... law of the smoke alarm ...

It is by law that any and all fire/smoke alarms must, at least once every other year, go off for no apparent reason - between the hours of 0100 - 0400.

I came across this law at the age of 14.  My family and I had just arrived at RAF Alconbury and were residing in the Billeting on base.  Three nights in a row, yes you did read that correctly, we were awoken by a faulty fire alarm between the legal hours.  On the third night my mother, a very well spoken and politely mannered women, said "stuff it! Stay in bed".  This resulted in the on-base fire department walking into our bedrooms and instructing us to "EVACUATE" (a command even they felt a little silly about after the two nights prior).  As you can imagine the incident simply turned into a little joke about our typical military moves and the adventures we go through with them.

Last night, as one should have expected being that we have resided in our home for a year and a half now, our FireEx i5000 smoke alarms abiding by the law and at 0336 proceeded to fill our humble abode with their 85 decibels at 10 feet "chirping" (read - deafening screech that had all the neighborhood dogs up and howling).  The culprit that lead the pack of six ionized detecting alarms is mounted perfectly between the children's bedrooms.  Said alarm was first heard through the baby call monitor placed directly next to my ear on my bedside table.  The baby call monitor, in my wake of delirious, was quickly switched off, which led to no avail over the alarming noise, and was quickly thrown under the covers.  The husband was already on his feet and running for the door in his boxer briefs, heading towards the ADT control panel.  **FAIL - this would be the second time that an alarm has sounded in our castle and the husband has sprinted directly to the door... which would most likely be the point of entry of an intruder... more practice to come.**  When the ADT panel gave us no relief, he then headed downstairs to check all alarms.  Meanwhile, I had grabbed a pair of pyjama bottoms and was wafting the air directly below the closest smoke alarm in my path, go me!  Soon after (although it seemed like an eternity) Jacob had found the culprit alarm outside of the children's rooms and had ripped it from the ceiling and removed all battery power.  A call to ADT quickly reminded us that they only respond when the ADT fire/carbon monoxide detector goes off... PLUS!  At least we didn't have to worry about a fire truck showing up.  Jacob then combed the house for a 9V battery, as the other 5 alarms "chirped" to alert us to their fallen comrade.  Thirty minutes later we were nestled in bed, and the neighborhood dogs has ceased their incessant howling.  However, soon after we realized Danica had awoken in the madness, resulting in a nights stay from the momma in the Princess' bedroom.  She finally fell back asleep just after 0600, and Owen woke up at a whopping 0645.  By 0900 I was a zombie and went to my husband and savior whom took over parenting duties until 1200, allowing this monster to sleep for an additional 3 hours.  The added nap did very little to the progress of the day.  While I realize that FireEx may one day save our lives, I can't help but feeling a little anger towards them as I look at the pile of laundry I have waiting for me tomorrow.

  Sometime this afternoon my mum called me via skype and I shared our adventure with her.  To which she laughed, and then shared their similar experience from last weekend.  My sister, her boyfriend, and my nephew were visiting for my nephew's birthday.  Around 0200, fire alarms sounded!  John (my wonderful step dad) jumped out of bed - in his briefs - men really need a pair of sweats handy on the bedside table!  My mum, because we all respond so properly to fire alarms, laid in bed and covered her head with the comforter... Ringo and Max (the dogs) followed suit and remained snug.  My sister sprinted out of the bedroom and (poor thing) chased John around the house trying to find the sounding alarm.  At this point David (the boyfriend) popped his head up the stairs and asked what was going on, "fire alarm is going off", "okay"... and he headed back to bed (clearly he fits right in with this family).  Shortly after John had the alarm silenced, Zoe went back to bed, and the next day they all went to the store to purchase new batteries.

  While in California, this only happened in the wee hours of the morning too, which resulted in my mum and brother frantically going through the typical routine.  It also happened to us twice in our home in Utah, which resulted in Jacob calling the fire department on the second occasion and being told "probably just the battery".  So I ask myself...
A. Why don't we check our smoke detectors regularly.
B. Why does it seems as though batteries only die out in the early hours of the morning.
C. Why, if our detectors are hard wired and the batteries are simply back up, is it necessary for the "malfunction".
D.  Why do all fire alarm companies publish that the detectors will "chirp" intermittently to alert you to a low battery life, however it would seem from experience that the actual "alert" is a full on alarm!

  The law of smoke alarms.  Can't live with them, can't live without them.

... one of these days ...

... I will actually blog as much as I say I am going to!  Instead, I usually reserve this leisurely activity for moments like now: wicked rainy outdoors, house scented by Target's Home Scents Sandalwood candle, kids in bed, already in my PJ's.  What do I have to inform the net about?  Life is just as relaxed as I would like it to be.

  The Ortega clan is plodding along through the summer.  Both sets of grandparents have visited the munchkins, and we have survived.  It is surprising how expensive "inexpensive" vacations are!  We scrapped the plan for England at Christmas and have renamed it Operation Jolly Saint Nick 2011.  (Not really, but now I have!)

  It has been a particularly rainy summer, which has been excellent for our sod.  I have some upgrades still to add to the yard, but it has reached the stage that I love already.  We need to finish the fences (August job), get the rock for the kids play area (also August), stain the deck/porch (also August), and the rest will come in time (more plants, trees, decorations, etc.)

  Jacob took the summer off of school and will start working towards his degree again in September.  The plan is for the man to graduate by December, allowing the little lady to start work on her Masters next.  We like the plan.  However, since my mind never stops turning... the plan may be for the little lady to return to school for a second Bachelors.  I know this makes very little sense, but I will explain in detail when I solidify my decision.

  Owen and Danica are doing wonderfully!  I can't believe how quickly they are growing up.  It is truly a marvel everyday when you have children.  I have two little people who I can now have conversations with.  No more dirty diapers.  Owen will barely even accept my help when it comes to dressing him in the morning!  Where did my BABIES go?  Hummm.  Talk right now of a third is on hold, and will be revisited in 2012... stay tuned.

  Well... there you go.  Nothing fall out of your chair exciting... but such is life.

... long weekends, coffee, and a cool breeze ...

Days like today make me wish I had all the time in the world to sit on the deck, enjoy the cool breeze, and read a book with my husband.  Not the same book of course, he enjoyed some sci-fi garbage as I literally lol'ed beside him at Chelsea Handler's latest "Chelsea, Chelsea, Bang, Bang".  Even though my intention was to work on my tan, when the clouds approached and I had to "hoodie up", I stayed outside and soaked up the peaceful moment.  We don't often just enjoy relaxing moments together.  I know this isn't just an Ortega family issue.  All families have their hustle and bustle.  Last week in a rather lengthy Commander's Call (at least for this girl and her upset stomach), our Commander made a comment about writing about your life online rather than being out living your life.  Now, while I fully agree that some people seem to post aimlessly about nothing at all going on in their lives... for the most part, I think a 30 second pause on the present to electronically let your family and friends know the whereabouts and what-have-yous for the moment is acceptable.  It's moments like today that make me appreciative of reading blogs and e-updates from my friends.  Had one of my online amigos posted that they were outside, enjoying a nice breeze, reading a book, and glancing over at their husband at every opportune moment... I would have though "sounds like a plan!"  Not that I think others should read about my somewhat boring of a day, fueled by a couple cups of coffee, and jump at the chance to do the same; but on several occasions I have been inspired to do great things after being virtually informed of another's experience.  More often than not, these updates involve action.  However, if nothing else, I am telling you - grab a coffee, grab a chair, grab a book, grab tanning oil, grab your husband, and sit outside in silence... even if it is cold!  Unwind.  Do nothing at all.  Look at your better half and think... "wow, I'm a lucky little lazy lady".  ♥