Bathroom

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........

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

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

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

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?

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

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.