At this time, I'm happy to report that the landlord and owners have agreed to honor our contract, although they are still claiming that we didn't follow proper procedure. Our friendly JAG officer has reviewed our lease and we in fact have followed all terms appropriately. We'll see how turning over the keys go, I suspect we may have to let them know that we do have legal representation, fully aware of the situation, and that they cannot attempt to get 3 weeks worth of rent through our security deposit. In the past 13 years of renting various places, I have always gotten my full security deposit back, which is why I'm scrubbin' extra careful to make sure there is nothing to note on the inspection.
Our freezer and cupboards are beginning to look a bit bare. A good thing, but we do have over a week before we leave. We decided to have lunch out today, and Eric gave me a good laugh. I was wearing cargo khaki type of pants. He all of a sudden got very excited and began to feel my side pocket and asked what I had in there. As I gave him a quizzical look, he asked hopefully "Do you have a condom in your pocket?" I replied "yeah, THAT'S what I carry around in my pocket". By this time he was opening my pocket and pulling out --to his dismay -- a hair rubber band. He can be such a boy. We were at Pizza Hut, with kids. I'm still shaking my head.
Tomorrow we are having a BBQ with several friends who have all recently finished primary training. One last get together before we all continue our separate ways. I have to find my living room before then --it has been our sorting room and is now also full of toys as the former toy room is our new "do not pack" room.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Official....
Yesterday Eric got his official orders. Today we were busy faxing them. Calling to disconnect utilities and the moving company was here taking inventory. Yup, this is going to happen and happen fast. It appears that we may get housing on base quickly in TX, very good news, bad news, our current property manager wants to be a jerk and is trying to play games with us. I'm trying to stay calm and wait for him to call back, hopefully tomorrow, and say he's sorry (I know that won't happen) but more importantly that he's not going to try and screw us over.
Laurelei got a clean bill of health today. However, she has developed a clinging love/hate relationship with me. She only wants mommy to hold her, but she also wants to scream and kick for 20mins --it escalates if I put her down -- but once she calms down she is cuddly and a joy to be with. My nerves can't handle much more of this. She has started to use a bowl and not just dump the food out and toss the bowl to the floor. A step the grandmas will be happy to hear.
CJ is busy doing her activities with a count down for each one. Tomorrow we hope to go to story hour then speech in the afternoon. Today she asked if she is going to sleep here before we move to TX. Her concept of time ~or lack of it~ is a challenge to deal with at times. If it happened yesterday, she says last week. If something is coming up she counts how many times she goes to sleep before it happens. She knows that church and Sunday school are on Sunday, Speech on Monday and Wednesday, and School on Tuesday and Thursday, but doesn't quite get the idea that each of these days happen in a sequence, one that doesn't change. She does remember what happens on each day, so if you tell her it is Wednesday, she will tell you what activities are planned. Her memory blows me away, she really showed it off when we were in Iowa, remembering how to get to places she hadn't visited in 6 months --and it was summer not winter!
The house is quiet, I need to go finish the dishes, put away laundry and try and head to bed, before anyone wakes up.
Laurelei got a clean bill of health today. However, she has developed a clinging love/hate relationship with me. She only wants mommy to hold her, but she also wants to scream and kick for 20mins --it escalates if I put her down -- but once she calms down she is cuddly and a joy to be with. My nerves can't handle much more of this. She has started to use a bowl and not just dump the food out and toss the bowl to the floor. A step the grandmas will be happy to hear.
CJ is busy doing her activities with a count down for each one. Tomorrow we hope to go to story hour then speech in the afternoon. Today she asked if she is going to sleep here before we move to TX. Her concept of time ~or lack of it~ is a challenge to deal with at times. If it happened yesterday, she says last week. If something is coming up she counts how many times she goes to sleep before it happens. She knows that church and Sunday school are on Sunday, Speech on Monday and Wednesday, and School on Tuesday and Thursday, but doesn't quite get the idea that each of these days happen in a sequence, one that doesn't change. She does remember what happens on each day, so if you tell her it is Wednesday, she will tell you what activities are planned. Her memory blows me away, she really showed it off when we were in Iowa, remembering how to get to places she hadn't visited in 6 months --and it was summer not winter!
The house is quiet, I need to go finish the dishes, put away laundry and try and head to bed, before anyone wakes up.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
2 Weeks
That's it. We've got two weeks and we'll be on the road heading out into the sunset. CJ is already on the lookout for cowboys. At the Atlanta airport, as we were crossing terminals, she spotted a man wearing a cowboy hat, and in typical 3yr old fashion, exclaimed "COWBOY! YEEEHAW!"
I of course have made a plan in my head of how I think things should work out. Realizing that this is the military and events will not unfold logically or how I hope they will, I still am clinging to my positive spin to the situation. Why? I think this is Eric's favorite question along with CJ's. I need to find the positive so that I can move forward. I am ready to move on from Florida. It has been a good 14 months, we have caught up on our Vitamin D that we missed out on in North Dakota. When we moved here, we knew it was temporary and for a year most likely at most. However, Texas was not suppose to be the next stepping stone.
So as I sort through closets, toys, and the stuff of life, the next two weeks will be challenging. I find moving an adventure, but a chore --one I like to put off and off. The movers will be here in 10 days, or less, hopefully we can get that arranged tomorrow. One of my challenges: this is the first move Eric is around to help with. I do feel blessed and that it is about time he helped us move, since this is his dream, but with his help, comes the stress of working together...we each have our own style and often don't mesh well --also, he hasn't mastered the skill of reading my mind, even though I've given him nearly 13yrs to work on it.
It will be interesting to see what is in store for us. This move will be a short stop, maybe 7 months, but if MY plan works out...we'll then be off to a real 4 year tour! If not, we'll get one more 5-6 month move before "settling down". The count down has begun.
I of course have made a plan in my head of how I think things should work out. Realizing that this is the military and events will not unfold logically or how I hope they will, I still am clinging to my positive spin to the situation. Why? I think this is Eric's favorite question along with CJ's. I need to find the positive so that I can move forward. I am ready to move on from Florida. It has been a good 14 months, we have caught up on our Vitamin D that we missed out on in North Dakota. When we moved here, we knew it was temporary and for a year most likely at most. However, Texas was not suppose to be the next stepping stone.
So as I sort through closets, toys, and the stuff of life, the next two weeks will be challenging. I find moving an adventure, but a chore --one I like to put off and off. The movers will be here in 10 days, or less, hopefully we can get that arranged tomorrow. One of my challenges: this is the first move Eric is around to help with. I do feel blessed and that it is about time he helped us move, since this is his dream, but with his help, comes the stress of working together...we each have our own style and often don't mesh well --also, he hasn't mastered the skill of reading my mind, even though I've given him nearly 13yrs to work on it.
It will be interesting to see what is in store for us. This move will be a short stop, maybe 7 months, but if MY plan works out...we'll then be off to a real 4 year tour! If not, we'll get one more 5-6 month move before "settling down". The count down has begun.
Fun in winter wonder land
We had lots of fun in winter wonder land this past week. Seeing the grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles was a treat for us all. We enjoyed sledding and the snow activities that we don't get to do in Florida...or Texas for that matter. Here is a picture of us with Eric's sister and husband. 
CJ couldn't get enough of the big waterslide at the hotel. She loved going down by herself too! What a big little girl she has become.
We miss you all already.
CJ couldn't get enough of the big waterslide at the hotel. She loved going down by herself too! What a big little girl she has become.We miss you all already.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Our Wonderful Winter Getaway
Since we live in Florida and are heading to TX, we thought we would take a good vacation, see family, and WINTER!!! The girls did wonderful on the planes. Laurelei did sleep on both, but CJ stayed awake, until the car ride.
Minneapolis welcomed us with great weather, sunny and the mid 20s and of course snow on the ground. It was refreshing! Grandma and Grandpa Ludeking picked us up, then we stopped at the farm and did some fun sledding. Although CJ has been sledding and being a North Dakota baby has seen snow, she needed to re-acclimate. It was funny to explain that her pants stay on, and her snow pants go over top; that it is okay for snow to get on her snow boots and a few other winter/snow related things that came up.
Then today, Iowa gave us a true welcome with rain/ice/snow BLIZZARD!!! We played outside and Eric even did some shoveling, it has been 2yrs since he did any, and I guess he has kinda missed it.
Hannah and CJ playing outside in the new snow. We really are having a great time and loving the snow and winter.
Minneapolis welcomed us with great weather, sunny and the mid 20s and of course snow on the ground. It was refreshing! Grandma and Grandpa Ludeking picked us up, then we stopped at the farm and did some fun sledding. Although CJ has been sledding and being a North Dakota baby has seen snow, she needed to re-acclimate. It was funny to explain that her pants stay on, and her snow pants go over top; that it is okay for snow to get on her snow boots and a few other winter/snow related things that came up.
Then today, Iowa gave us a true welcome with rain/ice/snow BLIZZARD!!! We played outside and Eric even did some shoveling, it has been 2yrs since he did any, and I guess he has kinda missed it.
Hannah and CJ playing outside in the new snow. We really are having a great time and loving the snow and winter.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
quick stats.
No video yet...although I did get the camera recharged so maybe soon. Laurelei had her 1 yr check up today. She is 29 inches long...right at the average and fully clothed she was almost 19lbs 8oz. A bit under, but considering her past 3 months not too bad. HOWEVER, it turns out we went in on the right day...she has strep and an ear infection. Just the start of the ear infection so we hadn't noticed anything. I haven't been feeling well and last night thought maybe I had strep, so it really didn't surprise me. I of course can't get in to see a doc. I get to try tomorrow morning at 6am, they might have something then. For those who don't know, I am able to catch strep by the mere mention that someone thousands of miles away has it. Not fun. I have actually not had strep for a whole year, maybe longer! That is a milestone for me. Anyway, I'm off to send Eric to CJ's V-Day party at school, Laurelei is napping, maybe I will too.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Birthday Girl
She had a great day yesterday and had fun with her big block party blocks. Both girls did actually. It was in the mid 70s and CJ thought it was sprinkler weather. Not quite, but they had fun while they could. Today it is 43...I'm with you Heather it is cold! I think this is mother nature's way of warming, uh, cooling us off for our trip north.
She did a great job blowing out her candle too! I'll try and upload the video later...you know when I can actually type with two hands, and not be a jungle gym at the same time.
Monday, February 11, 2008
A fun Visit
We had a great weekend in Dade City FL, visiting the girls' great grandparents! They showed us a good time and the girls loved the extra hugs and kisses they got. Here is a glimps at our fun.
CJ posing next to a Florida golden panther and Laurelei next to a manatee...named Laurelei!
A fierce and fun game of bean bag toss. Grandma beat Eric, after he had eliminated me.
Grandpa had a good game too. The girls enjoyed the sunshine and watching the tournament.
We also had a bday party for Laurelei and went to the flea market today. Eric is happy with a new driver, CJ got a sand dollar, bracelets and a blinking necklace. Laurelei lit up when she saw the birds. There were cages of parakeets, canaries and finches. They were talking up a storm! The girls were great during the car ride, both ways. Now we prepare for our trip this coming weekend! The weather, won't be so fun.
CJ posing next to a Florida golden panther and Laurelei next to a manatee...named Laurelei!
A fierce and fun game of bean bag toss. Grandma beat Eric, after he had eliminated me.
Grandpa had a good game too. The girls enjoyed the sunshine and watching the tournament.
We also had a bday party for Laurelei and went to the flea market today. Eric is happy with a new driver, CJ got a sand dollar, bracelets and a blinking necklace. Laurelei lit up when she saw the birds. There were cages of parakeets, canaries and finches. They were talking up a storm! The girls were great during the car ride, both ways. Now we prepare for our trip this coming weekend! The weather, won't be so fun.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Weekend fun
We had a garage sale on Saturday...and I think it was the best vacation I have had in a long time. It was like being at a spa. Eric had the girls and kept them busy, took CJ to the store, and Laurelei took a good nap. I sat outside in the sunshine and read a book (and got a bit sunburned, a garage sale tradition of mine). It was a slow but steady stream of people. The family did come out at times, CJ liked to do her own "shopping", but Laurelei didn't like being confined to the pack and play. My squeeky 'nursing' chair, that has been passed down from my great grandma sold as soon as I brought it outside...so I got to go shopping for a new one in the afternoon. I love it! It doesn't swivel, but it rocks and reclines --quietly and is comfy! The girls love it too!
Laurelei is all about climbing and we find her in all sorts of places and predictiments. One of her favorite things to climb is the desk. She then sits there like she is the queen, or lost in her own thoughts,~ her thinking place.
Today we headed out to church as usual. Since it was so perfect out, we left Panther in the backyard with treats and a water dish. When we got home, she was waiting for us, on the front porch. We are guessing that even though we were gone for almost 5hrs, she dug her way out within 30mins of us being gone. I spoke to our neighbor who said she hadn't seen her roaming about, but her husband did see her in our front yard at one point. She is not typically a digger. I have caught her digging to cool off in the heat of the summer, and once when she got scared during a thunderstorm and was outside. We are happy that she is safe and at home, our street is busy. We love her, but sometimes she is a big headache too.
Laurelei is all about climbing and we find her in all sorts of places and predictiments. One of her favorite things to climb is the desk. She then sits there like she is the queen, or lost in her own thoughts,~ her thinking place.
Today we headed out to church as usual. Since it was so perfect out, we left Panther in the backyard with treats and a water dish. When we got home, she was waiting for us, on the front porch. We are guessing that even though we were gone for almost 5hrs, she dug her way out within 30mins of us being gone. I spoke to our neighbor who said she hadn't seen her roaming about, but her husband did see her in our front yard at one point. She is not typically a digger. I have caught her digging to cool off in the heat of the summer, and once when she got scared during a thunderstorm and was outside. We are happy that she is safe and at home, our street is busy. We love her, but sometimes she is a big headache too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)