Wow, has it really been over three weeks since my last blog! Life continues to move, like in the movies when the actor is standing still and everything around them is moving at a blur. That has been my life for the past month.
John is safe and calls as often as he can, sounding tired yet in a good mood. The calls are limited now and his true missions will begin - my thoughts are with him constantly.
The kids are antsy and I think they are just as ready for school as I am. Their brand new backpacks are hanging on their hooks, the homework bins are cleaned out and "SARAH" has been added to the last one, bus schedule arrived and Open House is this week. I am excited that all the kids are in school now, but as the day approaches and I get them all excited about it and tell everyone around me how elated I am, I can't help but wonder where the time has gone. Is this how it will be over the next 10 years as I watch Max move as lightening speed to graduation?!
For me, life is speeding up again, which is a good thing. The kids will start their school schedule which will include after school activities, Max is in night swim lessons twice a week with the other two on the waiting list. PTA begins in a week and I have decided to stay on as Secretary. Work is slowing down but it allows me to work on more organization and marketing now. The house needs to have attention at least once a week and FINALLY I have decided to do something for myself. I purchased P90X and started it on Tuesday, it is something that invigorates but reminds me of every body part I have. I hope it allows me to get more energy and feel better about myself.
Finally, my sister and her family came and went this month. Their visit didn't last long and I wished I had more time with her to have our sister chats, but maybe soon. I hope she knows how much I care about her and that I stand beside every decision she makes, but I will always be the big sister who will worry and care way too much.
Like I said, this month is a blur, so many things have been happening that I could write a novel rather than a blog. Hopefully I can get back into writing more and keeping everyone up to date.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL
Today, 11 years ago, I became a mom and it would change me, and make me the person I am today. For that, I will be forever grateful to a child, that for being a part of my life for such a brief moment, left a mark on my life that will never be forgotten.
Dear Chloe,
The reason for your short life was forever hidden from me and over the past 9 years I have slowly been shown the lessons you taught me.
You made me grow up so quickly and make decisions I thought I would never have to make in my life. The lesson, it has allowed me to know when emotion or mentality needs to lead my decisions. Sometimes your heart can't always be the loudest voice and it is going to be hard to hear the other voices over it, but if you listen hard enough, you will know what needs to be done.
You opened my eyes to a world that so few enter, yet so many judge. The lesson, teach the next generation it is okay to ask questions and inquire when something they see is new to them, rather than looking away and ignoring the "elephant in the room". Being different is not a disability, ignorance is disabling and we need to teach our children not to stare, point or snicker. We need to teach ourselves as parents it is okay for a child to ask questions and know why something is different, when it is explained then the "different" disappears and the person is left.
You showed me patience is truly a virtue. The lesson, take a deep breath prior to reacting when challenged so as not to jump to conclusions. Take that moment to absorb what is being said, process the true meaning, then respond.
You gave me a membership to a club of parents who didn't ask to join, but are grateful for the charter. The lesson, reach out and tell my story, let others know they are not alone and they will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Finally, you made me see the beauty in death and importance of today. The lesson, death is not to be feared, what should be feared is not living each day to the fullest. There should be no worries about tomorrow or next week, but worries about if you made enough memories today.
We have had many challenges over the past 11 years and if it wasn't for the lessons you have taught me, I don't think we would have been as successful when facing those trials and tribulations. In the 2 years, 4 months and 8 days I was blessed to have you in my life, you impacted me and continue to do so even today. Thank you for giving me the gift of being your mom!
Love,
Mommy
Dear Chloe,
The reason for your short life was forever hidden from me and over the past 9 years I have slowly been shown the lessons you taught me.
You made me grow up so quickly and make decisions I thought I would never have to make in my life. The lesson, it has allowed me to know when emotion or mentality needs to lead my decisions. Sometimes your heart can't always be the loudest voice and it is going to be hard to hear the other voices over it, but if you listen hard enough, you will know what needs to be done.
You opened my eyes to a world that so few enter, yet so many judge. The lesson, teach the next generation it is okay to ask questions and inquire when something they see is new to them, rather than looking away and ignoring the "elephant in the room". Being different is not a disability, ignorance is disabling and we need to teach our children not to stare, point or snicker. We need to teach ourselves as parents it is okay for a child to ask questions and know why something is different, when it is explained then the "different" disappears and the person is left.
You showed me patience is truly a virtue. The lesson, take a deep breath prior to reacting when challenged so as not to jump to conclusions. Take that moment to absorb what is being said, process the true meaning, then respond.
You gave me a membership to a club of parents who didn't ask to join, but are grateful for the charter. The lesson, reach out and tell my story, let others know they are not alone and they will see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Finally, you made me see the beauty in death and importance of today. The lesson, death is not to be feared, what should be feared is not living each day to the fullest. There should be no worries about tomorrow or next week, but worries about if you made enough memories today.
We have had many challenges over the past 11 years and if it wasn't for the lessons you have taught me, I don't think we would have been as successful when facing those trials and tribulations. In the 2 years, 4 months and 8 days I was blessed to have you in my life, you impacted me and continue to do so even today. Thank you for giving me the gift of being your mom!
Love,
Mommy
Monday, August 3, 2009
DATE NIGHT/DAY
I have spent the past hour preparing to talk to my husband. I am sure you are thinking, how do you prepare for a chat? Well, the difference from this tour of duty and the last one - WEB CAM! Tonight John is going to call me on Skype and we are going to chat.
We have chatted a couple of times so we are now getting used to the technology, but the downfall is that he can see me and since we are not blessed with seeing each other every day right now you take a few things for granted. The fact that you can't be seen over the phone is a big one. you can have crazy hair, no make up, pigging out and the other person has no clue. Not the case when you have a Web Cam, they can see what you are doing outside of the conversation, so now I am doing my hair, touching up my work makeup, changing my shirt, grabbing a bowl of snap peas with veggie dip and a bottle of iced tea and hunkering down for the intense wait for the video phone to ring!
What a change this is from 6 years ago - we didn't have this, we had instant messaging and just let our fingers do the talking. We went weeks without talking, now we can see each other and we are connecting a few times a week. The common thread in all of this, the anticipation for the "phone" to ring, the butterflies in the stomach, the heart racing, especially since I practically fell out of my chair on Saturday morning when his face popped up on the screen for the first time.
Now I must go and cross my fingers as I pray the military didn't change the game plan and plan a training session or briefing today for John. It is wake up time for him - he is 10 hours ahead of us. Wish me luck and pray I don't get stood up as I wait for date night/day to begin!
We have chatted a couple of times so we are now getting used to the technology, but the downfall is that he can see me and since we are not blessed with seeing each other every day right now you take a few things for granted. The fact that you can't be seen over the phone is a big one. you can have crazy hair, no make up, pigging out and the other person has no clue. Not the case when you have a Web Cam, they can see what you are doing outside of the conversation, so now I am doing my hair, touching up my work makeup, changing my shirt, grabbing a bowl of snap peas with veggie dip and a bottle of iced tea and hunkering down for the intense wait for the video phone to ring!
What a change this is from 6 years ago - we didn't have this, we had instant messaging and just let our fingers do the talking. We went weeks without talking, now we can see each other and we are connecting a few times a week. The common thread in all of this, the anticipation for the "phone" to ring, the butterflies in the stomach, the heart racing, especially since I practically fell out of my chair on Saturday morning when his face popped up on the screen for the first time.
Now I must go and cross my fingers as I pray the military didn't change the game plan and plan a training session or briefing today for John. It is wake up time for him - he is 10 hours ahead of us. Wish me luck and pray I don't get stood up as I wait for date night/day to begin!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
MALL OF AMERICA
Today I took all three kids out for a day of special time with Mommy. I had received an email about an event being put on by TIUFTT (Tee it Up for The Troops) and MOA to suport CHOMP (Children Heroes of Military Parents), Military Appreciation Day!
Since I had learned about it so late in the game I was not sure we would even be able to participate, especially since even the website did not even mention it. After several emails with a Board Member of TIUFTT, I was told to just come on out and we would be taken care of.
Armed with my "Surviving my 2nd Deployment" t-shirt and the kids in their "Wolfpack" tees, we got in the car and headed to the MOA, registration was at 8:30 and we were given unlimited ride passes to Nickelodeon Universe, free passes to a Movie and even some coupons for free popcorn. You could also get passes to the Mini Golf course that is at MOA, I chose not to since the kids are little and I thought it would take forever.
The park did not open until 10:30, so we headed out and walked around, grabbed some coffee at Caribou (Reindeer Drinks for the kids) and then went to the Theatre to get our tickets for the movie. We were able to get in two rides at the park prior to Ice Age 3D starting.
While we watched Ice Age with our 3D glasses on and eating our lunch that I had packed at home, the kids eyes glazed over as they watched in awe of the movie. Several giggles came from the kids, which just makes it that much better. By the end of the movie, they were ready to head back to the park for more rides.
Sarah rode on her first roller coaster and advised me that we are supposed to put our hands in the air and that it is okay to scream. She giggled the entire time, while her brother Colby looked like he was going to lose his lunch. Boy, it looks like he is taking after his daddy in the motion sickness arena.
Several rides, slowing pace and stomach relocation, it was time to head out. On our way out of the park, we grabbed a couple of cookies to end the day.
It was nice to be recognized as a family member and to have an event that would allow the kids to get out and have a good time. I met several women who stated they didn't know how I did it, they were dealing with their first deployment and having so many frustrations. to be surrounded by people who are going through what you are and not even having to say a word, just a nod as you walked by or a smile at the kids as I walked by with them in tow was enough. Probably being naive and the looks were of pity, but nonetheless, I will take it!
The kids had a wonderful time, Sarah is telling everyone about her roller coaster ride and the boys are talking about the funniest part of the movie, so I have to say it was a success. I would also just have to say that it will probably be a few months until I head to a crowded area with three children in tow!
Thank you TIUFTT and Mall of America!
Since I had learned about it so late in the game I was not sure we would even be able to participate, especially since even the website did not even mention it. After several emails with a Board Member of TIUFTT, I was told to just come on out and we would be taken care of.
Armed with my "Surviving my 2nd Deployment" t-shirt and the kids in their "Wolfpack" tees, we got in the car and headed to the MOA, registration was at 8:30 and we were given unlimited ride passes to Nickelodeon Universe, free passes to a Movie and even some coupons for free popcorn. You could also get passes to the Mini Golf course that is at MOA, I chose not to since the kids are little and I thought it would take forever.
The park did not open until 10:30, so we headed out and walked around, grabbed some coffee at Caribou (Reindeer Drinks for the kids) and then went to the Theatre to get our tickets for the movie. We were able to get in two rides at the park prior to Ice Age 3D starting.
While we watched Ice Age with our 3D glasses on and eating our lunch that I had packed at home, the kids eyes glazed over as they watched in awe of the movie. Several giggles came from the kids, which just makes it that much better. By the end of the movie, they were ready to head back to the park for more rides.
Sarah rode on her first roller coaster and advised me that we are supposed to put our hands in the air and that it is okay to scream. She giggled the entire time, while her brother Colby looked like he was going to lose his lunch. Boy, it looks like he is taking after his daddy in the motion sickness arena.
Several rides, slowing pace and stomach relocation, it was time to head out. On our way out of the park, we grabbed a couple of cookies to end the day.
It was nice to be recognized as a family member and to have an event that would allow the kids to get out and have a good time. I met several women who stated they didn't know how I did it, they were dealing with their first deployment and having so many frustrations. to be surrounded by people who are going through what you are and not even having to say a word, just a nod as you walked by or a smile at the kids as I walked by with them in tow was enough. Probably being naive and the looks were of pity, but nonetheless, I will take it!
The kids had a wonderful time, Sarah is telling everyone about her roller coaster ride and the boys are talking about the funniest part of the movie, so I have to say it was a success. I would also just have to say that it will probably be a few months until I head to a crowded area with three children in tow!
Thank you TIUFTT and Mall of America!
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