Ortiona Family

Bathroom

2011-06-19T16:46:00.000-04:00

We have been busy at work with our two upstairs bathrooms. I am will post more on bathroom #2 later but below you will see the transformation on our master bathroom. We are still in the progress of finishing up the closet and the bedroom itself. This was a force redo because of grout crack so the bathroom but the bathroom was old an nasty. As you can see we have made a vast improvment. We also removed the upstairs linen clothes to make more more in the bathroom. Almost 2 more feet in size!!!

The linen closet before being removed.

The vanity area. We went a head and removed this area but we are still working on it because we are going to make the closets a dressing area.

Entry to the OLD bathroom

Yes, the old bathroom. The wall between the sink and toilet will be removed.

That is UGLY!

Some of the tiles were removed after the leak.

Smallest shower we have had!

Closet removed and dry wall installed.

Our new shower

The shower and tub will right against the hallway now.

We purchased all the items and made the design. The contractor was there just to install everything. So don't blame them if you guys don't like!

The frameless shower doors took and extra 3 weeks to order and install. That is why there are no pictures but believe me it was worth the wait!

Individual sinks. I am no longer responsible for cleaning both!

My BIG comfortable soaking tub

No more wall between the toilet and sink

More to Come........

2010-01-24T17:53:00.000-05:00

I know it has been a LONG time since I have blogged. I am feeling more settled into my new life and ready for Spring to come around to get out and explore. I am sure that when that happens more blog and picture will arise.

The Ortiona family has been busy getting our lives settle in here in Northern Virginia. We have had a steady stream of family and friends with us since our arrival. We have enjoyed the fall and winter. We are getting out and about from time to time however we are spending a lot of free time in our house. We have painted the downstairs and remodelled the kitchen.

I have included pictures of our house from Fall to Winter. This is the first time in 8 years we have lived in an area with seasons. Ashlyn has never lived in such and environment. Crazy, UH? I can't wait to added the rest of the picture for the rest of the season.

More to come...........

Melissa

Abandoned! The Melissa Ortiona Story

2009-09-30T15:18:00.000-04:00

Yes, it does sound like a bad Lifetime movie story but this is the title of my life that my neighbors gave me recently. So sit back and enjoy the show......

Chris left on Saturday for his 2 day adventure with the cats to Colorado. I was left behind in Monterey, CA to finish cleaning the house, finish all business in Monterey, and tend to Ashlyn and Bailey. Things were going well that weekend. Begging for food was a mere thought since all I had to do was mention BBQ in the neighborhood and we had plently of food to feed me, Ashlyn and, of course, Bailey. So Saturday lead into Sunday again friends were willing to feed me again especially since there was wine involved. Jan and Susan was excited company on Sunday. We looked back over the last 2 years of me at CHOMP (Ok I forgot there were people reading this that wouldn't know want that meant -- Community Hospital of Monterey Pennisula) and remembered the good and the not so good but difinetely a part of my memories of Monterey.

Monday was a dark and drippy day. The day fit the mood since today was the start of my good byes. The first of many were Ashlyn's school teachers they have been a crutical part of her and our life the last year. I don't trust too many people with my child outside my little Spruance Road bubble. I visit many times my friends who were trying to pack there house and pawning stuff off to neighbors and sneaking garbage in trash can as need (since my was already clean for the house inspection). Finally Julie rescued me from my lurching around and gave me free range of her house for food and internet.

The house inspection went great. No charges for any damages or cleaniness. I would hope not since I was suppose to do is a general wipe down. Now how do you stop just wiping things out. Once I start I couldn't just leave it without being 100% clean.

Good byes continued through out the day. Which were hard. Ashlyn wanted to know "why you so sad mommy?" She is a trooper she would wipe the tears away from my face when one would fall.

Now for the plane day. I have been to the Monterey Airport and have called United repeated times to confirm Bailey on my flight. We get there with the help of Ruben and the Huxsoll. Yes, I need two cars. One for me, Ashlyn, Bailey and his crate and the other with all my luggage. We get to the airport and for one my cage is too big for the airplane. We could get a smaller crate, however, he would be abel to lay down completely. The airlane was OK with that; I was not. Then the military orders stated I could have luggage up to 100lbs. So I have 4 bags ranging from 50-90lbs. Way less then the 4 each we would have on the orders. They were only willing to accepted bags weighing less then 70lb. What the heck! So me shaking and tear swelling up my friends were asking questions for me to the airlines. They first solution was for me to rent a car and drive myself to the airport. HELLOOOO have you seen how much stuff I have and who in gods name will return my rental car in SFO? So have a tearful call to the shuttle service they arraged for a private shuttle to pick me up and drive me and all my STUFF to SFO. Two hours later I was on my flight in tow with all family member that I was responsible for. The flight was a bit disappointing. It took them 2 hours into my flight to offer a drink. Yes I need a drink, a stiff one. Plus there were no food left once they got half way through the plane. Thank goodnesss for Ashlyn's snacks!

Now we are hanging out in the hotel. There is a McDonalds right beside us to provide a play area for Ashlyn. I am awaiting confirmation that I can pick up my car which is 40 miles away from me (there is another mini-series story in the making). The biggest thing I am waiting on is the closing date of my house. They are trying to push for Friday. So keep your fingers crossed.

So no I don't feel abandoned. I feel loved from all my friends and family that has supported me through the last few days. THANK YOU!!!!

Dog Days of Summer

2009-07-05T17:00:00.000-04:00

We have enjoyed the last few weeks. Chris as finished is next to last quarter and all that is ahead of him is his Thesis. We decided not to take a vacation do to our unknow future (No, we still don't know where it is we will be living after September!). We enjoyed some down home fun. We took in a baseball game in San Fran, and spent another few nights camping out in Big Sur. It seems like the summer has just begun but my August calender is already getting cramped. Especially with the anticipation of a move. It started to become real when we had to say good-bye to another 2 set of neighbors. I hope you all are enjoy your summer. Remember to take some time for yourself and Enjoy.

Maybe Our Last Summer in Monterey

2009-06-02T21:50:00.000-04:00

Each and every day I am now getting the question of where are you guys heading off to in September and the answer still remains "I don't know!" One day soon I am sure we will find out however as for now we are living like this is our last summer in Monterey. I hope the sun remains shining and the weather stays mild (mid-70's). We will take every opportunity to enjoy the state of California. Yes there are still places we haven't explored. So watch out California the Ortiona will be traveling once more.

Trip around the world?

2009-05-25T22:16:00.000-04:00

No we didn't take a trip around the world we just went to Vegas. We took a good ol' road trip toVegas this weekend. It is about 8 hour drive there and we took in something new each day. We strolled through New York in the morning and by lunch we were in Paris dining in the Eiffel Tower then that same evening we were transported back to King Arthur Era for a tournament. The next day we were able to lounge by pool in the near 100 degree temperature. That evening we had dinner at with friends at the Hofbrauhaus. These were just of the few events we got to take in. There are many other things we got to do. The funniest part of it was we were 17 floors above the Casino and we never got to gamble. That is want children will do to you.

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T21:47:00.000-04:00

I have never wanted to be a mom until recently, well I guess for the last 4 years. Four years ago I was barely pregnant and I have never looked back on being a mom. I have enjoyed spending the day with family and feeling like the best mom in the world for at least one day of the year. I never believe this is true except for this one day. Of course, like many others I feel on a day to day bases what I did and how I could be a better mother. I look at my lovely daughter and think I must be doing something right however I always want to improve.

I can say in all honestly that I have a wonderful family and of course this day is for me and my family because I couldn't be a mom without them.

I love you and couldn't imagine my life and different.

Farewell Jolene

2009-04-08T13:38:00.000-04:00

For you guys who didn't know we have had a spend a night guest for a few months. Our sister in law have been here studying to speak German before she head to Germany for her job. The time has come to move her overseas and clean the guest room once again. It has been a interesting to have family here so long. Being military we haven't got to be close to family in a very long time. This has given us an opportunity to have family around and help out with Ashlyn. I have had a sister to teach about shopping and wines. She was a very good student. She has also learned that children are not in her immediate future. We have learned a lot about each other and Ashlyn as learn the meaning of extended family. Thank you Auntie J for all the time you spent with us. Have a great time in Germany and we can't wait to come visit and be able to cash in on a free room.

Correction.

2009-04-08T13:36:00.000-04:00

I have to admit that I was wrong on my previous post. The butterflies are not Monarch they are "Painted Ladies." I do apologize. I never claimed to be a Lepidopterologist. I did enjoy them no matter what they were.

Monarch Butterflies

2009-03-30T16:59:00.000-04:00

I get to live in amazing places. This weekend while I was stuggling with the overgrown, undercared for back yard I looked up to witness a unique migration pattern. The monarch butterflies have hatched and started their migration from Pacific Grove, CA. The winds were just perfect to have them fly right through out housing complex. At first I thought that it was just little pieces of paper flying through the air from a fire. I moved from the back yard to the soccer field and notice hundreds of butterflies. This lasted for hours. Children were smiling ear to ear in hope to catch one of these butterflies in there home made butterfly net (who has those just laying around?). Today the groves of them have slowed down and I was able to capture a few photos of them on my flowers outside of my house. It was truely amazing, once in a life time opportunity to witness.

Ashlyn's Talents

2009-02-17T19:18:00.000-05:00

Ashlyn as become a very talented person. I have no idea where she would have gotten this quality. Ever since she has heard music her body has moved. She loves to shake her "butt butt." Now she has reach deep into her soul and is experimenting in singing. I am unsure if I should be standing in line American Idol but I love to listen and watch all of her talents.

#33

2009-02-12T14:49:00.000-05:00

Okay I am really not in my twenties anymore I am "In my Thirties." Yes I have recently experienced a Birthday. A day before my "Big Day" I was lured out of the house for a mani and pedi with a girlfriend of mine. Once I was back I had no idea that there was a surprise 70's party for me. This is exactly want I needed to let loose and have fun since I was restricted to light work for the last 2 weeks and when I was up moving around I was planning the wine event that I co-chaired.

All my neighbors where there. I wish some of my friends back in the day could meet these incredible people I know here. We truly know what the meaning of community. That is right you Spruance Road Mafia -- I am talking about you. Chris planned the party but I know it took all of you guys to make it happen and I am truly grateful.

As for the party there was cheese whiz and chicken in a baskit, box of wine, Twister, and other wonderful memories of the past. I realized I was a true child of the 70's. 1976 that is! The best part of the evening was the Karaoke. We sang and grooved to the music.

Thanks to all of you that made my day special.

GROOVY BABY!

Ski Tahoe

2009-01-12T15:39:00.000-05:00

I have never thought that I the southern gal, beach and water lover would ever say this but "let it snow!!" We had another wonderful ski adventure to South Lake Tahoe and skied Heavenly. Ashlyn actually was old enough to take a few lessons. She was up with great balance skiing down the bunny slopes in no time. For me I took another lesson and feel very confidence on the green and some small blue slopes. Chris and I got to take a few run together. We looked strange out there one on skies and the other snow boarding but we enjoyed our time out together.

As for Lake Tahoe, it is a beautiful place. We drove around the lake and even headed up north one day. The view were spectacular. It makes you really think of nature and the wonderful events that can happen there. We had all elements -- snow, ice, sun, water, rainbows, and even a small fire. The are is so dynamic. Needless to say the best element we had on this trips was we were able to enjoy it with friends and even other family member.

Christmas hustle and bustle!

2009-01-04T10:02:00.000-05:00

This year Christmas was a hustle and bustle. Our family got to enjoy some holiday fun with neighbors then we celebrated our Christmas a day early. We had made arrangements with Santa and he agreed to come a day early for Ashlyn because she was such a good girl. Then on Christmas day we head to New York City. There we enjoy an Christmas dinner at Rockefeller Cafe right below the Christmas tree. We were able to watch the ice skaters while we had a wonderful Ortiona Family dinner. The next day it was off to Hershey, PA for Alex and Jolene's official wedding. We got to enjoy Chocolate World and the Hershey Hotel. The wedding we great and we dance until midnight (well it was only 9pm Monterey time!). Then back to JFK to catch our plane back to Monterey. Luckily, our flight were not delayed in any way. I know other had a hassle at airport. Our experience was so good that we bought a ticket for Tita Rosie to come and visit us for a while. So Christmas is over. All the decoration are down however now the organization starts since we will not be in CA next year for Christmas. We are looking forward to spending Christmas in a new location either it be in Washington, D.C. or where ever else the army decides to send us. I hope you all enjoyed your holiday season.

My Baby is Turning 3!!!!

2008-12-14T17:52:00.000-05:00

Yes my baby is turning 3. I can't beleive how much this year she has grown. I know the first year is suppose to be the fastest growth time however, this year she has grown into a little girl which has be a big step. No more baby for Ashlyn, she is my "big little girl." She has accomplished more then I can have ever imagine. She as also filled our life to the brim. We love you Ashlyn.

Disney and Seaworld

2008-11-25T02:26:00.001-05:00

Photobucket Album

Fall Family Update

2008-11-18T02:44:00.000-05:00

I haven't been able to update my blog due to time restraints in my life. I started my last blog some time ago and unable to finish for at least a month. So what has been so hectic in my life.....

I blame it on the holidays. Work was extremely busy, my social and family schedule were out of control, planning for the upcoming trips (some fun, some business, and some mandated), and any other task that might arise. Some things are starting to wrap up and within a week or so we should just be focused on the holidays.

Halloween was a great time. Ashlyn was a princess, a pirate, Tinkerbell, a witch and a black cat. We celebrated the holiday in style with a dinner event at the aquarium, a party at her preschool and not just one but two block parties. I can say it was a great time and hopefully soon the candy will be gone from our house.

I have been reflecting at this time last year. My baby was only turning 2, now I am planning her 3 year old party. I am feeling old. Maybe that is why life seem to be getting busy, my age is starting to show and I am slowing down. I believe that is only because I am feeling old. I have things plan to make my life young again. Hopefully a quick trip to Disney and Seaworld will turn it around. I should be back to being a spring chicken in no time. I will keep you updated.

100 FUN FACTS

2008-10-24T11:57:00.000-04:00

My friend sent me 100 Fun Facts about herself and family. I thought I would do the same:

1. I have 2 undergrad degrees...BS in Exercise Science and BS in Nursing.

2. I work 12 hour shifts starting at 7pm.

3. I have a wonderful, talented, beautiful 3 year old daughter.

4. Our family has agreed that being an only child can be cool.

5. Our family my grow one day to include an adopted child.

6. My husband is in the Army.

7. We have live in Savannah, GA, Columbus, GA Oahu, HI, and Monterey, CA in the last 7 years.

8. I have lived 14 months apart from my husband.

9. My cats are over 10 years old.

10. My cats have topped the scales at 15 pounds each.

11. We have a 80lb lap dog.

12. My parents divorced when I was 20 years old.

13. I love being a nurse.

14. My favorite holidays are Christmas and Halloween.

15. I love my birthday.

16. I love to plan parties.

17. Chris and I have been to Disney 4 times since we have been together.

18. Chris and I were married 364 day after we started dating.

19. I am a big kid at heart.

20. I married a bigger kid at heart then me.

21. I had an imaginary friend named Theresa when I was a kid.

22. I love the beach.

23. I love the hot humid weather.

24. Shopping for bargains is one of my favorite past times.

25. Taking photos is another past time I enjoy.

26. I am a meat and potato gal.

27. I eat my noodles without sauce.

28. I love desserts, especially chocolate.

29. Diet cherry coke is my caffeine of choice.

30. I can drink wine and beer.

31. I watch college sports.

32. My favorite TV shows are How I Met Your Mother, ER, Army Wives, My name is Earl, and Lipstick Jungle.

33. I still watch re-runs of Golden Girls, Will and Grace, Seinfield, and Friends.

32. The one reality show I like is Amazing Race.

33. I don't like to read.

34. I love learning.

35. I rarely wear makeup.

36. I am a morning person.

37. I don't snooze my alarm clock.

38. I dress up for Halloween.

39. I can't wait to retirement to travel.

40. I actually like to move every few years..

41. I like to watch movies in the comfort of my own home.

42. Sushi, Italian and Mexican food are my favorite out to eat foods.

43. I don't get to see my friends from home but I keep up with them over the Internet.

44. I am addicted to email, I check it frequently throughout the day.

45. I really love my blackberry.

46. I look forward to moving

47. I love to dress up for an occasion, every other day casual, comfortable clothes.

48. I believe in soul mates.

49. I also believe in Karma.

50. I don't know how I lived with DVR.

51. I do SUDOKU.

52. I play bunco when I can.

53. I am a daddy's girl.

54. I can run off of very little sleep.

55. I used to teach 16 hours of aerobics a week.

56. I am learning to ski.

57. I see myself in my daughter.

58. Massages are my self indulgence.

59. I miss places I have been.

60. I believe that our next duty station will be D.C.

61. I am horrible at saying goodbye.

62. I am very emotional person.

63. My nickname was Mel Sue.

64. Secretly, I am a democrat

65. I hate my handwriting.

66. I hate my hand and fingernail and I am jealous of other's.

67. I drive a BMW 530i.

68. My daughter likes for me and daddy to drive fast.

69. As a family we dance around our living room.

70. I still like to do the electric slide.

71. I am not a fan of big crowds.

72. I would love to live in a big city for about a year.

73. Pottery Barn is my favorite magazine.

74. I hate doing laundry.

75. I always wanted to be a professional chef.

76. I always wanted my husband to become a massage therapist.

77. I have gotten the flu shot the last 5 years.

78. I don't smoke.

79. I have to sleep with some sort of noise (i.e., the TV, a fan)

80. Wondering if I will ever finish this list.

81. Thinking I take on more then I should.

82. Work well under stress.

83. I think I can finish the list.

84. I haven't been back home in over 2 years.

85. I have a semi photographic memory.

86. I am a planner.

87. I have no idea how to fix a computer.

88. I don't like conflict.

89. I stand up for what I believe in.

90. My grandmother was the only person who call me Missy.

91. I take my decoration down quickly after a holiday.

92. We still have a VCR and watch old disney movies on it.

93. Would do anything for a my family.

94. Will only fill up my tank in the car half way because I get bored pumping gas.

95. I consider myself low maintenance kind of gal.

96. I wear make up probably once or twice a month.

97. I see myself becoming my parents.

98. I think I have a slight case of OCD.

99. Believe that others should try to list 100 things about themselves.

100. I am happy to be done!

Harvest Season

2008-10-13T10:49:00.001-04:00

It is harvest time around the world, however here in California when you think Harvest time one word comes to mind WINE!
We were lucky to have a weekend off to head north to Napa and Sonoma Valley to sample some wines and celebrate they end of harvest time. Ashlyn loved the open land and running through the vineyards. We were able to share this experience with Alex and Jolene and some of our neighbors here in Monterey. Of course there was some great wine consumed with friends and family.

In addition to wine Ashlyn got have some fun of her own.

We went on a Jelly Belly tour and got to see
how Jelly Belly were made. Ashlyn love identifing all the colors of the beans. Lastly Ashlyn got to go on a "choo choo" train.

So here is for a Happy Fall to you all. Enjoy the cooling of the weather and the colorful changing of the season.

From the Redwood Forest to the gulf stream water

2008-09-29T07:47:00.000-04:00

Yes, we have fulfilled this song. This weekend we had traveled to Northern California to Humboldt County to take in the great outdoors. The redwoods are very magnificent. You have to see them to believe them, picture can't do them justice, however I did try. We only could stand in awe of these huge trees. There were some that were 370 ft tall, 17 feet in circumference, and 1200-1600 years old. These trees are so tall they have live in three different climates. WOW! It was amazing to see the fallen "giants." They lay on the forest ground. It take approximately 400 years for them to become apart of the floor. There was one that fell in 1991 that was so amazing it was 2000 years old. They fall from wind and rain. It was said that when this tree fell no one was around but the sound travel to nearby town and report something sounding like train and splattered mud over 15 feet up. So there goes that age old question "if a tree falls....yadda yadda" Sorry for the forestry lesson but it is something to pass along. Lastly, the one of the most interesting facts was the seeds of the tree are about a size of a grain of rice and they have the smallest pine cone (about a size of an olive).

This weekend was the first time that we went camping. It was the Ortiona's versus nature and I can say we came out on top. Ashlyn enjoyed camping and didn't mind sharing the space with mom, dad and Bailey (the dog). We got to travel to some quaint towns along the coast. I did see that one sign stated population 50. Ashlyn created great memories she got to hike some trails, roast hotdogs and marshmallows on a campfire. camp under the star (however hard to see them due to the canopy of trees), climb trees, and explore underground tunnels that were just her size. The only event we didn't get to apart in was actually driving through a tree. We had to drive the Tahoe and we were too big to fit through. I guess we have to save something for next time.

It was great to get away for the weekend and take in nature. I am happy to be back were you can find a town with more then a post office and a volunteer fire department. But I now look at our tree and just keep think of the wonderful beauty of the Redwoods.

Changing Times

2008-09-16T01:17:00.000-04:00

This weekend we were able to go for Ashlyn's second annual Apple Picking. I was looking back through last years pictures and noticed a huge change this year. I can't believe my baby is almost 3 years old. The time has went by so fast however I don't realize it until I look back. As a mom I see her each day and I don't see the change that everyone else does. It makes me think that I need to step back every once in a while to see how things are changing around me. Change is a constancy for me and my family so I take it for grant it. Now just looking back at the pictures really makes me think -- What

have a missed this last year. I am so glad to have the time to blog and use other sites to make me wake up and see everyone around me is changing. It makes me reflect on my own life. I will keep checking on all of you just keep writing about you and your family. I love change!

Cherish Every Moment

2008-09-09T00:17:00.000-04:00

WOW. Another wonderful weekend with family. Papa flew into San Fran on Saturday. Thanks goodness all went well in his travel and we got to spend the rest of the weekend touring the city. We had friends and family around us and we went through the city and enjoyed company away from our house. We love where we live but we also love to get away from it all. A night away can mean so much. For me it is a great day of no cooking, cleaning or worrying about a schedule. However, I always have a schedule on a trip. I am a planner and I always want to fit as much as I can in. So in San Fran we got to go to the zoo, take pictures at the Golden Gate Bridge (and even take a short walk on the bridge), enjoy dinner in the city, explore China Town and Pier 39, and of course ride the cable cars.
I do have to say that all that hustle does make things tricky. After spending some time at the Golden Gate Bridge (where thousand of people were touring) I realized I was missing my purse. I have left it at the place we were taking pictures. I sprinted down to the location to find a nice young couple was trying to contact some one on my phone to let them know they have found my purse. There are people left in this world who care. I had no words for them other then THANK YOU. This really got me to think....I had to "pay it forward." I remember a speaker I saw once who was talking about doing something for someone you do not know "random acts of kindness." So we did. I do hope that this act will continue on. This is a great disadvantage because you will never know how it will turn out and if the act continued. I do have faith and hope that it will.
Lastly, there was a Breast Cancer Campaign happening in San Fran last weekend. I got to see thousand of women camping out over night is pink tents and walking around the city to raise money and support the cause. Of course that got me thinking of my friend who currently fighting that battle. I wish her luck in the next few weeks and I can't wait until you are a survivor and we will be getting together to celebrate.
This weekend reminded me that so much can happen is a short period of time. Cherish every moment.

Labor Day

2008-09-01T16:28:00.000-04:00

This was a wonderful weekend. We started the weekend with a romatic dinner to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary. The sadest part was the departure of "Granny." However we had almost 3 weeks of fun. Also this weekend we had "Tito" (Uncle) Alex come visit. This started round 2 of the visitors. Our neighborhood hosted the first annual Labor Day Luau, I believe there will be more in the future. Monday we spent the morning at Carmel eating an outdoor breakfast and enjoying a early afternoon at the beach. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Knowing that this weekend is the "offical" end to summer brings up a bitter sweet goodbye to the warm weather but we have so much to look forward to this Fall. I can't wait!

Family Visits

2008-08-25T12:29:00.000-04:00

Lately we have been blessed to have family visiting. We will continue to have family coming until mid - September. Ashlyn has been able to reconnect with her extended family and enjoy many different adventures with them. We had the opportunity to visit the aquarium, the beach, Elkhorn Slough, and the circus. Ashlyn also have enjoying her family around the house and have even started to cook with Granny.

The "Joys" of Military Life

2008-07-31T17:14:00.000-04:00

As with every Summer the military movers get a lot of business. This year is no different. We have seen our share of moving trucks come and go, however, this year the mover were right outside my window. Yes our neighbors moved! It is always hard to say goodbye but it really hit home with the kids having to say goodbye to a good friend. Maggie was a great friend to Ashlyn. The kids didn't seem to understand what the goodbyes were all about. But as for Nicki and I we knew that the chance of us really meeting up again are slim. There were tears shared among friends and hopes that some day our paths will meet again. It was a twist of fate that we were neighbors here. We were friends in Hawaii and last year they became our neighbors. The girls were always playing together running from one door to the next. Nothing is sweeter then the laughter of the two girls playing. I am sure Ashlyn won't remember this time but I think of all the other goodbyes she will remember but of course the military family depends heavily on the memories and hopefully those will be of all the good times and places we have visited. The pictures are the our farewell outing with Nicki and pictures of the girls.

On the same day, I got word from another military spouse that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is of course many miles away and I couldn't be there to comfort her. It was great to see all the response of military families wishing her well in her journey back to good health. This made me realize that miles can't separated friends that we meet along the way.

So yes the military life is hard but we are stronger because of it and we have learned different way to cope.

Summer Time is going by fast!

2008-07-31T16:46:00.000-04:00

Summer is fading fast and we have been out every chance we get. Monterey never really has a summer. The hottest we have seen here is in the upper 70's and most days can range from 50-60's. So yes we have to keep a sweater handy even in the summer. However, just 30 minutes away the summers are very warm. We have recently visited a amusement park in Gilroy where the temperature topped out at 95 degrees.

Last weekend it was a nice day so all the neighbor got the kids in their swim suits and we have a water fun day out on our front lawn not to mention the last moment BBQ. We always have to have food ready in this neighborhood. Lastly we are getting ready for the August. Ashlyn will start Pre-School in mid-August. Then we will be enjoying the company of my family soon.

Big Sur Fires

2008-07-05T10:55:00.000-04:00

I know the Big Sur Fires have gotten a lot of attention for the national media. Big Sur is about 20 miles from our house and it very disheartening that this beautiful area is suffering from the blaze. Currently we are not in an evacuation zone but we are feeling the effects of the fires. Daily we watch the black smoke fill our skies, white flumes of smoke bellowing up and watching the natural wildlife of Big Sur search for new home. Our community has seen 4 hawks nesting in our trees and owls perching on lines. From working in the community, I know people who had to leave their home on mandatory evacuations.

We have been fortunate that we have been able to hike the areas that are now engulfed by the flames. I wanted to share some of the pictures from our hike this spring to let you experience the beauty and marvel for Big Sur. Please pray for the fire fighters and national guard that are working day in and out to contain these fires.

4th Of July

2008-07-05T10:28:00.001-04:00

We hope that everyone had a great 4th of July. We got to enjoy beautiful weather here in Monterey. The neighborhood got together to throw a party which include a bike parade and bounce house which started at 1030 and didn't end until the fireworks ended around 2200. We have a full day of fun. Check out Ashlyn riding her bike without training wheels.

I saw a t-shirt yesterday and it made me stop (remember we are Army!!); the front read Got Freedom? and the back stated "Thank the U.S. Army." It made me take a moment and think while we celebrate the 4th there are hundreds of thousand solider defending our freedom. Thank you and God Speed.

Vacation 2008

2008-07-01T23:24:00.000-04:00

We are happy to announce that we made it through our first non-American vacation. Of course, the adventure started when we had to get Ashlyn a passport. She was so proud to show it off to the ticket ladies to get on the airplane. We have a great trip down to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We arrived in darkness so Ashlyn didn't see the 3 pools plus the lazy river around the hotel but boy to her surprise the next morning when we woke up. From then on she was in the pool by 10am each morning and remain there until about 6'ish each night (except for a 2 hour nap -- more like she passed out). Ashlyn really improved on her swimming. She will now jump in and swim about 10 feet without any assistance. This gave Chris and I more time to order food and drinks for the aqua bar and to work on our tan. We did get to go into the city twice and enjoying shopping and some local site seeing. Each night at the hotel there was local entertainment. Ashlyn loved to dance to the music. Everyone on the resort knew her as the "dancing girl." Lastly, we were able to enjoy some animal life on our resort there were at least 4 iguanas, 2 peacocks and 2 baby peacocks, in addition to the 2 all white peacocks. There was a few cats that hung out at the pool each day which of course made us miss our four legged creatures here at home. So we were sad to have to leave beautiful weather and how Ashlyn would say "her new home" but the difficulties in the airport made us happy to finally make it home.

Enjoy the pictures from our vacation and I highly recommend a nice relaxing vacation to each of you.

Mid Year 2008 Update

2008-06-18T19:53:00.000-04:00

Hey guys. Here is my first attempt to blogging. Boy I am moving up in this technical world. I feel old and outdated because I am not hip to all these new things (Don't tell anyone but I don't even text!).

As of June we have been in Monterey for 1 years. We have at least until September 2009 here. Soon we will be looking into all the places the Army can send us but until then we will continue to explore the West Coast. In the last year we have explored our area and we have visited Big Sur, CA, Disneyland, Tahoe, CA and many trip to San Jose, CA. We have many different plans for the upcoming year especially with family coming to visit soon. Stay tuned ...

As for ourselves, Chris is hard at work studying and getting his masters degree here at Naval Post Graduate School (NPS). I think his real degree will be Space System Engineering. I am working 3, 12 hour shifts a week at the local hospital (Yes, I work all night!). After that there is a few moments to enjoy some time with family and friends. We have a great military community here and enjoy many cookouts on the lawn while the kids run free. Ashlyn is doing well here. She loves hanging out with all the kids and plays every opportunity she gets. The beaches here are quit chilly. I think the average temp for the water is 58 degree -- what a change for us. But we do get to go out to the beach on the sunny weekends and enjoy playing in the sand. Carmel beach is a very family/pet orientated place so we have to get a dog to fit in. So we have expanded our family past Ashlyn and the two cats to include a 75lb golden retriever mix that we got from the local SPCA. His name is Bailey. We had to rescue him. He was surrender to the SPCA due to his owner's death (how sad it that).

I can say blogging wasn't as hard as I imagined. Hopefully I will continue and will get family updates on here in a timely fashion.