My Poor Mama's

Incase you don't know who Mama's is its Peyton. She has had that nickname since she was born! She even tells her friends and random strangers to call her Mama's. 

Well a lot of people have been asking me about Peyton and wondering if she is ok. I am happy to say that she is ok as are Cassidy, Max and myself. She has a little medical issue right now that we are working on trying to get it cleared up. It started at the beginning of December when she got diagnosed with a bladder infection. Her doctor immediately put her on antibiotics. After a week on the medicine they wanted to do another urine culture to make sure that the bacteria was going away. Unfortunately that was not the case, the bacteria was still there so her doctor ordered an ultrasound. We went for the ultrasound on Wednesday. I'm glad that Peyton loves to go to the doctors and everything about the doctors office. Before doing the US (ultrasound) the doctor put the warm gel on Peyton's fingers and she said it was hot so the tech wiped it off and put the cold one on! Peyton loved the cold one! Every time the US Tech put more on Peyton kept saying make sure its the cold one I don't like the hot one! So Thursday came and I waited to hear about the results of the ultrasound. Finally the Doctor called me with some worrisome news. The ultrasound showed some dead blood cells in the bottom of her bladder and they are a cause for concern so we had to schedule an appointment to see the doctor today to talk about a VCUG procedure to see if she has VU Reflux.

What is a VCUG ? Don't worry I had the same question. 

A voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) uses a small amount of radiation to make images of a person's urinary system.

After the patient's bladder is filled with a liquid called contrast material, an X-ray machine sends beams of radiation through the abdomen and pelvis, and images are recorded on special film or a computer. These images help doctors see problems in parts of the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra (the tube connecting the bladder with the outside of the body), and the ureters (the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder). An X-ray technician or radiologist takes the X-rays using a technique called fluoroscopy. While the contrast material fills your child's bladder, and then while your child empties the bladder, the technician or radiologist watches an onscreen X-ray video of the liquid moving through the urinary system and a series of X-ray films is recorded.

The VCUG  also can show whether the urine is moving in the right direction. Normally, urine flows from the kidneys down to the bladder through the ureters. When urine goes back up toward the kidneys, it's called vesicoureteral (VU) reflux. A VCUG can detect VU reflux. Sometimes VU reflux only occurs while urinating (voiding), which is why the VCUG includes taking X-ray images while the bladder is being emptied. Since VU reflux can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), this test is sometimes recommended after a child has had a UTI. Although not all kids who have had UTIs have reflux, it's important to find those who do, since the treatment may vary depending on the severity of reflux.

So now we are waiting for our insurance to approve the procedure so we can get it done and see if she has reflux or not. if she does she will go on antibiotics for 6 months to a year and she will have her kidneys monitored to make sure that they are not being damaged. 

I will keep everyone updated.

Tis the season

Well Thanksgiving has come and gone now Christmas will be here before we know it.

We are a little over 2 months into this deployment. I can say that the time has flown by for the most part.  The holidays are always the hardest during deployment. 

I am getting excited and very stressed about starting our new life. It will be nice to have Max home more (hopefully) but so stressed not knowing what's next.

Pudding our elf has arrived and the girls are loving looking for him every morning!

I am all done our Christmas shopping. I hope the girls like what Santa got them! :) I tried to get some of the stuff that they really wanted without breaking the bank!

Nothing else has really been going on Thank God! Life is good!

Oh Anxiety can you please go away

Not much to post.
Nothing has really happened.

I have been an emotional mess and my anxiety has been thru the roof.

I have never felt so alone in my life and I'm not even alone.

I miss my hubby so much it hurts.

My weight has been fluctuating so much its crazy so first thing Monday will be diet day 1. I have been struggling with my weight for 4 years now its time I take a stand. I have about 40lbs to loose and want them gone in a year. Thats my goal. I think that its pretty reasonable.

Life

Everyday is a new day. That's been my motto for the last week or 2.

If its not one thing its another.

Peyton had school today and when I went to drop her off I noticed her classmates were in their pajamas. I was unaware that today was pj day. No one told me anything.  So I went to pick her up and she was upset so I asked why and she said everyone was mean to her because she wasn't wearing pjs. I went in to talk to the teachers and they of course were unaware of the kids being mean (nothing knew). I asked why I wasn't informed of pj day and they said they decided on friday and I had probably picked her up before they said it. I picked her up at 1130 the time it gets done so I call bullshit. I am honestly so fed up with it that I have been thinking about pulling her out.

Cassidy has a field trip tomorrow to the pumpkin patch.  I hope that she has a good time. I wish that I could go with her.

My parents come back tomorrow so that should help out some.

Tomorrow is a new day!

All Clear... Nevermind

Cassidy had her appointment today to get her final set of x-rays. We were hoping for the all clear and that was not the case. Instead she has to wear her brace when ever she is out of the house for the next 3 weeks. We were also reminded again that she is high risk for breaking it again :(

My friend has been going through a tough time lately and I wish i was there with her to help her through it. I talked to her most of the morning and reminded her that I am always here for her. I'm hoping that everything works out for the best for her.

I read Divergent and Insurgent 2 months ago and was super excited that Allegiant came out this week. I have not been able to put it down the last 2 days!

We have a Halloween party this weekend that the girls are super excited for. They can't wait to wear their costumes! I'm just happy they can wear them more than once!

Not Much Going On

Well again not much blogging being done because not much has been going on.

My parents come back next week. The girls have been counting down the days.

We have 1 month down of this deployment! This first month has flew by I can only hope that the rest of the time flews by just as fast.

We had our 2nd Girl Scout meeting this past Saturday and the girls had a lot of fun! We made first aid kits and learned about safety!

Peyton has been doing good in preschool! We have had a few issues along the way but I think she is finally adjusted and starting to enjoy it more! Since halloween is coming she has been doing some halloween crafts

Cassidy had school pictures 2 weeks ago and we already got the proofs back! This is the winner! I can't wait to get them back so that I can send them to everyone! 

Since Cassidy has started her new school she has been excelling so much! After the year she had last year I thought for sure that she would be way behind everyone this year but she is more than caught up and just surprises me more every day! She is a math wiz (Just like me)!! Her reading has improved immensely which is so good! Her school has computer programs that i was able to find the apps for and put on her kindle which is also helping so much! We LOVE Vista Grande (her school)!!!


I have been catching up on my scrapbooking! I have finally been able to start on Peyton's! I know it has taken me 4 years but better late than never! I have been looking on Pinterest to get more inspiration and new ideas! I have been able to do about 25 pages in the last week in a half which is awesome!!

That is pretty much all that has been going on for the last week!!

Can I Ever Catch a Break

OMG Where to begin......

We had a good time at the Walk Through The Canyon event for Girl Scouts and at Omas Pumpkin Patch on Saturday.

 But then we got home and I was getting out of my truck when someone comes over to tell me that they hit Max's truck. Sure enough the same side and spot that was wrecked last February now has to be repaired yet again. I know that I am lucky that she came forward and said she will pay for the damages but why does stuff like this always have to happen when Max is gone.

Sunday was a good day. We went to Balboa Park with Marilu and her kiddos and had a picnic. We walked around the park for a while and let the girls play on the playground!

Monday aww I did not want to wake up. You can just call me lazy! It was Columbus day but Cassidy still had school so it was just like any other day. Peyton didn't have preschool so we just hung out at home

And then there was Tuesday my OMG can I catch a break day. I got Cassidy to school came home to make an appointment to get an estimate done on the damage to Max's truck. I brought max's truck to the same place that fixed it last time to get the estimate. And holy crap more damage than we thought about $1800 worth. Then Peyton and I went to the post office to mail Max a package and send some stuff to Taylor, my cousin. We came home and just hung out until it was time to get Cassidy. After we got home and Cassidy did her homework we went to Target to get Birthday presents for the parties the girls have coming up and on the way home we stopped to get gas. Well while I was pumping gas at the Navy Exchange Auto Center I noticed smoke coming from under the hood of my truck. I immediately got the girls out of the truck and stopped pumping gas. While I was doing that the gas attendant came and started yelling to stop pumping gas and the get the girls out which had already been done then she told me to open the hood to see what was wrong. She said to call my husband  and when I said he was deployed she started yelling again saying it needed to be moved. Once I seen the problem she yelled at me to push my truck forward so that the other people could get out. Are you serious you want me to push my truck out of the way. She just kept yelling finally I got 2 nice guys to help me move it out of the way. Then the same attendant came and yelled at me again saying we should have pushed it to a different place and that I needed to get it out of there.  I called a tow truck and they said it would be 45-60 minutes until it would come. I brought the girls in the store to wait and was told that we couldn't wait there. So we went outside and stood on the side walk until the tow truck came. The driver was the nicest man ever. He put my truck on the flatbed and gave us a ride home where I had him drop my truck off in the driveway. He didn't charge me for anything which was awesome. He asked me about what happened and when I told him he couldn't believe how I was treated and kind of made me feel better.

Now today. I got the girls car seats in Max's truck and filled it up with gas so now thats my daily driver until the yukon is fixed. I got both girls to school and now I'm just relaxing and have nothing planned for today.

Wow just call me Slacker

I know I know its been a few days since my last blog. I honestly just haven't had much to blog about.

Cassidy had school pics on Wednesday. I had brought Peyton to preschool but as we were walking to the door she threw up all her breakfast :( so she didn't make it to school Wednesday. It never fails within the 1st 2 weeks of deployment one of the kids always get sick and vomit. Its a curse. Its like they know I can't handle vomit well. 

Thursday we didn't do too much. Cassidy had a half day and I cleaned and got ready for my book club meeting that I was hosting.  I met a few new girls during my book club and talked about some great books. Oh and before my book club Peyton decided to cut  her hair. Luckily its not too bad!

Friday both girls went to school and I ran some errands. After school we went to pick out some pumpkins and get some groceries and things to mail to Max.

Then there is today. I have been waiting on maintence all morning to come  fix our living room light. I am pretty sure that it is shorting out. I swear people probably think there is a strobe light in here.

We have a Walk through the canyon event  for Girl Scouts this afternoon then right after that we have a family event with the  squadron at Omas Pumpkin Patch.

Its a busy day but should be lots of fun!

Tuesday again

Tuesdays as always is a busy day for us. Today luckily not too bad though.

Peyton wasn't feeling well so she didn't go to dance class. When she says she wants to stay home and not see Ms. Robin you know that she is not feeling well.

When I went to get Cassidy at school there was a fire truck, ambulance, and police 4 houses down from ours. Then when I gor back from getting her there was about 5 cop cars and 4 housing security cars. Well I started getting worried and thinking about the family that lives there. Well tonight I found out that the family is out of town and the person watching their house committed suicide last night and was found this morning. It breaks my heart that this happened. 

On a brighter note I got to have a video chat with my hubby for over an hour! I miss him like crazy but knowing that this is our last military deployment helps.

Tomorrow is school picture day for Cassidy! I bought her a new outfit and can't wait to see it on her! And yes I even got her a new pair of boots!!

I was able to finish my book for my book club meeting on Thursday! I love reading so much! This time was "The Choice" by Nicholas Sparks. I have read it before but do not mind reading a book twice!

Tomorrow I'm going to focus on cleaning the house from top to bottom! Its been a couple weeks since I've did a real deep clean and since both girls will be in school I will have the time.

Just Another Manic Monday!

Yes I am quoting a Bangles song. 

Today was a pretty great day.

The girls got up and ready for school really good which is shocking for a Monday. Peyton had a good day in school which was a relief compared to Friday.

Nikko had another vet appointment. I swear we live at Banfield. We have been there every week for the last month and a half fighting an awful ear infection. 2 rounds of steroids, an ear flush and 2 ointments later we have defeated the infection! Today he got a clean bill of health and doesn't need to go back until December!!

Cassidy did her reading with no issues tonight and then we did science experiments which they always love.

when the sun started to go down we went on a walk around housing to look at Halloween decorations. The girls were hoping for more decorations but were happy with what they seen.

Girl Scout Day

Today was a good day!
We had another moving sale and sold more stuff (thank God). Not much more to go until we will be ready to move.
I also had our first Girl Scout meeting. I am doing the Brownies portion while my friend Marilu does the Daisy portion and my friend Stephanie does everything else! I was a great first meeting. I have a great group of Brownies. This is our 3rd year doing this so the girls enjoy seeing each other after our summer breaks. My girls completed their Bugs badge today and had a fun time doing it. THey painted egg carton caterpillars, colored bug fun fact sheets and even drew their favorite bugs.

Tonight we are going to watch the Wizard of Oz since I treated the girls to a happy meal and they got the Wizard of Oz toys!! I hope that they like it! Cassidy has watched it before and liked it but Peyton has never watched it! I hope that they don't get scared of the wicked witch! 

Friday I am happy to see you!

Yay its Friday!!

I got to have a morning text session with my hubby then later on I got a phone call from him! I am one lucky lady today!!

When I went to pick Peyton up from preschool she wasn't her usual self. She usually hates to leave school but today she couldn't wait to get out of there. I asked her what had her upset she said that she got in trouble for talking (this has been an on going issue)  and she said all her friends called her a jerk and that they didn't like her. She said that they wouldn't call her Peyton they just called her jerk. I asked her teachers about it and surprise surprise they had no idea about it. I am so frustrated with the bullying going on in the school here and I'm sure everywhere else too. I don't understand how a teacher cannot notice or hear stuff like this. I told her that next time they call her a jerk to say that its not nice and to tell the teacher. I mean what else can i do?

I spent part of my morning getting everything together for Girl Scouts tomorrow! Is it bad that I am already over GS and it hasn't even started yet. I have so much going on in my life right now that I feel I could careless about it. But i will get through it for my Brownies and we will have lots of fun!

I have pretty much completed my first round of purging! I just gotta drop some stuff at the Salvation Army and I will be set until it gets closer to moving! I wish that we knew more about when we will be moving but its the Marine Corps and nothing happens easy. We have to hurry up and wait and then hurry up and wait again.  Its very frustrating but we will be ready to move in a moments notice! (Can you tell I can't wait to get out of here)

Cassidy has her first oral report and presentation due in 2 weeks! We are going to start working on it this weekend. Her report has to be All about her. That should be easy! I just hope she likes the supplies I got for her presentation.
School pictures are coming up already. I got Cassidy her outfit but of course she wants a new pair of boots to wear with it since her brown ones aren't tall enough (according to her) even though she will be wearing jeans. Gotta love having a fashionista!!

Not much has been going on. We have been laying back a lot to getting things prepared for our move and transition and focusing on keeping Cassidy and Peyton busy while Max is deployed.

Just another day

Today was a good day! It started off with a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice latte courtesy of my dad! Thanks Dad!!
Then I got the girls to school and ran some errands.
I was able to go in Hallmark and pick up some more cards to send to my hubby to make his days a little brighter! FYI: Hallmark by Albertsons offers a 10% military discount!!
I was able to talk to my BFF and hear about the trip to their new home! I can't wait to visit Kerry!
We watched The Croods when Cassidy got home from school! We have been waiting for it to come out on DVD since we seen it in theaters!
That pretty much sums up my day minus the usual stuff cleaning and cooking!!

Tuesday, Tuesday, Tuesday!!!

Tuesdays are always a pretty busy day for us between school and dance and today I added a vet appointment!

Cassidy had major attitude today which is nothing new after she throws her fits. So she was in a bad mood. She didn't want to go to school and then didn't talk to me on the way to school or at school Its going to be a fun night. She lost her tv and kindle last night after her fit so we'll see how tonight goes and what else I might have to take away.

Peyton was in a pretty good mood all day. She watched her morning shows and played upstairs for a while before she had to go to dance! She loves dance so much It always puts a smile on my face to see how happy she is when she is dancing!

Nikko went to the vet today! He is still having ear problems that we have been fighting for about a month now. He gained 2 1/2 lbs since our last appointment no big surprise after yesterday. Other than that he is doing well for a change. He has had so many issues this year that I can't even begin to list them all.

Today was the first day well morning that I haven't heard from my hubby since he deployed. I know I'm spoiled! But we have so much going on in our life that we need the constant contact to keep making plans and getting things taken care of so we can get out of here when he gets back.

I was able to get more cleaning done! I made a bunch of donations to some military families and the Salvation Army. Our house is beginning to look like we are leaving now (if only)! Right now our future is so uncertain that its scary and I am trying to do all I can to help us transition into civilian life.

Big news today is the Government Shutdown and if I hear another person talk about the commissary or WIC  I'm going to scream. Seriously people there are a ton more places to shop rather than the commissary. I go to the commissary once every 3 months maybe and we are fine. And if you are concerned about your WIC call them to talk to them or better yet have a back up plan instead of relying on it. I feel bad for all the government employees that are furloughed and I hope that the shutdown ends soon so that people can get back to work and that everyone can get their paychecks but honestly stop complaining and take a stand. Write you Senators, Governors, Mayors anyone who will listen..

I guess I can stop rambling now!

Oh Monday Why Must You Hate Me

Yay its Monday... just kidding I had a horrible morning. Our pug Nikko who is on a prescription diet to help his health issues decided he was going to go on a binge and eat the rest of our dog Bella's food. We usually leave Bella's down at night so she can eat and Nikko never touches it until last night. He ate about 2-3lbs of food and is still currently paying the consequences. So after eating all that I woke up to a mess on the floor first thing this morning and he is so bloated its crazy. He was supposed to go to the vet this morning but I cancelled it so that I can try to get some of the bloating down before they say something to me.

After dealing with him I got the girls up and to school. I went and finished groceries and came home to work on Girl Scout stuff before having to pick Peyton up.

I got to Peyton's school and her teacher pulled me aside to tell me that Peyton couldn't participate in show and tell today because she was talking when she wasn't supposed to and that she couldn't get her to focus during the large group activity. So when we got home I had a little talk with her which I'm sure has accomplished nothing.

Time to pick up Cassidy. That actually went well until we got home and it was homework time. Why do kids hate homework?? Her math seriously only takes like 5 minutes and then she has to read which we do after dinner. She didn't want to do her math so I fought with her until she did it.

The rest of the day we stayed in watched Hocus Pocus and had dinner.

Day 8 decorations are up

I know I'm early but we put up our halloween decorations today! I couldn't wait any longer! The girls love decorating  so it was something exciting for them to do since we had only did groceries the rest of the day.

1 week down!

Today marks the end of our first week.  We have many more to go but it gets easier as each week passes. I had our first yard/moving sale today and sold about 95% of the stuff. The girls had their lemonade stand set up and actually made about $20 in the 3 hours they were out there!  Then I took the girls to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2. It was a cute movie, the girls loved it!! The rest of the day we relaxed and played outside. My parents took us to Ihop for dinner then we came home and watched the Avengers and called it an early night. 

Day 6 Yay no more cast!!

Today was a great day. I got the living room switched around. Put my new desk in and removed the old. Got my dining room back together all before having to pick Peyton up from preschool! Then after I picked Peyton up I went to pick up Cassidy so I could bring her to her dr's appointment! The drs appointment went great. First they removed her cast (oh the smell) then came the xrays and we were told from the beginning that she would need a short cast after the other cast but her xrays told different. She is now in a brace for the next 2 weeks then she can take it off the following 2 weeks then we go for our final set of xrays!!
We went to McDonalds for dinner to support Cassidys school fundraiser. The rest of the day was getting our stuff together for our moving/yard sale in the morning.

Day 5 accomplished

I got a lot accomplished today. I was able to purge the 3 bedrooms upstairs and finish our reburb project!  I also made yummy pesto stuffed chicken and grilled zucchini and yellow squash. I love the feeling of accomplishment. My anxiety came back a little today so I don't see a good night ahead but hopefully I don't have an anxiety attack. On a good note I am currently watching the season premiere of Greys Anatomy and so far loving it!!! Got another busy day tomorrow.

Deployment day 4

Today was a good day. I was able to get more purging done which included the laundry room and storage closet! I was also able to work on our refurb project, a desk that we bought for $40. We have been puttering on it most of the summer. We stripped, sanded and today I painted it! Almost done only have to stain the drawers and sides and put the hardware back on! Highlight of my day I got to have a 30 minute video chat with hubby!! He is doing good and settling in! The girls were actually pretty good today for a change too!! No signs of anxiety today or tonight! I hope I am finally getting anxiety out of my life. I think its because the end is near for us living in this place.

Day 3 this is why Tequila was made

Today started off good. I got started on the purging of our household goods. 2 rooms complete to be exact.  Then had to stop to bring Peyton to dance and get Cassidy from school.  Once were home everything started going down hill. The girls were getting irritated with each other so I seperated them. Then it was time for Cassidy to do her reading and that's when all hell broke loose. She always has a hard time when Max is gone and acts out but it gets old real quick. She through a tantrum like no other and let's just say she lost her tv for the rest of the week and will loose it longer if she acts like that again. I know they say that God would never give us what we can't handle but I think this is why they made tequila to help us through! (No I didn't have any tequila but it did cross my mind) the rest of the night went well and again no anxiety!!!

Deployment day 2

Today we went on with our regular schedule.  Got up and brought the girls to school then came home and finished my smash book of our road trip this past April. The rest of the day was nothing special. Cassidy did her homework and reading and Peyton read her book to me. I did get to watch Hostages and the furst episode was good can't wait for next week!!  And again no anxiety!! (This is a big deal to me!!!)

Deployment day 1

Well I dropped hubby off around 4 am and said our final military see ya laters. Max said his see ya laters to the girls before they went to bed. Thank God my parents were able to come stay the night so I didn't have to  wake the girls up.  The rest of the day we stayed busy. We went to tge furniture store and bought the girls a set of bunk beds and then came home ordered pizza and watched a movie. Pretty easy day. Oh and a good note no anxiety on the first night!

Day 24 Happy Birthday to Me!

We started off the day with Yellowstone National Park which was only 3 blocks from our hotel, The Stage Coach Inn. If you ever go to Yellowstone I highly recommend The Stage Coach Inn we had an awesome stay and the hotel was like a cabin in the inside. We got to Yellowstone and headed towards Old Faithful! On the way to the geyser we stopped at some of the hot springs and at some of the outlooks that were open. It was freezing but so worth it. We had a great time in the park. We got to see a bunch of elk, trumpeter swans, some ducks and bison. The bison were walking down the road and we got to drive by them and could touch them they were so close. By the time we got to Old Faithful it was 17 degrees and the wind was blowing like crazy. We stayed at Old Faithful for about an hour and it still hadn't erupted which sucked but we are planning another trip to Yellowstone this summer when the whole park is open. We left the park around 1pm and headed on the road towards the Sequoia National Park in Cali. We drove through Montana, Idaho and most of Utah before we pulled over for the night. We are staying at the Butch Cassidy Inn (Best Western) in Beaver, Utah! Tomorrow we will get up and drive the rest of the way to the Sequoia National park.

I promise to post pics as soon as we get home!

Day 23 Holy Snow Storm

Today we started off the day with a trip to Mt Rushmore. Mt Rushmore was really nice and I would go back again! Even the girls enjoyed our time there.

Then after we left we started our crazy day of driving. We went through every extreme possible. We go caught up in a winter snow storm and bad roads. What should have taken us 9 hours took us 11 hours. Driving up to West Yellowstone Montana was horrible. At parts the roads were not plowed and no one was on the road with us. We had a herd of Elk try to cross the road in front of us (that was exciting)

The average temperature for today was about 29 degrees. We had to pull over at a rest area and deice my Yukon it was crazy. When we arrived at our hotel, The Stage Coach Inn, as soon as I opened my door a sheet of ice fell off the car.

Our hotel is really nice I will post pics as soon as I get a new card reader!!

Now I am going to try to get some sleep for the night and tomorrow we are going to visit Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park!

Day 22 Driving along

like every other day we woke up got ready and hit the road. We started out in Mt Pleasant, Iowa and ended the night in Hill City, South Dakota. The day was long and cold. Average temperature 39 degrees. I drove the first 6 hours then let Max take over. Once we got in South Dakota we started hitting bad weather yet again. We pulled over in a rest area to go potty and let the girls play in the snow for a little bit. We then hot the road again and a snow storm started and we decided to make a little pit stop at a Cabela's and walk around for a while. Once we left Cabela's the snow storm got worst and we had to pull over to get the snow and ice off the windshield wipers and lights. After about a half hour or so driving through the snow storm we hit clear weather for a while then hit rain then heading up the mountain to Hill City we hit wet cold roads and saw a ton of deer and a mountain lion. The girls did good this is the first day we went without vomit! Thank God! Now we are relaxing for the night resting up before we go see Mount Rushmore tomorrow and then head to Yellowstone National Park!

Day 21 Another Day of Driving

We got up to the sound of pouring down rain. We got dressed and headed out on the road at 9am. We finished driving through Ohio and into Indiana where we stopped for lunch and the girls actually ate for the first time in days. After they ate they seemed to feel 100% better which was awesome! After lunch we continued driving through Indiana and Illinois into Iowa where we are staying for the night. We had to drive through all kids of crazy weather today to include rain, snow, hail, wind and near flooded roads. The parts of Illinois and Iowa that we have drove through were flooded like crazy I wish I could post the pictures that I took but will have to wait till I get a new card reader.   I have been booking our hotels off from Travelocity when we close to our goal for the day and today Travelocity let me down. Our plan was to stay in Des Moines, Iowa so I did a hotel search for Des Moines and the Best Western popped up at 18.97 miles away so that was perfect then I checked the reviews and amenities to see if it is where we wanted to stay. Everything looked great so I went ahead and booked it. Once I got the confirmation I put the address in the GPS and was shocked when it dropped our arrival time down by about 1 1/2 hours so I pulled up a map and found out that the hotel was way out of our way and no where close to Des Moines so I called Travelocity to cancel our reservation and explained the problem to them and told them that they need to fix the location distance on their website and I was told that it was basically my problem and that they couldn't cancel it because it was for today. I asked if I could call the hotel and cancel and they said no because I booked through Travelocity. Lets just say I was pissed. So we bit the bullet and went out of our way since the hotel was already paid for and came to Best Western. We got our room and brought everything in and across the parking lot was a Pizza Hut so we went there for dinner came back and went in the pool and the hot tub before coming back to the room to settle in for the night.  Tomorrow will be another day of driving in hopes of making it to South Dakota to Mount Rushmore for the night.

Day 20 Clear for Take Off

So last night was a rough night. Cassidy must have got up to go to the bathroom 6 times. I felt so bad for her. Max slept downstairs with Peyton and was able to get a few hours of sleep. We waited to see how the girls did the first part of the day before we decided if we were gonna leave. By about 1130 we decided that they were good enough to leave so we packed up the car and headed out. By the time we headed out it was after 12 and we had a long day of driving to make our goal for the day of Cleveland Ohio. The girls did good until we got to a service area in Ohio. Peyton vomited as soon as we got in there and Cassidy got sick in the restroom. Luckily we only had a little bit longer to go until we got to our hotel so they made it the rest of the way and once we got in our room they both crashed. We got to our hotel around 1015pm so we made decent time considering we had to fight with the wind which was about 35 to 45 mph.

Day 19 Still in NY

We were gonna try to leave today but the girls were still too sick. They each had the vomiting and the poops.. It was a pretty relaxed day. We tried to take them out in the fresh air and for a short car ride and ended up coming back to the farm because they both didn't feel good. Once we got back they both slept for the rest of the day. I guess we will try again tomorrow.

Day 18 My Poor Babies ::::::: WARNING TMI:::::::::

So we got up and waited to see how the girls were before we headed out on the road to start heading back towards San Diego! We thought we were in the clear then the shit hit the fan. Cassidy was laying down then all of a sudden says oops and starts crying she couldn't control herself and pooped in her pants. I lucked out big time since when Cassidy is sick Max is her go to so he had to go in and clean her up. She took a shower and once she was out I helped her get dressed then Peyton gets up and runs to the bathroom before she gets in the bathroom she starts vomiting. So we are here in New York for another day or 2 until they get better.

Day 17 My Poor Baby

What a day. It started out good we brought the girls to Uncle Bub's to ride Toot toot, my dads golf cart and then to target to buy something with the money they got for their birthdays. Then we went to lunch at Jade with Julie and before we even got our food Peyton got sick and started vomiting. Once we got her cleaned up she seemed fine and wanted to eat some rice and jello so we ate lunch and she was fine. After lunch we ran to Grandma Codys again because Kaykay had some stuff for my mom that we needed to bring backt o San Diego with us. While there Peyton just laid on the couch and floor so we knew she didn't feel good so instead of going visit anyone else we came back to the farm. Peyton continued to lay around and not do anything. Angie, Victor and the kids came over and we ordered pizza and wings for dinner and while eating poor Peyton started vomiting again. So we gave her a bath and she fell asleep. Once both kids were in bed we watched Parental Guidance then called it a night since we plan on leaving in the morning.

Day 16 A Day at Grandma Cody's

Today the girls and I went to spend the day at Grandma and Pipa Cody's while Max and Billy went to the Bridge Street Auction! My cousin Sara came down with her 2 kids and my uncles girlfriend's son Jake was there too. So all the kids went out and played in the sand pile and ran around having a good time. Rachel cooked us tacos and baked some cupcakes. I went to the store to visit with Kaykay for a while since she had to work all day. It was a great day I love spending time with my grandparents and my family. I miss them so much I hate that I can't see them more often but I love that when I come to visit its like nothing has changed!

After a while it was time to leave because we had dinner plans with Max's parents at Texas Roadhouse. And to my surprise before I go there they told our waitress that it was my bday so after our dinner the waitress brings this saddle to the table for me to sit on and everyone yelled happy birthday!! This was my first time at Texas Roadhouse and I must say it was really good!

After dinner we headed to Aunt Julies for the night! This was the first night that we stayed somewhere else besides at the farm! The girls were excited to see Aunt Julie as was I!! We stayed up and talked until the girls fell asleep. We made plans to have lunch with Aunt Julie the next day since we was going to be gone to work when we got up.

BTW I won't be able to post any pics because my card reader broke so I will update with pics when we get back to San Diego.

Day 15 Girls Day/Birthday Celebrations!

Today Max and his dad, brother and grandfather went to a farm auction while Donna and I brought the girls to Plattsburgh for a girls day! We first went to lunch a McDonalds and let the girls run around and play in the play area for a while then we brought them to Target! Donna bought Peyton and early birthday present a Lalaoopsie Mermaid and then of course Cassidy wanted a toy too so I ended up buying her a Lalaoopsie too!  Once we were done in Plattsburgh we came back to the house and started to get ready for the BBQ to celebrate mine and Travis's birthdays! Everyone came over and I was able to take a couple pics of all the grandkids for Donna and Billy! What a time that was I think I got 1 good pic out of about 10! After the BBQ Carter, Isaac, Jaime, & Austin stayed the night so we had 6 kiddos running around and then around 11 pm  they all started dropping like flies one would fall asleep then after about 5 minutes another would until they were all asleep!

Day 14 Waking Up To Snow

We woke up this morning to about 2 inches of snow. The girls were so excited! they hurried up and ate breakfast and put on the snow gear that Nanny got out for them since we didn't bring ours and out the door they went. They made snow angels and tried to make a snow man but there wasn't quite enough snow!!

Day 13 Its Freezing!!

Today we went to Plattsburgh (the city) to pick up a few things. We went to the mall and that for sure hasn't changed! A few new stores and that's about it! We picked up what we needed and went to lunch at one of our favorite places McSweeny's Red Hots!! Now if you are not from the North Country you probably don't know what a Michigan is but this is one of the best places to get one up here. By the way a Michigan is like a chili dog! As soon as we got in the restaurant I seen some people that I knew so I went and talked to them I hadn't seen Mike and Patty in over 6 years or more.

 

once we were done doing what we had to in Plattsburgh we went to Beekmantown school for a playdate with my cousin Sara who I haven't seen in over 5 years and her kids! Lets just say it was freezing like 34 degrees freezing! The playdate lasted about 40 minutes on the playground and then we all left because we were FROZE!!!!

This crazy cold front has been following us and doesn't want go! I think the warmest weather we have been in is in the 50s & 60's! When we drove through Delaware it was in the 80's which was nice. When we got back to farm Angie came over with the kids. We left the kids run around and go out to the barn while we stayed in the house and made pizza and breadsticks! Then once the kids came back from the barn Peyton was crying she had fell in the cow poop and was covered from head to toe. She went straight in the tub to get cleaned up!

Day 12 Visiting Family

Today we spent visiting with my family! First stop was my grandparents then my uncle who wasn't home then to my other Grandparents. It was great to see everyone! It has been almost 2 years since I last seen them!

The girls tormented my grandparents cat! My grandparents said they never seen it play like that before! After they were done Cassidy had a scratch on her hand and Peyton had one on her face!! All in all a good time!!

After we were done visiting we came back to the farm for the girls to play and relax for the evening! We ended the night with a movie Hotel Transylvania!

The weather has been getting colder and it is supposed to snow by the end of the week!

Day 11 A Day on the Farm

Our first full day in New York we spent relaxing and bringing the girls around the farm! The girls had been so excited most of the trip to go in the barn to see the cows and Peyton wanted to milk a cow so we went to the milking parlor and let her milk a cow! The girls had a ball! On the way back to the house from the farm the girls both fell in the mud! We couldn't help but laugh!! Cassidy being the girly girl that she is got upset because she had got mud all over her jeans and hands and Peyton just took it like a champ and got right back up!

Once we got the kids in the house for the night we had dinner and sat and watch the Rise of the Guardians!!

Day 10 Long Day of Driving!

This was the day that we headed to New York. It was sad to leave Kerry and Antonio's house. We knew we had a long drive ahead of us so we got up and got ready and were out of the house by 830. Instead of taking Interstate 95 we took an old route we used to take that cut a few hours off but were unaware that it was all under construction this time so a 13 hour trip turned into 17 hour trip. We first got through North Carolina and into Virginia and headed to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel then into Maryland and into Delaware to New Jersey then finally into New York.

We got to Donna and Billy's house a little after 1am. The girls did good the whole way we made a few stops so that they could get out and stretch and walk for a little bit.  New York marks the half way point for the mileage of our trip! We are here for a week then back on the road!

Day 9 Ripley's Aquarium

We got up early and headed to Myrtle Beach to go the Ripley's Aquarium and to have lunch at P.F. Changs!! We got to the aquarium and got our tickets and started to enjoy the aquarium! One of the first things we did was go to the touch tank and pet the sharks and held the horseshoe crabs. Then we got on the conveyor belt and went through the tunnels of the tanks. After we got out of the tunnel we went and waited for the mermaid show. The girls loved the mermaid show even though Cassidy was like they were not real Mermaids I could see their heels and Peyton argued that they were real!!

Once we were done with the aquarium we headed to have lunch at P.F. Changs!

Day 8 A Day of Relaxation!!

Today we went and had Sushi for lunch and went to watch The Croods!! The girls enjoyed playing with Kassidy and Donovan! It was awesome hanging out with Kerry and Antonio! The 4 of us have not been together in about 2 years which was way too long!!  By the way The Croods was a good movie!! We laughed, the kids laughed, it was all in all a good day!!

Day 7... What a long day

This morning we headed out to Jacksonville NC. We had 560 miles between our beginning point and destination. It started out smoothly then went downhill. We left Joes around 930 topped off the gas tank and hit the highway.

 

 

 

About an hour into it Cassidy said she had a tummy ache. She did fine and fell asleep. First delay in the day was we hit some traffic in Atlanta GA then we hit what seemed to be hundreds of miles of construction. We pulled off for gas and lunch and switched drivers. I began to drive but before we took off we gave the girls Dramamine before they got carsick. About a half hour after getting back on the road Cassidy's got carsick :( and the bag she was vomiting in had a hole in it so we had to pull over again and clean her up, change her and clean the car. After all that we get back on the road and make it to Jville about 2 hours after we had planned to. As soon as we got in the house Cassidy got sick and was up most of the night vomiting. :( Peyton scared us all to death and fell down the stairs and I'm not talking a regular fall I'm talking cart wheels down the stairs feet over head.. it was crazy.. she was a trooper though and only cried for a minute.
The rest of the night we hung out and talked with Kerry and Antonio and had the few drinks.

Day 6 Catfishing

Today we went to John and Linda's house ( Joes dad). We haven't been there since 2004. Since the last time we were there he had built a fishing pond in the back of his house and filled it with tons of catfish along with other fish.
It was cold around 40° and raining but we took the girls fishing anyways! They had been excited about it since we told them about it.  At first we didn't catch anything so we went in the house and John had cooked some catfish that he had caught earlier so we ate and warmed up before going out fishing again.
When we went back out we went to another part of the pond and the fish started biting! Joe caught 1 then I caught one then Max caught one and so on. I think we caught like 7 or 8 and released them all back! The girls were super excites to hold the catfish and put them back in the water!

After visiting with John and Linda for a while we headed back to Joes to get ready for our journey to Jacksonville NC to visit Kerry and Antonio in the morning.