Christmas 2007

I'm not sure how well this will show up. But Phil, Chris, and Murphy had Christmas in Buelton, Ca. It's close to Solvang the Danish town that has a lot of holiday spirit. Grandma and Bernie came up and had Christmas Eve dinner with us and then came back the next morning for Chrismas breakfast. They stayed in the Anderson's Hotel which is famous for it's split pea soup. But, I guess it is a pretty old place which wasn't the nicest.

Wanted to show you how we decorated the " rig" with lights outside and a small tree inside. It was very fun, and we needed to change the tradition since Michelle went back to spend the holiday with Steph and her family.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas... Love Chris

Snow!

I looked at the weather station and it said we might have snow mixed with the rain in the Dean's neck of the wood's. That would be a pleasant surprise. I really like snow. My mother sent me my favorite childhood book about snow - it now sits in my hutch for all to look at in awe and delight as I did many years past.

The kids are really getting antsy...and kind of starting to pick fights in their boredom. Again, I'm so glad I'm working at night and sleeping in the day. I miss out on most of this. I did get a kink in my back trying to hold and turn a heavy woman last night. Took some aleve and iced it and am feeling pretty good. I have two training nights left and then I'm on my own. They lock me in at 11:00 and I open the doors at 4:40a.m. Our cook got sick this morning so the supervisor and I had to make breakfast. We managed to serve up oatmeal, ham, pancakes and fresh fruit. I told Sylvia, the supervisor, that this sucess was bad for our careers because they might think we're available to do that again and we both prefer working at our regular jobs.

Haven't heard much from anyone??

See you all soon.
Love,
Traci

Oh Christmas Tree!

Dean family update

Well it’s my lunch time- and I just have a few moments to send a quick message out.  My holiday form letter should enter the mail tomorrow- it will provide another account of the highlights of our year.  In case everyone didn’t get the word- you all are invited to our home for the holidays.  We will have bales of hay set-up for airsoft wars, a new big screen TV- for X-box gaming, and some other surprises for the outdoor fun. 

Family that I’ve heard from

My in-laws –Sid and Nadine -are coming to visit Saturday morning and leaving Sunday. 

My mother- and I assume father and grandmother- are arriving Christmas Eve day- Monday?- and staying at least a few nights

My sister- and the porter clan- I hope visit while we still have the boys- I got your message and - Traci I’ll return your call tonight J

My youngest sister- and family- I believe are arriving Christmas morning around 7:30, I don’t know if they are visiting Christmas Eve or not..hmm

I need to check with my husband and Vic- to find out how long we have the boys- I think it’s the entire week… because they’ve been begging to see their cousins for some time now and I’d really like to get them all together over the break for fun and games.

Keep your fingers crossed- I’m hoping everyone gets snowed in at our house- at least for a few days. 

My husband asked me to remind my parents to bring their dogs- we have not met Howie yet- and we’d like to.  We might even bathe our dogs before company arrives.

Well I’m really swamped this year with work- and looking forward to the break! 

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days

A little Christmas spirit for all of you.

my project

Necessary info

We need the address and any other pertinent info from the Porter Tribe

Motoring Mangers Give Thanks

Grandma and Bernie celebrated Thanksgiving at his son and daughter-in-laws house in Lancaster. We cooked our first ever turkey in our motorhome and it was very good. Made most of the food prior to the trip, but cooked the bird in the oven.

Michelle is going through a very sad divorce and needed a change in scenery. It's a hard time for her now, feels very lonely and wondering where her life is going. We hope next year is a happier thanksgiving for her.

Stephanie, Nate and Noah are doing well, had their first snow. We sure miss seeing their family.

Love to all,

Aunt Chris/ Sister

Polls

FYI, I am putting up a weekly poll on the right hand side of the screen. You are allowed to vote multiple times so you can add in a spouses respone as well or if you just can't decide you can choose more than one option.

Thanksgiving photos

Gift price range

FYI, I think that you should only spend what you can responsibly spend on the gift exchange. Just for a ballpark, I am throwing out a range from $40-$80 but it could be more or less just depending on whatever you want to do. I increased the amount just a bit this year since Mom and Dad wanted to be included and we would therefor not be getting them a separate present. If anyone has any issues please let me know.

-Mel

Gift Ideas

So here are some things on my list for whoever is interested (Husband and non-secret santa):
Shirts/Sweaters in Large Tall- I would prefer they are not pink because I already have a couple in shades of pink but whatever would be great. For example you could look at these (which are on sale right now at JCPenny)
- Worthington® V-Neck Sweater
-St. John's Bay® Cable Crewneck or v-neck Sweater
=St. John's Bay® Long Sleeve Ruffle Trim Poplin shirt
-St. John's Bay® Crewneck Tee
=St. John's Bay® Long Sleeve Texture Stretch Poplin
-St.John's Bay® French Terry Jacket
=St.John's Bay® Fleece Hoodie
-St. John's Bay® Zig Zag Jacket

Brown Shoes such as:
Born - Current: Black (hair calf)
Born - Fern
Born - Digsy: French Roast
Born - Benara: Chestnut
Born - Cielo: French Roast or Taupe
Born - Pandora
Eddie Bauer Driving Mocs- Multicolored

Perfume- I don't use much so even the smaller travel size/samplers are fine
Ear Warmers-
Heroes Series- Season 1

These are just some ideas,.. Now how about the rest of you...

-Mel

Christmas giving

It looks like there will be some name swapping for Christmas. I don't think you all care that it is a surprise who you have so I am just going to post all the names that were drawn. So here is the list:

Melanie is giving to Traci
Janice is giving to Jenn
Traci is giving to Melanie
Jenn is giving to Janice


Brian is giving to Larry
Greyson is giving to Tim
Dad is giving to Brian
Tim is giving to Greyson

If anyone has any issues please give me a call. Also please post ideas for presents.

The plan so far is to NOT do any presents between the kids (cousins) since they get so many presents already. As Greyson said the other day- Christmas shouldn't be about swapping debt. So until one of us wins the lottery our family is scaling back the whole gift giving part of the holiday in favor of spending time with our family.

Visit to the Porter's

Greyson, the girls and I visited the Porter's on Sunday. It started snowing about 10 miles before Condon which was fun to see. Not as much fun driving home in it but at least it was Greyson's turn to drive.

The Porter's house is beautiful. I was very envious. Big livingroom, a grand staircase, granite countertop, lots of rooms for living, playing, sleeping. It also had a clasic front porch for sitting around sipping lemonade in the summertime and waving as the neighbors walk by. I hope it works out for them next year so that they can purchase it. I think they could be happy there for a long, long time. I know I would be.

We introduced them to Munchin the game. I think it is one of the few games you can play with kids and adults and everyone enjoys it. I don't think they even missed us not bringing the xbox 360. The babies took one good nap while we were there but did get a bit fussy right before we left, but it was a long day for them. It was great to see the Porter's and I am glad they are within a reasonable visiting distance now.

I am going to go home and do a bit of cleaning for the holiday weekend. We have been trying to keep up on the laundry etc. but it is a never ending process. We were up putting clothes away in our bedroom last night when Greyson looks over at the final two laundry baskets on the floor and say "I think that is good for the night let's put those away tomorrow." And I respond "but those are all dirty." And Greyson says in disbelief "but I have been doing a load a day!". Pre-babies, one load a day would do it. Apparently that is no longer the case.

Hope everyone has a great holiday. I will try to post some pictures of the event.

-Mel

gift ideas (from Mom)

So does anyone have their Christmas wish list yet? We are plum out of ideas for all of you.

Porter Post

Howie looks very cute and I'm glad Dad finally has a cuddly dog. Molly is attached to India only...India does read to her dog and bathe her and all that, but I think she also tells Molly we aren't part of their dog pack. So Lucy has settled into her own little lovey and lively personality.

Conferences went much better than I thought since we were coming from a low scoring school to a much higher/better school. They all excelled in both the academic and social aspecs. Tucker is taking on the best student role with his imagination and love for math. His teacher is a great fit. It is the first year he didn't say recess was his favorite subject but reading and math. India won a slogan contest for Meth. "Meth is Death." All the 5th-8th. graders participated. She doesn't know yet, but she'll get a nice Ipod at their next assembly. She also has a new best friend that has horses. They seem to enjoy each other very much and their whole family is really down to earth and fun. India is now into a size 0 juniors. Sheesh!

We're going to Boise since Tim's Stepmom has emphasyma and possibly lung cancer and is homebound without her oxygen. It's not looking good. She has been sickly for some years now and they're taking it day by day.

I still love my work. I seem to be immune to all the fussing and crying and don't mind the constant on your feet of changing clothes, diapers, and bottles. We go for stroller rides and they seem to enjoy the silly songs my mother taught me. Thanks Mom.

Tim and I often have lunch together and besides the usual board meetings, he's home much more than ever. I'll let him tell you about his dieting and exercize/weights progress.

Christian can't wait for B-ball. Lainey, Courtney and Marcus still call him nightly. Pretty neat friendship for their age I think.

Good to here from all you,
Traci

update over here

hey Jan. nice update. OK. I'll go. First off, I assume Howie is getting low-fat hot dogs?

good for you on the low fat diet. I had a bit of a deviance from my own last week. I'm back on though. Remember that protein shake that Larry was drinking? Try that sometime. You can mix it with milk and blend it so that it fluffs up and takes more room.

I'm making a big pot of chili with locally produced spices. It's pretty darned good so far, but needs to simmer. I'll keep you posted.

Yeah Costco IMO is antisocial if anything. It generally reminds me of why I hate people.

I've been thinking about writing another blog which is anything but baby. I'm rounding up a couple of contributors that are learned, opinionated, and generally pretty good at writing. I'm not sure what it will be about--possibly just anything at the top of our minds that I feel doesn't belong here or on the baby blog.

I'm discussing with the stevenson business association a contractual arrangement that will have me creating YET ANOTHER BLOG as well as updating it with content. Not only that, I would be the webmaster for the stevenson website so I would be go-to guy for all things stevenson. On the rest of the work front, I've been getting more work than I have time to do.

I lost the election by 5%. In retrospect, I'm pretty happy with that. I have been in the public eye for a year now. The guy that is replacing me is pretty well-known in Skamania, and will do a good job, assuming he can make it to the meetings. I do get to set into motion the budget for a lot of waterfront improvement and construction projects.

Mel and I have been hunky dory, and I think the babies have sort of made us more of a unit. I'm surprised by that, thinking that children would tire us and we would retreat to our own little corners. If anything, it's done the opposite. I would say we've gained something else in common, when perhaps we didn't have that many interests we could share together. We play cards, computer games, hot tub, and watch tv together more than ever, aside from, of course, the time we spend with the girls.

That's it I suppose.

Catchin' up (from Mom)

Hello all - no news since Halloween.

Howie: I bought hot dogs, cut them up into very small bite and have started Howie's training. He is pretty smart so this should go fairly quickly if we stay at it. He loves the creek still so every trip outside is apt to end in a very wet dog. Maybe not so smart.

Cats: Not liking new dog and staying outside much more. Becoming feral by winter's end.

Work: I don't know what is making this such a busy year. I keep thinking things will slow down a bit, but they don't. So many little things coming up constantly. Maybe I need to work on my delegating skills.

Health: I am still on my low fat diet. I'm going to give it 3 months and then have my cholesterol rechecked. There is nothing good to eat that doesn't have fat in it. I have appointments schedued to have other body parts checked for dread diseases. Had my hip x-rayed this week and will get results on Tuesday. It hurts when I walk up stairs or move some strange way that I'm not even sure is. It gives me a very old lady look going up stairs, sort of hoisting myself along with the rail. Sheesh!

Aunt Marion: Really enjoyed seeing Aunt Marion here for a couple of weeks. She apparently brought the sun with her from Tuscon and took it back when she left. We are back to rain.

Appliances: Dishes washer is wearing out and Dad has scoped out the sturdiest, most expensive model in the whole world. I'm going to vote for hand washing dishes.

Big Plans: Trip to Costco on Saturday. This is a sad commentary on my social life.

Thanksgiving: Very much looking forward to seeing the Deans and Sharp/Rudds, especially the small Deans and Sharp/Rudds. Sorry, but the babies and tots are so much cuter than the 30-40 year-old crowd. The rest of you will need to eat up a storm since I will have a hard time getting my money's worth at the buffet and staying low-fat.

Time for bed. Love to all,
Mom/Janice

Howie

Howie the water dog

Howie has been showing me how to enter the creek for a drink or just plain fun...................and I have been showing him a large towel in order to get in the house. He just jumped up on the bed in the computer room and proceeded to pull stuffing out of one of his three "bees". I can hear him sweaking it near Mom. I sent pictures of Howie to Melanie; maybe she can forward them on because I no longer have any e-mail addresses since "cleaning out" the memory of our computer.

I gave our cats 5 in 1 shots today and they still need their rabies. When November comes I will take them to the Brownsville vet since she is cheaper and gives me a "senior" discount. I sent away for "generic" Heartworm medicine from Pet Shed and saved a bundle.

I was pulling some weeds and a wet Howie nuzzled my arm; I was squating in the road and...........his collar wasn't working. It had lost it's rubber seal and was full of water. The new collar I had purchased made the appropriate sound but no static discharge. So I had to return the new one to Home Depot and got the "super receiver" for $15 more, air-blowed the old unit until it worked and then silicone chalked it. Then I also found another receiver/collar that I did not know I had; that makes 4 total, and all have been trimmed for small terrier necks. Howie had gone off barking while I was working in the garage on the collar and I was afraid he had crossed the barrier (thought I had heard a squeal) and so I walked down the driveway in the dusk urgently calling him. I forgot I had the old unit in my hand and............ lo and behold, the unit worked very well and I threw it about 15 feet (without really trying!). What a nasty shock.

Howie has a great move for Ms. Vicious. He bounds into her and when she growls and chasess he runs in these gay circles and bounces his shoulder into her teeth/mouth and doesn't allow her to bite/attack.

I changed the oil on the Rav 4 and Howie carried off a metal socket and the top of the milk container I was pouring oil into. He gave me moral support when I was on my back half under the SUV licking my face and jumping on my chest as I tried to inch under.

To end this I am very happy to say that he is a real lovey boy; enjoys cuddle time and likes to lay either on you or next to you with his head in your lap. Love Dad

Howie the Fox Terrier

I was exhausted when I got home with Howie. Charlie immediately started guarding the food dishes and water. I put Howie's around the corner, but she tried extending her boundaries and cutting him off at the past. Of course his toys became her toys. He climbed up in my lap to get away from Ms. Vicious. We went to bed at 7 pm, but Howie couldn't rest, too stressed out. Janice took Charlie to another bed room and they went to bed presumedly. Howie wants to be up, down, on my chest, to the end of the bed, etc. I got some sleep, but woke up to wetness at 3:00 am to find he had peed on the foam topper. I was too tired to clean it then; got out the shampooer this morning and hopefully can put the sheets back on tonight. The new shock collar did not work and he escaped down the street twice to visit kenneled dogs and the house right across the street from us. COME did not seem to be in his vocabulary, but at least he did not continued further and I was able to catch him. I put on an old electronic collar, put in a new battery and trimmed off 8 inches of extended collar and it worked fine. I mowed the lawn and mulched the leaves (the neighbors have a lot of trees besides ours). He got used to the noise and was outside with Charlie while I mowed for around 2 hours. He was a little nervous. Janice came home and wanted me to tire the dogs out so we took a ride to Foster Lake, 20 minutes from home, and I let both dogs run around in the county park with it's wide open spaces. Howie found a 1 foot deep creek that had to be crossed so we couldn't come home until both dogs were exercised and Howie was dry. Earlier, I found that Howie is a hose spray attacker when I tried to clean the underside of the mower. Charlie and Howie have had 3 fights over dominance and self-determination. On the last fight, Charlie got the worst. Howie is bigger and grabbed her collar and was content with a draw. Since these altercations both dogs are gaining some respect for each other. I stay away and let them become more amicable. At the park I would pretend to throw a stick one way and then toss for Howie to get it. He would run around leading Charlie on a merry chase and toward the end Charlie was giving up and letting him have the stick. Then she would sneak up and carefully get the stick and then bring it back. Since we have two dogs the dog biscuits we have have become important again. Both dogs are sacked out with Howie stretched out on a bed next to me. I am going to try taking the dogs out several times tonight to see if that helps Howie. I am wondering what Jan is going to have me do regarding sleeping arrangements. Howie wanted nothing to do with his new foam bed.Well...............will try to take some pictures tomorrow. Dad

Bomb Threat

Did you see Sweet Home HS on the news? Had a bomb threat early in the morning & they sent the buses on to the JH where they crammed all the HS kids in the gym. It wasn't pretty.

(Sorry if this is a repeat. I posted this all with a comment but then it went wacky on me.)

Anyway, the police identified the suspect and had her in custody by mid-day.

I've continued to be superbusy--still trying to get the gigantuan district improvement plan done at the same time as I'm trying to get everyone trained in the new state testing system. Lots of changes this year with that.

We now have Howie. He is a 1-year-old fox terrier of the black head and speckly white body variety. Charlie tries not to like how, but forgets herself occasionally and gets caught up in playing with him. Of course, if he ventures too close to her food dish, her toys or her humans he gets a fierce scolding. She drew a little blood today as well. I'll let Dad give you the details of this acquisition. I'm sure he'll leave nothing out in the telling.

We have little sugar ants in our bathroom. Can't figure out why. I removed the mouthwash and cold medicine thinking they might have sugar in them. DAd has sprayed with toxic chemicals. The hardy little devils keep coming, although they do seem to spend a lot of time running in circles or clinging desperately to electric cords. They are not well.

I, however, am on the mend. Thought I had this cold licked, but some stuffiness remains. I shall prevail. Had my annual (although it has been a couple of years) checkup and was pronounced healthy. I have to go back to have several parts checked by radiology of one sort or another, but that's another day. Too busy right now.

I'm trying to get excited about Halloween, but all I can think about is having to spend 3 hours answering the front door 100 times. Bah humbug.

Maybe if I had a costume I'd be more excited. When I retire, I'll sew myself one of those, too.

haunted house

This Saturday we're going to a haunted house. The woman organizing it said it's really haunted; it was her husband's parents and is now abandoned. Maybe I'll see a phantom or something. I'll let you know. I'm dressing up as a '50's girl - poodle skirt and all. Tuck is going as Frankenstein -India as Frankenstein's bride. Christian is wearing a Planet of the Apes mask. I don't think I can get him to kind of hunker down and swing his arms like an ape, but I'll try. Tim as usual won't be dressing up. I'll just introduce him as Opie or Howdy Doody.

Haven't heard from Greyson recently???? Must be having better baby days.

I found a published author who read my novel and said it was great but had too much stage directing and that is a novice mistake. She thought after I made some of these transitioning changes I'd have a good chance of getting published!

I've been told we should get freezing fog any day now. I guess it's beautiful, but can get a little dreary after a few weeks. Glad I don't have to travel.

Hope to hear from someone.
Traci

Colds

I knew it was bound to happen. The Deans were sick, my husband was sick, my mother was sick, now I am sick. So far it doesn't seem to be that bad of a sickness and I haven't had a cold for over a year so I guess it is time. The babies have been fine so far.

I have been back to work for 3 weeks now and am getting used to the whole schedule again. We have started getting the babies up at 11pm for a feeding. Or I should say Greyson feeds them and I sleep. And then I get up when they wake up around 5am for a feeding and Greyson sleeps in. I have started just going strait to work after I get them back down for a nap. So sometimes I can get to work at 6:30am and back home by 3pm and have the afternoon at home. I am not normally an early riser so it is tough for me.

And then we have Saturday's, my day to sleep in. But for some reason my mother and sister think that I should be up at 8 or 9am just because they are. Well I am not. I feed the babies and go back to sleep as soon as they are down for the morning nap. And I only answer the phone so it doesn't wake the babies. So if I seem a bit grouchy when you call, that is because I am.

We have been giving the babies a bath in these plastic baby baths, but because they are getting bigger and splashier they are starting to make quite a mess of the counters where we bathe them. So to try something new we decided to bathe them both in there baby baths but put them in the clawfoot tub so they can splash all they want. Of course as soon as we got them both in Samia started crying and her voice reverberated inside the cast iron clawfoot tub and scared Piper who screamed and scared Samia who joined the screaming and the noise bouncing off the tub walls was deafening. So until they start liking bath time a bit more we won't try them at the same time in the echo chamber again.

Samia's belly button looks almost normal. The hernia is gone but now she has some extra wrinkly skin left over. But that should go away as she grows. Piper's hernia is less but still there.

I have been doing a lot of breastfeeding the last month and apparently Piper has taken a liking to it. She now is turned off by the bottle and will often just roll the bottle nipple around on her tongue and makes this disgusted face and refuses to drink for a bit. She does that even if there is breastmilk in the bottle. She is quite the turkey. Greyson finds it quite frustrating. I think she will get over it once she realizes she doesn't have an option while I am gone.

So that is my update and I may repost this on the baby blog so that Greyson's family can see it as well.
Take care everyone,
Mel

Six months old/ Our happy Noah

Well, I had to share Noah's six month old pictures. Every 3 months I have a coffee cup made with the baby's new picture. I drink my morning coffee out of the newest one and retire the older one to the motorhome. It makes me feel a little closer to him , and makes me smile. Grandpa is very much smitten with his grandson, so I get no complaints about my cup purchases.

On a more serious note, our area is sure suffering today with the Santa Ana winds. The malibu area really has a fire burning which is spreading. Phil and I have reservations at the Malibu RV resort next weekend, so glad it wasn't this weekend.

We are just loving the RV and Murphy just thinks its so much fun. Dogs to meet, wind and new smells, not to mention being with Mom and Dad with all the attention.

Grandma is fine and enjoying Bernie as lot. She had a cataract removed, but is disappointed that it didn't help her vision as much as she expected. Due to her diabetes, there are some changes to the blood vessels in the back of the eye that affect her vision separate from the cataract.

Hello to everyone, hope to see some pictures of everyone else.

Love,

Aunt/ Sister Chris

Fall

The colors here are gorgeous. It's been cold and rainy and as Winnie the Pooh would say, "A blustery day." I found my light lamp and that should help with my lack of energy and the achy bones I feel at this time of year.

I wanted to recommend Madagascar as a great movie. Pay attention to the details...it has Chris Rock and one of the stars from Friends on it. The leader of the lemurs is by far my favorite character. It's animated, but has a lot of humor that goes over the heads of our kids.

India's arm is almost mended. She has a dance and decided to pluck one of her eyebrows. I told her the gaps of no hair wasn't noticeable. Is that right to lie to your daughter? Tucker spent some time fixing his hair on picture day. I asked him if they took his picture before or after P.E. He said, "They took it before, when we were still handsome."

Christian is still calling Lainey, Courtney, and Marcus nightly. He's making friends here, but misses Prineville a lot. I can relate. Had coffee and muffins with some new friends of my own this morning. I don't think I mentioned to Tim that I'm not the military wife sort and I'm not moving again. I'm not. I'M NOT.

Haven't opened my bag of Halloween candy yet; that's a good emotional sign. We have two spitty babies so I dress like Mr. Rogers for work; comfy shoes and cardigan - turtleneck to unlayer after a really bad urp.

Hope to hear from you all.
Traci

Mom and Tim at Sunriver

Yes, as the rest of us slave away, Tim and Mom are enjoying Sunriver. Tim called and told me it snowed the first day he was there.

The biting and otherwise aggressive toddler is at another caregivers. It has been so much less stressfull...not wondering when she'll purposefully smash a babies fingers or throw blocks at another toddler, then maul them for crying. It was an interesting family/staff meeting. The family claims that none of this behavior happens at home. Yeah. Denial. And I'm not talking about some famous river.

Football is almost over. I don't do well in cold environments. The gym is acceptable.

We bought two huge bags of candy from Costco. I can't wait for the leftovers.

Traci

Fun Weekend

Had 2 babies, 2 little kids and 2 big boys and 2 of my direct offspring ,one son-in-law, 1 mother and 1 husband over the weekend. The twins are getting so big, and Piper has rolled over. Can't do it at will yet, but the time is soon. I think Larry had a nice birthday visit. He got his favorite cherry cheese cake and we didn't even try for 60 candles.

We heard Brian got a very large deer, so their freezer will soon be full of venisen.

Nicholas and Gabe played a few hands of pinochle with us. They are learning it fast.

Not much else - I think I'm still tired from the visit and gained back two lbs.

The HS principal and I are going to Sunriver to a conference this weekend at Sunriver. They have a condo over there so that's where we'll be staying. Looks like the weather is going to be awful so maybe we will see some snow over there. I'll need to take the laptop and work with me.

j

back to work...lots of babies there.

Greyson, my years of being at home or partially at home with our munchkins make me feel for you. It's tiresome, annoying, and seems endless. Plus you have the "it's so nice to be a Mr. Mom and get to spend all that time with your precious twins." And you're thinking, "Uh, I'd rather be a Wal Mart greeter or try and promote a durable plastic knife by slicing five pound bricks of cheese at various stores instead of doing the job I'm doing today."

I'm back to work. I got bit by the precious two year old. Even through two layers of clothing she left a nice bruise. My boss said I needed to show her parents. So I did. They didn't even say they were sorry. Monday we'll have 11 infants/toddlers. I'm hoping for a six foot snowfall.

The kids went fishing and caught 2 trout each. The guy who took them smoked them for us. Not too bad. Today we go for our monthly Costco visit. We're taking two icechests. I haven't been writing so I've been reading about a book a week and that keeps my mind occupied. Somehow the twenty diapers a day just wasn't doing it. Our new home is huge, but we're still in the unpacking process. We'll be ready for visitors by the end of October I think.
Love to all,
Traci

hang in their greyson - update from Jennifer

Greyson- if you bring them to Sweet Home- an aunt there would love to give you a break…I’ll even change diapers.  My update is short and sweet- I’m super swamped with work.  I’m not sharing department head duties- so I’m kind of in charge of it all now…so my day seems to just fill up before I even get to my “list”.  I know my mother knows how that feels.  Anyway- I need to get my next lab set-up and I haven’t eaten yet today.  So I hope you all enjoy your weekend- I’m looking forward to having these three days off and visiting my parents- and hopefully my nieces…oh yeah- and of course my sister and brother-in-law. 

lame...just lame you guys

I've grown to depend on the participation on this blog. After being tag teamed over the course of the day by perpetually unhappy little turdlets, I expect to see an update from the people I care about. Yes I've developed a dependence--this being one of the few places I log on to given the tiny gaps in my schedule allotted me by the tyrants. 15 minutes of coos and smiles. an eternity of --oops I was 15 minutes late to sooth the babies in time for nap #2. Thus begins a cycle of overtiredness, screaming and irritation. Now are they screaming because they're an hour past their naps, or have they screamed through the nap to the point that they are...yes. I believe I'm hungry. Given I'm already belting out beyond what my lungs can possibly propel, I might as well make a smooth transition into "I'M FREAKING STARVING, YOU BASTARD!!! HAVEN'T YOU BEEN LISTENING?????" long day. To end it, there was a bath, and I fed them a bottle in the total silence and darkness of the nursery, and when I placed them in their beds...not a sound. Wow. That would be the second time since independence day that that has happened.

a few new pics and footage

hey guys. I made some additions to the baby blog. I will try to update fairly frequently, and if you want to get the latest, try clicking on the rss link at the bottom of our blog, and setting your browser/rss feed reader up to give you a notice when something new is up. It's a new process for me, but I'll try to help if I can. I have a feed display tool that shows the latest headlines from bbc, ny times, and ign (a gaming website). It's a nice way to stay informed without poring over pages of spears/simpson tabloids.

Dean family update

Ok- so my apologies for somehow involving all my colleagues on the blog.  As far as the Dean family- we are busy.  I’m swamped but happy.  Mother I haven’t forgot about the inquiry inservice—just haven’t had a free moment.  If you could e-mail me those dates again- that would be great. 

Gabe is playing both offensive and defensive positions in football.  He loves it.  I started with him today- because I’m at the school with him until 7:15 on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Nicholas is playing indoor soccer- I think middle school has increased in its demands on him- he hasn’t been as enthusiastic…or it could be the fact that he has a cold. 

Emma’s preschool experience is improving.  She even raised her hand to answer a question this week…the teacher immediately called on her.  I know- with my earlier concerns- that I probably put them on high alert when I join their circle time.  I’m trying to be very supportive and encouraging of the teachers there…I know their patience is incredible.

Kalena- well she spent Monday with her uncle Greyson…and she came away without any bumps or bruises….or even ink drawings on her skin- which is more than I can say about a day with her father.  I mean that in the nicest sweetest way honey J   Anyway- thanks Greyson- we really do appreciate it- and would love the chance to return the favor with your little ones- my nieces.  Kalena went potty on the toilet Monday morning..it took patience on my part after she first woke up.  I will do this every morning…just get up an extra 10 minutes….sure- who needs sleep.

My husband is still truck shopping.  We are looking for a F350, that’s got less than 50,000 or so miles…and is in good condition.  Brian had to ride with a smoker for the last few days- so now he has developed a cough.  I bought him a mug- that I’ll bring home tonight- for him to take to work- it says “Care if I smoke?”   and then you turn it- “Care if I die”….and it has healthy vs. smokers lungs…I got it on my field trip to see the “Bodies” at OMSI…I thought it would be appropriate to get the message across to this “friend” that he works with.

Well I need to get done with my work- so I can pick up Gabe on time.  Take care everyone.  Sorry my blogging has been so infrequent…but I’m just a tad bit busy. 

Yeah, Jennifer!!!!! Geez!!

I tried to post a comment giving Jennifer a bad time about her posting problems .................but I couldn't remember the right combination of name/password pair. Had to laugh, but didn't want to miss the opportunity to razz, so tried to see if I could at least post.

After installing a new hot water tank/spout for the kitchen, found that our shower had a small leak and so I made it bigger. Finally had a pro fix it today since I did not want to sink ever more money. The detergent door in the dishwasher broke and the metal guard on the lower spray arm fell off. Had already replaced 4-5 parts and this spray arm will be $37 to get, so I am thinking new dishwasher. Ours is about 10 years old, but I think we have used it more than the "normal" household; consumer reports or JD Power's assigned a useful life of 13 years with repair and maintenance costs expected. I also used Mom's Oxyjet Toothbrush system and it isn't working correctly.......... for some unknown reason. I sent away for another complete replacement ($93). She washed her cell phone (I guess for sanitary reasons; actually she alluded to taking medication and not thinking clearly) and so we got a new one for $50 (she had $5/month insurance). Last night the gas fireplace had a small explosion and we have determined that everything is going to fall apart. My front teeth are worn down and I can't repair two crowns until January ($1500) and, incidently, my hair is starting to rapidly thin. Both of each of our feet grew, so Mom threw away quite a few pairs of shoes, ............... and I have been looking at my shoes in the garage with a scowl. So long as I get 10-16 hours of sleep a day and do nothing strenously, like........ house work, cooking, cleaning, outdoor work, etc I feel pretty good. Have a doctor's appointment in Roseburg Thursday. I will make a list of symptoms and questions. I plan on getting 4 shots. Flu, pnuemonia, tetnus, ........... can't remember the last.......... maybe rabies? Love to all, Larry

For those of you with posting issues...

OK, since some of you have major posting issues I will give you another way to post to the blog.
Just send an email to-melsharp.thesharps@blogger.com

It will put up the email in the blog just like a regular posting. However (and pay attention Jenn), it looks like the email is coming from me so please put your name at the bottom so we know who is writing the posting. Also (Jenn) please don't use this email address when writing to other people because when they do a reply all we get junk in the blog from people we don't know.

So to post just write an email and send it to the above address.

-Mel

Back to work

So Monday was my first day back at work. Even though I have been getting up around the clock for months now I found it hard to get up to go to work. I am sad to leave the girls in the morning, especially since that is when they have the most smiles. But at least I know they will have a good time with their daddy while I am gone. I really only get to see them for about 2 hours a day now which seems way to short of a time. And tonight I have a meeting in Vancouver so I won't get home until right at their bedtime.

We did have a major breakthrough last night. The babies BOTH slept through the night!!! 10 solid hours of sleep for them and 7 hours for me!! The funny thing is I still felt exhausted in the morning. I think that might be related to knowing I have to go to work instead of lounging on the couch with the babies.

Some of the Mayhem

I had a great time with those of you who could make it. these screenshots are taken directly from saturday's action. I hope those of you who participated enjoyed it as much as I did. It was great to see you guys. The interaction always goes well beyond what you see on the tvs.

Fun - to get to know you

A few things about me:

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. infant/ preschool leader (Positive Disciple program)
2. waste management radio operator
3. forest fire fighter
4. teacher

Four movies I've watched more than once:
1. Oh Brother Where Art Thou
2. Madagascar
3. Sponge Bob
4. A Knight’s Tale

Four places I have lived:
1. Arlington, Or
2. Kihea and Lahaina,Maui
3. Prineville, Or
4. Castle Rock, WA

Four T.V. Shows that I watch:
1. So You Think You Can Dance
2. CSI
3. Dog Whisperer
4. Dr. G the Medical Examiner

Places I have been:
1. Phoenix and Tuscon
2. St. Louis
3. Pasadena
4. Canada

Four People who e-mail me (regularly):
1. Beth Filion (school secretary)
2. Family Blog e-mails- SPRAD (sharps, porters, rudds & deans
3. Ellise Anderson (the boss
4. Brian – once a week on Wednesdays- his day off

Four of my favorite foods:
1. pasta alfredo
2. thai soup
3. smoked salmon
4. Chocolate

Four places I would rather be right now
1. At the beach with my family
2. Camping in the woods w/ friends and family
3. still sleeping in my warm cozy bed
4. on a trail ride with my in-laws

Four friends/family I think will respond:
1. Brian
2. Heidi
3. Susie
4. Mel (my sister)

Things I am looking forward to this year:
1. Spring break
2. Summer vacation
3. Christmas at home
4. Watching my nieces grow and change

Baby blog

So for all of you that can't get enough baby info we have started a Samia and Piper only blog at www.grudd.net/blog. We will be posting more photos and video there for your viewing pleasure. We are primarily establishing this site so Greyson's family can see the babies but anyone else is welcome to take a look. We will also continue to post a few photos and videos on this site as well. The new site doesn't have much yet but hopefully I will get more up soon.

-Mel

I wanted to show a small portion of my cousin's home and fantastic garden ( also your dad's/ Larry's ). Carolyn and Bob live in Santa Cruz and have the most incredible home and yard. They are collectors and the yard is huge with different gardens, sections w/ flowers, trellis's etc. Two large koi ponds and one small koi ponds that are fasinating. The large koi fish will eat right out of your hand. They make a sucking sound and open their big mouths just like babies when you hold the food close to the water.

Carolyn is one of grandma's niece's; Aunt Ruths' daughter. She is truly a one of a kind lady; I call her a fairy princess, because that's how she appears. Wears flowing long dresses and has long hair; is so talented with flowers and cooking. And is so full of laughter. Wish all of our family could meet her and her husband, Bob. Mom and Bernie stopped by their house on their trip back from Washington. They had a nice visit.

Did you notice I happened to get in a picture of a couple cute guys? I asked Stephanie the other day to send new pictures and/or video because us Grandparents do miss our babies ( right Jan, Larry?)

Bye for now,

Aunt Chris/ Little Sis

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

India is going to the zoo snooze which is a great overnight field trip/sleepover at the zoo. I have a litter tiger at my work. She is two and she constantly hits, bites, headbutts, shoves, pinches and kicks the other babies/toddlers. I told Kaitlyn's mother (who said she's never seen this behavior at home or Grandma's) to come and observe today. I also let my director know that after Kaitlyn slapped me in the face - quite hard- that it was either me or Kaitlyn because it's unacceptable. The director backed me and said the family often does not pay their bills??? And the older preschool sibling has the same behavior problems. So it would be an easy decision.

Christian is still loving football. Tuck watches the practices and jumped and tackles imaginary players.

I went to Seaside last weekend and had a blast body-surfing. Glad we bought those wet suits. Lucy is now fussing anytime we close to the frig- for her icecubes- It's not like Brit with her barking and ball, but I wish we'd never started it.

Love to all,
Traci

A dearth (from Mom/Jan)

So what's going on out there - I know you are very busy, but . . .

It has certainly been busy at work for me. My boss's mother has moved here and is very ill. He is providing a lot of direct care so is off-loading what he can in other people's direction including mine. We had Open House at Holley last night. Not a lot of people, but it was a nice evening. I did a short PowerPoint with several pictures of the kids in it so that was well received.

I had a terrible muscle spasm in my upper back/shoulder area. It got so bad I had some numbness and tingling own my arm. I finally called the doctor's office for an appointment when nothing I tried (Ibuprofen, heat, muscle relaxants, etc.) seemed to help much at all. I said I had a pain in my upper back. Then they asked about it radiating and which arm, and presto they were sure I was having a heart attack and got me right in. I tried to assure them I was certain it was a muscle thing but they were having none of it and insisted I come right in. Sure was a quick way to get an appointment! Of course, it was just a really bad muscle spasm. Whatever he gave me worked pretty well even though it has taken a week to completely subside. Don't know how I did it- apparently an old age thing. Or maybe lifting several cases of bottled water.

Pat (HS principal friend) and I had a trainer show us a routine to do at the gym with free weights. I can sure tell there are a few muscles I haven't been exercising before. I like doing the free weights and its just nice to have a change.

Charlie has a friend who comes to play every day or two. It is a very small odd-looking little dog with sparse white hair. Mina has a visitor, too, but I think he just wants to fight. He comes to our sliding glass door in back and stares in. William's battle injuires are pretty healed now although he still looks beat up with the shaved tale and patch on his side.

Not much else here. We are hoping for school pictures??? Also we need new baby pictures because we know they are changing so fast and probably look totally different now than before.

Melanie, Chris Cvitanich is living in Portland area & working in Troutdale (Early Childhood Intervention). Is it okay if I give her Dad your phone number and/or e-mail?

By the way, I have some of your cell phone numbers, but others that I didn't write down and just had in my cell phone are gone. I left my phone in my pants pocket and it got washed. (I'm blaming that on being on the drugs for my shoulder pain.) The upside is that I wasn't at all concerned when I learned the phone was defunct - at least not until the next day. Anyway, I've got a replacement now. The insurance I've been paying at a rate of $5 a month for 6 years = $360 charged me a $50 deductible and did replace the phone. I'm thinking that's not such a good deal.

Well, I've rambled on enough. How about some updates from the rest of you?

Mom/Jan/Grandma

video test

So it appears that we can now post video as well as photos. So I am going to put on a video of Piper smiling.

More pictures...

I wanted to post some of our pictures. The first is a picture of Brian's truck. I will let him tell the details but everyone was fine.

The babies had their 2 month checkup. They were both about 10.5 pounds and were already caught up to their age. They were in the 5th percentile (weight, height, head size) at birth and are now up to the 50th percentile.

We are having the Halo 3 tournament in three weeks. So far I have the Lopes boys attending with the rest of the Dean family showing up before and after a wedding they are attending. I talked to Traci and she said the kids and she will likely be attending, but Tim will be staying home to move them into their new house with the help of some students. I believe mom and dad said they were going to come but I haven't heard from them lately.

Greyson has our "new" truck fixed up except for a wiring problem with the headlights. We are in desperate need of a trip to the dump to take our recycling in.

so where are the first day of school pictures??

porter update

We really enjoyed all the pictures from baby Noah to the beach trip. Bernie and Grandma look like they had a good time.

India broke her arm jumping from hay bales at the fair. She said she still had a great time and wants to enter a sheep for 4 H. I told her we should start with a bunny or cooking first. Tuck is enjoyng his combinded 3-4th. class and his best subject is still P.E. He did well on all his placement tests which is unusual since he typically acts like he can't read or do math. Then his teachers think he needs special ed until we take his computer games away and then magically he excells in his tests.

Christian is pretty small compared to his classmates and was leary of trying out for football. Thankfully he is having a wonderful time and the guy giving him his sports physical reassured him that with his long legs and big feet that he'd be plenty tall in a year or two.

I'm working full time in the infant/toddler room at the Condon Child Care. It's in the Elementary building, so I get visits from India and Tuck oftern. The work can be stressfull and labor intensive but it's good to get out of the house and still be close to the kids.

Tim seems to be a perfect fit so far for his job. The community is thrilled with him although in small communities that could change over a minor issue. He really made the school secretary mad when she complained of a "skater" kid wearing a shirt with a skull and the American flag - in protest to the war- Tim felt that the kid was entitled to his beliefs as long as there wasn't any foul language or sexual references. We do have free speech in Condon. The secretary went away in a huff, but the kid was pleased.

We have been renting a 2 bedroom 1 bath house. Three kids, two dogs and three cats. Way too crowded - even with booting the cats outside. We've trained the dogs to stay off the sectional. Oh and Molly finally became a real dog with an official bath and trim. She's no longer a dust mop and we brush her each night to keep her all pretty. She's actually quite a small dog without all that hair. Anyway, back to the house: we got a call on a 3000sq. ft rental in town. It is really nice and the owner said she'll want to sell in a year or so. That's when our leasers negotiated to purchace our house.

Condon isn't very pretty, but it's safe and rooted with generations of really friendly farmers and ranchers. One of our neighbors brought us a delicious zuchinni bread and plate of cranberry cookies after the first week we arrived.

We'll be moving into our new house the last weekend of September. Half of our stuff is still boxed. I'll leave that up to you if you view that as a half empty or half full kind of thing.

Love,
Traci and family

Fun Times with the Family

Couldn't resist posting a few more baby pictures. Hope you don't mind.

Hey,

Loved all the pictures on the blogg. We've got a pretty good looking family, don't you think? I haven't really had the time to hear all the news about the beach trip, but Mom and Bernie sure had a great time. They both had fun and Bernie felt very welcomed with all of you.

I'm not having fun at work, can't believe I have so many more years to work. But I'm probably just in a slump and missing the grandbaby. Phil and I also haven't been out in the rv for a couple weeks, so am very anxious to take off. We are planning a short vacation to the San Luis Obispo area. I can't wait..

Love to all,

Chris

A Few More Pictures

Hazel brought over a cd from Ed with pictures from the reunion and I thought I should post a couple.