Gung Ho!!!!

Last weekend we attended the first official birthday party Luke has been invited to. Sure, he's had invites before, but from people we knew before he was born. The fact that Tanum and his family are people we didn't know before last fall made this really special...at least in my eyes.

Tanum just turned 3, and he said he wanted to go snow tubing. Step one for his dad was to make sure the agreed upon location actually had snow. Let me pause in this moment to say that last fall I had suspicion this was going to be a dry winter for us. Granted, I thought it would be really cold, too.....which was only partially right. December was frigid. But the dry!! Anyway, there was enough snow at San Isabel to entertain us all for a few hours. So the decision was definitely set to meet at a central location and caravan to the High Country.

We were stuck in an inversion last weekend, so we ventured out into the 15-degree weather and hoped we were all dressed in enough layers to stay warm. Knowing we were heading into the mountains would usually be answer enough since they usually fair better during inversion situations (warm & sunny above the stuck clouds), but we weren't going that high. We need not have worried. Literally within 90 seconds of leaving the gunk the temperature rose by 20 degrees! By the time we reached our destination, the temps were at 39, it was sunny, and we all ended up shedding layers. Okay, not everyone....the little ones were tortured, but they obviously didn't care.

This was the first time Luke had been sledding or tubing, so he had no idea what to expect. He was a trooper and gamely followed me all the way to the top of the hill, climbed into my lap, and giggled all the way down. Now, I'm not overly careful in most things I do like this, but this time I was hitting the brakes all the way down. It's a totally different ballgame when you've got your one and only baby in your lap! Don't worry, by the end of the day we were full force down the hill.

There was a smaller hill off to the side that the older kids were going down. Luke wanted to try that by himself. Us being the parents we are said "sure, go ahead!" The first trip I climbed to the top with him, situated him on the sled, made sure he was holding on tight, called down to daddy to be ready, and let go. I don't know who was giggling louder, me or Luke! But he was great; held on the whole way and thought it was fun when the sled stopped and he didn't. He plopped into the icy snow and laughed hard. Then he climbed up the hill again....and again....and again. Eventually Tanum's big sister, Laralai, rescued us and started climbing & sledding with us. While Luke was having a ball and gamely going at full speed, we were tired!!

I think we stayed up there for about 4 hours. It was a fantastic time that I don't think we wanted to end. Alas, the time came to drive back to Pueblo for pizza, cokes, cake, and presents. We said goodbye to the very little snow on the mountain and hoped we all stayed awake. The kids, of course, napped.

Each child got the chance to pull the string on a pinata, though I think only the older ones had any idea why they were doing it. The very last string pulled (somewhere around round three of string pulling) was the one that opened the pinata. I've never seen that before!! Anyway, the kids had a ball grabbing up the candy and putting it into their gift bags. Then came presents, cake (the kids were all too tired to eat!) and we decided to head on home. Luke still talks about playing in the snow, and he loves the two days a week he gets to play with his friend who's only a little bit older than him. I think it's safe to say he's a very happy little boy.....

ETA: I have pictures, but it's not letting me load tonight at all....they'll be coming soon!

San Antone...

The "Family" I refer to in this note is the tight-knit group I worked with at Lackland at the start of this century. I have often thought of every single person who was there, and I've had the pleasure of keeping in touch with a few since I left. Those years were the absolute worst years of my life (to date), though only a handful of people know why. There were even a few who completely judged my behavior and figured I was just a lazy loser. Not my shiftworkers. They were awesome. This includes our chief, the only officer I've ever had such high respect for that he has had a profound effect on my life.

You see, due to what had later been found to be a misdiagnosis (and, therefore, mismanaged treatment), I was only able to work during the day....and I left an hour before shift was up. That's because my "treatment" left me so danged loopy and sleepy that being on the road was dangerous. It's also why I was often flirting with being late to work (much to the irritation of those who had no idea and thought I was just irresponsible and lazy). Life outside of work was miserable, and I look back at my time there with absolute shame. I certainly didn't give my all because I was just unable to...despite trying. It's hard to explain.

Anyway, there is this small group of people on Facebook with whom I not only worked, but have been able to reconnect with. Oh. My. Goodness! You people are amazing! You have taken those awful, awful, and embarrassing memories and made them gold! You have made me realize that something in that place, and something in my life during that time really was wonderful. You have made me realize that there is such a thing as true humanity in this world. You have made me realize that mistakes and bad things can happen, but true friends, cohorts, and brother/sisterhood exists. You are all so special, and I am proud to call you friends.

I love you all.

Supermax....

What a pleasant surprise to have a power cord in my mailbox this afternoon! As such, I start back to blogging with a highly controversial subject: Guantanamo Bay.

I'm sure by now everyone has heard that President Obama has signed the order to shut down the detainee center at Gitmo within the year. Okay, not what I personally think is the wisest of choices, but I'm not the one in charge. But the questions over the coming days revolved around what would happen to the detainees. Would they just be released? Would they be moved elsewhere? If so, where? A few days ago we all received our answer: the detainees will be moved.

I admit, I haven't seen the list of possible places, but one place that is high on the list (and a likely move for the majority of detainees) is the Supermax Federal Prison here in Florence. That is about 25 miles due West of me. Yippee.

Now, I don't mind living this close to a maximum security prison. I don't even mind knowing who some of the prisoners are (notorious killers, bombers, and even a convicted terrorist). I know it's underfunded (shock) and that local officials are somewhat concerned about safety, but I'm also aware that this is not the only maximum security prison with those problems. It's a little concerning, but still not something to actually worry about.

What I do mind is the fact this administration, followed by the masses of the media, has announced to the world where these detainees are going to be going. THAT makes this prison a huge target and puts a good number of innocent lives on the line. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why.

It is also a slap in the face of sorts. There are so many of my veteran brothers and sisters, along with those who are still serving, who worked so hard to bring these people in and guard our nation. That is all I have to say on that.

So, I am trying to watch the developments of this particular subject very closely. It's not always easy, but I think it is a little bit vital. I hate to see my family and friends put into danger.....

A Brief Pause.....

I am currently experiencing some minor computer problems in the form of a bum power cord. I've got a new one coming, and I'm using my old laptop while waiting, but it's rather slow and using all it has to help me with school work. Once the cord arrives, I will update a bit as to what's been going on. We have some pictures to share from our snow tubing experience for a friend's birthday party, contemplations of my own about military life, and frustrations over the brilliant decision to shut down the detainee center at Gitmo....followed by the news the detainees will likely be shipped to my backyard. Oh, my....what a poor decision. But, I will share those things when I have a better laptop to work with.....

Inauguration...

I am not a fan of the individual who will become our 44th President tomorrow morning. I have reasons, but they're not anything worth sharing. The voices have been raised and he will become our new Commander-In-Chief, and that deserves the utmost of respect. I am more than willing to gulp down my opinions and give the man a chance. He could be a masterful one who does great things for this country! Granted, it could go the other way, too, but only time will tell. No matter what, I tip my hat, extend my hand, and wish Mr. Obama the best of luck as he takes office.

But there is another side to all of this. The inaugural proceedings are driving me crazy! I have mentioned that I absolutely love the city of Washington, D.C. I am not a city person, I like to be out where I have room to move and breathe, but this one particular city just stole my heart. I desperately miss being so close to it, being able to visit so many sights and see so much history. This morning saw Good Morning America inside the Library of Congress. Now I'm really twitching!! That is, by far, one of the most grand buildings I have ever seen! Not to mention the amount of information one can find there.

I had my best, most fun, and definitely favorite celebration of Independence Day in D.C. We walked all over the place, including parts of the city you generally wouldn't want to find yourself in, saw tons of interesting people, and just enjoyed a fantastic day. Sitting on the lawn in the Mall, situated between the Washington Monument and what is now the WWII Memorial (it was just getting the fountain finished then) watching the fireworks shot off from the river behind the Lincoln Memorial was amazing!! It was especially poignant for me since my 2002 celebration was halted for evacuation in New Braunfels due to a catastrophic flood. To have all the festivities and fireworks that lasted close to an hour in our nation's capital more than made up for it.

My parents were able to fly out and attend the dedication of the WWII Memorial with us in May 2004. It was my mom's first visit. Standing in front of the White House with her was special. Sharing the grandeur of Union Station, gasping at the awe of the National Cathedral, walking the miles, and seeing the spots major historical events took place with family members was a lot of fun. Memories that I will always treasure.

My time to write today is short, so my thoughts are a bit scattered. As much as I would really like to watch the inauguration and remember the time I was fortunate enough to spend in that wonderful city, I will be in class. I have no idea if I'll get to see any of it. For those who can, enjoy it and know we're a strong nation.....

The Missing....

I have decided that there is almost nothing scarier than a missing child.

I returned to school yesterday, and Luke went back with his friends at daycare, which went just fine for both of us. It's especially nice since Luke is doing so very well with potty training. It's amazing how just a few days in big boy pants has him doing all of his business all by himself whenever he feels like it (he is now at the point he doesn't want me there, just goes to do it, then tells me about it....it's great!). Anyway, he is still going out in pull ups, just in case, but he might be able to start heading to play with his friends in boxers very soon.

Anyway, I picked him up yesterday afternoon and came home to set to work cleaning the fish tank. Shortly after I started filling it again, the dog started barking. It was obvious he was seeing someone, or something, outside that he wasn't familiar with and wanted to alert me. I glanced and saw someone in dark clothing walking up the street to talk to my neighbor across the street. On a second glance, I realized he was a cop and that there were 3 cars & an SUV from the Sheriff's Department parked right outside. Alarm bells obviously start going off, but I had decided to just sit by and watch. It was only after I saw that Dawn was alone and her husband wasn't there (he had been earlier) that I decided to go over and see if she wanted the boys out of the way. I thought maybe someone broke in. As we all know, it can happen anywhere.

Mike pulled back in just as I was reaching the driveway, so I told him that I saw Dawn was alone and wasn't just being nosy. He said "We cant' find Mitchell. He's been gone for about an hour." Holy heart stop! This is a 5-yr old little boy, it was getting close to sunset, and the temps weren't exactly warm. Not to mention all the horrible thoughts that run through a person's mind....

Since I know the neighborhood well (because I walk it so much), I said I'd start walking and see if I could find him. The cops already had the dog out in the yard trying to see if he could find any signs, but one heard and said "that's a good idea." So, I ran back to the house (btw, I had my boy in my arms the whole time), loaded Luke into the stroller, grabbed my coat and a heavy blanket to wrap around Luke, and headed out.

It made one loop and was coming to check back in when Mike found Mitchell. He had been hiding in a camper they own. Weird thing is that it had already been checked, even by the cops, three times! The boy was hiding well, apparently! He had heard the commotion and looked out to see what was going on, got scared, and continued to hide. Mike happened to look in their again at just the right time to see him one time. Thank God!!

Nobody is really sure why this little boy decided to run off and hide like that. He had been playing with an ice fishing rod, the line broke, and he went to tell his mom that he broke his dad's fishing pole. She said it was okay, that it could be fixed, and went to put it away. In that time, Mitchell went to the playhouse in the backyard and started crying. She went to get him, asked what was wrong (no answer) and asked him to come lay down for a bit. He let her pick him up, but Dad came home at that time and Mitchell freaked out. He wrestled out of mom's arms, took off through a part of their fence that's broken, and that was that. When he never came back, they got scared. So did the rest of us, obviously. But there's no rhyme or reason to his behavior. Both parents said he's been acting very unusual for about a month, and they're now going to look into counseling for him. He's 5, so it's more difficult, but after hearing the things he's been saying and doing, I actually agree that this very young child needs help.

So, give your kiddos an extra hug today and let them know how much you're glad they're around.....

Kawasaki...

In light of the death of Jett Travolta and the recent news reports of the son of one of the members of the Backstreet Boys, I thought I would lightly touch on the subject of Kawasaki Disease. I admit I do not know very much about it, at all, but it is something that has touched my life.

During the winter of 2004 we were still living in Pennsylvania. Where, exactly, is a hotbed of illness, but also a good place for medical practice. Not too far away are scores of medical centers that are teaching hospitals alongside highly respected hospitals and clinics with fantastic doctors who have seen and/or treated a lot of weird things. That turned out to be a very good thing for friends of ours. Mark and DeNeaugh have two beautiful daughters, at that time they were 5 and 2. Mark worked with Jeff, and Deneaugh stayed home.

Brianna is the oldest. She had started talking about he chest hurting and her tummy not feeling well. She started throwing up. A lot. She started running a pretty high fever and became somewhat lethargic. She also had a strange rash all over her body. All over. Her parents were obviously alarmed and started turning to the doctors for help. For a bit, luckily a very short bit, nobody really knew what was wrong. There was talk of roseola, but Bri also wasn't following the typical for that (high fever for up to a week, then a rash breaking out), so nobody really believed that was what was wrong. Bri was only getting sicker.

There was a pediatrician in Pittsburgh who immediately recognized Bri's symptoms and started treating her for Kawasaki Disease. For a while, we all believed that Mark and DeNeaugh could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Granted, none of us had a clue what KD was, but we figured if she was being treated, she'd be fine. Boy, were we wrong!

About a week after treatment began, Bri started going downhill again...and fast. She ended up in Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV. She was trying to go into heart failure from the KD, and she was in very bad shape. DeNeaugh and Savannah ("Sissy") were with Bri pretty much all day everyday, Mark would stay with her at night after he got off work at the plant. Something that actually was good to know the hospital allowed, and certainly helped this beautiful little girl. She had a pic line placed that allowed antibiotics and other medication be administered directly to her heart. She had a special diet. She had a ton of other directives. None were easy, but all were bragging rights for her. She was amazing in sharing about her ordeal!

She did make it home in due time, pic line still in place and medications being administered for hours each day at various times. Sissy was great, too, as she took it all in stride and knew how lucky she was to still have her big sister. I think it probably aged mom & dad a bit, but I also think we can all understand that.

This family now lives in their homestate of Texas, and they are doing well. Bri is an active softball player and apparently very healthy. She was lucky. Many children out there who ar diagnosed with this disease are not. If not caught very quickly (as in the case of Brianna) by a doctor who either has dealt with it, or paid attention during the rare disease portion of medical school, the child will suffer horrible heart problems for life...at the very least. At the very worst, the child will die...in pain. It's an ugly and ferocious disease.
It was because of this family that I not only learned of this disease and its devastating effects, but of the way it touched the Travolta family. And others. It certainly is something that needs to be highlited more.....

Fires and Fields Of Study...

Wow, did Boulder dodge a bullet last night! We had big winds again yesterday throughout the Eastern side of the Continental Divide. It's typical this time of year, but Boulder and areas surrounding were the ones hit with the 80 mph gusts in this round. That brought down power lines, one of which started a fire. That fire sparked others, and the battle was one. Crews were able to put out the smaller fires fairly quickly, but two of them merged into one big one....and it was scary. Officials evacuated 11,000 homes, people were shuttling in trailers to help evacuate the horses and multitudes of llamas (there are dozens of llama farms in the area affected), and shelters were opened up throughout Boulder County and into Denver. A main highway through town was closed, the same highway that takes you the 25-minute drive up to Estes Park, and the fire ended up jumping it. I have also heard 9 horses and 1 dog are missing (which is terrible, but better than those numbers being human).

Latest word is that the fire is 30% contained, winds have backed down a bit, and crews believe they'll have it under control and contained by late afternoon. That's good. Five houses, a chicken coop, and a barn have been lost, including the home on one of the llama farms. It could have been so much worse (and really looked like it was going to be), so this news, as horrible as it is, is actually very good.

In other news, my big brother makes me so proud! He's a 15-yr veteran of the U.S. Air Force. I thought I was going to pop when he made Major a few years ago, but yesterday proved that some things only grow. We knew he was up for promotion again and that he stood a good chance. The bad part was that we all had to wait until this month to find anything out. Let me tell you, nothing is guaranteed in the military. Especially promotions. My world was a little different because the promotion process is different. Enlisted members have to test, and it's not an easy little test, especially when half of it is classified and you can't study at home or while on duty. Officers face a board, need to have certain recommendations, stuff like that. Nothing is guaranteed.

Anyway, David made the phone calls yesterday. He got the official word that he has been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel! YAAAAY!!! My big brother is officially an O-5! Okay, technically he won't "officially" be LtCol (light Colonel) until his line number comes up and he pins on, but close enough. I just can't express how proud I am of this double-engineer military officer that I always get into trouble with! Congratulations, Big Brother!!

I upped my school schedule for this semester. I had originally registered and prepared for only one class, but looking at a few things I decided to add a class the other day. So, now I will be taking 2 classes. They are one the same day, consecutive to each other, and even using the same classroom. It takes me from a 1/4-time student to a half time student. It just made sense! It is also part of my whole thing of dealing with difficulties in my chosen major.

As all are aware, I am working to gain entry into nursing school. I have the desire to become a surgical nurse. The problem? Nursing school is a pain to get into. It's very academic now, which is workable, but it also has this ridiculous waiting list. The one at my school is currently 18-months, and you can't get on until you complete all of your pre-requisites and pass the Nursing Entrance Test. Okay, fine, but then you have the possibility of those pre-req's expiring while you wait, and that you need to take filler classes that aren't part of your major's program. On top of that, there is no guarantee you'll be accepted, especially not in the time you expect. Oh, and this is a SHORT waiting list! So, what is a soul to do?

Well, in my case, the soul decides to have a major to fall back on. I will complete my pre-req's and apply for nursing school, but while I am waiting I will pursue another field of study. Whichever eventually is deemed the best for me, assuming I am accepted into nursing school in a timely manner, that will be the major and career field I will complete my studies in.

You ask what the second field of study I am working towards is? Do I dare share it? Oh, why not. It's a career field I have a little bit of experience in, and one I very much enjoyed the schooling the military gave me. It is one that offers a number of areas so I wouldn't be drowned in one little thing. It is one that I would still have the capacity to help others. The undergrad degree would be pre-law. If all were to go well, I'd go on and complete my law degree. It's possible, but probably a little scary to those who know me.

So, there you have it. The happenings in a nutshell. Now, I am off to help my big boy keep his boxers dry and clean....

Big Boy....

So, I am at that almost desperate point that most parents of boys reach with potty training. Luke was doing pretty well....until I had my surgery. Then it all went out the window. We're finally back to doing.....okay. I decided to try the "you can't pee in these pants" thing today and bought him his first pairs of big boy underwear. We'll see how that goes. I suspect not well, but hey, it's worth a try.

Being that I've never been the biggest fan of tighty-whities, I looked for something a little different. He came home with boxers and boxer briefs. He started out wanting to wear the briefs, but that lasted all of about 3 minutes. He's been running around in boxers since. I think they're pretty cute, and he seems happy, so at least THAT is a step in the right direction. Oh, how I dream of no more diaper bag and no more pull-ups! Seriously, the cloth diapers were so much easier...and cheaper.

Then there is the subject of a bath.

An actual bath. Luke doesn't usually get baths, he showers with daddy. He used to shower with me, but since I couldn't do a whole lot in November because of the surgery, we decided that was the time to switch parents. Sometimes, however, the shower doesn't occur because of daddy's work schedule....which isn't really a schedule. Such is the life of a power plant family. On those nights he still takes a dip in the tub. And I end up doing a bunch of laundry. Why? Well, take a look (pardon the nudity...at least he's still a toddler and can get away with it!):


So, my little man continues to grow up on me. In ways it is WONDERFUL! But I get a little teary each day when I see just how big he is and the new things he learns. I guess every mom feels that way, but it doesn't make it any easier to see your baby gaining a little independence....

For The Love Of Pete!

Good grief, people! When it is snowing and the road is a giant, slushy sheet of ice, do NOT cut other vehicles off!

We made a little trip to the North side of Denver today. It was nice when we left, but we also were aware the weather was going to change. We went prepared. It was a little wild to see exactly where the front was. This big, dark cloud bank greeted us at the Air Force Academy. From then on, it was cold. Fine by me...this is, afterall, WINTER! We also saw some flurries, but nothing exciting.

We made it to Brighton without incident, saw to our errand, had lunch at Chik-fil-A (seriously, it's a huge treat for us...we don't have them in Pueblo!), and started home. The North part of Denver was fine, South side was snowy and a bit slick. No big deal, though. People were driving just fine. Then it cleared out a bit, just sort of wet.

Outside of Castle Rock it got nasty! Traffic did slow down, but Jeff and I both commented on how amazing it is to see people still bunched together. Funny thing was that those of us with 4-wheel drive and/or larger vehicles were the ones keeping distance and being more respectful. The small cars were going faster and keeping too close to others. Weird. Anyway, this is where it gets a bit wild.

I was driving, which I'm completely comfortable with, but was also aware the road was no longer just wet. A car in the right lane decided they wanted to move over and essentially cut us off. Not a huge deal under normal circumstances, but without even touching the brakes we slid all over the road (was in 2nd gear and let off the gas). I was sure we were going to hit someone. Idiot. On the plus side, my wonderful 4Runner kicked into gear, applied the traction control (while beeping to let me know we were sliding...kind of funny, really!), and just did what it needed while I did what I needed by turning into the slide, then the other way as we switched slide directions, again without being on the gas or brakes (thank goodness for driver's ed in the snow!) How in the world there was nobody next to us is still a mystery to me (I was positive someone was in the left lane next to us...but by the time we slid that way the lane was deserted), but I'm glad! I promptly locked us into 4-wheel until we were off the pass and Jeff let that person know what he thought of them. It was put back on when we reached Monument Hill because conditions were the same. We've already seen a number of vehicles off the road, all of them with out-of-state plates. Seriously, people were sliding all over the place through the Palmer Divide and on Monument Hill!

So, the next time you're on the road during a snowstorm, don't assume the road underneath is clear and be nice to your neighbor. Even if they're not nice to you. We were lucky, but that won't always be the case.....

January?

I just can't believe it's January! The past two days have pushed us into temperatures above 60 degrees. It's been sunny, too! I had to water the lawn yesterday because we simply have not had enough moisture to keep the grass from dying over the winter months. I even managed to transplant a few mums into the portion of the yard I plan to make into a hummingbird and butterfly garden! I'd say it's the January thaw, but we really haven't been frozen.

Yes, yes, we managed to get a good snowfall last month. Yes, we spent a few days in the single digits. Yes, we thought winter had arrived. But, apparently, it hasn't. The snow melted and the temperatures rose again. I think even the plant life is confused!

I mentioned that the leaves here turned early this year, and the animals started shedding early. We thought we were in for a cold winter. The more we watched things around us, the more we believed that. It could still happen....we've got a lot of time left before spring. I also mentioned that I believed it would be a dry winter for us. So far that one has rang true. Yippee. It's good that the mountains have received a large amount of snow, though...it'll help our water situation come summer. It would just be nice to have some white stuff.

Don't worry, I'm sure I'll be over it and complaining come March. That's our snowiest month. February is generally the coldest. I'll be over it soon enough and aching to get into the high country for some serious hiking, camping, and playing. I'm already itchy for that because I have set plans to climb two 14'ers this year...including Mt. Elbert. The highest peak in Colorado at 14, 433 feet high! I can't wait! So, for now I'll enjoy this beautiful weather and wait out our strange winter.....