The Hackworths

There’s only one word to describe our lives the past few weeks. Ca-razy. If you keep up with us at Flickr, you’ll know that we’ve got orders to Japan. The amount of paperwork this move is piling up probably destroyed a small forest. There are passports to be applied for, screenings to do and today is dentist day.

The easiest thing out of this whole ordeal has been selling the house. After only one week on the market, we got an offer. A very good offer. We close November 15th and then we’ll be homeless until we get to Japan.

Now here comes a really long paragraph about what we’re going to be up to for the forseeable future. Today is dental and passport photos then over to the overseas screening office to drop off all that paperwork. This weekend is shopping for winter clothes and things we need to get so they can be packed and shipped with the rest of our household goods (HHG). These things include, but are in no way limited to, a corded phone, extra long shower curtains and some bicycles for the kiddos that are staying in the box until we get there. Also getting a new laptop since mine crapped out on me a week after Justin came home. Next week is decluttering and trashing of items no longer wanted/needed. Next weekend are soccer tournaments then Halloween. Before we know it, TMO will be here to pick up our crap, we’ll close on the house and trek halfway across the country one last time.

It actually feels weird to be moving away from here. I think I might miss it a little. A place kindof grows on you when you live there for 6 years, huh?

Where to start? Justin has gone back to work. The girls are doing so well in school and Ryan has a slight obsession with the Wonder Pets. He runs around the house singing the theme song. I keep trying to catch it on video, but every time he sees me with it he stops what he’s doing and starts yelling, “CHEESE!”. I don’t know how I’m supposed to embarrass him when he’s older if he won’t sing for me.

Lauren has had several soccer games. They won last weekend, so that brings them up to 3 wins and 2 losses. A huge improvement over last year where they only won 1 game. She also got her hair chopped off. I don’t have a picture for you yet, but I’ll snag her when she gets home from school today and stick it up on Flickr.

Speaking of stuff on Flickr, this is what has been keeping me away:

Now, I need to go make sure there aren’t any bottles of laundry detergent being poured out on my rug.

We’ve been so busy since Justin returned. We spent a weekend down in Columbia, Katie started school, Lauren lost 2 teeth and we’ve done tons of yard work.

It’s nice being a family again, guys. Really nice. I didn’t realize how much I missed the phrase, “Go tell your Dad!”.

We’ve got a soccer game this weekend. The second one of the season. If you checked over at Flickr then you’ve seen a few pictures from the first game, which they won. Other than that, we’ve got big plans to watch some Sooner Football and kick back. Enjoy your weekend!

We picked up The Mister last night from the air station. We’re all thrilled to pieces to have him home again. Well, except maybe Ryan. He thinks it’s pretty cool to have another person in the house, and another boy no less. But he still is a little shy at times. Last night when Justin first came over to us, Ryan kept saying in my ear, “Mama, is thunner!” when Justin would talk to him. I’m not worried, though because I’m certain that by the end of next week Justin will be his new favorite person and I’ll just be that Mommy person who wipes his hiney.

In other news, our baby girl started the 1st grade today. I cannot stand this another second. I keep insisting that she stop growing up on me so fast, but she just laughs and tells me she can’t help it. Before I know it she’s going to be moving away to college or something.

Anyhow, I just wanted to let everyone know that Justin made it home. I’ll be around here and there, but not necessarily blogging. Keep your eyes on the Flickr stream because y’all know I love to take me some pictures.

Today my little man is two. I cannot believe how fast it’s gone. Every day is so full of fun and love and little boy trouble. He makes me laugh, he makes me cry and he makes me proud. He loves his sisters so fiercely and shares his hugs with anyone who will take them. He tells me, “I yuv you Mama!” and “Mama, you gotta be kidding”.

He loves trains and Spongebob Squarepants, pulling hair and chocolate. He carries around this picture and tells everyone, “Tha’s Daddy and Ryan Jaym”.

Occasionally he’ll sneak in my room in the middle of the night and crawl in bed with me. I give him a squeeze and turn over and he’ll say, “No Mama, we nuggle, okay?” and I’m putty in his little chubby hands.

I’m going to miss the little baby he was, but I’m enjoying the little man he is becoming so much.

Yeah, two posts in one day. Please don’t pass out because if anyone should be doing any passing out it’s me.

Yesterday there were no major mishaps caused by Ryan. I had high hopes for today, but those were quickly flung out a 21st story window when I came out of the bathroom to find this:

People, that’s an entire bottle of mustard. I have to say, when he does it, he goes all the way. No half bottles of mustard or creamer or chocolate syrup for him! But, man am I at the end of my rope. Because not only did he do that mustard mess up there, while I was cleaning it up he went in the garage and poured an entire 64oz bottle of bubbles all over the floor. I absolutely hands down love these kids more than anything in the world, but I am so ready for a break. The day in day out messes Ryan is making on top of the constant tattling and bickering between the girls and I’m just about ready to turn in my two weeks notice. So, just for kicks let’s do a little rundown.First there was The Tide Incident. Then Operation Chocolate Chaise I followed by Mayonnaise Mayhem. Then Toilet Flushing Round I & Round II and top that off with Operation Chocolate Chaise II and Mustard Madness not to mention the bubbles I didn’t even bother to take a picture of, the creamer from the other day, or the soccer ball he dropped down the a/c shaft in the hall. Who wants to fund my vacation to Cancun?

We’re getting close to Justin’s return. Obviously I can’t say how close, so I’ll put it to you this way. If I don’t get off my hiney and get some things done around here he’s going to think I sat on the sofa and ate bon bons the entire time he’s been gone. Although, yesterday I washed all of the sofa cushion covers since my absolutely adorable, but completely naughty son poured an entire bottle of my coffee creamer on them, so that’s progress.

I’ve got a list of things a mile long, about 1/8 of a mile’s worth of time to do it in, and three “helpers” that really don’t help all that much. Plus, some big news might be heading our way and I’m trying to plan accordingly for that. And with that, I’m off to take care of the first order of business which is tossing every broken and no longer played with toy I can get my hands on.

I spent last night going through this. Everything had a fine coat of powdery sand on it, so I washed all of the clothes that were in it. I never thought I’d say this, but I enjoyed washing his things again. I love seeing his pile of folded clothes next to ours. I’m sure that won’t last long what with my hate/hate relationship with laundry, but for now it’s wonderful.

We’re gearing up for school over here. New backpacks have been purchased and school supplies are piled up in the closet just waiting for the first day. Lauren starts soon (the 24th I think) and Katelyn starts in September. I just don’t know what Ryan and I are going to do with ourselves. I see lots of playing outside in our future.

I’ve also been cleaning out closets and getting rid of mountains of stuff. I’ve got a TON of things piled in the garage and need to have a yard sale. We’ve got big plans to go through toys this weekend and toss broken/not played with stuff. The girls think it’s to make room for more new toys, but really it’s just so they have less crap to scatter through my house. Keeping it clean has really become a big and frustrating task for all of us. And no one likes stepping on Legos in the middle of the night. Where’s that Cleaning Fairy when you need her?

In a mere 11 days Ryan turns 2 years old. I’m convinced he does not want to live to see that day. Seriously. We all remember the Tide Incident, the Chocolate Syrup Incident, and the Mayonnaise Incident. Well, Chocolate Syrup Incident II and Operation Clog the Toilet on a Sunday have since occurred. After much scrubbing of the poor abused chaise and a call to the plumber man ($95 for 10 minutes of work) both of those issues are corrected. Conclusion? It’s a good thing there won’t be any more Baby Hack’s around here. And? I should be a plumber.

How cute is this?  That’s Ryan saying, “Bye pee pees!”.