The pictures came out fuzzy, but it was fun for awhile. M & E keep dragging me by the arm to show me their trees displayed in in their room- which was the point to begin with.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Little Trees
Let Christmas begin! After a failed nap attempt, I brought a table out back and let the kids decorate trees for their rooms. While I thought this would be fun for them, I was actually trying to snap a perfect pic for this year's Christmas card. Instead, real life happened and the trees kept tipping over and the ornaments fell off.
The pictures came out fuzzy, but it was fun for awhile. M & E keep dragging me by the arm to show me their trees displayed in in their room- which was the point to begin with.
The pictures came out fuzzy, but it was fun for awhile. M & E keep dragging me by the arm to show me their trees displayed in in their room- which was the point to begin with.
Monday, November 26, 2012
NEVER Stay At The Excalibur Hotel And Casino, Las Vegas
On our way to Utah we stayed one night in Vegas to break up the drive. While staying at the Excalibur, we were robbed in our room while we were sleeping. I posted this review this morning on TripAdvisor and Yelp:
WORST hotel experience I have ever had. We were robbed while we were sleeping in our room and the hotel told us it is our fault. The Excalibur's customer service has been disgusting.
We stayed in Vegas for one night on a Thanksgiving road trip and chose Excalibur because we thought our little kids would like it. The room was cheap but they charged us some extra hotel fee of $15 on the phone (through the hotel directly) and also an additional $17 when we arrived. After checking in we found our room dingy and dark but didn't think much of it. We played with our 3 1/2 year old twins in the arcade and after dinner went to our room for the night.
Our older daughter (21 yrs) and her boyfriend (23) were on this road trip with us and didn't arrive from out of town until 12 30 am bc they had worked that day in California. When they arrived at 12 30 we were obviously sleeping and they knocked on the door, we gave them hugs and they went to sleep in the bed next to us. The room was stuffy so kept the AC unit on. It was very old and LOUD. We woke up at 6 the next morning to the bathroom light on (which we had specifically turned off). My husband's wallet was on the ground opened, with his cash gone. My daughter's boyfriend's wallet was put back into his pants on the floor by the bed and his $200 cash was also gone.
When we spoke to the hotel they connected us with their 'risk management department' they informed us that this happens. They said that people roam the halls and push open doors. They told us that because we didn't deadbolt the door (which we usually do but it was overlooked bc it was so late), and we didn't put our cash in the safe, they were not responsible. We spoke with many managers that day and on the phone in the days following. We filed a police report at the Vegas PD.
The main problems I have are,
1. Their doors don't work properly. Multiple people in risk management (security) and in hotel management told us that their doors don't always lock automatically and you have to pull the door and lift the handle to make sure it close. I will always use the deadbolt in future hotel stays anywhere, but I don't believe this makes a robbery our fault.
They have unsafe, faulty doors and they have no plan to fix them. Knowing that this happens, they still do not have security cameras in the tower we stayed in (tower 1), nor do they have security officers on the floors monitoring the safety of their guests- even though they admitted that they have had intruders in the past.
And using the safe? I understand that it is wise to lock up extra cash when leaving the room. But I do not accept that it is our fault that our money was stolen while we were in our room with our children asleep. I get sick thinking that whoever this was could also have take our little twins out of bed and kidnapped them.
2. We have received no apology or compensation at all. Money is money. It was $400 dollars lost, but this is about so much more than that. From the beginning we were dismissed and given the run around. We had woken up early that morning to get back on the road to finish our drive to get to our Thanksgiving vacation. While my husband met with security and management we stood with the little kids and waited. And waited. And waited. No one once offered to comp the room while they looked into it. No one offered breakfast vouchers for us to feed the kids. So while it was not initially about the money, I now feel it's personal and I'm furious.
We have spoken on the phone to all the people mentioned above and after reviewing our case, we were told they do not take responsibility and the incident is our fault. I don't accept this and we have been in contact with their corporate office, though I don't imagine we will ever get back what we lost.
I'm still very unsettled that there was someone in our room, going through our things while we slept. I get anxious thinking about someone taking our little ones and in some ways I'm thankful we didn't wake up because I don't know what would have happened if my husband or daughter's boyfriend would have caught the person.
The Excalibur has shown no regard for our well being as guests and I STRONGLY advise against anyone ever staying there. The allure of an inexpensive rate is not worth your safety.
WORST hotel experience I have ever had. We were robbed while we were sleeping in our room and the hotel told us it is our fault. The Excalibur's customer service has been disgusting.
We stayed in Vegas for one night on a Thanksgiving road trip and chose Excalibur because we thought our little kids would like it. The room was cheap but they charged us some extra hotel fee of $15 on the phone (through the hotel directly) and also an additional $17 when we arrived. After checking in we found our room dingy and dark but didn't think much of it. We played with our 3 1/2 year old twins in the arcade and after dinner went to our room for the night.
Our older daughter (21 yrs) and her boyfriend (23) were on this road trip with us and didn't arrive from out of town until 12 30 am bc they had worked that day in California. When they arrived at 12 30 we were obviously sleeping and they knocked on the door, we gave them hugs and they went to sleep in the bed next to us. The room was stuffy so kept the AC unit on. It was very old and LOUD. We woke up at 6 the next morning to the bathroom light on (which we had specifically turned off). My husband's wallet was on the ground opened, with his cash gone. My daughter's boyfriend's wallet was put back into his pants on the floor by the bed and his $200 cash was also gone.
When we spoke to the hotel they connected us with their 'risk management department' they informed us that this happens. They said that people roam the halls and push open doors. They told us that because we didn't deadbolt the door (which we usually do but it was overlooked bc it was so late), and we didn't put our cash in the safe, they were not responsible. We spoke with many managers that day and on the phone in the days following. We filed a police report at the Vegas PD.
The main problems I have are,
1. Their doors don't work properly. Multiple people in risk management (security) and in hotel management told us that their doors don't always lock automatically and you have to pull the door and lift the handle to make sure it close. I will always use the deadbolt in future hotel stays anywhere, but I don't believe this makes a robbery our fault.
They have unsafe, faulty doors and they have no plan to fix them. Knowing that this happens, they still do not have security cameras in the tower we stayed in (tower 1), nor do they have security officers on the floors monitoring the safety of their guests- even though they admitted that they have had intruders in the past.
And using the safe? I understand that it is wise to lock up extra cash when leaving the room. But I do not accept that it is our fault that our money was stolen while we were in our room with our children asleep. I get sick thinking that whoever this was could also have take our little twins out of bed and kidnapped them.
2. We have received no apology or compensation at all. Money is money. It was $400 dollars lost, but this is about so much more than that. From the beginning we were dismissed and given the run around. We had woken up early that morning to get back on the road to finish our drive to get to our Thanksgiving vacation. While my husband met with security and management we stood with the little kids and waited. And waited. And waited. No one once offered to comp the room while they looked into it. No one offered breakfast vouchers for us to feed the kids. So while it was not initially about the money, I now feel it's personal and I'm furious.
We have spoken on the phone to all the people mentioned above and after reviewing our case, we were told they do not take responsibility and the incident is our fault. I don't accept this and we have been in contact with their corporate office, though I don't imagine we will ever get back what we lost.
I'm still very unsettled that there was someone in our room, going through our things while we slept. I get anxious thinking about someone taking our little ones and in some ways I'm thankful we didn't wake up because I don't know what would have happened if my husband or daughter's boyfriend would have caught the person.
The Excalibur has shown no regard for our well being as guests and I STRONGLY advise against anyone ever staying there. The allure of an inexpensive rate is not worth your safety.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Thanksgiving In Photos
From California to Utah...
First stop, a night in Vegas (a separate post about that to follow)
Games in the arcade
Made it to Utah, and the kids finally got to play in the snow
Friends
Night time board games
A visit to the planetarium
A movie in the dome IMAX
First time ice skating!
Bowling
Indoor golf
And a restful Thanksgiving day
Friday, November 16, 2012
'I'm Thankful For'
Last week we started a list of things we're thankful for on the kid's chalkboard. It's been drawn over, erased, and added to.
Here are some of my favorites:
'I'm Thankful For...'
Whoever loves my toys- Ella
The mailman- Maxwell
Ponies- Ella
My clubhouse- Maxwell
Daddy's hotel we got to visit- Maxwell
Mommy and Daddy- Ella
Buzz Lightyear- Maxwell
Water colors- Ella
Here are some of my favorites:
'I'm Thankful For...'
Whoever loves my toys- Ella
The mailman- Maxwell
Ponies- Ella
My clubhouse- Maxwell
Daddy's hotel we got to visit- Maxwell
Mommy and Daddy- Ella
Buzz Lightyear- Maxwell
Water colors- Ella
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Three Years Ago...
Three years ago we spent Thanksgiving with friends in Utah. That started our Thanksgiving tradition with the Barretts. They've come here, we've met in Tahoe, and this year we're heading back to them. The next couple days we'll pack up way too much stuff, then head out for the week. The face that we're leaving town really makes it feel like a holiday. Mike will have the whole week off of work and we'll be away from it all. So excited to see friends and watch the little ones in snow! Maeg and Zack are coming too :) We'll be missing Michael. Can't wait til he'll be home during Christmas to have our whole family together.
Happy Thanksgiving, we have so much to be thankful for!
Oh, I miss those little ankle rolls!!!
Happy Thanksgiving, we have so much to be thankful for!
Oh, I miss those little ankle rolls!!!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
My Boy. Again.
I'm going to take this phase as 'it's about time.' My kids aren't perfect, nor is our parenting, but they've been pretty darn easy. So when they're not, it throws me. The past week and a half Maxwell has been acting out in new ways. Not fun. Hitting and crying/yelling until he works himself into a rage. He gets his little body so worked up it's very hard to calm him down. At home his safe place is his room. I either put him there or he goes himself and he calms down until he's ready to come out and be kind. But we've had a couple of incidents outside of the home this past week, not as easy for either of us to handle.
It's a phase and hopefully it'll pass soon. In the meantime, Ella remains calm and consistent. From birth I've found that these twins balance our home. Just when I think one is 'the quiet one,' 'the cranky one,' 'the silly one,'...they switch on us. Of course they have their own personalities and uniqueness but when it comes to one needing more attention, they seem to know and the other becomes cooperative and self sufficient. I know that sounds crazy, but when one is being particularly naughty or needing attention (like when the other is sick), they seem to just behave.
Right now Maxwell is taking most of my patience and attention while little Vita happily goes about her day. Two weeks from now it will probably change. And thank goodness for that. If you're reading this, please send a prayer of patience for me and a prayer of self control and obedience for our boy. Because tonight especially, we both need it :)
It's a phase and hopefully it'll pass soon. In the meantime, Ella remains calm and consistent. From birth I've found that these twins balance our home. Just when I think one is 'the quiet one,' 'the cranky one,' 'the silly one,'...they switch on us. Of course they have their own personalities and uniqueness but when it comes to one needing more attention, they seem to know and the other becomes cooperative and self sufficient. I know that sounds crazy, but when one is being particularly naughty or needing attention (like when the other is sick), they seem to just behave.
Right now Maxwell is taking most of my patience and attention while little Vita happily goes about her day. Two weeks from now it will probably change. And thank goodness for that. If you're reading this, please send a prayer of patience for me and a prayer of self control and obedience for our boy. Because tonight especially, we both need it :)
Thursday, November 8, 2012
For Maxwell
Tonight I was wrong. It was a little thing, but I hurt Maxwell's feelings. And he's old enough to get it. It disappointed him, but it crushed me. I'm so flawed. And having kids exposes this daily. This may be better suited for a journal, but this is my journal. I still feel like this is my baby book. So Maxwell, this one's for you.
Hi Buddy,
Tonight I embarrassed you in front of your friends. I was frustrated with your bad dinner manners and I was ready to throw you in the shower to wash the applesauce out of your hair. Instead you ran outside and started yelling at the neighbor kids next door. I was tired and didn't want a play date. But instead of explaining that, I came out and yelled at you in that ugly voice I sometimes use. Your face fell and your lip began to quiver. You burst into tears and ran inside. You weren't just crying because you didn't like what I was telling you to do, you were crying because I had embarrassed you in front of your friends, the big kids. I apologized to them for yelling and then I looked for you in the house.
"I just wanted to tell Justin hi," you yelled at me. "I want alone time." I felt so, so sorry I had hurt your feelings because I was being impatient. And then you were imitating that ugly yell that I just used. I've lost my temper before. Many times, I'm sure. But this time you were older and it was different. I let you have space for a few minutes then I came back to your room. I explained to you that I was sorry for embarrassing you and I asked for your forgiveness. You didn't say anything so I left you alone for a few more minutes. When you came out you ran into my arms and said, "I like you Mom." I asked you again to forgive me and you hugged me tight and said, "I forgive you."
Your forgiveness is the most beautiful gift I can receive. I know I'll disappoint you again and again but I pray I will always be quick to admit when I'm wrong. I'm aware of your soft heart and I pray God teaches me the best way to protect that. You are mischievous, wild, and a little...aggressive. Sometimes that makes me lose my patience. My prayer is to know which battles to pick, even with you as a three year old. You act so rough but in the next breath you are so sensitive and so affectionate. It's my job to discipline you, but it's also my job to foster the heart and character that you were born with. That's a big job son! It's all I ever really wanted. I love being your Mommy. Thank you for forgiving me today. I love you so, so, SO much.
~Mom, Mommy, Mama
I read this article a few weeks ago (so good) and was challenged to remember to include myself in photographs. As imperfect as I may feel, or as awkward as it is to hand off the camera to someone else and ask for a photo to be taken...I want my kids to have visual memories of us together. I want them to see the way that I look at them, the love that I have for them. This is what the article says, but way more articulately. So in keeping with this as my 'baby book' here are some photos of me and my boy. I don't like the way I look right now, so I notice I don't hand the camera off anymore. These are all older photos and I'm SO much thinner. But I guarantee he doesn't see me differently.
Hi Buddy,
Tonight I embarrassed you in front of your friends. I was frustrated with your bad dinner manners and I was ready to throw you in the shower to wash the applesauce out of your hair. Instead you ran outside and started yelling at the neighbor kids next door. I was tired and didn't want a play date. But instead of explaining that, I came out and yelled at you in that ugly voice I sometimes use. Your face fell and your lip began to quiver. You burst into tears and ran inside. You weren't just crying because you didn't like what I was telling you to do, you were crying because I had embarrassed you in front of your friends, the big kids. I apologized to them for yelling and then I looked for you in the house.
"I just wanted to tell Justin hi," you yelled at me. "I want alone time." I felt so, so sorry I had hurt your feelings because I was being impatient. And then you were imitating that ugly yell that I just used. I've lost my temper before. Many times, I'm sure. But this time you were older and it was different. I let you have space for a few minutes then I came back to your room. I explained to you that I was sorry for embarrassing you and I asked for your forgiveness. You didn't say anything so I left you alone for a few more minutes. When you came out you ran into my arms and said, "I like you Mom." I asked you again to forgive me and you hugged me tight and said, "I forgive you."
Your forgiveness is the most beautiful gift I can receive. I know I'll disappoint you again and again but I pray I will always be quick to admit when I'm wrong. I'm aware of your soft heart and I pray God teaches me the best way to protect that. You are mischievous, wild, and a little...aggressive. Sometimes that makes me lose my patience. My prayer is to know which battles to pick, even with you as a three year old. You act so rough but in the next breath you are so sensitive and so affectionate. It's my job to discipline you, but it's also my job to foster the heart and character that you were born with. That's a big job son! It's all I ever really wanted. I love being your Mommy. Thank you for forgiving me today. I love you so, so, SO much.
~Mom, Mommy, Mama
I read this article a few weeks ago (so good) and was challenged to remember to include myself in photographs. As imperfect as I may feel, or as awkward as it is to hand off the camera to someone else and ask for a photo to be taken...I want my kids to have visual memories of us together. I want them to see the way that I look at them, the love that I have for them. This is what the article says, but way more articulately. So in keeping with this as my 'baby book' here are some photos of me and my boy. I don't like the way I look right now, so I notice I don't hand the camera off anymore. These are all older photos and I'm SO much thinner. But I guarantee he doesn't see me differently.
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