"Mom, can you watch (GS-14months old) for the weekend"...sure..+ "Gramma Ray, can I come spend the night" (GS- 5yrs)...sure = ONE POOPED GRAMMA!!! But we had a blast!!

Wowza. Thankfully, my playtime ends at 10am today and I can have a few of my weekend hours to catch back up this afternoon!

Last night when the hub called he said that the company had laid off one of its employees until December..???? He doesnt know if any more employees will be laid off or not. Oh boy...THIS WAS NOT IN THE BUDGET!! I am hoping that he doesn't get laid off... I am suddently second guessing my decision to buy this house...but...it is what it is. We will make it work if the other shoe falls...somehow.

My mom left dialysis very sick a couple of weeks ago...they usually call me when this happens and I go pick her up...but for some reason they didnt. On the way home, she swerved into the other lane and caused a driver to go off the road. There was no accident, so she just kept driving...(???) A few mins later a sheriffs officer arrived at her house and cited her for careless driving...and now she has to go to court and may lose her license. If she does, there is a likelihood that she will have to stay with me at least 3 nights a week so that I can take her to dialysis. I really love my mom...but she and I can be oil and water...she sees the negative first and always...she always assumes the worst and she is very suspicious of others motives...and I tend to see the bright side until there is no alternative and then I am still looking for it... Her negativity drives me crazy.

Oh boy...could you imagine if the hub (who tolerates just small doses of my mom) gets laid off and my mom moves in...I may be heading back to live with Ima Saver or Boomeyers....lol.

Aside from all of that, life is good. We are just about caught back up financially from the new house stuff. I am about half way through with Christmas shopping! And my job is going great!

I tried a new soup recipe yesterday and it was GREAT (and easy!) A can of black beans, a can of Rotel Tomatoes (has peppers, jalapenos in it), chicken broth (about a cup) about a 1/4 cup red wine, a couple tablespoons of lemon juice and a shredded left over chicken breast. YUMMY.
I will be making this for dinner for a friend who is coming over tonight.

Life is good!

This past weekend was out annual 'girls trip'. This is an annual trip that my three daughters, DIL, mom and I take to Portland each year in October to kick off our holiday shopping.

We stay at a Residence Inn that we can stay together in and enjoy a free breakfast each morning.

This year was a little different than most...but it was still a very memorable trip that we all enjoyed.

First change, the hub joined us this year so that he could spend some extra time with us before heading back to ALaska...this meant getting a second room so that there was ample sleeping arrangements for everyone.

On Saturday, we went to Roloff Farms, which is owned by the family who star on 'Little People, Big World". It was very busy there, but we still managed to meet mom, Amy, and sons Jeremy and Zach...and had photo ops with the other Roloffs. Amy was so gracious and just as down-to-earth as she comes across on her show.

On Sunday, we took a 4 hour train ride that included brunch on a gorgeous trip with all the wonderful fall foliage.

We shopped, dined and played our way through Portland and had several days of girl time bonding.

Last night, the hub flew back to Alaska for a month...

What made this weekend costly is that the hub and I paid for the hotel rooms this year AND the train trip, which was totally my idea. We were in a better place to pay than our girls, so we did. Fortunately, I booked the rooms using AAA membership and saved about 1/2 the cost. The train trip...well, that was just an added treat that I wanted to do.

Tonight, I am home getting ready for the busy week ahead, thankful for the weekend of fun that we were able to spend as a family, together.

I visit this site several times a week..and try to read up on how everyone is doing. I have even started a few posts of my own...only to delete them after a sentence or two. Why? Well, much has happened..and not all financial, inspiring or even interesting...

The hubs job is going well. He LOVES working in Alaska. I have to say, it is tough to have a long distance marriage..but so far, it is going ok.

The new house is coming along. The work on the kitchen is still 'in progress' I anticipate 3 more weeks before we are done. When the hub comes home he says he likes 'my house'...in other words, this is my house...not ours...

However, I LOVE this house and if it is 'mine' then so be it.

GD (age 2) had her steroid shot to hopefully put her arthritis into remission for a while...and so far, it seems to be working. Her doctor is concerned about her weight, which is a mere 20lb. She is very petite like her mom. It is just concerning, considering hse has a cousin who is a full year younger, who weighs 3 lbs more than her already. She is a little cutie pie...looks just like her dad when he was a baby...she is just a tiny girl...

Next weekend, we have our annual girls trip planned. My mom, daughters and DIL are going to Portland for a weekend away without kids. The hub is joining us this year...since we only see him for two weeks out of six...he can just catch the plane out of Portland on his way back to Alaska.

A co-worker sadly lost her husband to a motorcycle accident last week. He was only 32. They have a 6 year old son. It brought back so many feelings from my brothers motorcycle accident/death...21 years ago. My brother was only 29.

Ok...enough of non-financial stuff.

If you have followed my blog, you know that we have had many labrador dogs over the years. We currently own 3...a black, chocolate and yellow. Unfortunately, the hub failed to keep up on their heart worm shots before he left...and they have all been diagnosed with heartworms now....so almost $1500 later, we have them all in treatment and kenneled so that they are as inactive as possible while they recover. Thankfully, DD2 has agreed to be the caregiver for them...(for which I will gladly repay her)

I am working hard on paying off debt incurred from buying and fixing up this house. I am confident that I have it up to a standard that I could recoup the amount I have put into it if we decided that we had to sell it. However, I would definately argue moving back to the country at this point. I so enjoy living in town. And DD1 is loving living in the old house...

Otherwise, things are plugging along. My job is good, kids are doing well...and I am looking forward to the time off next weekend and getting away with the girls.


Oh...got a free flu shot at work...my arm is a little sore, but otherwise, no side effects...hopefully, this will keep me from getting sick this winter!

My son and dil learned today that their new addition is a boy!!! They are the parents of my gd who was recently diagnosed with JRA. Theyve been so focused on taking care of her that they were not sure they wanted to know the sex of this baby....but now, they are very excited about this news!! This means that my three older children will each have a boy and a girl! 6 grandbabies at 48. WOW.

The hub is en route tonight. He will get home in about an hour and a half...he has been traveling all day long, so I am sure he will be pooped. He will be home for two weeks...then back to Alaska he goes. While he is home we will celebrate his birthday with a bbq here at the new house. Our first gathering!! We also have 3 other birthday celebrations...gd (2) and DD2/gd (4) share a birthday all the first week of September...busy time for us for sure!!!

Lots of fun coming up!!

Buying and updating a house is EXPENSIVE, time consuming, hard work, frustrating...and very rewarding.

I have gotten everything done that I wanted with the new house...except the kitchen. I have $$ set aside to do most of it...since other stuff cost more than Id planned, I will need (?)...(um, ok- am choosing) to use a credit card to finish... The good news is that our new budget will provide for that being paid off fairly quickly.

I LOVE THE HOUSE. I love the convenience of being closer to work, stores, library, etc.

Even though it has taken more $$ than I anticipated, Id do it again, no doubt.

On a different note...our grandaughter was diagnosed with JRA. She turns two next month. When she can walk, it is with a noticable limp. She will be getting a steroid shot in her knee next month, which if it goes well, may put the arthritis into remission for up to a year...(?) However, this is the type that can cause blindness, so she will have to have her eyes tested every 3 months... We dont have a pediatrician here who specializes in arthritis, so the kids have to drive 5 hours each way for treatment. I have asked the other 3 grandparents to chip in with me to buy airline tickets so that the kids arent taking extra days off for these trips.

This is the first child in our family thats ever had a serious health issue. It is so hard to see a small child struggle...and hard to watch her parents cope with it.

The hub comes back for two weeks tomorrow. He has been at this job for almost 3 months now. He still loves it, and I have stayed so busy that the time he is gone has flown by...so, it seems to be working.

I do notice that I am watching much less tv and I have taken up reading again...which I love. Right now I am reading "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett"....so far its excellent.

By the way, even though I havent posted much lately...I am trying to read your blogs as often as possible!!

GD went to the doctor on Friday, but it will be at least a couple more weeks before we learn something definate. In the meantime, we are hoping and praying that her knee is just injured and will heal- making this just an unnerving waiting game.

This weekend was not a frugal one. I have been getting things for the new house and BOY, it adds up quickly. Also, I went so long without replacing furniture that I am opting to buy some new things for the new house. I think it will be really nice when I am done...but all this spending is making my head spin.

Yesterday, I had a stroke of luck...Our local radio show had an auction going...and I scored bigtime when I bought $600 in gift certificates for $330 that I was planning on buying some of our furniture from. That was an instant savings of almost 50%! Used the certificates today and they worked perfectly.

The wood floors are almost installed and the carpet in the bedrooms will be installed on Tuesday. Electrical work was done yesterday and the drywall/painint will be finished this week. So...the big project left is the kitchen.

I got to meet Bill Engvall last night...even got a pic with him!!! The show was very funny...and free!!

Today I spent with my mom and girls...and bought the dining set and couch/loveseat.

Tonight I am relaxing and getting ready for the week ahead.

All in all, an expensive, but good weekend.

One of my grandaughters (22 months) has a potentially serious symptom that showed up this week. Her knee has swollen for no reason. They have ruled out infection and will be testing for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis this afternoon. Boy, it is a whole differnt ball game when you not only have a sick baby...but also have to watch two young parents deal with the pain and helplessness of having their baby sick. Her appointment is in about 5 hours...

Hopefully I can post this afternoon that this was a much less serious symptom.

First of all, I have to thank all of you that post regularly here...my primary form of entertainment the last week has been reading your blogs on my blackberry at night as I have been settling into the new house and waiting for internet...which was turned on TODAY!

The new house became ours one week ago today. We ripped out all the flooring and took out a wall that day. And each day we have been doing what we can until the new flooring is installed this weekend. Tomorrow our satellite tv service is being installed. Once the flooring is installed I will finish moving. This past week, we have been living on dusty plywood floors with the bare essentials. Ironically, my friend from California came to visit and stayed with me...it was interesting to entertain with minimal towels, dishes, etc. But we had a great time. She (and her hub) left early this morning..so tonight is my first home alone night in the new place.

Hopefully, I will get to move in completely in the next two weeks.

The hub had his first homecoming and left again Sunday for a month. Things were so busy while he was home and the time flew by. He is loving his new job...and we found out Monday that he got a $7 an hour raise!!! (he was supposed to get $3, but they decided he has the experience to earn the going rate...) Holy smokes!! The way his hours work, that is a $30k a year raise!!! He is now making almost TRIPLE what he made here.

I am loving our new home. The lady who owned it before me was elderly and took very good care of her yards and flowers...she has some beautiful things growing here. It is so peaceful on the back porch in the evenings.. I have a gardener coming on Saturday to give me a bid. I have never taken care of a yard like this and do not want to kill it...so I plan to hire someone to help teach me...Sadly, the previous owner got very sick during escrow and passed away a few days before the closing...her funeral was on the day her home became mine. Not only do I want to enjoy the yards, I feel a resposibility (to her)to make sure they are cared for.

The Fair is this week...and on Saturday night I get to go see Bill Engvall. He is so funny- I am really looking forward to it. My job got free tickets, so it wont cost anything. (even better!!)

I have to say, lately....life is good!!!

The hub will be home tomorrow night for his two weeks off. Hard to believe its been 4 weeks since he left. If all goes well, the new house will close escrow on the 16th and we can get some things done there before he heads back to Alaska on the night of the 19th.

I am saving as much as I can to pay for the upgrades, etc. that I want to do at the new house. Hard to believe that after 15 years in this house, I am moving...but I am looking forward to it--very excited, actually.

Lots of things happening in the next couple of weeks...

The hub will be home in a week. The last month has flown by, primarily because of all the things that have happened.

First, DD3 had surgery. She is recovering nicely and started back to work Friday night. She is still sore, so she's taking it easy. Her whole disposition has changed- I am sure it is part surgery, part counseling, part getting creepy boyfriend out of the picture. She learned that after she broke up with him, he started doing hard drugs and has gotten into some serious trouble. THANK GOD she realized his demons were bigger than her and she made the break. Unfortuantely, we decided that a restraining order was in order...but thankfully, he now legally can have no contact with her. Honestly, for a family that has no history with drugs, this feels like we are in the twilight zone. Its been a blessing and a nightmare....but thankfully, it is behind us.

Second, the new house. Everything is progressing nicely and I am hoping that we can push the escrow up a week so that we take possession while the hub is here. I am so excited about this.

Finally, nana. Oh boy. She has recovered from her surgery, but she is NOT ok with my move. She has told me that I am letting my dad down by not taking care of her, she has said she has nothing to live for now, she has her doctor concerned that they need to bring in senior services to see what I am doing, she feels like I am deserting her and will not see this any other way. I dont know what else to do or say...I have every intention of making sure she is taken care of. sigh.

Financially, the hub is making amazing money...and when he returns after his two weeks off, he will be making $3 more an hour. Expenses here are much less now. Dinners have been really cheap...usually and artichoke or sandwich for me. I went to Costco yesterday...only spent $6.99, which was for a big tub of red grapes. I have NEVER been to Costco for under $50-100!

This first two weeks home will be expensive. He is wanting some things in Alaska to help pass the time...ie, a tv and an ipod. I can certainly understand why, so, we will get them. He also wants to ship some stuff up there- not sure what yet.

And as a slurge, I made an appointment for a full hour side-by-side massage for us. I think it will be a wonderful treat that we will both enjoy.

The kids/grandkids are all out of town this weekend, so it has been quiet. Plan to sort and pack today.

Today was a no-spender. I typically just take coffee creamer to work (fat free Hazelnut) and my job supplies the coffee. And that's ususally my breakfast...I know, not very healthy, but it sure is good.

Last week there was a sale on some frozen breakfast sandwiches (weight watchers and they're not too bad) and lunches. $1.88 for two sandwiches (which makes it under a buck for breakfast) or 1 entree....which is way cheaper than the $5-8 I usually spend. So I bought enough to last for breakfast and lunch this week. It is nice to just pop one in the microwave and eat a quick lunch then have plenty of the hour left over to go wander somewhere...library, park, etc.

I got home and had leftovers for dinner.

So, a nice cheap day today. However, tomorrow I will need gas- so it won't be a no-spender.

I have worked out a new budget based on estimates for the hubs take home pay and the new house...and everything is penciling out nicely. We should be able to pay down the debt and sock away for his retirement well.

DD3 is doing great. She has weaned off the pain pills and is getting back into her routine. She is so much happier now that the surgery is behind her...

The hub will be home for his time off in two weeks. It will be nice to have him here...He loves his new job...so I think this routine is our new reality for a while. and thats ok too. Because we have always worked opposite shifts, this is not a major change really.

Life is good.

We are 5 weeks away from owning house #2. The home inspection went well. There are a few issues, none of which were deal-breakers on either side...so now, we order the appraisal.

DS and I talked about the business arrangement for the new house today. He will rent one of the rooms, be in charge of the major repairs, and upkeep the yards for his half of the partnership...we will pay the lions share of the mortgage and pay for upkeep. I think we are both happy with the arrangement. Luckily, DS is either skilled at the repair or is friends with someone who is...so we should be able to accomplish all updates for a very affordable price.

The hub is due home in two weeks. He should find out tomorrow what times I can schedule flights for. I am looking forwared to having him home for a couple of weeks. I think this new schedule will work ok for us. His first paycheck came last friday and it looks like he will be paid very well while he works at this company...so our budget should pencil out well.

DD3 is doing GREAT after surgery. She is almost back to normal. She can start showering again tomorrow, which will make her very happy. She got out of the house for several hours today- which did much to lift her spirits...Best of all, she seemes to be DONE with creepy BF.

Tomorrow is back to work...Does anyone else find it amazing that weekends fly by so quickly???

The surgery went well. DD3 will be bandaged for a couple of weeks so she wont fully see the results until then. She is sleeping, and probably will on and off until the anethesia wears off (tomorrow, most likely). She was a great little patient. I am very proud of her!

So, since I took the day off and she is resting peacefully, I am using the time to tidy up and peruse the net. I did make her some jello just incase she wakes up and wants something lite to eat. DD3 invited a friend over to stay until Saturday--she will be taking care of DD3 while I work tomorrow and Friday.

The home inspection for the new house is Friday afternoon. It is costing $300 but for the peace of mind, I think it is well worth it. I want to know that there arent any major issues. I will be taking my camera and snapping lots of pictures. I will try to post some this weekend.

If all goes well with the inspection, we will order an appraisal, which will help determine if I got a good deal. (I think I did!)

Well, time to get back to broom and mop.

I timed my new commute from work to the new home tonight...11 minutes...If I forget something at the grocery store...3 minutes...I can WALK to Olive Garden.

DD3's surgery is tomorrow. She is nervous and excited. I am sure all will go well. I am looking forward to taking her shopping for some new clothes when she is recovered!!

Other good news...she broke up with creepy, contolling boyfriend finally. (yay!) He was not healthy for her and I am THRILLED that it looks like she is moving on.

The hub is liking Alaska. He enjoys the job. Right now it is 24 hours of daylight where he is at. He should be coming home on July 6 for two weeks...but we arent sure yet. Not sure when the first paycheck will arrive (they have to mail the first one and then it should be direct deposit), so I have no idea how much to budget...our expenses are a lot less (especially groceries)...I hope in the next week a paycheck will arrive and I will have a better idea for what to expect.

Life is very good...perhaps I should have someone pinch me??? No, Ill just bask in the goodness for now.

Nana is not happy that I am making this change. I wont go into all of the mean things she has been saying, or all of the victim statements she has made...but this morning when she implied that I lied to my dad when I promised him that I would take care of her....I exploded. I am moving closer to town for a plethora of good reasons...but she see it only as a desertion to her.

Sigh.

I have no intention of disserting her or not making sure she is ok, everyday. I am doing something I want to do. So ouch. Implying otherwise and telling me a am letting my dad down...is just way, way harsh. It's going to take some time to forgive that one.

My job hosted our annual picnic in the park today for staff and their families. It was great fun. I took a lemon cake as my donation. The food was fantastic, and the friendship, well just fun!

I bought an artichoke for dinner. I am not really that hungry, so I thought an artichoke would hit the spot. I am going to make a batch of oatmeal for breakfast this week and have left overs from this weekend for the next couple of night's dinners. Thankfully, this week is not busy like last week was. I dont have any evening plans at all.

And no more babysitting until next Saturday night....so, let the unwinding begin!! (well, in between packing that is)

The sellers accepted my offer today without any changes...so it looks like I will be moving in August. I am excited and terrified at the same time. Another house payment is very scary, but it is a tax write off and an investment...and if the hub decides he wants to come home, we can always rent the new house to one of the kids.

On the other hand, I am so looking forward to things like a 10 minute commute, 5 minutes to the store and library, city water that is reliable and drinkable, PIZZA DELIVERY on super tired nights, new flooring that does not have evidence of puppies, dogs, and mechanic hubs...FAR FEWER MOSQUITOES, a walk in closet, insulated everything which will keep the spiders and critters out, a beautiful patio and backyard...and on, and on....

I am babysitting tonight and I have FINALLY got the kiddos to bed, so now it is time to relax!!

Week One..

Monday.
The hub flew to Alaska and I went to work. Met with our lending officer and get pre-approved for a second home. (wow, it was very easy!!) Stopped by DD1s to discuss whether or not they REALLY want to move into this house. End result, no. They want a place to call their own, but this big house and acreage are really more than they want to tackle at this stage in their life. On the drive home, I let DD2 know that she has the green light to move into the house if thats something they really want. (whew) Got home and our black lab was injured pretty badly. DD2 and her SO come out and take him to the emergency vet...$195 and then home until they can get him into the lower priced vet in the morning. Nana calls, she is in pain-- advised her to take a pain pill and get some sleep.

Tuesday-
Nana needs surgery. SOON. Get her scheduled for Thursday. DD2 gets dog to vet and they want to keep him for a few days...$111. DD2 and her SO waste NO TIME in coming by to start cleaning out the house. I looked at two homes today...but not sure about either really.

Wednesday-
Follow nana to town as she is on pain meds until surgery. Meet realtor at a home at lunch and FALL IN LOVE with it. (Needs new flooring and counter tops, but it is priced very low and is a great floor plan with beautiful front and back yards...I am willing to pay for the needed upgrades) Ask realtor to write up an offer. (Egads, did I really do that??)

Thursday
Nana has surgery and I get a call from the realtor...so far the offer is being met favorably by the sellers. Once we get the final paperwork signed and back from the hub, the offer can be 'officially' submitted. The hub calls to say that his pay will be substantially more than we originally thought because of overtime. Plus, he will get paid weekly! (this is what was happening at his old job, so it will be easy enough to redo the budget.)

Friday-
Realtor gets final offer paperwork back from the hub and gets it to the sellers. tick, tock, tick, tock...they will be letting me know for sure tomorrow...WOW.
Stay tuned!

I have been running like crazy all week. Dogs, nana, work, etc. Tomorrow, I am sitting with two of the grandbabies...GD (3) and GS (10 mo)..who by the way crawled for the first time today!! How cute is that???

Sunday, is MY day. Can't wait...I plan to savor every moment of it!

The more I think about moving into town, the more excited I get.

DD3s surgery is next Wednesday. We are getting pretty excited about it!!!

The hub flew out yesterday morning and spent most of the day traveling and completing all the new job paperwork yesterday.

Then, they flew him from Anchorage to Prudhoe Bay today. He just called to say he is there and in his room...his new 'home'. Of course, since he left, his dog was injured and is in the dog hospital tonight (he fought with a chain link fence and the fence won...lots of stitches), my mom learned she needs urgent surgery (tomorrow), I have been approved for a home loan, I found a home I like, and DD2 has started working on this house and preparing it for the transition...hard to believe that just 3 short weeks ago this wasnt really even a blip on the radar.

The prospect of living closer to work is very appealing. I live about 25 minutes from work now...and will live within 5 if this house works out. An extra hour per day will be nice.

I am still getting back into the work routine...so much has been going on that Im pooped.

My posts are so sporadic-but I am paddling as fast as I can and having a hard time keeping up with the day to day stuff + the dog, my mom, etc...I hope you all are well!!

I had a wonderful birthday Wednesday at Disneyland. We went one several rides, shopped, people watched, and just enjoyed a day of magic and wonder.

Yesterday, we kicked around town and did dome window shopping and enjoyed "Tea" in a little cafe called Paris in a Cup. It was adorable...decorated in pink, black, gold...the food was amazingly good and the tea was superb.

Today was travel home and visiting with the kids and giving souveniers. I think everyone was very pleased.

Tonight is the hub's last night on his job. He leaves for Alaska on Tuesday. He will be in Prudhoe Bay. I looked it up, they have a population of ONE family there. wow.

He is nervous and excited. This weekend we will pack his things and get everything ready for his month-long initial departure.

DD3s surgery is in two weeks...she is so excited and I am excited for her.

Much going on here. And it is good to be home after two weeks to take care of everything!!

My buddy and I are doing Disneyland today!! A day of being 'kids' at heart and enjoying the 'happiest place on Earth'.

Vacation is going well. I am having a great time in Cali..

The hub shipped his tools to Alaska yesterday...$1200!! (ouch) He leaves in less than a week.

But thats a ponder for another day...today, its all about fun!!!

Greetings!
We are having a fabulous time here in Puerto Vallarta! This truly is one of those adventures that has been one great experience after another!
The flight here was very uneventful, just a short, 1 hour delay in LAX. Arrived to PV under an hour late. Got off the airplane to major humidity (at least for an Oregonian) filled out a form to determine if there was any risk of us bringing in the swine flu (hey, that’s kinda backwards??) Hit the button as I was told and got a red light, which meant my luggage was searched, then, off through the maze of people hoping to get us into a timeshare presentation. (holy cow) Made it through without being sidetracked and found our ride to the hotel. Whew.
The Westin was beautiful. Our room was very nice…service was great- the view, well, unbelievable! We enjoyed dinner under the stars…and slept to the sound of the ocean. Mmmm!
Day 2 was a day of exploration. We went to the marina and enjoyed a nice Italian- with a Mexican twist breakfast. I learned that the Mexican definition of hot is not the same as mine but enjoyed my eggs and Serrano(?) chilis all the same. Dinner was a fabulous carnivorous feast. The restaurant where we dined served 10 different tastes of charbroiled meats, 1 at a time…bacon wrapped filet, new York, flank, turkey, chicken, etc There were had two local dogs hanging outside of the railing who enjoyed the scraps that we shared. Unfortunately, we learned that you are not safe from the timeshare pitch even at dinner. Our waiter, who was so friendly and fun, turned out to be a salesman too,and we realized that we were being pitched near the end of the dinner. We were very straightforward and polite, and he stopped, but his demeanor certainly changed. However, we did not allow that to get in the way of our fun. Took a nice leisurely stroll back to the hotel and fell into bed.
Day three we went downtown. Here is where it really started to dawn on me that this economy is suffering greatly from the recession and the flu scare. THE PLACE WAS VIRTUALLY DISERTED. Of course, this meant an even greater plea from the merchants for our business. We shopped until we were weary of everyone asking us to come inside and then pushing products until we could take no more and then headed for the Malecon, which is a wonderful boardwalk along the ocean. There was an amazing sand castle display of Mermaids, a dog, etc. Then, this FABULOUS one of the Last Supper. WOW. It was larger than lifesize. I have some great pics that I will download when I get home.
We were told to take the blue and white bus back to the marina, so we hopped on the blue and white bus, it took a long time, and this guy sitting next to me asked what hotel we were staying at…(uh oh, another salesman.so I was vague,but (thankfully)he asked more sternly a second time and so I told him and he said we were on the wrong bus. We ended up getting off in the middle of nowhere, but he assured us that another bus would come in about 20 minutes. He had gotten off at the same stop and he showed back up about 3 minutes before the right bus arrived to let us know that this was the bus we needed to take. And low and behold, 30 minutes later we were back at the hotel.
We arrived at the Villa on Tuesday afternoon and were greeted with a tour. OMG this place is unbelievably gorgeous,and some chips, homemade salsa and guacamole (Marta is an amazing cook) and icy margaritas. The rest of our groups flights arrived during the early evening and by dinner time, we had all arrived safely. We enjoy the first of many wonderful meals by Marta, then turned on the music, swam, visited, played cards until the wee hours.
Wednesday was incredible! In the morning and from our patio, we watched dolphins, stingray, eels, crabs and many other fish playing and feeding in the ocean. It was spectacular.
We went to a place called El Eden. Gramma Ray did the zip lines! OMG. I literally flew over the tops of palm trees and soared with the birds. All in all, there were 10 zips. I made it to all but two in the middle. The climb was steep and the sun was hot. I could tell my asthma was not happy. So I sat out those two and waited with a huge iguana that was sunning on a nearby rock, for the group to zip over the canyon and back to where I was. Then came the granddaddy of all the zips. 350 feet high over 1650 feet long. It was one of those experiences that will be forever ingrained. Beautiful, terrifying, and an adrenaline rush like no other all tied with a glorious bow when I landed on the other end having experienced it.
We zipped our way down the mountain and the tour was over. Then, we swam in a huge, natural pond where you can slide off a rock. I did that too, ONCE. Lol for some reason, I slid in such a way that my hind-end flew up higher than my head and I did an incredibly clumsy, spread-eagle flop into the pond all caught on camera by my ‘friends’ for future laughing pleasure Im sure. After a long, hot day that pond was Heaven.
Crossing over the rocks to get back to the taxi I managed to slip and land fairly hard on a rock – ouch. My little purse, money, passports, all were soaked. So last night, I did not sleep well. I am sure this bruise will be getting much worse before it gets better. However, it is no big deal…afterall, I SURVIVED THE ZIPLINES!!! Wa-hoo. We got home to an amazing meal of carne asada and homemade flan. Ok,nummers! Swam, watched a movie and tried to sleep with little success, finding a comfy position was too tough, so I have been up for several hours. I have watched the sun come up and enjoyed some coffee while recording these memories while they are fresh.
I have never had a vacation like this.
Ahh,hope all is well at your end!

I will try to figure out how to post some pics later!!

We are off for vacation at 5am tomorrow!! So adios friends!

The hub took the job in Alaska...he leaves on June 9th..so not long after I get home.

Lots to think about while I am away.

I will try to post a few pictures while we are there...

In the meantime, blessings to all of you!!!

So, the hub comes home last night and talks about his day. For such a long time, we're talking over 10 years, the hubs job has been 90% stress and frustration and 10% good days. He has worked at this company for 16 years.

It gets old.

Very Old.

So, last night he mentions that he got a job offer. My ears perk up...maybe, just maybe he will be HAPPY at work finally...it has good benefits, pays VERY WELL...and he gets 13 weeks a year vacation...

Holy COW.

The catch? It is in Alaska. He would be gone 6-8 weeks and home 2-4. (No, I wouldnt go...I love my job and would not move from the rest of the family)Hmmm...so, we are seriously considering him taking it. We have tried the semi-traditional life for the past 18 years...semi, because- while he works 40 or so a week and its local, he works nights and I work days...so we usually only see each other on weekends. This new arrangement would actually put him home for 13 weeks a year....

I said I would support it...so the ball is in his court to find out the details, etc....

wow.

I am now T minus 3 for vacation. I am so much more than ready. I am packing and getting everything ready to go.

Of course, weather reports in PV for the next several days are for THUNDERSTORMS...lol...but who cares? A king size bed with a view...and NO RESPONSIBILITY...its all very, very good.

but....ALASKA? hmmm....stay tuned!

Sorry if I am driving everyone crazy with my excitement...but I am just giddy that our trip is in 6 days. Tomorrow we are going to pick up the last few things we think we need. Since the hub and I work opposite shifts, after tomorrow, we wont have any time to do this together. I ordered a travel book on Puerta Vallarta last week and got it Friday...so I have been studying the various things we can do. ALthough, I am also planning on spending lots of time enjoying the villa, the ocean and our friends.

GS (age 5) is spending the night tonight. SInce I will be gone two weeks, this is really the last time he can do this for the next 3 weeks...we are watching "Milo and Otis" and munching popcorn in the big bed. It was 90+ today, so the house is really hot. We do not have central air, so we run a small air conditioner in our room. Saves money only cooling one room... but it means we spend alot of time in here during the summer months.

DD3's (17)surgery is also sneaking up on us. She has been a different kid since we've scheduled it. I am excited for her too. We are having a buh-bye party for her prosthesis (nicknamed Bob) that she has had to wear for the last 4 years. She is looking so forward to her first summer as a young lady without it.

DD2 and I went to some garage sales today. I didnt get anything for me...but we got quite a few clothes, toys, books and shoes for under $10. We actually would have spent under $5 for everything, but one of the sales was to help a class get to DC this year, so I donated $5.
When we calculated what it would have cost for all of our finds new..(about $130) she was a convert and said she is going to start shopping for everything this way. It was pretty fun, her small town was having a town-wide garage sale, so we hit many. ( Got some great near new-name brands...Stride right, nike, osh gosh)

GS was a cheap date for dinner...he asked for apple slices from Mc Ds so he could play in their play yard...we sat for a while and watched him have fun, then came home where he rode his battery powered Jeep all over the yard (2 acres) for an hour or so ( my parents and us bought it for him for his first Christmas, so it is now 4 years old and has been all over our property with the three oldest grandbabies and still runs perfectly...seemed expensive at the time, $199, but has been WELL worth the cost for the hours of fun it has brought to the babies.)...and now, we are winding down.

Giddy grandma has had a great day!

I turned my work laptop in so that it could be used in a 'pool' for my staff as part of our expense cutbacks. This meant using one of the house puters in the evenings. My puters wireless card needs to be replaced, which left the hubs tiny 10 inch puter that was ridden with bugs and viruses...so I have spent the last several days tring to debug this poor thing. I seem to have gotten most of the issues off, but there is still one virus scan program that wants to take over periodically...but Ive figured out how to shut it down once it starts...so at least I can use this one for now. My SIL said he would try t replace the wireless card on mine...so I am going to let him try.

Our Mothers Day was a dream. The kids and all the grandkids came for burgers, dog and toasted marshmallows on the fire. Since we live in the country, a small campfire is allowed. It was so much fun to have them all here for the day.


And now, coming very fast, is VACATION!! 10 DAYS AWAY!!!!! woohooo!

I am getting ready to go. I am charging the camera, making sure there is plenty of storage for the pics...(2G) Getting all important paperwork together...making sure the necessities are covered...

I am so excited!!!

Life is very, very good here...

I am excited to report that our vacation is back on! Everyone has become less nervous about traveling to Mexico...so, two weeks from tomorrow, I am Puerto Vallarta bound!!

So, today we had a day off (I took a vacation day and the hub had a comp day)so we went shopping to buy the hub some new clothes for the trip. He bought some nice touristy-type clothes. Normally, he wears (daily- even out to dinner) logging clothes (suspenders, carhart jeans, steel toed boots, and all)...so seeing him in Dockers shorts and a tropical shirt was very different, but nice! New sandals, 4 shirts, two pair of shorts= $125

He decided to do some pre-tanning too, so we bought a small tanning package for $35...which is just enough for two weeks for a newbie.

Then, we bought two snorkeling kits from costco for $40 each..not taking any chances with recycled mouth pieces in Mexico right now...

I think we are very close to being done with all of the pre-vacation shopping now.

I would like to splurge on new haircut, perhaps that will be my Mother's Day present?!?

Sunday all the kiddos are coming here with the babies. We are going to bbq some burgers and dogs. It will be fun to have the whole gang here. (and definately less expensive than taking everyone out to eat!!)

Tomorrow, we are doing a big house cleanout and make dump run and make a big garage sale/donate pile...followed by carpet cleaning.

I love the endorphine rush of knowing we are back on track for the trip...and plan to use it to get lots done in the next couple of weeks!!!

Today was a tough day at work. I love my job but like in any place of business, sometimes political crud rears its ugly head and today was one of those days. sigh. At my age, Ive been through this all before, it aint my first rodeo. Usually it rolls off as quickly as it hits...but somedays are just plain frustrating. argh.

Today I lunched by myself. I decided to go to a sit down place...and ended up in small, locally owned itailian bistro-type restaurant. I ordered a calzone (never had one before). It was very good. Very fresh and so tasty. $10.50 and there was plenty for a second meal. I got a window seat with a nice view. I forced myself to focus on my breathing. It is amazing how much you can relax and unwind when you are conscious of your breathing. I spent 45 minutes savoring the view, the food and the time alone. While I was enjoying myself, I heard the waitress talking to some diners about how hard the economy has hit their business. Made me glad I chose a locally owned small business to patronize.

It was after I got back from lunch that work got so crazy.

When I left work, I decided to go tan... Now that vacation may be back on the radar, I decided its time to get serious about preparing for the trip! The tanning bed was relaxing after the last half of my day. Got home, started a load of laundry and am getting everything ready to head back to work tomorrow.

I am ready for a vacation.

"Maybe" is back in the same sentence as Puerto Vallarta today, so that is good news. Our most nervous Nelly co-horts are reconsidering their no's and are at least back at maybe. I am not seeing a compelling reason NOT to go at this point. But we will wait one more week before making the final call.

We had one of the worst rain storms today that Ive seen in a very long time. It was very windy, rainy and dense cloud cover..wow. I needed to stop by the library after work and was soaked between the trips to and from work-car-library.

As I was in the library, you could hear the rain beating on the roof. So, I stopped and looked out the window. Boy, what a show that was!! Quite the site to watch as a real downpour took over. It was actually relaxing to stop and watch.

I then, went on to look for some books of interest. I passed a boy of about 15 who had a stack of books. At first glance, he looked like any other 15 year old...then I noticed one of the books he had in his stack...Dating for Dummies. The mom in me just wanted to hug him and tell him that life works out, be true to yourself, treat others the way you want to be treated and you'll be fine. But, I simply smiled at him and walked on.

A few minutes later, a young mother stopped next to me and sat her baby carrier down, rubbing her hand. She mentioned that her baby was heavy at just 3 months old...so I took the opportunity to admire her little one and make small talk. She rested, and then headed off to check out.

I checked out 7 books and one DVD in all...didnt spend a dime. But enjoyed a birdseye view of the storm, took some time to relax and observe, hopefully gave that new mom a mini-break in her day and sent a silent wish for peace to that young boy. All for free.

and, I have 7 books and a dvd to savor...

does it get any better than that?

Last night, after I got my mom home from the hospital and settled in at home, I came home and collapsed (thankfully not literally!) I was so worn out, I dont think I have ever been so glad to see Friday night. So this morning, I am just relaxing. The hub had to work today, and DD3 is walking in the local March of Dimes Walk for Babies. I am playing hooky from life.

We are still in holding pattern on a vacation decision. Although my compadres are all displaying serious signs of reluctancy and change of heart...I have started to resolve that we may not be going. If we don't, I will use what money I get back (from airfare and hotel) plus the money I saved for spending, towards DD3s surgery.

My debit card expired at the end of April. While it was slightly embarrasing when I couldnt pay for lunch yesterday (the hub whipped his debit card out, so no worries)...there is good that comes from expired cards. I received an email this morning that my Netflix autopay was unable to process, so I went to my Netflix account and cancelled. I rarely watch a movie, and the email was a reminder to cancel. I have a movie on hold at the library that will suffice for my next movie craving...and then, I'll watch what's on tv. Savings: $4.99 month.

Tomorrow, the hub is playing in a golf tournament, so my goal today is housework and laundry, so that tomorrow can be just a fun day.

I worked on the budget this morning. I am happy to say that, because the kids have been repaying their loans, all of the tax money has been repaid to the CHristmas Club, Vacation fund, and emergency fund.

Well, best get the laundry going!

Updates on life in general:

* Nana might be discharged tomorrow. She is doing much better and is sounding like her old self again. I am sure she will be ready to sleep in her own bed tomorrow night!

* The hub is feelin better and went back to work tonight. (yay)

* Knock on wood, I have not had any symptoms of catching whatever Nana and hub had. (double yay)

* DIL's blood test came back with an affirmative on the pregnancy...#6 is due January 4th. (triple yay)

* DD3 received all the instructions for surgery today and is starting on her vitamin regimine to be in tip top shape when the big day arrives...

* Have decided not to worry about vacation. It is what it is...and unless they close the borders, I am going..that is until I decide otherwise...lol...in other words, positively optimistic about the doubtful unknown...

* New budget is going GREAT. Since the tax bill earlier this month, I have rebuilt our vacation fund to 100%, our Christmas Club to 100% and the emergency fund to 50%. Emergency fund will be back to 100% tomorrow afternoon. Now I just have to come up with $5k for the surgery.

* Its almost Friday. The weekend is hours away...and I plan to get some serious RnR in on this one!

WHEW. Life is good.