It is amazing how normal things can bring such a wave of emotion. This morning, as I was getting dressed, I noticed that I needed to do some laundry.
I started a load of whites. You know the drill, throw them in the washer on your way out to run errands. Put them in the dryer when you come back from said errand. We were school supply shopping, but I digress. Dryer timer dings while I am getting lunch ready for the kids and me. Then I un-load warm, clean laundry into a basket and place the basket on my bed.
Sometime later this afternoon, I had a few minutes to fold the laundry. Everything was just fine until I pulled one of my husband's undershirts out of the basket. I started to fold it and then I stopped. The thought occurred to me, "It will be a while before you fold any more of his laundry." I held his shirt, half folded to my face and smelled it. I smiled as I smelled the clean white shirt with a hint of bleach. I decided I didn't have time to cry. But honestly, I didn't want to. I finished folding the batch of clothes and put them away. I smiled again as I opened Mike's dresser and placed the clean clothes inside. They will be ready for when he comes home.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Day 2
Day 2 happened to be Sunday. Sundays and Deployments are another post and I promise I will write about that later.
But I want to focus on Day 2. At church, I got comments and hugs from so many friends. So many well meaning friends who looked at me sadly and said, "How are you doing?" with a concerned frown. I smiled and said, "It is Day 2. If I were falling apart today, I don't think it would be good for the next year. Talk to me on Day 45." Which is usually when reality hits me upside the head and I fall apart.
This is the thing. And don't get me wrong.
I miss my husband so much that sometimes it is hard to breathe and if I dwell on the thought too long, yes, I do break down into tears overwhelmed thinking about the next 363 day. 363 waking up and getting the kids ready and out the door, 363 dinners, 363 days of emptying the dishwasher (Yes, my husband will unload the dishwasher), 363 nights of getting my kids into bed by myself, 363 nights of procrastinating going to bed because I don't want to fall asleep alone, 363 whatevers. BUT I can't dwell and I can't break down. I have 3 little people depending on me, so I have to save the self pity moments for when I am alone.
I am so thankful for a friend who invited us over for dinner tonight. Actually, it was the son of a friend. In our church, male members of the congregation are asked and assigned to watch over certain families in the congregation. Tommy, almost 16 years old, is the young man assigned for our family. I am thankful for the example Tommy sets for my kids, especially my son, about how to help and serve those people around you.
Marie and Amanda's favorite part of the evening was getting to play with the bunny. Nice to have such a cute and fuzzy distraction.
But I want to focus on Day 2. At church, I got comments and hugs from so many friends. So many well meaning friends who looked at me sadly and said, "How are you doing?" with a concerned frown. I smiled and said, "It is Day 2. If I were falling apart today, I don't think it would be good for the next year. Talk to me on Day 45." Which is usually when reality hits me upside the head and I fall apart.
This is the thing. And don't get me wrong.
I miss my husband so much that sometimes it is hard to breathe and if I dwell on the thought too long, yes, I do break down into tears overwhelmed thinking about the next 363 day. 363 waking up and getting the kids ready and out the door, 363 dinners, 363 days of emptying the dishwasher (Yes, my husband will unload the dishwasher), 363 nights of getting my kids into bed by myself, 363 nights of procrastinating going to bed because I don't want to fall asleep alone, 363 whatevers. BUT I can't dwell and I can't break down. I have 3 little people depending on me, so I have to save the self pity moments for when I am alone.
I am so thankful for a friend who invited us over for dinner tonight. Actually, it was the son of a friend. In our church, male members of the congregation are asked and assigned to watch over certain families in the congregation. Tommy, almost 16 years old, is the young man assigned for our family. I am thankful for the example Tommy sets for my kids, especially my son, about how to help and serve those people around you.
Marie and Amanda's favorite part of the evening was getting to play with the bunny. Nice to have such a cute and fuzzy distraction.
I don't know if can catch it in the video, but Marie calls the rabbit a "Hopp-it" So cute!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Day 1
Sure there is a whole bunch of stuff that EVERY wife and mother does, but I thought I would highlight a few.
Here are a few pictures from yesterday.
This being my 5th deployment, I have learned a few things.
1. Busy kids are happy kids.
After we said goodbye and Mike headed for the bus, we headed to Carl's Jr with an air conditioned play place and some good friends. The kids ran around like crazy and I got an Oreo Milkshake and chatted with my good friend.
Day 1 has been great. Of course it should be. If day 1 is AWFUL most Army wives would have left a long time ago.
Here are a few photos from today.
I took the opportunity to organize something. It is amazing how organizing just one little corner of your life helps you feel more "in-control" I choose my broom closet. I had picked up the shelves at Target. I intended to use them for my sewing stuff (That is another post.) But I opened my broom closet and I couldn't take it any more!! I pulled everything out, swept it. I remembered that I had the shelves and sure enough, they fit. I wasn't sure because of the sloped ceiling. It was a fun project and Adam helped me assemble the shelves. Note to self: Remember to take before pictures, so you can be REALLY impressed.We also went to the neighbors pool with friends. The kids burned off a whole bunch of energy. So much that Amanda feel asleep on the way to return the Redbox movie at 7pm.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
So, my sister Brenda, used this line in a recent post, "I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it is not a train." For me, the jury is still out.
I know it has been almost 3 months since my last post. In my defense here is a list of things that have happened--
I know it has been almost 3 months since my last post. In my defense here is a list of things that have happened--
- Mike came home
- Packed our house
- Closed on the Sale of our home in Clarksville
- Thanksgiving break
- Moved in with our good friends, Rick and Jenny
- Mike attended and PASSED Pathfinder School for the US Army :)
- Christmas break to South Carolina
- Bought a Toyota Sienna mini van
- Sold our Montero
- Left our kids with our good friend Rick and Jenny for 6 days for a house hunting trip
- Drove our little Mirage to El Paso (2 days worth of driving)
- Went house hunting in El Paso--Saw over 30 houses in 2 days
- Made an offer on a beautiful home, in a great neighborhood with a great school
- Helped Rick and Jenny pack and move their household goods
- Helped Rick and Jenny clean their house so they could get back their WHOLE deposit
- Packed up the rest of our stuff into our trailer
- Moved into a hotel
- Had 2 snow days followed by 1 late start day
- Said good bye to Rick and Jenny (Lots of tears)
- Attended our last formal function with Mike's unit--The Saint Barbara's Day Ball
- Said good bye to lots of friends with lots of tears
My sisters keep begging for pictures of me pregnant, so here are a few from last night at the Saint Barbara's Day Ball. I feel bad that I haven't posted any pictures of the last 3 months, we had a great time with family and friends. I will try to fill in the blanks as I go, but for now, we are leaving Tennessee tomorrow morning and starting the long trek across Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas.
Me 27 weeks pregnant.
Mike and Me. Isn't he so cute?!?!? Mike is wearing his "Order of Saint Barbara's Award" The medal around his neck. It is the highest honor given in Field Artillery.
I was very surprised when I was called up for an award. I was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from Major General (2 star) Jeffrey Schloesser, the Commander of Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Mike with 2 of the other Commanders he served with CPT Mayfield and CPT Torpy. CPT Torpy and Mike were in the same unit during their last deployment.
Well, y'all, it is time for me to post this and then pack up the computer. I will post pictures of the house after we have moved in.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Back Together Again
Dear Family and Friends,
I hope this post makes your day. We picked Mike up on Saturday night at 8:30pm. His flight was supposed to arrive at 9 am on Friday morning, but it was delayed for mechanical reasons.
Here are a few photos and video clips of that evening.
Clip One: Since this is our FOURTH deployment, I knew there was a 99% chance that Mike's flight was going to be delayed. I told the kids that we would pick up Daddy no later than, Monday. We drove to the family parking area and Adam started reading all of the signs that people were carrying, "Welcome..Home...Daddy...?" Here is the clip of his reaction. I took the video on my phone so it is fuzzy.
Clip Two: Amanda had fallen asleep in the car on the way over. She is a little dazed. She is also a little cold. Until Saturday morning, we had been having un-seasonally warm weather. But Saturday night, Fall found us, so it is about 40 degrees.
They let the families go out to the flight line to see the airplane land. It was COLD!!! I am glad I packed their mittens and winter coats. I wish I would have found my mittens.
For all of you who follow Brenda's Blog , and you were wondering where is her "Friday, I'm In Love" post?..Well now you know. Thanks Brenny and Darren for being here. I will let her tell you about their adventures--check out her blog. (Darren, I am glad that University of Wyoming won)
I hope this post makes your day. We picked Mike up on Saturday night at 8:30pm. His flight was supposed to arrive at 9 am on Friday morning, but it was delayed for mechanical reasons.
Here are a few photos and video clips of that evening.
Clip One: Since this is our FOURTH deployment, I knew there was a 99% chance that Mike's flight was going to be delayed. I told the kids that we would pick up Daddy no later than, Monday. We drove to the family parking area and Adam started reading all of the signs that people were carrying, "Welcome..Home...Daddy...?" Here is the clip of his reaction. I took the video on my phone so it is fuzzy.
Clip Two: Amanda had fallen asleep in the car on the way over. She is a little dazed. She is also a little cold. Until Saturday morning, we had been having un-seasonally warm weather. But Saturday night, Fall found us, so it is about 40 degrees.
Amanda warmed right up after we got into the hanger and she got a flag.
They let the families go out to the flight line to see the airplane land. It was COLD!!! I am glad I packed their mittens and winter coats. I wish I would have found my mittens.For all of you who follow Brenda's Blog , and you were wondering where is her "Friday, I'm In Love" post?..Well now you know. Thanks Brenny and Darren for being here. I will let her tell you about their adventures--check out her blog. (Darren, I am glad that University of Wyoming won)
Big smiles on the flight line! The plane is just a few minutes from touching down.
Since Adam was small, he managed to wiggle his way up to the fence.
I swear there were half a million soldiers on the flight!! It was so cold and difficult to distinguish one soldier from the next (they were wearing their helmets and full battle gear) that most families gave up and went back inside where it was warm. Adam was DETERMINED to see Mike, so Darren and I waited with him, while Brenda took Amanda inside. We finally spotted Mike. He was one of the last soldiers off the plane.
Mike set his gear down. We were yelling like crazy. Finally, he saw us. Adam was so happy when Mike waved back, I thought he was going to climb over the fence. We ran back into the hanger because the ceremony was going to start. As we ran, Adam kept saying, "Mom, we saw him. I am so happy. I am crying, mom. I am so happy." I looked down at Adam. Tears were rolling down his cheeks, but he had the biggest grin on his face.
The soldiers line up in formation outside. Then they open the hanger doors and they march in. It is quite a site. This photo can't even capture the emotion and presence that fills the room when they march in. There is a brief ceremony and then the soldiers are released to their families for a few minutes. Ummm, how can I say this--mass pandemonium breaks out.
Mike spotted us while he was standing in formation.
We didn't have any problems finding each other.
Since Adam was small, he managed to wiggle his way up to the fence.
I swear there were half a million soldiers on the flight!! It was so cold and difficult to distinguish one soldier from the next (they were wearing their helmets and full battle gear) that most families gave up and went back inside where it was warm. Adam was DETERMINED to see Mike, so Darren and I waited with him, while Brenda took Amanda inside. We finally spotted Mike. He was one of the last soldiers off the plane.
Mike set his gear down. We were yelling like crazy. Finally, he saw us. Adam was so happy when Mike waved back, I thought he was going to climb over the fence. We ran back into the hanger because the ceremony was going to start. As we ran, Adam kept saying, "Mom, we saw him. I am so happy. I am crying, mom. I am so happy." I looked down at Adam. Tears were rolling down his cheeks, but he had the biggest grin on his face.
The soldiers line up in formation outside. Then they open the hanger doors and they march in. It is quite a site. This photo can't even capture the emotion and presence that fills the room when they march in. There is a brief ceremony and then the soldiers are released to their families for a few minutes. Ummm, how can I say this--mass pandemonium breaks out.
Mike spotted us while he was standing in formation.
We didn't have any problems finding each other.
Mike has 7 days of mandatory re-integration training. We are planning on packing up our house and moving in with our friends in the next 20, yes, I said 20 days. As Mike and I were driving home from the ceremony, he started planning and making a list. I stopped him and said, "Let's just enjoy 'this' for 3 days. Then we can start our lists." Never a dull moment. We will keep you posted.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween
I have to hurry up and post this entry, so that I officially have 3 blog entries for the month of October. Remember, I am trying to be better about updating my blog.
I thought you might enjoy a few photos from the evening. Growing up in Denver, we could carve pumpkins early in October and they were usually good until Halloween. In Tennessee, we don't have that luxury, it stays way too hot. Pumpkins start to go moldy a few days after you carve them. We picked these 4 pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch earlier in the month. I was waiting for the perfect time to carve them. At 4:30pm this afternoon, I realized, we hadn't carved the pumpkins. The kids drew the faces and I cut, gutted and carved the pumpkins. I think that is some kind of record--4 pumpkins in 40 minutes.
I have to give credit to my good friend , Michelle Ocampo, for this photo idea. Adam lost ANOTHER tooth at school today. I had to get him with his Jack-O-Lantern. Can you see the similarities?
Amanda didn't want her photo with the pumpkins. Ummm, I wonder where she gets that need to be the center of attention.....
Adam was Batman and Amanda was a butterfly. She was quite offended when people called her a cute fairy, or princess. "I am not a princess--I am a butterfly." She would say in her grouchy voice.
Well, I am off to sort through the candy, hide 1/2 of it, throw 1/4 of it away and put the remaining 1/4 in a bucket on top of the fridge and give it out, a piece at a time for good behavior.
I thought you might enjoy a few photos from the evening. Growing up in Denver, we could carve pumpkins early in October and they were usually good until Halloween. In Tennessee, we don't have that luxury, it stays way too hot. Pumpkins start to go moldy a few days after you carve them. We picked these 4 pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch earlier in the month. I was waiting for the perfect time to carve them. At 4:30pm this afternoon, I realized, we hadn't carved the pumpkins. The kids drew the faces and I cut, gutted and carved the pumpkins. I think that is some kind of record--4 pumpkins in 40 minutes.
I have to give credit to my good friend , Michelle Ocampo, for this photo idea. Adam lost ANOTHER tooth at school today. I had to get him with his Jack-O-Lantern. Can you see the similarities?
Amanda didn't want her photo with the pumpkins. Ummm, I wonder where she gets that need to be the center of attention.....
Adam was Batman and Amanda was a butterfly. She was quite offended when people called her a cute fairy, or princess. "I am not a princess--I am a butterfly." She would say in her grouchy voice.
Well, I am off to sort through the candy, hide 1/2 of it, throw 1/4 of it away and put the remaining 1/4 in a bucket on top of the fridge and give it out, a piece at a time for good behavior.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Pumpkin Patch
Three years ago, we started a tradition in our family. In the fall, we go to a pumpkin patch. We found a really cute family run farm in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. So, Christian Way Farms, has become our "Family Farm."
This is a photo of Adam, holding Amanda (2 weeks old) in the pumpkin patch.
It is hard to believe they were ever that small! Amanda loved petting and feeding the animals. She was so excited to actually hold a bunny rabbit!
Adam loved playing in the Hay Bale Castle.
Who knew that playing in FEED CORN could be so much fun?!?! It has always been Adam's favorite. He tries to smuggle home as much corn as possible. I have been finding it in the car, in his room, in the laundry for a week.
Off to feed the animals. I swear you would have thought that Amanda owned the farm. She worked so hard. Her favorite animal to feed were the baby pigs. However she did say that they smelled like "stinky pig poo-poo."
Adam feeding one of the many goats.
Adam shucking and grinding corn. They loved working on the farm.
Amanda found her perfect pumpkin. The rule at the farm is if you can carry it, you take it home. Adam took them seriously.
Well, Fall Break is over for us. We had a good time, but I am so glad everyone went back to school today. Everyday brings us one day closer to Mike's return.
This is a photo of Adam, holding Amanda (2 weeks old) in the pumpkin patch.
It is hard to believe they were ever that small! Amanda loved petting and feeding the animals. She was so excited to actually hold a bunny rabbit!
Adam loved playing in the Hay Bale Castle.
Who knew that playing in FEED CORN could be so much fun?!?! It has always been Adam's favorite. He tries to smuggle home as much corn as possible. I have been finding it in the car, in his room, in the laundry for a week.
Off to feed the animals. I swear you would have thought that Amanda owned the farm. She worked so hard. Her favorite animal to feed were the baby pigs. However she did say that they smelled like "stinky pig poo-poo."
Adam feeding one of the many goats.
Adam shucking and grinding corn. They loved working on the farm.
Amanda found her perfect pumpkin. The rule at the farm is if you can carry it, you take it home. Adam took them seriously.
Well, Fall Break is over for us. We had a good time, but I am so glad everyone went back to school today. Everyday brings us one day closer to Mike's return.
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