Wednesday, November 28, 2007
A Couple more from Disney
Dreamsicle insisted on pulling her own luggage from the car to the hotel.
She loved the palm trees!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Happy Birthday U*Haul!
Twenty years ago today~after Mcgyver's second helping of mashed potatoes but before dessert was served, we left my Aunt's house for the hospital. During the middle of the "big game" (can you say hello husband and resident OB physician-I'm over here, the one in labor, panting like a dog-please pay attention to me instead of the blasted football game?) U*Haul made his entrance into this world. With a head full of dark beautiful hair and a cry that would wake all of the other babies in the nursery, he made his presence known.
His dark hair has lightened over the years, he rarely cries any more but he certainly has brought joy to our lives.
It is so incredible that my baby boy, my last born son is now a man. When I look at him, I still see a 6 year old boy with a missing front tooth and a crooked smile. And yet a man he is. I am so proud of all that he is and all that he will become. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for him.
I brought pizza and a birthday cake home and everyone came up to the house to celebrate his special day. (Shut up-some people cook birthday dinners, I buy them when they fall during the week) Dreamsicle wouldn't eat, she was too excited about the chocolate thing in the box. W'az dat? was heard at least 15 times while eating pizza with her pointing her little finger at the box. When I brought the cake out and set it on the table with the candles in front of U*Haul she became the slightest bit indignant, exclaiming 'dat cake Dreamsicles! I gave her a small piece ( search my archives to see proof that she does not sleep when she consumes more than a tiny amount of sugar) of cake which she happily launched her whole face in to. It seems our sweet girl thought the most expedient way to eat the cake would be to put her lips into the cake rather than using a fork and bringing the cake to her lips. We all howled at that one. This might be a good time to tell you that it was a chocolate and whipped cream cake so when she picked her head up because we were all laughing she was covered in whipped cream. No pictures though-must get new camera STAT!
Anyway, trust me when I tell you a good time was had by all.
His dark hair has lightened over the years, he rarely cries any more but he certainly has brought joy to our lives.
It is so incredible that my baby boy, my last born son is now a man. When I look at him, I still see a 6 year old boy with a missing front tooth and a crooked smile. And yet a man he is. I am so proud of all that he is and all that he will become. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for him.
I brought pizza and a birthday cake home and everyone came up to the house to celebrate his special day. (Shut up-some people cook birthday dinners, I buy them when they fall during the week) Dreamsicle wouldn't eat, she was too excited about the chocolate thing in the box. W'az dat? was heard at least 15 times while eating pizza with her pointing her little finger at the box. When I brought the cake out and set it on the table with the candles in front of U*Haul she became the slightest bit indignant, exclaiming 'dat cake Dreamsicles! I gave her a small piece ( search my archives to see proof that she does not sleep when she consumes more than a tiny amount of sugar) of cake which she happily launched her whole face in to. It seems our sweet girl thought the most expedient way to eat the cake would be to put her lips into the cake rather than using a fork and bringing the cake to her lips. We all howled at that one. This might be a good time to tell you that it was a chocolate and whipped cream cake so when she picked her head up because we were all laughing she was covered in whipped cream. No pictures though-must get new camera STAT!
Anyway, trust me when I tell you a good time was had by all.
Thanksgiving 2007~Broken, Shattered and Scratched
Let me start out by saying that it was marvelous having the whole family together for Thanksgiving. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than having my boys and daughter in love assemble at the house with Dreamsicle, McGyver and I, allowing me to cook for them. The turkey was moist, pies were devoured and there was nary a spec' of mashed potatoes left in the bottom of the bowl.
Having said that, the day did not turn out as planned...
I must have had a pie spill over in the bottom of the oven (how I have no idea, since the pies were on a baking sheet). I did not notice this until I placed the turkey in the oven and the smoke detectors started screaming. When I looked into the kitchen, there was smoke billowing out of the oven! Since you may recall we moved this summer, we had no idea that the smoke detectors were hard wired into the security system. It took us 15 minutes to finally figure out that removing the batteries from the smoke detectors while opening every window and door in the house was not going to stop the blasted noise. We finally had to unplug the battery for the security system to have some peace.
During Dreamsicle's birthday party, I had asked a friend of mine to be in charge of taking pictures with my camera. Somehow during the course of the festivities, a beverage managed to make its way into every nook and cranny in my camera. It started to work after it was dried out but decided to die an untimely death on Thanksgiving. I have absolutely no pictures of the fam for this holiday.
It is a McGyver family tradition that we put our Christmas tree up on Thanksgiving. While the boys were out in the garage getting the Christmas decorations from the rafters, they managed to drop the rubbermaid container that held all of our ornaments. All but 12 broke. All of the hand made ornaments that the boys had made over the years that I treasured, all of the ornaments that my father purchased each year in honor of Angel Baby, all gone. I actually think I lost my speech center of my brain for a while when that happened.
And then to top it all off~Chester must be used to driving a very big tank that has nothing in its way. Aunt Genious stopped by the evening of Thanksgiving, Chester was pulling out of the driveway in my car (the one I purchased a year ago) and clipped Genious' truck with my car. Both vehicles have scratches the entire length of the autos.
So-it will be a holiday remembered for alot of reasons, gave me an awful lot of time to remember what is important (the camera, ornaments and vehicles are just things-the health of my family is of the most importance to me).
But lets all hope Christmas goes a little better
Having said that, the day did not turn out as planned...
I must have had a pie spill over in the bottom of the oven (how I have no idea, since the pies were on a baking sheet). I did not notice this until I placed the turkey in the oven and the smoke detectors started screaming. When I looked into the kitchen, there was smoke billowing out of the oven! Since you may recall we moved this summer, we had no idea that the smoke detectors were hard wired into the security system. It took us 15 minutes to finally figure out that removing the batteries from the smoke detectors while opening every window and door in the house was not going to stop the blasted noise. We finally had to unplug the battery for the security system to have some peace.
During Dreamsicle's birthday party, I had asked a friend of mine to be in charge of taking pictures with my camera. Somehow during the course of the festivities, a beverage managed to make its way into every nook and cranny in my camera. It started to work after it was dried out but decided to die an untimely death on Thanksgiving. I have absolutely no pictures of the fam for this holiday.
It is a McGyver family tradition that we put our Christmas tree up on Thanksgiving. While the boys were out in the garage getting the Christmas decorations from the rafters, they managed to drop the rubbermaid container that held all of our ornaments. All but 12 broke. All of the hand made ornaments that the boys had made over the years that I treasured, all of the ornaments that my father purchased each year in honor of Angel Baby, all gone. I actually think I lost my speech center of my brain for a while when that happened.
And then to top it all off~Chester must be used to driving a very big tank that has nothing in its way. Aunt Genious stopped by the evening of Thanksgiving, Chester was pulling out of the driveway in my car (the one I purchased a year ago) and clipped Genious' truck with my car. Both vehicles have scratches the entire length of the autos.
So-it will be a holiday remembered for alot of reasons, gave me an awful lot of time to remember what is important (the camera, ornaments and vehicles are just things-the health of my family is of the most importance to me).
But lets all hope Christmas goes a little better
Monday, November 19, 2007
If I Could Only Find My USB Cable
I would be posting many, many pictures. Pictures of Dreamsicle at the Magic Kingdom when she met Belle. Pictures of her at the resort-especially of her while she was "phwimming".
I would also be posting pictures of Chester's homecoming last night. I laid eyes on him and the river of tears began flowing again. He was no sooner out of the protected part of the concourse at the airport then my arms were around his neck, I was sobbing the big messy tears again and he was lifting me up in his arms in the sweetest hug I have ever felt in my life. The Patriot Guard was there and I guess there was much, much clapping that ensued. Not only from the members of the Patriot Guard and our assembled group of family and friends but everyone else in the terminal at that time. I honestly did not hear one sound other than the words "I love you mama and I'm home" that came from Chester's sweet lips.
We arrived home and U*Haul came in. Despite the late hour (1:00 am by that point) we stayed up a while and talked with Chester. McGyver and I finally gave in and went to bed. This morning my alarm clock rang at 5:30 for me to get up and get ready for work, before I left I crept into Chester's room and he was wide awake. I asked him why and he told me that U*Haul had just left. Oh how my heart if full. Two of my boys stayed up all night reconnecting. The last time that happened involved flashlights and a tent made of sheets over their bunk beds many, many years ago.
I would also be posting pictures of Chester's homecoming last night. I laid eyes on him and the river of tears began flowing again. He was no sooner out of the protected part of the concourse at the airport then my arms were around his neck, I was sobbing the big messy tears again and he was lifting me up in his arms in the sweetest hug I have ever felt in my life. The Patriot Guard was there and I guess there was much, much clapping that ensued. Not only from the members of the Patriot Guard and our assembled group of family and friends but everyone else in the terminal at that time. I honestly did not hear one sound other than the words "I love you mama and I'm home" that came from Chester's sweet lips.
We arrived home and U*Haul came in. Despite the late hour (1:00 am by that point) we stayed up a while and talked with Chester. McGyver and I finally gave in and went to bed. This morning my alarm clock rang at 5:30 for me to get up and get ready for work, before I left I crept into Chester's room and he was wide awake. I asked him why and he told me that U*Haul had just left. Oh how my heart if full. Two of my boys stayed up all night reconnecting. The last time that happened involved flashlights and a tent made of sheets over their bunk beds many, many years ago.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Family Code Red
This is a PSA for our extended family.
If any of you suffer from insomnia and would like to meet Chester when he lands at the airport the scheduled arrival time is Sunday night at 11:30 pm. The Patriot Guard will be there to welcome him home as well so it should be quite the night.
Also-get ready for the arrival of Bridal Shower invitations. U*Haul and Pixie have decided that they don't want to wait until after boot camp or schools to get married. Scheduled wedding date is now February 7th on S Padre Island in Texas. Reception to follow back here in the Mitten State the following weekend. Much money is flying out of my hands as we speak! :) But oh so worth it! Finally! the girl who has been a McGyver for so long will be officially my daughter in love.
If any of you suffer from insomnia and would like to meet Chester when he lands at the airport the scheduled arrival time is Sunday night at 11:30 pm. The Patriot Guard will be there to welcome him home as well so it should be quite the night.
Also-get ready for the arrival of Bridal Shower invitations. U*Haul and Pixie have decided that they don't want to wait until after boot camp or schools to get married. Scheduled wedding date is now February 7th on S Padre Island in Texas. Reception to follow back here in the Mitten State the following weekend. Much money is flying out of my hands as we speak! :) But oh so worth it! Finally! the girl who has been a McGyver for so long will be officially my daughter in love.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Where Has The Time Gone?
I can't believe how negligent I've been in keeping up with this blog lately. It certainly isn't because of lack of things happening at Casa de Dreamsicle that's for sure. So much to update-are you ready?
1. Chester is currently winging his way back to the good ole' USA! That's right, he is officially out of Iraq. I had no idea how much stress I actually surpressed over the course of the last 7 months until I received the call telling me that he was out of harms way. Once I heard his voice telling me "Mama, I'm coming home" I immediately started sobbing. Like a baby. Big, messy, cry my eyes out tears of joy that lasted for hours. He decided to stay out in Cali to attend the Marine Corps Ball before coming home so we won't actually see him until just before Thanksgiving but man am I happy.
2. After months of anticipation, U*Haul finally proposed to Pixie! Yep, the two are gittin' hitched! Not quite sure of the date yet, it will be sometime in the warm-ish months of 2008 but they need to figure out U*Haul's training schedule first.
3. That's right-I said U*Haul's training schedule. He leaves in February for boot camp. He joined the Navy. Going to be a submariner (can we all channel the Beattles now and start singing We All Live On A Yellow Submarine?) The funniest thing I heard was when I told Chester about U*Haul's decision to join the Navy and be on a sub. He was outraged-telling me to tell U*Haul to pick a different job. When I asked him why he was so upset, he said "doesn't he realize how close of quarters you live in when you are on a sub?" I had to remind him that Gee-maybe this piece of advice coming from a guy who has to sleep sitting up in his tank while on missions may not be such a great thing. We both laughed at that one.
4. Dreamsicle is growing by leaps and bounds. I had her evaluated by Early On and she has a little of a gross motor delay but cognitively she tests above her age group so Mama is happy, happy, happy! She wanted to be a Princess for Halloween (like that surprised anyone). She was set on being 'rella (as in Cinder-ella). I took her to the Disney Store to pick out her Cinderella costume and when we got there she looked over the Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White Costumes but didn't seem too excited. That all changed when she turned around and saw the Gold Bling that was Belle's costume. So she dressed up as Belle from Beauty and the Beast~complete with light up shoes, light up sceptor and crown. She was gorgeous and she had a great time. Pictures to follow as soon as I locate my USB cable.
5. My travel schedule is brutal right now so I've been having Dreamsicle travel with me. Last week we had Aunt Genious accompany us to Chicago for a conference where Dreamsicle made her maiden voyage to the American Girl store. She chose a bitty baby and promptly named her Mamie. So Mamie the baby now goes everywhere with us. I have a conference in Orlando beginning Saturday so Pixie is going with me to care for Dreamsicle while I'm in classes. We have the Belle costume packed and should be posting some great pic's of her at Disney next week.
Well there you go-the update on the McGyver family. Life is good!
1. Chester is currently winging his way back to the good ole' USA! That's right, he is officially out of Iraq. I had no idea how much stress I actually surpressed over the course of the last 7 months until I received the call telling me that he was out of harms way. Once I heard his voice telling me "Mama, I'm coming home" I immediately started sobbing. Like a baby. Big, messy, cry my eyes out tears of joy that lasted for hours. He decided to stay out in Cali to attend the Marine Corps Ball before coming home so we won't actually see him until just before Thanksgiving but man am I happy.
2. After months of anticipation, U*Haul finally proposed to Pixie! Yep, the two are gittin' hitched! Not quite sure of the date yet, it will be sometime in the warm-ish months of 2008 but they need to figure out U*Haul's training schedule first.
3. That's right-I said U*Haul's training schedule. He leaves in February for boot camp. He joined the Navy. Going to be a submariner (can we all channel the Beattles now and start singing We All Live On A Yellow Submarine?) The funniest thing I heard was when I told Chester about U*Haul's decision to join the Navy and be on a sub. He was outraged-telling me to tell U*Haul to pick a different job. When I asked him why he was so upset, he said "doesn't he realize how close of quarters you live in when you are on a sub?" I had to remind him that Gee-maybe this piece of advice coming from a guy who has to sleep sitting up in his tank while on missions may not be such a great thing. We both laughed at that one.
4. Dreamsicle is growing by leaps and bounds. I had her evaluated by Early On and she has a little of a gross motor delay but cognitively she tests above her age group so Mama is happy, happy, happy! She wanted to be a Princess for Halloween (like that surprised anyone). She was set on being 'rella (as in Cinder-ella). I took her to the Disney Store to pick out her Cinderella costume and when we got there she looked over the Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White Costumes but didn't seem too excited. That all changed when she turned around and saw the Gold Bling that was Belle's costume. So she dressed up as Belle from Beauty and the Beast~complete with light up shoes, light up sceptor and crown. She was gorgeous and she had a great time. Pictures to follow as soon as I locate my USB cable.
5. My travel schedule is brutal right now so I've been having Dreamsicle travel with me. Last week we had Aunt Genious accompany us to Chicago for a conference where Dreamsicle made her maiden voyage to the American Girl store. She chose a bitty baby and promptly named her Mamie. So Mamie the baby now goes everywhere with us. I have a conference in Orlando beginning Saturday so Pixie is going with me to care for Dreamsicle while I'm in classes. We have the Belle costume packed and should be posting some great pic's of her at Disney next week.
Well there you go-the update on the McGyver family. Life is good!
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