Cutie Pie

Lexie at the wedding

Resting on the table before the ceremony.
















Picking up petals to throw at the groom and bride

Lexie Loves a good trampoline!
The great flying Lexie!

Relaxing...

Relaxing by the pool

The only time Lexie isn't moving at the speed of light

Scott, Chris, Fred, and David

West Coast meets East Coast. Mark and Darcy from Southern California, Steve and Sally from New Jersey.

Lexie the Archeologist

The dig site

Hard at work

Starting to uncover something...

Almost...

Ahh. The treasure

Treasure Map!

Who would'a think it...

I'm blooging from my iPod in hotel room in Temecula,CA. Lex and I are
headed out to the pool. I just saw uncle Steve in the courtyard. How
cool!

--
Rachel Keller
Technical Lead
Broadway Medical Clinic, LLP
4212 NE Broadway Street
Portland, Oregon 97213
Tel: (503) 331-7657
Fax: (503) 382-7706
www.broadwaymedicalclinic.com

Where in the world is Carmen Santiago?

I’m not even sure when the last time I blogged was.  I have pictures to add, and stories to tell.  Bottom line is the last couple months have been really touch and go for my anxiety.  So much going on Frank was in jail half a month for violation of restraining order, and his parenting time arrangements are in the air until he contacts the necessary people and sets up visitation.  Those of you who know me and haven’t heard the details can contact me for them, but It’s really not something I want to describe in a blog intended to be a work of memory for Lexie.

 

As tensions have eased, we have been having more summer fun.  I set up the big inflatable pool with slide out back, broke down and bought a battery powered inflator thingy.  Otherwise, I don’t think I would have ever set that pool up again.

 

We’ve been making bi-monthly trips to downtown Hillsboro, which has been really enjoyable.  We usually hit the marvelous toy store they have.

 

Sunday we went to Cannon Beach with Grammy and Griffen.  We spent four or five hours just playing in the surf and the river.

 

Tuesday evening we went out to Aunt Christine’s to visit and have dinner with Fred and Barbara down from Alaska.  We’re planning to see them again at Justin’s wedding in Temecula next month.

 

The Portland to Coast is less than a month away.  Things are starting to gel together, and it’s getting exciting.

 

Yesterday Ryan and I attended an OSCON conference at the Convention Center.  It was great.  Free stuff, party invites, great information on neat software.

 

Does anyone know if online IQ tests are accurate, like IQResearchlab.com?  I’ve taken two this week, the first one was 139 and the second was 137.  I don’t know if they’re just trying to fluff my ego, or what?

 

Well, wanted to check in. 

 

Pictures to come.

 

 

Check out time: 11:00AM

I'm fried beyond my belief. So much has been going on that I'm almost daily in a tailspin. Lexie, Mom, Dad, Tracy, my friends at work, my cats, and Griffen have been my point of sanity. I now have pepper spray attached to my key chain, and I worry about the sanity and the possibility for retaliation from FDK. When Lex finally is old enough to read this chronicle, she will still love him, but probably understand my point of view at least a little. I've been trying to keep this part of our lives out of this out of respect for her love of her Dad, but it slips in there, inevitably since it's such a large part of our lives right now.

We had a great Fourth. We spent the morning driving around, Lexie napping in the car, me driving. We had a five hour barbeque at Tracy's parents. Zoe and Steve are not only kind but also extremely funny! It was fun. I was having a constant mild panic attack, I think I might have even been annoying at times. Lex and I walked to some neighbors a block away and spent two hours watching fire works with them, including illegals people up the street were firing off. We went home a couple times, once to get cookies for Beth and Kate, once to get a bucket with water to help clean up expended explosives. It was a fun evening.

Last Thursday evening, Lexie and I went to Ms. Amy's graduation. It was awesome. She is truly a great person. After the graduation, we all went to Baskin Robbins for ice cream, then to Shute Park. The kids had a good time and I sooooo much enjoyed getting to know Amy and Tim better. I hope we can all become good friends. I miss talking to Tonya when we were "work related" and I want to get to know her better too. Taylor's mom seems really nice and smart too. It was a good time and I hope we all can get together occasionally at least.

Now, Lex and I are heading off to Hillsboro Main Street to play in the toy store for a while.

I miss journaling in this blog as much as I used to, and I hope in the near future I can get back to it.

Update

Wee haw! It's five AM. Sunday morning, Father's Day. I have the best Dad anyone could hope for. We're going to the movies, early afternoon. Lexie and I have had a blast the last couple weekends. Last weekend, Friday after school, I picked her up, we went to the movies to see Kung Fu Panda. Then went swimming for two hours (pizza included). Saturday we walked in front of the Grand Floral Rose Festival Parade. A little more than four miles from the Rose Quarter across the Burnside bridge, through downtown Portland and ending up in front of the Portland Clinic (where I'll be having a hysteroscopy and D&C next Friday morning). Lexie walked the whole four miles! Then we went to the Fun Center, where I spent WAY too much cash on ride tickets. I hope the carnival is in town for a while longer so I can redeem some of the change spent.

Last week went well. Had an appointment with GYN and DR. After my recent outbreak of panic attacks, including one at my appointment, my DR. prescribed a calmer-downer. Just having the RX in my hand had the most wonderful placebo effect.

I did have to take half of one Friday morning for the proceedings to decide visitation for Lex and her Dad. He was pretty much a no show, and the Judge agreed to the change. The judge sent us to Starbucks while he typed up the order. He told us to give him until 10:00am, then to come back to pick up the papers. Mom, Dad, and I got caffinated beverages from said establishment, then walked up and down Main street Hillsboro, passing time until we were to go get the papers. It was really nice, for a while. Crossing Second street, back to the courthouse block, I saw him. We glared at each other in passing, so I thought. At the last minute, when he should have just gone on, he confronted us. He had missed the hearing, and now he started following us down the block, alternately yelling and rambling. I did what the papers and my heart said to do. Police involved...Lex's dad is now in jail for violation of restraining order. I can't tell her. She hasn't even spoken of him, except to say that she doesn't want to talk to him or see him. Then Thursday when at school she had made a Father's Day present with the rest of the kids, she started asking about him...after two months, the day after she finally asks about him, he's in jail for following us, accosting us, threatening my Dad. Ok, enough of that.

So, now it's early Sunday morning. Yesterday Lexie and I went to Oaks Park. We showed up at 12:31pm. We were there on invitation from Sonja and Corky to celebrate Alex's birthday. Sonja, Corky, Alex and Sam arrived after Lex and I had ridden the Spider, a couple other rides and dined on hot dog, cheeseburger, and super greasy (and delicious) onion rings. We had an absolute blast! It was great spending time with them and we all had so much fun on the rides. Lex and Sam are great pals. Sonja is a terrific friend! Great day. Alex, Sam, Sonja, and Corky had to leave to go to grandparent's house for presents, and Lex talked me into hanging around longer. She (Lex) rode the roller coaster at least 15 time more. I went twice with her, but my knees kept hitting the bar on the last part, and I couldn't put up with it anymore. Fun enough to watch her. 7 1/2 hours at Oaks Park. More taxing, and definitely more fun than your average work day.

We're looking forward so much to going to Justin's wedding! The first wedding of my cousins that I'll actually be able to attend. I would have loved to been at Jason's too.

Today, Father's Day, I choose to think of my own Dad. The most wonderful Dale. I'm going back to bed for a nap, then we'll all (Mom, Dad, Lex, and me) go to the movies late morning.

A little secret

When I was picking up Lexie from school yesterday, she motioned with her pointer finger that she wanted to tell me a secret.  So, I bent my head down, ear to her mouth, and she said..... "I was born to be a werewolf."

Hmm.

My favorite teacher in the whole world is getting another job.  I could not have been more blessed than to have Ms. Amy as Lexie's pre-school teacher/daycare provider!   So a new adventure begins.  Today I will look for summer care for her.  Lex has grown so much in the last year and a half.

Two weekends ago, Lex and I did the Cannon Beach Elementary School walk/run.  She ran a mile, and I walked three miles.  She had such a blast!  And she got a t-shirt and a medal.  Then last weekend we did the OHSU Tram Run 5k walk.  Lex got a medal for that one too.  I'll post pictures later.  Saturday we are doing a four mile walk.  We're going to be in the Rose Festival parade!  Should be a blast.

How delightful!

What a wonderful Memorial Day!  Lexie and I slept in, then goofed around until 9:00am, watching cartoons, tickle fights, story time, and apples and peanut butter breakfast.  Then we decided we should do something fun and it had to be out of the house.  Since it's Memorial Day, we picked visiting our Air Force Vet GrampaDad.  We went to Freddy's and got cat toys, cat nip, 85% dark chocolate, and a Cinabon collection.  We drove out past Yamhill and sortasurprised Mom and Dad.  I got to meet the new kitty, Shadow, and GrampaDad whipped up some cheesy eggs for Lex.  How could we have picked any better!  Mom made me some spaghetti, trimmed my hair, and we soaked in the wonderful rain forest.  I do love Capper Hill, but I still think Yamhill Thicket is my favorite place.  I had a carmel machiato on the way there (Starbucks) and an orange green tea on the way home (Dad).  Now Lexie is sleeping, and I'm going to read another chapter, then watch a movie.  No one could as for a better weekend. My Dad is the best, and I'm also giving thanks and thoughts as memorial to Grandy, Mark, Lexie's grandad Keller, Lloyd, John, and Karina.

 

tata.

Like riding a bike...

My brain must have missed the meeting with my joints and muscles.  I always think I can walk fast from here to there, the bathroom, the basement of the clinic, pediatrics reception.  I can hurry, but I guess I have no endurance.  I did a 5K Saturday, and it was wonderful, but my legs weren't up to par.  I really need to get them back into shape soon.   Lexie ran a mile race!  It was so great, I almost cried.  I should have trotted along side her, but  thankfully others took her into their care for the race.  The most wonderful girl, I only know her as number 102, took Lexie on the course.  I had thought of the fact she might be scared, but I really should have thought it through more.  I'm not sure I could even jog a mile right now, let alone trot behind Lexie as she did.  I felt really concerned as she ran off into the distance. Thank God 102 kept her with her.  Lexie did wonderful!

 

Capper Hill is wonderful!  It's one thing to look at the pictures, but another entirely to actually be there!  The tree damage from winter storms is so amazing, but still this place is alive and wonderful.  My favorite is the pond.  Second is the house and foilage.  What a special place.  I sincerely hope I have something like that someday.

 

I have to get back to bed now.  Don't know why I woke up at one am, but typing has restored my sleepiness...  I hope Lexie and I will get to do tons more fun stuff this year...I know we will.

 

 

Backyard

Golden chain

Covered deck

Our back yard.

We all keep talking about our yards at work, so I thought I'd post Lexie and mine.

The Clematis

The work in progress rock-way, and the lattice.

Lexie made a basket with her counselor

Last week Lexie and Amy made spider web baskets using yarn, glue, and a balloon. They popped the balloon last night to get the web. This is always fun for me, since I'm not in the room, I always get a suprise. This web was a physical thing to represent an emotional boundary of things she did not like. Kind of like the concept of a dream catcher. As soon as we brought it home last night, it became a nest.

Meanwhile back at the ranch.

Still the hottest weekend, Crystal back in her cage. Lexie had Sam and Alex over to play. She fell asleep on the living room couch while Sam and Alex...

Watched a movie in my room.

Hot summer day, tortoise takes a walk.

Crystal finally gets to check out the yard on one of the hottest weekends this year.

She's actually quite fast.

Look at those feet cruising.

Day one, two, and three of the Ant farm

And they're off!

Really slow start day two...

Day three, they pick up the pace. I'll have to take a current picture and post it.

iRachel

Check out my new iTunes widget at the bottom of the blog!

iFad

I've got an iPod...and iTunes.  I love them both with the most materialistic respect anyone could muster up!  So, I've noticed, that other capalistic enteties are absorbing the mini-"i" for their products and services too.  i, Myself, now have an iShark.  My iShark!  My orange tabby, now in his teens, saved from abandonment, and lovey in a way only a ankle high creature with really sharp teeth can be.  To activate my iShark, I need only to be in the driveway or the kitchen.  In either of these locations iShark works well.  When I stand still my iShark circles my ankles.  My adreanline surges (especially if the weather is warm enough for shorts) as I feel iShark's fur brush past.  Only very rarely, but this morning being a rare occasion, does iShark actually bite.  iBitten.

 

Lexie is still at the neighbors having a camp sleepover in their backyard.  I left them last night close to ten, while Corky was still getting the air mattresses ready in the tent.  I'm waiting for Soinja to call or knock to let me know my iGirl is up.  I actually slept till 9:41am, and woke up to the phone instead of an alarm (weekdays) or iGirl (Sat-Sun)

 

Good day to get an iTan.  I'm going out back to read until someone stops me.

 

 

The best 19.99 in a long time!

Yesterday I stopped in a new Grocery Outlet that just moved in two blocks from work.  I happened across a cd/am/fm radio with headsets that Lexie can actually keep on her head.  I got it for her, and last night we had a blast with it.  It is her first walkman, and she loves it.  She kept trying out different stations, having me listen to songs, and dancing around on the deck.  It was such pure joy!  Then I noticed that it even has external speakers too.  Pretty neat.

Tomorrow night is Lucas' birthday party, and Lexie is excited.  She hasn't seen him in a long time.  

It's supposed to be 90 degrees today, so Lex is in a pretty new blue and white summer dress her Grammy got her.

Weekend hope list:

Move bedroom plant out back

mow

plant raspberry

plant wisteria

Today I'm grateful for Lexie, Mom and Dad, weekends, summer, books, iPod, Scrubs, Audible, Walkman, friends, and life.

ANSIEDAD

What a ride.  Mother's day was great, especially the company and the three mile hike.  Dinner was awesome too.  The only down side was on the way to Chris' front door after the hike, I twisted my ankle and fell.  Big problem with this fall, was the element that has been one of my biggest fears for the last five years.  I had a sleeping Lexie in my arms.  I kept hold of her, but she smacked her tailbone on the cement, and then her head.  I can still hear the sound of her noggin knocking the walkway.  I woke her up every half hour during her next nap.  No concussion, she's fine now.  Later, much later that night, Lex finally decided that she wanted to talk to her dad on the phone.  Lexie's dad has no respect for her (or anyone else's for that matter) boundaries.  I'm not sure what his situation was, but he wouldn't let her off the phone.  He babbled to her for an hour and a half while sitting in his car listening to the radio.  She kept trying to interrupt him and tell him she had to get off the phone and go to bed, but he wouldn't let her.  Now she doesn't ever want to talk to him on the phone again.  I know now that I should have taken the phone away sooner, but hind site being what it is, doesn't really change the past.  

Saturday Lexie and I took Griffen and Chance (our charge for Friday night 'till Sunday) to waterfront park.  The dry-land Iditarod.  Griffen leashed on the left side of the baby jogger, and Chance tied on the right.  After a nice stroll up the river, Lexie played in the fountain.  She had a blast and now she has a cold.

Today I'm grateful for: Lexie, Mom and Dad, my job and friends, pets, weekends, Lexapro, iPod, life.

Springtime afternoon

Yesterday afternoon I cleaned out Crystal's cage.  Then Sam and Alex came over and we watched the tortoise walk around the kitchen.  Lexie and Sam went over to play at Sam's house while Alex and I threw a ball for Griffen.  They all wanted to play in the RV and stay for dinner.  So, we all pilled into my car and went shopping at Safeway for hotdogs, buns, and drinks.  Sam and Alex have tedious little arguments about who's going to sit in front each time they go anywhere with Lex and I.  I had to remind Alex that she sat in front both ways to the cat show and on the way home from the dog park.  Sam won.  Three hyper girls, like a little bubble of energy around me, as we walked through the store.  They were constantly in motion in front of and behind me; moving back and forth like a wave.  We got home, I grilled up the dogs, and they ate in the camper.  Each one takes their hotdog differently; Lexie-ketchup and mayonnaise, Alex-ketchup only, Sam-ketchup mustard and mayo.  Lexie ate all her corn, most of the bun, none of the dog.  Sam ate all the bread and half the dog, no corn.  Alex ate all the dog, half the bread, no corn.  While I found  this interesting is truly beyond me.  A pleasant springtime afternoon.

I brought Lexie's ant farm into work today for show and tell.

Scratch and sniff

When I picked Lexie up from school Wednesday, she had made a little spring book.  She handed to me and asked me to smell the stickers.  Wow!  I haven't seen scratch and sniff for a long time.  I was excited.  The top one had an apple on it, so I'm thinking, "mmm, apple" as Lexie and Ms. Amy watch with great anticipation.  I scratch, I sniff, I furrow my brow, and wrinkle my nose.  I say, "That...is not apple."  And then as I notice the apple has a worm squiggling through it, Lexie and I both say in unison, "Dirt!"  Lexie and Ms. Amy peel with laughter.  Ooohh, you funny girl.

My idea of the perfect lunch/dinner on a chilly day:  A grilled cheese sandwich from Tilly's with a the creamy tomato soup with Asiago croutons from Panera.  Nummy.

My idea of an unforgettable experience, watching Lexie get an ear lavage at the doctors the last visit.  She had pronounced hearing loss post ear infection.  She produces so much wax, that they couldn't see into her ears enough to see if there was fluid.  Wow, what an experience.  First Lexie got all dolled up in a dressing gown with a couple towels padded around her neck.  Next the nurse used a plastic syringe to put some softening stuff in both ears; Lexie did not enjoy this at all.  Lot's of cold, wet stuff being squished into your ear.  Then she sat for ten minutes with cotton balls in her ears.  The, I held her head sideways against my chest and held a curved plastic bowl under her ear as the nurse used a special syringe to force warm water hastily into her ear to push out the wax.  This really didn't go well with Lex.  She squirmed and squealed, and begged us to stop.  I tried to distract her by counting the goldfish that the nurse was coaxing out of her ears.  She became interested and at each "break" from the flushing, wanted to look into the bowl.  A week or so later, out of the blue, she asked me if I remembered when we were at the doctor and the got all the wax out of her ears.  It was a very impressive amount.  She did have fluid and the doctor said it could take quit awhile to go down.  He also said that cold wind wouldn't have any impact on ear health, and that swimming is one of the best things she can do to combat her ear wax production.

Today I'm grateful for; Lexie, my animals, Mom and Dad, swimming, my new PCP, science projects, weekends, nummy lunches, and life.

Brief note

Who new filling out registration forms for Kindergarten could be complicated!?

This weekend, Mom and Dad are helping me with Lexie's doll house.  Lexie will stay with Mom while Dad and I drive to Lafayette and get the house.  We'll store in his shop wrapped in garbage bags.  

I have a new PCP that I already think is wonderful.

I'm frustrated with how much work I'm missing with appointments and court stuff!  Filing a order to show cause to change parenting time is about as pleasant as untangling a huge mess of embroidery thread.  I have to pick up papers the Judge forgot to sign, have Lexie's Dad served with the whole mess (expecting a call shortly after from Grandma Betty asking about it), paying filing fees, filing order requesting removal of divorce attorney, worrying about going to court the thirteenth, etc. etc.  This is tiresome.  Finally CSD and Lexie's counselor are communicating, but it seems that she will be out all week.

Lexie's ant farm is awesome!  I will have to post pictures soon.