Connor -- Football Season

Connor in Packer Gear

Connor is a true green and gold fan.  He will shout "Go Pack Go...Go Pack Go" even when other Packer fans have given up hope.  If the team and fans had the enthusiasm Connor has in the Packer team, nothing would stop them from going to the Super Bowl.  Dave recently took a trip to Wisconsin and brought back a University of Wisconsin shirt with Bucky the Badger on it...so now Connor is a Badger fan too.

CONNOR LOVES FOOTBALL!

Packers vs Redskins

Redskins 16   Packers 13

I went to my first NFL game on 10-10-10 at Fedex Field in Washington D.C. with Dave.  We watched the Green Bay Packers play against the Washington Redskins ... and it was brutal.  The game went into over time and the Redskins kicked a field goal putting the score at 16 to 13.  Green Bay lost ... it was sad.

However, the BIG story of the day wasn't the game, but what happened after the game.  Dave and I got  separated and I found my way back to the train station.  You may ask...why didn't you just call each other?  Well my cell phone battery died during the game...oh my.  So Dave ended up going north and I went south...found my way home to charge my battery and called Dave.  This is the conversation...


Me, "Where are you?"
Dave, "I don't know.  I'm lost!"
Me, "Find a train station"
Dave, "I'm trying...I'm so lost."
Me, "Call a cab"
Dave, "I don't know where I am."
Me, "Oh boy..."
Dave, "There's a cab! I'll ask him to take me to the train station.  (Silence.....)  He doesn't take cards and I don't have enough cash.  Don't worry darling I will find my way home...I have to look at my phone GPS. I love you." (thought:  I'm going to die tonight)
Me, "I love you too...ugh"  (thought:  my husband is going to get shot tonight)

5 minutes later...phone rings.
Dave, "I found an angel, his name is Mohammad.  He took me to the nearest train station.  I prayed for an angel and God sent me Mohammad, the taxi driver that just told me that he couldn't take cards but he could give me a ride."
Me, "Thank GOD!  Where are you?"
Dave, "On the train...coming home!"

It was a long night, but I'm glad Dave made it home safely.  :)

Baltimore w/ Angie

So my friend Angie came to Baltimore for the weekend for a wedding.  I decided to visit for a night and take on Baltimore with Angie.  By 2pm we had a bottle of wine in us and ready for a nap.  It really is a reality check when we are ready for some ZZzzzzzs before 3pm. 

 ...after a few drinks...

We napped until about 6ish and woke up ready for dinner...but then ready for some more ZZzzzzs by 830..  However, we did make the most of it and took some pictures -- as Angie does!  Angie is an amazing photographer and will be very successful out in the DC area when they move out this way later this year.  (I'm so excited!!! YAY!!) 

Her website:
http://www.angieophotography.com/
So after a few drinks and a lot of boredom...I let Angie take a few pictures of my amazing red heels.

I love the pictures...and these are only a few spur of the moment ones.  I will have her take more once she gets settled into the area.

Our First Home!

Our First Home!

So I haven't blogged in a long time.  However, this is the biggest news of the year.  We are buying our first house!!!  YAY!!!  It is in Waldorf, MD and will take about an hour to commute into DC, but the serenity of the new home is worth the commute (so we think...right now).  We close on October 29, 2010 right before Halloween.  We will be moving the first week in November and hopefully will be settled before the holidays.  If anyone wants to come out for the holidays -- we have plenty of room!  

The house is about 3600 sq ft. on 3.09 acre lot; it has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3 car garage, deck, and an unfinished basement (Dave's first project).  The house is beautiful and gives us plenty of room to grow as a family.

 Connor loves the house and really excited to move in.  He says, "We're moving from the blue house to the yellow house - Packer house!"  The house is yellow and green, therefore Connor associates it with the Green Bay Packers.

We will post more pictures after we move in.

Happy 30th Birthday Miranda!

30 & Fabulous!

Since I can remember I've always been anxious about getting older.  When I was 14 years old, I was excited to turn 16... then I waited for 18...and because I was in England when I turned 21, it wasn't much of a milestone birthday (because obviously I could drink legally).  However, the thought of being 30 years old seemed daunting.  When I was younger I had all of these thoughts of where I should be and what I should have accomplished by that age...lol...according to my 14 year old self at 30 years old, I should be on my way to retirement!  lol  However, one of the best things about aging is that I gain wisdom!  Thank GOD for that!

So here I am 30 years old!  No...it is not the end of the world for me, but a new chapter in my life.  There are many difference from 20 years old and 30 years old.  1). The difference of 40 lbs  2). A wonderful husband  3).  An awesome son  4).  A SALARY!  5).  A higher alcohol tolerance  6).  An interest in education and HISTORY  ... ok, I'm not going to list them all...but there are MANY differences!  I can appreciate the aging process, though I don't agree with it!  lol

I'm actually very fortunate to be where I am today.  Only those who know my past can truly understand the depth of my personal success.  I have to thank my mother for the foundation of good morals and values she instilled in me.  "Thanks MOM! :)  I love you."  LOL  -- As if I am giving an award speech!  Then I have to thank the military for giving me direction and discipline...and an education!  OBVIOUSLY -- I am nothing without my loving husband who has supported me through many transitions and made me laugh ...even when I wanted to cry, sometimes. 

So again... I'm 30 years old!  I celebrated in New York City at the Trump Soho with David.  Trump Soho upgraded our hotel room for my 30th birthday...super nice of them!

I think my favorite part of the room was the automatic EVERYTHING!  It was really nice! lol   The whole point of going to NYC for my birthday was to give myself a little luxurious vacation, like a pat on the back! :)

Of course we done the tourist thing and took the bus tour... went to the Empire State Building... tried the ridiculous subway... and decided to walk the MILLION blocks back to our hotel...  but it was a nice walk, we didn't get mugged! :) 

At the TOP of the Empire State Building

Well... it has been an adventure and I am excited to pursue the rest of my life journey!

Memorial Day Weekend Adventures

Happy Memorial Day!!

Granted our weekend wasn't full of chaos and drama, however it was restful.  Our initial weekend plans were to go camping at Solomon's Island, on the southern banks of Maryland.  We made reservations back in early March, to make sure we got one of the better camp sites.  However, once Dave fractured his leg we had to make the decision to either cancel the trip OR Miranda could do all the work.  LOL  As much as I LOVE camping, I am NOT doing it alone.

So what did we do?  Hmmm.  Saturday we stayed in bed a little longer to enjoy our NEW tempurpedic... definitely worth the money if you are debating about buying a new bed!  Dave and I woke up completely rested -- it was a nice change.  We took a trip to Lanham, MD to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings.  We played a couple games of trivia -- Dave won, of course.

**Sorry the pictures are kind of blurry they were taken by a camera phone. **

Because we didn't go grocery shopping this weekend, we ate out A LOT.  Saturday night we spent the evening at the Slip Inn Marina watching the boats on the river, having dinner, and a few drinks.

Dave was on the phone with his grandparents while striking a pose with Connor. :)  Connor really enjoys having his picture taken.  He informed me yesterday that he likes attention...lol.  "Yes, I can tell you like attention Connor."

Here is a picture of Connor and I -- of course I am taking the picture, because I am the "picture taker".  It was a really nice evening and I tried a new beer - ESB (extra special brew)... not bad, but I missed the Shock Top that was tapped out!


Sunday was eventful.  We had brunch at IHOP -- yes I know we ate out alot -- but then we went over to Home Depot and picked up some paint.  Dave and I (and I use "I" sparingly) painted the entryway and hall a crisp linen white hoping it would brighten up the area.  It did!  I forgot to get pictures, however we will be painting our living room next weekend, so I will post pictures soon.

Memorial Day Monday - we watched VP Biden place the wreath at Arlington Cemetery via television.  No we weren't going to fight the crowd.  However, we were a little upset that the president himself was vacationing (AGAIN) on this important day, but we won't get into THAT.  We ate some breakfast -- AT HOME-- then we had some family time and enjoyed some sun.  However, lunch was a special event as we took Connor to Hana Tokyo to watch a Hibachi grill.  Yum!! 

Connor was very impressed with the grill master and the FIRE!  The meal was delicious and looked incredible.  What do you think?  Besides the fact that we eat out too much!! lol

And YES we did spend some time outside.  We went to a Memorial Day party and Connor got a little wet!

Like I said it was a restful weekend and I am sure I gained 2 lbs because we ate out so much.  However... it is what it is!

**A special thanks to those who have served before us, with us, and after us.  God Bless America! **

Connor's 4th Birthday Party Invite

Connor's 4th Birthday Party

Today I sent out invites for Connor's 4th birthday party.  I can't believe he is turning 4!!  Time is going by so fast.

Quick story:  The other day after several tantrums, Connor and I had a talk about being "independent".  I told him that he is old enough to get his own water, wash his own hands, find and put on his own shoes, and go to the bathroom all by himself.  I told him that he is growing up and by doing things on his own will make him more independent.  I explained that eventually he will be so independent that he won't need daddy or me.  Ok, Connor and I had this conversation while Dave was gone; so later that night we were out sitting by the fire and Connor says, "Daddy, I don't need you and mommy anymore- I'm independent!" -- Yep, very matter of fact about it too!

Telecommuting

Let me update everyone on my new job; such as what I do and where I do it, etc.  So far I've been at my job for a little over 2 weeks.  I've been through orientation, security processes, information assurance training, and introduced to my team, point contractor and subcontractors.  I am a government contractor that works at the National Guard Bureau in Crystal City, VA.

The Air National Guard was given $100 million from Congress to upgrade their networks and to globalize all their locations, much like the active branches.  Well this means they have 90+ bases to upgrade and connect, given the number of bases it turns to be a HUGE project, which is where I come in to give my expertise in project control.  We have a team of 26 made up of project controllers, technical writers, network engineers, subject matter experts, etc.  I work with military, government employees, and several government contractors.  One of the perks is that I get to telecommute 2-3 times a week...the down side is that I don't have a home phone, which uses my cell phone minutes really fast!  However, it beats paying the $18 a day it costs to park in Crystal City.  Coming from a small town, paying that much just to park is an absurd thought.  It is just the cost of living in the city.  I wish I could make city wages and live somewhere I am more comfortable, but such is life. :)

In any case, the job is coming along and I am slowly working my way into a schedule that works with the family.  Connor will go back to school next week, as he has been on a 10 day hiatus with the chicken pox.  Dave is slowly getting better but not really.  He is scheduled to have an MRI done on his leg next week, so hopefully we will find out more at that time.

Happy Friday Everyone!  Have a great weekend.

.

New Job, Chicken pox and Crutches!!

First, I GOT A JOB!!  Woot! Woot!  It was an exciting week to transition from student to employee.  I had a contingent job offer which came right after I finished my spring courses.  PERFECT TIMING! :)  I forgot how exhausting it is to work all day and YES I miss my midday naps with Connor.  I am working with a federal contractor as a project control specialist (aka: project manager)....so far, everything is good.  Dave was excited that I got a job too; he even took pictures of my first day.

and the best part is me actually leaving the house to go to work...haha...but first I had to make sure I knew where I was going.  What did we do before GPS?!!

and Dave had to watch me leave...with a proud tear in his eye, I'm sure

So...the first week of work has been nice.  :)  Welcome back to civilization Miranda! hahaha

However, the challenges that come with having a job is to keep up with family life.  Some of the newest challenges... CHICKEN POX!  Yep, Connor has the chicken pox.  He thinks the chicken pox are something to be proud of ...and he even posed for the camera, after his bowl of ice cream!

That is not the only challenge...

Good ol' Dave decided he wanted to live a healthier life and started running every morning.  Now mind you I am very proud of his dedication to wake up extra early and his discipline to run everyday - even in the RAIN!  However, since Dave has pushed himself to a physical peak, he has not only tweaked his back that put him down for a week; he now has a stress fracture on his shin, putting him on crutches for the next month!!

All I really want to do it take their pain away and take care of things at home...but such is life, we will work through these challenges together.  WISH US LUCK!!!

Make-A-Wish - Hayden's Party.

We befriended a young family last October on one of our evening trips to the park.  Connor and Hayden (3 year old) really hit it off and started playing together instantly.  Hayden, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma shortly after Halloween. 

For those of you curious, retinoblastoma (Rb) is a rapidly developing cancer which develops in the cells of retina, the light detecting tissue of the eye.  Hayden had tumors behind his eye and close to his brain.  Now after several months of chemotherapy and radiation.  Hayden had his Make-A-Wish wish granted, to go to Disney World the most magical place on earth.  Awww!  I want to go!!

So with that being said, of course there was a party!  OF COURSE!  This is something big to celebrate and they invited us!  We enjoyed sharing in their happiness and his major milestones.  

 Of course at the party there were balloons.....

and YUMMY cupcakes...but not only were they super YUMMY, but they had Mickey Mouse on them to celebrate the occasion!

There is just something about Disney characters that makes you want to SMILE...especially Mickey! :)  It is nice to think there is a place in this world, where no problems exist and only happiness is enjoyed.  I was very impressed with the Make-A-Wish foundation and what they provided to this beautiful family.  They have a week long stay in a beautiful villa within Disney World, round-trip airplane tickets and a chauffeur ride to and from the airport, rental car, other Orlando ticketed attractions, PLUS over a thousand dollars in spending cash!! WOOooo!!  And of course the best part... Mr. Hayden gets a Make-A-Wish button that will put him at the front of every line.  He also will get to have meals with other Disney characters and they will also come tuck him in bed at night!  Ohhh I can only imagine he will have the sweetest dreams.

This is the Make-A-Wish coordinator giving Mr. Hayden's Make-A-Wish VIP pin to his dad (better not lose that)! :)

Connor had a great time partying with Hayden!  Here are some pictures.... Play, Party and Play more!

Of course they had a great time and kept each other entertained! :)  I want to give big KUDOS to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for giving a beautiful child an unforgettable lifetime memory.

Have a great trip Hayden!!

Happy Mother's Day!

My beautiful boys (Dave & Connor) woke me up Mother's Day morning with a sweet and beautiful breakfast in bed.  Connor  picked a rose from the back yard and put it in a cup on the tray.  He helped dad spread the frosting on the cinnamon rolls and he woke me up with a kiss! :)  If nothing else happened after that... the day was already PERFECT!  So we started the morning with cinnamon rolls and coffee on the bed.  Connor gave me a handmade card he drew himself, which of course I will keep forever.  He also told Dave that I was his best friend and that I was also a beautiful genius!  haha  The day was amazing in the first hour alone!! :)

Next came the GIFT!  And David likes to stick with what works... he knows that I love jewelry, so Connor and him picked out the most precious gift; a beautiful necklace from the Open Heart Collection from Kay Jewelers.

"The open heart is reflected in all our life experiences -- our joys, heartbreaks and inspirations.  Only when you can love yourself and keep your heart open, can you best give and receive love. That love can be for another person, a pet, a charity, or a personal passion. These open hearts should speak to every kind of love in your life, and of course love has no boundaries, it flows unconditionally." - Jane Seymour on the meaning of her collection.

Next came lunch at one of our favorite resturants -- Famous Dave's! :)  Although I love Dave's BBQ 100x more... Famous Dave's is my 2nd favorite! 

If you've never been... make it a priority!

We also stopped by Payless Shoes to pick up Connor some super Buzz Lightyear "Light UP" shoes.  He didn't give me an option to think about getting them.  He just threw his other shoes in the trash and walked out the door with them on!! 

The rest of the day was spent resting...zzzzzzzzzzzz... that was nice! :)

The Wheels

on the bike go ROUND & ROUND...

It's that time of year when you look outside and you see runners, walkers and bikers.  Dave and I enjoy the afternoon bike ride...and so does Connor, contrary to what the photo above displays.  We usually stay on base in the afternoons and ride along the river walk where we get to see and enjoy the views from the Potomac.

Here we are looking at several sail boats enjoying a peaceful evening on the river.  Some of the pictures you can get from the river with a standard power shot camera are magnificent.

Isn't this just beautiful!?!  I should have been a photographer! :)

Here is a nice view of the capital when we were on our ride the other day.  And sometimes we like to stop and play.

We try to run Connor so much, that he is begging to go to bed at night.  As I recall, he fell asleep pretty fast after this. :)  Biking is fun and I'm really glad we do it as a family.

LOL... I have gotten several comments about my ringer on my bike.  There was a young girl at the restrooms (last summer) who was surprised when I came out and mounted my bike...
she said, "Is that your bike?"
"Yes it is." 
She responded, "but that says you love your mom". 
I smiled and said, "I absolutely love my mom."
...her response, "but your old!"
my response, "you never stop loving your mom."

I love you mom.  I don't need a bike ringer to remind me...but it is cute! :)

I'll update you on our biking adventures over the warmer months!

Sesame Street

SESAME STREET

"Sunny Day
Sweepin' the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet

Can you tell me how to get,
How to get to Sesame Street

Come and play
Everything's A-OK
Friendly neighbors there
That's where we meet

Can you tell me how to get
How to get to Sesame Street...."

Growing up Dave and I were all to familiar with the Sesame Street song, as the show dominated children's television viewing on PBS.  Now it  strives to compete with all the new shows such as Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob Squarepants, and now Connor's new favorite show, FanBoy and ChumChum.  However, when I found out that the USO was giving away tickets to see Sesame Street perform... I got THREE tickets!  We were all excited to see the muppets!

Grown up or not, so many of Jim Henson's Muppet characters will forever be a part of my personal development. Nearly everything I ever needed to know about life, I learned on Sesame Street and the people in "my neighborhood" or life. Consider the invaluable interpersonal skills. And the world's best songs, right? "Rubber Ducky"? "Put Down the Ducky"? The "Mnom-a-Nom" Song?

Remember "It Ain't Easy Being Green"? Kermit the Frog helped us to appreciate being different, even if in an oddball, nerdy, sometimes misunderstood, yet likeable way. Big Bird and Snuffleupagus taught us about friendship despite differences, and eventually how to overcome shyness. Was it years before anyone but Big Bird knew Snuffy existed, or did it just seem like it? Maybe it was just a couple of seasons.

Ernie and Bert taught us how to cope with sharing a room with other siblings, and respect for other people's feelings and property; and that was no easy feat for most of us, unless you were the younger sibling...which neither Dave or I were.  Lessons like that really came in handy whilst in the military. :)

Oscar taught us that it's okay, even fun, to be a grouch and collect junk. (So it's really unfair for us to blame our grandmothers for our packrat tendencies.) Grover's restaurant skits taught us table manners, attention to detailed, and to watch out for flies in the soup. The Count, well, he taught us to count - in Spanish, no less. Cookie Monster taught us good manners, the value of saying "Please" and "Thank You", even though he wasted a lot of perfectly good cookies over the years. Good old Guy Smiley was always smiling. And Roosevelt Franklin taught us that school was cool.  This might be why I have a passion for learning and now an information addict.

It was great to see some of those silly muppets perform.  We all enjoyed the show and Sesame Street done a great job performing to the military families.  They touched on emotions and how to deal with them when someone you love leaves.  Since many military families deal with relocating and deployments, this was an ideal show for military children.

Other things that happened throughout the show. ^^^ Dave tried to rob me!  ^^^  I reminded him that it was a moot point if it was coming from his wallet. "Oh yeah" :)

So Connor sported the bandana for about 2 minutes.  He was busy.........

PLAYING!!!  Give a kid a new toy and they are entertained for hours... thanks Sesame Street!

The funniest shot of the evening!!  LOL  You can't really tell but Connor was watching his toy spin, which made his eyes cross!

This was candid shot of Connor and I before the show.  My hair was a mess because we biked there...but OH WELL! :)  Connor had a great time seeing his favorite muppet... ELMO!

Everyone should make time to occasionally revisit Sesame Street. I dare you not to enjoy the trip. And take the kids along, too. It's classic.