'Nina is here...quick trip to Vegas...houses

Christina came in to be with us on 10/13.  We're so happy to see her!  The boys were so excited and I took Carter with me to go to the airport.  Makes me smile to know she's here for a couple of weeks.  Brandi came on Thursday and Friday to show 'Nina the ropes.  'Nina is taking over caring for the little guys and spending time with us. 

The next day after 'Nina came in I jetted to Vegas on a buddy pass.  I took the day off and met with Maria and saw Sweet Jewel.  Much better than I expected.  :)  Took pictures of the lawns as we know we'll have to fight it later.  Unfortunately our renters at Fair Play couldn't pay this month.  So they will be using their deposit to pay rent.  This stuff is really miserable, but at least we have an offer (cash) on Fair Play.  We're just waiting for the bank to approve it.  Unfortunately our credit is fairly wrecked.  All due to the houses.

Went to lunch with Deann, so nice to see her and talk with her.  What a good, good friend she is.  Enjoyed Pink Taco at the Hard Rock.  After seeing the houses I picked up Gillian and then we waiting for Kaitlyn.  Picked up Kaitlyn and then her friend Tia.  What a nice girl!  JF is moving and going bankrupt so the girls showed me where their new home will be.  It is amazing to me how he can weasel...weasel...weasel and weasel again to get his way.  Anyway, took the girls to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner then we did a little browsing at Burlington and Borders.  Dropped off the girls, took the car rental back and headed to the airport.  Whew!  Such a long day and quick trip but worth every minute.

Carter's first food and 4 month check up.

On October 2nd Carter eats his first food...prunes!  Super cute!  He slopped it right up.  His face was a total mess!  So fun to watch though.  A little bittersweet since these are the last of the "firsts". 

On October 6 Carter had his 4 month checkup.  16lbs. 8 oz.  He's a healthy little chublet!  Dr. Tami had a student with her.  Super nice guy!  Carter made it through very well.  He was patient and Tami explained everything she does.  It was interesting to hear about it. 

House drama

Default notice 9/18.  Renters play on it.  Working with mortgage companies.  Massive amount of paperwork, must disclose all kinds of stuff.  A package of requested documents a mile long.

Constant changing of requirements.  No home modification for us.  We've lost SO much money.  100k on the house we live in.  Sweet Jewel....trashed.

Potty training and memorable boy stuff

Oh man this takes effort!  Poopy pants is absolutely no fun!  Brandi really deserves all the credit. 

Boys Birthday

September just got away from me and I haven't had a chance to jot down some fun stuff from the boys birthday.  

First day of high school for Kaitlyn and middle school for Gillian

Reminiscent of the FIRST first day of school for both of them.  Kaitlyn says it's her "worst day ever".  I think it's a bit of 14yr. old drama.  I'm worried about her in the school after hearing what she has to say.  It's called "the pharmacy".  Oh. My. God.  Scary indeed.

Gillian loves middle school.  Especially no uniforms and many lunch choices.  Oh it's the little things.  She's really excited to do orchestra.  She wants to play the viola.  She is so full of chatter about her teachers and classes.  It's cool to hear.  She tells me that she is in a math class with 39 kids.  Yes, I said 39 kids.  In a portable! 

I'm quite melancholy about today.  I'd love to rewind time and be more available...in the past.  I'm truly aware and present (I think) now.  It's just a little bit unnerving to know that the girls and I both were the ones that lost out of the drives to school, various awards and mother/daughter muffin days.  Yes I managed to get to some of them but not nearly as many as the rat. 

Ben "poops the pottie", Tahoe and Girls leaving

Ben poops in the potty.  Literally a log.  Probably TMI, but totally true.  He didn't like it at all either.  He cried, but it was probably the better considering he crosses his legs and twists himself and then cries while he holds it in.  Poor little guy just hasn't put it together that it is so much easier when sitting on the potty.  Hopefully it's the beginning of not buying diapers for 4 kids.

Went to Tahoe on Thursday (8/12).  It was a glorious day!  We couldn't have asked for a better day!  So lucky for us for sure.  I'm so glad to be a part of RTT to connect with my peeps, but it also helps to have a bit of a hookup for the Tahoe MS Dixie cruise.  It was fabulous!  We boated out to Emerald Bay.  So, so beautiful.  We enjoyed being in a great space that allowed

Girl leave on 8/13.  Wow.  So hard for me.  It never gets easier.  The girls both want to live here.  Then when they say it, they get guilt ridden text messages back.  Like "I must be a terrible father...I guess I should take back those Lakers tickets".  Wow...really?  You really think it's appropriate for a father to blame his children for not wanting to live with him?  Kaitlyn has been real clear for months.  Gillian took it upon herself to mail JF a letter explaining her position.  He just rejected it and said that it was because she was here in Reno that she felt that way.  He also tells her that the judge decided and that's the way it is.  Funny how it's changed from him supporting what they want (when they wanted to live in Vegas) to "that's the way it is" when they want to be in Reno.  What a gem.  Blaming the kids.  Rock on JF!  What a rat bastard.  I'm certain he thinks I put the ideas in their heads.  Little does he know that buying them everything doesn't buy love and family.  HELLLLOOOO! But no, he cannot think that way.