RollersInVegas: 2011

Monday, December 19, 2011

Where to start...

12/19/2011 09:48:00 PM

First of all...Yes, I'm pretty sure those are gang signs that he's sporting, and yes...he probably will be in jail soon if he keeps driving his GIRL around in his car before it's LEGAL to do so.

The Beast continues to amaze us. He LOVES this computer (it's a touch screen)...and he loves to play NickJr....touching the screen, licking the screen...he just can't get enough.

And Eli. He's still working hard in scouts, and yes...he wears these glasses (with no lenses) daily...even to school. (they actually came in Isaac's DJ Lance Rock costume package)

We have just been SO totally crazy busy here. Let me just give you a quick rundown: (although, I can't remember where we last left off)....Since moving to Reno in July, we've:

Chris is doing just HORRIBLE in school (we can only hope at this point that he actually graduates THIS year)
Chris is NOT wrestling because of his grades
Chris wants to do LaCrosse this year (even though I've warned him he better get his grades up)
Chris had a girlfriend, then didn't, but he's now working on getting her back
The CrapStang continues to be crap and he loves driving it.

Eli LOVES his teacher (as do I)
Eli is in the gifted and talented program (of course he is)
Eli is making SO many friends at school (SO much better than last year)
Eli is NOT allergic to Nevada (yeah for us!) He's dropped 5 meds since moving from WA!
Eli is still the apple of my eye:)

Isaac can work the ipad now like there's no tomorrow. Starting his videos, rewinding them, turning up the volume. He's getting quite clever. Although, he's still eating it, and licking it...and getting food stuck where you charge it. (there's currently a big crack on the front screen. I anticipate a new one will be needed this year)
Isaac loves going to school. He rides horses, swims...they have his favorite chips and cookies and they even have YoGabbaGabba on a cd player for him.
Isaac rides the bus home from school everyday (like a big boy)
Isaac still doesn't talk (or babble for that matter), doesn't drink by mouth yet, and still eats stage 2 baby food by mouth. (he can eats Pringles and chips ahoy cookies by mouth...don't ask, because I don't know)

I LOVE Reno.
Joe and I have started eating vegan/vegetarian (when I have the will power) and I've lost about 15 pounds.
Over the last month I've had 3 different "attacks". After checking my heart, we discovered it was my gall bladder. We'll be taking that thing out in a few weeks.

Joe is my MAN!
Joe was diagnosed with Stage 2B colon cancer a few months ago.
Joe went through 2 surgical procedures to remove all the cancer.
Joe went through 6 weeks of chemo...all without missing a day of work.
Joe is crazy
Joe started back taking JuJitsu classes...and loves it.
Joe tore his rotator cuff...and will need surgery in a few weeks too (I guess which ever one gets it scheduled first gets to go first!)
Joe LOVES Reno and working with his new team here.

Well...that about sums it up. That's why I haven't been on here alot (I know, I've been working over HERE and not paying enough attention to this blog). I will do better. We LOVE all you guys that love us and check on us.

***Don't worry about Joe. He's too mean for cancer to take him down. They've got it all out...and he'll have check ups every 6 months to make sure it stays out!!

Thursday, October 06, 2011

Look Who's Riding the Bus!

10/06/2011 10:34:00 PM

Here comes the bus. I've been meeting her right in front

of the gates to our neighborhood...

Not sure if you can see him...but, he's sitting in his stroller at the

first window.

(the driver is taking off the straps that keep his stroller secured)

and then...they wheel him on out!

This bus has a driver and an aide (that's the ONLY reason I let him ride)

and...he's happy to see me! (i think)

Please notice...he has his paci, two books, and the driver even

has a cassette recording (front and back) of our favorite

Yo Gabba Gabba songs (in case of emergency!)

I'm so proud of him (and me)....

I still take him to school each morning...get him all settled in class and talk with his teacher.

THEN...I come home...

and relish in a moment of silence...

before I go out to wait for him.

IT is the BEST thing ever!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Family Fun Hiking

9/26/2011 08:41:00 PM

Have I told you lately that we LOVE it here in Reno?? We have been taking advantage of the outdoors as much possible. Christy sent me her baby backpack...and we already bought hiking boots when we were in Washington...so, it was the perfect day for a hike.

Last month, there was a fire on a mountain near our house. Eli calls it "Thor's Hammer"...because of all the burnt ground you can see. WELL...we decided to check it out!

Just look at my guys...

Isaac just loved sitting on Joe's back...

Then...the boys saw a lizard...and the hunt was on!

Yes...it took them ALL to catch that little thing! (ok, it

took just Joe...but, they all tried)

Can you believe how pretty it is?

and this is right in our backyard!

Literally...

I think this is the spot in the middle of the burnt mountain...

Eli striking a pose...

of course.

Chris...enjoying the view and staying as FAR away

from us as possible.

Taking a breather...

I am SO glad that I didn't have to carry Isaac.

And...before long...the baby was snoozing.

and Eli started leading the pack.

This weekend...we have GREAT plans! We're headed back to Virginia City to see the Outhouse Races! It's going to be SO much fun. Then, the next weekend is the Italian Festival!

OH...there are SO many things to do and see. I'm glad that we have the opportunity to do all these things now...because, I'm hearing that Reno gets a LITTLE chilly in the winter. BUT...then, we'll put on our snow bibs and hit the slopes!

GOSH..I can't wait.

In other news...Chris has his license. His car is registered. AND..he's almost mastered driving a stick. SHOOT...that means that I will have to let him drive to school anyday now...and I AM NOT ready for that. (no girlfriend yet...thank goodness)

Eli LOVES his new school and class. They got him in the gifted program and he's making friends. He's become the "first pick" goalie at recess when they play soccer. (so proud of him).

Isaac is trudging along at preschool. He has swimming two days a week, horse riding one day a week, music therapy, pt, ot, and speech. AND...we're trying to get him to hold his own spoon and feed himself (no real luck yet...but, we're doing "hand over hand" and I'm sure that one day, he'll surprise.). SIT DOWN...are you ready? Isaac is going to ride the school bus home from school tomorrow. NOW....I've met the driver, we're going to let him read his Gabba books, AND..the sweet driver is going to play "Yo Gabba Gabba" music on the bus for him! He should be in HEAVEN!

(I'll keep you updated on how that goes...)

Joe's been busy with work and other things...

and I'm just trying to get into a groove so that I can be a LITTLE more organized and productive. (if it's even possible)

Thanks for checking on us!

(and yes...go ahead and tell me how awesome my pics are!)

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

WE've been SUPER busy!

9/13/2011 09:11:00 PM

Let's just talk about the weather here for a moment...

LOVELY!

Isaac LOVES to go to the park and swing his little heart out.

First Day of School...Looks excited, doesn't he. Eli has started making friends, is the first pick on the playground for soccer, and is in the gifted program. All is right in his world (for now).

First day of school for Isaac. He was just walking down that sidewalk like he knew where he was going. We decided to put Isaac in a Special Needs school. His class can only get up to 6 kids (where as a special class at mainstream school can get up to 15 kids). This school has all the therapies (pt, ot, and speech) and it even has music therapy, swim therapy, and horse therapy. So far..so good. The only downside to this school is that it's 20 miles away (one way). SO, many days I just volunteer in class or run errands on that side of town to save on gas.

There is the COOLEST sporting goods store here called Scheels. It has a ferris wheel right in the middle...look at Chris being such a good brother and riding with Eli...melts my heart.

Here's a pic of Isaac enjoying his horse riding. He gets to ride every Thursday...and he just laughs and does his dancey dance the whole time. It is just the cutest thing I've EVER seen!

Two weeks ago we had the Rib Cookoff downtown. We walked in the heat, ate some delicious food, and the kids rode a few rides...

and that's Eli in the middle going down the slide. (yes...he wore those huge sunglasses all day long).

Last weekend we had the Hot Air Balloon Races in town. When we pulled up to drop Eli off at school...we were shocked to see TWO huge balloons on the playground.

On September 9th...we celebrated the birth of Christopher. Nothing like a six pack of Coke and a dancing hula girl to make a teenager happy!

This past weekend...we ventured to Virginia City...an old mining town in Nevada. It was the annual Camel Race...and we had a BLAST! Isaac did a great job holding his ipad and just taking it all in (although, it overheated after about an hour and had to be put away)

This is what the camel races looked like. Then, ostriches raced...and then little kids chased Emus and chickens around the arena. It was so funny to watch!

That's what Isaac looked like towards the end of our stay at the Camel Races.

There are my other handsome boys...

(yes...i was beating the ladies back with a stick!)

Well...that's about it. I'm SLOWLY getting Isaac into all his specialists. Chris goes to take his driving test next week (i am shaking in my boots for him!). He is a HORRIBLE driver (he must get that from his dad...not me:) I am still unpacking boxes and trying to organize (I just don't like doing that kind of thing)...but, we are STILL LOVING Reno! It's just the perfect little town for us!

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Two little monkeys

8/09/2011 10:26:00 PM

Chris is in Las Vegas this week visiting his friends...

(I stole this picture off his facebook wall)...

Looks like he's having fun!

OK...first...this is just an example of the crazy that I live with each day.

He was helping me clean his room...

dressed like this...

all DAY long.

SO...while I'm still recovering from my hernia surgery..I can't pick up heavy items...

like 30 pound butterball turkeys!

In my EVER evolving infinite wisdom...I decided to take off the side of Isaac's crib...

and it didn't fall apart.

AND...Sir Isaac and can in and out of bed ALL by himself.

(yes...those walls are RIDICULOUS...we're renting this house...but, I will paint them..

one day)

and...after his hard days of watching Gabba Gabba, eating every 3 hours...

it takes a toll on this little man...

He will just fall asleep in the middle of the floor...

and sleep for HOURS...

and now, it's almost 11pm..and that stinker is WIDE awake!

(I suppose I shouldn't have let him nap so long)

BUT...it's not nice to wake a sleeping baby.

oh my goodness...I am STILL in love with Reno! It's Hot August Nights this week...so, we'll have to get out and look at some classic cars (but...they're driving around all over town).

I still have boxes to unpack...and all the other household chores...one day...it will be done.

We did meet with our new cardiologist (his part of the same practice in Las Vegas). I loved him. Isaac is doing great. They told me that our docs in Vegas were already doing the valve replacements via cath...but, that Isaac won't be a candidate until after his NEXT surgery. IT's SO exciting though...maybe just one more open heart and then all the other tune-ups can be done in the cath lab!!

Going to go snuggle a stinker now...(that would be Isaac..not Joe)

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Settling in....

7/26/2011 10:05:00 PM

(I have pics to post, but blogger won't upload them) I will try again tomorrow.

We've been....getting through it all.

I had surgery on my tummy last week to repair that hernia. Thank GOODNESS my sister Christy drove up to take care of me and the kids (because I was ONE HOT MESS)! We will NOT go into details, just know that I slept for two days, only waking to throw up or pee.

I'm finally off the big pain meds and walking ALMOST straight (I feel like I had another c-section....but, with no baby to play with). AND...I can't lift lard-tail(Isaac) for THREE weeks.

Joe's been busy with work. Chris was away at wrestling camp this week and next week he'll be off to Utah to EFY (like a church camp).

Isaac has been a BEAST. He doesn't like that I can't hold him all day. So...you can imagine how our days are filled (with him screaming at me mostly). I can imagine what our neighbors think.

Eli has been a wonderful helper with Isaac. He spends his weekends at the pool with Joe. (he calls it his "Fatherly Son" time. (and...fyi, I asked...and I'm NOT allowed to go to the pool with them when I'm better).

stinkers.

I started another blog...Since moving to Wa, and then to Reno, I can't coupon the same and have to change the stores....it's all a mess. SO, I decided to put everything i do and like into one blog. Tell me what you think

CountingToTen (because I do that 764 times a day...at least)

Monday, July 11, 2011

Missed us??

7/11/2011 09:47:00 PM

SO...wondering where we've been?

I can't even remember the last thing I've told yOU. (hold on a second...let me look back at the blog and see).

gosh...it's been a FEW weeks. SO...let me get you up to speed.

I broke my NICE camera (and I have YET to find it in it's packed box)....therefore no pics for you to see today.
We moved. It was LONG process...but, thanks to our friends in Aberdeen....we made it out of there and didn't forget too many things!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE our new house in Reno (that's where we're at now in case I didn't mention it before). We decided on a 4 bedroom townhouse in a SUPER nice community. It's big enough for everyone to have their own bedroom, I have my big bathtub, TWO master closets, a pantry in the kitchen, NO LAWN!!!, a few community pools, community clubhouse with fitness center, 9-hole golf course. It's just perfect for us.
and...did I mention...the SUN! It's back. I missed you!
The boys all got haircuts...including Isaac. (who now looks like a cancer patient). No worries...it'll grow back in a few weeks. (and...I got him a cute hat).
We LOVE our new ward here in Reno.
Chris is going to wrestling practice everyday. (thank goodness)
Eli is the ONLY boy in his sunday school class...SO...I need to find him friends.
There's a movie theatre here that's only $3.00 (with couches in the back. I know...you almost want to bring a sheet with you JUST in case)
Katie is in heat and there's been a poodle stalking her. She got out...we better NOT be having yorkiepoos!
We have ALL been sick this past week...but, getting over in and ready to be tourists.
I thought I pulled a muscle in my stomach this week...but, nope...it's a hernia. SO...(like I don't have enough to do transferring all school stuff and medical stuff)...I'll be throwing in a trip to the surgeon this week to schedule surgery.

I'm sure there's MORE going on...but, you know my poor decrepit brain. We've unpack the majority of our boxes....just things like MY clothes, MY craft stuff, MY sewing, MY office....stuff like that remains.

Joe loves his new team here in Reno...we all love our neighborhood...I really think we're going to settle down for a while here and just enjoy!

(I'll find my camera, get it fixed....and post pics soon)

I pinky promise!

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Last day of preschool:(

6/16/2011 10:03:00 PM

It's the LAST day of preschool...and I don't have any pictures.

(my camera is broken)

and I can't take pics with my cell phone or Isaac screams for it (because he wants to watch you tube videos on it).

ohhhhhMY GOSH.........

I've been busy.

Last weekend, Joe flew UP to WA from Reno to pick up a uhaul with HALF of our house in it. Our super friends came to help us out...Chris (friend) drove down with Joe and Steph and the kids spent the weekend visiting and helping us out.

I'm just trying to finish cleaning and packing the house....trying to ignore obnoxious teenage voices in my house.

Eli turned 9 on Monday....(i'll post pics later)

I'll really do eVeRyThInG later...because I am a procrastinator and I have too many things to do this very moment.

I just wanted to pop in....let you know that we're alive...

and I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT MOVING!!!

SUnshine....Here I come!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Moving and Walking

5/26/2011 04:53:00 PM

Don't look now....who's walking around the park!!??!?!?

Seriously...holding onto the rails..and walking up the steps.

One foot at a time...

like he's a professional and has been doing it for years.

He can wobble on the wood chips...

(and don't you love those transition lenses)

Everyone kept asking me where I bought those cute sunglasses!

He really didn't care for the slide...but, probably because

some big ole' boys came up behind him.

yep...just enjoying the sun!

TODAY...it's raining.

Sun time is over.

AND...I've posted it on Facebook...but, it's official...we are MOVING! To Reno, NV.

We weren't expecting a promotion for at least a year...we didn't seek it...the cards just fell into place and we're excited! I'm excited about the Katie Beckett that NV has to offer....the sun, the fun that we'll have. We've already secured a house...actually a townhouse in a superCOOl neighborhood (full of golf, pools with waterslides, and a fitness center on site!)

I am MOST excited because google said that Reno has 300 days of sun each year!!!! OH MY GOSH....I can just feel the vitamin D calling my name!

There's still no word on the minivan...it's probably in the bottom of a lake somewhere....or on it's way to Mexico.

I'm sure there's so much more to tell you about...I am SO sorry for my lack of blog posts. I will try to do better.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

4 year old shots

5/10/2011 10:19:00 PM

Poor little Isaac. On Thursday (of last week), he had his 4 year old well check. He weighed in at 29 pounds and 31 inches tall. He did have to get 3 shots...which gave him a 102 temp until Sunday night! This is how he spent his weekend....just chillin' and sleeping:(

If you read my facebook status...you know that our stinkin' van was stolen on Friday night.

It had YET to be recovered...

Sunday....I had the BEST mother's day! We went to church, came home...Joe and the kids brought me lunch from my favorite Mexican restaurant...I took a nap with Isaac...and got the newest Black Eyed Peas cd. (which Chris has taken to his room...and yet to return).

Monday...Now that we're a ONE car family, I took everyone to school and work...and got locked out of our house. I had to go to Joe's bank to get him. I had to KNOCK on the bank's doors and ask another employee to get Joe. PLEASE picture my clothes: a light blue nightgown that goes to my knees, purple pajama pants with orange candy corns on them, a black hoodie, and light blue fuzzy slippers.

yes...I looked like a homeless woman trying to ask for money.

Thank goodness Joe had the right key....and I was able to get home and feed my Isaac.

Tuesday...Nothing extraordinary has happened yet today (knock on wood). I'm working on a prom dress for one of Chris' friends (and yes...I will TOTALLY show you when I'm finished). Chris is still in drivers ed...doing mediocre in school...and staying out of trouble.

Eli lost another tooth last night (he was being sneaky and hid the tooth in an easter egg!) I almost didn't catch it!

MOSTLY....as ridiculous as it is about the dumb van...we couldn't feel more love from all of our friends and family that have offered whatever they could to help us out. Thanks for loving our crazy family....(group hug...everyone...grab your monitor and SQUEEZE!)

(ahh....and this is Eli nowadays...NEVER letting me take a picture!)

and...you get to see a portion of his hair. Back to normal!

Monday, May 02, 2011

Why are you crying?

5/02/2011 04:07:00 PM

Have I told you that Isaac has temper tantrums?

That he doesn't like to deviate from our route when we're driving somewhere. Today, I decided to show you what he does when we pull into Eli's school parking lot.

EVERYDAY we deal with this. (Make sure your volume is up...but, not TOO loud...it could cause temporary hearing loss)

(sorry the video is sideways...not sure what happened)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

A Few of my favorite moments...

4/26/2011 09:16:00 PM

As I looked back on the last post that I'd made...I realized that I've been above and beyond a slacker blogger. SO...I plugged in my camera to upload the most recent pics...only to find that I've been a slacker-mom-photographer...

Therefore, I will share with you some of my favorite more recent photos....

I just love this one. You see the messy chaos that is OUR home...and you see

how in LOVE Isaac is with books...(ok...not books, just YoGabbaGabba books)

I am SO glad that we were able to travel a few weeks ago to visit our

friends...and they took us to one of the most beautiful

places that I'd ever seen (Deception Pass).

(and...it's a nice reminder of Eli's crazy hair)

WHICH is not crazy anymore....they shaved it off...and I'd show you...

but, I haven't taken a picture of it yet:(

Joe is really busy with work...therefore, it may be a FEW days before he

notices this picture. It is just the cutest thing I've ever seen!

Isaac sure does love him...

(and so do I)

I just needed to throw this one in. It's from our last appointment with the dentist.

One of the NICEST doctors ever...no one was even around him..

just wanted you to see what one of his tantrums look like.

And...you have HEARD of the phantom teenager that lurks our halls...

but, he exists. We turned his crazy orange hair to a super

dark brown...and he's as handsome as ever.

(and yes...still wants to be an underwear model)

AND...will kill me if he ever sees that I posted this picture.

Our days are busy as usual. Chris is in drivers ed (don't ask....), he's going to prom this weekend, Eli is reading some vampire series that made him cry last night (it had a sad ending), Isaac is walking ALL over the place and screaming at times (I think he's bi-polar, manic, multiple-personality disorder...all wrapped up into one cute little butterbean!)

We had a few sunny days lately...and it has just been beautiful. NOW...the forecast is for Rain...all week...forEVER probably.