No, I honestly didn’t forget.  I’ve just been super busy trying to keep everything else in order, I’ve let this slide just a bit.  So here’s the latest…

Derrick

Derrick went to Croatia last week (Aug. 25-28th).  He says he had a great time, unfortunately no pictures were taken.  Which figures…now I guess we will have to go visit there and get our own pictures.  He claimed he jumped off cliffs into the Adriatic Sea…which is funny because before he went he said that there was no way he was going to jump off any cliff.  Well, apparently there were 9-10 year olds jumping off and he didn’t want to “look like a sissy”…hahaha

Derrick also started school this past Monday. My “baby” is in 8th grade!  I met his 8th grade English teacher this evening.  She had him last year for Creative Writing.  She told me that he is a great student and a joy to have in class (yes, I made sure she was talking about Derrick Schaefer).  I told her that he has a tendency to slack off halfway through the year.  She admitted that she had to “light a little fire” under him but he always pulled through.  I brought the “slacking off” subject up to Derrick this evening and he said that he’s not going to follow that path this year - believe it or not, I believe him but only time will tell.  He has told us he’s only playing basketball this year.  They don’t offer tackle football until 9th grade, only flag here - which is like being demoted since he’s played tackle the last few years at Bragg.  I really wish he would play more then one sport but he wants to focus on just basketball. 

Xavier

Xavier, our little drama king!  I have figured out that the closer it gets to the baby getting here the more whinier he gets.  Everything is 100x more difficult…but that is the way of the toddler.  He’s been going to part time preschool since mid-July. He was to start preK next week through the Child Development Center, however, I found out this past Monday that he got accepted into the elementary’s preK program.  This is a BIG relief for more then one reason.  First, the hours are better. Rather then the CDC hours of 830a-130p the hours are 830a-230p.  Second, they work with the parents to individualize a plan for your child and see how they might be able to help you deal with obstacles you think your child has.  In Xavier’s case I’m going to focus on how to handle his temper tantrums which can come at the drop of a hat.  This particular program is very parent/child oriented. In fact, you, as the parent, are required to volunteer a certain amount of time a month/school year.  Lastly, it’s free.  The CDC preK costs money and at the elementary school it does not.  This, of course is a HUGE plus.  He met one of his teachers today at the school.  He was very friendly to her and talked her ear off.

He got weighed and measured a couple weeks ago. He is 3′8″ and 44lbs.  I am still amazed he’s that tall!  He’s wearing size 5 clothes for the most part. I bought him size 6 pants and shirts but I think the they(the pants) are going to be way to big for this school year - oops!  Oh well, it’s better to big then too small.

He also has been addicted to watching “Goonies” w/ Sean Astin and Cory Feldman.  This was my FAVORITE movie (besides “Jaws“).  Of course, when I was little I was dependent on when it was coming on the TV. Not Xavier, he has the DVD!  So we watch it a few times a week - if not a day.  Yesterday I was talking to my mom while he was in the shower.  All of the sudden I realize that he’s reciting a part of the movie in the shower.  What’s funny is he was changing his voice to go along with the character.  So the next time you watch Goonies and you here the phrase “Hey Mikey, you have to go to the bathroom?” - as he’s waterfalling two glasses of “water”…that is EXACTLY what Xavier was doing and saying in the shower. 

Geno

Geno’s been doing really well.  Right now he’s in Germany training for his upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.  He’s been there since the 22nd of August.  He went to “The Box” today so there will be no contact whatsoever.  Which I haven’t had any contact with him anyway since he left.  A few of the girls got emails, but not me.  Which isn’t surprising…he tends to be “all business” when it comes to training.  He is almost done only another week or so to go then he will be home!  We do not have deployment dates, nor will I be able to post them on here when he does.  Chances are you will know on here AFTER he leaves.

Sarah

I’m doing great.  For baby related things please check the Baby Chronicles Blog.  I will update it, hopefully tonight but it’s getting late(it’s 11pm now).  Things have been so busy lately.  The day after Geno left our car battery died. Of course I have found out who the culprit is - XAVIER!  Turns out he snuck into the car (it’s usually parked out of view from the livingroom) and not only turned on the radio (which isn’t connected to the starter switch so it can be turned on when the car isn’t on) but also the lights.  Luckily, our neighbor came to the rescue and had his Italian mechanic friend come over.  Turns out that the BMW’s battery is UNDER the back passenger seat.  Well, the back doors wouldn’t open because the electronics of the door were inoperable, even if we lifted up the lock they still wouldn’t open.  Thankfully, the mechanic showed me how to hook a charger to places under the front hood to charge the battery.  It’s worked great ever since AND I’ve learned to lock the doors every time we get out of the car at home.

I’ve had pretty busy days the past couple weeks.  I decided to become a Key Caller for our FRG (Family Readiness Group) as well as a CARE Team member (CAsualty REsponse Team).  The Key Caller is for passing on information to other spouses in the unit.  The CARE Team member is to respond to a spouse who’s military husband/wife has been either critically wounded or KIA while deployed. We help with their everyday tasks at home and make sure we are there to relieve some of the stresses of household chores.   Though it’s not something that I will look forward to doing, it is something that has grasped my heart into being involved.

My friend, Therese, is coming next Monday for a few days.  We have a few short trips planned, including Venice, Nove and visiting some surrounding castles.  Tomorrow will probably be one of the last days I have to rest through next week.  I WILL enjoy it!  Of course, I’m looking forward to seeing Therese and showing her around - and of course sampling Italian food (and YES I will take her to the most wonderful Chinese Restaurant in Vicenza).

The rest of the update has to deal with the baby so head over to the Baby Chronicles and take a look…also, I have some pictures that I will try to get on here over the next few days…