7 July 2007 Grant Park, Chicago Illinois

Yesterday Donte had to work the taste of Chicago so the boys and I decided to tag along and make a day of it. It was a blast. We got up pretty early and met with another Army family and took the train. I was only 5 little bucks per adult for a train pass that lasted the whole weekend. Yup that's right folks you could go back and forth 5000 times as long as you did it Sat and Sun and it will only cost you .....5 bucks.....and to top that off kids under 13 are FREE. Now you know that FREE is one of my favorite words. We got off at Union station and walked a couple of blocks over to Grant park and hung out. I personally think that the Taste is over rated you have a bunch of restaurants that will sell you little portions for a HUGE price. We ate lunch there and hung out while Donte did his recruiting thing. The boys had a blast!! They did everything from playing Football to pulling up on the chin up bar. They were soooooo happy. The atmosphere was great, there were people riding bikes, and hanging out on the lawn. We found ourselves a bench right by where Donte had to work and relaxed and took it all in. They had a few street performers and bands going, the energy was awesome. Now the weather here has been pretty mild but yesterday it was down right hot. We were dressed for it but after about 6 hours in the sun you start to feel it. At around three thirty Donte was off and we decided to go to the cheesecake factory. Well we decided to walk because come on how far can it be....ummm...we walk for about 40 min through the crowds, past the Sears Tower, the Burberry Store, La Perla, NBC Studios Chicago, The Chicago Tribune and mind you the suns beating on your head and the crowds are thick. Since it was 7-7-07 we saw about five weddings taking place. By now my head is pounding!!! Thank God for Walgreens.....Tylenol and Gatorade and we are on our way again. We walk for about 10 more min and lo and behold theres our beloved Cheesecake factory. We found the family we were with and ate. Now if your familiar with the Cheesecake Factory you know that there portions are huge. Donnie and I split a Burger and the four of us split one piece of Cheesecake and were STUFFED. By then my headache is gone and we are down right pooped!! So instead of walking back we decide to take a Cab. Donte found one that was big enough to fit 8 and we loaded in....Now I have never ridden in a cab other than in Europe so all I know is what I've seen on Sex and the City and other programs like that. Well I'm sitting behind the cabbie and guess what his name was....Ahmed Aljazera.....I had to stiffle my laughter as he made his way through the traffic. Now let me tell you he was good at this. NOT just kinda good but extremely good. We get to Union Station and we just missed the 6:30 train so we hung out until the 8:30 one came along. We enjoyed our train ride back and after a nice hot shower we all crashed for the night.

On another note the people of Chicago are so Pro Military. I can't begin to tell you how many times people have stopped Donte and said thank you. It's funny how a hand shake or a hug can make such a difference but it does.

I will post pictures as soon as I charge my camera so I can transfer the pics.

Missing Germany

I know I havent posted in months and now 2 posts in one day. I was catching up on reading my usual blogs and I came across some pictures of Vilseck. I really miss it. so here are a few pics that I have borrowed from a couple of other sites. I wish I had taken more pictures while we were there.

My first Slideshow......Im finally starting to get this.

Back again

Why do I find it oh so hard to keep this site up????? My Space is definitely easier and well just more fun. But it is hard to write about the going ons in life in the blog there because lets face it....MySpace is mostly an email application....well for me at least.

I may as well fill you in.....Boy where in the world do I start.

The boys and I went to Sri Lanka in May. My not so little Brother Adam married Chrissy in a beautiful ceremony over looking the beach.....and of course with my luck as soon as they vows were exchanged I had enough time to get back to my hotel room before I was SICK and I don't mean just sick but SICK. They even called the hotel doc and after a shot, antibiotics and a God awful re hydration drink I was OK. The wedding was great though the boys enjoyed it and everything was perfect and that's all that counts. We then toured the country for 10 days. We saw so much and it was all so beautiful. If you ever get the chance to go I would advise it. Except for the flight....which lasted daysssssssssssss...it was great. I only wish that Donte could have gone with us. Unfortunately with Donte coming to a new unit it was impossible for him to come.

The boys have been busier than ever. The completed Basketball camp and are halfway through the summer swim lessons. They started out as Guppys and Daniel is now a Minnow and Donnie has completed Minnow and gone on to Fish. They are doing great to say the least and I have met some really nice people in the process. They will start Soccer camp at the end of July and Hip Hop isn't too far away either.

Donte is waist deep into recruiting and is doing great. He really excels in it....him being a people person and all. Now if only DFAS could own up to the fact and get our pay right.....Now I am used to our LES being wrong the first pay period but here we are in July and they still haven't straightened it out. Never mind the endless trips and emails that Donte has had to make to light the so called fire under their hind ends. Other than that its actually pretty great.

I am enjoying my summer off with the boys. I have to admit that at first I thought that I would go crazy with all the time off. I however have been having a blast with the awesome twosome. We stay pretty busy and have really bonded and done alot so far this summer.

And on another note Max and Diggy were with my brother while we got settled and right before we left for Sri Lanka I got a call from Adam saying that Max was missing. My heart dropped as I knew then that something bad must have happened, you see Diggy running off would be normal but Max NO WAY....so all I can pray for is that whatever happened that it happened fast or if someone stole him that they are showering him with love and that as soon as they take him to a vet he will be returned because as with all of our animals he is micro chipped!!! Diggy Butt is now home with a brand new little brother Murphy who is as cute as a button. You see Jack Russells are a two dog breed. They need a companion, a playmate and Murphy and Diggy are doing great together.

Well as with any move we are all making new friends but we are all missing the heck out of our old friends. It's hard but we make the most of it. I wonder if I will ever find some wine sipping (Chris and Kari), Cappuccino drinking (Melody) porch hanging out buddies here.....who knows....I have never had trouble meeting new people but I really wish that I could bring my girlfriends here to live by me again. I miss you all!!!!!

The Windy City

I am embarrassed to say that it has been FOREVER since I posted. Infact I had to reactivate my blog. Well lets see where do I start......We just moved to Chicago and have been here almost 3 days. In thise three days we have found a place to live and will just have to finalize the paperwork. I am tired the boys are ancy and we all cant wait to move into the house and get out of the hotel. Will post more after we are settled.

Time flys

Well I know its been forever again. Our Cat Mali is gone and I was/am very upset about it. I had told Donte that I was going to make her an appt to see the vet on thursday because she was breathing very heavily and on Friday she got out and never came back. She would venture out every once in awhile but never out of the yard. We posted fliers and the whole neighborhood searched but no Mali to be found.

Other than that the boys are doing great, playing soccer and growing by leaps and bounds. They amaze me how fast they grow and how sweet they really are.

We went to see the Broadway Musical LION KING last weekend and it was amazing to say the least. I was in awe of it all and if I could would go at least once a week. The boys and Donte enjoyed it as well. My friend Chris (Christine)and I are going to see CATS on the 18th. I love the theater and wish that I would have started going earlier.

Well I better get going.....boys have a game tomorrow and I am ready to hit the sack.

For Yvonne

BOOK QUOTES

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your Blog (Please include the book and author) along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.
6. Tag five people.


A Million Little pieces, James Frey
That okay with you, Kid?
Yeah
He stands, picks up his tray.

OK not the best bit of info but there it is. I am currently reading a book on the holocaust and dont want to skip to 123 so when I get there I will let you know.

We remember....9-11.....Never forgotten!!

Been awhile........

Ok so I've been slacking on the blog but heres a quick update......@ weeks ago Donte and celebrated our 10 year anniversary. We spent a great weekend in Greensboro at the Embassy suites as the boys had a blast with thier Uncle Wayne and God Brothers. The boys started school last week and so far so good. Both teachers seem to be great especially Donnies. She is so organized!!! Trust me its a nice change from the last two years. My birthday was on the 30th and I turned 31......It was a good day but blew by way to fast. Donte is home for the weekend again....They seem to fly by as well. ANNNNNNNNNNNNNNND we have a new addition, a final addition to our family meet Jackson Slade, Jack for short.
Here's a pic of the boys on their first day of school.

Heres max and Jack on the night we got him, also the same night that Ernesto decided that NC would be nice for him to blow through.

Here's the itty bitty baby fast asleep. See the serving spoon....he's still tiny.

Quick Weekend

Well Donte was able to come home for the weekend. The boys swore that they were going to stay up all night and wait for him but they were fast asleep by ten. Donte got home a little after 10 and tried to wake them but they were fast asleep.....that good sleep. Saturday we went to Raliegh to do a little tax free shopping....the mall was so packed, you could barely navigate and we both had the death grip on the boys. But as a plus we ate at the cheesecake factory and we didnt even have to wait that long. Today we just lounged around. We were all dreading the 1pm mark because thats what time he had to leave for his 4 hour trip back to GA. Sooooooooooooooo the boys and I are preparing for a bday party that is in Fayetteville......I wish that it were closer. But on the plus side all the laundry is done our clothes are ready for tomorrow and we are looking forward to a quick week so we can either go see Donte or he can come home.

Tagged

Angie tagged my today (I secretly love this stuff....but shhhhh dont tell)

Five things in my purse
1. my ipod
2. neosporin and bandaids
3. blistex
4. my JSOC badge...so I wont forget it
5. my cell

Five things in my refrigerator
1. danimals
2. zesty italian
3. diet pepsi with lime
4. jalapeno jack cheese
5. chocolate

Five things in my closet
1. clothes
2. shoes
3. purses
4. I have my wedding dress too Wonder why I keep it hanging there....
5. belts

Five things in my car (I could make this list really long)
1. cell charger
2. map
3. cd's
4. ipod transmitter
5. and evrything that a 6 and 8 year old can cram in

I tag
Nealisms and Melody

Another Monday

Well Daniels chin has healed and Donnies foot is coming along fine as well. We are just going through withdrawls. Donte withdrawls. He is actually out in the field and cant call at all for two weeks. Even when he was in Iraq I got a call just about everyday, and we got to webcam as well. Oh well just gotta stick it out what else is there to do. The boys are busy as ever, we had a birthday party last Saturday and we have one this Thursday and Saturday as well. I was kinda surprised that a 6 year old would be having a birthday on a Thursday night at 6.........oh well what do you do.

I talked to Jeanine tonight for awhile, she is actually my oldest friend....ever since 7th grade. We had quite a few laughs. I sure do wish that she lived closer.....

Well its past my bedtime so I better run. Hope you all have a great week.

Mel Im gonna call I swear.... :)

It's true what they say.

Well Donte left last Thursday....yes as in 4 days ago and guess what.......the saying is true. If anything will go wrong it will when he is gone. First Donnie cut a nice chunck out of his heel playing outside with no shoes on....I am adament about them wearing shoes outside and the one time I let him run out it happens, anyway some neosporin and a waterproof bandaid and it is healing nicely.....well then tonight I am cleaning the kitchen and I hear a thud....mind you there was no screams or anything so I holler up " are you OK?" I get the response "ummmmm not really" So I do the full sprint up the stairs and Daniel has busted his chin on the bathtub....OMG I want to flip!!! But I take a deep breath and look under his chin and even I know OK stitches are coming. I call Deb (Jordans Mom, and nurse at Cape Fear) and take him over. She cleans him up and uses the steri strip things and assures me that he should be fine in a few days..... I should have asked her for a nice shot of something to calm my nerves because I was shaking but trying to stay calm as not to scare Daniel....who is thinking that its just a scrape. You better believe that I explained that it wasn't just a scratch and that he better not pick at it. But alas all is calm I have two tired boys asleep in my bed and I am soon to follow.

Its been a long time.....

Somehow time always seems to fly. A couple of days turns into a week and then two. You all know what I am trying to say. Lets see....where do I begin. We went and saw my brother for the fourth of July. We went Go Kart racing LOL....the boys had a BLAST to say the least. We also let Max meet his cousins...Simon and Hank known as big and bigger. I had to go to work for three day but then took the week off. Donte's best friend and boys came from Greensboro and then we went and stayed there for a few days. It was really nice just to relax. Wayne busted out the old pictures and lets just say when I get my copies I will plenty of blackmail power hehehehehe. Wednesday we took the boys and Donnies Best Friend Jordan to the Museum of Natural Science in Raliegh. It was great fun and the boys had a blast. We ended the day with some shopping at Crab Tree Mall and dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. Donte left Thursday for School and has settled in. Hopefully he will be able to come home in a few weeks for the weekend and he will be home for good on Nov 7. I know this seems rushed but it's all I have time for. I will post more as soon as I get the chance

Summer Vacation

I remember when those two words meant 3 lazy, fun filled months of doing absolutly nothing that had to do with school. Now however that means 1 week of cramming everything in that you want, have to, and dont really want to do. I am not sure of what we are going to be up to but I do know that the count down has begun.......11 days to go.

Max and Mali

Well the Cat and the dog are starting to get along so here are a few pics of them too.

Baseball Banquet

Well the baseball season is thru. We came in undefeated and the Western Harnett National League Champions. Unfortunatly we lost the tournament in the end but we had a GREAT season and got to know a super bunch of kids and parents. Our banquet was at CiCi's Pizza and was a blast. Here are a few pictures.

New addition to our family

MEET MAX




Max is 8lbs and 3.5 months old. He is a Jack Russell. He is the newest addition to our family and is doing great. He is already kennel trained and is great with the boys.....all three of them. Mali is iffy still but I am sure that she will grow to love him.

Happy Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day to all the papa's out there!!! We hope that your day was as great as ours!!!!

What a busy weekend.....I know I need to post more but time goes by so fast. Here's a quick update.....the boys play their first tournament game on wed...WOOOOOOHOOOOO We are so very proud of all the kids on our team especially our two rugrats. Don't will be leaving again for 4 months.....but should be able to come home on the weekend now and then all the joys........you never really get used to it you just learn how to handle it better. So back to auto pilot I go. The boys are also officially 2nd and 3rd graders.....Donte (Jr) will have the EOG in the 3rd grade....he is already talking about them!!! Mom and Dad are good. Mom is healing well and Dad is very glad to have her back home. Our fat cat is doing well on her diet...for those of you who don't know our cat is a bit chubby so shes on a diet lets just say she can get up and down those stairs easier now. All is well with me except for the fact that I cant seem to get a minute in edge wise bt don't worry I have a week off in July woooooohooooooo!!

Have a great week!!!

Baseball

Well you will be glad to know that the boys team is undefeated GOOOOOO RANGERS

Visit to GA

We had a blast over the Memorial Day weekend. We went to GA to see my Brother, his girlfriend, and Melody's family. Mel's little baby boy (not such a baby) graduated from high school. Well I guess I should start from the beginning. Friday night the boys had a baseball game. It couldn't be a regular 6:15 game nooooooooooo it was a 7:15 game meaning that we couldn't even start the treck to GA until 9 PM. Well the game was great the boys had a blast and they won. I have become the score taker. I have to admit that I like to do it, even though this is the first time in my life I have ever done it and I think I'm pretty good at it. So anyway back to the story we left at 9pm and got to Adams house at 2 AM. Got up at 6:30 AM and made it to the football field on time. A part of me was nostalgic because it's the same field that I graduated on 13 years ago, that you could see the church that Donte and I got married in almost 10 years ago. I also saw a few old teachers and friends. We located Melody and her family and got cozy on the bleachers....now I say cozy but it was HOT but at least every once in awhile there was a breeze. It was like looking into the future a bit when her son's name was called.....I will need her there when the boys graduate....no one can whistle like her....you have to hear it to believe it. The graduation went well and all of us; Donte, the boys, Adam, Chrissy, and myself went to Melody's for a BBQ. It was really nice. Donte and Hank were like old war buddies reminicing and swapping stories. You know how guys get. Anyway it was a great day. Donte, Adam and the boys spent a majority of the rest of the weekend installing a stereo system in the truck and Chrissy and I did some shopping. As most weekends it went by way to fast.