And we're back...

i have been so terrible at updating this blog as of late. between the movers, four straight days of rain (no lie) roughing it in our empty apartment, the lack of internet and of course, trying to keep my two lovlies from killing each other (with kindness of course), I haven't had much time or desire, truthfully. i have taken probably three pictures in the last two weeks. we haven't really done anything photograph worthy--minus some pics of our squatting (spelled it right this time), numerous trips to area playgrounds and a playdate or two with friends. after 7 nights of sleeping on the floor with nothing more than claire and mya's baby quilts and two traveling pillows (sounds pretty pathetic, huh?!), we finally checked out of the apartment and into the sheraton on wednesday.  i get 10 days of paid accommodations in a hotel, but i couldn't have moved us into a hotel right away. this process has already taken nearly 3 freakin weeks. we would have been footing a hefty hotel bill, so a few back aches and two disobedient overly tired homeless children were well worth it. on aside, the apartment was so bright during the daytime that naps were nearly impossible. mya typically takes two naps, so i was nearly at my whits end. i decided we'd do naptime in our walk in closet. our friend more eloquently called it our "sleeping chamber." whatever it was,  it did the job and everyone was a bit happier--me included. back to our week wrap-up...i call the passport specialist every few days or so to ask some somewhat random question (so i don't seem pushy, but instead, dumb naive;) and when i come up empty handed, i go shopping (or I eat--those 15 pounds I lost earlier this summer are visitng again). oh how i am going to miss target. love that place. that being said, i have spent more money on things we "will need" than i care to mention. it is kind of embarrasing. the way i am preparing for our trip to korea, you'd think i was going to ethiopia or something. i mailed a few boxes to korea last week and when the postal worker said, "oh, korea, the land of shopping delight," i vomitted a bit in my mouth. the only delight in shopping will be for jerseys, purses or electronics from what i can gather. a freakin pair of nike shoes for my three year old cost $40. in my preparation, i got the same pair at the mall for $24. let's just say, we'll be set until christmas when i return to my land of shopping delight. can't wait. i am sure chris will be just as happy to get us over there and in all honesty, i am kind of over shopping right now. i really want to move, get settled, and begin our new life. i am excited to start my job. excited about transitioning back into the elementary school. excited to meet new friends and of course, very excited to see chris. i called the passport dude yesterday and he finally decided to go over to the state department and add us to the expedited list. gee, do you think? he did make sure to tell me that he was "pushing his hand a bit." whatever. push it. i am already a week beyond my 'report no later than' date. i am hoping for a departure next week sometime. until then, we'll enjoy our gourmet breakfast in our personal restaurant downstairs, our pool, maid service and elevator. after breakfast this morning claire told mya to get in the elevator because we needed to go back to our house. she then asked if lucy was moving to a hotel. i told her no that she was the only lucky one to which she replied, "i sure am!" i guess she too could get used to the good life. i wonder what chris thinks of this? talk about high maintenance! ha.