Dunroamin

Well, this is it!  Britannia came today, the house is in absolute chaos, the boys are starting to get a little freaked out and Steve & I are at our wits end!  Other than that, all is well ...

My health, thank God in Heaven, is holding up enough to push through the 20 hour days as we make our final preparations.  I'm still wearing eyeglasses with one lens whited out, which is helping with the headaches, but not my vision obviously.  I'm nervous about keeping control and sight of the boys at the airport, so even though Jack has well out-grown the need for a stroller, we'll be using the double-pushchair so that I have them both safely in my control and sight at all times.   We're enlisting the help of the airlines to get me from one airline to the other between internal flights, so cross your fingers for us!

Britannia return tomorrow for another 8 hours of the final packing and preparations.  I've taken loads of photos of the whole thing in progress, but unfortunately time just does not permit me to add them now, but I will as soon as Mom lets me loose on her computer in Rochester. 

Tom the BabySitter sent from Heaven is arriving at 8:30 am again tomorrow to distract the boys while we rush through the last of the packing etc, until it's complete.  We'd be lost without him!! 

When Britannia pull away tomorrow, that's it - we're left with our suitcases, futons to sleep on, and our toiletry bags ... but then it's up at 4 am the next morning (on Wednesday) to make the 2-3 hour journey through rush hour to London Heathrow, in order to make the three hour check in time.  Keep your fingers crossed that I'll actually be allowed a carry on bag for the boys by then, otherwise it's 8 hours of ... um ...? Heck!

OK!! - well, I'm signing off now,. and my computer is going back in it's box until we move into the apartment.  I'll be updating regularly from family's computers / the public library when ever I can.

LOVE to you ALL!

• I have been away for so long because my health took a turn for the absolute worst.  Talk about ridiculously bad luck and terrible timing - I've been often inconsolable, spending most of my time in bed praying and begging God for mercy and a miracle. Basically, a combination of contraindicated medications that slipped through the Rx computer system caused me severe vomiting with extremely violent and painful retching, which made me sprain my neck to the degree of whiplash.  My neck has been completely immobile, I have a headache beyond description, and my vision has been very severely impaired - I have to wear an eye-patch for the double (sometimes quadruple) vision at all times, and am on muscle relaxants for my neck, as well as seeing a physiotherapist / acupuncturist.  We have been stressed beyond measure, and are STILL unsure if I will be fit to fly.  With 4 days to our travel-date, the final decision is yet to be made. 

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• Steven, the Hero of my life and my knight in shining armour, has been holding the family together and keeping us strong and positive.  While Tom (our babysitter) has spent days playing with the kids, I have been trying to find the non-exsistent neutral (painless) position in bed and hot showers, while Steve has gone room to room, sorting through 8 years of accumulated 'stuff,' trying to organize it into some sort of order.  Oh, not to mention he has still had to feed the kids three meals a day, do bath and bed time, and look after me, my physiotherapy, medications, and offer positive support. The man seriously deserves the award for Father and Husband of the Year - I have never known such patience, compassion, dedication, loyalty and hard work in one human.  I am the luckiest woman in the world ... I just wish I felt even a little bit better right now! *sigh*  Most days I can only be physically up from lying down  for about 2 - 4 hours, so I try and do my physiotherapy then, and help with what ever sorting and admin I am able to.  Somehow, this house move and the necessary preparations -  he has pulled it off, and if I am rehabilitated enough to fly, the move can go ahead as scheduled - which is lucky, considering the movers arrive THIS MONDAY the 14th of AUGUST.

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• My doctors are worried the the eye trouble may be a further complication unrelated to the whiplash (possibly related to my prolactinoma?)and will most likely need further treatment, so that is all ahead of us too, when I re-enter my homeland as an uninsured patient (until Steve is officially employed by an American airline).  So please, prayers in that department would be greatly appreciated too.  For now the temporary solution is to 'white out'one lens of my eyeglasses with a white crayon, so that my peripheral vision allows my balance and depth perception to still function while blocking the double vision.

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• My health to be able to make the plane journey is only one small step in this battle, really ... then there is still the issue of Steve's American Visa, which we are still waiting for.  We really have no idea when he'll be able to join us, though we still hope for sometime in September.  Oh yeah, and um ... a job ... So much hangs in the balance that is is really nerve-wracking!  Just one more little minor detail  - and how about the new threats to air travel?  Perfect!  No carry on items to entertain a two and four year old for an 8 hour flight, then 5 hour lay over and another one hour flight ... hmmm ... can't wait!

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• We need your prayers, please, I beg of you all  ~ we need a miracle.  We have worked so hard for eight years, dreaming, planning, hoping and counting down to this very moment in time, and it is such a blow to our confidence and general spirit.  Thankfully, the kids seem ok, besides obviously missing and worrying about their Mommy, which breaks my heart into a thousand pieces.  My bed has been like a jail cell, when all I want to do is pack and get ready to go HOME!

I wish I could write so much more and answer your emails, but this much has been a struggle, I can't see and my head hurts, and I daren't undo any of the rest and rehab that has benefitted me this far.  I will try and update tomorrow too, if I can, and as much as I can until the take my computer away on Tuesday.  Please - can I ask for your love and prayers for my family?  Please?  I love you all ~ this to shall pass, right?

Love, Jen

~ Steve's LAST EVER flight in a Hercules ~ what a sad, surreal day!  The boys and I, along with a whole bunch of friends from his current and previous sections, surprised Steve by waiting for him on the pan (where they park the planes after they taxi in) with champagne.  The station photographer was there to capture us celebrating such an important milestone & memory with him.  He was shocked and thrilled!  We had managed to make what could have been a sad moment into a memory he'll recall with warmth in his heart for a long, long time.  Afterwards, there was an impromptu BBQ outside the squadron, where Steve had the chance to chat and have a beer with more of his friends.  Later in the evening, perhaps reality sunk in a bit?  He managed to submit completed applications with his CV to three more airlines!

Happy 7th Anniversary to us! 

Airline tickets to USA booked for August 16th! ~ Jennifer, Jack & Nathan will travel from London, to be followed in four to ?? weeks by Steve, once his Visa is complete.  Something a little strange - but exciting - the tickets are ONE WAY!!!

Jack & Nathan's British passports arrive in the post!  Still awaiting the return of their paperwork, including birth certificates and American passports - eek!  Standard procedure, not sending it all together, but we'll feel better when ALL their documents are safely back, as we draw closer to the move.

Steve's American Visa will be delayed ~ until mid September at the soonest.  He spoke to the London Embassy; the Petition for Visa and Visa Application can be submitted simultaneously, which helps knock some time off, but somehow in all of our research and planning, we missed a small detail that makes a big difference.  This is a major setback for us ~ it means we can not travel to the States as a family; Steve will have to stay behind, after we hand our married quarter back, and travel to Newcastle to stay with his parents while he awaits an appointment for his Visa interview in London.  As soon as the interview is complete, pending approval of course, that should be the last step necessary before he can then join us in the US.  The date that pops into our minds is Nathan's 3rd birthday, which is on September 18th, so we are really hoping the process doesn't take as long as they warn it may.

RAF Lyneham Officers Mess Summer Ball ~ was tonight!  We went with our nextdoor neighbours & very close friends Chris & Kate, & we all had a really great time!  I've never been to the Ball (I know, poor Cinderella, right?) ~ it's the biggest of the formal event there is here, so we're truly thrilled we went, despite the mad rush to move.  The theme was 'Heaven & Hell' ~ the entire place was decked out to the 9's.  What a budget they must have had! 

Food included a Fish Bar (much more divine than it sounds), a Cold Buffet, Oriental Heaven, Hot & Spicy Hell, a BBQ, Desserts Tables, an Ice Cream Bar, Coffee Mints & Liquers, & breakfast at 4am!  We never made it that far, though.  I definately took a nap (in my ball gown) on a couch in the snooker room!  Don't worry, I wasn't the only one ... there were just as many folks asleep at the tables as there were grooving on the dance floor!  I'm just out of practice in the art of Going Out, apparently. 

The entertainment was fantastic & included a Contemporary Opera Duet, The Renditions, a Retro Disco, Casino, Fair Ground (complete with bumber cars), all-you-can-play video games, roving Stilt Walkers, Barry White (heaven) and Robbie Williams (hell) tributes, and an all night disco.

Steve's ATPL FAA verification application complete.

Steve's American Visa Petition paperwork completed & posted!

Jack & Nathan's British passport photos taken & applications posted. ~ They already have their American passports, but are entitled to both with their dual nationality.  We attempted this once before but there was a hiccup and it was never completed ~ it's reassuring that they have both organized now.

No Hercules availability ~ it's a shame that a trip for Steve to move our stuff didn't work out, but it was a long shot that would have been pure luck anyway.  Now we know for sure we need to get in touch with Britannia after all.

WE HAVE OUR APARTMENT!!!

Our application has been approved!  The currents tenants leave September 1st, then they need time to clean and decorate, so we get the keys on September 9th!!!  I was so overexcited I had to pass on the good news ~ there were a few like-minded reactions back home. 

I need to organize a place for us to stay until then, for about 2-3 weeks, depending on our flight date when we eventually book.  WOW!  It's starting to feel REAL ... finally!  We have our new address, too, which feels GREAT!

Completed paperwork sent to Waverlywood Apartments ~ now we sit tight and wait to hear back!

~ A Sad farewell to Steve's beloved Mini Cooper ~

It turns out that the work necessary to get it up to full spec for passing it's MOT (inspection) to sell was much further beyond our budget limit than we had anticipated.  However, while on the lot at Somorford Minis, there were several keen onlookers asking for more information on it.  In the end, Steve sold it to the garage, where they will carry out the full repair list and sell it on to their interested buyers.  Good news, as we won't have to invest, then list and sell it privately ... put parting was sweet sorrow.  *I* cried more than Steve (who put on a very manly brave face, of course) ... and the kids were crestfallen.  One day, we'll ride again ... he already has her picked out.  For now it's the end of an era ... he picked me up at London Heathrow in a Mini when I first arrived here.  That funny little clown car won a special place in my heart!

I called Waverlywood Apartments in Webster tonight, and began the application process on the spot!  I had planned to do it over the next few days, but instead of having a few dozen apartments available in August / September, they were down to only FOUR.  It had only been a guesstimate last year anyway, and they hadn't anticipated such a busy summer - I'm just darn glad I called when I did!  Because of business hours and the five hour time difference, it was too late here to send a faxed application tonight to hold one for us (and there is only one left that would be suitable in size and location for our family) so we actually paid our deposit over the phone tonight!  YIKES!  So ... pending our application approval, of course, WE HAVE AN APARTMENT!  I was even given the address! Not what we had expected, but talk about progress!  Now we need to hurry and complete the necessary paperwork ASAP, which is easier said than done considering the international obstacles, but we're on the ball.

While I sat filling out the apartment paperwork, STeve sat with me and finally completed his American Visa paperwork!  That said, so did I - all ten thousand pages of it!  WOW the mind boggles and I'm seeing office filing code in double vision, but what a night!  We've REALLY got things moving now, and it feels really good.  Stressful ... triple checking is exhausting ... but we've done it!

Love, Jennifer 

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Well!  I never did get the chance to come back and update when I planned too ... I've been kept rather busy this past week!  Jack went to pre-school as normal on Monday, but while getting him dressed for bed that night, I found it.  A big, watery blister on his shoulder, and I recognised it immediately- CHICKENPOX!  I asked him if anybody at school was off sick, and he said, 'Yes, Liam has chickenpox, and Emily has chickenpox, Marcus has chickenpox, Jasmine ... um...'  So I asked, 'Chickenpox?'  He was amazed!! 'How did you KNOW??'  Well, so it is.

Steve and I are actually glad it's now instead of later.  I'd rather he misses pre-school than school, and more importantly, it's less severe when they're younger.  It's been going around here for months, so it was only a matter of time, but after about 6 false alarms over the past two years, I'd stopped thinking about it!  This is fine - Nathan is coming down with them now (he has been all week, but unlike Jack, he's going VEEERRRYY slowly LOL) - but if they caught them any later???  YIKES - we could have been looking at cancelled flights home!

For my kidless-thus-far friends - chickenpox are highly contagious, and can be quite dangerous to certain people; pregnant women who haven't had them yet, elderly in the same position, as well as those with lowered immune systems.  Of course, they don't allow you to fly if you're infected, so now is a good time!

That said, it didn't have to get THIS bad!  Ugh, poor Jack!  He has literally THOUSANDS of the things, covering his entire body.  Some of the stranger places he has been unfortunate enough to get them include: about 40 on his scalp, all the folds of his outer ear, leading into his ear canal, on his gums, tongue, cheeks and throat, the palms of his hands and bottoms of his feet, up his nose, on his eyelashes (including two growing out of the eyelash hair follicle!), and the worst, his bum.  I have seen chickenpox before, both while growing up and when I worked in pre-school, but GEEZE this poor kid!  I know that others have had it this bad; it comes in all degrees, but  why *my* baby?? I bet every mommy feels the same way.   Well, except for a friend who told me of a kid who got 3 blisters.  Really; 3 pox.  I guess it's just our luck!

It was hard on us all for most of the week.  Jack wasn't itchy really; instead, he was in a lot of pain.  That's what was hard for me, seeing him covered in these awful blisters, and so many in hard-to-treat places ... so we resorted to several baths a day - often every two hours.  I can't count all the different home remedies we tried; finally the doctor prescribed him some medication that gave him some relief.  We're still bathing about 3 times a day, and after that there are two different all-over medicated creams / oils that have to be applied, and then, fresh clothes each time ... by the time we'd finish, get something to eat, it's almost unbearable again, and time for another bath!!

I am very happy to report that it's finally slowing now.  As of yesterday, I think? - he's not getting fresh blisters anymore, thankfully, but almost half still haven't burst!  The ones that have still appear as open sores, and not too many are scabbed over yet.  And that is the magic key - when ALL the blisters are scabbed, we can go back out into the Real World, when he isn't contagious anymore.  I expect that day will be the day Nathan's red spots turn into the blisters!  Sometimes ya just gotta laugh.  At least it means I can give him the same one on one time I've given Jack.

Have I mentioned that we might have only 3 weeks from NOW to pack?!? 

And that brings me to the request for good luck, prayers, positive vibes, good karma, and everything in between!  I can't say much, I daren't - I don't want to jinx it!  But just a little info for now so you know what to wish for ... there is a chance ... a decent but not definite chance, that Steve will have an airplane available around June 24th, for a States trip, and that he may just be able to route it through Rochester.  DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT WOULD MEAN?!?!??  

We wouldn't have to pay the moving company more than it costs to buy a new car.  We could bring pretty much everything (that we want to - we're still clearing out a lot of stuff), but we wouldn't have to get rid of anything just to keep costs down!!!!  I just ... Oh MAN!!! I can't go on about it too much.  I have to be careful not to get my hopes up too high, as there's a chance it may not be possible.  He has approval through the chain of command hereon the base; now it depends on aircraft availability at that time.  If something more important requires the use of his allocated plane, we lose the trip.  He's guessing the odds are about 70% in our favor ... but there is just no way of knowing, really. First, the Important People have to say yes, but even if they do, up until the day of the flight, anything could happen to change it completely.  We need all the luck and prayers we can get.

PLEASE - help us out on this one?  Blow a big kiss to the universe and please join us in asking for this gift that would be nothing short of a miracle for us.  We are really, really struggling to come up with the money to pay the movers, AND to buy the airline tickets, plus Steve's visa fees and more.  So much more.  If this comes together, we will be ok.  We need this so much, I can't put it into words.

Thanks everyone.  As soon as I know anything at all, you'll know too!

Lastly ... yesterday was a year since Grams passed away.  I had a pretty rough time, actually, more than I thought I would.  I could really feel the distance from here to home, and really wanted to go to see her.  My darling brother and sister-in-law-to-be ( I hope!) brought her a flower from me.  I know I don't have to go there to be with her, but I really wanted to.  I also really wanted to spend the day with my family - those who miss her as much as I do.  I had a hard time, thinking about the upcoming move, and how close we got to being together again.  I felt that old regret nagging at me; I decided to wait to go see her after her surgery, because her recovery odds were so good.  I was going to go home and bring the kids to see her, be there for her, take care of her.  Steve even offered to send the kids and me over for a month or two.  But we made the decision based on the info we has at the time, and I waited.  Turns out, I was too late.  I never got a chance to say goodbye.

Miss you Grams.  Love you so much, and I'm sorry I wasn't there for you.

 

Congratulations Steve ~

~ on passing the 5000 hours of flying landmark!

When he landed from last night's NVG trip, he came home tired but feeling accomplished with his now 5000 hours (and 5 minutes- every minute counts!) of logged air time!  That's over 208 FULL DAYS STRAIGHT of flying!  I suppose the next major milestone will be a whole year of his life spent in the air ... the mind boggles ...

It's quite interesting actually ~ his log book has it broken down into day / night, cloud cover and other weather conditions ... NVG (night vision goggles) and so on.

No awards or certificates, - just a high five from the boys and a big kiss from me!  Nice one honey ~ good thing you LOVE your job, eh? 

In all seriousness, I know this was an important milestone for you, and I'm really, really proud of you, and everything that you do.  I've never known such dedication and loyalty, in every imaginable circumstance.  I love you, and I'm thankful and honoured to be married to the most amazing man I know.

Air Law Exam Results are back ...

he got a 94 percent!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, April 12 - Easter

Well - I missed out a bit of time in there!  We all, unfortunately, caught a very, very nasty flu-bug, which then morphed differently in each of us.  We had it all - tonsillitis, ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis, fevers, vomiting ... this one is a doozy!  It dug in it's claws and STILL hasn't let go.  We seem to be through the thick of it for now at least.

JACK'S BIRTHDAY was a really nice family day  - it couldn't have gone better, truly.  His SHCOOL PARTY a few days later was a huge hit with both the boys and all of Jack's little friends, and really great for Steve and I to get the chance to see him interact with them all.  That preschool has done so much good for him, brought him out of his shell, and really helped him grow and thrive ... he really is such a wonderful little boy.  He certainly is Mr Popularity - he's kind, compassionate, OUTGOING (!) and friendly, and gets along with all the kids really well - long may it continue!  Nathan had just as much fun and fit right in with the big kids - lots of photos to follow soon in the gallery I promise!

Britannia Movers came and gave us our INITIAL MOVING / SHIPPING ESTIMATE so that is a HUGE step!  It's starting to feel very real indeed!  I have lots more info to add about his visit, that will follow shortly too.

Steve DID make it to his AIR LAW EXAM - he left the three of us puking our guts out, and setting up camp on the living room carpet.  I don't know how he did it - but he did - and I'm so, so proud of him.  He's now preparing his CV for sending out, as soon as the test results some back.  It's a pass / fail exam, so if (WHEN) he passes - that's it - he HAS his civvie licence!  We're of course hoping for a high mark, as they do apparently look at that too - but as far as actually *getting* his licence, we have good vibes and fingers crossed over here, waiting for the postman to deliver the news. 

Other than that, not much more to report really ... Jack's family birthday party was cancelled due to the lurg that practically quarantined our house.  So, instead, Steve's parents arrive tomorrow with Alex and stay until Easter, so we'll have a quieter family party on Saturday.  Poor lamb broke my heart ... when his fever finally gave, and he started to feel better, I heard him telling Nathan all about everyone coming to his party ... he didn't realise the day had come and gone.  I just hope Saturday makes up for it somewhat ... we're hoping a couple of our close friends will be brave enough to join us, provided all traces of the bug are gone by then! 

I'll be adding photos (Jack's birthday, the house pre-move)over the next few days, so be sure to check back!

 Monday, March 27 - Sunday, April 2, 2005

~ They say to start as you mean to continue ...

 ... it's going to be a very busy week! ~

It's cake and balloons for everyone - Jack is turning 4!!!!  Thursday the 30th is the Big Day, and we have it all planned out.  He has preschool in the morning, where he'll bring Mom's Cupcakes (yes, they're famous) to share with his friends, and they'll make a huge fuss over him – they’re good like that there.  When he gets home, it's a quiet family lunch, followed by not-so-quiet unwrapping!  We'll spend the afternoon playing with his loot (Steve has managed to get the day off, so we're really excited!) and then perhaps children’s cuisine for tea, if they’re not too pooped.  Good old McDonalds!  They LOVE it there, though we don't go often, so it's a real treat for them.  *hic-bleurgh* Can't wait!  (Heavy sigh) – I can't believe he's almost old enough for kindergarten! I have to move on before I get teary eyed now.

Saturday, April 1st is Jack's kiddies’ party at Jumping Jacks, an indoor soft play area.  This is the first party where HE has chosen who to invite, his friends from school, instead of mommy inviting family friends.  I'm so happy to see him SOOO excited!  Almost all of his little friends can come, so it will be a GREAT party.  We're having the family party next week, Sunday, April 9th, and they're all coming down from Newcastle, and Alex from York ... I know, two parties, I must be a glutton for punishment!  But it's a family visit, which only really happens twice a year, when they all come together, and it's nice for the boys to have them all in THEIR house.  They're really looking forward to Alex's Easter Break visit - he's staying for just under two weeks, and Jack is out of preschool at the same time.  They'll have a blast, and thankfully for me, entertain each other!

Steve is busting his butt all week, preparing for his Air Law Exam, studying for as many hours a day as he can stand.  It's next week, Thursday April 6th - and it's the first step towards getting his new job.  I swear this book - it's crazy! It's 2 feet thick, and a gazillion pages, so the pressure is really on right now.  Thankfully, because of his military licenses, he only has to sit one of the 12 ‘Civilian’ exams, where as until recently, they (retiring military wanting to fly commercially) had to sit them all – score one for the little people!  He also has his Medical Exam this Tuesday, March 28th, again for his license.  We are at last starting to make ticks on the list ... only a few on a very long list, but each one counts!

Tuesday also sees the moving company visiting, for an assessment and first estimate.  Basically, we walk them throughout our house, point, and say, 'Keep.  Chuck.  Get this there fast ... this, the slow-boat.'  He then makes lots of important looking notes and gives us a very frightening number ... we're anxious for this, I mean VERY - it will determine for us approximately what we can and can not bring with us.  Most of our stuff will be going by ship in a container – it’s so much cheaper than air, there’s no comparing the two.  Only the essentials will be shipped air. 

Now, there's no way we have enough stuff to fill a whole container, so we can most likely get a discount for sharing one with someone else.  Discounts are good, we like discounts!  But it may also mean waiting a bit (a lot?) longer for our stuff, in order for the movers to find someone who needs the nearly the exact opposite percentage of the container.  We already know we're not bringing the living room suite, the two queen beds, or my wardrobe, as they are so big and heavy that it would cost more to ship than to buy new!  So considering we'll have to replace those on arrival in Rochester when we move into our apartment, we need to bring as much other stuff as we can, to keep expenses down when we get there.  Argh - this ones a biggie - and has really been stressing us.  We'll both feel a lot better after tomorrow, at least having an idea where we stand.  The movers, airline tickets, storage at either end, and immigration – those are the whoppers.

In between and all around that, the madness never stops.  I've started selling some stuff that we don't need on eBay as well as planning our House Move Sale, and we're planning on doing an inventory of the whole house this week, too, if there’s any time left.  There's a lot of stuff that we just can't bring, so it's time for some serious organization - keep, donate, sell ... but at least I've already made a (small) start.  I really need to kick it into high gear here though - we have a lot of stuff to get through in not a lot of time.  I also need to petition for Steve's Green Card, and complete the application for the apartment we have chosen - so lots of forms to fill in, too.

Those are the plans this week; I’ll keep a running commentary in my journal, ‘I was thinking …’ (which you can find at the top of this page under the shark, just click to view).

Geeze, I’m tired just rereading that!  I'm getting the eerie feeling that the real humour is about to begin ...