Doggy Trials

Well Diggy got neutered on Friday and did really well. He actually lost 7 ounces before the surgery and now is close to what his weight should be. The doc said that hes nothing but muscle and a very healthy dog. So we did his paperwork and went on to get Murphys shots done. Well did that and got everything we needed and headed to the car.

Donte realized that there was a sports store right next door to PetSmart and wanted to check out the flippers they had so Donnie and I decided to hang in the car with the dogs while Dannie and Donte went into the store. Suddenly Murphy started crying and heaving, I got him out of the car in the nick of time and he started getting sick all over the place and crying by this time Donte was coming back to the car and I told him to get Murphy and take him right back in. Donnie and I stayed in the car with Diggy and Donte and Daniel ran back into the vet. well long story short, 2 steroid shots, a couple of hits of benadryl, and a few hours later Murphy was OK to go home. He had an allergic reaction to the Distemper vaccination. Thank God he was OK. Both puppies are home now and doing fine.

Diggy however does have one of those cones on his head and it is comedic relief in itself. Poor baby is knocking into everything and anything and is ready to take it off now but he has 12 days left before he is fully healed and we don't want him messing with his stitches.

The humans in the family are doing fine and are enjoying a nice and lazy weekend. The only thing that we have really done is go swimming. I love lazy weekends like these and wish they would never end.

Speaking of Lyrics

The boys and I were watching "Singing Bee" tonight on TV. It is truly funny how you think you know a song and then someone comes along and bursts your little bubble of happiness. You see I know that I can sing.....hahaha OK well I didn't say sing well, I just said sing. Now if you live in my house you know that I do this when I clean, cook, do laundry and if you have ever worked with me you know that I sing along to the radio. This is just my way of making work fun. Now my loving husband puts up with it for the most part until I get stuck on a song. when I do this I press that tiny little button, what button you ask......the Repeat button. And yes I go to town. But back to the Lyrics. I was speaking to my friend Shannon who has four little munchkins of her own and she had watched the Singing Bee with her oldest daughter as well and we both agreed that some of the words that we had thought for years were the words to the songs were actually not. When I was about 13 or 14 I really like Aerosmiths song "Dude Looks Like a Lady" but I only caught it when it was on the radio and never paid much attention to the name of the song. Well I would sing along because at that age well we all know that we can sing and I used to run around the house singing "Do the Funky Lady" until one of my friends was like "Uhhhhhh Shanez, it's Dude Looks Like a Lady". Now 18 years later I still remember that like it was yesterday. So I suppose I know deep down inside that I probably sing many songs with words that are to my own making but really whats worse my interpretations of the words or my singing?

Moving....I orginally posted this on my MySpace in April

Well here it is Friday the 13th, our beautiful house that was once filled with all of our little treasures from near and far now sits empty......awaiting the painters that are coming bright and early tomorrow morning. It was sad these last three days packing everything up and watching the packing and moving crews taking everything and putting it all in that huge moving truck. Its funny how you kinda forget all the emotions that hit you like a ton of bricks. You have the excitement of moving and by the way I feel pretty lucky that we are going to Chicago....never in a million years did I imagine that we would be going there, after all theres no Army post there. But then you have the sadness of leaving the familiar,cozy, safe place that you have called home for the last three and a half years. I will miss so much as I know that Donte and the boys will as well. Donte will miss coaching here the most. His face always lights up when he heard that familiar ring of "Coach Slaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaade". I told him that he could always get into coaching in Chicago too but he says it just wouldn't be the same. He truly does have calling for it and I know that he made an impression on all the kids and parents as they did on him. The boys will miss everything that kids usually do. There school, friends, sports teams, I could fill this page up with tons of things that they wish that they could pack into a bag and take with them. But I honestly think that they will miss the endless summer nights in the neighborhood playing with Kaylee and Alyssa. If you heard them you would swear that they were siblings. They play all day and argue all day too...but God forbid if they couldn't get together for one reason or another. I took Alyssa with me one day to a jewelry party and mind you I had Alyssa and both the boys and the lady hosting it asked me where my daughter got her blond hair......I think I actually stuttered on that on :). I will miss a lot too. I have made dear friends in the short time that I have been here Kimmie, Tracy and Vokie have been there since the start...my good old ITT days. Then you have the tried and true sports Moms, both Jenn's, Alexis, Michelle, Becky (Ok so shes the Grandma but trust me she didn't miss a thing, she screamed with all the rest of us:)) and Janay. I know that I have only known Jenn and Janay for a short while but I had a blast with both of them....that included some awesome appletinis. I cant believe that I am going to miss the birth of Jenn and Toms son, after all I was one of the first to know I never imagined that I would move before little Jaysik Boston would be born. Then theres Kari and Chris. Never did I think that I would be lucky to have two great neighbors that have become my close friends. In fact I am sitting on Chris' couch writing this, since she and her hubby graciously let us use their home for the week that the packers would be tearing mine apart. I have enjoyed all the endless nights sipping wine on the front porch and talking for hours about everything and absolutely nothing. What will I do without the two of you. We have seen each other through alot and I have tons of precious memories. All in all I will miss so very much but cant wait to make more memories in our new home!!!

Sweltering Hot Days and Rainy Nights

I swear the days here are getting just as hot as the ones down south and for the last couple of days the thunderstorms have been rolling in right around dinner time. I know I should be glad for sunny days.....I am, I promise but they spoiled me here with the picture perfect days and the cool nights with the breeze blowing in through the windows. It reminded me of Germany.....those of you that have lived there know what I am talking about. When we were in Vilseck we lived in front of Big Mike (Big Lake) we had a two story three bedroom and there were those nights that you could open all the windows upstairs and it would feel down right GOOD. The breeze would blow through the house and almost lull you to sleep. Well that's what I was enjoying here, we do after all have the huge pond in our back yard. But BOOOOOO on the rain Gods I actually had to turn my air-conditioning on due to the fact that my windows have to stay tightly shut.

And yes I do feel blessed that the weather is the only thing that I have to gripe about :)

Pictures from last Saturday

As promised....

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.