playing along...

So today as I sit here blogging, twittering, watching my kids running back and forth in front of me, refusing to get dressed, dragging what few presents there are under the tree out from under the tree and stacking them... (here's proof)


I think about what I am going to do today. Oh yeah, blog. You see, I have missed my bloggy friends so it's only realistic that I do in fact show up every once in a while to say hello. And then my friend Spoiled Mommy over there is hosting "Favorite/Not so Favorite Friday" and I thought that I would play along.

Today. My favorite NOT FAVORITE AT ALL. No they are, not. No really, they are. (Sssshhhh.) Don't tell my mother. She just bought a new bag. They are Snyders peanut butter pretzel sandwiches dipped in Hershey's chocolate. OMG. Really. The bag that she just bought last night is empty. The things are pure evil. I couldn't stop eating them. But in my defense, my mother had a handful. And my brother ate one two. He just informed me that two were stuck together. And Alexa ate one. So I really and truly did not eat the whole bag. But my goodness. Pure evil. That's all I'm gonna say about that.

As for my not so favorite thing. I would have to say owning a home in 2007 when you are a military family holding orders to leave the country. Holding orders which state that you are to move to another location. While the government is working so hard to BAIL out people that I feel do NOT need to be bailed out, why not give our military folks a hand? The ones that work so hard to protect this country, why not give them a hand when they truly need it?

Because of the housing crisis, our home is no longer worth what we owe on it. So much like a bad car loan, we are now upside down in our mortgage. Though we have faithfully paid our monthly obligations, we are at this time facing a bit of a hardship. We couldn't sell our home in 2007 when we tried for a year. So we rented it. Our first renter bailed out when he lost his job. Our second renter didn't even make it past one month. Our home now sits vacant. And it's Christmas time.

So this military family stationed in Chile still has to meet and pay for a home that we no longer live in. And there is nobody out there willing to give us a hand. The government is not meeting to discuss our bailout. We pay, and we pray that we find a new renter. A good one, and stable. To pay the rent on time, so that we don't have to worry about foreclosure too.

Phone pictures.

So here are a few pictures snapped from the phone. A moment in time from my life. From here and from there.

I spent several hours in the ER two nights ago. My dad took a fall. It was urged, by me that he go. I'm grateful that he listened. No bones were broken, just some bruised ribs.

Driving around town. My sweet baby sleeps.

Corona and his mommy. Reunited once again.

OK, now these next 3 were not taken by the phone. But it is a cool find. I'm somewhat known for coming across bargains. One could say that my eyes are always opened. It's the true shopper in me, I never stop shopping.

Well, the other day I was looking on craigslist, and I came across an ad. An ad for a playhouse. A very large playhouse. Used. But no matter. I almost thought that it was a mistake that the person who placed the ad had it listed so cheap. Any name brand playhouse can bring in a nice chunk of change. Even used. I looked at my watch. It was only 15 minutes after the ad was initially placed. I sent an email. The person didn't respond until 8 o'clock the next morning. Later on that day I became the proud owner of a Step 2 playhouse for my kids. And I got it for the bargain basement price of just $45.00. Yes, it's true. I got a major deal on that. The house is gigantic. It had to be towed in my brother's flat bed trailer. I couldn't even believe it. Brand new that same house can be bought for a mere $499. The kids absolutely love it. And I couldn't be happier about it too.

Just hanging out at the house.

Sleeping. Believe it or not, the room was dark. lol~

Santa at the mall.

Any time Dillard's has a sale they call my mom to let her know. She's a triple platinum card carrying member of the American Express Dillard's elite club. She loves Dillards. I used to work at Dillards. I like them pretty much too. But they don't call me. I have to hear about the sales like every one else. They usually put an ad in the paper.

So today we went off to the mall. I wanted the kids to see Santa. And really hoped that they wouldn't be too scared to see him. Eddie protested a little bit. But I think Alexa's enthusiasm to get to the front of the line calmed him down a bit and the fact that Santa wasn't eating the children as snacks, was a bit warming to him as well.

I was pleased that they didn't cry (like she did last year) and that at least I got a somewhat decent picture. Which I will not post, because I don't have a scanner here where I am. I did however manage to take a shot with my phone, so here it is.

When we finally made our way around to Dillards, there was a nice lady who stopped to talk to my children. She asked them if they saw Santa. They immediately began chattering to her. She had asked my daughter what she told Santa that she wanted for Christmas. And miss Alexa looked at her and told her, "I wann uh gun. But ah need twoo guns." And then Mr. Eddie chimed right in and told the woman, "But I already have a gun right now." The lady looked a bit surprised, as was I, and she said that she hoped that they were pretend guns. I nodded and yanked my children right out of there and walked away. Quickly.

What's up with kids when they do or say something like that? Why couldn't she have said I want a hello Kitty doll? Or a bike, like she told the other strange man wearing a red santa hat who didn't even have a red suit on, or a beard or even white hair for that matter? He looked nothing like Santa. And she stopped to tell him, after she called him Santa, that she wanted a pink bike for Christmas. No. Of course not. My sweet little two year old daughter tells a complete stranger, a woman, that she wants a gun. That's just nice. {Mommy rolling her eyes here.}

Ok. So we shopped very little. We saw Santa, and then we played in the play area that most malls now have centrally located by the food courts. It was here, today, that I found out exactly how aggressive my little girl is becoming. I saw her push a bigger boy. Why? Because he was a little too close? I would gather. She didn't say anything to him, she just kind of pushed him. And there was another boy there too, she started pointing at him, and it didn't look at all friendly. I called her name to divert her attention. She came over to me for a moment and then went back to play.

I watched her run around and climb on the toys. I watched Eddie too, running, jumping, happy. I saw Alexa climb on top of a turtle's head and sit there. There were two little girls near her, talking to her, but not looking happy. It looked as if they wanted to push her off the turtle's head. I got up to join her. The girls were not her size. In fact, they were quite a bit bigger. Like maybe 6, or 7 at least. When I went over there the girls began to talk to me. They told me that my daughter was telling them to go away, and that they couldn't play there. Because it was all hers. And she kept telling them to leave. I had to smile, but I was really surprised to hear this. My baby girl was telling these big kids this. I smiled at the girls and told them that they are fine, and to ignore her. I told them that she is only two and she doesn't understand how to share very well. I took Alexa down and started to take her out of the play area. She promptly dropped to the ground where she started screaming bloody murder. I walked away and when she realized that she didn't get the attention that her efforts deserved, she quickly followed.

I had to take both of my kids out of the play area because my two year old is being a bully. Nice. The girl in the picture in front of Alexa sitting on the turtle is one of the two that she was telling to get out of her play area.

In America.

I've been to Target a half a dozen times already. It never gets old. The bright and shiny lights, the hustle and bustle of people parading through the doors, and up and down the aisles feel welcoming to me. The people chattering in English, ah... glorious English. I feel like I belong here.

I've been to The Wing Stop, Los Nopales (Mexican restaurant), Papa Murphy's (pizza), I've been to the base (Davis Monthan Air Force Base) to walk around with my parents. It's nice. It feels good. I remember all the times I was there before when I would call my dh and he would (or really was spared a few short moments) to come and join me for lunch in the food court. It felt safe.

I have enjoyed seeing the neighborhood homes as they all start to put up their displays of Christmas decor one by one. I have driven through the city that once was foreign to me nearly 4 years ago, and thought of the memories that this place holds for me. I've been to my house and walked through the vacant rooms. This place feels the most special of them all. I brought both of my babies home to that house. And as I walked through and inspected the state of the home, it was hard to imagine the callousness and ill regard that people have for other people's property. Though it could have been much worse, it was in fact still standing. And nothing was taken or damaged. It just looked a little sad. They didn't take good care of it. I guess that is the best way to explain it.

I can't imagine leaving this place again. I can't imagine not being here. I don't want to. But there is a big part of my life that is not here. It's missing. And I can't reconcile the two. No matter how much I try, they just don't add up. I don't want to go back there. And he can't come here. Not right now anyway. And not for good, not yet. So I think right now I just wait. I have some things I have to accomplish while I am here. Some very important things.

I am thankful though, that at least I get to see my dh in less than two weeks when he flies in to be with us for the holidays. It will be his birthday when he arrives. I am planning to take him out to dinner. I want to go to Outback Steakhouse. But I think he might want Chinese food. He adores it. Since it's his birthday, I think it's only fitting that he decide. Oh and we aren't taking the kids. Bonus.

So this Christmas, I don't really want anything at all. I have everything that I need. I am healthy. I am loved and I have a beautiful family. That's more than a lot of people can say. So while all the material things are nice, I am just very very fortunate to have all that I do. If I had to ask for anything at all, I would ask to have my family all together, for good, in America.

I've never felt so strongly about this place as I do right now. I think I have a better appreciation for it.

Not much time to blog.

Though I've thought of my happy little blog a lot, I just haven't been able to make the time to create new posts. I've been running around to different places with my family. I've been going there, and here and everywhere.

My kids are pretty excited about the holidays, and are enjoying every bit of the Christmas displays that we have seen. I am planning on taking them to see Santa some time in the near future.

In other news, my husband has just booked a flight to come here too for the holidays. He will be spending Christmas with his family after all. We are all very happy about this news. And to top it off, the government paid for the majority of the tickets. I am thankful.

I hope that I can find some time to post, but I just wanted to give a little update as to what's going on with me. We are busy, we are with family and having a good time.

Whatever, I'm late. But it's still Monday.

<a href="http://eddienalexa.blogspot.com"><img border="0" alt="Video Me Mondays" width="200" src=" http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/lesneddie/videome1.png" height=" 118" /></a>

A lovely friend of mine had to remind me what day it is. Duh. I think I may be having too much fun shopping. I was not paying attention. Sorry bloggy readers. But, I want you to know that I am still hosting my weekly video thing. Anyway, I really like the idea of random videos. Then there is less pressure to record something new. Well here is my random video for today. Eddie and Alexa were having a little fun on the merry go round outside of the BX (Base exchange).

Once again, to play along just post a video of your choice on your blog and take a button. Link up to me here. And have fun. I'll try to think of a theme for next week. And I will also try to be around more this week. I've been enjoying the family and kids are running around having a blast!

Black Friday.

Last night I slept on the cell phone. Not even my cell phone, it was my dad's cell phone. I needed to be able to hear my sister calling me. We had plans to head out early with the masses of people in hopes of snagging some fabulous electronic product at deep discount. The phone rang at 3:05 a.m. or something close to that. I was out the door in under 30 minutes. Sweet.

We drove in the darkness of night to some famous Mart and easily strode through the store. They did not have locked doors, so we walked right in and positioned ourselves right next to rows of boxes which held the bright and shiny toys. We were not the only ones. Within minutes more people joined, they stood near us, parked their carts near ours as they too peered at the carefully stacked boxes.

We were elbow to elbow, cart to cart, yet we were not allowed to handle or touch the merchandise until 5 a.m. So we waited.

I drank coffee and joked with the other patrons. I posed for pictures. Don't laugh. At least I had enough sense of mind to dress myself. There were actual adults in the store who failed to shed their p.j.'s. Really, I'm not kidding.

There was a little chaos in the beginning, but no fights broke out. Nobody was trampled, or hurt, no smashed fingers and no name calling. All was a success.

Ah, the joys of Christmas shopping! Why do I do this every year?? Anyone?

Turkey Time

Thanksgiving day is one of my favorite holidays. Mostly because we can sit around with our entire family and we can spend the day cooking and eating. Before kids, it was even acceptable to nap too. Sometimes we have been known to go to a movie on Thanksgiving, sometimes not.

For me, the best time is spent sharing the day with loved ones. My family has grown throughout the years, and now I am thankful for more than I ever have been before. I am so thankful that my kids are here and they are getting a chance to get to know my family.

I am blessed in so many ways. I try hard not to take the little things for granted. But I truly am thankful.

I hope all of you out there can recognize the little blessings in your life. Enjoy your holidays, and have a Happy Turkey Day!

To here from there.

Trying to leave one country to fly to another is serious business. Depending upon the length of your trip, it might be necessary to pack like there's no tomorrow. And I'm a packing kind of fool. I like to shove a suitcase full of junk. Or things I think I need.

In my attempted departure, I was caught up in the customs check point. I was there for 5 minutes while the young lady tried to explain to me that I needed to fill out 3 additional forms. All I wanted to know, was whether I did something wrong or not. I hadn't. But still, she sent me over to the immigration police. That was fun. I was greeted by 3 men who didn't seem to possess the best customer service skills on the planet. I managed to scribble through the forms and make my way once again to the officials who would either allow me through or deny me passage and send me sadly on my way back home with my dh. During this process, my two children took this time to let me know that they were not happy. They were fighting over cookies. The cookies spilled and went all over the floor. I think I cursed the country under my breath while my babies were throwing more crumbs on the floor. People were giving me the evil eye for my misbehaving, overly tired (because you know that at 10 pm it was passed their bed time) and cranky, whiny children. I wanted to get on the plane. The kids were crying. They called out for daddy. And the lady at the window could not have moved any slower. I was starting to think she died right in front of me. Or fell asleep.

I shall fast forward to the part where I am actually on the plane. We played musical seats. The kids slept on and off. And both needed to go pee at the same time. The bathrooms are very small. The flight attendant told me that I couldn't take both kids in there at the same time. I just ignored her really. But when I started to go into the tiny closet like room, the flight attendant charged me and ran up into the doorway. She blocked the door with her body and she stood just inches from my face. She began yelling at me very loudly. She said, "I TOLD YOU NOT TO TAKE BOTH KIDS IN THERE!!" She brought her tone down only a notch and said that I should have left one kid strapped in the seat alone while I took them one at a time. I briefly played out a scene in my mind that would have ended with me getting handcuffed at Dallas Ft. Worth airport and leaving my children stranded in the care of some child protective service agent. I decided not to go that route. Instead, I stood there with the door open, and my children using the potty in plane sight of the people standing in line. That woman was just plain wrong.

For that display, I had two other flight attendants at my seat apologizing profusely for this woman's behavior. They said that they would have let me go in without a second thought. They offered me a bottle of wine or champagne from first class. I accepted.

We were in the air for 9 hours and 30 minutes. It was a long, mostly sleepless flight for me. The kids did pretty well on the plane, considering that they are 2 and 3. Upon touchdown in the U.S. I was overwhelmingly happy to be in my home country. And even at the Dallas airport I encountered a handful of happy chatty travelers. It felt warm and welcoming. I smiled all the way through.

Our next flight was 2 hours and 5 minutes. We arrived early. But it was the longest flight. I was so tired, and felt like I could almost fall asleep while standing straight up. There is no better thing than to see your family waiting for you as you get off the plane. However, I did not see them for a bit. I had to walk down the ramp, get on an elevator and then go down to baggage claim. It was there that I saw them all standing. Backs to me. Looking at the escalator. Waiting for me and my two kids pulling their rolling backpacks and me pushing the stroller. They were waiting for me to come down that escalator. Only I had too much, I surprised them by coming up behind them. And it was good.

I slept for hours when I got home. The food is good. The milk is good. And there was even some real feta cheese and sour cream! Feels good to be home. There is only one thing missing. And he is back in Chile. Wish he were here~