Well Christmas has come and gone.
We definitely missed our family while celebrating but still it was a very nice Christmas.
It was quiet and we got to focus on just us.
Everyone got what they wanted for Christmas.
Each of the kids got their PSPs, Heath got his Tom Tom and I got a digital photo frame.
Heath made dinner and desert. We had Ham, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, jello salad and two pies! All I had to do was make the devil eggs! Christmas eve he made an amazing chili that we ate again last night and it was even better.
Yesterday him and the kids went to shoot his new gun and even Hunter shot it. Heather is going to shoot it today so she can go hunting with Heath on Monday. I am surprised that she is showing interest in it!


Well just wanted to leave a quick post and hope everyone's Christmas was as wonderful as ours!
Love always,
Harringtons

Hmmm...

In light of the recent events I started wondering if there was still Christmas spirit in the world. I started but soon realized that it was up to me to make sure that it does live on in my kids. I was bummed and even for several days I was just a breath away from tears. Every thing that was taken was just material and could over time be replaced. Unfortunately with my camera it was more the sentimental value.
As I came to terms with the loss of the camera I was drawn back to its beginning. I remember the day we bought it. It was not my idea to buy a camera that day, Heath had decided he wanted a camera. I remember being very impatient as Heath looked over every camera several times over and then being insistent on a cute little camera.
Some how I did adopt the camera and began to use and over time I called it mine.
That camera went every where with me and I have captured some of my favorite people with.
Out of anger and frustration I posted on Craigslist a rant about my stolen items. I had several people respond offering their sympathy and advise. These were people that did not know me! I was amazed by their concern.
Shortly there after I was browsing Craigslist, which I do about every day, and I saw a post that I had been looking for. The headline read "Canon Powershot S2IS...$75". At first I thought it was MY camera and it was now being placed on Craigslist for sale. I clicked on the link with my heart beating since it had been there since the morning so the odds were slim. One of the ladies that had sent me a response to my original had sent me another email letting me know it was there if I had not already found it.
I waited all night to hear a reply and when by morning I had heard nothing I figured it had been sold.
We purcahsed a couple of other things through Craigslist for the kids (shhhhhh...) and had to drive to another town to pick up the items. On our way back we decided to run to Toys R Us because we are looking for a specific transformer. (I know now as kids get older it gets harder to shop for them. Their list gets more specific and more expensive!)
On our way into the parking lot I got a email telling me she still had a camera available! I arrange a pick up time.
Unfortunately it was not MY camera but it was my camera model!
I quickly checked it over. It was my camera minus the dents scratches, wear marks and memory card. It had definitely seen less abuse than mine but it did come with the manual and the RCA cables that I had lost for mine.
I bought it.
Then a couple of days later I found a lady who was selling a new memory card for 10 dollars and I bought it as well.
So my Christmas present from Heath and the kids was my camera back. He was looking into getting me a camera for Christmas but as I told him I did not want or need a new camera especially when I could mine for so cheap!
It works just fine for what I need.

These are just a few of the pictures I have taken with it.
I am So happy that I will have my camera to capture Christmas morning!
As for life we are all doing good. We did hit a little road bump at the start of the month but we have made it though a little wiser and closer for it. As I am sure everyone has heard my sister was living with us and she took us for all of dvds, music cds and my camera along with diong drugs in our home. At first I was so angry and in disbelief. I wanted my stuff back and I wanted an apology. I soon realized that neither were coming any time soon. I think finally letting go of those silly wishes is what allowed me to get over it.
The pain that still lingers is the fact that she ran to my family here and turned them against us making us out to be the bad guys because we put her out of our house. As for me I really could care less if someone thinks I am a bad guy but I am ashamed that my family got the chance to meet my husband and kids and they pull the stuff they are pulling. They act like we over reacted and had no right to throw her out. The thing that bothers me is I did not ask any of them to take our side I respected that they wanted to remain neutral, or so I thought. I guess the fact that she stole and did drugs in our home and was mean to our kids means nothing.
When everything happened I panicked a little. I was scared that the bills she had left us with would overwhelm us and we would be back at square one especially with Christmas right around the corner. We were fine. This Christmas is our first REAL Christmas here and we are done shopping and the kids will want for nothing. I guess the whole "saving" thing works. :) We are going into Christmas and the New Year with our bills paid and while we lost some possesions we still have two healthy wonderful kids and a roof over their heads. Ah the simple things.
Hunter will be going in for surgery on the 30th to repair his hernia. It sounds simple enough. A two incut in his lower right abdomen poke the intestines back in adn then sew him back up. The hardest part will be keeping him from being rowdy was the pain goes away.
This will be the first time one of my kids has undergone surgery and while it is minor I still worry.
Heather is doing well. She grows up a little more every day. Her hormones get the best of her most days and we are learning that we should be careful how we look at her because it could be the wrong way and either she gets mad or cries. Some days she just can't decide which. I feel for her. She is in the akward phase where she is trying to determine if she is a little girl or a big girl.
We are thinking of getting her into to some kind of class for target shooting due to her amazing skills. We got a game when we bought our Wii called Link Cross Bow Training. Well Heath has taking a liking to it and came home the other day to discover that his best score was beat severly by Heather. For example, Heath's high score would be 3,000 points which was really good but Heather's would be 20,000. Heath was so convinced that Heather was cheating that he brought her down to play in front of us all. She kicked but!
Her aim is amazing and Heath was blown away!
Today we finished up the last of our shopping for Christmas day dinner which I am glad it was the last shopping we had to do! The crowds were horrible as were the attitudes.
I am on crutches now and you would think people would be a little more compasionate but no. I have gotten pushed cut off and laughed at the last couple of days.
I went into the doctors again yesterday and the news on my knee is worse. I am sceduled to see a surgeon on the 29th for what they think is a severe meniscus tear. I am on crutches and painkillers which is not a good combo!
So our stockings are hung and the presents are all wrapped. Heath has started chilli and the ham for tomorrows dinner is in the fridge. We are stocked up on soda, beer and even a bottle of wine. Cookies will be made later for Santa and the kids will get showers and warm glasses of milk before bed.
We are looking forward to not having to leave the house for the next two days. It will be not just a time for presents but a time for family and while not all our family is here in person you will all be here in our hearts and thoughts!


Ps:
Yesterday while waiting in the Dr's office I found this article and I wanted to share it.
It read...
I gave up on christmas when I was 16. It wasn't Christmas' fault: In the throes of puberty, a series of disappointments had lef t me in existential despair. Awkward and acutley self-concious, I measured myself against my peers and found myself wanting. My friends had done some mesuring of their own, and their repeated small rejections broke my heart. On Christmas Eve, with the mocking lights of the house across the street twinkling through my window, I lay in bed recalling with bitterness the simple joy that this night used to bring, before my belief in magic withered and I saw the world as it truly was. Life, it was now abundantly clear, was full of suffering and injustice. In desperation, you could pray for help and no help would come. We were all ultimately alone.
I was wrong about most of that, or at least about the conclusions I drew from the hard realities. Paradoxically, it wasn't just wonderful experiences that gradually transformed my perspective, but also the most painful ones: loving and losing. Enduring the death of my brother some years ago and of my father this year. Witnessing my teenage daughter's own encounter with despair. It was through these and other struggles that I came to understand-was taught, somehow-that despite its cruelties and suffering, life is ahrdly pointless, but rich with meaning. Our bonds with each other, I learned, are stronger that our isolation, stronger even than death. I came to appreciate the heroism and nobility of every individual life, and and of the light humanity chooses to shine even in the darkest hour.
Merry Christmas Christmas my friends and family.
William Falk

Presenting
Heather Harrington
Playing the Cello

150 DVDs
$3000.00

50 music CDs
800.00

Camera that has been with me for the past three years
400.00

Learning a lesson

Priceless.

Oh Christmas Tree...

Yes we did put it up early this year...
Tonight we had another full Turkey dinner made by Heath and I for Heath's birthday. We had turkey, potatoes, salad, stuffing, corn, green bean casserole, deviled eggs, and rolls. One of the girls I work with and her boyfriend came over and helped us eat!
The day was filled with shopping for Christmas decorations and food for dinner. I found most of the decorations at the dollar store which saved us a ton of money and the rest was found at Walmart. I have a theory that the reason we have so many "good willed"and "peace on Earth" songs is because of the crappy attitude had by most. I think those songs are played to keep people who are getting irritated at the other shoppers from going crazy.
Well it wasnt really that bad but still I am shocked that it is not even December yet and the stores are all packed.
We found our tree at WalMart for 30 bucks and Heath even got it tied on the roof of my little car! The hard part will be keeeping the ferrets and cats out of the tree!

'Tis the Season!

Here they are!
We got them Thursday night. The kids have been waiting all week to get them. We were told they would be here Monday afternoon but because they had to remeasure Hunter's bifocals it delayed them.
They both look so cute with them but it will be interesting to see how hard it will be to keep them on after the newness wears off

This was taken by my sister the night she took the kids to Boo at the Zoo. I did not get any pictures of them Halloween night though so sorry!

Stan I knew you would know what flag that was that is!!!

The Simple Woman Me Me...from Erratic Howling

Outside My Window...

It is dark and cold. The leaves are hitting the air conditioner that is STILL in the window. (Not because it is hot!)

I am thinking...

If I were to invest in a certain company would it be a conflict of interest with work.

I am thankful for...

Glasses. 8)

From the kitchen...
Silence. Dark.

I am wearing...

Jammie pants and my Sweatshirt from AK. I wear it a lot...

I am creating...

A light studio.

I am going...

To play poker for a little bit then it is probably time for bed.

I am reading...
Tae Kwon Do.

I am hoping...
....

I am hearing...
The humm of the heater blowing air upstairs.

Around the house...

Heather and Hunter are in bed...Heath is asleep on the couch.

One of my favorite things...

I have several.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Work...Thanksgiving...Annivesary..

A picture or two to share...

These were taken on our way back from Alaska.

Where do I start?
I made it back to Nebraska with no trouble at all. The only thing I kept thinking was how the hell did I make it through as sick and delirious I was on my way up? I do not remember the Minneapolis airport that much at all but on my way I realized how far I had to walk between gates.
The kids were happy to have me home and missed me very much. That night we got dressed up and went trick or treating. What an experience! It was warm enough that I was sweating with just my sweatshirt on! The kids walked around the neighbor hood and got lots of candy. It was a entirely new thing for them to go out and not have to wear a jacket! Unfortunately I realized to late that the batteries in my camera were dead so not pictures were taken. Heather was a cat again but this time we did really cool makeup and she had these foam clip on whiskers that were so cute. Hunter chose to be Bumblebee from Transformers. The out fit was cute but it made him look really skinny!
The kids made out with several pounds of candy so they had a blast. I am thinking on what to do with the remaining portions as I am getting tired of finding wrappers everywhere (Hunter).
Both kids brought home excellent report cards and I am proud of them both. Despite our struggles with Hunter he has done really well and for the most part exceeded his teacher's expectations. He has a few areas to work on focus being the main one.
Heather has again had an amazing report card. This girl works her butt off to get these grades. She was a little bummed this year with the amount of homework she has to bring home. Her books got bigger and the tests got harder.
We took them to the eye doctor and they should be receiving their new glasses on Monday! Yeah! The eye doctor said he was surprised and amazed that Heather is doing so well in school because her eyesight is so bad. She has to wear her glasses all the time so we picked an amazing pair for her. We picked out Dolce & Gabbana pink frames with silver around the glasses part. It was the first pair she picked out and she looked amazing in them! Even the lady helping us pick them out was shocked they looked so good on her. She had to shop in the womens section to get her glasses and she thought that was really cool. Hunter on the other hand did not like any of the kids glasses and it took him half an hour to pick his out. He kept wanting glasses that were way to big for him! Finally he settled on a pair of Tommy Hillfigure glasses after we convinced him they were not girl glasses!
I am a little frustrated that the last eye doctor I saw 6 months ago said Hunter's eyes were worse than Heather's and I actually paid full price for the exam. Oh well.
Heath and the kids are now finally covered fe themmy insurance. I am really relieved!
Other than that not much else is going on.
I had a bunch of doctor's appointments last week. Turns out I was pregnant. We are bummed but we have been through this before so it is nothing new. Being patient is the only thing to do.
The other day we had to buy the kids their winter jackets! It has gotten so cold here and literally over night. When I first got home it was warm enough for shorts and tank tops. Woke up a few days later and realized it was REALLY cold. YUCKY!
We have not gotten real snow yet although I did see flakes but nothing stuck. Mostly we have been hit with rain and drizzly cold weather.
Heath has been working close to home which has been nice. His boss is amazing and has tried to keep near home for a littel while. It will come to a point where he will have to go to where the work is. Hopefully not for a little while!
He still likes working for them and they were understnading of him being gone. They even gave him overtime when he only worked 40 hours this last pay period. Very nice!
Well I am going to sign off I have an entire day of being lazy ahead of me!
Ps...Terry Heather is working on a letter for you! we also are sending up other stuff as well!

Hunter after his first day of TaeKwonDo. I am really impressed with the instructors and what they have planned for teaching the kids. They teach focus, discipline and respect which will really benefit Hunter. They also teach stranger awareness and defense. Hunter is very happy and seems really into it (could be the spiffy new uniform he got today!)

On a side note saw this lady in Omaha last weekend and at first glance she reminded me of Terry but once she turned around it was not even close and she was smoking! I think terry even has a green tank top just like that one!

Well gonna go find something to do the kids are bored and need to get out of the house before they go crazy!

Just rambling.....

Went for a walk through the neighborhood last night. It was quite a sight with two ferrets in tow. We adopted another one and her name is Missy. She is a pure white ferret and we know now she is also deaf. After doing some research on deaf ferrets we found that the white is the most desired color but they have a high chance of being born deaf or becoming deaf. This also leads to them being biters, which she is. We now have to "scruff" her and then rub her belly across the floor then put her a time out cage. The popular nose thumping we were advised on is NOT recommended and we believe because of her attitude it was used before.
She is learning and even starting to socialize better and play. Before she just would not play. Buddy is still a little sweet heart and curious as ever. Each night after the kids go to bed we shut all doors and let them both run free but we still have to watch our toes because Missy LOVES toes, especially if we have socks on.
We leash them just like cats and take them for walks or drags depending on if they smell something good and want to check it out, which is often because they are curious!
So the weather continues to be wonderful and hot, today I sat on a metal chair and since I had shorts on I burnt my thighs! I was almost tempted to go the lake but that may be pushing it! Just one more day at the lake would be awesome!
Stan there is a lady I met the other day who has completely domesticated some squirrels. She leaves the windows open and they come and go as they please. They are friendly and affectionate she says.
Well gonna go just hanging out so I need to find something to do before I get really bored!

So we had a hard decision to make yesterday. In order to enroll Heather in the talent agency there was an upfront fee that was more than we were expecting. From the moment we got the ok they wanted answers and were pushing for us to sign with them last night.
If there was time to think about it and really figure out if we wanted to spend that much money one something she may loose interest in a week, we would have given a different answer.
Also it was a large commitment for me because I would be her driver and appointment keeper. I have a job and I am not about to quit it just overnight for this.
So we turned them down.
I told Heather I would pay for her to go to acting classes (which will be cheaper than through the talent agency) and then we will reapply in six months. She was disappointed but it was the best decision.
So for now we will just have to wait. If she has the ability like they said then it should be no problem!

So we did our call back today for Heather's audition. They picked her saying they want her for commercial print and acting. The talent scout said that she has such an exoctic face and is very photogenic. She has to start classes tonight and will have her first real audition in two weeks. Heather is so going to be so excited when she finds out. We talked about her wanting to do this and she really wants to. I guess I feel kind of guilty because I did not know she wanted do anything like this. I am just hoping this will improve Heather's self confidence and shyness.
I am impressed with the company so far. They have strict requirements for the kids and school, they have to keep a 4.0 grade point average in school and good attendance.
The one downside is we do have to pay for acting/modeling classes so we will have to see what we figure out. I wish the dividends were here!!!!

I am writting on a sticky, flour covered laptop. I would have to say that I am turning into a google junkie. Anytime I want to find info on something I just type it in. The other day I heard of a concept that has totally blown my mind. Wireless Electronics! At first I though it wasa a joke but after googling it I found alot about it pretty neat topic and I higly recommend a search.
Anyways, a few days ago I decided I wanted to do a sourdough start. I have had one before and I loved it. Now there are things I like to do and things I don't. There are things that I don't like to do but have to and then there are things I like to do but don't. Example is I don't like to dishes and laundry but I have to do them. I do like to bake. When I had that last start it was so easy to just make some rolls for dinner and they were good.
While doing the search for the sourdough start I was disappointed at not getting instant results since I am not using any yeast. I searched for white bread recipes and picked the easiest one. I started my sourdough start and my white bread (1loaf and 24 rolls) and while I was waiting for it to rise I googled sticky buns since I already had most of the ingredients anyways. I found an easy recipe and with a little doubt in my head I started.
Now on complete accident I timed everything perfectly. I even had a break to eat some of Heath's leftover chili!
So while cooking Heath went to work on Hunter's bike, trying to fix a flat tire from the neighborhood kids. Could not find the puncture anywhere.
Heath left to go to the store for me and while he was gone the kid that Hunter plays with took the bike over to his yard and his dad put a new tube in it.
Just when we realized that he had done that I was pulling sticky buns out of the oven. I gave one plate to them as a think you, I could not believe they had done that.
So now the bread is beautiful looking since we have not had the heart to cut it open. I have this fear that it will turn out just like the turkey from national Lampoons Christmas Vacation (my favorite movie). I am sure it is fine and the sticky buns look amazing! Can't wait to try them....actually I think I am going to have a small piece!

Another beautiful day. Just when all hope for some warmer weather seemed to fade we have been blessed with wonderful weather.
Yesterday we drove to Omaha for Heather's audition and it was a beautiful drive. Once we got into Omaha though the beautiful country side was traded for the gray of the large city. The two lane interstate grew into four and five lane highways that crisscross and intertwine several on top of each other.
We got to the audition with no time to spare and went to stand in line for the paperwork that needed to be filled out. While standing in line I was able to scope out the other parents. I was shocked at the behavior shown by these parents lecturing their kids and putting huge stress on them. I just told Heather to have fun!
Once we had all the paperwork filled out we waited to be called, first though we had to watch a seminar about the talent agency. Heather got her interview and even had to read lines in front of a camera and was told by the talent scout that she was beautiful and had gorgeous eyes. We will not know anything until Monday morning when we have to call back. If we get the OK when we call back she will be launched into workshops and training starting right away. I have asked Heather over and over if she is sure she wants to do this and have also let her know that if she does not get picked does not mean she is not pretty it just means she is not what they need right now.
So we will wait.
Heath has finished his training and has already gotten his company rig a 2006 Chevy minivan. He seems to really like the job and it suits him. With his income added to mine things are looking even better!
I am still out of work and recovering. I never knew Strep could knock anyone down this bad but my immunity could be down for other reasons. ;)
Well I am going to start making some bread and I am going to try a sourdough start again! YUM!

Oh Baby!

Check it out!

www.heharrington@blogspot.com

Back In Action!

Sometimes things just work out! Over the last few months at work I have been getting awards through doing overtime, contests and work required "show its". These are awarded in dollar values which then can be turned in for gift cards. I happened to have several saved up a decided to cash them in. I chose to have them redeemed at Best Buy. Tonight I went down and was able to purchase the replacement cord for my laptop!
So I am back online and it feels good.
This last week has been busy. We have had three B-day parties and family in town, a new ferret and work. Many lessons have been learned over that last week as well.
First no matter how cool a Blackberry is it is NOT Mountain Dew proof. While trying to take the kid's soda away while eating lunch with the family I knocked mine over right on my phone. Yeah did not work so well. I got the replacement one in the mail today so all is good there. Also learned that a ferret is cool and very entertaining but VERY sneaky and persistent. Buddy is determined to get into our bedroom and the kitchen and 90% of the time he does.
I also learned that drinking is not cool. I did not learn from a personal experience but from watching my sister come home drunk and acting like an idiot. I know I do not act like that but it has made me not want to drink again. We have come to the realization that we also can not have even a bottle of wine in the fridge to enjoy with company due to the fact that one glass for us leads to a bottle of hard stuff for her. Our house will soon be a dry zone except for the bottle I will keep under my pillow to calm my irritable nerves.
This week has been long and stressful. All the overtime I worked was not applied to my check and I will have to wait till next Friday to get it. I was not the only one who was impacted by this several people did not get their over time pay. This is the first time they have made a mistake on my check so I am not upset. All the bills are paid and Bdays are over so at least that is good. So next pay day I will get not only my regular time but the owed overtime and my sales commission check so that check will look nice especially with all our bills paid.
Sat down and looked at my 401K again today, I do this time from time to make myself smile. I have invested heavily each check and my investments have done well. I have also set my % of money to go into my 401K to go up 3% every three months and I never even see it so I don't get a chance to miss it plus work matches up to 6%. At the rate I am going by the time we retire we will be set. I am not vested until year three but I do have a small amount I am able to borrow but I am not even tempted. I just like watching grow. I have even started having fantasies of what it will look like in three years and then six. OOOooohhhh!
Wish I had something more exciting to blog about but just life.
I will post pictures and video of Buddy tomorrow but I am just too tired tonight.

Well we have anoter member added to our family. His name is Buddy and he is a one year old ferret. We adopted him fro the humaine society fo Heather. It was almost like it was meant to be. At the same time we were sitting at the shelter I was surfing craigslist from my blackberry and found a cage and all the accessories for 35.00 dollars. By the time we brought Buddy home we were able to go get his cage. The people we bought the cage from even gave us a book on first time ferret owners. He is really well behaved and loves the kids. He is a little sneaky though and though he is able to run the house we have to watch to make sure he does not go under the bedroom doors and under appliances. I am especially surprised at his intelligence and curiosity and he can be damn determined. He went for his first walk with Heather and Heath while they waited to pick me up from work. He has a little harness and even has tags. In order to get him we had to license the cats and dog which is the first time in our history that our animals have been completely legal! I was surprised at the long process to adopt him. It took at least an hour and you had to go through an interview process. I think it is good. Insurance that the animals adopted are not returned or abused.
He has put a smile on Heather's face so he was worth the money and the time!
Well I am going to go and relax. As soon as I am able to connect with my laptop I will post pictures of him!

Anoher Quick Note

So the weekend is almot here. We are fully moved into our new house adn SO glad to be out of the old house. The water was never turned in the old house and now we are taking our old landlord to court for the rent. The new house is pretty and has rooms for everyone. I think my favorite thing is the hardwood floors. I also love my kids having friends they paly with right in there neighborhood. They are all good kids I just wonder in the back of my mind as they are at my house for hours, where are thier parents?
We have a big family party tonight and Heath is making enchaladas and I wonder if he can compete with the ones made by Terry. I am sure they will be fine!
So I think fall is here. We had rain the end of last week and it seems that since then the weather has gotten colder and 90 has turned to 70.
Had a long talk with Hunter's teacher the other day. Seems he is having trouble focusing in class so we talk about ways to get him engaged in class. I was very happy that she was proactive and it wasn't about putting him on medication which seems to be teacher's first step these days. We also talked with Hunter about why he was not focussing and he says he gets bored. We agreed that when he is starting to get bored he needs to tell his teacher that he needs something to do. I am just glad agian that se is willing to work with us!
SO other than that things have been rolling along. I have been working overtime at work to make up for the cut in pay due to the fact that I no longer work the late shift and make that extra pay. Oh well it is worth it due to the fact that I am home at 730 and able to eat dinner and help get the kids ready for bed and ready for school.
Well I am gonna go!

just a quick

just a quick note to let everyone know whats going on. We have finally moved into our new house and are getting things organized. The kids have made SEVERAL friends in the neighborhood and my house is infested by 8 on the weekends. We were informed that our yard is the community yard and the kids ARE allowed to play here all day. Heather is now playing the cello in band...and has been practicing since she got it. Hunter has gotten into his first real fist fight which was luckily stopped by another kid. Heather informed me that he has been using potty mouth and when I asked him about it and why he was using the "B" word, he told me he did not use the "B" word but said Beotch. Had to explain that it was still considered a pottymouth word.
My Mom has showed up and will be spending the next couple of weeks here visiting. We have a family birthday party planned for this Friday and since I have the next two days off I will get to hang out with her! We are having Heather's B-day party on Sunday and her and my mom is planning a day with her on Saturday.
Well got to go as I am still without a cord and I am using my mom's puter! By!

Just a quick blog from my blackberry! My laptop is down due the cord being kinked while traveling. Uhg! I have it on order so hopefully soon! The pictures from the trip were amazing so I can hardly wait to share them! Another trip is already in the works and this we are forecasting a longer stay for us all! Summer isin full swing here still and the only sign of the coming fall is the swimming pools outside are now empty! We went to state fair last night and Hunter went on the ring of fire and we even talked Heather in to getting on two rides! (More like bribed!). The kids had a blast though! Well got to keep this short since I am at work on my break!

Koda and Micah!

Micah is the newest edition to our family. He is technically my sister's dog though. He is pure bred Italian greyhound.
He is also Koda's baby.

DON'T TOUCH MY BUSH

So now I will be the first to say this is kind of petty but damn it it is MY bush and if I do not want it trimmed then that's how it should be!
We have a bush in our front yard (which once I get the video footage done, everyone will see) and I love it. I have never had a beautiful yard with bushes and trees and now I do. One of the days while Heath and I were doing the yard work our nosey neighbor came over and informed us that she had been taking care of the yard for the landlord but now it was our responsibility. She also informed us that she wants us to cut down the several HUGE trees we have because they drop branches in her yard during storms and we needed to also cut our bush down in the front yard because it is scratchy when they walk by.
I told her we were not going to cut the trees down and that I liked the bush and it was going to stay as it was.
Weeks have gone by and countless times this lady has let herself into our home while we are working on it. No knocking just comes right in.
She is the old lady on the block who knows what everyone else is doing.
Well shortly after Heath left I was walking over to the house to start painting the kid's rooms and noticed a pile of branches laying next to my bush. I then noticed the the bush and been unevenly trimmed all the way around!
I placed a call to Heath demanding to know why he cut my bush only to find out that the neighbor's daughter had taken it upon herself to trim my bush. When Heath asked them why they said people had been complaining. Now first this is not a monster bush all over grown, it is a nice round bush IN my yard. Second IF the neighbors had been complaining this particular neighbor could have came and told Heath who was constantly watching the daughter's son and always over at the new house. No one asked and they also left all the branches lying in the yard.
I got so angry but instead of yelling at her, which of course was my first thought, I politely piled up the branches and put them in her yard and hung a NO TRESPASSING sign on the butchered bush.
The next day the old lady next door came over and asked if I was angry about them cutting the bush and I said yes. She started to give several excuses as to why they felt the had the right to come on my property and trim my bush. Each one was made up and I called her on each one.
I explained that WE were now responsible for the bush and that if there was an issue all she had to do was come talk to us.
I feel kind of bad because I am sure in her mind she had the right to trim my bush. I have nothing against the old lady but her daughter and I are gonna go at it.
Oh well the bush will grow back right?
Well Stan you said you wanted a post so there it is!

Oh by the way the days have been climbing in heat average is in the high eighties-low nineties. I am thankful every I walk into a building with air conditioning! Heath by the way I figured out how to turn on the central air in the house. You know the temp thing by the kitchen, yeah you turn it from heat to cool! I am a genius!
I also got part of Hunter's room painted but lost motivation really quick due to the high temps in the house.
The house looks pretty with all the lights on and it was way cool to vacuum finally! The downstairs is starting to look like a house despite the old wall paper and bare rooms!
Well that is all I got right now!
Tell the kids I LOVE them and MISS them!
See you all soon!

Branch Oak Lake

Sunday we discovered a new pastime that we all seem to be addicted to. This last week temperatures have risen and along with them, the humidity, which has drove me to running my head under cold water just to survive. Most activities are limited on these days and so the day drags on. You can just be standing outside and you sweat.
At night the little relief we have is the small fan that sits at the foot of our bed and the limitless supply of otter pops.
Heather has been begging us to take her swimming which is really funny because she has always been scared of swimming. Heath found Oak Branch Lake and we all loaded up in the car and headed out. We spent the day swimming and yes even the kids swam. We learned that Hunter does not have the switch in his brain to tell him to be scared. He has gone under a couple of times and when Heath pulls him back up he has this smile on his face. Heather is putting great effort in actually swimming and the next thing we are going to teach her is to float on her back. We had so much fun when my next day rolled around on Wednesday we headed back out to the lake which was cut short by bad weather and Tornado warnings. Everyone except Heather suffered sunburns and we found that Heath does actually tan. Despite the sun block Hunter burned probably the worse and he now has a tan any farmer would be proud of. We are trying to convince him to take his shirt off but he refuses.
The last couple of weeks the weather has been moody. It will be sunny and hot all day then by night it clouds over, thunder starts rolling and then the rain comes. By morning it is sunny again and it all starts over. On Wednesday while we were at the lake I got the alert of a Tornado watch witch just means we are on the lookout but nothing serious yet. We have gotten one watch per week for the last couple of weeks now. While swimming the clouds rolled in ad the sky began to get darker and we packed up and headed out. By the time we hit Lincoln the storm was coming fast and there is no real way to describe it but a wall of blackness rolling through the sky it was straight up something out of a moving. By the time we reached the north side of Lincoln where I work, the Tornado watch had been upgraded to Tornado Warning which is more serious and we were right at the front of this storm. All light was sucked out of the sky and then the Tornado sirens went off it was time to head home. The streets on that side of town were clearing fast and as fascinating the storm was we did not want to get caught up in that. I took lots of footage and in one you can actually hear them talk about baseball sized hail coming down at Branch Oak Lake and Tornadoes coming down in the area around it. Good thing we left.
Well the kids are enjoying themselves but they are still very excited to come back to visit. Heather is determined to get a frog from the lakes but each time she catches one we do not have anything to put the frog into. I think we will be getting a puppy again now that Koda is older and mellowing out a little bit. We have looked at a French Mastiff female that someone at work has. She wanted something that she could walk .
Hunter is focused on his transformers, bike riding, and bug finding. YUCK!
Well here are some pictures of our adventures at the lake. I have some videos of the storm and Heath got some of the lighting storm we had that same night. I will have to combine them and put them on you tube.

Yes my kids are swimming!

This is a Cat Fish we found floating in the lake. Heath took this picture just for John. We might have to catch you one and send up to you. I did not realize they get this big!

Super Hunter!

TA DA!

Such a serious look!

Heather's frog

Hunter showing off his sunburn

Jan Lee after a long day at the Lake. She ended up pretty sunburned to. I now have two white spots on my back because I had my sun tattoo worked on again and they started the moon on my left shoulder so they both were covered in sunblock. I am wondering how long it will take the spots to catch up with the rest of my body!

Superstar! She rocks these glasses!

He looks a little mad.

Well that it is it for now I will try to work on those videos for you guys but my time has been limited due to working the late shift. I am not liking it but the extra pay is nice.

Wow it has been awhile since I wrote. Actually to tell the truth it has been awhile since I have done anything! I have started my new shift at work and I now work till 11 PM which really sucks! I am still trying to adjust but not working to well.
Well not much has changed we did more yard work on the house and now we have a nice yard. we did it on our own! I have the scars to prove it! I learned a very valuable lesson while mowing the yard. That metal thing called the muffler gets REALLY hot after you mow the front yard, huge back yard and the neighbor's yard and if you touch it, it will burn the crap out of you! One week later the burn is finally healing and the pain is finally going away. I am missing a chunk of skin on my forearm and know the scar will be ugly but it could have been worse.
Heath moved furniture into the house this week despite that fact we have not heard from the land lord. We have paid him all we need to get the utilities turned on! SOON!
The kids enjoy the sun and both are getting darker. Heather is still fighting wearing shorts and I know she has to be hot! Hunter has decided to wear the shorts that kid gets so hot because he is so active! The other day he was sitting watching tv and he was sweating!
Well I better go I have to get ready to go to the gym, yes I am still going but not seeing much change. I am keeping the faith though!

So the keys to the new house have finally been delivered...now we (and I mostly mean Heath)are getting it ready to live in. Now I can not claim ignorance as to the amount of work needed to get the house ready to move in I just think I didn't realize the FULL extent!
We got the keys on Sunday and after a run to the store for cleaning supplies we started cleaning. That was after we removed the current tenants! A couple of squirrels had moved in and were less than happy when we showed up! Hunter is now afraid of squirrels!
The house is actually very beautiful it just has been neglected over the last few years. The first chores were removing all spiderwebs (YUCK!) spraying bug killer, ripping down old wall paper, cleaning up dead birds(4) and emptying a 50 gallon trash can full of water and ?, that was placed under a leak in the upstairs master bedroom. After the can had been empty there was several skeletons on the bottom! The roof in that room has a bad leak and all the sheet rock and insulation (cotton) had to come down. That was not a fun job!
Heath has been working on the house over the last few days while I am at work and now he is at a standstill. We need the power, water and gas turned on. The gas company won't turn on the gas until the water company turns on the water which the landlord has to do. The electric company will not turn on the power until they come and inspect all the wiring to make sure the house meets code plus they need the home owner to schedule the appointment. We have been trying to get with the landlord over the last few days with no return call!
Also we can not sheet rock the master bedroom until the roofers come and repair the roof no point.
We still have to sand and paint all the walls, rip out the upstairs carpet, paint and do minor repairs all around the house! One bummer is the floors are all natural wood but have been covered with crappy carpet. It would be no big deal to pull the carpet but then we would have to sand the floors because they used glue to lay the carpets!
I can not wait to see what it will look like finished though and really can't wait to move in! The house lots of windows and even a sun room which I am seriously thinking of turning into an atrium! I also love the old wood that runs through the house and the glass doors in the house.

This the bottom part of the stairs in the front room. This will be our living room.

This is the sun room. This room has double glass doors which I love but Heath does not. Not sure how long they will last. The half bath is off this room.

This is the dining room the kitchen is off to the left.

Hunter and Heath in the living room.

The master bedroom's ceiling. Notice the mushrooms growing! Heath has since torn all this down and removed the rotten cotton insulation. Even with the rain last night it is starting to dry up. Right above the fan is the leak in the roof.
Well I have more pictures but I am tired. I will post more pictures on my next day off! I also have some courtesy of Heath of when him and the kids went to the Lincoln Zoo. He got some really good ones so I look forward to posting those!
Well goodnight all!

Stone
5-2-08

If it should be....
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for we know this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,
but don't let grief then stay your hand,
for this day, more than the rest,
your love and friendship must stand the test.

We've had a great and happy year,
what is to come can hold no fear.
Would you want me to suffer? So,
when the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
only stay with me until the end,
and hold me firm and speak to me,
until my eyes no longer see.

It is a kindness that you do to me,
although my tail it's last has waved,
from pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve, it should be you,
who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two this year,
Don't let your heart hold any a tear.

Author unknown


We lost Stone tonight.

Happy Birth Day Hunter
Hunter Stanley Harrington
4-26-01

It is hard to believe that he is now 7 years old! I can still remember him as a baby needing so much and now he seems to need so little! I am lucky these days to get hugs and kisses are virtually unheard of. Each hug and kiss I do receive usually for no reason are to be treasured.
He is so independent now and since he is only 7 I am aware that it has only begun!
He has become quite the Transformer fanatic and decided all he wanted for his birthday was Transformers!
We started the day early wanting to catch all the sunshine we could so we went to check out Optimus and his new cage. He seemed to "dig" his new cage and dirt for he had already burrowed into it and made a home for himself. I am just amazed that both kids enjoy holding him and both are showing how they can hold him with out squeezing the poop out of him. I most amazed by Heather because I thought she would not hold him but she seems more amazed by him than Hunter even, which should be no surprise considering her love of animals!

This is Hunter with his turn at holding the little guy

Heath holding Optimus

Yes, she is kissing the snake!
Heather holding Optimus

Maybe he could be a snake charmer?
After picking up the Transformer's cake and matching decorations we headed to Chuckie's for cake, pizza and games. Hunter had decided that was were he wanted his birthday party to be and we thought because Lincoln was bigger that their Chuckies would be larger with more games. In fact it was way smaller with fewer games with half of them broken. The kids really didn't care so that was all that really mattered. We ordered pizza and played the games that did work.

This is Hunter and Great Grandma Fransico. To the right is the evil Transformer's cake. (You will see why in a few pictures)Hunter right after cake.....
Hunter after the cake kicked in.

Heather after the cake kicked in...

Dillan after the cake.

The cake turned anything it touched blue. It stained clothing, faces, hands and tables. No one left this party without being covered in blue dye. A call will be placed to the store in regards to the amount of die they are using because now hands and faces are not the only things blue...
Oh well the kids love it even if it was a parents nightmare!

Grandma Fransico and Dillan's grandma Linda

Hunter: "Pizza, GET IN MY TUMMY!"
MMMmmmm.........

Yes, he is licking his present, it had frosting on it.
She is just gaurding the cake to make sure no one steals taste of the frosting
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR HUNTER,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Dillan describing what he wrote on his card to Hunter and Hunter just wanting to open his present!
This is very serious business
Deep Desert Brawl
Oh yes a Barbie was given, he was not very happy about either because we built it up like it was a very special present. I wrapped it in several layers and when he finally did open it he threw it and yelled "GROSS". We had been teasing him that all he was getting for his birthday was Barbies so we had to give him one!

Tickets won!
Dillan being a HAMRiding the jet ski game
Putting the Transformers together...

This is Heath trying to transform the Deep Desert Brawl. He tried for ten then it was given to me to figure out. This thing came with detailed instructions and while I felt cool being the one who figured it out now I am kicking myself in the butt. Every time Hunter wants it put back in tank form guess who he asks?Pretty Heather posing for the camera! Wow she is smiling. She had a hard weekend due to it being Hunter's birthday and the attention he has gotten. Plus she has been getting moody now when she does not get her way. We have nicknamed her Moopy when she is moody because she walks like Eyore and sounds like him to!

Took them to the park to play ball but all they wanted to do was play TRANSFORMERS! Oh well at least they are not fighting!

Well that was the day. We headed home with Hunter scoring over 6 new Transformers and Transformer shirt and Pants and one new Barbie. My friends from work even brought him a bag full of candy!