Taking Care of the Pool

Taking care of the swimming pool is not quite as easy as I thought it would be. I really love the laying out and relaxing part, the watching my grandbabies splash and play in it, but the cleaning part has a lot to be desired. This morning I was a little ahead of schedule so as I was finishing up drying my hair I thought, "I have a little extra time before I have to run to Sapulpa and pick up Madyson and Sadie so I'll start the pool vacuum." I put my hair dryer up, my brushes back in the drawer and headed out to the pool. I always check the skimmer first to see if it needs to be emptied of "BUGS". If it only has two or three bugs I leave it to clean out after the vacuum is finished. I took the skimmer cover off, looked inside and saw only about three or four bugs. As I took a closer look there was something against the side of the skimmer. Something grayish looking, maybe even fuzzy????. I thought, "that looks like hair or fuzz. Crap, (I know, I shouldn't say that word) but... Crap, I have to pull the skimmer out to clean it before I can start the vacuum". I turned off the pump and as the water stopped moving and to my disgust that ~ grayish looking, maybe even fuzzy looking ~ thing was actually...geeze... (you're gonna love this Trista) a dead frog. A dead frog...sucked to the side of my skimmer. Crap (I know, there's that no-no word again), I don't want to do this. I don't want to even look at this. Where the heck is Richie right now. He'll do this for me. Oh yeah, he's at work. I was so creeped out. Now I have to get that "DEAD FROG" out of my skimmer before I can start the vacuum. OK - it's dead - I can do this - there's soap and water in the house in case I touch that disgusting thing. Well, my skimmer has a handle on it and you have to turn it a tad to unlock it to pull it out to clean it. Really, all I have to do is pull up the handle, turn the skimmer to the unlock position, pull it out of the holder and dump the creepy contents. Right, it SHOULD be that easy. Well, the skimmer got stuck and my pulling on it dislodged the frog. It all happened so fast. That stupid frog floated up and touched my fingers. I screamed so loud I know I woke up the neighbors that were still sleeping, and as I was yanking my hands out and away from the skimmer I soaked my shirt and my hair with water from the skimmer. Needless to say I'm now late to pick up the girls because I have to change my shirt and redry the front part of my hair.

"Stupid dead frog"

Our new "Mini-Home"

I can't believe this but we have now purchased a "Mini-Home". Actually, it's a 5th wheel RV. We started looking for one a few months before Richie left for Iraq but nothing fit what we wanted. It was either the wrong color with the right layout or the wrong layout with the right color.

This last weekend we decided, last minute, to go to the Roaring River, stay at the Lodge if they had a room available and get away for a couple of days maybe even do a little Trout fishing. While there we noticed an RV for sale and again, last minute, decided just to "look" at it. Oddly enough the home was owned by another couple from Sand Springs. They were kind enough to let us interrupt their nap and open up the motor home for us to look at it. It was the right color and we liked the layout of it as well. We shook hands on the deal and are now the proud owners of a 2003 Sierra 30 ft 5th wheel RV.

Now we're looking forward to long weekends at Paradise Valley, fishing, going to Silver Dollar City and Bass Pro Shop, relaxing and enjoying a little time away from home. I still can't believe it.

Bedroom with some little boy already in the bed.

Not sure, but maybe he comes with the deal.

Kitchen Table "still not sure if the little boy came with the deal or not"!

Kitchen

Outside Front

Living Room. "And I know this man comes with the deal"

Richie's Welcome Home from Iraq

Let's see, where do I start?!?! The Military...Okay, here's a little synopsis of how things went, and if you've ever been in the military or have had a loved one in the military you should be familiar with the phrase "HURRY UP AND WAIT" or "HONEY, I CAN'T GIVE YOU ANY INFORMATION OVER THE INTERNET OR PHONE BECAUSE IT'S NOT SECURE". The FRG (Family Readiness Group) puts out the best information they can and I think they did a superb job, however, it was still very frustrating for us, not knowing the "for sure" time of ANYTHING and the changes that come down with every email on the time they were arriving.

When he left Iraq he had to spend a couple of days in Kuwait. They had VERY limited to no access to the Internet or a DSN line while there so I was frustrated to say the least. If anyone knows me you know I like to know the who, what, when and where and how. I make plans well ahead of time so everything and everyone can be prepared. The first email I received said he'll be at Ft. Sill at 4:30p.m. on Sunday the 24th, and if there are any changes I should receive another message with the new time. I made plans with the kids to leave around 11:00 a.m. to give us time to have some lunch at the PX and make sure Sadie was out of the car seat awhile to stretch because I thought the trip would be a little rough for a 5 week old baby. About 11:00 p.m. that same night, email #2, new time, arriving earlier, 1:30 p.m. and if there are any changes they would "let us know". I call the kids with the revised plan and go to bed. I get up Sunday morning, checked my email, nothing, no time changes, that's good. Plans stay the same, we leave for Ft. Sill around 9:30 a.m. Haylee and Madyson road in Mimi's car so I wouldn't have to drive by myself. I took my DVD player and put in a Disney movie to keep them occupied because it's about a two and a half hour drive. Well, the movie ended just the other side of Oklahoma City. I guess I was just waiting to see how long it took for the two of them to start arguing about something. We drive a little further, I would say about 15 minutes later, one of the girls said, "Mimi, she's counting my clouds". It took me a couple of seconds for my mind to register what I just heard. I said , "you have got to be kidding me, those are not your clouds." But to keep the argument from going further I said, "Haylee, you count the clouds on your side and Madyson, you count the clouds on your side. Don't count each others clouds." ~~ Cloud counting, my clouds, shaking my head in disbelief, still can't believe that one ~~ Anyway, that seemed to take care of the situation. Anyway, we get to Ft. Sill, get out at the PX and relax with lunch at Church's Chicken, go into the PX to shop a little until we have to leave to find the building they were holding the Welcome Home Ceremony in. Well apparently Richie Von got directions to this Rinehart Physical Fitness Facility from someone that didn't know what the heck they were talking about. Our "Schuler Convoy" pulls off the side of the road and then I remembered the night before I jotted down a few numbers for Ft. Sill that were help lines "just in case". I called the first number, he gives us great directions and I asked him if the time for the ceremony is still 1:30. His response, "No mam, they are now delayed to 4:30." My head is now pounding and I'm thinking, Oh my gosh, these little girls are tired. Now we have 3 more hours to wait. How are we gonna do this? We go ahead, drive to the Rinehart Facility, go in and they have music playing. These tired little girls take off their shoes and go out on the gym floor with a million other waiting kids and have a blast dancing, running, screaming. Yeah for music, other kids, taking off our shoes, screaming without getting in trouble, dancing and acting silly.

Dancing and having fun!

Waiting...

Can you pick him out?

Finally, at 5:30, in come our soldiers running on the gym floor into formation. The ceremony lasted about 30 to 45 minutes, the soldiers were dismissed by the Commander to greet their family. It was so great. I know the wait was long but it was more that worth it. He's home, he's safe and we get to touch him. I know that sounds funny but...I don't know how else to explain it. I can actually touch his arm, his hand, put my arms around his neck, kiss him. It's was great!

This was Richie's first time to see Sadie. I loved seeing Daisha's face as she watched her daddy hold Sadie for the first time.

Haylee and Madyson couldn't keep their eyes off their Papa and they wanted to make sure he wasn't gonna leave them again. Both kept saying, Papa will you hold me. And of course he did. So sweet.

Jamison was only 9 months old when Papa left. The only time she really got to see him in the last 12 months was on the computer (Skype) so she was a little apprehensive.

Papa and his girls.

We Have Squatters On Our Property

One afternoon Haylee was playing on the back porch and spotted this bird's nest in her Papa's Deer Antler's. The last few years birds have tried to put a nest in these very antler's but Richie was vigilant in stopping the building of the nest. Well, this year Richie is in Iraq and I guess this was suppose to be "another" one of "my" jobs while he is gone. Sorry Richie... I guess I didn't keep as vigilant of watch. By the way...my daughter-in-law had to take these pictures because I wasn't quite tall enough. Thanks Amy, but now there's evidence for your father-in-law that I let the squatters mess up his prized Deer Antlers. :)

Haylee discovered our squatters nest.

The eggs.

Momma Bird sitting on the eggs.

The ugly hatchlings.

Well, now they're not so ugly.

My "To Do List" before Richie gets home.

I have a "To Do List" I started before Richie was deployed last June. A few of those on my list were ~ to get all the walls and trim inside the house painted, paint and install all new doors and closet doors inside the house and put all new hardware on these doors. I now concede that I probably won't be able to complete all these tasks because I forgot about all the preparation that has to take place before you paint. You know...remove pictures, patch the nail holes, sand those down, clean the walls, move and cover the furniture and tape off the walls and trim. When you do that in EVERY room (Entry Way, Hallway, Kitchen, Living Room, four Bedrooms, two Baths) it gets a little time consuming and reminds you of some of those forgotten muscles you have in your body. I have tried not to ask for help from my family but on occasion just couldn't do some of it on own. Here are a few pictures of my work and progress thus far!

Madyson "helping" ??

Painting door to the girls room.

Woops! How did that happen?

This painting is messy.

Mimi, I need a wash rag.

How did this get everywhere???

Well that wasn't so hard.

Four doors done and...um...several to go. Body hurts.

Sadie is here!!! :)

Sadie Cheyenne Robins

Born April 14th 2009

6 lbs 11 oz

20 inches

Daisha checked into the hospital on the morning of April 14th, Dr. Nilson started her labor about 9:30 and Sadie was born a little after 2:00. Lucky her... I spent 23 hours in labor with her and she had 4 hours of labor with Madyson and 4.5 hours with Sadie. Do the math... 4 + 4.5 = 8.5 and 2 babies. How fair is that? Honestly, as her mother I'm really glad she hasn't had to go through hours of labor pains to have her babies.

Here's a few pictures from the hospital.

Madyson & Jamison watching Madagascar II ~ waiting

Madyson still in her Jammies ~ waiting

Amy pulling Daisha's hair back ~ waiting

Richie Von & Michael ~ waiting

Trista eating Pei Wei's ~ waiting

Mimi and Madyson ~ waiting

A little after 2:00 ~ No more waiting ~ Sadie is here !

How did my Mom do it with six kids??

I had all three of my granddaughters Saturday morning. Haylee and Madyson spent the night with me and Amy brought Jamison to me about 8:00 a.m. I had to feed, bathe, dress, make sure their teeth were brushed, clean ears with q-tips and fix their hair, not to mention - do all the same for myself, and be out the door with them by 11:30 a.m. to drive an hour to Oologah for Haylee's soccer game. (Oh, one small note, I had to make sure we had snacks and drinks packed for everyone for the game as well). I think I layed awake in bed half the night getting my "Game Plan" together on how I was going to get it all done and in what order I needed to do it to make my time line. I was so excited that we were all ready to go with fifteen minutes to spare. My excitement lasted only a brief moment when two thoughts came to my mind..."Oh my gosh, Daisha is getting ready to have Sadie any day now and I will have FOUR granddaughter's." and "Mom did this with six kids". Maybe I need not get too excited yet.

Breakfast with a smile!

Pretty in Pink!

Mom...you are definitely a "Super Mom". And by the way...Next time I have all of the girls here I'll pick you up to spend the night with us so you can give me a few tips on how I might do it better.

"Super Mom" I Love you!

~Haylee lost her first tooth~

A milestone in Haylee's life!!!! She lost her first tooth. I can't believe it. Richie Von said she came home from school and showed them the tooth that was growing in behind her baby tooth. He said he took a string, tied it around the tooth and pulled up on it, the tooth popped out and hit him in the nose. He said he felt something on the end of his nose, it was blood, he thought it was blood from Haylee's tooth. When he went to the bathroom to clean it off it kept bleeding. What actually happened was the sharp end of the tooth hit his nose and cut it. LOL Once he cleaned up the blood and got it to stop bleeding they had to look for the tooth...on white carpet. He said he was on his hands and knees searching for this "little white tooth" that caused him affliction. Amy said, "You better find it, that's her first tooth". (I would have said the same thing~sentimental) Anyway, they found the tooth and put it under her pillow for the Tooth Fairy and when she woke up there was a dollar under her pillow and the tooth was gone. Note: I only remember getting a nickle. What's up with that?!?!?!?!

Making Monkey Bread with my Girls!

Last Saturday was such a great day for Mimi (that's me). I got up early because Haylee had a soccer game in Oologah that I wanted to watch (she scored a goal ~ for her team ~ yeah Haylee). I'd made plans with Richie Von and Amy earlier in the week for Haylee to spend Saturday night with me, so, after the game I went back to their house to pick up her clothes for church and her jammies. I ended up taking both Haylee and Jamison home with me so Richie Von and Amy could have a much needed fun afternoon. (They are way too busy and they really needed some fun relaxing time together) Anyway, Haylee asked me on the way home, "Mimi, what are we gonna do today." I told her we were going to Aunt Daisha's to make Monkey Bread. She said "Mimi, I want to make Cheetah Bread." I had to stop a minute for my mind to unravel what she said. ~You think maybe she thought we were gonna make bread in the shape of a Monkey~ yep, I think so. I couldn't help but laugh under my breath. Once I got that straightened out in my head I explained to her what Monkey Bread was. Well, once we got to Sand Spring I had to make a stop at my house to drop off the luggage, take a bathroom and change of diaper break, pick up the bunt cake pan (Aunt Daisha doesn't have one?) then we headed to Aunt Daisha's for more fun with Madyson. We made "Monkey Bread" while Jamison sat in the high chair with Cheerio's and Juice and Aunt Daisha took pictures and made a video of the fun. We had a messy blast and made more memories together.

Madyson, Mimi and Haylee

They hated their hand being dirty. Many wash rag breaks.

Cheerio's, Juice and a smile from "Little Bit"

Into the oven.

Loving The Brief Spout of Warm Weather

I am absolutely a warm weather person. I hate being cold. Last week it was so nice to go outside without a coat, sit on the back porch and enjoy the warmth from the sun.

Before I got sick I was at Wal-Mart, anticipating the warm weather, I bought a Little Tikes Basketball Goal, 3 large bouncy balls, sidewalk chalk, colors, color books, sticker books and bubbles for the girls. Friday afternoon all three of the girls were here at the house. It was warm outside so we headed out the back door to the porch to enjoy the outdoors and the new toys. We had a blast with all the new toys and enjoying the warm weather.

Little Bit with her bubbles.

Madyson blowing bubbles.

Haylee coloring.