Drained...

What a day. We got up and hit the pool by 10:00. We got to stay until 11:30. We headed up for lunch and to change to take Mamaw to her surgery at 1:30. We got at the hospital and they were running behind... so after an hour in the waiting room with the boys, I decided to head home. In the midst of the waiting, AJ called and he will be home on September 8th- 19th for leave!!! The only bummer is that I will be back and work. But, hoping to take some time off. Anyway... I wanted to get home to see what ticket prices were. I found one for 280.00 that included taxes!! Yippy!! I decided to head out once again.. because my Mom assured me that the procedure only took 20 minutes. This was now 4:30 and I had heard an hour ago that Mamaw was heading into surgery. So we went and got something to eat and hit the Old Navy! Keegs exact words "Oh great. I know how you like Old Navy." I got Keegs uniform shirts, and some pants for Brady. I also got Fall jackets for the boys and a cute pair of shoes for me. Anyway, it was then 6:00, so I decided we better head to the hospital. The dr. had called my Mom to tell her all looked good and no surprises. So, we headed to the waiting room. No one was there when we got in there. So, I ventured out into the hallway with my Indians. We happened to run into her dr. (glad he had a name tag on). He said she was doing well and wrapped up in her blanket. She said that was the only thing she looked forward to was the warm blankets. He said she would be done in an hour or two. EGGGGHHHH! I had already been waiting how many hours. So, we sat in the waiting room w/o the bag of toys I brought. Because I thought for sure she would be done soon. So, I had my MP3 player and thought I could amuse them for a bit with that... then it died. They played taking my order for a bit... then got bored. So, we finally ventured out to the hall again and stopped the next person that went by. I asked if she worked surgery, she said she didn't but showed us how to open the door to go in and see what was going on. We did that... and sure enough there she was. We got to hang out with her for a bit. Brady was super amused with the automatic door.. geez. I finally had to take him to the car. The next thing I know Keeg is running in the parking deck looking for me. They got her dressed and must have sprinted to the car, because she was right behind me. After scolding him for running in a parking deck to look for me, we head off. Mamaw is doing well. I just got AJ's plane tickets bought! Hurray!!!! Well, I am drained.

Days gone by...

I can't believe how fast the last few days have gone. It seems I have been so busy catching up around here, the days have been flying by. We will head to MI for one last time this summer to take care of my grandma while she has her bladder procedure. My sister Jodi, is doing well. Yesterday they thought she had a cyst on her pancreas, which turned out to be nothing. I guess she was pretty nauseous today, but think it may be from the CT scan stuff she had to drink yesterday.

Today was filled with getting the lawn mowed, getting laundry done, and getting caught up on my volunteer work. When we had finished mowing, I noticed an elderly women leaving my porch. I opened the door and asked if I could help her. She introduced herself and said that she had just gone to church a few doors down and saw our "neat patriotic house". She said she passes by a lot and always wonders who lives there. She asked if we were the house with the deployed Marine and wanted to know where he was going. She thanked me for all we do to support him and all he does. She started to cry. It was so touching. She was so complementry of everything I was doing and was so sweet. It's amazing how God brings people around when you feel you need it the most.

I have only heard from AJ about 5 minutes each day. It usually is a "Hi", "How you doing". "Want to talk to the kids?" "Real quick." Oh well. At least I get to hear his voice.

Well Army Wives just came back on. I hope you all are doing well. Hope to hear from you all soon.

My sister.. Jodi

Yesterday was an eventful day. The boys and I set out to run errands. My sister Jodi, who is 19 called me paranoid that she couldn't get a hold of my Mom. She asked me to come by because she was having a racing heart and tingling in her arms and legs. I got there and called my Dad, because I didn't like the mix of symptoms. So, my Dad ended up taking her to the ER. After being in the ER for several hours they discovered a blood clot in her Lung. They are not sure what caused this. She will be in the hospital for at least 7 days. Of course, AJ is now in 29 Palms and we have very limited contact. I know that there is nothing he can do, but would have been nice to hear his voice last night.

Well, I am off to my KVN meeting for the Marines and then going to enjoy some time without my kids tonight.

Home!

We got home around 1 p.m. I thought we would hit the storms up north, but we only hit rain for about 10 minutes. Tonight we will head to some friends for dinner. Then, our friend Joe is taking Keegan bowling and mini golfing. He is looking forward to some guy time! Brady and I will just come back home and hang out. It's nice to be home, but now I see all that needs to be done before we leave again Monday. Next week will be the last time we will get away this summer. I can't believe it. School starts again in just a few weeks. Well, I better go.. I need to shower and get my kids cleaned up. They thought it would be cool to have marker tatoos on their arms. What a mess!

Still in MI..

I had planned to leave this morning, but the boys were pretty sad about leaving and wanted to go to the Kid's Museum. With the threat of bad weather up here, we decided to stay on more day. Yesterday my Mamaw found out she has to have a surgery next Tuesday to check out a spot on the bladder. They need to make sure that all is o.k. before they start the radiation which can make her have problems with the bladder. So, the boys and I will drive home tomorrow and come back Monday afternoon after swim lessons. We will then stay through the next weekend. I have to admit, i don't really even want to go home.. but a little break at home to get a few things done will be nice. Not to mention I have a girls night planned for Saturday... boy do I need it.
AJ heads to 29 Palms tomorrow. I guess cell service is horibble there and they will be spending a lot of time in the field- so we will get used to not talking to each other. He hopes to come home for a weekend in September, we thought maybe Labor Day but looks as is that will not happen.
Well, I have things to pick up and have to be on a conference call for a group of our Marines.

A Lazy Monday!

Keeg drinking "Beer".
Keeg said he had "Budweiser."
Brady loves lemons!
Hanging out and waiting for dinner!
Our beautiful view!

We had a great day. Mamaw had to get up and get to her Bladder doctor, so my sisters, my boys, and I made French Toast and hung out. We then went to the pool. We ended up coming back up to the house for lunch, then decided we all needed some retail therapy. So, we headed to the closest outlet mall. The boys were wonderful and Aunt Jamie spoiled them with some surprises. We then headed to a near by town to eat at the Harbor. It was so much fun. We sat right on the Harbor and most of us ordered Brick Oven Pizza, and others got burgers. We then drove by some of our old cottages that we stayed at and even one that I broke my collar bone at when I was just learning to walk. My sisters and I enjoyed a night drink and then it was time to watch Sandra Bullock's movie Premonition. Great Movie! Anyway.. my sisters head home tomorrow. The boys and I will stay another day or so. I haven't decided! Now that baseball is done.. we are pretty free the next couple of weeks. We are heading to our favorite beach tomorrow!

Fun at the beach!

We saw the Scooby Do Van at the beach!

What a stud!
Catching some rays with Aunt MeMe.
My other stud!
Mommy giving Brady a ride on the buggy board!

We drove to our favorite beach, about 15 minutes away only to get turned away because there was a festival going on. So, we went back to the beach near my grandma's house. It turned out to be a fun day!

Sisters

My sisters Jamie and Jodi came to MI yesterday. Here is a picture from this morning.

Blueberry picking!

It was a gorgeous day today. In the mid 70's. We went for a brief swim at the pool then we went blueberry picking. This is how it turned out:
I got 5 lbs!
Mamaw Grace got 4 lbs!
Mom got 3.4 lbs.
Keeg got 2.0 lbs.
Brady didn't get quite a pound, but he probably ate a pound! We had lots of fun!

In Michigan...

We had a wonderful trip up to MI. My Dad went with us, and we had both boys, my lab/german shephard mix, my Puggle, and my Dad's small dog all in my van. The dogs were PERFECT, the kids not so much! But, we made it safely. It has been cool up here, but a wonderful relief from the 90 plus we had at home last week. We hope to enjoy some sun and the pool today. The Lake would be a tad to cold today!

Not much like blogging.

It has been a crazy week. We all have just been trying to get readjusted to each other this week. The boys have not been the best behaved. I have been dealing with a lot of fighting, talking back, and tantrums. I got Keegan into his counselor today, so we will see if that helps. We are heading back to my Grandma's on Thursday and will stay almost a week. I am ready for the break away from the day to day and to spend some time with my parents, mamaw, kids, and sisters. It's been a LONG time we all have gone away with out our signifigant others.

AJ seems to be busy. He is going to 29 Palms on Advance Party next week. It is only 130 there right now. He still thinks he will not be going over until the end of September. We are still hoping for a break the first part of September.

Bracelets for AJ

Hello All. As many of you remember, on AJ's last deployments many of our family and friends wore bracelets with AJ's name on them to support him during his deployment. I am getting ready to order some again. They are 12.00 a piece with some shipping. If you are interested in buying one, let me know and I will order one for you. You can just send me a check. If you want to see what they look like, or want to order one for yourself you can use this site- https://www.herobracelets.org/xcart/customer/product.php?productid=6&cat=3&page= If I missed any one- please pass it on. I would like to order these by next Tuesday- so let me know. I am planning to get :

SSGT. AJ Conrad, USMC

Operation Iraqi Freedom 2007-2008 on them.

Another good read.

I just finished another wonderful book.
http://www.sharedcourage.com

What a day!!!!

I know that I have used this title before.. but it totally explains my day. Keegan is doing a St. Jude basketball camp all this week, so we have to get up and get going in the morning. Something that hasn't been easy for me this summer.

Brady and I dropped Keeg off then went to the teacher store to get some new things for the computer lab. He had to go potty in the middle of it, so we had to go next door to Krispy Creme. I wasn't going to by donuts.. Yeah right! Just seeing them and smelling them- I gave in. We finished our shopping, ate our donuts.. then headed to Old Navy. I had heard that things were even more marked down then a few weeks ago- so I can NEVER pass up an Old Navy sale. I got a few capris for work and a pair of camo pants. They are soooo cute- AJ will kill me.

We picked Keegan up then, had to go get the 4 inches of hair cut off of his head that where driving me insane. Of course, after that the boys were starving, so feeling guilty that they get fast food way to much lately, we decided to go to Subway. The line was so long, so I bit the bullet and took them inside. I told them to sit, while I ordered and ever few minutes I looked over and one of them was screaming. Geez.. I got mad and we took our food and left. They were not happy- but I was determined to make a point today! So, we ate lunch at my Mom and Dad's then had to go to Wal-mart. My most favorite thing to do with my boys-NOT! They actually were wonderful. I had to get cleaning stuff, and laundry stuff and got a little broom vac. As the lady was helping me load my cart, while my boys were once again touching each other, the cat litter came open. This poor lady, had to sweep it up, and walk back to the cat littler isle to get me another one. She gave it to me with a smile, but I could tell she looked like she wanted to pass out.

We got home, Brady fell asleep on the way home and actually stayed asleep. Instead of cleaning.. I took a break and layed on the couch, while Keegan rode his bike. While I was laying down, I thought that it was very unusual for my cell not to ring. Turns out- it hat shut off and had done it earlier in the day. I got a Razor last year and had nothing but problems. Especially since it is prone to moisture- Hello! We live in Illinois- there is humidity.

Anyone that knows me knows that my cell phone is one thing I can't live with out. I can walk away from my computer for a day or so- but not my phone. It is my lifeline to the world. Not to mention all my Marine families have it and EVERYONE that I need to stay connected with. I did have insurance on it, but didn't want to pay the 50.00 deductible to get another razor or a refurbished one. The ladies didn't try to talk me out of it- and I know they had others that were having problems with the razor even while I was in the store. After she tried to charge me over 350.00 for a new phone, I called the manager over and she ended up giving me the 2 year pricing, so I got a new phone for a bit more then I would have paid on the insurance and now I hopefully don't need to worry about this happening again. So, I have my new phone and I am happy.



I even got an unexpected check in the mail reinbursing us for overpaying our health insurance before AJ got activiated. Nice timing, so I didn't feel bad that I had to spend the money. Notice I said HAD to.

It is now 10:45, and I think my boys have just been asleep a half an hour. It was hot in the house, so I decided to turn the air back on even though it is suppose to get down to 50 tonight. I was not very happy with their constant calling me. So, hopefully they are out for the night!

Brady still is giving me a hard time. He said the funniest thing to me today. " Mommy.. Did you see Dad." I answered- "Yes". He said, " Did you tell him to come home." I responded, "Buddy Daddy still has lots of work to do, he is teaching his Marines." He then asked "will he come home?" Then, I had to explain again that maybe soon for a short visit. He asked, "But then will he come home again?" Poor Guy!

Back in the swing of things!

Well, I am back home and trying to get back into the swing of things. I got in late last night- and just trying to readjust to the whole 2 hour time difference. It is 10:45 and I feel like I should just be starting my night!

I had such a wonderful time with AJ. I apologize, but I don't have any more photos to share. AJ was very against me taking his picture at certain places, and we spent most of our time alone so we didn't have anyone to take pics. The kids are good for something on our trips =) Just kidding!

Anyway, we had an amazing week of reconnecting time. We got to laugh and just hang out. It was the time that we needed to get through the next year of craziness. I got to fall in love with him all over again. Something, that I love about the Marine Corps. It always gives us these little times to really appreciate what we have. I am so lucky to have found my husband and such a young age and to have two beautiful boys that remind me of him everyday. (The good and the bad!) He has such a huge heart and I love that he is not afraid to show it. We spent a lot of time visiting our old stomping grounds, seeing our old apartment, and him just teaching me things about being a Marine. We also ate all the Mexican that we could!!!

He told me several times that it is not that he wants to redeploy, but that he never felt right about sending his guys without him. I am so happy that he went ahead with his decision even though I don't want to be away from him.

Leaving wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I got sad the night before and would just start tearing up. I teared up at breakfast when he told me where he was going, and that he could be advanced party. It sounds horrible but, he dropped me off at the curb and it was quick and not drawn out.
Totally what we both needed. I cried for a minute, then had to quickly pull myself together to get checked in. I was so thankful he didn't go into work that morning and we had a few more hours to just be together.

Today was a bit tough. I had to get used to the whole time change and immediately had to start running the boys to their activities. Brady had swimming, Keeg had camp, then we had to find time to unpack, get the dog home, then head back to baseball. I of course had to mop my floor, clean my bathroom, and mow before I could feel that I accomplished all I needed to today. I know.. I didn't need to do all of that today, but I needed to stay busy and prove to myself that I can do this.

The good thing is that they think that they will get another week of leave in September. We have talked a lot about this and wondered if it would be more harmful, then beneficial but we both decided that if he gets the time off.. he will come home. We will call it "daddy's vacation" and make sure the boys know that it is just a short stay. But, my hope is that he will get to see the boys routines and meet their teachers. I hope that it will then make it just a seven month wait, instead of the 10 that it would have been.

Well, I'm going to lay in bed, unwind and try to get on my normal routine.

Having a blast!

We are having a blast in Ca. The weather actually hasn't been the prettiest, overcast and gets pretty cool. Not my idea of beach weather =) I know.. I need to enjoy it because it will be 90 plus when I get home. I do miss the boys and am ready to get back into a routine with them, however I don't want to say good bye again on Tuesday. AJ wil have to work tomorrow, so I will hang out with another wife that goes home tomorrow night. I will post pictures later and more about what we have been doing. Hope you all are well.

Happy 4th!

We are having a great time in CA. I got here late Tuesday night. Wednesday, we tried to get near a beach... yeah right. Even thought it was overcast, it was crazy everywhere. We spent the day driving through the base, went to Dana Point, then went back to San Diego Harbor to watch fireworks. We had to drive 2 hours back to our hotel after fireworks, due to the traffic. I don't miss CA traffic! Here are some photos from yesterday!

Heading to CA Early!

I woke up this morning and learned that Chicago was expecting severe storms tomorrow, I decided that I would try one last time to change my plane ticket and leave early. I had tried earlier in the week but they told me it would be over 500 dollars with a change fee. I for some reason thought that maybe today would be different. I called the airlines and just asked them what it would cost. She told me that it would be 1200 dollars. I then told her the situation. She went away for bit and came back on and asked me if I had a military ID. She said that they offer a military fare and I would just have to pay the difference. Something that was not offered to me either times before I had talked to the airlines. Then, she came back and told me that I had to pay a processing fee- 100.00. I didn't know what else to do, so I asked for a supervisor. The lady was so sweet, and I hated to do that- but I was determined to get on the flight TONIGHT! So, she came back and told me that the supervisor was busy but authorized me to switch with no fee. I did have to pay a bit of money- but totally worth it to avoid storms and get there tonight! We now are not paying for the hotel or rental car since he is staying off of base!

I thanked her and started crying on the phone. I don't think she really realized at that moment how badly I wanted to get there. AJ has been off since Sunday- but I think that he really needed some time to rest. I will now get to stay until Tuesday. He will be back at work,but I wouldn't mind a day to myself.


Well, I better get going. I need to be at the airport in a few hours. I hope everyone has a Happy 4th- I know I will now!

We are back.

My Dad came back with us. We had a very nice trip back. When we got back to our house, my Dad mowed my yard, while I got some stuff put away and washed the baseball uniform, I thought I did before we left.

I then had to run to the drill center to pick up 4th of July tickets for my family, then to Wal-mart to get their favorites to take to my parents. I still need to pack for my trip... so hard to figure out what I will need! We are off to baseball.