U of A

We still have so much exploring to do. Getting stuff for the house has taken so much of our time. This Saturday we explored the University of Arizona since Renie needed some books from the bookstore. It is a nice Campus. It is the first campus we have taken Renie to see. He still has not decided where he wants to go or what he wants to do. I sense he is overwhelmed by all the possibilities ahead of him. We can only encourage him to choose a college that best suits his personality and career goals. His first day of school was a bit overwhelming. He was amazed at how technology will now play a big factor in all of his school work. His AP courses will hopefully prepare him well for that next big step.

Bodies

Today we decided we would venture downtown and see the Bodies exhibit. The exhibit features preserved human cadavers though a process called plastination. This is a controversial exhibit because the bodies are processed in China, fluids are extracted and filled with a plastic-like substance that preserve the tissues and organs. The most controversial issue is respect for the human body after death. Some have accused China of taking homeless, prisoners, and mentally ill individuals for this use. We were assured that all the bodies were documented and had been donated. The point of the exhibit is how we can learn to take really good care of our bodies through healthy behaviors. Some of the bodies showed cancerous lungs, breasts, and other organs as well as obesity and fatty deposits. The human body has always fascinated me. I can remember the day Rene took me to see his cadaver his first year in dental school. I found it so interesting how humans could donate their bodies so that others could learn to better treat diseases. Overall, the exhibit was pretty intriguing.

Time

The finished product, a terra cotta copper color. (This is the built in desk in the kitchen).

The house was pretty much ready for move in except for the fact the walls were a boring white and beige color. I felt it needed some character, some color, some Tucson charm. I had been waiting to paint until we received our ladders from Texas storage, but I have had so much time on my hands that I decided it was time to get moving. The paint is already making this house come alive. I can't wait until my special order couch (Christina thanks for the idea), art, and the rest of our furniture to come in. As of now we are using our patio furniture and I have to tell you this is getting old. I could kick myself in the butt for not packing out sooner. They are not kidding when they say at least 2 months. Poor Larissa has been sleeping on the floor as Rene and I enjoy the comforts of her new bed. My plan was to slowly move away from the southwest decor my past homes have presented, but now we are in southwest country. The southwest pottery, art, rugs and decor will have to stick around for a bit longer.

It seems I have been acclimating to the desert sun a little better. My morning runs are getting more tolerable as I enjoy the scenery of the adobe homes that blanket the back end of Rancho Del Lago. I am finding that most of the homes cater to the 55+ population. Yes, the retired who enjoy their day walking the dog, playing golf, and swimming. As the days pass, I'm beginning to enjoy being a stay at home mom more than I thought. From time to time I skim the computer looking for jobs, but then start to think about all the days off the kids will have. So yes, right now I am torn between working right away or savoring my time as an unemployed housewife.

All I needed was a little bit of rain.

Here We Go

The start of a new school year has arrived. Middle school is such a big leap. It is the start of the teenage years, hormonal changes, crushes, growth spurts, and new challenges. Larissa had a great day. She seems to really like her teacher and made a new friend. Military kids are so resilient. Moving is never easy, and it gets harder every time. As with every move, I pray we persevere and stay strong, committed to our faith, and that we are able to tackle whatever challenges come our way.

Well the car I have been waiting to test drive has finally arrived. We picked up our Volvo on Saturday. I ordered the car without even giving it a test drive. Who does that? Deep inside, I knew I would not be disappointed. Hell, it had everything I could possibly want in a an SUV. This was probably the easiest transaction we had ever experienced. The guy calls, we go pick it up, he gives us the keys, a quick review, and off I went. It took approximately 15 minutes. As I drove it home, I enjoyed the sniff of that new car smell again. The smell of the leather seats said it all. I had made the right decision in buying overseas. All in all, I have a good feeling I will hold on to this puppy for at least five years. If you know me, you know my history of buying cars. I tend to get tired of the vehicle after two years. When I think of the dollars I have thrown away in trade-in's, and new cars year after year. Live and learn, I hope for the sake of my marriage surviving that I can keep this car for many years to come.

Monsoon Season

Happy Birthday Renie! We love you more than you know.

Sorry for the long delay in postings. Our lives have been so very busy getting the kids ready for back to school. School starts this Monday. Gosh, it seems like just a few days ago, we were cleaning out the backpacks. Vail has a year a round school calendar, so it is time. Rene has been gone TDY to Florida this week. The poor guy hasn't even finished in-processing.

Tucson weather is still quite hot, but the monsoon season is picking up with heavy down pours and spectacular lighting. The storms tend to move in so fast, but we have yet to experience one right in our back yard.

On a different note, Renie finally received his driving permit, so he anxious to start practicing. This is a "yikes" moment for me. He will be sixteen years old tomorrow and is slowing slipping away. The little boy I was once able to protect 24/7 is all grown up. It is a hard thing for a mother to let go, but I realize it is time. Two more years under our roof, and he is gone. Gone to another chapter of a young mans life. Today, I wish my son Renie a very Happy Birthday. Sixteen years ago, he came into our lives, and we have been so blessed to have a son as great as Renie.

Making A Splash

One of many Observatory's

The kids making a splash yesterday as Rene and I continued unpacking boxes.

So many boxes to unpack.

So glad to finally have my Mac hooked up. Loading pictures at TLF was very time consuming. We moved into our home two days ago, and since then we have had shipments, furniture, cable and Internet hook-up, and the geek squad visit. Today I had patio furniture delivered. So far, we are enjoying our new home except for the fact that we still have no furniture. Luckily we have the kids furniture to sleep on and one twin sleeper sofa in the living room for TV viewing. I am so happy to have my pots and pans. It is nice to finally be able to cook. Rene and I ran the golf course at sunset. It was still a hot 94 degrees, but the view, lakes and path made of for it. I can only describe it as a very scenic path with lots of critters crossing as we ran. It sure did make for an interesting run. The area is beautiful with different cactus species. I can't wait until the cooler weather arrives. At night this area is pitch dark due to no street lights. There are several observatories around, so they have a strict no light rule here in Vail. The stars are so pretty, the air is clean, and the neighborhood is quiet. The kids enjoyed making a splash yesterday. We finally got Larissa back and enjoyed a BBQ with our friends. Look forward to getting our furniture and doing some painting soon.

We Are Home

The bone yard, our drive towards Wilmont Gate



I am so ready to jump into the pool. I guess we better watch out for golf balls. Temperatures are 109-112. Hot!


Larissa is looking forward to smores nights using our gas firepit.

I am looking forward to BBQ and outdoor parties.

Everything is self sufficient on this yard. We have no grass to cut, Yes!

As we approach our move in date I continue to become more anxious about setting up shop. We could of course move in now, but we would be sleeping on the floor with no blankets. Our stuff will be delivered July 7th. All I can say about our surroundings is Wow! Vail is a new housing area outside of Tucson, so there is not much around. We have a Walgreens and that is about it. My nearest shopping center (Target, Safeway) will be approx. 6-12 miles. The drive around Vail is scenic with your cactus and dry land surrounding the area. Adobe homes sparsely blanket the mountain areas. The commute for Rene will be around 30 minutes, but it is a nice drive with little or no traffic. I feel confident that this location is going to make our 3-4 years here memorable and enjoyable. An added plus is the nice running path through the golf course and around the housing community. Can't wait for October which is the time most say is absolutely gorgeous. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.