I can't believe it has been so long since my last post! Time is definitely moving right along.
Mark has been moved from an office to motor pool, so he is staying very busy, which is great!
He says time is going by much faster with more work needing to be done. I'm glad he's busier. I feel like I have so many things to keep me busy, but worry about his time crawling by.
Have you ever spent 118 days away from your spouse, children, or parents? I didn't know exactly what I was getting into when I agreed to take his hand and walk the rest of our lives together.
I do know a little now. I know deployment from a family perspective. It means keeping your phone by your side at all times, and running or tripping down the stairs when you run up and leave it downstairs. Sleeping with your phone on the loudest ringtone, and silently cursing those who text at random hours that are not him. Changing every plan when they do call, or having lunch with a friend and being completely ok with each other not speaking through the meal because one of your soldiers call. Sleeping with one eye and ears wide open because you are the "lone ranger", the one person to protect the babies you have sleeping in the rooms next door, or right beside you. It's sleeping with a million pillows on the bed that always seems so small when he wants to sleep in the middle, but has now become huge and you need some space filled, with the pistol loaded and nearby. Suddenly becoming the mom that will eat and/or destroy anything that tries to mess with her babies. Becoming a part time parent to the kids whose dads are also gone, and accepting that these ladies who are helping you parent, will most likely become sincerely special friends, and then move within a year or two. Making sure that you're children are emotionally full is another blog or book...
Keeping your own emotions in check and the worry for your soldier are uncontrollable. This is just some of it, but I'm sure you may be able to imagine.
God knows what he is doing, and I hope that I come out with more faith. I actually hope to be stronger, more selfless, bigger hearted, and more in love with my husband as well.
Right now I'm tired, yet hopeful that we are down to double digits before his return. It's hard, we miss him and he misses us and everyone else in his life.
I couldn't imagine half the things that we would go through, and conquer. Times when I thought we
weren't going to make it, and God laughed... apparently I knew so little. I'm in awe, and so very
thankful that I am not in control.
We've started school, ballet, and football. This makes for full schedules! Weddings and family visits over the next couple months add to our agenda, and then it'll be our turn to go pick up our hero before we know it. That day cannot come soon enough.
Goodnight :)
Sorry for my lack of posts!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Day 81
It's been awhile... Marks down from having to miss everything. July is our month, and he isn't here. In the past couple weeks, we've been extremely busy. We've been back and forth of course to MS. Mark's parents have been to Texas to see their other son off to Afghanistan as well. You just thought your day was hard.
I just got through singing what was obviously the most horrible "ants go marching" song judging by the way my baby girl balled up and cried because I didn't sing it as good as daddy. I finished and managed to get a smile, now she's out. They've been playing nonstop with their friends, our neighbors, our family.. One in the same. She's wiped out. I'm so glad that she is spending these days so busy that they go by faster than had she been alone. Kyle too. He's had a rough couple weeks! That boy busted up the entire left side of his face on a 2 story water slide at Stacy's kids birthday party... Yeah, the same eye we just went and had checked out a while back after getting stabbed with a plastic sword. We go for X-rays Monday morning. I think he may be rethinking football this season. He says his face feels jiggly. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
We also celebrated Lexie's 5th birthday party, as well as my little brother and his fiancé buying their very own home! Our free time is spent with Ari and her kids now. We cook, eat, watch movies that our hubbies would rather not watch with us. We pretty much fill every gap, and cry over everything. Today we went to the soldier show, which is an entire concert/play put on by a group of talented soldiers. It was very good, and very emotional. I impulsively bought some bedroom furniture after that. Happened to come across it online, and they delivered it! I couldn't imagine trying with just Ari and myself, even with the help of our little tough guys.
Still with the busy day we managed to squeeze in a great home cooked meal which included Fresh cucumbers and squash cornbread thanks to the garden in Dani's backyard. We picked at least 7 this afternoon. I'm just glad all of her things are inside the fence, because my mini garden I had going in the front yard kept getting devoured by deer, along with whatever other plant may look appetizing. My flower bed is looking pitiful.
I'm finally off to bed now, was hoping by some chance my hubby's plans had changed and he would be able to talk on FB, but he's got a busy day. Pray for him, along with these other soldiers. Had our 4th blackout the other day, then news about a missing soldier here at Campbell found dead. Prayers for all of those families. So sad.
I just got through singing what was obviously the most horrible "ants go marching" song judging by the way my baby girl balled up and cried because I didn't sing it as good as daddy. I finished and managed to get a smile, now she's out. They've been playing nonstop with their friends, our neighbors, our family.. One in the same. She's wiped out. I'm so glad that she is spending these days so busy that they go by faster than had she been alone. Kyle too. He's had a rough couple weeks! That boy busted up the entire left side of his face on a 2 story water slide at Stacy's kids birthday party... Yeah, the same eye we just went and had checked out a while back after getting stabbed with a plastic sword. We go for X-rays Monday morning. I think he may be rethinking football this season. He says his face feels jiggly. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
We also celebrated Lexie's 5th birthday party, as well as my little brother and his fiancé buying their very own home! Our free time is spent with Ari and her kids now. We cook, eat, watch movies that our hubbies would rather not watch with us. We pretty much fill every gap, and cry over everything. Today we went to the soldier show, which is an entire concert/play put on by a group of talented soldiers. It was very good, and very emotional. I impulsively bought some bedroom furniture after that. Happened to come across it online, and they delivered it! I couldn't imagine trying with just Ari and myself, even with the help of our little tough guys.
Still with the busy day we managed to squeeze in a great home cooked meal which included Fresh cucumbers and squash cornbread thanks to the garden in Dani's backyard. We picked at least 7 this afternoon. I'm just glad all of her things are inside the fence, because my mini garden I had going in the front yard kept getting devoured by deer, along with whatever other plant may look appetizing. My flower bed is looking pitiful.
I'm finally off to bed now, was hoping by some chance my hubby's plans had changed and he would be able to talk on FB, but he's got a busy day. Pray for him, along with these other soldiers. Had our 4th blackout the other day, then news about a missing soldier here at Campbell found dead. Prayers for all of those families. So sad.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Day 68
Relief today... That word can mean so much. When a friend's husband has been injured, along with others, when you know you're on a blackout for the third time in a month, when you've missed the last call he tried to make and can only feel sick until you hear them.
Ari spent the night again last night. One big family, and we've been out of town celebrating Kyle's birthday for most of the last week. He's my little firecracker :) my Fourth of July baby, and couldn't be any other child but ours! Aside from his dislike for seafood, the qualities that exude from that little boy make me think of Mark all the time. He is so much like his daddy it makes me so proud. Since he is older, I keep him "informed" to keep him from being scared. I don't want him to think his daddy is always in battle like they show on movies.
It's hard to focus. I'm sitting here writing, and keep feeling stumped, tripping over my emotions. You can't be more proud, scared, helpless, humbled, weak, and incredibly strong all at the same time, and I know Kyle is going through most of those same emotions as he matures with this deployment. Mark said to me the other day, after our second blackout, that I need to use these opportunities to help teach him how to pray. That statement meant so much. I want my baby to pray, but realistically, when I'm praying, I am praying that it isn't my husband. That it is NOT my children's daddy. I'm praying that Gods plan includes him going over there to make our marriage and family communication stronger, and simply that. Any other God fearing woman is praying the same thing, and probably feeling guilty that its almost like she's wishing it on another family, but we aren't. We don't want anyone to get hurt, but war is real. These crazy people over there are real, and they believe they are doing something extraordinary by performing these horrible atrocities. It's sickening, but praying is the only action that I can take against it. I support my soldier, I love him, but I still hate this war. That is all.
We've tried to have a great week even though daddy is gone. July is our month! We got married and had both of our babies this month. So we celebrated for my anniversary, and Kyle's birthday the rest of the week. We went to chili's & sky zone on the 3rd, and went blueberry picking, visited moms where he rode all around on the 4wheeler, rested up and did cake with granny & pawpaw, then off to Stacy's for some fun with friends and fireworks. Friday we drove back home and unloaded, hung out with our neighbors and watched the weather waiting for it to clear up so we could go to the fireworks show on post. It did, and we went. Saturday started out a little crummy, just one of those days where I'm just feeling down, but after a phone call with my love and My extended deployment family time, we ended up having a good day. Cracker Barrel, shopping, milkshakes, and rock of ages.
Here it goes, all the stuff that I try to remember when he is gone to keep me from feeling blue...
I can watch awesome things like rock of ages without him glaring at me wondering why in the world I would want to watch this ridiculous movie. Instead I watched it with Ari, and we sang every time they did! I don't have to shave nearly as often. Winter deployments are best, because then its cold, so bathing suits and shorts aren't in the picture. Having sleepovers with your friends is fun, and she doesn't snore or stink OR flail wildly in her sleep leaving me with overnight battle wounds. I don't have an incredible meal ready for the table at dinner time, because kids are easily impressed, so all that fuss over what to prepare is gone while he's away. My bathroom is my very own, and I'll admit that I've even stuck some of his junk in a different closet so I have more room. My next task may be to sneak home some new bedroom furniture, and see if he notices when he gets home ;)
Just kidding love... I'll try and consult you first!
I hope to spend tomorrow getting everything prepped for Lexie's birthday in just 9 more days now. We're a little behind since she's so indecisive. Now she just wants to have a party and go to the park?? Weird kid, but yay for easy planning! We're headed back to MS for our best friends bash for their kiddos soon.
Goodnight everyone :)
Ari spent the night again last night. One big family, and we've been out of town celebrating Kyle's birthday for most of the last week. He's my little firecracker :) my Fourth of July baby, and couldn't be any other child but ours! Aside from his dislike for seafood, the qualities that exude from that little boy make me think of Mark all the time. He is so much like his daddy it makes me so proud. Since he is older, I keep him "informed" to keep him from being scared. I don't want him to think his daddy is always in battle like they show on movies.
It's hard to focus. I'm sitting here writing, and keep feeling stumped, tripping over my emotions. You can't be more proud, scared, helpless, humbled, weak, and incredibly strong all at the same time, and I know Kyle is going through most of those same emotions as he matures with this deployment. Mark said to me the other day, after our second blackout, that I need to use these opportunities to help teach him how to pray. That statement meant so much. I want my baby to pray, but realistically, when I'm praying, I am praying that it isn't my husband. That it is NOT my children's daddy. I'm praying that Gods plan includes him going over there to make our marriage and family communication stronger, and simply that. Any other God fearing woman is praying the same thing, and probably feeling guilty that its almost like she's wishing it on another family, but we aren't. We don't want anyone to get hurt, but war is real. These crazy people over there are real, and they believe they are doing something extraordinary by performing these horrible atrocities. It's sickening, but praying is the only action that I can take against it. I support my soldier, I love him, but I still hate this war. That is all.
We've tried to have a great week even though daddy is gone. July is our month! We got married and had both of our babies this month. So we celebrated for my anniversary, and Kyle's birthday the rest of the week. We went to chili's & sky zone on the 3rd, and went blueberry picking, visited moms where he rode all around on the 4wheeler, rested up and did cake with granny & pawpaw, then off to Stacy's for some fun with friends and fireworks. Friday we drove back home and unloaded, hung out with our neighbors and watched the weather waiting for it to clear up so we could go to the fireworks show on post. It did, and we went. Saturday started out a little crummy, just one of those days where I'm just feeling down, but after a phone call with my love and My extended deployment family time, we ended up having a good day. Cracker Barrel, shopping, milkshakes, and rock of ages.
Here it goes, all the stuff that I try to remember when he is gone to keep me from feeling blue...
I can watch awesome things like rock of ages without him glaring at me wondering why in the world I would want to watch this ridiculous movie. Instead I watched it with Ari, and we sang every time they did! I don't have to shave nearly as often. Winter deployments are best, because then its cold, so bathing suits and shorts aren't in the picture. Having sleepovers with your friends is fun, and she doesn't snore or stink OR flail wildly in her sleep leaving me with overnight battle wounds. I don't have an incredible meal ready for the table at dinner time, because kids are easily impressed, so all that fuss over what to prepare is gone while he's away. My bathroom is my very own, and I'll admit that I've even stuck some of his junk in a different closet so I have more room. My next task may be to sneak home some new bedroom furniture, and see if he notices when he gets home ;)
Just kidding love... I'll try and consult you first!
I hope to spend tomorrow getting everything prepped for Lexie's birthday in just 9 more days now. We're a little behind since she's so indecisive. Now she just wants to have a party and go to the park?? Weird kid, but yay for easy planning! We're headed back to MS for our best friends bash for their kiddos soon.
Goodnight everyone :)
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Day 60, my anniversary tomorrow!
Let me start with the fact that I have now been married 12 years! We have ridden this crazy roller coaster a long time, and each day I'm praying more for him, and clinging tighter to him. Just loving him more each day doesn't say enough. He has become this amazing partner and other half of me who works hard for me, and harder on loving me everyday. He surprises me constantly. I have no idea how all of this will fit inside of my heart, because I love him so much more than the day I married him. I've grown to love him harder and in so many different ways. As a husband, a father, as my best friend, and realize even more every time the other half of me is gone how much more I love him. I love him for for pushing through our hard times, when I wasn't the one pushing. For always being strong and so gentle at the same time. For letting me feel like I take care of everything, but only because he first takes care of me. Simply just putting up with me, and any extra personalities I may have hanging out. I miss him terribly, and wish I was spending the day with him by my side. We've missed out on probably half of our anniversaries! One of my favorite was when I was pregnant ready to bust with lexie. We had been packing and he was doing almost all of the cleaning, because I couldn't bend and reach so well being less than 3 weeks away from my due date. I ran the vacuum and carpet shampooer because standing was the easiest, especially after a crummy fall that involved water in the kitchen floor and a big ole ready to bust me doing the splits! Either way, at the end of the day, he took me to red lobster, because seafood is my favorite! I think I may have gotten 2 shrimp cocktails... But it was just something significant on that year that started pushing us into the marriage and family god had planned for us. I can't imagine, and look forward to every year ahead of us, hoping to hit at least 62 years, and pass my memaw and pawpaws record!
The kids and I have had an awesome couple weeks spending time with family, and heading back to Campbell to spend time with our "family" right here. We've been together just about everyday with our fellow families who have deployed daddies. It's so great to have these women to fill in the gap, keep us company and completely understand struggles. We are even on the same down day schedules when we miss our guys worse some days, and just last night, Ari's family just had a sleepover! After a crummy day of moping, it's nice to just have friends who get it. We've fed each other, watched movies, stressed together through ANoTHeR black out, and tried to keep each other busy and laughing.
Kyle and lexie are adjusting much better having pushed through the first month, and falling into the routine of daddy being gone, where mommy turns into both, and they're afraid!! Just kidding, kinda... They miss daddy, but are staying occupied. I'm headed back home soon, probably just for a short trip to spend Kyle's birthday at home! I'm feeling so blessed to have the love, the babies, and the family that I have. I am on the path he had planned for me.
Mark is doing as well as he can... He's spending his free time pre planning vacations for when he gets back home, which is adorable! He's cleansing right now! I'm always a little shocked by his return home after spending his free time in the gym!
Love you all! Good night :)
The kids and I have had an awesome couple weeks spending time with family, and heading back to Campbell to spend time with our "family" right here. We've been together just about everyday with our fellow families who have deployed daddies. It's so great to have these women to fill in the gap, keep us company and completely understand struggles. We are even on the same down day schedules when we miss our guys worse some days, and just last night, Ari's family just had a sleepover! After a crummy day of moping, it's nice to just have friends who get it. We've fed each other, watched movies, stressed together through ANoTHeR black out, and tried to keep each other busy and laughing.
Kyle and lexie are adjusting much better having pushed through the first month, and falling into the routine of daddy being gone, where mommy turns into both, and they're afraid!! Just kidding, kinda... They miss daddy, but are staying occupied. I'm headed back home soon, probably just for a short trip to spend Kyle's birthday at home! I'm feeling so blessed to have the love, the babies, and the family that I have. I am on the path he had planned for me.
Mark is doing as well as he can... He's spending his free time pre planning vacations for when he gets back home, which is adorable! He's cleansing right now! I'm always a little shocked by his return home after spending his free time in the gym!
Love you all! Good night :)
Monday, June 17, 2013
Day 47... Yeah, it's been a while!
We've been several hundred miles all around in the past couple weeks. Home, to memaws, then back here to Mississippi. Glad we ended up getting a new car, because I'd be broke trying to fill up my Durango for all this driving. I love keeping busy, and as soon as I got back home busy was all that happened. I think my neighbor and I spent more time together in those few days than the past couple months. Weights were lifted off my shoulders spending some time at home with friends, and so glad God put me back home while I was really needed for a few days. Got my baby fix for the moment with the sweet little girl whose daddy just returned from his deployment, and was so excited to know that she pretty much immediately fell into a daddy's girl role! (We worry when our hubby's leave, when we have little bitty ones, what their reaction will be to them). I'm glad he is home with his family, and also appreciative to have his help getting Mark's truck moved & started back up. Apparently his truck is spoiled, and she is acting out since she misses her daddy too... Haha our visit home was finished off with Lexie getting to spend a little time with her friend from school that had to be absent through May. She's missed her buddy!
After spending a few days at home, we took off to hang out with memaw in Paducah. Had a chat filled day with her, and then spent the first night hanging with Meme swimming. Then the next day ended up at the pool at her house again after morning & lunch with memaw. My cousin's son came with us, and they had a blast, even though Kyle wasn't with us... Friday morning, we spent a couple hours looking through photo albums. You know the good ones with the sticky pages! That has always been one of my favorite things to do, and Lexie really enjoyed it as well. She was excited to see all the old pictures. We left there around lunchtime, and I stopped by to visit daddy's grave. It's beautiful where he's buried. I would give anything to have him here for my babies, and everyone else he mattered so much to.
When we got back to MS, we checked out my little brothers new house, went to chili's and back to granny's to wait on our TX family to arrive. Lexie wasn't feeling too well, but perked right up after her cousins, aunt Kimmie & uncle Dave got here though! We haven't seen them since Christmas, so everyone was excited! The weekend was spent with a going away party for him, and Sunday was breakfast & church with my awesome father in law, and then off to see my other daddy. Grateful that all of these incredible hard working men have been placed in my life. Sad that our day lacked the one daddy who means the most to us, and only wish he could keep from missing so many holidays and celebrations.
Today was quiet for the most part, everyone was gone but me for the early afternoon, and then I went to catch up with my Stac & we talked and laughed while Hoot cooked! I hate admitting it, but his sweet potato fries are sooo much better than mine! I love that family... They're my own, really!
Mark is doing well. I hear something from him everyday, but miss my conversations all the time. I miss a lot of simple things. I miss just simply texting him while we're away from each other for the day, sending funny pics or just running him lunch on my way to the gym. I miss my love being in bed with me every night, even if I do get so annoyed with his snoring! (And having to sleep in the middle, and stealing all my covers...) He's sent both the kids a little something, which I'm loving. They're each getting little pieces of understanding that daddy thinks about them and misses them more than they can imagine. You can tell them all day long, but they feel a little something special when they get something personally sent for them. He is amazing.
Our pace should slow down for the next couple of weeks, as we head back home in a couple days to spend some time with our campbell family. July starts the kickoff of a busy beginning of the month with my 12th anniversary (one of many we've missed being together for), Kyle's birthday on the Fourth, the trip to Texas, Stacy's kiddos big bday bash, and Lexie's birthday. Then the month is more than half over, and we'll be preparing for school and football! Moving right along... Seems like forever some days, but all is well with everyone.
Goodnight everyone!
After spending a few days at home, we took off to hang out with memaw in Paducah. Had a chat filled day with her, and then spent the first night hanging with Meme swimming. Then the next day ended up at the pool at her house again after morning & lunch with memaw. My cousin's son came with us, and they had a blast, even though Kyle wasn't with us... Friday morning, we spent a couple hours looking through photo albums. You know the good ones with the sticky pages! That has always been one of my favorite things to do, and Lexie really enjoyed it as well. She was excited to see all the old pictures. We left there around lunchtime, and I stopped by to visit daddy's grave. It's beautiful where he's buried. I would give anything to have him here for my babies, and everyone else he mattered so much to.
When we got back to MS, we checked out my little brothers new house, went to chili's and back to granny's to wait on our TX family to arrive. Lexie wasn't feeling too well, but perked right up after her cousins, aunt Kimmie & uncle Dave got here though! We haven't seen them since Christmas, so everyone was excited! The weekend was spent with a going away party for him, and Sunday was breakfast & church with my awesome father in law, and then off to see my other daddy. Grateful that all of these incredible hard working men have been placed in my life. Sad that our day lacked the one daddy who means the most to us, and only wish he could keep from missing so many holidays and celebrations.
Today was quiet for the most part, everyone was gone but me for the early afternoon, and then I went to catch up with my Stac & we talked and laughed while Hoot cooked! I hate admitting it, but his sweet potato fries are sooo much better than mine! I love that family... They're my own, really!
Mark is doing well. I hear something from him everyday, but miss my conversations all the time. I miss a lot of simple things. I miss just simply texting him while we're away from each other for the day, sending funny pics or just running him lunch on my way to the gym. I miss my love being in bed with me every night, even if I do get so annoyed with his snoring! (And having to sleep in the middle, and stealing all my covers...) He's sent both the kids a little something, which I'm loving. They're each getting little pieces of understanding that daddy thinks about them and misses them more than they can imagine. You can tell them all day long, but they feel a little something special when they get something personally sent for them. He is amazing.
Our pace should slow down for the next couple of weeks, as we head back home in a couple days to spend some time with our campbell family. July starts the kickoff of a busy beginning of the month with my 12th anniversary (one of many we've missed being together for), Kyle's birthday on the Fourth, the trip to Texas, Stacy's kiddos big bday bash, and Lexie's birthday. Then the month is more than half over, and we'll be preparing for school and football! Moving right along... Seems like forever some days, but all is well with everyone.
Goodnight everyone!
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Day 38
Let me start by saying, I'm glad I got home when I did :/
I'm finally comfy in my own bed, and my neighbor really needed me tonight! Glad I was here to help....
Lexie, Charlie, and I hit the road today to come back home and check on our friends here. We've been enjoying family time, but ready to be back at home, for a few nights anyway.... Then off to memaws and back to MS to see my favorite nephews!!! I'm so excited I can't stand it to see those boys.
Things have definitely settled down since our crazy day that I last wrote about. I've talked to my love pretty frequently, and had several things going on to keep us busy. The kids had a blast at VBS all week, and I enjoyed going to see them perform at the end of it all on Friday. I saw and chatted with a friend i havent seen in a couple years, too. Then a great afternoon with Sarah and all our kiddos, minus Micah. We let the girls pick what we ate for lunch, so of course, we ended up at the McDonald's play land. Maybe not so great, but they had a blast playing. Then off to her house for a few hours of sun and swimming for the afternoon. Busy busy is the best way to make these days go by faster. It's only been a little over a month, but those 2 weeks at home went pretty quick, and I'm sure the next few will too.
After an unusually eventful Friday night, with one wetting the bed and one awake early up chucking (from what he swears was one chip), we tried to get a little more sleep. Lexie however was wide awake right as I got comfy again, practically demanding cereal & juice. This is my child that usually is sleeping in, but couldn't be persuaded to do so today. It's funny too how lately she wakes up and immediately want cereal, just like her daddy. Unless he's off to PT, he has to eat before he turns into a crud from one of those snickers commercials! Haaa! Gotta love that Russell blood :) Kyle is more like me, where he'd rather skip and go straight to lunch, or have random leftover dinner food for breakfast. He'll settle for cereal, but would chunk it in the trash for a hot pocket! I adore my family, as crazy as they make me.
Mark wasn't able to call today around his normal lunchtime call. I looked forward to it since I was driving home, then couldn't talk very long this evening. Enough to help me figure out which charger to use for his truck, since it was dead when I got home, and to walk me through starting up the bike, since Kyle didn't come back to handle that! We did get to talk a while just a couple days ago! I love long conversations with him, because its like a mental & emotional recharge.
When we got home, Connor & Kaydee were immediately running out the door to see us, and we all went inside for mamas to catch up, and kiddos to play while I sorted through mail and papers. Then we pulled out slip and slides for a little water fun for them. When it was all over, my baby girl and I came in & she had some chicken nuggets, pickles, and cheese.. Then pretty much crashed after reading our new book from Dolly Parton! Looking forward to the next few busy days!
I'm finally comfy in my own bed, and my neighbor really needed me tonight! Glad I was here to help....
Lexie, Charlie, and I hit the road today to come back home and check on our friends here. We've been enjoying family time, but ready to be back at home, for a few nights anyway.... Then off to memaws and back to MS to see my favorite nephews!!! I'm so excited I can't stand it to see those boys.
Things have definitely settled down since our crazy day that I last wrote about. I've talked to my love pretty frequently, and had several things going on to keep us busy. The kids had a blast at VBS all week, and I enjoyed going to see them perform at the end of it all on Friday. I saw and chatted with a friend i havent seen in a couple years, too. Then a great afternoon with Sarah and all our kiddos, minus Micah. We let the girls pick what we ate for lunch, so of course, we ended up at the McDonald's play land. Maybe not so great, but they had a blast playing. Then off to her house for a few hours of sun and swimming for the afternoon. Busy busy is the best way to make these days go by faster. It's only been a little over a month, but those 2 weeks at home went pretty quick, and I'm sure the next few will too.
After an unusually eventful Friday night, with one wetting the bed and one awake early up chucking (from what he swears was one chip), we tried to get a little more sleep. Lexie however was wide awake right as I got comfy again, practically demanding cereal & juice. This is my child that usually is sleeping in, but couldn't be persuaded to do so today. It's funny too how lately she wakes up and immediately want cereal, just like her daddy. Unless he's off to PT, he has to eat before he turns into a crud from one of those snickers commercials! Haaa! Gotta love that Russell blood :) Kyle is more like me, where he'd rather skip and go straight to lunch, or have random leftover dinner food for breakfast. He'll settle for cereal, but would chunk it in the trash for a hot pocket! I adore my family, as crazy as they make me.
Mark wasn't able to call today around his normal lunchtime call. I looked forward to it since I was driving home, then couldn't talk very long this evening. Enough to help me figure out which charger to use for his truck, since it was dead when I got home, and to walk me through starting up the bike, since Kyle didn't come back to handle that! We did get to talk a while just a couple days ago! I love long conversations with him, because its like a mental & emotional recharge.
When we got home, Connor & Kaydee were immediately running out the door to see us, and we all went inside for mamas to catch up, and kiddos to play while I sorted through mail and papers. Then we pulled out slip and slides for a little water fun for them. When it was all over, my baby girl and I came in & she had some chicken nuggets, pickles, and cheese.. Then pretty much crashed after reading our new book from Dolly Parton! Looking forward to the next few busy days!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Day 34...
Well, for those of you that read last night, I did finally hear from Mark. It was several hours after receiving a phone call from one of the point of contact ladies in our frg. She was calling to give me information on an attack that some of the guys from our brigade were involved in, and had me unable to breathe until finally the words came out of her mouth that if you were receiving the call or email, that your soldier is unharmed. So, that sickening feeling and the worry that ensues after a morning like today's is hopefully going to be a distant memory very soon. Hearing his voice, and seeing him frozen on my phone screen for just a quick second was a relief. A huge one. He was completely fine, and pretty ticked that I even got a phone call to worry us... All is well in our family for the moment.
While I do trust in Gods plan, I still fear for the safety of my love. Why, doesn't he say FEAR NOT!?
God thank you for whatever lesson You were teaching today. I appreciate my husband, and love him more and more everyday. Thank you for helping us grow together, and for only receiving a simple phone call today, instead of the news that 2 other families had to hear. I pray for them too. Keep molding me until you think I've reached Wonder Woman's strength status if that's your plan. Amen
PS if you could also throw in some awesome super power with that...
We went to dinner, and then water Zumba tonight, while pawpaw took Kyle & Lexie swimming at the outside pool. Between swimming and VBS my kiddos are having some exhausting and exciting days. They're like little energizer bunnies that are programmed to annoy each other constantly.
I have to sleep tonight!!
While I do trust in Gods plan, I still fear for the safety of my love. Why, doesn't he say FEAR NOT!?
God thank you for whatever lesson You were teaching today. I appreciate my husband, and love him more and more everyday. Thank you for helping us grow together, and for only receiving a simple phone call today, instead of the news that 2 other families had to hear. I pray for them too. Keep molding me until you think I've reached Wonder Woman's strength status if that's your plan. Amen
PS if you could also throw in some awesome super power with that...
We went to dinner, and then water Zumba tonight, while pawpaw took Kyle & Lexie swimming at the outside pool. Between swimming and VBS my kiddos are having some exhausting and exciting days. They're like little energizer bunnies that are programmed to annoy each other constantly.
I have to sleep tonight!!
Monday, June 3, 2013
Day 33
I can't explain what it is, the feeling when everything is spinning in circles, and for 2 days in a row, I've not gotten a call from my hubby when I normally expect it. I know they have issues with the phones, and the Internet. I didn't hear from him yesterday morning, so the rest of the day is a blur. You can't help but worry that something has gone wrong. So, last night I get a call. It's his usual morning call to tell me goodnight. He only talked for a minute, saying they had bad weather the night before, so the phones were out. Then a message from him in the middle of the night, but again this morning... no phone call at what's becoming his usual time to call.
If he was just in the field, or training, this would be different. He is not. He's in a country where people use weapons and grenades as a form of communication. Where he sleeps with some M4 or something instead of his wife, where he's constantly watching and correcting and training soldiers as if they were his own kids playing too close to the road. I know he calls me as soon as he is able, but in the meantime, a wife worries to death and tries to put on a smile and throw in some laughs, and not be too impatient with her kids because of the stress it causes. You have no idea, unless you're spouse is doing the same...
It is just another few days passed, we haven't had the busy schedule that I expected coming home, with friends and family out of town. Vbs has just started, and then we'll be heading back home for a week until our family comes up from Texas.
Had to handle something today that honestly shouldn't have even been my concern anymore. But must follow processes to wipe slates clean I suppose. Thankfully I had a few hours this morning to myself, and a few hours at moms chatting with my sis and letting my little wild ones swim some energy out. Mom cooked lasagna :) pretty awesome! Was supposed to go on a dinner date with a lady in town who is renting my house, but she cancelled, not feeling well. Glad it worked out that way though, because it was much better than chili's would've been!
I should be getting a phone call soon, lets hope...
If he was just in the field, or training, this would be different. He is not. He's in a country where people use weapons and grenades as a form of communication. Where he sleeps with some M4 or something instead of his wife, where he's constantly watching and correcting and training soldiers as if they were his own kids playing too close to the road. I know he calls me as soon as he is able, but in the meantime, a wife worries to death and tries to put on a smile and throw in some laughs, and not be too impatient with her kids because of the stress it causes. You have no idea, unless you're spouse is doing the same...
It is just another few days passed, we haven't had the busy schedule that I expected coming home, with friends and family out of town. Vbs has just started, and then we'll be heading back home for a week until our family comes up from Texas.
Had to handle something today that honestly shouldn't have even been my concern anymore. But must follow processes to wipe slates clean I suppose. Thankfully I had a few hours this morning to myself, and a few hours at moms chatting with my sis and letting my little wild ones swim some energy out. Mom cooked lasagna :) pretty awesome! Was supposed to go on a dinner date with a lady in town who is renting my house, but she cancelled, not feeling well. Glad it worked out that way though, because it was much better than chili's would've been!
I should be getting a phone call soon, lets hope...
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Day 29
Well, thank God it's been almost a month! We're trying to stay pretty busy. Hung out with mom a while the other day while she cooked us dinner, then went to sign up at the YMCA. It's really cool that they offer 6 months free during spouse deployment. Only some locations do this. So we got our foot in the door there.... the kiddos have been swimming & I've done Wendy's Zumba. It was pretty cool, I'll have to try that again! Tonight I opted for a nap instead. Haaaa! My exhaustion may have something to do with my munchkins having to sleep on top of me every night. Last night I turned everyone sideways in the bed thinking that they'd quit buggin each other & we'd have a little more space since that's how they tend to sleep sometimes anyway. It wasn't the greatest idea, so tonight were back to normal, well... Something like it.
Ive Talked to Mark a few minutes everyday. While it may be short, or hard to hear sometimes, I try to just simply be grateful that I hear his voice everyday.
Ive Talked to Mark a few minutes everyday. While it may be short, or hard to hear sometimes, I try to just simply be grateful that I hear his voice everyday.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Day 26
I guess it's been a while. We've been pretty busy over the past week. The last week of school, Cleaning my house from top to bottom getting ready for my trip home, Friday night with a friend and 5 kiddos, pool party at Kyle's teachers house on Saturday. We traveled to MS after returning from the pool party and finishing up all of our packing. Spent the evening relaxing afterwards, and we all got a good night of sleep. Sunday we headed to church, and to moms afterwards for a cookout with some good friends and family. Hung out there almost all day, ate until we couldn't eat anymore, and got some sun while the kids swam. On our way back, we dropped Lexie off at granny's while Kyle and I ran to do a little shoe shopping. We couldn't find the shoes he's been wanting, since it was pretty late on a Sunday evening. Sooo, this morning, we had some awesome 7up biscuits & ham, then all ventured out to shop. We heard the Nike clearance outlet had some good deals, but def didn't have anything we were looking for. We headed to the Southaven mall area, with no luck there either. Although everywhere we went Lexie was able to find something she wanted. We ended up right back by target, and got the sandals he wanted, and a pair of tennis shoes for him.
After our shopping trip, we headed out to aunt Sheila's for another day of food and family fun. We ate and the kiddos played hard all day. Lexie has a couple girls around her age there, so she had a blast! Kyle managed with the giggly girls, haha! Didn't get home til late, got baths & now all in the bed... The SAME bed, every night since we've been here. I'm thinking we're gonna have to reevaluate this soon. 2 kids who can't sleep without being all over the place at night do not belong in one bed with me! Mama may sneak out and find a couch to sleep on now that they're out.
I'm missing my friends at home, missing my hubby more, and wishing that he was here with us, or we were back home with him. It's like that ready to go home feeling all the time, because what makes a house a home is a family. Part of our family is missing, so it just doesnt really go away. It seems like everyone else's lives are spinning a little faster than ours. We don't stop, we keep moving. Sometimes it's just like we're moving in slow motion. I was a little down last night, and before I headed to bed, I realized that God had apparently put me in the hearts of some of my best army wife pals and had a few diff posts at just the right time. Love all of y'all! Topped it off with a late night spill with granny, who's the only other woman that misses that man of mine as much as I do :(
We talk to him everyday, yes. That's what I get asked most. It may reassure us that he's safe, and it's great to hear his voice yes, but it's not the same as him living our everyday lives with us. He received my package really quick, but his computer was messed up when he got it and started fooling with it, so he is still not settled in. Not to mention the wifi turns out to be complete trash where he is. I may be sending him a new computer soon, and some tennis shoes since he only took his running shoes. He's also wanting his favorite comfy boots. He took the ones that were supposed to be worn with multi-cams, but apparently everyone isn't having to wear those.
Praying for him, and his comrades, one in particular is dealing with a horrible personal loss, so if you're reading... Pray for him, his safe and timely return, and his family. We've dealt with the loss of my papaw during a deployment of Mark, and the loss of Opa when his brother was deployed, and it didn't make things easier to have them missing from the picture, or waiting and having to travel
during such a difficult time.
Soon they will both be deployed at the same time, wishing I was closer to my sis in law for this one!
Goodnight everyone. Hold your loved ones tight :)
After our shopping trip, we headed out to aunt Sheila's for another day of food and family fun. We ate and the kiddos played hard all day. Lexie has a couple girls around her age there, so she had a blast! Kyle managed with the giggly girls, haha! Didn't get home til late, got baths & now all in the bed... The SAME bed, every night since we've been here. I'm thinking we're gonna have to reevaluate this soon. 2 kids who can't sleep without being all over the place at night do not belong in one bed with me! Mama may sneak out and find a couch to sleep on now that they're out.
I'm missing my friends at home, missing my hubby more, and wishing that he was here with us, or we were back home with him. It's like that ready to go home feeling all the time, because what makes a house a home is a family. Part of our family is missing, so it just doesnt really go away. It seems like everyone else's lives are spinning a little faster than ours. We don't stop, we keep moving. Sometimes it's just like we're moving in slow motion. I was a little down last night, and before I headed to bed, I realized that God had apparently put me in the hearts of some of my best army wife pals and had a few diff posts at just the right time. Love all of y'all! Topped it off with a late night spill with granny, who's the only other woman that misses that man of mine as much as I do :(
We talk to him everyday, yes. That's what I get asked most. It may reassure us that he's safe, and it's great to hear his voice yes, but it's not the same as him living our everyday lives with us. He received my package really quick, but his computer was messed up when he got it and started fooling with it, so he is still not settled in. Not to mention the wifi turns out to be complete trash where he is. I may be sending him a new computer soon, and some tennis shoes since he only took his running shoes. He's also wanting his favorite comfy boots. He took the ones that were supposed to be worn with multi-cams, but apparently everyone isn't having to wear those.
Praying for him, and his comrades, one in particular is dealing with a horrible personal loss, so if you're reading... Pray for him, his safe and timely return, and his family. We've dealt with the loss of my papaw during a deployment of Mark, and the loss of Opa when his brother was deployed, and it didn't make things easier to have them missing from the picture, or waiting and having to travel
during such a difficult time.
Soon they will both be deployed at the same time, wishing I was closer to my sis in law for this one!
Goodnight everyone. Hold your loved ones tight :)
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Day 20
So, the basic rule of thumb for a deployment is.. If it can go wrong while he's gone, it will
So far, so good for us. My friends over the past month have had car troubles, appliance problems, and a trip to the ER with a child. Mine have had me close to meltdowns in the past, but now I've learned to accept it. So, I'm saying all that because I took my big guy to the ER today. Yesterday while he was play sword fighting, one little boy threw the plastic sword straight in his eye. Well, if you know Kyle, you know he's pretty tough physically. He fell to the ground and cried, so I knew pretty quick that it was bad. After a cold paper towel & some Tylenol, he wanted food, so I figured he was ok. Well, today after school he was complaining about blurry vision in that eye earlier in the morning & had a headache all day. I would usually lean on my hubby's response of how he's a boy, he'll be fine, he's tough, it ain't bleeding, he didn't pass out. Whatever choice of wording he uses for the situation. (followed by a story about him and his brother when they were kids. Those are some pretty tough stories to swallow, and I just pray that I don't get paid back for his childhood with my own.... ). Today however, since my hubby isn't in any nearby time zone, and I'm solely responsible for the kiddos, I made my own decision to be safe rather than sorry. We pretty much sat there for over an hour and a half with an eye drop test for scratches, and told to give him Tylenol. Sooo, then under your breath, you mumble about how your an idiot and your spouse is obviously the best. So mama prescribed him whatever he wanted for dinner, and no PS3. Instead, we watched our 5th Harry Potter movie.
Now, since the weather was supposed to get bad, we decided to camp out in the living room. They usually cancel the warning about the time both of the kiddos fall asleep, and I'm wishing I could just get in the bed.
Had a quiet morning with my girl, and after dropping her off at school, had a date with Laura and another precious baby. She stole a little of my pretzel, and crashed in my lap for an hour or so. Makes me miss my little nephew so much! Can't wait to see him in a few weeks!
Haven't had a great conversation with my hubby in a while. It's beginning to really suck, but I try to remember that I'm lucky to even get to hear from him everyday. We all miss him, and Lexie just wants everything daddy usually does. It's pretty cute. Just a few more days of school, and summer break is here! Bedtime for now , goodnight.
So far, so good for us. My friends over the past month have had car troubles, appliance problems, and a trip to the ER with a child. Mine have had me close to meltdowns in the past, but now I've learned to accept it. So, I'm saying all that because I took my big guy to the ER today. Yesterday while he was play sword fighting, one little boy threw the plastic sword straight in his eye. Well, if you know Kyle, you know he's pretty tough physically. He fell to the ground and cried, so I knew pretty quick that it was bad. After a cold paper towel & some Tylenol, he wanted food, so I figured he was ok. Well, today after school he was complaining about blurry vision in that eye earlier in the morning & had a headache all day. I would usually lean on my hubby's response of how he's a boy, he'll be fine, he's tough, it ain't bleeding, he didn't pass out. Whatever choice of wording he uses for the situation. (followed by a story about him and his brother when they were kids. Those are some pretty tough stories to swallow, and I just pray that I don't get paid back for his childhood with my own.... ). Today however, since my hubby isn't in any nearby time zone, and I'm solely responsible for the kiddos, I made my own decision to be safe rather than sorry. We pretty much sat there for over an hour and a half with an eye drop test for scratches, and told to give him Tylenol. Sooo, then under your breath, you mumble about how your an idiot and your spouse is obviously the best. So mama prescribed him whatever he wanted for dinner, and no PS3. Instead, we watched our 5th Harry Potter movie.
Now, since the weather was supposed to get bad, we decided to camp out in the living room. They usually cancel the warning about the time both of the kiddos fall asleep, and I'm wishing I could just get in the bed.
Had a quiet morning with my girl, and after dropping her off at school, had a date with Laura and another precious baby. She stole a little of my pretzel, and crashed in my lap for an hour or so. Makes me miss my little nephew so much! Can't wait to see him in a few weeks!
Haven't had a great conversation with my hubby in a while. It's beginning to really suck, but I try to remember that I'm lucky to even get to hear from him everyday. We all miss him, and Lexie just wants everything daddy usually does. It's pretty cute. Just a few more days of school, and summer break is here! Bedtime for now , goodnight.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Day 18
Thank God for time flying by already! Let's see... Friday, Lexie had a friend to play with all morning, then we all went to school. It was her last day to be the leader for the school year. Now we only have 5 more days left this year. Ready for summer, because I know it'll fly right by and be school time, football time, holiday time, and my love returning home somewhere in there.
Our weekend was spent with a lot of movie time. Sometimes I feel the need to be busy, but sometimes it just feels better to keep my babies close and enjoy quiet time together. We've never seen any Harry potter movies, so we've started watching those yesterday. We spent a little time outside with friends last night and this afternoon. Made it to church this morning, and my friend Jamie even met us there. It was nice for us to not have to go without daddy for the first time back.
I have loads of tasks on my todo list for the next week before we head to spend a little time in MS...
Mark has discovered a way to get wifi where he is, but the connection/speed seems to be pretty crummy for the price. Not sure about the route we'll be taking with that. Maybe just phone calls an FB chatting. The kids and I sure love getting to see his face and talk even if it is just for a few minutes here and there. Still waiting for my evening call.
Goodnight :)
Our weekend was spent with a lot of movie time. Sometimes I feel the need to be busy, but sometimes it just feels better to keep my babies close and enjoy quiet time together. We've never seen any Harry potter movies, so we've started watching those yesterday. We spent a little time outside with friends last night and this afternoon. Made it to church this morning, and my friend Jamie even met us there. It was nice for us to not have to go without daddy for the first time back.
I have loads of tasks on my todo list for the next week before we head to spend a little time in MS...
Mark has discovered a way to get wifi where he is, but the connection/speed seems to be pretty crummy for the price. Not sure about the route we'll be taking with that. Maybe just phone calls an FB chatting. The kids and I sure love getting to see his face and talk even if it is just for a few minutes here and there. Still waiting for my evening call.
Goodnight :)
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Day 15
When I got our land line phone, I explained to the kiddos what it was & not to play with it, but answer if it rings since it would be daddy. Well, daddy decided he could use whatever phone he wanted & call my cell phone. Lexie has been so disappointed that she hasn't gotten to answer the regular phone, until this morning. Daddy had a chance to call her on it right before she left for school, and you wouldn't believe the excitement that child exuded! For now, that's the easiest way to make her happy, hearing from daddy, and using or eating his "stuff". I got her OJ yesterday, and after the excited shriek of excitement because I bought "daddy's OJ", she claimed she's going to drink it all before he gets home. I sure hope she does...
He's doing good. I was way off when I thought he was in extreme heat already. Apparently he's around a bunch of mountains & it's chilly. He's requesting a blanket. I'm back to my theory that he's obviously going to be eating deodorant. I did send some off today. Four sticks of that, and his computer & hard drive so he has movies to watch in his "cage", as he calls it.
I had to pause from writing because he just called to talk to Kyle...
Laura and I ran our errands together today & then went for a quick lunch instead of our usual gym time. The best part of the day was driving down the road & seeing this guy eating a huge carrot. Maybe it was one of those moments where you just had to be there... but that was hilarious! Who digs through the fridge in the morning and grabs a giant carrot to take for lunch?! Sheesh... Topped the day off with some outside play/chat time with my neighbor buddies & kids. We got in a little later than I wanted, but got Lex a bath & ate leftover red beans & rice from last night. Kyle finished up some reading work, and they both went to bed. Mama had to watch the season finale of Grey's Anatomy.
Not sure about our weekend plans yet... We'll have a busy day tomorrow! Emma's coming to hang out in the morning before school, and Lexie is the leader tomorrow. That means mama will probably go to school with her. She likes me to come watch her get to work the board :) I'm gonna miss her being in pre-k!
Missing my love... AND almost punched a guy at the post office today for calling me a "rookie" because I asked him the best way to write the last part of the address in on my customs form. In my head, he had a black eye and maybe a slight ass chewing for assuming ... but I politely laughed it off, and just explained that it had been a couple years since I had to fill one out. Now that I think about it, maybe that totally should have been taken as a compliment. That I looked young enough to be married to one of these young soldiers on their first deployment. Hmmm
Off to bed, goodnight!
He's doing good. I was way off when I thought he was in extreme heat already. Apparently he's around a bunch of mountains & it's chilly. He's requesting a blanket. I'm back to my theory that he's obviously going to be eating deodorant. I did send some off today. Four sticks of that, and his computer & hard drive so he has movies to watch in his "cage", as he calls it.
I had to pause from writing because he just called to talk to Kyle...
Laura and I ran our errands together today & then went for a quick lunch instead of our usual gym time. The best part of the day was driving down the road & seeing this guy eating a huge carrot. Maybe it was one of those moments where you just had to be there... but that was hilarious! Who digs through the fridge in the morning and grabs a giant carrot to take for lunch?! Sheesh... Topped the day off with some outside play/chat time with my neighbor buddies & kids. We got in a little later than I wanted, but got Lex a bath & ate leftover red beans & rice from last night. Kyle finished up some reading work, and they both went to bed. Mama had to watch the season finale of Grey's Anatomy.
Not sure about our weekend plans yet... We'll have a busy day tomorrow! Emma's coming to hang out in the morning before school, and Lexie is the leader tomorrow. That means mama will probably go to school with her. She likes me to come watch her get to work the board :) I'm gonna miss her being in pre-k!
Missing my love... AND almost punched a guy at the post office today for calling me a "rookie" because I asked him the best way to write the last part of the address in on my customs form. In my head, he had a black eye and maybe a slight ass chewing for assuming ... but I politely laughed it off, and just explained that it had been a couple years since I had to fill one out. Now that I think about it, maybe that totally should have been taken as a compliment. That I looked young enough to be married to one of these young soldiers on their first deployment. Hmmm
Off to bed, goodnight!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Day 13
So Mother nature... are we safe to actually put away our winter stuff now that it's the middle of May???? Sheesh..
It has been almost 2 weeks since we dropped the hero of our family off, and he has FINALLY made it to his destination. If anyone would like to send goodies or a letter or whatever else, get in touch with me for his address. He likes to get where he's going and scope things out before I send out a box. For instance, the PX/shopping area has a very limited stock. They don't carry his deodorant, so I will be sending a ton of that soon before it gets any warmer outside! He left with 3 sticks. I personally think he may eat deodorant over there instead of the wonderful dfac chow they have available over there. Either way, he says he'll be out of that soon. I feel bad that he's headed over going into the dead heat of summer. Also the fact that he's in the middle of nowhere is a bit unsettling.
He called me from somewhere in the middle of the night, and then decided to facetime! Crazy man, I'm glad he loves me when I'm not all gussied up!! I'm pretty sure he just talked to me in the dark for a few minutes before it dawned on me that I'd have to turn a lamp on for him to see. He's gonna have to figure out our time difference soon, or I'm gonna have to be much more flexible with my sleep schedule. haa! He has no wireless internet at his new location, so he'll have to use the MWR for computer and phone time. He said he couldn't use the phone unless he was calling a land line, so I went and got a phone today. First I tried out my old one I dug out of the closet from my dad's stuff. You know the one that you could see through... I thought it was possible it still worked, but no dice. It's funny that we've had a number through comcast since we moved here almost a year ago, but I'm just now getting a phone and figuring out my number for it.
I was able to talk to him for a few minutes on FB earlier today. Since he has no wireless internet, looks like our conversations will be a bit more limited than we thought originally. He seemed to be at the very least relieved to be at his destination, and getting settled in. He was exhausted and doing laundry since all of his clothes were wet... He says he already misses me doing his laundry. I told him I missed it too.... NOT!!
Our day was good. We're settling into a routine without daddy, and getting excited about school being over soon so we can come spend a little time at home. Lex got to go hang at Laura's with her friend Emma & walk to school this morning while I went to the doc. Then I went on my search for a phone, finding an otterbox cover 25% off for Kyle's kindle! score!! Then after school, we cooked up dinner early, and hung out with the neighbors & their kiddos. Taking advantage of the beautiful weather before all the crazy heat hits and the bugs become unbearable. Both kiddos were bathed & in bed by 9 ish... I spent a little time cleaning my kitchen & doing laundry. Now time for bed. Trying to wait up a bit for that late night phone call, but I'm probably not gonna make it....
It has been almost 2 weeks since we dropped the hero of our family off, and he has FINALLY made it to his destination. If anyone would like to send goodies or a letter or whatever else, get in touch with me for his address. He likes to get where he's going and scope things out before I send out a box. For instance, the PX/shopping area has a very limited stock. They don't carry his deodorant, so I will be sending a ton of that soon before it gets any warmer outside! He left with 3 sticks. I personally think he may eat deodorant over there instead of the wonderful dfac chow they have available over there. Either way, he says he'll be out of that soon. I feel bad that he's headed over going into the dead heat of summer. Also the fact that he's in the middle of nowhere is a bit unsettling.
He called me from somewhere in the middle of the night, and then decided to facetime! Crazy man, I'm glad he loves me when I'm not all gussied up!! I'm pretty sure he just talked to me in the dark for a few minutes before it dawned on me that I'd have to turn a lamp on for him to see. He's gonna have to figure out our time difference soon, or I'm gonna have to be much more flexible with my sleep schedule. haa! He has no wireless internet at his new location, so he'll have to use the MWR for computer and phone time. He said he couldn't use the phone unless he was calling a land line, so I went and got a phone today. First I tried out my old one I dug out of the closet from my dad's stuff. You know the one that you could see through... I thought it was possible it still worked, but no dice. It's funny that we've had a number through comcast since we moved here almost a year ago, but I'm just now getting a phone and figuring out my number for it.
I was able to talk to him for a few minutes on FB earlier today. Since he has no wireless internet, looks like our conversations will be a bit more limited than we thought originally. He seemed to be at the very least relieved to be at his destination, and getting settled in. He was exhausted and doing laundry since all of his clothes were wet... He says he already misses me doing his laundry. I told him I missed it too.... NOT!!
Our day was good. We're settling into a routine without daddy, and getting excited about school being over soon so we can come spend a little time at home. Lex got to go hang at Laura's with her friend Emma & walk to school this morning while I went to the doc. Then I went on my search for a phone, finding an otterbox cover 25% off for Kyle's kindle! score!! Then after school, we cooked up dinner early, and hung out with the neighbors & their kiddos. Taking advantage of the beautiful weather before all the crazy heat hits and the bugs become unbearable. Both kiddos were bathed & in bed by 9 ish... I spent a little time cleaning my kitchen & doing laundry. Now time for bed. Trying to wait up a bit for that late night phone call, but I'm probably not gonna make it....
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Day 11
Happy Mother's Day to everyone. We've had a pretty busy weekend. Saturday started out as a day trip to memaws to visit, but that morning my kiddos both just wanted to spend the night. We did a quick pack up, and headed to Paducah. For some reason, as quiet and sedating that house seems to me, my kids become these wild chickens when they walk in the door. They perform and aggravate each other. It's like a constant game of who can be the loudest. We'll just say it was a full day of uninterrupted entertainment. Hung out at Meme's by the pool, wishing it was warm enough to swim! Then a BBQ dinner at memaws with most of the fam. Lexie finally got her turn to stay with Meme without Kyle a little during the afternoon. Kyle and Aidan spent the night with her after our dinner. Early bedtime for memaw, since she had no nap and a busy day, and quick shower & early bedtime for this mama & lil miss Lexie. It was nice to be there for the Mother's Day dinner for memaw. She wants so badly to have a house full of family. Anytime she has a visitor she wants to make it a party :) gotta love that woman.
We got up this morning and headed back towards home after a little morning chit chat. We took a scenic route and went through to see the KY dam. We were coming up on the exit, and Kyle says, ohh, ky dam exit 27... So I took it. Figured why not... He said "Yes! I've got like 12 hours to kill", after asking I realize he meant til bedtime. Funny kid... So we detoured a little. Then took another detour because there's a house I saw for sale in the boondocks for $25,000, and I wanted to map that out to see how far from post it actually was. How fun would that be for a project to stay busy! It was beautiful around there, but a good 30 minutes away from post, sooo that won't be happening. Anyway, we finally get home after a couple hours to drop Charlie & start our Mother's Day celebration. I'm pretty simple, I love Waffle House, and hate waiting at restaurants... So that's our plan. I remembered after all this that iron man 3 is out and we change plans last minute to just watch the movie. It was a great movie! Followed it up with a trip to Starbucks for last day 1/2 price frapps, where Kyle jumps out tOf the car to pick some flowers for me while being cheered on from the line of people waiting on their orders. That was probably the highlight of the day! He was looking for other flowers to stop and pick the whole way back from there.
The afternoon was fairly quiet. Kyle went out to play with friends for a while, and then we decided we'd head to Waffle House for some dinner since we were too stuffed after movie junk. Back home to build some random puppet thing out of a box that Lexie found in a magazine, then army wives & teen mom 2. Now cuddled up with my baby, because she was heartbroken when I said she had to sleep in her own bed because it was a school night. She thought it meant the days, so she starts crying and reminding me she didn't go to school today and she was sweet at the movie theater (I didn't buy that part of it) but her reasoning was so sweet that she ended up in daddy's spot for tonight.
I missed being home for Mother's Day to celebrate with our moms, but I think my emotional balance was better off waiting a couple weeks. I needed the quiet this evening watching my shows, missing my love. Only a quick call to let me know he was ok last night, and haven't heard anything today :(
Hoping for something before I fall asleep.... Goodnight all!
We got up this morning and headed back towards home after a little morning chit chat. We took a scenic route and went through to see the KY dam. We were coming up on the exit, and Kyle says, ohh, ky dam exit 27... So I took it. Figured why not... He said "Yes! I've got like 12 hours to kill", after asking I realize he meant til bedtime. Funny kid... So we detoured a little. Then took another detour because there's a house I saw for sale in the boondocks for $25,000, and I wanted to map that out to see how far from post it actually was. How fun would that be for a project to stay busy! It was beautiful around there, but a good 30 minutes away from post, sooo that won't be happening. Anyway, we finally get home after a couple hours to drop Charlie & start our Mother's Day celebration. I'm pretty simple, I love Waffle House, and hate waiting at restaurants... So that's our plan. I remembered after all this that iron man 3 is out and we change plans last minute to just watch the movie. It was a great movie! Followed it up with a trip to Starbucks for last day 1/2 price frapps, where Kyle jumps out tOf the car to pick some flowers for me while being cheered on from the line of people waiting on their orders. That was probably the highlight of the day! He was looking for other flowers to stop and pick the whole way back from there.
The afternoon was fairly quiet. Kyle went out to play with friends for a while, and then we decided we'd head to Waffle House for some dinner since we were too stuffed after movie junk. Back home to build some random puppet thing out of a box that Lexie found in a magazine, then army wives & teen mom 2. Now cuddled up with my baby, because she was heartbroken when I said she had to sleep in her own bed because it was a school night. She thought it meant the days, so she starts crying and reminding me she didn't go to school today and she was sweet at the movie theater (I didn't buy that part of it) but her reasoning was so sweet that she ended up in daddy's spot for tonight.
I missed being home for Mother's Day to celebrate with our moms, but I think my emotional balance was better off waiting a couple weeks. I needed the quiet this evening watching my shows, missing my love. Only a quick call to let me know he was ok last night, and haven't heard anything today :(
Hoping for something before I fall asleep.... Goodnight all!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Day 9
I guess tonight it finally hit my baby boy that his daddy's gone & it's gonna be a long 9 months. He said he was mad that it had been over a week and daddy still wasn't even where he's supposed to be yet. I think he thought his time didn't start until he got to his destination. Mark has been calling during the day while he's at school, but he called this evening and was able to talk to Kyle for a minute. So, it was probably just him hearing from daddy after a few days and probably detecting the stress in his voice as well. I know Mark is ready to get stable, and it shows when we talk. We were at a friends house eating dinner when he called, and Kyle was holding it together just barely. On the way home, right as we pulled on our street, I could see the tears falling freely. I think he needed a good cry honestly. He's a tough kid, and all boy... but he is still just a little boy who is having to deal with his daddy being gone. Praying specifically for Kyle tonight.
Otherwise, today was pretty busy. Little Lexie had her first experience with diarrhea this morning. I know you all want to know about it! Haaa.... I wouldn't tell, but it was so funny that I can't help myself. She was laying in the floor in the living room watching Sprout, and she JUMPS up, runs to the bathroom and starts taking off her clothes. I'm watching wondering what happened, because it wasn't a normal situation. As I'm in the middle of wondering... she yells, looking right at me with complete shock, "mama! There's something disgusting all in my panties!"..........Yessir, she sharted. I explained what it was and told her not to trust her poofs today. So all day, after one more accident, she'd run to the bathroom and get excited when she did just poof. Yes, we call them poofs. She's a princess.... princess snot wad
We'll be up bright and early headed to Paducah to see family tomorrow. We're excited to spend the day with memaw & see everyone :) Good night for now...
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Day 8
Nothing much today, stressed from dealing with a little girl who seems to be even more strong willed and stubborn than before daddy left. She's in her own bed again tonight, after playing hard for a little bit outside while mama's chatted. The beautiful weather allowed us to walk to school & back.
Missing my love as usual tonight, but did get to talk to him for a little while earlier. Poor guy is stuck, and just ready to get settled into where he'll call home for a while...
Bedtime for mama, I'm hangin out with the pre-k class tomorrow afternoon!
Missing my love as usual tonight, but did get to talk to him for a little while earlier. Poor guy is stuck, and just ready to get settled into where he'll call home for a while...
Bedtime for mama, I'm hangin out with the pre-k class tomorrow afternoon!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Day 7
Well, it's been a week today. My army wife friends and I agree the first week or two are pretty much the hardest, then you kind of settle in to your own routine without daddy. It's tough when the man of the house is adored by all of us, and he is what our lives usually around. We're that weird old fashioned family who usually waits on daddy to get home, and we sit at the table to eat dinner together most of the time. So I'm past the first few days of random frozen crap for dinner, and were back to dinner at a decent time at the table together. I think I may screw up a lot... But I like to think that one day, my kiddos will look back and appreciate that I did make the effort to keep their bellies full with home cooked food & not mcd's every night. That's one thing my mom always did. I remember dinner at home way more than eating out or grabbing junk.
Again with the intention to getting back into a routine, Lexie was bathed & put in her own bed tonight at bedtime. I don't mind her sleeping with me, but my bed is one place where she's not welcome when Mark is home. Not only because she sleeps like a ninja on constant defense, but I think our bed is for us only unless its a special circumstance... So I'm not sure yet about what the boundaries should be while he is gone this time. Last time she was a baby, so it was a lot different.
All in all, we had a great day. Took some food to the school for the teacher appreciation luncheon, then hung out with the neighbors until it was time to walk to school, yay for beautiful weather!! Then it was more girl talk and walking and another park trip with the kiddos this afternoon. We're soaking in the amazing weather while we can! Home to cook dinner & fight a bit with my unruly child who was being quite a snot... Then back outside to torture our kiddos with some dead power wheels... So not done on purpose, but couldn't help laughing our way to better abs ;) showers/bath, and everyone is in bed. My house is peaceful tonight.
I pray my hubby's day as he's beginning it is easy & productive. He enjoys staying busy to pass the time quickly. We had a pretty quick chat earlier, (at the end of his day) and he was a bit stressed, so if you're reading & praying..... Keep on keeping on! Thanks y'all! To any of you reading, it's nice to see the numbers go up and to think if even half of those people say a quick prayer for my hubby, then he's got a serious shield of protection! <3 goodnight
Again with the intention to getting back into a routine, Lexie was bathed & put in her own bed tonight at bedtime. I don't mind her sleeping with me, but my bed is one place where she's not welcome when Mark is home. Not only because she sleeps like a ninja on constant defense, but I think our bed is for us only unless its a special circumstance... So I'm not sure yet about what the boundaries should be while he is gone this time. Last time she was a baby, so it was a lot different.
All in all, we had a great day. Took some food to the school for the teacher appreciation luncheon, then hung out with the neighbors until it was time to walk to school, yay for beautiful weather!! Then it was more girl talk and walking and another park trip with the kiddos this afternoon. We're soaking in the amazing weather while we can! Home to cook dinner & fight a bit with my unruly child who was being quite a snot... Then back outside to torture our kiddos with some dead power wheels... So not done on purpose, but couldn't help laughing our way to better abs ;) showers/bath, and everyone is in bed. My house is peaceful tonight.
I pray my hubby's day as he's beginning it is easy & productive. He enjoys staying busy to pass the time quickly. We had a pretty quick chat earlier, (at the end of his day) and he was a bit stressed, so if you're reading & praying..... Keep on keeping on! Thanks y'all! To any of you reading, it's nice to see the numbers go up and to think if even half of those people say a quick prayer for my hubby, then he's got a serious shield of protection! <3 goodnight
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Day 6
Well, my baby girl felt better this morning. It may have just been allergy related. Now she's laying beside me clinging to daddy's shirt...yes, in my bed again. She did spend one night in her own bed. Everything has been about daddy this evening for her. I think she's had a long day & played hard at the park with her friend & Kyle. Earlier while I was vacuuming after giving Kyle a haircut, she dusted daddy's tv stand. She was so proud of herself, and saying daddy would be so happy she did that when he got home. I wish the dust would stay away that whole time! Then, a little later as I was heading upstairs to take a shower, she was laying on the stairs "looking at daddy's hats" she said. His normal ACU soft cap hangs right inside the front door, and his fav mossy oak hat is under that one. My poor bug doesn't know how to take this all in, she said she's just very sleepy while daddy's gone, and for some reason keeps talking about moving back to Virginia.
We stayed busy today, kids went to school & I went to Laura's.. Until my other friend had a little problem we had to work out :/ thank goodness it was just a simple dead battery from a light her daughter left on. After the kids got out of school, we all walked up to the Starbucks and met Laura for playtime, chat, & half price frapps. Gotta get plenty of time in with her while I can, because her hubby will be getting back soon! (Yay for her!!!) This just means in military wife terms that everything will revolve around him until the "honeymoon" phase dies back down.
I actually cooked dinner tonight... Nothing fancy, just salmon patties, but at least it wasn't frozen ;)
My menu plans consist only of the foods that Kyle gets excited about having for dinner since he's the only one who seems to still have a huge appetite. As for me, I have been living on spark & some random bite of something here and there. Hopefully my appetite doesn't return until he does! Haaaa
Ended the evening with a shower & some cuddle time with my mini-me, and now waiting on a call from our soldier. I Only talked to him a few minutes earlier while I was getting Lexie ready for school.
We stayed busy today, kids went to school & I went to Laura's.. Until my other friend had a little problem we had to work out :/ thank goodness it was just a simple dead battery from a light her daughter left on. After the kids got out of school, we all walked up to the Starbucks and met Laura for playtime, chat, & half price frapps. Gotta get plenty of time in with her while I can, because her hubby will be getting back soon! (Yay for her!!!) This just means in military wife terms that everything will revolve around him until the "honeymoon" phase dies back down.
I actually cooked dinner tonight... Nothing fancy, just salmon patties, but at least it wasn't frozen ;)
My menu plans consist only of the foods that Kyle gets excited about having for dinner since he's the only one who seems to still have a huge appetite. As for me, I have been living on spark & some random bite of something here and there. Hopefully my appetite doesn't return until he does! Haaaa
Ended the evening with a shower & some cuddle time with my mini-me, and now waiting on a call from our soldier. I Only talked to him a few minutes earlier while I was getting Lexie ready for school.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Day 5
Most people hate Mondays, I'm a bit of a rebel though. Usually I love Mondays because its back to routine. I catch up on the stuff I didn't do over the weekends that are filled with family & friends stuff. Today, however, I was just relieved to have some things to do. I'm ready to get through this week, and head to Paducah To see memaw this weekend. My aunt Kim is coming in town too. We'll probably just spent Saturday, and be here for church and Waffle House on Sunday! That's our Mother's Day tradition :) this mama loves some Waffle House! I'm feeling a little guilty about not heading to MS for the weekend, but I'll be back there in a few very short weeks.
Lexie seems to be acting out a bit, which is pretty normal for her, but then close to bedtime, she became a little clingy & claimed to not feel good. Im thinking she may just have been smart enough to worm her way back in my bed tonight. It worked... She was feeling a little warm :/
Talked to my love for just a few mins today while I was out shopping. Just a regular phone call since the wifi connection was overloaded I suppose. We kept trying to FaceTime connect, but it didn't work out. He's still not where he's supposed to be, so still praying for safe travels.
Only about 265 days or something to go now...
Lexie seems to be acting out a bit, which is pretty normal for her, but then close to bedtime, she became a little clingy & claimed to not feel good. Im thinking she may just have been smart enough to worm her way back in my bed tonight. It worked... She was feeling a little warm :/
Talked to my love for just a few mins today while I was out shopping. Just a regular phone call since the wifi connection was overloaded I suppose. We kept trying to FaceTime connect, but it didn't work out. He's still not where he's supposed to be, so still praying for safe travels.
Only about 265 days or something to go now...
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Day 4
The first of many "longest days ever".... We didn't go to church :( probably would feel much better if we had! We talked to Mark a few different times today. So cool that he can FaceTime me and I can just hang out and talk and we see each other & he sees the kids. Last deployment we had chat and email and just occasional webcam, so him being so "available" is awesome. It's still not as good as cuddling in one of our big comfy chairs & watching movies & our Sunday evening shows though :(
We miss him most on the days we don't stay busy. Lexie was talking to daddy earlier and as he said where he was and he was still not to his destination, she says, "You're really far away, that makes me sad." I guess she's thinking about how far our car rides and other trips are, so for him to be still traveling it seems like a long time to still not be there. She's in her own bed tonight... That probably won't last through the night. I'm headed that way myself...
Love that man :) so glad I could see his face so much today!
We miss him most on the days we don't stay busy. Lexie was talking to daddy earlier and as he said where he was and he was still not to his destination, she says, "You're really far away, that makes me sad." I guess she's thinking about how far our car rides and other trips are, so for him to be still traveling it seems like a long time to still not be there. She's in her own bed tonight... That probably won't last through the night. I'm headed that way myself...
Love that man :) so glad I could see his face so much today!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Day 3
I don't know what I was thinking taking my kids to the giant tent today to see the pups outside of petsmart! We left without the perfect pup and 2 crying kids. Naturally they would need a living adorable thing to bond with since daddy just left... Something to fill the void. Charlie is like a kid, I'm just not sure if we'd get that lucky twice, nor do I want to find out anytime soon. I think we definitely need to spend some time volunteering at a shelter this summer so we can all get some pup lovin & not have to bring one home!
Our day started out attempting garage sales, but with the rain, you couldn't tell if people had good stuff or not! We gave up and opted for the trampoline thing at the mall, some new hand soaps from B&BW, pretzels (Lexie demanded the little round ones with sprinkles like daddy always gets) from auntie Anne's, some new shoes, and some random stuff from target. We also scored some shop kick points at several of these places! Then Starbucks treats after my torture method at petsmart to cheer them back up & a visit with my friend Jamie and her new pet iguana >>so cool<<.
Got home just in time for another call from daddy. He called at the mall too, but was just checking in, and getting ready to go to bed. Our evening call is his morning, so he chats and then heads off for breakfast. Thanking God again for use of some amazing technology! Simple dinner again, corn dogs with a side of ketchup and mustard. This means over the course of the day, my babies have had fruity pebbles, pretzels, mocha frapps, goldfish crackers, and corn dogs. They may actually enjoy this, but mama has got to throw some nutritious food in their bodies in the near future!
These few days seem to be flying by... Even Mark said so himself. Praying it stays the same! He's already in the gym, and I assume will probably need much more of his nighttime recovery pills with the crazy workouts he does! I'm gonna have to find him a tiny funnel for his spark too since he didn't take ours! Lol... Also, I'm a stay home wife/mom for a reason, so wondering what my hubby is having to eat & sleep & how he's planning on doing his laundry is exasperating the control freak in me. Funny, I tried to explain to him about just separating some of his laundry right before he left, but then he informs me how it's done over there to my disbelief. Needless to say, if he doesn't, I will probably trash all socks, underwear, and tan tshirts and just start over! This isn't our first rodeo!
Watching paranorman with my mini me now... Kyle passed out watching the boring movie & gave up to head to his room. Ready to head to bed and bring on another day! I miss my love. Lexie is once again in my bed. Not sure how long is too long before I have to have her suck it up and kick her out... After discussing it with her tonight, we should probably just share the room. Gotta love her...
Our day started out attempting garage sales, but with the rain, you couldn't tell if people had good stuff or not! We gave up and opted for the trampoline thing at the mall, some new hand soaps from B&BW, pretzels (Lexie demanded the little round ones with sprinkles like daddy always gets) from auntie Anne's, some new shoes, and some random stuff from target. We also scored some shop kick points at several of these places! Then Starbucks treats after my torture method at petsmart to cheer them back up & a visit with my friend Jamie and her new pet iguana >>so cool<<.
Got home just in time for another call from daddy. He called at the mall too, but was just checking in, and getting ready to go to bed. Our evening call is his morning, so he chats and then heads off for breakfast. Thanking God again for use of some amazing technology! Simple dinner again, corn dogs with a side of ketchup and mustard. This means over the course of the day, my babies have had fruity pebbles, pretzels, mocha frapps, goldfish crackers, and corn dogs. They may actually enjoy this, but mama has got to throw some nutritious food in their bodies in the near future!
These few days seem to be flying by... Even Mark said so himself. Praying it stays the same! He's already in the gym, and I assume will probably need much more of his nighttime recovery pills with the crazy workouts he does! I'm gonna have to find him a tiny funnel for his spark too since he didn't take ours! Lol... Also, I'm a stay home wife/mom for a reason, so wondering what my hubby is having to eat & sleep & how he's planning on doing his laundry is exasperating the control freak in me. Funny, I tried to explain to him about just separating some of his laundry right before he left, but then he informs me how it's done over there to my disbelief. Needless to say, if he doesn't, I will probably trash all socks, underwear, and tan tshirts and just start over! This isn't our first rodeo!
Watching paranorman with my mini me now... Kyle passed out watching the boring movie & gave up to head to his room. Ready to head to bed and bring on another day! I miss my love. Lexie is once again in my bed. Not sure how long is too long before I have to have her suck it up and kick her out... After discussing it with her tonight, we should probably just share the room. Gotta love her...
Friday, May 3, 2013
Day 2
Day 2 is way better than day one. Today, I don't wake up worried about how my kiddos are going to wake up and feel after the rough "first night". My kids are strong. We're used to days and weeks apart, so I think once the initial goodbye's are over, it's now time to settle into our routine without daddy.
Another quiet morning, a little neighbor visit, school, gym with Laura (which is our usual hour of girl talk/therapy), home, and then all afternoon, dinner, and evening spent with our adopted fam/neighbors. Good talk, kids played, made weekend plans & talked until the girls were no longer playing quietly enough for us to hear each other! ha...
Lexie is apparently a bit more clever than I thought.... The other day I was telling Mark that I didn't think she really understood how long he'd be gone. Our last separation was about 3 weeks, so I told him I figured she'll be asking "where's daddy?", "when's daddy coming home?".... all the time. WELL, as were coming home from school, she's climbing out of the car.. she asks "Is daddy home today?" I sigh, hang my head and tell her to please not start that already.....she replies with a huge smile on her adorable face "JUST KIDDING!" Clearly she takes in more than I think she does. I suppose mama needs to be careful about how she's helping mold these beautiful little souls. Speaking of mama's ... Mine had a birthday today :) Knew it was coming, still didn't get her card in the mail.... I JUST need to find my stamps! I refuse to buy more knowing I bought some a few weeks ago when I sent my precious nephew his bday package!
Working on laundry, kids are laying down... one specific is obviously planning to keep her daddy's spot in bed warm. I was just folding up laundry from the weekend & the past few days. Folding his clothes, wondering how his day is :)
I did talk to him earlier... we're still checking everything out with phone bills before he tests it out on anyone, but he's texting voice messages from a text app & calling from a magic jack app all done on wifi! TECHNOLOGY ROCKS! We aren't sure it will work right when he gets where he's staying, but it lets us know he's safe & fed ;) SOOOO Just so all of you know, he's good! He had a good plane ride & some great conversation with a good friend for the ride! They aren't where they're going yet, so we're still praying for safe travel ya'll & of course when he arrives...Going to curl up with my mini me....
Another quiet morning, a little neighbor visit, school, gym with Laura (which is our usual hour of girl talk/therapy), home, and then all afternoon, dinner, and evening spent with our adopted fam/neighbors. Good talk, kids played, made weekend plans & talked until the girls were no longer playing quietly enough for us to hear each other! ha...
Lexie is apparently a bit more clever than I thought.... The other day I was telling Mark that I didn't think she really understood how long he'd be gone. Our last separation was about 3 weeks, so I told him I figured she'll be asking "where's daddy?", "when's daddy coming home?".... all the time. WELL, as were coming home from school, she's climbing out of the car.. she asks "Is daddy home today?" I sigh, hang my head and tell her to please not start that already.....she replies with a huge smile on her adorable face "JUST KIDDING!" Clearly she takes in more than I think she does. I suppose mama needs to be careful about how she's helping mold these beautiful little souls. Speaking of mama's ... Mine had a birthday today :) Knew it was coming, still didn't get her card in the mail.... I JUST need to find my stamps! I refuse to buy more knowing I bought some a few weeks ago when I sent my precious nephew his bday package!
Working on laundry, kids are laying down... one specific is obviously planning to keep her daddy's spot in bed warm. I was just folding up laundry from the weekend & the past few days. Folding his clothes, wondering how his day is :)
I did talk to him earlier... we're still checking everything out with phone bills before he tests it out on anyone, but he's texting voice messages from a text app & calling from a magic jack app all done on wifi! TECHNOLOGY ROCKS! We aren't sure it will work right when he gets where he's staying, but it lets us know he's safe & fed ;) SOOOO Just so all of you know, he's good! He had a good plane ride & some great conversation with a good friend for the ride! They aren't where they're going yet, so we're still praying for safe travel ya'll & of course when he arrives...Going to curl up with my mini me....
Day 1
Today is much better. This morning, we sit outside with our neighbors first thing in the morning, mostly to chat, but to also to plan out our schedules for summer with all of our hubbies gone. We are responsible for each other. We'll mow yards and check on houses for each other while one is away. Most importantly, we try and schedule the time that we'll be spending together. Our kids will basically become siblings spending so much time together. We are each others significant others. We'll call each other for grocery store runs, keep kids, cook for each other, ect. We bond.
Lexie isn't as upset today. The shock factor has worn off, and she plays with her friends. Kyle was off to school as normal this morning. We took one neighbor to get her car from the shop. Her daughter and I brought Lexie to school. Then back home. My house was a wreck since I haven't wasted time cleaning or doing laundry in the past few days before he left. The time was spent with him, not around him... I clean, and force myself to eat a piece of 4 day old leftover pizza because I haven't been hungry all day, but apparently my body is.
You know, sometimes you can shine right through the sadness. I like to convince myself that it will be nice not to have that extra laundry, or not to have to cook an elaborate meal every night. My kids are pretty easy to please. I start filling out our calendar, to realize that we'll stay busy right up until the end of school, then plan to come home to MS for VBS! Our summer will fly by. I hope his time flies as well.
The evening was topped off by a visit with more friends. My friend Laura and her girls came to hang while their power was out. So I got some baby lovin, girl chat, and Lex got to play with her friend. Kiddos went to bed without fuss or fight, and have gotten along better today than in a long time! (Minus that few minutes they played Mario on the wii... Lexie hates when Kyle gets any of the super powers & has a tendency to scream at him!)
Last I heard my hubby was safe in Germany. Praying he's able to rest some....
Saying see ya later....
We weren't very prepared for this deployment. In fact, we were almost certain that Mark would be staying here & had specific duties already tasked to him. That's the thing about us, we've learned in the 13+ years that nothing is CERTAIN in the Army. He got word the same day that he found out he was on the promotion list for 7. What a way to pick you up and drag ya down at the same time, right? WELL, guess what... we weren't shocked, and decided not to announce any of it, because it could change AGAIN! So we took leave, grabbed up the kiddos & His parents, and took us a little vacation for some family time before his trip. You can spend as much time as you want together, but at the moment when his bags are packed up & sent off that it was NOT enough time. There you are on your way to the drop off sight, you realize how quick this time just went by and silently pray that the next 9 months go by just as quick.
When we get to the company, Mark thinks he's gonna be slick by making me think he's being dropped off around the corner. This, in his head, ensures that he won't have to stretch out that time where everyone is crying and so sad because daddy is leaving. Well, I do know better sitting in an empty parking lot, and drive around to the back where they have weapons draw, just because THAT good-bye wasn't enough, and I know we can hang out with him for just another few minutes. This gives us time to dry up our eyes and calm down so he can keep his "game face" when he sees us again and has to leave our side, AGAIN.
So, up until this point, Lexie has been fine with the idea of daddy leaving. I guess in her head, he leaves a lot, so why would this be any different. Well, some flip switched in this child when we had to drop him off, and all of a sudden, THIS WAS NOT OK! She cried, and i cried, and poor Kyle tried to hold it together for both of us because when daddy leaves, he is "the man of the house". I brought them home and we all climbed in my bed. It took a while, but Lexie finally cried most of it out and gave up. She was out with 2 t-shirts in a death grip that daddy had worn earlier that day. All kids handle this differently :/ I'm pretty lucky.
Now, they're asleep. I lay there a little overwhelmed about the next 9 months, because this is only the first night of many that we will endure. The first couple days are just travel for the soldier. A lot of sleepless plane trips here and there until they arrive at their destination. So the worry hasn't kicked in yet. That won't happen until I get word that he's made it to his location. Then it does. Then as much as they beg you not to, you set your TV to news channels, and start taking notes. You aren't only worried about your soldier, but his friends as well. The wives of his soldiers and friends that I'm friends with, and currently, my extended family. I have a super strength on my side. I have God. I pray, and will everyday, knowing that its all up to him. Knowing that he has a reason for all of this, and I have to make the most of whatever that may be. I pray for Mark's strength, and for many other things.
If you plan on following my blog, here's a few things you should know....
* I have no intention of receiving criticism. Keep it to yourself.
* I am FAR from perfect, so if you're offended by an occasional slip of the tongue or strange humor, you probably shouldn't read it.
* This is OUR life informative only. I'm not dragging ANYTHING political into it, and don't want any comments that may do so.
* I have no intention of receiving criticism. Keep it to yourself.
* I am FAR from perfect, so if you're offended by an occasional slip of the tongue or strange humor, you probably shouldn't read it.
* This is OUR life informative only. I'm not dragging ANYTHING political into it, and don't want any comments that may do so.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)