La Dee Flippin' Da

Elfin' Cool

2008-12-07T08:43:00.001-06:00

More than enough - Recovery

2008-12-02T08:45:00.004-06:00

Mike is doing much better than he was even a month ago. He had an exploratory surgery mid-October that showed he didn't have any major damage in his knee, which is where he was experiencing a lot of pain during physical therapy. It took him about a month to recover from the surgery and then the doctors took away his cane and recommended he push through the pain. He's on his feet with no assistance but he won't be running anytime soon.

There has been talk of putting some army gear on him in the next few months to see how he can support the weight. His job requires him to carry a heavy (sometimes 75lb) rucksack, along with a gun and other gear. The weight on his injured leg may be too much for him to continue his career path, which is fine by me. I'd love to see him behind a desk, even though I know he'd be miserable. As a family, I think we've had enough of the long deployments and close calls.

Like I mentioned before, physically, his recovery has been amazing. It's hard to believe that just 9 months ago he was in a hospital bed for a month and we had no idea what the future would hold. Today, I'm able to watch him walk around (albeit with a little limp in his step) and do almost everything he was able to do before the injury. God has blessed us beyond what we ever imagined. So, I don't have a hard time believing that God will also help to heal our broken spirits. That process has already begun.

Obsessive much

2008-11-30T20:32:00.005-06:00

OK. So, I have this problem. I can be a tad bit obsessive. I do it with many things in my life. I love The Sims2 PC game. I love it so much that I have every expansion pack ever created and I belong to a few online groups (bowing head in shame). I might play for a few weeks straight. It gets to the point where I have a hard time leaving the house because I need to make sure the current young adult Sim I'm playing graduates from college successfully while maintaining all 25 of her best friend relationships. I know. Sad. But then, I snap out of it and I go about my real life, completely putting aside the simulated ones.

I've done this with a number of things in my life. I know it's probably extremely unhealthy. Anyway, my latest obsession...Twilight. I never imagined I'd even want to read the series much less be obsessed with them. I can't get enough. I happily finished the first book in a couple of days, mostly because I was trying to be responsible and study in between reading chapters. I wanted to read it so I could see the movie opening night with my friend. Mission accomplished. I fell in love with the characters even more after watching the movie. Even though, the movie can't even begin to touch the excellence of the book.

So, I borrow the second book in the series, New Moon. I devour it in a matter of a day. I couldn't put it down. It helped that the day out was gloomy and the family was lounging around anyway, which gave me the perfect excuse to waste my day reading. After finishing New Moon, I couldn't sit still, I needed to get the third book, Eclipse. I merely wanted to have it on hand, "so I could read a chapter here and there" is what I kept telling myself and my wonderful sympathetic husband. Ya know, in between laundry and studying.

I'm not sure Mike quite understands my obsessions but I'm sure his love for me is blind because he took pity on me and drove me around town trying to track down the book. It was out of stock every where we went. I was just about to give up hope, when I noticed the Kmart, "Does anyone really shop there? I bet they'll have it. Let's try there." Mike and the kids drop me off at the door before parking to wait. Instead of aimlessly wandering around the Kmart in search of the book section, I ask a sales associate who points me in the right direction.

It was all I had in me not to sprint across the store. As I approached the book section, which was a one rack display with books on both sides but smaller than my bookshelf at home, I begin to prepare myself for the let down. I decided to go ahead and check. I circled the little book display not seeing anything worth purchasing and began to accept defeat, when THERE IT WAS. The thick 629 page book and its black cover are donning the torn red ribbon majestically. It was out of place and the only book there written by Stephenie Meyer. I stopped breathing for a second and smile from ear to ear. I wanted to jump up and down squealing in delight but I contained myself. The book could have had dog poop smeared on it and I would have gladly still purchased it, along with some Clorox wipes, of course.

Obsessed is putting it mildly.

One Word

2008-11-29T08:43:00.002-06:00

These are fun. I don't really have many blogger friends to tag. So, if you read this and your interested, feel free to snag it. Just be sure to leave me a comment so I can read yours. ;o)

TYPE ONLY 1 WORD.
1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your significant other? loving
3. Your hair? ponytail
4. Your mother? cancer
5. Your father? dorky
6. Your favorite thing? socks
7. Your dream last night? nothing
8. Your favorite drink? coffee
9. Your dream/goal? contentment
10. The room you're in? living
11. Your fear? loss
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? graduated
13. Where were you last night? dining
14. What you're not? heartless
15. Muffins? cupcakes
16. One of your wish list items: book
17. Where you grew up. Louisiana
18. The last shopping you did? Christmas
1 9. What are you wearing? pajamas
20. Your TV? off
21. Your pet? love
22. Your computer? purple
23. Your life? blessed
24. Lost any Emails? unsure
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Your car? dirty
27. Something you're not wearing? make-up
28. Favorite Store? AE
29. Your summer? awesome
30. Your favorite color? pink
31. When is the last time you laughed? today
32. Last time you cried? 24th

Now it's 4 answers
34. FOUR PEOPLE WHO E-MAIL ME: Theresa, Bridget, Nancy, Andrea
35. FOUR OF MY FAVORITE FOODS: popcorn, chicken, tacos, sweet potatoes
36. FOUR PLACES I WOULD RATHER BE RIGHT NOW? bed, Indiana, Hawaii, Germany
37. FOUR PEOPLE I THINK WILL RESPOND. Cheri, Stephanie, Laura, and You :o)

Black Friday

2008-11-28T03:36:00.004-06:00

Yes, I woke up at 3am to go shopping. What am I thinking? I don't think I'm as dedicated to the whole Black Friday thing considering I'm still in my pjs at the computer reading other people's blogs and blogging. It's just very rare that it's so quiet in the house. It's lovely. I might try the waking up early thing another day but maybe not so early next time. Well, I'm off to join in the madness at the shops. Wish me God speed. I'll need it.

More than Enough Part 2: Graphic Image

2008-11-27T08:41:00.002-06:00

I don't think I need to tell you all what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving. But I will. I'm so very thankful and humbled by the fact that I have my family together this Thanksgiving. My husband is home and going to get stuffed on ham, stuffing and green rice. My brother is here with his girlfriend and my precious niece. So much to be thankful for today.

The following was an entry on my caring bridge journal:

MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2008 08:01 AM
When Mike had his surgery last week, the surgeons had to lay him face down in order to get to the artery in the back of his knee. Fluid built up in his face and when we saw him the next day he looked like Jay Leno's twin. The swelling has gone down but now he has a huge blister on his chin that is oozing something we won't discuss in great detail.

Yesterday, Mike's mom made a nice Easter dinner and brought it to the hospital for me, Mike and the kids to enjoy. Something was mentioned about Mike's chin and Job wanted to know what happened. The following is the conversation that took place.

Job: Yeah Dad, what happened to your chin?

Mike: Well, when I had surgery the other day the doctors had to roll me on my belly and I was face down on the table...(he continues explaining for what seemed like way too long to Job.)

Job: (brief silence as if he's going to say something about it, then he asks...) Can I have another piece of ham?

Mike: Well, at least they still have their appetites.

Having the kids here definitely makes life sweeter. Mike is still able to smile through all the pain and the kids are able to see that daddy is going to be OK. I won't lie and say it's a piece of cake. Things have been tough. I think it's important for me to give a good report here, but the reality of the matter is that Mike hasn't gotten out of the hospital bed since March 4, with the exception of sliding into a hospital chair or onto some sort of medical contraption.

I keep hearing that 'he's going to make a 100% recovery' and 'he's healing nicely,' and 'you'll be home in no time.' Of course, no one has mentioned whether or not that will be before or after he's able to walk again. Mike doesn't complain. I think I do enough of that for both of us. He wants to go home and that's all he's concentrating on. I want him to do all the things he did before the incident and that's all I'm focusing on.

When Mike signed his name on the line to enter a life of service to the government, no one had to mention the price he was about to pay. He knew. I knew. Yet, we certainly weren't prepared for any of this. Many have mentioned how lucky Mike was to come out of this alive, but I don't consider it luck at all. Contrary to what some may think, God is still very much a part of our lives. It's taken me years to realize that bad things still happen to God's children and not because they deserve it or because they're living in sin (insert eye roll) but because we need to experience even the most horrid of tragedies in order to be there for one another.

I certainly can't own this tragedy. This is Mike's tragedy. He experienced it. He's living it. I'm simply going to be there for him while he's going through it. I appreciate all of you out there, who are thinking of him and aching for him. Even though, you can't be here with him, you're still there for him and his knowing that is making the road to recovery a lot less bumpy.

Mike's leg after partial closure of fasciotomy. March 2008.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

More than enough.

2008-11-23T00:34:00.007-06:00

November is the month of Thanksgiving. December is Christmas and January brings with it a new year. I love the end of the year. Not only does it give me a good reason to wear adorable scarves and comfy sweaters, but I'm also able to put the crud of the old year behind me and start anew. This year has been rough for a number of reasons. I'll share.

Reason #1: The biggest doozie of them all. My husband was injured while serving in Iraq. It's something that was life changing and covers us like a soggy wet blanket. Things are getting better, but the reality of how fragile we are smacked my family in the face this year and it's going to take awhile (who knows how long) to recover. My husband is recovery well physically. Emotionally? We're all still working on that part. Fortunately together.

This picture was taken at Walter Reed March 2008

I kept a journal on Caring Bridge and I thought I'd share some of it here. Most of the entries were emails sent to family and friends to update them on how Mike was doing after he was injured.

Tues. March 4, 2008 10:18pm
I'm not sure that all of you know the following information, but most of you do. I apologize for the abruptness of this email if you haven't heard. I wasn't able to call everyone. Mike was injured yesterday morning by a roadside bomb in Iraq. He was on foot, so his leg sustained most of the injury. He did have surgery almost immediately after the incident and they removed ~~all of the shrapnel~~(I was misinformed. He still has shrapnel throughout his body, but they did remove the stuff that was going to cause problems with veins and arteries). Most of the damage was to his veins in his left leg. Since that surgery, he has stabilized and moved to a hospital in Germany.

I was able to speak with him a couple of hours ago and he sounded in good spirits, considering. He has yet to walk on the injured leg and at this time we're not certain how long recovery will take but the doctor said he should make a full recovery. He did sustain injuries to his head and face, and he has stitches that will leave scarring. The doctor informed us that he will be flying out of Germany and heading to Walter Reed hospital on Friday. We're not certain at this time how long his stay will be there.

From Walter Reed he will travel back here to Fort Campbell, where he'll be in the hospital for an unknown duration. He will more than likely have many doctors appointments and much physical therapy, as well as counseling for himself and the family. Please keep us in your prayers. We're grateful for all the many prayers you've already said in our behalf. I'll try to keep you updated the best I can.

Thurs. March 6, 2008 10:21pm
Some of you may or may not have received my first email. If some of this information is repeat, I apologize. As you know, Mike was injured by a roadside bomb on Tuesday morning (our time). He is currently at Landstuhl Regional Hospital in Germany. He mentioned that the staff at Landstuhl are treating him like gold. He's in very good hands. He is tentatively scheduled to fly to Walter Reed in Washington D.C. tomorrow. When I spoke to him this morning, he sounded much better. The doctors have removed him from oxygen, which is a good sign considering most of his major injuries are vascular. Right now, he's in stable condition and his vitals are good. He is still listed as Seriously Injured and will remain in ICU. The army will make arrangements to fly me to Walter Reed as soon as he is on the plane from Germany. At this time, things could still change with his travels and mine, but I'll keep you all updated by email on his status. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. I've mentioned to Mike how concerned you all are and it has definitely lifted his spirits to know that you all care and love him. Thank you all so much.

Friday, March 07, 2008 10:22pm

I thought I would send a quick email to let you all know that I'll be flying out of Nashville this afternoon. Mike left Germany this morning and will arrive at Walter Reed this afternoon. I haven't spoken to him since last night but he was anxious to get back home. I'm not certain at this time how long I will be staying there with him, but my ticket is open ended. Job and Belle are staying with a friend here at Ft Campbell until I return. There are many things that are unknown to us right now and we covet your prayers. Thank you all so much for your caring words and loving thoughts. Hopefully, I'll be able to give you all good news before the weekend is out.

Needless to say, the four days I had to wait before I could get to where he was were the most emotional moments of my life. I suppose I hoped that I'd forget most of those moments. I haven't.

More to come. Along with Reason #2.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

HSM3

2008-11-08T17:35:00.006-06:00

I just have to blog about it! I can't believe I didn't go see it sooner. I took my daughter to see it today. Words can't begin to explain the expression on her face when I told her we were going to the movie theater to see it. She immediately wanted to call all of her friends to invite them with us. She's really sweet like that. So, we did. We called Mrs. Stephanie (because we knew she'd love it!) and Mrs. Cheri and Savana.

My favorite part was Belle trying to contain herself in her seat when she wanted to get up to dance and sing along with the movie. We should have, but there were people sitting behind us.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Update: I just realized how creepy I look in that picture. Conversation with 9year old...
Me: Do I look creepy in that picture?
Job: With the red eyes...you look kind of like a vampire.

Living in LaLa Land

2008-10-30T14:04:00.001-06:00

I don't want to grow up. I have bills, laundry, and meals to prepare. I have boo-boos to mend, and beds to make. Dishes to wash and a yard to mow. But more than anything I'd rather draw pictures on the pavement with side walk chalk and play hop scotch. I want to chase the ice cream truck down for a cherry screwball. I want to jump on a bike and pretend that it's a chariot whisking me away to a new kingdom that only I am able to rule. I want to twirl around in a flowing skirt to the sound of birds singing, until puking snaps me back to reality.

I wrote that almost 2 years ago. I didn't publish it. Probably because it wasn't a finished thought. I was obviously stressed out and not wanting to deal with the responsibilities of life in that moment. Reading it again, sounds like lots of fun. But my perspective has changed a bit. It's a little less selfish maybe. Now I'd rather make sure my children experience all of those things. At least in this moment, I want to make sure that their days aren't filled with homework, tasks and obligations. It's still I Have Wonderful Kids Awareness Month and I suppose I just needed a reminder that in the midst of all the chores and studying, I need to take a moment to teach them how to enjoy life. I need to let them visit LaLa Land every now and again.

Pumpkin Patch cupcakes

2008-10-24T15:14:00.004-06:00

I told my son last week that I'd make cupcakes to bring to his class for his birthday. Since his birthday fell on fall break week, we brought them today. So he's flipping through one of my cupcake books the other day and says to me, "Mom, if the werewolf cupcakes were too hard to make you can always make these." (pointing to the picture of the pumpkin patch cupcakes in the book) "Really?" I say. Then he continues, "But if you think those will be too hard for you too, then you can just make them plain." Oh no, you didn't kid! Did you just challenge your mother? Yes, I think he did. So, I made pumpkin patch cupcakes.

Some of his classmates were disappointment because I only managed to have time to make a dozen pumpkins. I underestimated how much time it would take to make them. Some of his classmates had to deal with plain old orange cupcakes with sprinkles. No fun at all. But they seemed to gobble them up just as quickly.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

Spooky. Scary.

2008-10-19T16:31:00.005-06:00

Werewolf cupcakes!

The kid loved his werewolf cupcakes. Super easy to make, but time consuming. I really want to make them for his class, but I have to seriously think about it before I commit. The ears and snout are marshmallows, cut and shaped. The eyes are m&ms, the nose is a chocolate covered raisin and the mouth is a fruit roll-up. My son couldn't even finish it because it was so sweet. So fun. If you're interested in making your own werewolf cupcakes, you can find the recipe in this book.

6 dozen cupcakes

2008-10-18T07:53:00.005-06:00

I made cupcakes late last night or early this morning, depending on how you look at it. A really nice person asked me to make them for a baby shower that she's giving her friend. I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was. I adore making cupcakes. I just didn't realize until last night, I was in way over my head. She picked this simple style and asked for pink and brown, the color scheme of the baby shower. "Of Course!" I say. "Easy Peasy," I say. Well, I certainly learned I have a lot to learn. It's one thing making a few dozen cupcakes to share with your husband's co-workers, or friends. It's entirely another thing to make them for a baby shower. For a precious little baby arriving. I just really wanted them to be perfect.

And now it's back to the kitchen aid mixer. My son's birthday is today and I'm making him some fabulously spooky cupcakes. He wants werewolf cupcakes and it IS his birthday. I may need a nap later.

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

A few things that made me smile this week.

2008-10-16T11:48:00.008-06:00

In the months that we've had our little yorkie-poo, Duke, our cat, Jinxy, has hated every second of his presence. The fact that Jinxy would stop hissing for even a moment to lick the top of Duke's head was either a sign of affection and coming to terms with their living arrangements or Duke just really needed a bath. Either way, it made me smile.

My husband. How can this picture not make me smile. :o)

This made a few people laugh out loud today. My husband is in bed after having surgery yesterday, but I had to leave him home alone with the kids, who are home for fall break, because I had class. I didn't just have class. I had two exams. Anyway, this was a little tidbit of what I came home to. Inventive and organized, I'd say. Obviously, what else would magnetic chip clips be made for.

Amazing

2008-10-08T18:56:00.001-06:00

I just had to share this!

Lasagna and Laughs

2008-10-07T20:02:00.003-06:00

I've been studying non-stop for 3 days. I'm not sure that I've retained much information but I'm positive that I'll at least recognize everything on the exam. Yesterday I decided we needed a break from chicken nuggets, so I was going to make lasagna. I finally got around to making it this evening and it was scrumptious. Mike even sat at the table with us. (Some days just do him in and he needs to keep his leg up, which usually means he's laying on the couch eating his dinner.) It was a good night. We conversed. The kids laughed until they threw up their lasagna. Good times.

Me: I forgot it was picture day.

Mike: Great! What'd the kids wear today?

Job: I wore a green shirt.

Belle: I wore this shirt.

Me: They're lucky they had their hair combed before school.

Belle: We looked like nerds. We were cupcakes!

Mike: Honey, I think you mean rag o' muffins.

Belle: Yeah!

Laughing begins. Job has to rush to the toilet. Laughter increases. Belle may need CPR. She's laughing so hard she can't breath. Mike and I just look at each other and grin.

Friends

2008-10-02T06:12:00.004-06:00

This is Belle's Best Friend, Khloe. Kloe's last day of school was yesterday. She's moving. Belle was so sad the day she found out, she came home in tears. We baked Khloe cupcakes and made her a card. I found out that Khloe is simply moving to another elementary school. So, they won't be in the same class anymore, which was a devastating reality for the girls, but they can still see each other from time to time. I love it that Belle loves her friends.

I Have Wonderful Kids Awareness Month

2008-09-30T18:28:00.003-06:00

With papers to write for school, midterms approaching, laundry to fold, meals to make, and dishes to scrub, I don't take enough time to get to know my kids. Mike and I get so many compliments about them from family, friends, and teachers. Everyone just loves a good dose of Job and Belle. They really are spectacular. I don't tell them nearly enough how wonderful they are. So, I'm declaring the month of October I Have Wonderful Kids Awareness Month.

10 Things I already know about Job
1. He's a Star Wars freak
2. He loves to blow bubbles with his gum
3. His favorite food is pizza
4. His lowest grade is a 92 average in his least favorite subject, Math
5. He loves creole seasoning on all his food (probably genetic)
6. He makes noises when he pretend fights causing spit to fly everywhere but he's totally in the zone
7. He can draw like nobody's business (at least for an 8 year old)
8. He has my dimples
9. He has his dad's sense of humor
10. He really does love his little sister, even though she pesters him

10 Things I already know about Belle
1. Her favorite color is pink
2. She can't sleep without a story before bed
3. She loves to sing, even in the middle of Wal-mart
4. Her heart is bigger than she realizes
5. She loves sweets
6. She looks like her dad with longer hair
7. She's reading like a pro even though she's seeing a speech therapist
8. She has to bring a purse with her everywhere she goes
9. She doesn't like seeing others sad or in pain
10. She really does love her big brother, even though she pesters him

Small World

2008-09-15T13:58:00.000-06:00

It always amazes me how small the world really is. I can meet someone in the ER at the hospital and a week later discover they live down the street from me and we attend the same aerobics class. That didn't happen, but you get my point.

Anyway, a few weeks back Mike and I went for sushi at a restaurant we frequent in town. Me being the weirdo that I am, whipped out my camera to take a picture. I just appreciate a nice looking plate of sushi. The sushi chef (I'm assuming that's what he was) asked for the plate back. When he gave it back to us it was nicely decorated with some greenery. Then he passed me another plate with two extra shrimp and said it was nice that I appreciated sushi decoration.

Today as I'm leaving microbiology lecture I hear someone say "Hey, did you get sushi a few weeks back and take pictures?" I look over and it's the sushi chef. We're in the same class. So, this may not seem all that weird, at least not compared to the fact that I had his picture, but this kind of thing has been happening to me a lot lately.

My lil' baker

2008-07-31T20:21:00.000-06:00

Today I let my six year old try her hand at baking some cupcakes. She had the most fun! Awhile back I bought a cupcake cookbook that was loaded with simple tips on cupcake baking. One of the tips I never fail to use. The book suggested a ziploc bag to fill the cupcake liners with cake batter. I showed my daughter this technique and she did an excellent job.

Leave it to me to mess up her fun. When I took her little minis out of the oven, I accidentally hit my hand on the hot oven door and when I jumped her cupcakes flew everywhere. One landed on the bottom of the oven and caught fire. It was a bit traumatic but we were able to salvage two of her minis for decorating.

I found this child size cupcake baking kit at Cracker Barrel. I spotted it awhile back and recently they placed all their cupcake deco on clearance. I usually have a hard time resisting anything so darn cute. I'm just glad she enjoys baking. From now on I think I'll be putting her to work in the kitchen. :)

Too Sweet!

2008-05-15T18:24:00.000-06:00

I have no clue what's possessed me with this insatiable urge to bake cupcakes. Little sugar demons? Possibly. I picked up this wonderful cupcake book after eyeballing it at my friend Bridget's house a couple weeks back. She said she bought it because not only did the recipes look easy but the outcome was adorable as well. She was right. Hello, Cupcake! I love it! The kids and I are going to make some silly faces next week. I'm sure I'll try my hand at the spaghetti and meatballs soon too.

Today I learn...

2008-04-22T18:25:00.006-06:00

...to appreciate time.

I shamefully admit that I deny my child the right to ride her bike on a warm spring day. This is not something that I like about myself. Since last summer I've had to explain to her that she couldn't ride her bike because it needed air in the tires. During the winter months, I could always use the weather as an excuse to keep from having to sit out in my front lawn to watch her ride her bike in circles around the cul de sac. Sitting out in the front lawn is not high on the priority list of things to do in my day. For her birthday, she got a brand new purple stream wearing, water bottle sportin', flower spindle decor Princess bicycle. Yes, that is a lot of adjectives.

The temperature got to 80 degrees today, so I prepared myself for her pleas. As soon as she stepped off the bus, she was ready to ride. I got out the "slow kids playing" sign and pulled a patio chair to the front yard. I decided I would take the opportunity to read. I was just complaining that I don't get to do enough reading. After all, my six year old is fully capable of pedaling her bike without me staring at her every muscle contracting as she rides. Yes, I used to be that neurotic. I've calmed down slightly.

I became so engrossed in my book that I hardly noticed my butt throbbing in pain from the numbness. I didn't think about what time it was. For 2 solid hours, as I listened to both of my children play racing games in the distance, I sat and read. I drank every word. The only thing that could have made it better was a lemonade with a little paper umbrella. The sunsets' warm rays beating against my leg brought me back to reality. I placed the bookmark in my book, pulled my chair back to the deck and called the kids to put their bikes away. It was time for dinner and baths. I've made a date with my book for Thursday. My daughter will be elated.

2008-04-19T08:04:00.005-06:00

I woke up this morning and decided that I wasn't using my life properly. It just seems so much of it is a complete waste. I love to read, so why don't I read more? I love to write, so why don't I write more? I love taking pictures, so why don't I? I'm wasting so many moments and not showing enough love.

Recently, my family was turned upside down by a tragic event. And even though it happened over a month ago and things are on the mend, I'm just now realizing how fragile our lives really are. I never want to imagine that the ones dearest to my heart can be gone in a blink, but it can happen. I feel fortunate that it didn't but it was too close for comfort.

On March 4, my husband was hit by an IED while deployed to Iraq. ~~I don't write much about us being a military family on my blog.~~ Scratch that. I usually don't like to write about it, but I certainly have more this deployment. I think I try to pretend we aren't. When my husband and I got married 10 years ago, the military was not going to be part of our futures. After having our children he signed and we moved here to Fort Campbell. My eight year old has been able to identify the types of helicopters flying overhead since he was four. My daughter was a year old when we moved here and has watched her father come and go from year long deployments all her little life. We are the epitome of an army family, whether I like to admit it or not.

My husband is doing well now. He spent a month at Walter Reed getting his leg worked on and shrapnel removed from his body. He'll make a 100% recovery after months of physical therapy. But he is still here with us. He's sleeping in on this cloudy Saturday morning. I'm fortunate that at any moment I can get up from my computer and walk to my bedroom and kiss him on the cheek. My life was shaken but it wasn't taken away. For that, I am thankful and reflective. I am ready to stop wasting my days.

My Valentine

2008-02-14T15:50:00.000-06:00

Today sucks. It's really just an over advertised hallmark holiday. Yet, somehow everyone freaks out. Bah Humbug!

Alright, so I'm a little jaded. I would love to have my special someone coming home from work with a card and flowers he stopped to pick up at the last minute, but instead I'm writing a stupid blog about how much today sucks.

Oh yeah, and my flowers that were supposed to be delivered after 2, aren't here yet. Poor guy can't even surprise me because he's in Iraq and I have all his money. lol

I love you, Mike.

Two Months Later

2008-01-25T15:20:00.006-06:00

I realized the other day that I had a blog just sitting on the internets. I should visit more often. I should do a lot of things more often. Like for instance, cook. I don't cook much anymore. I don't really do much of anything lately, other than go to class and wait for the kids to get off the bus. Life at its most mundane.

So, the presidential election is coming up. Yep. That's really all I have to say about that.

I don't really watch sports.

How about a picture....

This was taken when Mike came home for leave. He was here for 3 weeks, which felt like 3 minutes. He's now back in Iraq getting shot at and losing his friends to roadside bombs and small arms fire. I don't mention that in a cavalier way at all. It's not good there folks. Please pray for our troops.

The kids are getting big and smarter. Much smarter than me. They totally kick my butt on the Wii. I should practice while they're at school. I'm losing my cool mom status. Come to think of it, I don't think they've ever thought I was cool.

Thanks to SincerePhotography for taking the shot of my kids.

Veteran's Day

2007-11-12T09:53:00.000-06:00

Today, on Veteran's Day, my husband is attending a memorial service in Iraq because they lost a soldier a few days ago.

Most days I don't allow myself to think about where my husband is and what he's doing. I know, this sounds heartless. In my situation there's a fine line. I love my husband deeply, but to stay sane I do have to become heartless. I pray for him often but I can't torture myself with the thoughts of him never returning to us. Unfortunately, that's our reality.

I've heard the statement, "I just don't know how you do it" too many times to count. I think other army wives/spouses would agree that we do it the best way we can. For some of us, it's switching off emotion, for others it's immersing in the news. Some have just been at this for so long, it's old hat. Maybe, I need a pep talk from a military spouse 'veteran'.

We shouldn't forget about them today. All those wonderful women/men who kept their chins up day to day and pushed through the loneliness waiting for their soldiers to come home. They've been among us during every war throughout the ages, and they've been just as unappreciated as the soldiers were during Vietnam. Worse, they get overlooked.

So, I salute you today, the military veterans' spouses. Your soldiers deserve this day for remembrance and prayer, and today you deserve our utmost respect and prayers for giving just as much. You give your livelihood when you're soldier serves. You give your heart.