Back to the basics....

So, if you go back to our initial post, it explains the reasoning for our Blog. We had taken a break from trying to conceive (ttc)after a couple of unsuccessful attempts. Tomorrow starts a new road on this adventure. It is our first appointment with the OB/GYN who does specialize in artificial insemination. We are going in for the routine (and yes, dreaded) annual visit, but will also have some time for a consultation on where to go from here -- should we try again on our own, should we take fertility meds (yikes), or will the doc assist? We are both really anxious -- will she be gay friendly as advertised, will she just be friendly or lack all "bedside" manner? I detest going to any doctor, and my blood pressure reflects that. I know that D will be there to calm my nerves (although hers are probably just as crazy now). Although we will not disclose when we try again next until after we find out the result, we will keep everyone posted as much as we can!
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eb

One of the random things that I ponder.....

Often, I ask some useless things and love useless knowledge. So, I thought that I'd share. Not long ago, we were watching a movie and I asked D why the American flag patch on soldiers' uniforms always looked back wards. Here is the answer:

'The flag patch on the left shoulder of Army uniforms has the stars (the canton) on the left. On the right shoulder the flag patch has the stars on the right and appears reversed to an observer. Pentagon procedure is that the flag should always look as if it is going forward. Indeed, the words from an old hymn say, “Forward into battle.” The stars are always closest to the pole, and the flag should appear to be flowing back from the standard or flagpole. If the canton on the right shoulder had the stars on the left, it would symbolize that the soldier carrying that flag was retreating.'

See, you learned something new today!
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eb

'Where were you when the world stop turning..."

Sept 11, 2001. I remember leaving for work and hearing breaking news on the radio about something going on in NYC. I call D, who had just gotten off of her night shift and she sees on the news that a plane hit the World Trade Center. I remember thinking, just like the rest of us, wow, that is serious. Then another plane. Then another, then one collapse, then another plane, then another collapse. That day was filled with mixed emotions of shear terror, confusion, frustration, sadness. I cannot imagine being a direct victim of the attacks. What I do know, is that even seeing videos or pictures today, it still brings me to tears. Images and thoughts of that day remind me of why we entered into the two conflicts our country participates in. It reminds me that we need to continue to support those fighting for us. Of course, I do feel it is time to return home and take care of our country, but I also feel that as long as we are there, we should support of troops fully.



I am thankful for my bro -- serving in our US Navy. I am thankful for D's cousins --one serving in the Marine Reserves, and two in the Air National Guard (one of whom just returned safely from the front lines).

I hope that we all, despite natural events occurring today, remember that day and those who were lost.
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eb

Tina was right to leave Ike

Ike is approaching, but where will he go? He seems pretty indecisive these days. Hour by hour we watch. Will he come close to Austin? Yesterday, yes, today, not so much. So, we are torn. I am sort of excited to have a big storm here. Of course, we don't want to face days without power or any damage....but we could use a good soaking to get us out of this drought. And, if he moves closer to Austin, that is further from New Orleans. I don't want my family having to deal with all of this again. Gustav update -- all the family has power and has cleaned up and is all back to "normal". However, let us not forget (as everyone seems to have forgotten) that many parts of S La are still recovering from the storm. I don't wish a storm upon Corpus or Houston, but I'd like it to spare La.

So...as it goes, "they come in three"....the parents get Gustav, the bro gets Hannah, and we may get Ike. And D will be in her very first storm.

Track Ike here.
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eb

Gustavian weekend....

So, the only one who Labored on this 2008 Labor day weekend was Gustav. He worked hard to get to La, but, thankfully, with less of a punch than originally predicted. Prior to Gustav hitting, my brother and his family, who were visiting La. for the debut of the Mad-Man, evacuated to Nashville with other family and flew back to Norfolk Sunday. Most of Sunday, we waited to find out if we would be hosting Mom and extended family for a few days. Landfall was in Cocodrie, La., west of both Mom and Dad. Mom stayed put with family next door and came through unscathed, with the exception of no power. Dad remained in New Orleans, kicked up the generator, and worked during the storm. Carroll made pancakes for FoxNews. Pepper remained drugged in the shower room (she probably had it the best). D and I watched every newscast you can imagine and repeatedly tried calling Dad and worried for a few hours until we learned he was safe.

Today......I cannot get through to anyone!!! It is very frustrating not knowing what's going on, but I am sure everyone is safe.

So, now, we begin tracking Hanna to see if she wants to visit the brother and family in Virginia. Hopefully Gustav didn't call Hanna to ask her to visit them there!

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eb

Me and My boys, and a commentary to go along with it....

Oivey Ivey!'s Commentary:

Erin: Boys! Smile, dangit, smile!
Dogs: He's touching me! Stop touching me! Mooooooommmmm, tell him not to
touch me!

Or

Dogs on the outside: You better not move, middle child. We'll bust you.
Bust you hard!
Middle dog: Mommma, waaaaaah. They're picking on me! I'm scared! Tell
them to leave me along!"
Erin: Boys! Leave your brother alone. Or NO ONE is getting a spaghetti
dinner tonight!
All dogs: Awww, MOM!

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eb

Gustav

Track the storm here.

Sadly, everywhere I turn, my family can at some point during the season be in the direct path of a hurricane....

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eb