Just Hanging out!

Well it is 7:30 MI time, and I am the only one up. I have found that I love this time of the day. I think it will be my saving grace when AJ is gone. It is a great time to catch up on E-mail, get a cup of coffee, and just hang out. I told the boys that they couldn't come out of their room until the clock says 8:00, so hopefully this weekend that will work and it will continue when we get home.

We got up here pretty late, so just enough time to hang out. The boys want to go to the beach today, but the water is only 54 degrees so there will be no swimming! We hear the pool is nicely heated.

Well.. the 8:00 alarm thing didn't work.. here came my boys!

AJ told me that he will be leaving Thursday night now. It made me said, because that is only a week away now. He thinks me might just be in NC for a few weeks then now go directly to Camp Pendelton, instead of spending time in the desert or "dessert" as Brady says.

Well, guess it is time to get the day going. I hope to post pictures later today!

AJ's coming home!! (Early!)

I got a call from AJ this morning, and he was frustrated that the ammo he needed to train with today was not available. I called him a bit later to ask where his swimsuit was so that I could pack it. He said that he had to go and would talk to me later. I knew something was up. He called back and sounded calmer. He told me he was done for the day- this was 9 a.m. I asked him why they just didn't come home today. He said, "Actually we are!" The buses were on the way up to get them and they will be home around midnight. I don't think that anything has ever gone on time with the Marine Corps.. never EARLY! So, we may actually get on the road by mid afternoon tomorrow to head to the beach!! It has been a long long week.I hope I don't crash the whole weekend. There is something about the MI air and the breeze off of the lake that makes everyone crash! Oh well.. I can't wait.

I have been running around like a crazy women today getting things picked up and packed. Not to mention my Puggle ate a RED marker and I have been scrubbing it out of the carpet all day! ERr... It looks better but still there. Any suggestions???

Take Me Out to the Game!

Today I took the boys to see our Chicago Cub affiliate team play.

It was military appreciation day, and a double header. The day started with rain, then quickly moved to sun and went up 20 degrees while were there. By the time we left it was 87 degrees and very humid! The boys had a great time. They were more impressed with the Army tank and the playground in the outfield then the actual game. They also got to meet one our injured Marines, Ty Ziegel. (click here to read more about him.) You may have seen him on Oprah or in People Magazine. I thought it was important for Keeg and and Brayden to shake his hand and meet him. They both had a lot of questions and I think that was good. He really looks wonderful and threw out the first pitch. I think that he is a true inspiration to all of us, and I think it is important that my sons have people like Ty Ziegel to look up to.

Because of our few days of rain- my front yard was growing like a jungle, so it was time to mow. I didn't do so bad! The back yard needed to try out a bit, so I will tackle that tomorrow. It is really weird not having to get everything done today to go back to work tomorrow. I can let things wait until tomorrow.. because I have all day!!!! The kids are dying to get to the pool, so we will see if we can make it there.

Well, I am exhausted and wanting to get into my book I am reading. It is called A Year of Absence and it follows the lives of different Army wives through their first deployments in Iraq.
Hope you all had a great weekend. =)

Remembering...

Sgt. Bradley Korthaus

Cpl.Joshua Palmer



Cpl. Evan James

I wanted to include these Marine's pictures in my blog today. They are the reason that we have Memorial Day and we remember today. For those of you who know the story Cpl. James and Sgt. Korthaus were my husbands friends. AJ was on the mission and was one of those who made it across the canal. You can click on each of the their names to read their stories. Keep these Marines in your prayers today along with all of our Fallen Heroes.

Rain Rain Go Away!

It has been an icky rainy weekend. Although when I think of what Memorial Day weekend should be like, it probably should be rainy. I am sure sick of it and being trapped in the house. The boys are going nuts, however they are pulling out toys they haven't played with in awhile.

It has been a quiet weekend around here. No soccer! We had a baby shower for AJ's sister yesterday. She is having twins in August!

The boys went and saw Shrek with my Dad while I went to the shower.

Other then that, I have been working on getting my house back in order. As if it will ever last =) It seems as if during the school year, I accumulate piles. Piles of papers, clothes, etc. So, it will be nice to get everything put away! Although, it seems that my attention span is pretty short this week. I will set out on a task, then move to something else and it seems as if nothing ever gets completely done!

I was able to have a long conversation with AJ last night. It was nice to fill him in on everything since we have had very very brief conversations all week and a few txt messages. His training is going good. Everyone seems to be getting along. It has been rainy there all week as well, so it has made their training a little challenging. Other then that, he is ready to get home for his four days off.

The boys seem to be doing pretty good with everything. Brady has been attached to my hip. Keegan gets a smart mouth and whiny, but all and all they are adjusting well. We will see how we all do after AJ gets to spend a week and half home before leaving on the 8th. Part of me wishes we wouldn't have this short span home and just keep trucking ahead, but I am thankful we are given the opportunity to escape for a few days.

Well it seems as if I am rambling. I am putting off getting in the shower and getting ready for church. The boys and I will head into Peoria for church then pick up some groceries. I have let things run out this week that they have to have (OJ, waffles, and juice).

I hope you all have a Happy Memorial Day. We are hoping to head to a baseball game. I will post more later!

Our Flat Daddy Arrived!

Today we got our Flat Daddy. I have set up a new blog for this wonderful project! You can watch our adventures by going to www.conradflatdaddy.blogspot.com .I will also put the link on the bottom of this blog.

Memorial Day

A day filled with emotions...

The last day of school always brings a bag of mixed emotions for me. As a teacher you work so hard with your class and it seems it is all over in an instant. My classes become my own kids, so I hate to let them go. I cry every year! Today was filled with several good byes to coworkers including Keegan's wonderful teacher who will be staying home. That started the tears for me today. Then I had a very special parent come up and rethank me for teaching her 3 sons over the year. I had several other parents thank me after that and let me know that if I needed any help over the next few months... to call. I have a wonderful support system and I am so lucky. Anyway, I am so completely drained today from all the emotions. I look forward to a restful weekend.

I just heard that my grandma's surgery went well today. They did find a tumor in the uterus, but all looks well. She should be home Wednesday, just in time for our arrival. ( I am sure that is just what she will need with my two Indians and two furry Indians! )

I am going to go crash on the couch for the rest of the afternoon!

Photo of the month!

My wall made photo of the month at Wall Words Corporate.

Last full day of school!

Yeah! Today was a great day. I had to take Keegan to his counseling appointment this morning, so I got to go to work a bit late. Then, my class had game day today so they played all morning while I went through my piles and cleaned off my desk. We then had our end of the year party. My class was so generous. I have to brag! Forgive me! They got me gift certificates to all my favorite places! I got a 75.00 for Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, 15 to Cold Stone, 50 for Nails, 50 for New York and Company, and 15 for Starbucks and a beautiful double impatient basket. I am set! I got some of the nicest notes and a picture of myself with three brothers that I have had. I feel old! Well, I need to go to take a shower. Working in 80 plus degree heat all day then coming home to it, I feel dirty! I am holding out on my air because it is suppose to only be a high of 72 tomorrow!

Tomorrow is going to be filled with going to church, handing out report cards, a fajita bar, and margaritas at school after dismissal Yes, Catholic School teachers drink at school from time to time=)

Hump day

Today was a very productive day. I spent the day finishing up work with my students that needed to be finished then we worked on tearing the room down. It is just about done except for my corner and desk. That will take me all day tomorrow. I am letting my kids bring in their favorite game tomorrow, so they can have game day while I finish getting things put away. I am not going back next week!

Haven't really heard from AJ today. I did txt him this morning and got a nice txt back. But, when I was missing him late afternoon and called him I got "what very busy talk to you later" click. That hurt. Suddenly I realized that I once again took a backseat. But, I got through it and know that he didn't mean to make me sad.

The boys and I ran errands after work then got a 5.00 Little Ceasers pizza. I think I ate half myself. Then we decided we needed smores for dessert.
Him leaving hasn't stopped me eating =) So, they were excited we made stove top smores. Well, I am watching American Idol. I haven't gotten into it all season, but I like the last episode and to see past winners. My boys need to get to bed and I need to get my butt up to get somethings done.
More Later!

One day down!

Today went really fast. We had a full day field trip and then a soccer game. I had time to come home in between school and soccer so I got some laundry done and started cleaning out the dining room and my stuff for an upcoming garage sale. I was amazed how quickly I filled 5 garbage bags with stuff I need to get rid of. My motto now: If I haven't used it in a year, it goes! We will eventually move whether it is this year or after AJ is home and I am not moving all this crap! It is amazing how much junk you accumulate in 6 years!

I am exhausted. The fresh air has done me in. Not to mention getting up at 4:30. AJ called twice. So, that has been nice. I am trying to figure out my weekend plans. The plan was to go to MI this weekend. But, now my grandma is having surgery Friday. So, I may stay home and get stuff done around here. I promised Keegan a baseball game on Memorial Day if we stay home. So, we will see what the rest of the week brings. Right now hanging out at home with no soccer to go to sounds wonderful!

Well, I am off to an early bedtime. The past few weeks are catching up with me. I am so glad I worked my butt off last week and started tearing down my classroom and got my report cards done and stuffed.

Here we go.

Well it is 5:30 and I have been up an hour. AJ left about a half hour ago, and I thought that if I stayed in bed, maybe saying good bye for this initial part, wouldn't be so difficult. Yeah right! That is why I am wide away an hour and half before my alarm went off. You would think after ten years of marriage, 4 deployments, several work ups that saying good bye would get easier even if it is just for a week. I think reality hit this morning that my whole world is changing right now. AJ won't be just a cell phone call away when I need to ask him a question, or want to tell him something.

I am looking forward to a quick end of the week. We have a field trip today, so it will be nice not to be cooped up in the classroom all day. Thank you all for your kind words and E-mails this weekend. I know that I can do the next 9 months with all of your love and support.

The porch is done!

Except for a small part of the trim, AJ was able to get the porch and roof done. Whew!!! We had a great day. We got up and walked to church. We then headed into Dunlap to go eat at the Eagles Nest, but found it was closed for breakfast. We decided to go to Baker's Square. After waiting a really long time for our food- I think a half an hour. We were served. One of my parents from last year came in as we got our food. She came over and said "Hi Mrs. Conrad" and took our ticket. AJ thought that was the nicest thing, and told me how special I was that I got to hang with him and get my breakfast paid for!!! We got Brady's bike. I thought it was going to take him a long time to learn to ride it, but little did I know he was a speed demon! He rode like a champ, and it is all I could do to keep up behind him. That will be my daily work out I am sure this summer! Well, I need to go. AJ has his gear spread out all over the floor. I should offer to help. Have a good week! I know I will.. 4 and half more days of school!

The Last Day of Normalcy.

I am laying in bed next to my sleeping husband, thinking about how this is the last day of normalcy we will have for the next year. He looks so peaceful sleeping all curled up. I'd love to take a picture of him right now, but he would probably hit me!=)

We are off to church here in town and then to breakfast. We then will go bike shopping for Brady and get some play sand. I am also hoping for a Sunday nap. It's my Mom's birthday today,(HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!) so we are going over to their house to enjoy ribs tonight! I hope you all are enjoying your weekend. It is so gorgeous here. Mid 70's and sunny! AJ and I enjoyed the beautiful weather out on our porch until 10:30 last night.

Tomorrow it all begins...

We have flowers!

We had a morning filled with soccer, then we went and got our flowers. Our porch did not get done... long story. So, I put a request out for help. We will see what happens. AJ is very stressed right now with finishing up things around here and dealing with his Marines. He told me that he was ready to go today. But, I did get my flowers in! (Lt. Col you were right! Thanks for the advice =) )

Reading in Bed

AJ got this picture the other night.

New pictures

These are the photos from our session last weekend. They will be up until the 29th. Let me know if you want to order any of them.
http://www.shelliebenson.com/Conrad/

Life Saving Award

As if you all didn't know, my husband is my hero. He does things everyday that attest to that. I wanted to share with you all an award that he received the other day through the Peoria County Jail at the Sheriff's Department Awards night. AJ received a Life Saving Award. Here are the details:


"On the night of September 29th, you were in the intake area of the Jail. It was noticed that two inmates were not getting along in a holding room. The aggressive inmate was removed and was to be restrained for his own protection. As the inmate's aggression continued, Medical Assistance was called.

All of a sudden, the inmate went lifeless. Not knowing what was going on, the inmate was take to the Medical Complex of the Jail. Again, the inmate became aggressive for a time and lifeless again. As Medical was checking the inmate, he repeatedly became aggressive and then lifeless.

At one point, it was decided to apply the AED Monitor for the inmate's protection as it was unkown what was wrong and why he was acting in this manner. The AED monitor advised to shock the inmate as no vital signs were detected. The inmate was shocked and CPR was applied.

Medical Transport was called and the inmate was transported to the ER. A short time later the inmate died. It was determined that the inmate had swallowed a lethal amount of controlled substance before arrival to the jail.

Your efforts to save this inmate were truly commendable. Because of these efforts, the Jail Honors Board and the Peoria County Sheriff's Office are extremely proud to present you with this "Life Saving Award". "

Sincerely,
Michael D. McCoy
Peoria County Sheriff

Time.. Please slow down!

The week seems to be flying by, I can't believe that it is Thursday already. Why is it that when you want time to go the slowest, it seems to speed up? That is how I feel this week.

Part of me wants it to go fast, so that my summer can start next Friday, but then most of me wants it to slow down so that AJ isn't leaving on Tuesday. I have such mixed feelings right now. I honestly am ready to get things going. It seems as if it has been lingering over our heads for a while now.

At dinner last night we let the kids know that next week will be the start of everything. I really think Brady is going to be the most upset. He kept asking if AJ would be back and if he would be gone a long day. For a four year old, not seeing his Dad when he wakes up and goes to bed seems like a long day.

So, AJ has Friday off. I was feeling guilty that I didn't take the day off. But, realize that he has projects to finish around here that he can do better then with me around. So, I will work tomorrow. We are going to have dinner with AJ's sister (who is pregnant with twins) and her family that night. The rest of the weekend will be filled with soccer games then my Mom's birthday. I still am determined to get some flowers in this weekend. Although not having to maintain them sounds pretty nice this summer.

Well it's 6:15 and my alarm is going off. Yes... I'm in bed writing this. AJ left for work a bit ago and about 5:15 my lovely Puggle woke me up to go outside, and the proceeded to howl. I am sure that my neighbors love us! He continues to whine at me so that must mean he needs to go out once again. Darn dog!
Have a good day!

A good read

I just finished this book. Anyone looking for an inspirational story, this is a great book. It really made me realize the awesome medical care that our Military provides in Iraq and how love conquers all. http://www.amazon.com/Instant-Familys-Journey-Love-Healing/dp/1400066670

Wild Midwest Weather!

I woke up this morning and it was 75 degrees. I turned my air on yesterday because it was almost 90 and after working in it all day, I needed some relief. I decided to turn the air off before I went to work because I knew it was going to cool down. Little did I know by our 5:30 soccer games it would drop to 57 degrees! Needless to say, I dressed in capris and a short sleeved shirt this morning, thank goodness I have a sister who is a similar size and I stole her fleece and had a coat in my van to cover my bare legs!! Geez.. got to love the Midwest this time of year!

Other then that I have been running a mile a minute at work.I have been cleaning and organizing files (things I didn't do at the beginning of the year) while the kids are finishing up things we didn't get to yet this year. I decided to stay on top of closing up my room, so that I can be super organized at the start of the school year with AJ being gone.

AJ found out today that he is now leaving with a CA unit, and will be activated for training next Monday. He will go to WI for a week, then back the first week in June for a few days off. He will then leave June 8th. He said it will change again tomorrow, and if you have been keeping up on all of this through my blog.. you would agree. So, that is frustrating, I got a little bit of hope that he would be around through July, but then he would miss my sisters wedding. But, it would have taken a lot of the last minute stress off of us.

Yesterday he went to fix the one panel on the shower that needed to be put back on after our plumbing call. I call him on my way home and I knew he had gotten in over his head. He had all the panels off and was re green boarding it. I have to admit it was better then I had expected. I thought I would see the studs. So, tomorrow he is determined to get the rolled roofing done HIMSELF, would he call a friend.. nope! I just don't want to spend our last real weekend together doing stuff. I want to enjoy him. So, I may be putting a help request out if he can't get it done tomorrow night or Friday.

Well, I better get going. I am finally starting to warm up. Hope you all are having a great week.

Photo from Saturday

The photographer that took our pictures on Saturday, used our photo as her photo of the day. You can see it by going here: http://www.shelliebenson.blogspot.com/ I think we were day 100.

Yummy Recipe!

This is the recipe that many of you asked for from my friend, Marsha!

Cream Cheese ' n Herb Cucumber Bites

1/2 cup shredded carrots, divided
1/2 cup Philadelphia Chive & Onion Light Cream Cheese Spread
2 medium cucumbers, cut in half lengthwise, seeded

Remove 2 Tbsp. of carrots, set aside. Mix remaining carrots with the cream cheese spread until well blended.

Spoon evenly into hollowed out cucumbers.

Sprinkle with the reserved carrots. Cut each cucumber half into five pieces to serve, if desired.

Substitute
Prepare as directed using Philadelphia Roasted Garlic or Jalapeno Light Cream Cheese Spread.

Mother's Day!

What a great day! I hope all of you Mothers had a great day as well. My boys woke me up about 7. AJ got up and made cinnamon rolls and coffee and brought it to me in bed. We stayed in bed watching TV and looking at houses on the computer until about 9:30. Then, we went over to AJ's grandma's house and brought her brunch. We then came home for a few hours. I had an itch to get the side porch cleaned out and stuff put out for trash day. So, I did that along with cleaning out the laundry room. I then got to take a nap.

We decided to drive by a few houses that we had seen on the Internet. One was pretty neat, Dunlap School District, but in Peoria. It had a weird driveway and no garage. The garage was converted into a family room in the basement I guess. But, it had a neat wooded yard. We have decided that we would try to get some things done around here before AJ left and maybe put the word out around town that we would like to sell. Maybe we would get lucky and get some interest without pushing it on the market. It is a small 100 plus year house, and we think that there are not many houses on the market around here in this price range. So, it may go fast, or may sit on the market as most houses are right now around here. We will see. It would be nice to be closer to my parents during the deployment. Not to mention the 3.29 dollar gas is killing us with driving 40 miles a day a piece, sometimes twice that if we have activities to go back to . We will probably have to double our house payment to live in areas we want. That scares me, but I know that in a year Brady will be done with "daycare" and cutting down on gas alone will be an extra house payment. So, we will see. We need to get our house appraised at market value. We have a pretty good idea of what we can sell for, but you never know.

Well, I am beat. Two more weeks of school!! Yippy!

Waiting and Waiting

It is Saturday morning and I just got out of bed at 8 am! Yeah! AJ got up and went to help his brother mow, and Brady and I stayed in bed. It felt wonderful not having to wake up with the alarm.

AJ and I had fun on our date. We went to Johnny's Italian Steakhouse and splurged. We enjoyed an appetizer, a bottle of Moscoto Wine, and dinner. We then went and saw Spiderman 3. (Don't tell Keegan.) I really didn't like it as well as the others, and caught myself falling asleep at parts. (That must have been the wine!) We were home by 12. The boys really enjoyed their sitter.

We found out that my Mamaw's cancer seems to be contained in the uterus, so she will have it removed with the ovaries. Not sure if radiation is needed yet. The surgery is still up in the air, but may not happen until after Memorial Day. That would be nice, because they I can be up and help out so my Mom doesn't have to take the time off.

Things are so up in the air with AJ. When I finally feel like I can write dates down in my calendar. He found out the other day that his group of 36 will go with a unit on the East Coast. He was due to be on active duty with his Marines on the 21st to train for two months then head over by July/August. This unit they attach to doesn't plan to be over until early Fall. That means they wouldn't need them to start training until July. So, needless to say there is panic. Marines have turned in leases, quit jobs, gotten married and now are unsure where they will be in a week. They are working to get the guys on special orders until July (like AJ is doing now) but they calculated the cost to be under a half of million dollars. AJ isn't confident that it will fly. So, he seems to think they may keep him on special orders, but is worried about his Marines. He could go back to the county for two months ( they would love that after he has been gone for 2 months), but that would be horrible to readjust back to 3rd shift. So, now we sit and wait. Ideally the extra time home this summer would be nice, but then it just pushes everything back and he most likely would miss my sisters wedding in May. AJ's hope is maybe they will put him with another unit deploying sooner so they can stay on the same time schedule as the other 60 or so going to the west coast.

Well, I better get going. I need to make sure everyone has clothes for our picture session. It luckily is just up the street, so that will be nice. Love you all and enjoy your weekend!

Yeah.. Friday!

Wow! Where did that week go? It seems as if just the other day, I was sitting here complaining it was Monday. I guess thats the way we want it though!

AJ and I are going out tonight. We have our good friend Jeff coming to watch the boys. They are super excited! We don't have really any plans, just going to enjoy a nice dinner out and a few drinks after. Tomorrow we have soccer games and family pictures. Sunday, we will have brunch with AJ's grandma, then we will head to my Mom's for dinner. I am hoping to get some flowers planted this weekend.

Well, the sitter comes in two hours. I need to get my house dug out. I will post more later this weekend about Keegan's spring concert and whats going on with AJ. His date may change to go into Iraq, but I don't know details yet.

Mowing with Dad!

I wanted to share these pictures I took today. Brady loves to mow. He couldn't wait until AJ got home so he could go and help him! I couldn't resist taking these pictures when I saw how seriously he was helping!

I am feeling a TON better today. I got a lot of work done today and had my counseling session. I'm not crazy after all!

Spinning and Spinning.

That is how my head feels today! I suddenly began to panic that we have two weeks of school left after this week and grades need to be done next week! Where did this school year go? Not that I am complaining but I certainly have not been counting down the days this year, with AJ leaving for his first training on the 22nd of May. School ends the 25th. I know that my life will be easier once work is done and I have only the boys, the house, and my Marine work to focus on. Not to mention soccer will be done shortly after as well!

Tomorrow I am visiting a counselor. I decided that I didn't do counseling for Keegan or myself last deployment, and feel that I need to stay grounded this time and make sure I am mentally healthy so that my kids can have the best Mom I can be. I feel like they are the first to get my anger and frustration, and I know that is not fair. Up until this point, I have felt OK with all of this, but suddenly after seeing all of the anxious families at the Marine Family Day and realizing I have just a little over a full week of normalcy with AJ I'm scared and sad. I wish time would just stop now. I find myself withdrawing from some close friends and family this week ( one of the stages of predeployment). AJ and I have really done well and the predeployment arguing hasn't set in yet. I think we have just had so much going on with the kids and with the house, that there has been no time!

My Mamaw has her scan tomorrow to make sure that her cancer has not spread. Please say an extra prayer for her tomorrow! We really enjoyed her visit and Brady was sad to learn she left. But, he was ok when he realized she was just a drive away in MI.

We are having some family pictures done this Saturday. Sort of a predeployment ritual. I will post the proof link when I get it next week. I hope all of you are doing well. It is just 9:15, but I think I am calling it a night.

It's Monday =(

Mondays are the hardest. But, I got to sleep in until 7 today, because my sister is watching Brady today and AJ will take him. I needed it! We were so exhausted yesterday. We ordered a pizza when we got home for the family day. AJ and I ate in bed watching TV and the kids ate theirs in front of the TV. ( I know, Nice!) Oh well, we do that sometimes. AJ and I feel asleep for an hour after and the kids played nice with the playstation and rescue heroes. We sure did have a busy weekend! It was great to spend the weekend with our family though! Well back to work in a bit. Keegan has his May Crowning today, so I am hoping to get a little video to post.

What a day!

I hope you got to see the photos I posted from today.I also have a video that you can view by clicking on it below. I have a few others, but wanted to get those on first.

AJ and I woke up to a disaster! He went to go take a shower and had no water pressure. Come to find out a pipe broke. Of course a Saturday and First Communion Morning! But, we overcame and got out and to everything in time by taking showers at Michelle's and Mom's. We did call a plumber and 200.00 later everything is pretty much fixed except for the panel back on the shower. I keep thinking at least it didn't happen while AJ was gone. But, why today?? Oh well. We can take showers again carefully for the next few days.

The Communion was beautiful and the day turned out to be sunny and 70's after a morning rain. We shared the day with our wonderful family and local friends. I am home with the boys now and AJ is off to a retirement party.. always something! I am looking forward to getting things picked up tonight. Tomorrow we have AJ's Marine family day and deployment brief. We will take all the great grandparents with us for the day.

Well I better get going. Love you all!
Here is the big moment today!

Pictures from Today!

It's Friday!

Wow! Where did that week go! I enjoyed an extra personal day today. I had planned to get up and take Keegan to school, then Brady to his field trip. AJ took Keegan to school, so I had time to get the house dug out from the week and get some food ready for tomorrow.

Brady and I headed to his field trip, only to get caught in the rain. His field trip got rescheduled. So, I had Mamaw Grace watch him so I could get my pedicure! It was so wonderful.. Thank you Suzie! (I finally used the gift certificate I got for Christmas from my friend Suzie!)

Then it was to yard work at my Mom's. It rained all morning so we were not able to get out until 12:00. But, between Mamaw, Brady, Jamie, and I we got it dug out. We were all pretty exhausted! After a greasy meal of chicken, pasta, pizza, and salad we are now home.

I am ready to crash. We have a huge day tomorrow with Keegan's First Communion. It seems as if only yesterday he was being baptized. How they grow to fast! I dread the day he passes me in height. (Which won't be long and I am 5'9") .

Thanks for all of the wonderful comments you all have left me. I am glad you are enjoying this blog. At times, I wonder if anyone is reading.. but that is ok. I love getting to journal my day and it will be wonderful to look back on next year at this time!

Well, it is off to getting the boys ready for bed and maybe some updating on the Peoria Marines site. I love you all and keep Keegan in your prayers tomorrow! We are so excited he will be welcoming Jesus into his heart for the first time!

Busy Busy

What a crazy busy week! We have had soccer each night and First Communion practice last night. I barely have had a chance to sit down the past few nights! AJ also had to work late last night. The laundry was starting to get crazy, so I had to get a load in when we got home at 9 p.m. last night.

Brady and I went to the mall to look for a dress for me. After several stores, I found the perfect dress. We had to get Keegan, then at 7:30 I was taking them into Wal-mart to buy stuff for the party Saturday. They were pretty good and we were in and out in a half hour - RECORD!

Yesterday, our principal asked if anyone might want to move to 2nd Grade to teach. I am really thinking about it. I have been in First Grade for 6 years, and am feeling burnt out. I love the people I teach with, which will make it hard.. but I will just be around the corner from them still. I just feel like it has so many advantages next year. I would only have 17 kids. 5 kids I would have already had this year. I student taught in Second at this same school, so I know what to expect. I also have been through Second as a parent this year with Keegan. So, we will see. I asked my principal if I could tell him Monday. I am taking Friday off to get stuff set up and get a pedicure! Boy do I need one.

Well it is 6:45 and I have been letting the boys sleep in, but since we have to be out of the house in 45 minutes, I better get moving. Have a great day!

My Mamaw

As I told you all previously, my Mamaw is here. I love her to death. She has been one of my biggest inspirations. I only hope I can someday be the person she is. She found out today she has uterine cancer. She just got done with the bladder cancer. She will have her uterus removed in a few weeks. Please say a prayer for her.. I need her healthy and around more then ever with this upcoming deployment.

90's hits Illinois!

We all were waiting for warmer weather... well we got it. Yesterday we hit 90! The porch is pretty much done. Still need the rolled roofing and the clean up of course.=) But, after all the headaches.. I am glad it is done.

I took the boys for haircuts yesterday- and since I cut my hair a few weeks ago- I again went shorter with it stacked in the back and more angled on the sides. AJ just looks at me and asks why. He liked it long. But, I said " you were driving me crazy." He just laughed. He had originally said " I let you cut your hair." I responded, " I'm letting you go to Iraq." The argument was won!!

Anyway.. I am sitting here eating my breakfast, really not wanting to get going. Mamaw Grace is in town, and I'd rather play with her! But, I know that I have things to do at work and I must get going. Happy Tuesday!