It rained today in El Paso. I usually LOVE the rain. Most places I have lived, they are equipped to handle the rain. They have things like gutters on houses and curbs that actually hold water. Since it rarely rains in El Paso, nobody has gutters on their house and the water just runs down the street like a river. ANYWAY, last time it rained, our roof leaked. Of course that happened 4 days before Mike left. I am very, VERY happy to report that the repairs that we did seemed to do the trick and that there was no leak! Yahoo!!
My main focus tonight was all of the standing water around my house. The rain started out pretty slow and I doubted if it was really even going to amount to anything. It has been so hot that the droplets seemed to sizzle as they hit the ground. But then, there was a flash of lightening immediately followed by deafening earth-shaking clap of thunder. I looked up and I could see the rain drops coming.
I wish I had pictures to show you. Let me paint you a picture, just so you can imagine it. Imagine me fully dressed. But not my usual clothes. We had just gotten home from Cub Scouts. So, there I was in my Den Leader Uniform, khaki shirt with patches, brown pants and tennis shoes. Now imagine what I would look like if I just jumped into a pool. Now imagine me trying to sweep gallons of water, UP a slight slope, away from my house and toward the street. Yeah, I was the crazy lady. Then it started to hail.
Last year, we were able to use a few garden hoses and syphon the water out, too. Again, I know I looked like a crazy lady, out there in the pouring rain trying to get the syphon to work. I couldn't.
Stupid Army deployment. Mike got it to work last time. After saying a quick prayer asking for help or for the rain to stop or whatever, I thought I would try our Shop Vac. After all, it is a WET/ DRY vac. NO, I wasn't going to try to vacuum up all of the water--that really would have been crazy. I thought I might be able to use it to get the syphon started. After I checked and re-checked that I wouldn't electrocute myself, I plugged in the vacuum and carried it over to the end of the green garden hose. I stuffed the garden hose inside of the big black vacuum hose and turned it on. Within a few seconds the vacuum started to "cough". I pulled the garden hose out and water came gushing out! Success!!!
I am glad it is dark outside, so my neighbors can't see the multiple garden hoses that are stretched from my backyard, across the front yard to the curb. I am still trying to decide if I am going to roll up the hoses tomorrow or if I am going to leave them out for a few days until I am sure the rain has stopped.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Day 4 - Unknown Name Unknown Number
Do you remember what life was like before caller ID? If the phone rang, you answered it. Well, usually you answered it. Something in my brain says that when I was growning-up, we didn't answer the phone during dinner, but, then again, we probably did. All of us kids usually raced to the phone, hopeful it was for us. We didn't have an answering machine, so any missed call was actually a LOST call. What if was an emergency, or a friend or...
Nowadays, I use caller-ID often. Being the mom of three kids, there is RARELY a good time to answer a call. One of my kids is usually on the brink of spontaneously combusting or I am in the middle of changing a diaper, or I know that just as soon as I pick up the phone a little one (or big one) will find me to tattle on the other or ask for some forbidden food. I get plenty of "Unknown Name, Unknown Number" calls. Usually, it is from United Blood Services, calling to let me know that I am eligible to donate, AGAIN. No, thank yoooooouu, I would prefer not to faint in front of complete strangers. My kids also know that we don't answer "Unknown Name, Unknown Number" calls. I have them so well trained that most days, they don't even hear the phone when it rings. In the past, if I were busy or unable to answer the phone, I would let it go to voice mail or I would check Caller-ID and return the call when it was convenient.
Today, during dinner, the phone rang. From my place at the dinner table I turned around to look at the display on the phone base. It said, "Name not found." "Odd?" I thought, "I have never seen that before", so I checked the number. It read "10081111153" My mind scrolled through the mini Rolodex in my mind. "1008? I don't know anyone with that pre-fix." My mind kept scrolling through the Rolodex, "1008, 1008, 1008--That is an international number, maybe?" Now by this time we are on ring 3 and a half. The call will soon be sucked into the black hole of voice mail. Remember when you could pick up the phone mid-message if you had an answering machine? Forget it, if it goes to voice mail. "1008? Yeah, that would be an inter...." I couldn't make my fingers work quick enough. Of course it was an international call!?! I am so dense sometimes!
I pushed the green button on my phone and said a breathless, "Hello?"
Silence.
"Hello?"
More silence.
I closed my eyes and said a little prayer. "Hello?"... please, please, please I whispered
"Robin?" My heart melted and jumped all at the same time at the sound of Mike's voice. I smiled.
"Hey, Baby! How are you?" With that, the kids exploded in chorus, "DADDY, I want to talk to Daddy!"
So, here I am, back to the days of answering every "Unknown Name, Unknown Number" call.
Nowadays, I use caller-ID often. Being the mom of three kids, there is RARELY a good time to answer a call. One of my kids is usually on the brink of spontaneously combusting or I am in the middle of changing a diaper, or I know that just as soon as I pick up the phone a little one (or big one) will find me to tattle on the other or ask for some forbidden food. I get plenty of "Unknown Name, Unknown Number" calls. Usually, it is from United Blood Services, calling to let me know that I am eligible to donate, AGAIN. No, thank yoooooouu, I would prefer not to faint in front of complete strangers. My kids also know that we don't answer "Unknown Name, Unknown Number" calls. I have them so well trained that most days, they don't even hear the phone when it rings. In the past, if I were busy or unable to answer the phone, I would let it go to voice mail or I would check Caller-ID and return the call when it was convenient.
Today, during dinner, the phone rang. From my place at the dinner table I turned around to look at the display on the phone base. It said, "Name not found." "Odd?" I thought, "I have never seen that before", so I checked the number. It read "10081111153" My mind scrolled through the mini Rolodex in my mind. "1008? I don't know anyone with that pre-fix." My mind kept scrolling through the Rolodex, "1008, 1008, 1008--That is an international number, maybe?" Now by this time we are on ring 3 and a half. The call will soon be sucked into the black hole of voice mail. Remember when you could pick up the phone mid-message if you had an answering machine? Forget it, if it goes to voice mail. "1008? Yeah, that would be an inter...." I couldn't make my fingers work quick enough. Of course it was an international call!?! I am so dense sometimes!
I pushed the green button on my phone and said a breathless, "Hello?"
Silence.
"Hello?"
More silence.
I closed my eyes and said a little prayer. "Hello?"... please, please, please I whispered
"Robin?" My heart melted and jumped all at the same time at the sound of Mike's voice. I smiled.
"Hey, Baby! How are you?" With that, the kids exploded in chorus, "DADDY, I want to talk to Daddy!"
So, here I am, back to the days of answering every "Unknown Name, Unknown Number" call.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Day 3-Laundry
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.
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.
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.
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