BEING TWO PARENTS AT ONCE

For the first time, I actually felt like I was finally playing both roles of parent today. It all began with leaving the kids with Nana while I went to see John through a teleconference in St. Paul. It was so great to be able to just see him, make sure he was okay, the things a voice can't tell you but the eyes can see. On my way home, I made a last minute (and boy do I mean last minute) RSVP to a birthday party for Colby.

Once home, Nana went her way and I packed the kids into the car to head to the store to purchase a birthday gift, but as you know, once you are in the store there are so many other things you can purchase and an hour later, we were back in the car on our way home. Did I mention on our way to Shakopee we watched as the cars piled up bumper to bumper going South on 169 due to the Renaissance Festival and the line went about 4 + miles. So of course, we had to avoid that way going home.

On our way, we stopped for lunch, got home, sat for only about 30 minutes, all the while getting ready for the birthday party. Finishing up laundry so Colby had a swimsuit to wear, wrap the gift, write on the card, pack the backpack and we were on our way.

Five minutes later we were back at the house and ready for round three. Max had soccer practice this afternoon, so as he watched the minutes tick by, asking several times when he could get ready, I collected my thoughts. In no time, it was back into the car and heading to the middle school fields for the practice.

An hour later we were back home, I swear at this point my neighbors had to have had their thoughts just flying as they watched me back out of my driveway every hour on the hour! I can only imagine! Now it was dinnertime, raced the clock making dinner so it was done by the time I had to go and get Colby from the birthday party. With 5 minutes to spare, I was, yet again back in the car to head about a mile to get Colby. And, 15 minutes was back at home!

Today would have been a great day to have a clone of myself, our house entrance had turned into a revolving door, I forgot if I had pulled into the garage or kept the car in the driveway, the engine never really cooled down, my neighbors must think I have lost my brain, but at the end of the day - all activities were attended with no hiccups and no tantrums. All is well at the Karline Household.

Being two parents at once is tough, but it is days like this that help you know it is possible and the days ahead will get easier!

THE LOVE OF MY LIFE

Today is my hubby's birthday and I am not with him, he is halfway around the world protecting me and our children in the war against terrorism. This is not the first time he has sacrificed time away from his family and made his country his priority. It is a respect that is beyond any other that I have for this man. He is my hero!

I met him when I was 18 and we are now 14 years later and I have practically been with him half my life and I wouldn't want it any other way.

He keeps me grounded, when I am high strung, he is my relaxation. When I am frustrated, he is my humor. When I am stressed, he is my calm. When I am sad, he is my rock. When I am happy, he shares in my joy.

For the past few months I have not been with him on a daily basis and I have had many moments to reflect on our relationship. The times when we just know what the other is thinking, the times we pillow talk and whisper into the wee hours of the night, the looks from across the room and most of all, the unique way we hold each others hand.

I am so lucky to have found the one meant for me so early in my life and get to spend so much time with him.

From halfway around the world, Happy Birthday Honey. I love you, be safe and I will see you soon! TWICE!

THE HARDEST THING

Have you ever wondered how do you begin to start a conversation with someone you are not sure even wants to have one with you? I have been feeling that way for almost a month. I have gone through my head several conversation starters that still today just don't seem right.

Why should it be so difficult to call someone up and just say hi? Why? You don't want to sound like nothing happened, you don't want to sound like everything is okay when it still doesn't seem right.

I have been told that I want to pass on how I live my life to others and sometimes it comes across demanding in a way. My life is mine to live and for others it is their life to live, the only thing I can do is give advice when asked and opinion when needed, but never have I ever wanted anyone to live their life the way I live mine.

Over my lifetime, which is not many years, I have made many mistakes, have had to make many life changing decisions, had several accomplishments, yet I still believe I am learning every day about how life really is.

The one lesson I have learned over the years is that no matter what, you can never really regret anything you have done if you have learned from it and made changes in your life accordingly. If you have gotten yourself in trouble, acknowledge it, make the changes and sacrifices needed to start to right your path and move on. It is easier to say than to actually do, but know the hardest part is getting started and staying committed.

To the one person in my life struggling both emotionally and physically, be strong, stay strong and most of all feel the strength being sent to you from all who love you.