Where are we now

Well, we finished out that week at Grandma's. Zeke got to go out a couple of days with his cousins, and had a really good time. They went to the water park one day and an little indoor kiddie amusement park another day.

Caden decided not to cut any teeth this trip so he was more his normal self and not so much a cling-on. Caden loves the outdoors and spent as much time as he could outside riding all the big wheels and tricycles and kiddie tractors. On Wednesday morning Caden, who had taken to coasting at pretty good speeds down grandma's driveway on the little green push tractor, took a nose dive over the front of the tractor. He didnt seem too upset so we thought he was ok. He was just standing there looking at the tractor and then he turned around. His little nose was all scraped up and had blood dripping from the tip. I was surprised he wasnt bawling but I washed it off and he went right back out, picked up the tractor and climbed back on. Then, when we were at the water park on Thursday, Caden triped on the edge of the pool trying to climb out and went face first into the concrete. Now that time he did cry -- of course he chipped a tooth too. Later at lunch that day he fell backwards off the picnic table bench and as I was catching him he hit his face on the bench . . .etc. . . So, you can see how Caden's week went. He did survive the week without any major injuries and all his wounds have healed but, whew. . .it was a tough few days.

Mom drove with me up to Camp Joy on Friday night to pick Rusty up on Saturday morning. He had a great time and wanted me to leave him there for the next camp. I guess we will be making the trip back again next year. On the way home from camp we stopped at the dairy farm on I65 in Northern Indiana -- I can never remember the name of it but you can't miss it if you drive up that way, and it is really cool. We had some good homemade ice cream and a chance to stretch our legs.

Sunday we packed up our stuff and were home in time for dinner with daddy. It has been a week now since we have really travelled anywhere. Unless you consider making a wrong turn yesterday coming back from Chris' work ( took us 3 hours to make it 50 miles to get home yesterday -- DC traffic ). The boys are starting to settle in, and have even been getting some of their homeschooling done each day. I am managing to get a few boxes put up and the dogs are getting into the new routine. Football starts next week with Zekes conditioning camp. The pace will really start picking up around here in a couple weeks, so I have a lot of work to do to get ready.

Chris is in Florida this weekend packing up the rest of the other house and mowing the lawn. We will be going back down again the middle of July to get the rest of our stuff and move it up here. God willing it will be the last Long trip for a while -- When we sell the place Im flying :D

On a side note: I always thought diaper wipes could clean anything, leading you to wonder how safe are they really. When Rusty was 3 he wrote his name in ink on our car's leather seats. Diaper wipes cleaned it completely off. The other day Caden proved the theory again. He wrote all over his own face with Green Marker -- Diaper Wipes took it all off.

We Finally Made It

So, as the title of today's blog says, We did finally make it to West Virginia. All the dogs and children survived and all the other pieces parts got here intact. So far the only thing we have found to be broken is one toy bow from a bow and arrow set Zeke got for Christmas. We left Tuesday after lunch with Grandma and Grandpa and the whole caravan proceeded east. It was not a bad ride. I was so happy to get here. We unloaded everything into the house in about three hours -- just before the thunderstorm hit. It was a very pretty much needed storm that couldn't have come at a more inconvenient time. Oh well, such is life.

We unpacked a few things here and there in the house, and spent a couple days relaxing at the new house. Chris had to go to work Thursday and Friday, but we all got some much needed rest. We even got to go to work with him one day and have lunch and go to the arcade.

The puppy is doing well, and the other dogs are adjusting. Kadiy (the mastiff) was a quick learn on the invisible fence. Needless to say, I don't think she will chase anymore rabbits across the road. LOL. Pravda is probably having the most difficult time adjusting but she is not doing as bad as I had at first expected.

We had the pool guys start working on the pool on Friday -- it was a beautiful shade of green. The pool is just one of the many things that are in need of repair around here. I have been shocked at the things that even a home inspection doesn't catch. Sunday came too fast.

Sunday afternoon we had a little Fathers Day lunch and then the boys and I were on our way back to Ohio. I know what you are thinking but it couldn't be avoided. I had to drive Rusty up to Wisconsin to summer camp by Monday afternoon.

Mom kept Zeke and Caden Monday (Thanks again Mom) while I made the round trip to Wisconsin and back. It was about 14 hours of driving altogether. It seems like a lot in one day, but it really wasn't that bad. I guess when you are used to taking trips with 3 kids who "always get along"(not) and the noise and workload associated with that -- One almost 12 year old is a piece of cake. It was actually a peaceful ride there and on the way back I got to listen to MY MUSIC as loud as I wanted. And then I listened to NOTHING for a couple of hours -- just silence. My body was tired when I got in but I think it actually gave my spirit a little time to recuperate.

Frustration abounds

Where were we. . . . About 30 minutes later Chris came back to say he needed more information in order to get the parts he needed. He had purchased some tools he would need to disassemble the wheel the rest of the way and find the part information he needed. Another 30 minutes later and he left again with all the old pieces. We started praying that the store would have in stock the parts we needed. Boy would we be in a world of hurt if they didn't. What were we going to do with 5 dogs, 3 kids, a broken down trailer and a 26 foot Penske truck, if we had to stay the night somewhere. So we sat and waited. While we waited the friendly local police officer stopped by again wondering why we were still there. We talked for a couple minutes again and then he went on his way. Chris finally got back it seemed like forever but again had only been about 30 minutes. To my great relief they actually had the part he needed. It took him about another 30 minutes to pack and replace the wheel bearings and put the wheel back on, but we were finally all back together. Now, if you are adding up the times you realize by now that we were not going to make a normal dinner time. I called Grandma and told he we would be there for a late dinner, and couldn't stay long since we needed to get to mom's house that night for some much needed rest. I called mom again and told her we were finally back on the road again and would be VERY late getting in -- more like very early-- possible even as the sun was coming up.

Thankfully, we made it to Grandma's house without further incident. I was of course very nervous driving the trailer for a while but finally settled into the drive again. We had a good time and some good food at Grandma's for a couple of hours, and then we had to pack up and head to Dayton. Before we left Grandma's house she gave me what I call "the cow picture" In all of my memories of Grandma's house this picture is always hanging on the wall. It reminds me of good times growing up and being around Grandma and the rest of the family, especially at holidays. I was so happy when she decided she would let me have it. Now I just have to figure out where to put it in the new house.

After leaving Grandma's and heading north we only got about half way there before we realized both of us were exhausted and wouldn't be able to drive much further (probably had something to do with all the good food Grandma stuffed us full of). We pulled over at a truck stop and slept for 2 hours. We finally made it to mom and dad's house at about 7 am. Only a few hours behind schedule LOL

The Puppy at 1 Day and again a 2 Weeks

For those of you who are interested here is our newest baby.

And Then . . .

We were headed along I65 North to Bowling Green and our first stop. We were supposed to have a late lunch at my grandmothers house and then I was going on to Dayton Ohio with the the two younger boys and the dogs, while Chris and Rusty pressed most of the night to get to WV for the morning appointments. It seemed like things were finally going our way. I was on the phone ( of course ) talking to my mother telling her how well things were going, when I looked in the side mirror just in time to see it happen.

The left tire on the boat trailer disintegrated. I hurried up and said goodbye to mom, pulled over quickly, and called Chris as he was leading for the first time during the trip and was driving away from me in a hurry. Thank goodness I looked back when I did. Now, I was sitting on the side of the road in Alabama with a 15 year old blind dog, a hyper miniature dachshund, and a 135 pound Mastiff who is afraid of riding in the car. Oh yeah, don't forget the 19 month old and Rusty. It was 110 degrees out -- traffic was murder, and I had half a small bottle of water to split between the dogs. I couldn't exactly let the baby down to run and play on the side of the highway.

Although it may seem at this point that things were not going our way, God was obviously helping us the whole time. We lost the tire at an exit with the only Lowes store for miles around. So, Chris got off at the exit and went to look for a replacement tire. Meanwhile, I sat on the side of the road walking the dogs, and thankful to have Rusty with me to help with Caden.

The first person to stop was a local police officer. He was very nice, and stayed and chatted for a few minutes. Then, a highway aid truck stopped. He was also nice, but I told him my husband should be back any minute with a replacement tire. He was however able to give me some water for the dogs. That was great. Shortly after he left another man stopped and said he live close by. He gave me his number and said to have my husband call him if we needed anything. Finally, Chris got back with the replacement tire -- or should I say tireS. He had decided to change both tires while he was at it and even bought a third tire for a spare. We spent the next 30 minutes changing the tire. Of course we also realized at this point we were not going to make it to Grandma's house for a late lunch -- it would need to be an early dinner. Since we were now 3 more hours behind, we decided that we would all stop at my parents in Dayton for the night as well. I called the phone company to reschedule and Chris called the guys and told them not to bother coming out we would be a day later. The local police officer stopped by again just as Chris was finishing up the first tire and we were packing up to get off the highway and change the other tire. He and Chris talked a few minutes and we were off again.

We drove the half a mile to the closest exit and pulled over in the parking lot of the first gas station, so Chris could replace the other tire. Things seemed to be moving again. I bought drinks and snacks for everyone and water and ice for the dogs ( it wasn't getting any cooler out ) I called my mom to let her know everyone would be coming now and we would be really late, and then Chris jacked up the trailer again to change the other tire. That is when it happened. The second tire--wheel and all-- just fell off. If we had tried to drive any further we would have lost the entire wheel and perhaps the entire trailer or worse. Thank God he told Chris to replace all the tires. Of course now we had to find a place that sold wheel bearings for a small boat trailer and Chris would have to do the repair job right there in the gas station parking lot. So, off he went in the 26 foot Penske truck with mama and puppy and Zeke, to find a auto shop.

Packing the Truck and Moving Out . . . well almost

I was able to get so little done with Caden there during the week that we still had quiet a bit of packing to do before we could load the truck. I was still convinced it would be no problem. Boy was I wrong.

(Forgot to mention: On Wednesday I had a friend come over for a few hours to help keep Caden out the way. She was a huge help, but unfortunately half way through the day she fell and broke her hand.)

We packed furiously all morning and then left to get the truck. We picked up the truck at noon and were on our way back to the house. We still had a lot of packing to do in addition to loading the truck. I was going in the door with Caden when I heard one of the dogs whining. I went to look in the garage and discovered we were the proud parents of a new puppy that our female Dachshund had while we were out. Now we had to figure out how to transport a baby puppy ( 1 day old ) -- this really complicated things. At least she only had one and boy was it a big one. We weren't sure she was pregnant and if she was we weren't expecting puppies for at least another week. Oh well.

I started packing again while Caden ran loose (very scary). Chris had to fix the boat trailer so I could tow Rusty's boat up to WVa -- it was taking a lot more work than expected ( more on the boat in later installations of this update ). Chris finally got the boat trailer fixed and it was off to pick up the other boys from their father.

We got home and spent a little time with the boys and put everyone in bed. Then, we proceeded to pack all night long. We finally realized our time line was not going to work (around midnight). We were definitely NOT leaving first thing in the morning. so We decided to leave first thing Monday morning instead. We would still be able to make all of our appointments it would just be more driving in a shorter period of time -- but we could do this. We had Rusty and Zeke to help watch Caden so hopefully things would work out.

Around 2000 -- not 1500 as we had expected -- on Sunday afternoon we finally finished packing and were able to begin loading the truck in earnest. The truck was full at midnight. Unfortunately neither our house nor our garage were empty. Sigh . . . now we will have to make another trip towing stuff up to WVa. We did leave first thing Monday morning and everything seemed to be going pretty well. The kids and dogs had all settled into their spots for the trip, the truck was closed up the trailer was hitched up and everything at the house was locked up. We were off. We made excellent time all the way to Montgomery AL and were pleased with how things were going. And then. . .

Friday and the Next Round of Travel Gets off to a Shaky Start

So much has happened since I last wrote in the blog. I have been so busy, and have either had no time or not had access to write. Now, I will try to catch you all up on the goings on from the past couple of weeks. This will be a multiple part blog because so much has happened.

Well after getting back to Florida I worked my hardest to pack up the house, but no matter how you slice it packing up the house is slow going when you are trying to watch an EXTREMELY active toddler. The week was a rough one to say the least, but I was looking forward to Friday. Chris was going to be home by 1700 and then I was going to get to go to dinner for one last time with a couple of my girlfriends. A rare occasion out for all three of us without the kids. So, I was nearly in tears when Chris called at 1500 and told me he was looking for a flight home because his flight was being cancelled. A few minutes later he called back that he would be getting in -- just an hour later. That was still in time for me to make dinner so I was a little more relaxed but, when I didn't hear from him a departure time I got worried. Chris ALWAYS calls one last time before the plane takes off. So, I called to find out that all the flights had been cancelled and he was trying to find a way home. As it stood at this point they would be unable to get him on a flight until Sunday night. Well this would definitely not do. We were renting a Uhaul on Saturday and Chris was supposed to be back in D.C. by Wed morning for work. The phone guy was coming to the West Virginia house on Tues morning and then the guys from the office were coming out that night to help unload the truck. I was going to have to either miss the dinner with my friends or take Caden with me. Now I was definitely in tears.

Ultimately it was decided that Chris would rent a car and drive the rest of the way home from Atlanta. This would put him in at around 2300. My friend Mari was able to get her babysitter to watch Caden too, so we were all able to go out to dinner and enjoy ourselves. Chris did get home that night and we were able to spend some time together before the weekend really got started. I will have to write the next segment later. There is much more excitement to come.

No Rest for the Weary

It has certainly been a long 10 days. We started by dropping the boys off with their father after picking Chris up from the airport. Caden threw a fit, as he always does. He hates to see his brothers go away.

As Claire has most appropriately pointed out, dealing with my ex and his life is like a soap opera. So, here is the Digest update: 1. He and his girlfriend want to take the boys on a Disney Cruise ( out of the country ), and it will require a passport starting next year. He requires my permission and for me to get them a passport since I am the custodial parent. HMMM not sure I want him and this woman taking the boys out of the country. Gotta think about this one for a while. 2. He was going to get married this week, however they decided to put it off until Thanksgiving because of the concerns voiced by the children. HMMM I am sure the only one expressing concerns is her 17 year old. Needless to say this at least is an answer to prayers. Hopefully she will get a chance to see the real Russ over the next year of living with him. Thankfully the boys will not be exposed to their lifestyle since we are moving.

While the boys were there after a weekend of no sleep and bad eating Zeke came down with one of his famous migraine headaches. He has had all kinds of tests run and they told me it was just "childhood migraines" and hopefully he will grow out of them ( his father knows about all this and claimed to his girlfriend he didn't even know that Zeke had headaches -- AAAHHHH). They called me because they didn't know what to do with him and I was 15 hours from home. It is the most horrible feeling to have your 7 year old crying on the other end of the line begging you to come get him and knowing you can't. The boys have called me 2 times this week because they are bored and after one week there telling me they are ready to come home. I can't wait to get them home. The house is too quiet.

We had a great Memorial Day. Both my brothers came out to my parents house where I was staying the night and we all had dinner and hung out for a bit. I stayed at my mothers until Wednesday and then she drove with me and Caden to West Virginia. The week was further complicated by the fact that Caden was teething and was not interested in being with anyone but me and wanted to be held and carried everywhere -- How Exhausting . We made the trip from moms house to the house in West Virginia in 8 hours (6.5 hours of driving ). What a wonderful change from the 15 hours it currently takes. Mom got to be with us as we discovered all the things about the house that you can't find out before you live in it. The short of it is that more money will need to be spent.

Last weekend I was able to go to church with my parents and heard my father preach for the first time in ages. It was a really nice day and I enjoyed be around some of the most sincerely friendly church people I have met in a long time.

Monday after having lunch with Grandpa, Caden and I left for the long drive back to Florida. So, here we are, in Florida, packing again. This Saturday we pick up the truck and pack everything to go to the new house. It will be so nice to see it all in the truck. and not have to pack anymore. It may take time, but is is so much easier to unpack. Besides everything is cleaner before you unpack, so what's the rush :D