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! :)