Monday, July 16, 2007

I think I'm beginning to get acclimated..........


It certainly hasn't been easy, it's not like it's gotten any cooler around here. This morning I actually had a good laugh because my computer said "106 º HOT".........Ya think????? LOL

Yesterday afternoon we took a drive to downtown Historic Glendale, walked around a little and I literally mean A LITTLE, it was so hot that we ran into a Subway to pick up drinks.
It's a pity that most of the stores were closed but we plan on going back within the next few days, there are tons of Antique stores and I felt like a kid in a candy store.


With stores like Granny G's, Mad Hatter and Strunk's Hollow, I can see myself spending a lot of time in this area.

Hubby just laughs at me, I think he's feeling his wallet disappearing!!!!
In my defense though, I've never been a big shopper so he knows I don't go out of my way to spend money.

Just one thing about this place, the drivers are crazy.....I don't think I'll be leaving the base alone, I get too nervous with all the irresponsible driving going on around here, not to mention it seems that there's a lot of "lead feet" too.

Anyway, my house is almost done, the only rooms that still need to get finished are the kids rooms and that is because they have SO many toys that we have no storage for. We're going to buy some more storage bins or shelves or something this week so that we can finish the bedrooms.

Right now Jasmine has a bunkbed and Nicholas has a Car bed, but they've both been asking for a bed with drawers underneath, so I'm looking at getting these for them:

They're pretty inexpensive and I could always use the extra storage under the bed. I'm also looking into getting these for all their toys.




Whatever doesn't fit into those two storage items we'll be getting rid of of, I don't understand why the kids need so many toys, half of which they never play with and don't even realize they have unless you mentioning throwing them out, then all of a sudden "it's my favorite".

You know I've actually taken the day off from unpacking, I'm at the point where the minute I see a box I break out in hives. I needed to recharge and do nothing, actually, we went and ran some errands this morning, got the medical records dropped off and also got Jasmine registered for school. I'm super thrilled because she can walk right into the school doors, it's only about 4 or 5 houses from ours. Here's a picture for you to see:

On the left side of the road you can see the housing area that has been closed off and is being torn down to rebuild new ones. Up ahead you can see the school gates, I've always wanted to live in a place where she could just walk out the house and be pretty much right there in school, and now I can say that she does. Makes me happy!!!
School starts August 13th here and they do wear uniforms which Jasmine is not very thrilled about but coming from South Africa where we wore uniforms to all the schools we attended, I can honestly tell you that it's such a relief to not have to worry about what to wear in the morning.

It's always seemed to me as well that it gave kids a reason to pick on each other, if one had the latest fashionable shoes or jeans and one or two had clothes from a thrift store, they seemed to get singled out.....I can't tell you how much I dislike that, I believe children and anyone for that matter, should be able to wear what they want without being discriminated about.

So as you can see, I'm a happy momma right now, she's nearby and she's wearing uniforms LOL

Let's see, what else is going on here..........Oh if you're looking for my Menus for the upcoming week, you can find them at my food blog "Full Bellies, Happy Kids", I tried so hard to go through all the participants on the list but I have to admit that I gave up after #131, I just couldn't do it anymore, I will get to the rest of the list tomorrow morning.

I really do need to get some laundry done, so I'm going to say goodbye for now. Oh and I'm sure you've noticed I messed with my template again, I was bored of the same ones and since I had some time today I figured I would play around. I'm pretty happy with the result so let's see how long it will last LOL



For dinner I'm fixing one of my favorite meals, Stuffed Green Peppers. The kids love it too and it's the only way to make them eat Green Peppers without turning their noses at it.
For dessert I have a Dutch Apple Pie fresh out of the oven, it smells incredible right now.

21 comments:

Mari said...

I love seeing the pictures of your town and I thinks I could spend some time (and money) there too! I always wished my kids wore uniforms to school. As of this year they are all done, so I gues I don't have to think about that anymore. The bed and toy storage looks nice too.

someone else said...

Now you're beginning to sound more like your chipper self again. I'm so glad things are settling down a bit. It's so hard to move and it just takes time to find your way again.

Those beds and storage units for the kids are really nice. I hope you find what you're looking for. Maybe if you had a yard sale and told the kids they could have the money from the sale of their own stuff, they'd narrow down the favorites a bit. A lot of work though, those yard sales.

Anonymous said...

I agree with you about the uniforms... in jr. high they have a strict dress code which has been a very good thing. I remember being late for jr. high almost everyday, and my room would be a tornado of clothes that I tried and didn't want to wear!!

I am so glad Jasmine's school will be close to you, too. I would also love that!!

Andrea@Sgt and Mrs Hub said...

I didn't realize base schools had uniforms! I would be thrilled to. I always secretly wished our school would have had them because, like you said, it takes away so much of the drama. I would be a really happy Momma too if I could see the school from my front step!

I'm not much into antiques (it's the little kids I have, ya know :) but I do love exploring a new town. Have fun with that!

Stuffed green peppers are awesome! Hope you had a nice dinner.

-Andrea

Megan Cobb said...

Uniforms do sound like SUCH a hassle-free way to go for all concerned! I just relocated from Georgia to Illinois, so can relate to all of your moving and getting settled in angst. I was glad to find there were so many GOOD things to get used to along with the unfamiliar stuff. Makes it much easier to make lemonade with the lemons of having to leave family, etc. behind. Have a GREAT week and save me some Dutch Apple Pie.

Anonymous said...

Loving looking at your pictures! What fun. But for you hard work in that heat!!

If you want to cool down just hop on a flight to NW England, it's non-stop rain, drizzle, rain, cloud, rain...you know, typical British summer! :)

Hugs n' love.

p.s. re: your other post, how come only men went in cafes?

Stacy at Exceedingly Mundane said...

I'm so glad you guys are starting to settle in some, and get some things unpacked. I hope it will start to feel like home sooner than later. Love seeing the pictures! I've never been to that part of the country, so post away!

How cool that the school is so close, that's great! And I agree on the uniforms. I think it makes things easier and gives the kids one less reason to pick on each other.

Oh, and I love the new look, what a soothing and gorgeous shade of blue!

Have a great day and a wonderful week Sandra :)

Eden said...

Love looking at all the pics, Sandra! This is really wierd because I read this post yesterday and thought I left a comment. But apparently not. lol
Uniforms sounds like a great way to make your days easier when it comes to choosing what the kids are going to wear.
I love your new look!!!
Stuffed peppers are yummy!!!

Hugs,
Eden

sugarsandsalts said...

I would like to sleep on a bed like that, I enjoy your blog as well as your dinner.;)

Terri said...

Hi,
I found your blog through my sisters - Mari. I think the beds with the drawers under them are wonderful. My youngest daughter has a bed with them and I love all the extra room it gives her to store "stuff". I can't believe you go back to school August 13. I was complaining because mine have to go back the week before Labor Day. I think uniforms would be great too. Nice -meeting- you!

Ladybug said...

Love the pictures.

I agree on the uniforms. I use to teach at a school where the kids wore uniforms and it was great!

Laura said...

Can't you believe I've never seen the round toy bin. Very cool. I love both of them! My daughter has a mates bed but to be honest I'm not a big fan of it because the drawers are only half of underneath the bed so a lot of space seems to be wasted. Just my two cents though, many people do love them.
Love how close the school is for you. Things all seem to be coming together for you.
Thanks for the travelling tips too over at my site!!

Laura

Jill said...

Sounds like things are looking up a bit. That's so cool the school is so close, and I agree with you on the simplicity of uniforms. The little shopping areas sounds right up my alley!

4 Dudes & a Lady said...

Hi! I just found your blog and wanted to let you know how much I enjoy it, as well as your receipe blog!

Where did you find the kids furniture? Those items would be GREAT for my boys. Thanks!

Michelle said...

glad to hear you're starting to get acclimated! It might take a litlte bit, but then you'll be accustomed to your new home!

I'm surprised about the uniforms! Is this a public school on base? I didn't think public schools had dress uniforms; shows how much I know!

Lulu said...

i'm glad youre all settling in nicely...i know you will have fun exploring the city..

Mike said...

It's been hot and humid in my part of the world for the past week. Today, it is raining.

Love those storage bins.


Mike
http://somethingaboutparenting.typepad.com/

http://www.mikeleonen.com/

Annie said...

I love your new blog design!!!
and the beds look great. Where did you find them?

Have a great Wednesday.

In Pursuit of His Call said...

Your military life reminds me of growing up in a military home...Isn't living on the base so nice, in the sense that you feel safe and everything is pretty much a walking distance...At least the house we lived in, on base was...We were a 5 minute walk from the PX and then the elementary school was literally next door to us...However, I don't remember uniforms...Yet, I do agree with your comments about uniforms...In addition, uniforms actually help bring out the true person inside...

Anyway, I used to live in California, not too far from Arizona...I know about the heat you're talking about...The nice part about dry heat is that at least it cools down at night when the sun goes down...

Well, the area you live in looks beautiful and I'm glad you're finally getting acclamated to your new location...Have you found a church yet or do you all just attend the one on base? Just curious...

In Pursuit of His Call said...

Oh, by the way, those storage ideas are GREAT!!! Good job on those finds!!! The circular storage rack looks like it's such a spacesaver!!! I also think it's neat that you've determined to get rid of everything else that does not fit in those bins...Looking forward to hearing how much the kids had to give up...

Barb said...

I really like this new design, Sandra. It's my favorite you've ever done - I love the soft colors.

How great that the school is right there, so close you can see it from your front yard. What a huge help that you don't have to get up and get dressed and drive her.

I agree about the uniforms. I don't care for them much when kids get up into high school, but they're great for younger kids.

It's nice to hear that you're settling in. It's so hot there, I don't know how you stand it, but boy you're going to love your winters! :-)