Trip to KS … 1st part

The first week in KS resulted in all of us with the stomach flu & recovering from it. Nothing worse than trying to care for 2 kids, and not vomit along side them. My heart went out to both of them, because they were so exhausted & worn out.
My parents packed for the trip to see Yanni and Jayden, as well as Cate & Eric. It was a horrid start for a trip, 1st day the flight was CANCELLED. Mom was all prepared to leave, and was so upset when they cancelled the flight after they had been sitting there for a few hours. Dad was simply disappointed in the fact they could have let the passengers know the flight was going to be delayed or cancelled … but the positive thing is my SIL is their travel agent & she had it fixed in no time at all.

1st Trip to AirPort VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

The worst part, is I went to Hobby Lobby to get fabric to make my boys PJ’s. Then we stopped by Subway for Lunch. It was nice until we got back to Hutch & I had to make a trip back to Wichita.   Logan watched Athenah, instead of dragging them back to the airport.
The 2nd trip was successful, such a relief to me. Of course this time I did not leave Wichita until Dad told me that they were boarding. The day before I ended up making two trips to Wichita … not what I wanted to do again.
I stopped by to replace my shoes, which even as comfortable as they were, they were to the point of replacing. Found a pair of comfy boots, got some stocking stuffers for my boys. Then went back to Mom’s & Dad’s. Logan was amazing because he watch Athenah the entire time I was gone. But I am just happy, because it made the trip easier. She likes to go places, but does not like being “trapped” in a car seat or stroller … can you blame her?
The next couple weeks we (Logan, Athenah & me) relaxed, baked, played games & after dark drove around to look at Christmas Lights. Logan about had a cow because most of the lights we found were simply white/clear. He listens to his GrandPa too much on that topic, as well as a few others But I have to agree with him, when you decorate for the holidays you want cheerful. Using only one color, can be a bit depressing. And white/clear lights don’t do so well when it snows. But if you use a variety of colors, it really makes it cheerful and seems more like the holidays. Basically, go from “bland” to “cheerful.” Then again, each person has an idea how they want to decorate. (feel for my sons, because the next holiday season, my home will get decorated as I prefer)
The games were ok, Logan loves to play a large variety. He is good with strategic options.

Games, Lights, Baking VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

After a while, my husband & sons arrived. Then it was a more baking, games, and getting ready for the holidays. Plus during this time, my husband & I celebrated our 14th anniversary. Out to dinner, which was nice. Then we check out the theater, which we opted out of because there was nothing playing we really wanted to see. Then we picked up some last minutes gifts, for the boys & him.
I was really excited about this holiday because for the 1st time in my life, 39 years, I was suppose see my GrandPa on Christmas, as well as the Lamb’s. Usually it is celebrated with the McAllister’s on Christmas Eve, and Lamb’s on Christmas Day. Lunch was with my GrandPa, which we did enjoy. But sadly we missed “dinner” with the Lamb’s because they let me know on Christmas Eve that it will began at 1pm on Christmas. Which it was pointed out that “From one of the Lambs who never let you know”, as well as “We are happy you are here after all these years” … I was rather insulted. I have been back for the holidays. But sadly I do not come back every year, I do not live in KS. Plus I have a family of my own, which does now include an extended family that lives in NC, GA & FL. Yet, I have traveled to KS several times to be here for the holidays. Yea, I am a bit unhappy over this holiday season … but in the end, I has my husband, sons & granddaughter to celebrate it with. That is the most important part, MY FAMILY was together. Seeing that in the past my husband has missed the holidays because he was deployed. So, regardless of what happened I had an amazing holiday’s because my family was together. My husband was not deployed, and it was our 1st holiday season as a RETIRED military family!!!! There is nothing more important than having the person you love with you, and now there is no more worries of him having to deploy over the holidays. For me, that made this the BEST holiday, ever.
So accepting all the negative & positive of the holidays, is just something I will just learn to handle. But will always know the holiday season of 2011 was the best. Plus it will start off the rest of our lives, outside of the military.

Enjoying the Holidays VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

After the holidays, hubby & sons went home. Logan & I took Athenah to the Zoo, as well Carey Park to play and feed the ducks. Logan has been working hard on school work, so he can play League of Legends.  Which it has been suggested that I learn to play by Logan & Mike … LOL so not gonna happen. But it was a cute request . He is working hard because he has to take a test so he can start high school next year. Which I have discussed it with him several times, and although I am not found of public schools, I think that he will learn a bit more than we can teach him, or K12 can teach him.

Fun times for All … VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

But I really have to say that I am so thrilled that my parents are truly enjoying their trip out to see Yanni & Jayden (Cate & Eric, too). They really needed the break from stress, and the day to day life here. They are getting to make precious memories with their grandsons, daughter-in-law, sons, and the extended family they have over there!! Going to horse races, parks, malls, salons, family dinners … and so much more. (Hopefully soon they will come visit us here in the states.)
Now off to spend time with my son & granddaughter

Outside fun …

Giggling, and enjoying swinging

Athenah LOVES to be outside. Going for walks with us in the evening, playing with all her toys outback, and going to the park. She just loves it, and in those times, you can simply enjoy the simple things that just makes people happy. After all, we were once those children playing and enjoying life.

Just enjoying a walk

I think the most fun we have is when she is at the playground or with the toys in our back yard. She is so active, and enjoys the time outside.

Play Time VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

All I can say, is that she keeps all of us busy. From her Uncles, to Pa and MeMa … and always has us with smiles, laughing & simply enjoying how much fun the simplest and silliest things can be.

Add Music, and it still makes it fun

I think the vids and pictures pretty much sum it up! But what you should really keep in mind, is how much fun they have … and sometimes it’s a good idea for adults to relax a little and find that fun time in themselves.

Happy 1st Birthday, Athenah Rea

Happy Birthday

Actually Athenah had 2 for her 1st. One with just family, and the second one with a few people her mother invited. (Lucky I found out because she was planning on having our home filled with far too many of her own friends . People I do not know or care to know, check that I do know a few … at times that is FAR to many.)

On her actual birthday she got a Tinker Bell cupcake. Then we had the “party” on that Saturday. Which that had a white cake with blue flowers, and edging around it. Athenah got her own little white cake with a pink rose on it. (Which covered her from head to toe, and then some )

We had a great day. Party, with a few people over, cute gifts, cake & ice cream, decent pictures. The cutest part was her devouring the cake. The funniest part was when we told her mother SHE could bath her (the look was priceless but no pic of her facial expression, sadly). We, also, got to show her who to open packages (which Uncle Mike will NO longer be allowed to wrap … the tape was horrid). Once she figured out there was something under the wrapping paper, she would try to pull it out.

All in all … my sons, husband and I have had an amazing year with Athenah. There will be more to come in the following years, but 1st birthdays are the most precious. (I wish her older brother would have been here to celebrate it with her.)

Happy Birthday Athenah Rea VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Later that night we went and watch Roller Derby, 580 Girls. Although our home team lost, it was pretty good to go see. Athenah enjoyed it, of course she wanted to go down and play with them.

Roller Derby VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Cannot wait see how Christmas will be this year … prob gonna have to keep all presents up out of the way so our little grand daughter doesn’t open them all!

A simple smile

Today I put my grand daughter on the floor to play, and turned on the recording of the “wiggles.” After watching a few, I turned the TV to the sprout channel. It was cute, so I looked up the web site, let’s just say if you are looking or it don’t just type “sprout” it’s Sprout Online.
Usually I complain a bit my daughter not taking care of her, and I sat to consider that during this time. Yesterday I started a “bitch” blog about my daughter & her boy-toys, but deleted it.  Because to be honest I don’t want to sit and complain about my daughter all the time. There is more to our lives than the drama she brings. I have 3 great sons, an amazing husband, and a beautiful grand daughter. Plus you add in extended family, I have more to discuss than the drama that my daughter brings into our lives. It’s about time I started remember that.
Watching my granddaughter I realized that no matter what her mother does, it’s not her fault. That she will be an amazing person as long as we help her reach that point.

While my granddaughter was playing on the floor, with her toys and listening to Sprout TV, I asked her if she would put on a magic show like Caliliou did for his family. She just looked at me and grinned.
That smile just made my day. I have to stop & remember that even with all the annoying items in our life, there is still tons of positive. It’s simply amazing how a little smile can remind you of that.

I watched my grand daughter for a while, considering all the negative that has been going on. During that short time, I went from stressed out to completely relaxed. She played with her toys, smiling, giggling, turning over & moving on the blanket. Such a simple life, and so easy to life at this age. Something that helps remind us that no matter what is going on in life, it never hurts to sit back and enjoy yourself. Find your blanket, toys or what ever and relax. Because no matter what you do, there will always be negative & positive stress. You just have to remember to relax … or rather I have to remember to relax.

Walking down memory lane

original post date: 10/11/10

When I look at my mothers wall it is full of pictures, which should hold tons of memories for me. Yet while some of the locations are familiar, the pictures and the times are not. Or worse I see people I should know that I don’t have the slightest idea who they are. Normally I don’t pay much attention to my mother pictures, until my brother needed  pics of him when he was younger. So I went looking at the wall, and then through almost all of her pics … guess it was a bad choice for me.
These last few weeks I have been in Hutch, taking a mini-vacation. I have visited Nickerson, and there were a few things that seemed slightly familiar, but so much that was familiar. I know about the nativity scene, because I have the video’s from when I was in it. My grandparents house seemed a bit off, and until one of our relatives mentioned the fact the trees where missing, I wasn’t sure what was off with it. I am still not sure if that was it, but I am hoping so. The school I graduated from, well I remember one of my classes in one part of the building, but the older part of the school doesn’t seem all that familiar. I know I went there, I have the diploma & transcript from there. (oh freaking well) Nickerson main street area has changed a ton, maybe for the best, I do hope so. I know they have a police station (and I found it!!), which was a bit strange. It would have been nice for them when kids were egging cars (yes, they did this when I was a teen ~ why I don’t know, but they did).
I have seen so much of Hutch the last few days. I know the mall had more stores, and a lot more people going there. I found a skate rink that I know I went to a few times (with what friends I don’t know), I found it quite by accident. I know they have done a bit of, who knows what, to Hutch parts are familiar, but then I haven’t been all over Hutch, so I don’t know about the unfamiliar parts. There is a McD’s that is still slower than dirt, and needs to check on their customer service issue! (It was a problem when I was a teen, and seems to be one now)

With all this occurring, I talked to a girl I went to school with. I had been given a general description, which did not seem to fit who she was today. I had to apologize when she told me everyone assumed she was still pencil thin! Then she asked if I remembered her sister, which as it turns out, does not look like her … so I am guessing I don’t remember her. I felt pretty bad to be honest, when you talk to someone it is really hard when you should remember but you don’t.
With some people I remember their faces and not their names. With others, their names click but their faces don’t. ~ Let’s forget about number combinations, cause those always mess me up!;)  ~ My docs have had so much fun testing me for this or that, and love putting me though all the tests to see how I have recovered … gets pretty freaking annoying after a while. Cause I just don’t have the answers for them, I don’t even have the answer for myself.

When you hear about “walking down memory lane” you think of all the fun, exciting, embarrassing, sad, and so many other types of memories. When I hear about it, it just makes me sad. I don’t have the full past that most others do, but at least I have plenty of time to build more memories as I grow older. Can you imagine how it would be to recover from a stroke when you are 70+? A lifetime of memories, simply gone. That alone is horrifying. Yet here I sit sad & in disbelief when I was hoping, even a small hope, that something would help bring back some of those times. Yet nothing did, and that is something I have to face … and something that I haven’t wanted to face.

So instead of staying depressed over this small matter, I have started looking at it differently. I have a ton of new memories with my granddaughter. Although she won’t remember it, I will be able to tell her that her 1st vacation was spent at Grandma's & Grandpa's house. I will tell her how we walked though Carey Park on an amazingly decent day, were the sun wasn’t too hot and the wind help keep us cooled. How I lost my sunglasses during this walk because I was paying more attention to whether or not the sun was in her face. Or how those bridges are definitely not stroller compatible. Or how we went to the Hutch Zoo, where instead of looking at the animals she slept though the entire hour or so that we were there. But choose the moment we left to wake up! I think she will like visiting that zoo when she is a bit older, it’s definitely young kid friendly.
I will be able to tell her how she stayed awake a good bit of the walk though Dillon’s Nature Center. Oh she slept a bit, but she was up a good deal of it. How I think I might have found the perfect place for her Pa & I to re-new our vows, it’s simply beautiful and I hope it’s something that we can look into. My favorite part is how she kicked off her sock, and we had to walk all the way to the boy and frog to find it. How she managed to kick of a sock is still beyond me, but it made the walk a bit longer. She also had the ladies who worked there just fussing over her. And she just groveled in it.
When I took her to Yoder, she was ok with one of the stores until the lady started talking to her. Then she just wanted to leave, I guess she just didn’t like her. She slept though 2 of the stores, and didn’t care much for the quilt store from the second I walked in. Which I think was more because I could have spent quite a while looking at the patterns or books … makes walking a bit more difficult. But she giggled & cooed to the ladies in the Yoder Meat Market. She had them going to get other co-workers to look a her! And yes, she loved all the attention she was getting.
I have so many pictures of the time when have been down here that my kids will probably take away my camera’s when I get home. But for each picture there is something behind it, a bit of a memory, a piece of Athenah’s & my life. Each time I think how I felt, I stop and see Athenah. Then I remember what I told her when we were there, or what her & I were doing when we were there. That gives each of those places a new memory for me, one that I will be able to tell Athenah (via scrapbook or verbal, I hope both).

I may not remember what my brothers & I where doing in a few (million) pics my mother has. But I have the chance to build new memories with them. A few years back my brother & my family when bowling, I think we had a blast. I know my kids were enjoying it, so were the adults. Or when I got this call telling me they were pregnant … I was so excited I was jumping all over! Or the times I got to talk to my nephew or text my niece. Even the times I have talked to my brothers, and probably floored them with what I said.
The one thing I hoped to regain from this vacation is the one thing I will be leaving with …. special memories. New memories, but special none the less. So the next time I decide to “walk down memory lane” I will either bring someone who knows what the hades we did ;-) or I will smile …. because while I don’t always remember every part of my past, I have new memories I can create with those I love and cherish.