... 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".  ♥

#7. Volksmarch at Crazy Horse.

The Volksmarch at Crazy Horse quickly made it's way to the top of my "Things to do in South Dakota" list.  Once a year the Crazy Horse Memorial opens up it's roads and paths for visitors to trek up the mountain and get close and personal with the legendary Crazy Horse.

Crazy Horse was a well respected Lakota.  He was a war hero who fought until his death to keep this land for his people.  Crazy Horse fought in the Battle of Little Bighorn.  When complete, the mountain carving is expected to by 641 feet long by 563 feet high.  Many joke that the carving will never be finished, but the slow process behind this has a lot to do with the Ziolkowski family (the family of original artist Korczak Ziolkowski) continuing to refuse government funding - as their father had.  Korczak believed that if the public believed in the project, they would donate.  When complete, the memorial will truly be that of the people.

We arrived at the memorial at 10am on Sunday morning to begin our hike.  After donating our cans of food to be admitted into the park (usually $10 per person) we were escorted to a parking spot via the parking patrol horsemen!  From there we registered, received checkpoint stamp cards, and were on our way.

The weather in the morning did not look promising.  As we strolled through the woodlands, gray skies grew increasingly worrisome overhead.  The scenery was gorgeous.  Through the greenery, jagged dark gray rocks jolted up from the soft ground.  The hike in itself was well worth the 45 min trip up.

Every mile or so, the Boy Scouts and local high schools set up check points with concessions.  The trail had quite a few people on every stretch.  People from all over, all ages, all levels of fitness - a large array.

The majority of the 6 mile hike was on the way up.  There was a good compromise of up and down hill.  Of course at the end, uphill was give!  Adrenaline got us through the last stretch.  Seeing the cheek of Crazy Horse off in the distance, the burn of ones thighs and calves seemed to go away as they readied their cameras.

The view from the top was phenomenal.  We could see for miles and miles!  The Black Hills of South Dakota are breathtaking.  The air was crisp.  The rain was nearing!  The rush was great.

Until next time...

#89. Make something beautiful out of pottery.

There it is.  I painted this beauty on Mothers Day at Pottery2Paint in downtown Rapid City.  I highly recommend it to anyone in the local area... or find a pottery place in your local area and go try it out!  It is always soothing to lose yourself in an art project.  This piece is now placed on my living room coffee table on the square center piece.  It took me a while to find the perfect spot for it, and now it completes my new living room set.  Love it.

... Cupcake love...

With Owen's birthday just around the corner, the excitement of planning another memorable party has set it.  Last year Owen's party was a hectic one... planned for Storybook Island on the center patio, and spoiled by the pounding rain.  We ended up making a last minute move to Chuck E. Cheese, which not only emptied our pocketbook much quicker, but was also a hectic mess.  I didn't even capture a shot of the little guys awesome Mickey Mouse birthday cake.  


While I'm opting to go with a birthday cake, an alternative option to the usual celebratory sweet this year was the renowned Georgetown Cupcakes.  HEAVEN in cup.  If you have yet to sink your teeth into one of these tasty little treats, I recommend you do so, and do so quickly.  

While we live nowhere near a location, Georgetown Cupcake has ventured into the overnight - dry ice approach.  THANK YOU!  For Easter this year my mum decided to send a dozen to her grandbabies.  GRAND IDEA!  I highly enjoyed the "Toffee Crunch" cupcake... and my mouth has been watering for one ever since.  


So while I'm going for the "How to Train Your Dragon" cake, as I think the little guy would enjoy it more, I had to share in the enjoyment of Plan B.  Maybe I'll think of another occasion in the near future that will allow for my new addiction to be enabled! 

#2. Complete my CDFM.

I know I've been a little distance from you... Mr. Blog... but for GREAT reason!

During the week of 26-30 April I attended the EDFMT course at Hill.  Awesome idea!  Not only did I get to spend the week with the lovely Bambrough family and catch up with Ariel, I also got to visit with many of my other good friends (Winnie - if you are reading - I loved dinner together and miss you dearly!).

The best part about traveling to Utah and taking the course was that Ariel and I became great study partners.  Not only did we force each other to study, motivate one another to stay focused, and push each other to do better - but we both agreed to a testing schedule.  When it's your BFF that you pinky promised with - kind of hard to go back on the plan!

Within three weeks from the course end date, Ariel and I scheduled all three of our CDFM module tests as closely to one another as possible, taking Module 1 at the exact same time.  The amazing thing, both of us passed all three!

Becoming a Certified Defense Financial Manager is the DoD equivalent of a CPA.  Most people achieve this accomplishment later in their careers.  I will now be one of 9 CDFM Awarded in the Black Hills American Society of Military Comptrollers (ASMC) chapter... several of the 9 have already retired.  So... if you haven't caught on yet, what I am trying to say is that this is a huge accomplishment!  One of the 101 that I thought would come later in the game... but now can proudly mark off the list!

I'm almost lost now that I have all this time on my hands that used to be dedicated to studying!  HELLO BLOG!