Section 106 MOA documentation for demolition of Candy House

OK...to about 1/3 to 1/2 of our readers get the title of the posting...

The following are pictures of Anna's Candy House made at daycare. Unfortunately, the Candy House was condemned for having a collapsing roof and my fear of attracting pests (no, not the Boys). I snapped a couple of quick photos, which also include our pig ornament (in celebration of the Year of Pig).

Happy Holidays!!

And we are back...

Today, at lunch time I beheld a most beautiful sight...the Mediacom repair team. After a week, we now have home phone (and our unlimited long distance, so Anna can talk to Grandma and Grandpa as often as she wants), internet, and cable (this is most important for Skippy).

So without further ado, pictures from the last week. I will let them talk the stories (with some narration).

On the 8th, we had an office Christmas dinner in downtown Jeff City - the meal wasn't impressive. But it was a fun night and marked Anna's first true babysitting experience (sorry, I don't count a morning with T or time with Grandma and Grandpa as true babysitting). Anna was crying when I left, but stopped once the door was shut and started playing with K (the babysitter) and M (K's younger sister who was invited to tag along - otherwise she as stuck home with her brother, as her mom works with me and was at the dinner also).

When we got home (about 5 hours later) - here is the sight we beheld (and of course, I ran upstairs to get the camera). In the first picture you cannot see Anna because she is cuddled down next to K and under the blanket.



A better photo the sleeping beauties. In K's defense, it was after 10 and Anna can wear out even the most energetic teenager.

So dinner was followed by a wild night of thunderstorms with freezing ran. Resulting in the following pictures of destruction of the trees in my front yard (and eventually leading toward a lack of electricity along with phone, internet and cable service). If you look closely, you can see the culprits (limbs and branches) responsible for my outages. Also, these were early morning photos, it got worse as the day progressed. All I heard from 3am to late afternoon was pop, pop, crack and crash.

Luckily, we (Anna, the Boys, and I) were taken in by my supervisor until we regained power.

Friday, December 14th was Anna's Christmas program at the daycare. Remember, even though she is only 21 months (soon to be 22 months) Anna is in the Two Year Olds Room. Her group started out well, because Anna had not noticed me. But look at the fourth photo down - yes, she just saw Mommy. This was followed by a melt down, half way through Rodolph the Red Nose Reindeer. After the first scream of why are you not with me - I signaled for her to come over to me and she stopped the melt down, which included big alligator tears. She never went back up - thanks goodness she wasn't chosen to play Mary for the second song, Away in a Manager.

Lastly, click the following to see Anna, Rem and Jake as elves. Thanks, Jess, for doing this.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1469888158

And we have power...

but no cable, internet or home phone service and no idea when we will get these three items back.

So, if I don't have them back in 9 days, when the parents show up - what will Skip do without television?

Ice Storm...No Power at Home..

All I can say is "ice = bad" for electrical and internet lines. Hopefully, I will have them both back up later this week.

That's all...

Random Things...

First, a couple of Anna and Remmington pictures. Of course, I wasn't quick enough to get the cutest picture, which as Anna straddling Remmie and giving him a hug.

Anna's couch

Remmie, a very put upon hound dog

Anna taking a break from playing peek-a-boo with Remmie, which involved covering Remmie with the pink blanket in Anna's lap and me asking "where's Remmie?"
Cheese.

We tried a new grocery store today. We found a larger selection of fresh veggies and fruit. We also discovered milk from a Missouri creamery. The unique factor is that the milk comes in glass bottles. I cannot remember having milk from glass bottles, so I had to get one to try. I think that the milk might taste better from the glass bottle than from plastic. Here is a picture of the glass bottle.

Living Windows...

I think I walked into downtown Stars Hallow last night. (Yes, this is a pop culture reference...other than MBA - do any of you get it?)

Last night we went to Living Windows in downtown Jeff City. This is an annual event described below (description liberally lifted from http://www.visitjeffersoncity.com/):

November 30
Living Windows
The Living Windows takes place in downtown
Jefferson City from 6-9 p.m.
Storefronts and windows come alive with dancers,
singers, religious and holiday themes. Carriage rides and hayrides wind
their way through the streets and Santa Claus makes his yearly visit. Free
Admission.

We visited Santa and Mrs. Claus (seen below) at the Hawthorn Bank. Every year, since the Great Depression, Santa has visited the bank and handed out Hersey candy bars (these are full size candy bars, not the fun size). Talk about a tradition!!

Unfortunately, after being excited about seeing Santa and waiting 20 minutes for Santa to make an appearance, Anna was completely terrified of Santa and Mrs. Claus. So, we quickly grabbed our candy bars, one plain and one with almonds, and ran. I hate to say it but she was also frightened of trying to do the candy cane house herself. Hopefully, next year will be better.

In addition to Santa, the Helias band and choir were singing in the bank. Below you can see some of the band members that the bank's tree.

In addition to Santa, many of the stores had musicians, signers, dogs (yes, dogs), dancers, living mannequins in their store fronts. The Hallmark store had a quartet playing Christmas music. The bridal shop had live models in the store front windows modeling wedding gowns. Anna was entranced by these beautiful girls. Another store had young girls making a ginger bread house. We stopped to watch some young dancers having a "pajama party". Here is a photo of these dancers:

We stopped and watched this band playing outside another store:

It was a very fun evening. Next year I plan on doing a little shopping. This year was about learning what was happening. But it gave us a fun chance to check out some of the local stores.

Christmas is a month away...

Where the heck has this year gone? I cannot believe that Christmas is only a month away!!

We spent the weekend getting ready for the Christmas Holiday Season by decorating...especially putting up the Christmas tree. Here are some pictures of Anna helping me put up the tree. Last year we didn't have a tree of our own, we went to Florida for Christmas and the parents had already put their tree up. So, this was Anna's first experience at decorating a Christmas tree. She got the hang of it towards the end.

I also spent some time online today finishing up my Christmas shopping - after I dragged a list out of my mother. She accused Jess (sister-in-law) and I of conspiring against her, because we both took her to task this morning for not providing us Christmas list (even though ours were due in July). Funnily, Jess and I did not conspire, we both just wanted to get shopping out of the way in order to enjoy the Holiday Season with a little less stress.

Here are pictures of tree decorating:

Hi, my name is Michelle and I am...

...a shopaholic when it comes to gifts for my daughter (and other family members). What makes this worst is the fact that I lost count of the items I have for everyone. So, I am trying to figure out how many gifts under the tree is too many? And does it make it better if I start packaging items together. So, would three shirts in the same box equal one gift or three? She will only be opening one box...

You know you have a big girl when...

..she stops using the tray and starts eating at the table. See Exhibit A above.

...she can open doors with knobs along with doors with lever handles.

...she starts speaking in full sentences. Example: Mommy, I want juice. I am now trying to teacher her to ask Grandpa for money.

...she is thriving in the two year room.

...she is starting to tell you when she has pottied. Now, we need to work on moving that to an early warning system.

That is all I can think of at the moment. Feel free to add your witty comments in the comment area.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

This last week has been rather busy. On Friday I took a couple hours of administrative leave to go get my Missouri driver's license and a tax exempt form that I will need to register the car. FHWA has administrative leave (this is paid leave) for new staff members to set up bank accounts, get new drivers license, etc. Basically, all those fun things involved in a move to another state.

On Saturday, Anna and I attended a "Welcome to Jeff City" cook out at Don's house. Also invited was Felix (another FHWA newbie) and his family, which included his children, wife, and parents. Here are some pictures from Saturday:


Felix and his son checking out the kid size 4-wheeler
Don (on the tractor) giving a ride to Felix's two children and Don's granddaughter. Anna was not a fan of the noise made by the tractor, so didn't go on a ride.
Anna found this bouncy horse to be right up her alley.



On Sunday we went to library. Since I now have a Missouri library card, I could get a library card. We spent an hour checking out the place. Unfortunately, the children's area is under renovation.

Monday's weather has nice and warm, so we hit the park after work. The one thing we learned about sunsets in Jeff City is that when the sun sets, it sets. In Indiana (northern and central) sunset is about 30 minute deal. Here, because of the hilly terrain, when the sunsets it is gone. There is not a true dusk time, like in Indiana.

Here are some pictures from Monday at the park.

Yesterday, Anna was beat up by a 3 year old. Anna was on a swing, the 3 year old wanted the swing, Anna didn't give any ground (stubborn like her mother), and so Anna ends up with a scratched up cheek from an angry 3 year old (girl, hence the scratches and not a black eye). Once the scratches heal, we will get more pictures up.

Bad blogger, bad blogger...

Ok, so I have been rather lazy about blogging and haven't written/posted anything in a couple (few) weeks.

Here is a quick catch-up on the Jeff City girls (and dogs):

* Jake challenged for alpha of the pack, lost (to me, of course) and is now acting submissive not only to me, but to the child. It is kind of pitiful to watch a full growth husky show is belly to a toddler and lick her submissively on the chin. Unfortunately, the chin licking lead to XinXin thinking a fun new game would be to have the boys lick her tongue when she stuck it out. Thankfully, the dog that doesn't think he is a dog, wasn't playing the game. Which left the husky, who wants browning points for good behavior, playing the game until I firmly told him "no". Of course, the "no" only worked with the dog not the kid.

* Sunday was gorgeous weather, so we went to a local city park. We had blast, while the park really doesn't rival any of the good Indy parks (ie, Eagle Creak or Spring Mill pop into my mind), it had a nice toddler play ground and nice wide walking paths. There were a large number of families with small children or dogs. Most of those families had walked from the surrounding neighborhood, which is a cross between Butler-Tarkington and Broad Ripple, without the outrageous price tag of either neighborhoods. I have figured out that this is where I want us to live once we buy a house. And before you ask...nothing new on the Indy house. I figure if it doesn't sell by the time my listing contract is up, I will rent. I want to recoup at least some of my mortgage payment.

* XinXin is starting to mimic everything I say. The other day I let her pick out my necklace, when I told her "good choice" she looked at me and said "good choice". When I did her hair and said "gorgeous" she repeated the word exactly how I said it...making the first syllable long.

* XinXin is also eating directly from the table now. I removed the tray on the high chair, lowered the high chair and pulled it up to the table. She now climbs in herself and will pull herself up to the table while saying "dinner time".

* Oh, and on Monday XinXin is starting in the two year old room. Last week I was asked if I was willing to have her moved up. She is the second oldest in the older one year room, but more advanced in language and other skills than the other kids. So, the daycare wants to put her some where she will be challenged.

Sorry, no pictures this time. But if the weather is good this weekend, we will go back to the park and I will remember to take my camera out of the car. Also, I will try to get some shots of the neighborhood area for you to see.

Trick or Treat!!!

A couple of photos of Anna all ready for Trick or Treat celebrations! The cute outfit seen here is from an INDOT friend...




Below she is playing with one of her baby dolls and then showing how well she is taking care of her baby to Rem-Rem (yes, Remington has received a new nickname).





Look I now have three dogs...the pink one likes to watch Barney and just received her first Barney stuff toy from her grandparents for Family Day.

One year ago...

One year ago I became mommy to Xiu Fu Xin...which was the happiest and most life altering day of my life (up to this point).

XinXin has come so far...from a little girl who couldn't sit up by herself, to an active toddler who doesn't sit still long enough to get photos taken and whose newest trick is to strip out of her pajamas. She is my first thought in the morning and last thought at night. She brings joy and happiness to my life. Her smile makes me smile, her laugh makes me laugh, and her tears rip out my heart. She is the daughter of my heart and the center of my universe.

six months
family day
summer 2007 - photo by Cris Klika
ice cream with Grandpa - summer 2007 Having just stripped out of her pajamas, I'll put them back on when she is ready.

Happy Family Day to Xiu Fu Xin, all of her orphanage sisters and Leo!!

First Days...

Well, we both survived out first days. The Xin was not a happy camper about being left at daycare. After a full week with me, I think she was to accustom to me being present to perform her every whim. According to her daily sheet, she napped from 11:30 to 1, which is good. I was afraid that she would protest nap time, which she was doing at the beginning of last week. But I started enforcing a nap starting around 11:30, knowing that would be her routine at daycare.

My day went rather quickly. I even went to a meeting at the state DOT on a project. I spent most of my day reviewing manuals on my new job duties. Since I am going to be doing work in ROW, I will be studying that rather intensely.

My hours won't be all that different from my old hours at OES. I am going to work 7:30-4 for a 30 minutes lunch. And since there are not all that many places to lunch around the office, I will be taking my lunch on a regular basis - which is good both for my diet and pocket book. In timing the drive, including daycare drop-off and pick-up, the overall commute time is about the same.

On another note, we had an open house yesterday at the Indy house. Three couples came through - couple #1 was interested, has an accepted offer on another house, but have run into large issues during inspection; couple #2 is only approved for financing up to $100,000; and couple #3, she liked the lay-out, he was not too crazy about noise from South Meridian, but both liked the yard, fence, and privacy - they are working with a realtor and will have him/her contact my realtor if they are interested.

So, in all it sounds like it was a good open house.

They're here....

the terrible twos are beginning to show themselves here at the H. House - Missouri. Take something away from her that she is not to have or don't give her something she wants (but is not suppose to have) and XinXin will have a melt down. Example, ink pens....the child loves ink pens...if she has one and you take in away (because she is writing on herself and going for the dogs next) or don't give her one when she requests...the melt down will come quickly. Another example, juice in a sippy cup versus from a juice box (same juice) but if she is bound a determined to have it in the box format, watch the melt down. I cannot help but laugh at times because it seems so drama queenesque. Of course, I realize that laughing does not help the situation.

Also, she is starting to exhibit a strong streak of independence (on her terms of course). She has taken to walking beside me (or slightly behind) at stores...she likes shopping but hates to be confined to the shopping cart. This leads me to saying her name several times (OK, hundreds) in order to get her attention and keep her moving. But she is still listening, so far every time I have told her to put something back, she has and in the correct area if not spot.

Also, other items that are arriving early...X's 2 year molars. The bottom left molar came in at 19 months and the bottom right is following along at 20 months. For a child that couldn't sit up at 8 months, X has caught up and trying to surpass milestones for in her development.

Now to go wake up X and begin the day...

News of Jeff City...

A couple of new pictures of the XinXin, who barely holds still long enough for me to grab the camera and snap a picture.

I am embarrassed to say that I have discovered a couple of totes of 24mo and/or 2T clothing for Anna that I was not aware we had. So, the kid now has more clothes that she can wear. We will have to save them in hopes that Anna's future cousin is a girl.

The news from the last week....

* We visited Anna's new daycare twice for her to play with the kids and get use to the staff. She did well and began to warm up to everyone.
* We bought a new washer and dryer...we were going to rent until we found out it was going to cost us $86.00 a month. It was a better deal to just buy.
* Had an offer on the house...the guy was looking for the deal of a lifetime. He offered $114,900 and wanted 4% of the price for down payment assistance. Considering I paid more than $114,900 for the house three years ago, my answer was no. There were some counter offers back a forth...he didn't accept the last counter, so I am still waiting for the right buyer (not a bottom feeder like this guy) to come through the house.

I will update about my first day of work tomorrow or on Tuesday.

We made it...and all 4 of us are still alive...

We have been in the house for a few days now...and have at least four rooms set up - Anna's, mine, kitchen, and office/playroom. Of course, the game plan is for this to be a temporary home until the Indy house sells and we buy a place out here.

The drive was rather uneventful. I decided to drug Jake, who gets a little nervous/anxious on long car rides, which cannot be good for the little guy. Anna watched Elmo and Barney most of the trip and only took an hour nap. Remmie, being the almost perfect dog he is, chilled and slept most of the way.

Things we miss from the old house...

1) two car garage with a flat drive way; here we have an almost 45 degree sloped one-car drive way. I don't plan on parking in the garage.
2) having two full baths...actually, the under the sink space that comes with those full bathrooms. We have sharing a full bath and the half bath has a pedestal sink.
3) sidewalks for walking...those are a rarity here in Jeff City
4) babies 'r' us
5) Zoo...yes, we have a membership to the St. Louis Zoo (Thanks OES Staff!!), but that is more than an hour away.
6) Children's Museum
7) fenced yard for the boys...we now have tie outs so I don't have to stand outside watching them in the morning, when it is rather chilly
and most importantly...friends!!!

Things we have found in Jeff City...the Target store (very important), Kohls (brand spanking new and really coolly designed), Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, TJ Maxx....ok, yes I realize these are all in Indy. We will check out the downtown area on Saturday for some local flavor.

Other things I have learned in the last couple of days...30 minutes of Barney entertains Anna - therefore, I can get something done while she is memorized be the big purple dinosaur.

One week to go...

Playing with balloons from Mommy's going away party at work.

Guess what Anna is going as for Halloween?

Friday was my going away party at the office. It was a week early because staff was going to be out of town on my official last day. Anna loved the balloons that I brought home from the party. At one point in time was was completely tangled up in them.

We went shopping today...enjoying the ability to make a quick run to Babies 'R' Us and different Targets. Not something we will be doing in the near future. While at Babies 'R' Us, I picked up a Halloween costume for Anna. I think she makes a cute pink poodle.

Movers come Monday to pack and then are pack Tuesday to load.

Nothing more to add at the moment.