Our Weekend

I figured I better post an update on our weekend. Thank you to all of you who kept us in you thoughts today and were so excited to hear how things went. It means a lot to me.

We started yesterday by shopping with the Marines for Toys for Tots. We filled 12 cars in a half an hour! We had a blast. You can see the news story by clicking here! We then headed out to Champaign. We were under a Ice Storm Advisory, so I was hesitant about going. I had made plans with one of my former Marine wife friends and her kids to meet at a hotel and catch up. We hadn't seen each other in two years, but we were able to pick up and leave off right where we ended. We had a blast. We were both pretty exhausted, because our hotel had a lot of craziness at night. We had to call security three times for different domestic disturbance. I think we finally got to sleep around 2. Luckily the kids never woke up. I will be writing a letter about the circus of a hotel. Anyway.. we got up and headed to the Freedom Calls site. We got there early and the family before us couldn't make it, so we ended up getting an hour!

The boys preformed their songs for AJ. Brady spelled for him and they just kept asking him questions. All of a sudden, Brady started crying. I could see it bothered AJ and I tried to comfort him quickly, but he pretty much wanted to stay in my lap the rest of the time and asking when it would be over. AJ and I both cried, but we were able to move on. We talked about what we wanted to do when he got home. The kids kept telling him they just wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese. He mentioned Disney to them, but they seemed content with just going to Chuck E. Cheese. They asked AJ what he wanted for Christmas. AJ said, "Just a plane ticket home."

He talked about his "home" there. Brady was confused by that.. and thought he meant he wasn't coming to our house again. So, we had to explain that. AJ pulled out his baggie of pictures and religous medals he carries with him. The boys thought it was funny to see all that he carries in his pocket. They also asked him where is wedding ring was. * I had nothing to do with that. * He doesn't wear it when he is deployed because of the risk of loosing a finger. So, the boys assured him it was o.k. that he didn't have it on and that they knew Daddy loved me anyway. * I have trained them well! *

Brady has been pretty upset on and off today, which surprised me. Keegan seems good with it. He didn't go right to sleep, so I am wondering what he is thinking.

All and all , I wouldn't have traded our time with him for the world. We had a safe drive home, and avoided the icy roads. I was able to have lunch with two other Marine wife friends and their kids too. It's just nice to be with people who understand your situation, and don't have to say anything. They just know. That is one huge minus for all of us reservist wives. We don't have that constant support from each other.

Well, I am so drained by all of this. I have spent the past two weeks helping to get this organized. It all went so smoothly, but I am exhausted. Back to work tomorrow. Two full weeks and then Christmas vacation. I just have a few little gifts to get, and maybe one or two things for the kids. Everything is pretty much wrapped. This year, it was gift bags! No fancy ribbon, etc.

I hope you all are well. Thank you for all of your sweet comments and txt messages today!