds, to be exact when she vamped out on me at the soccer field. I asked her why she was doing this and acting in such a manner, she replied, I miss daddy!
I thought okay thats it! I counted and he had been gone for 17 days so far. ugh! Tomorrow is his 14th day and then he gets demobed. THEN, we have to wait for three more days for them to drive home. Thats how long its gonna take them - I just know it. Wish it was sooner - but what can you do, right?
So more will have to be typed later. Its 11:19pm and I need to get her to bed. Shes in bed but I know shes waiting for me to lay by her to fall asleep. That was another of my concerns with her devilish attitude lately. Sleep habits. So as of last night I decided I would get her in the bath by 7pm and in bed for readin by 8pm and light out at 8:30pm. Right now and as of two years ago, the routine has been - bath atleast by 8 / 9pm , then books and lights out by 10pm. But now school starts at 830am. Last year the school started at 9am. So big changed we have to make.
I have to get her up atleast by 7am, to eat (such a slow eater and picky) teeth brushed, dressed and a few cartoons (to make her happy) and out the door by 8am. Takes 15 minutes to drive to school. So hoping to get her signed in and saying goodbye by 8:35am. This week was the first week back to school and we signed in all week at 9:15am. Ugh!
Everyday is such a struggle with her. My entire day revolves around waking her up, feeding her lunch, giving her milk (so she doesnt turn into a demon), napped, evg activity (tap dance/ballet/tumbling/soccer/music class - which ever we may be enrolled in that week), bath, milk and complete tired REM!!!! I have to time to do anything grown up related. In between all this I have to strategically plan out all the activities so things run smoothly. If not, well, lets just hope that day gets to THAT point. But when it does ... oh man..... rhy and I can dook it out pretty well. Ugh! So tired of fightin' with this lil' girl. I sure miss my sweet lil' girl. Where did she go and will I get her back?!?!?
Posted 8/15/08 by wildlandfirefighterwives.blogspot.com
4 minutes left
Okay, I can remember when my father (retired CDF Captain) would call home from a fire camp phone with only a certain amount of time to talk. Not much time, when you have a lot to talk about. Well, thankfully we have advanced into a new era where we can talk to our husbands on cell phones for unlimited time. My husband is currently on a fire where his crew has been "spiked out" and I haven't talked to him since last Friday evening, late and for a brief time since he was tired. So I have not had any phone calls and am anxiously awaiting his call at any moment. Yesterday afternoon I had a meeting for work, so I took my cell phone knowing that if he called I could step out and talk to him. My phone recieved a few calls from my friends, which I ignored. However, two numbers showed up and I didn't recognize the area code, so I ignored them, too. (If you remember due to the house flood we are still at my parents home) When I got home, my mom said "Did you get to talk to him? He called here twice and also tried your cell phone. She told him that I would be bummed since I missed his call. I was in fact sad when I heard he called and I ignored the call. He had called me from a phone in fire camp, since cell coverage was zero there. That explains the area code phone call I recieved. So I carried my cell phone closely yesterday afternoon in hopes that he'd call again. My mom said he told her he was headed back out to spike camp and didn't know when he'd be able to call back. I had to hold on to hope!! As the hours went by, it was obvious that he wasn't going to call. Last night around 10:45 mom's house phone rang. I jumped up and ran to where her phone was, it was him!! They had come back into camp to restock on supplies so they could head out again today. While we were chatting, he told me "we only have 4 minutes left" because I'm on a fire camp phone. Now that brought some old memories back!! We hurried and talked quickly. He asked me "well anything else" um as quickly as I could think, nothing popped in my mind. So with a "well see you later and I love you" we hung up. (We never say "good-bye" because that sounds so permanent, we only say "see you later") As I layed in bed, happy to hear his voice I did remember something important I needed to ask him. Oh well, I guess I will have to wait for the next 10 minute phone call, when that will be I don't know.
Below is a copy of a blog posted today on this woman's yearning to hear her hubbies voice!
When our husbands are out on assignment they have limited time to phone home to chat. Sometimes their cellphones have no signal due to the rough terrain and high mtn peaks. Everyonce in a while the fire camp has satellite phones the guys use to call home. So imagine two or three satellite phones to a group of 100 to 200 hotshots. They only get 4 to 5 mins each. If that at all. Most of the guys are sooo tired they dont wanna bother with the long line, so they skip the phone and head to their tent.
I know DC, at times, forgets the showers so he can get more shut eye in his sleeping bag.
Every blog entry Ive read at the above mentioned site could have been written by ME! Thats how true and close to home this womans life is to mine. Only exception, she has dogs and I have a four year old daughter.
FYI: second soccer game tonight and it was great! Starting the soccer program off from nothing was very tiresome and mind grueling. If you know me I stress about every little detail. I am on our team's second newletter, I held a parent mtg, required team management officers. etc etc etc. Usually I provide water only in the water cooler but today I thought it be nice to supply thw kids with gatorade. I also bought two huge bags of oranges, cut and bagged them. My stress is limited so far because I finally have parents committed to bringing snacks on different days. I have been stuck with snack duty for the past two weeks and Im soo finished. Dont have snack duty again until the last week of soccer. Oct 1 thru 4th. Yea! I think DC was getting tired of spending money.
The league requires we have soccer practice once a week with one game at the end of the week. Most of the parents wanted more practice and voted we add another practice time. SOOO that leaves me with two days of practice---so exhausted and one game per week. UGH!
All in all, its been the most fun Ive had in the past few yrs outside of the house. Better than stampin up events. So cant complain that much. Except that it wears me out tremendously, esp. with the heat. Im sweating out there and getting alot of exercise, so by 3rd qtr My blood sugar levels are REAL low and I need some food. If I dont get something in my system I get shacky, sweating more, dizzy, etc. So thats why I added the gatorade and oranges. Healthy for me too. They both have just the right amount of carbs that it gives me enough pick me up to last till we travel home for dinner. Thank heaven.
Preschool Board meetings are constant. Rhyans the trouble child at school. Not a good thing for me. Trying not to let the embarrasment get to me. If I do thats when I take it out on her more.
So trying very hard to keep my anger level down. Today she screamed and kicked all the way home (14 miles). Exhausted and worn out from crying she could barely talk when we walked in the door. This time I ignored her hoping to take the advice from "experts" on tv. It made me feel horrible. I cried all the way home too. Im at a real loss with this child. I dont know what to do anymore short of slapping her crazy. I know I dont want to go there!
So I ignored the situation - different from what I usually do. I usually yell back at her and threaten up and down. Then talk over her head about what she should be doing. Hasnt seemed to work. If anything its aggravated the situation thus far. I thought I was being a good parent. I stay home - Im attentive to her. What more? I ask what am I doing wrong. So please Lord help me.
I will have to tell you all later what exactly happened and what I did.
The other day, weds, to be exact when she vamped out on me at the soccer field. I asked her why she was doing this and acting in such a manner, she replied, I miss daddy!
I thought okay thats it! I counted and he had been gone for 17 days so far. ugh! Tomorrow is his 14th day and then he gets demobed. THEN, we have to wait for three more days for them to drive home. Thats how long its gonna take them - I just know it. Wish it was sooner - but what can you do, right?
So more will have to be typed later. Its 11:19pm and I need to get her to bed. Shes in bed but I know shes waiting for me to lay by her to fall asleep. That was another of my concerns with her devilish attitude lately. Sleep habits. So as of last night I decided I would get her in the bath by 7pm and in bed for readin by 8pm and light out at 8:30pm. Right now and as of two years ago, the routine has been - bath atleast by 8 / 9pm , then books and lights out by 10pm. But now school starts at 830am. Last year the school started at 9am. So big changed we have to make.
I have to get her up atleast by 7am, to eat (such a slow eater and picky) teeth brushed, dressed and a few cartoons (to make her happy) and out the door by 8am. Takes 15 minutes to drive to school. So hoping to get her signed in and saying goodbye by 8:35am. This week was the first week back to school and we signed in all week at 9:15am. Ugh!
Everyday is such a struggle with her. My entire day revolves around waking her up, feeding her lunch, giving her milk (so she doesnt turn into a demon), napped, evg activity (tap dance/ballet/tumbling/soccer/music class - which ever we may be enrolled in that week), bath, milk and complete tired REM!!!! I have to time to do anything grown up related. In between all this I have to strategically plan out all the activities so things run smoothly. If not, well, lets just hope that day gets to THAT point. But when it does ... oh man..... rhy and I can dook it out pretty well. Ugh! So tired of fightin' with this lil' girl. I sure miss my sweet lil' girl. Where did she go and will I get her back?!?!?
Posted 8/15/08 by wildlandfirefighterwives.blogspot.com
4 minutes left
Okay, I can remember when my father (retired CDF Captain) would call home from a fire camp phone with only a certain amount of time to talk. Not much time, when you have a lot to talk about. Well, thankfully we have advanced into a new era where we can talk to our husbands on cell phones for unlimited time. My husband is currently on a fire where his crew has been "spiked out" and I haven't talked to him since last Friday evening, late and for a brief time since he was tired. So I have not had any phone calls and am anxiously awaiting his call at any moment. Yesterday afternoon I had a meeting for work, so I took my cell phone knowing that if he called I could step out and talk to him. My phone recieved a few calls from my friends, which I ignored. However, two numbers showed up and I didn't recognize the area code, so I ignored them, too. (If you remember due to the house flood we are still at my parents home) When I got home, my mom said "Did you get to talk to him? He called here twice and also tried your cell phone. She told him that I would be bummed since I missed his call. I was in fact sad when I heard he called and I ignored the call. He had called me from a phone in fire camp, since cell coverage was zero there. That explains the area code phone call I recieved. So I carried my cell phone closely yesterday afternoon in hopes that he'd call again. My mom said he told her he was headed back out to spike camp and didn't know when he'd be able to call back. I had to hold on to hope!! As the hours went by, it was obvious that he wasn't going to call. Last night around 10:45 mom's house phone rang. I jumped up and ran to where her phone was, it was him!! They had come back into camp to restock on supplies so they could head out again today. While we were chatting, he told me "we only have 4 minutes left" because I'm on a fire camp phone. Now that brought some old memories back!! We hurried and talked quickly. He asked me "well anything else" um as quickly as I could think, nothing popped in my mind. So with a "well see you later and I love you" we hung up. (We never say "good-bye" because that sounds so permanent, we only say "see you later") As I layed in bed, happy to hear his voice I did remember something important I needed to ask him. Oh well, I guess I will have to wait for the next 10 minute phone call, when that will be I don't know.
8/10/08
DC left Bear Wallow Fire, Arrived at Another
What a beautiful sight, the back drop that it - you're not too bad either hunny!
DC's humbled sleeping qtrs!Well DC is on another fire after leaving Bear Wallow. He's smack dab in the middle of
Big Foot Country. Have I ever mentioned to you all the website for Bigfoot research, www.bfro.net is a fun resource to read everyones "real" encounters with the hairy creature.
Try it out, I find it entertaining. Reminds me of ghost stories around the campfire.
So had my first Board meeting with teh preschool and it was fairly painless. Much work needs to be done. *sigh* Tell you one thing I wont be serving on another Board anytime soon.
Soccer we were creamed! But I'd Like to think the kids had fun. The best part...as soon as last qtr was over the kids ran to me asking for their snack. I usually have healthy snacks like granola or fruit. But yesterday I decided to treat them good considering their morale may be low from their parents yelling at them. So I bought Hostess Cream filled Chocolate Cupcakes. They LOVED IT! The team we played ... the lil one is awake now and cranky. hard for me to type with one hand ... talk with you all later. have a wonderful day and enjoy life! Tell someone today how you much you appreciate them. Its makes a huge difference in their lives.
8/8/08
busy times lately
DC with drip torch burning out a slope.
Bigfoot lookin' pretty. My goodness! I dont remember the last time I was ever this busy and had to worry about someone else but myself. The last time I can remember .... I was in school and no child to fuss over. Now, I run myself crazy with errands and community work and my lil' companion has to drag along behind. Poor kid!
But this week I have my aunt nana here visiting and helping me out with Rhy. Thats been a great relief esp. with this heat and humidity we've been getting. UGH!
So here are a few pictures of DC in Yreka, California on the BEar Wallow fire. With six days on this fire - they were demobbed today. I think as of now the crew is in a nice cozy hotel room somewhere in Yreka. He phoned and said he was finally eating a Whopper from Burger King and fries had never tasted sooooo yummy!!! lol
Enjoy pictures and wish my team and I good luck on our first game tomorrow morning at 8AM!
8/1/08
Blogging from New computer!
Hi guys. I dont have photos for you because Im blogging on DC's hp PC. I love this thing! its super fast - way faster than my laptop. I can surf at lightning speed!!!!
So want to touch base with you on DC's current assignment. The Wyoming call was cancelled and reassigned days later to the Yreka, CA area in Siskiyou County in Northern Cali. The crew drove all the way, stopping over in Las Vegas for a night. Then they stopped at the Cabela's Store in Reno for supplies! *wink wink* As of this evening they are RON (resting over night) in Susanville, CA. I told DC that Ken Shamrock lives there, FYI: population density is 13,000. Way less than Holbrook, Arizona. I had no clue who K, Shamrock was - but knowing my hubby - instantly he replies- uh yea! he a UFC fighter not to mention a WWE wrestler. Doh! Yea? like Im gonna know that. BTW I got that tidbit from wikipedia online. LOL
So my first practice with the 4 and 5 yr olds went absolutely chaotic. They didnt listen for nothin'. They were completely out of it. Running all over the field, chasing the ball well past the boundaries. At one pt I just stood there watching to see how far they would go. By the time I caught up to them - yelling all the while to stop - two to three minutes had passed and I was outta breathe. LOL So Ive been doing my hmwork this week. I spent most of my evening at the soccer complex watching other U6 coaches corral their preschoolers. Hrs later and many bug bites later I think I have a plan. Maybe tomorrow at openfield jamboree I can pick up more pointers.
Practice on MOndays - my temporary asst coach (DC) has gone wilderness hicking in Cali and Im ALL Alone to face yet another energy draining soccer practice! Ugh! Funny thing did I tell you guys that the first practice on july 28th I was saved by the rain. During coaches training we were told to have practice atleast 60 mins.
As practice went on - I continued to eyeball my watch. Praying 3/4 of the hr had already passed. On half past, I began to struggle and panic on activities because quickly I was losing them. At this pt they had stopped listening to me. THEN! a huge cloud burst poured down on us with strong wind gusts. I helplessly stumbled toward my bags and at the top of my lungs yelled out, "PRACTICE OVER!" throwing my neatly arranged and crafted gift bags full of treats to the team members - hoping they'd like me even if I was a terrible coach - just because Im the coach that gives'em junk food! Awhaw! Thats the way to their hearts.
When preparing the treat bags I found a similarity to the movie,"A League of Their Own" with tom Hanks. DC said something about holy cow! treats. Their there to play soccer not eat treats. then he so cleverly said, "Treats - theres no TREATS in soccer"! HAh. Hah. HAh. Ur so funny hunny.
So alot has been ongoing and if any of you havent received a return call from me I apologize. Ive been super busy and tired with all this weeks errands. Trying to change your name after being married isnt so easy. before getting married - if you ever have a chance to get one of those packages that contains forms on changing your name- TAKE IT! Its usually a small fee for the package but its a great resource to start with. Wish I hadnt been so cheap. Had I sent all the info away in one packet - I would have this headache. I need finger prints for the School District. trying to make a professional resume - for which ive never done!!! Trying to ask people for references. By the way! Guys I need references for my applications so if I ask please help me out. PLEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Preschool registration - what a headache. Wish someone told me to think about these things at 2.5 yr old. ALL the schools in the town are FULL and now we have to Pay AGAIN for private preschool. Ugh!
So this new keyboard is ticking me off - Im not familiar with it and I keep deleting my paragraphs. getting sick of retyping what I just did. I will blog again later. FYI: stampin up is having their 20 yr anniversary convention in salt lake as you read. Boo hoo! Wish I could have gone but the fee for guests was $400. WTH!!! yea like Im gonna blow that on rubber stamps..... oh wait I did and more while demonstrating stampin up as a demo. Doh! take care my peeps. Holla! LOL too funny just wanted to do that. *still laughing*
So want to touch base with you on DC's current assignment. The Wyoming call was cancelled and reassigned days later to the Yreka, CA area in Siskiyou County in Northern Cali. The crew drove all the way, stopping over in Las Vegas for a night. Then they stopped at the Cabela's Store in Reno for supplies! *wink wink* As of this evening they are RON (resting over night) in Susanville, CA. I told DC that Ken Shamrock lives there, FYI: population density is 13,000. Way less than Holbrook, Arizona. I had no clue who K, Shamrock was - but knowing my hubby - instantly he replies- uh yea! he a UFC fighter not to mention a WWE wrestler. Doh! Yea? like Im gonna know that. BTW I got that tidbit from wikipedia online. LOL
So my first practice with the 4 and 5 yr olds went absolutely chaotic. They didnt listen for nothin'. They were completely out of it. Running all over the field, chasing the ball well past the boundaries. At one pt I just stood there watching to see how far they would go. By the time I caught up to them - yelling all the while to stop - two to three minutes had passed and I was outta breathe. LOL So Ive been doing my hmwork this week. I spent most of my evening at the soccer complex watching other U6 coaches corral their preschoolers. Hrs later and many bug bites later I think I have a plan. Maybe tomorrow at openfield jamboree I can pick up more pointers.
Practice on MOndays - my temporary asst coach (DC) has gone wilderness hicking in Cali and Im ALL Alone to face yet another energy draining soccer practice! Ugh! Funny thing did I tell you guys that the first practice on july 28th I was saved by the rain. During coaches training we were told to have practice atleast 60 mins.
As practice went on - I continued to eyeball my watch. Praying 3/4 of the hr had already passed. On half past, I began to struggle and panic on activities because quickly I was losing them. At this pt they had stopped listening to me. THEN! a huge cloud burst poured down on us with strong wind gusts. I helplessly stumbled toward my bags and at the top of my lungs yelled out, "PRACTICE OVER!" throwing my neatly arranged and crafted gift bags full of treats to the team members - hoping they'd like me even if I was a terrible coach - just because Im the coach that gives'em junk food! Awhaw! Thats the way to their hearts.
When preparing the treat bags I found a similarity to the movie,"A League of Their Own" with tom Hanks. DC said something about holy cow! treats. Their there to play soccer not eat treats. then he so cleverly said, "Treats - theres no TREATS in soccer"! HAh. Hah. HAh. Ur so funny hunny.
So alot has been ongoing and if any of you havent received a return call from me I apologize. Ive been super busy and tired with all this weeks errands. Trying to change your name after being married isnt so easy. before getting married - if you ever have a chance to get one of those packages that contains forms on changing your name- TAKE IT! Its usually a small fee for the package but its a great resource to start with. Wish I hadnt been so cheap. Had I sent all the info away in one packet - I would have this headache. I need finger prints for the School District. trying to make a professional resume - for which ive never done!!! Trying to ask people for references. By the way! Guys I need references for my applications so if I ask please help me out. PLEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Preschool registration - what a headache. Wish someone told me to think about these things at 2.5 yr old. ALL the schools in the town are FULL and now we have to Pay AGAIN for private preschool. Ugh!
So this new keyboard is ticking me off - Im not familiar with it and I keep deleting my paragraphs. getting sick of retyping what I just did. I will blog again later. FYI: stampin up is having their 20 yr anniversary convention in salt lake as you read. Boo hoo! Wish I could have gone but the fee for guests was $400. WTH!!! yea like Im gonna blow that on rubber stamps..... oh wait I did and more while demonstrating stampin up as a demo. Doh! take care my peeps. Holla! LOL too funny just wanted to do that. *still laughing*
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