Cancun!

We are finally going to get our HONEYMOON! We bought tickets to Cancun today for our trip in June! We will get to start our trip off by seeing Kenny then fly out the next day! Yeah!

The Secret

A few weeks ago, I caught the end of the Oprah show. I don't want Oprah very often because, I don't like how she treated one of our Marine families, and I am usually not home in time to watch it. But, this day I got home to see the end. They were talking about the book, The Secret. I had remembered my Mom having it. I continued to listen to the show, and then heard about Oprah's new book club book. I got online and ordered A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose right away. Then I called my Mom and asked if she had The Secret. She said she would get me a copy. I guess her work was giving them out for people to read. I waited for abou 2 weeks to get my book, because any book endorsed by Oprah is sure to become a best seller. Anyway, I started reading it the other night. I honestly didn't get that far because I was pretty tired when I started it.

Well, my Mom gave me The Secret two nights ago. Last night, I was putting Brady to bed and started looking at it. I immediately found myself unable to put it down. I got him to bed and had to get back into it. I ended up putting it down about midnight so I could sleep, and then couldn't wait to start reading it this morning. I finished it this morning and have ordered a copy for AJ. I told him all about it and have my list started and am going to make my visualization board today! No more negative thinking for me. I realized that a lot of what isn't going right in my life is because I can be pretty negative. I need to visualize what I want and pray about it and be thankful for what I have. I think that everyone should read this book. I really was at a point my life where I was just feeling blah. I think that this has now given me the motivation to go forward with things that I have always wanted to do, but never really believed that I could. So... go get the book or watch the DVD. You won't regret it!

Jamie's Wedding Fiesta!

Brady in the chocolate fountain! Jamie's bridesmaids minus her sister in law.
Me and my sisters.
All of the sisters and Jamie kissing Dan.
Jamie and her fiesta hat!

Here are some pictures from the shower today!

New Pictures of the Boys!

Last Package!!

Today I put together AJ's last package. It included a new cell phone wrapped as a birthday present and just a few St. Patrick's Day things and some Easter candy. It felt so good to close the last box, fill out the last customs form, and say good-bye to that long address! Hurray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just a reminder that anyone wanting to send anything for his birthday needs to get it out by March 1st. That is AJ's cut off since he will be advanced party out of Iraq! I heard that the first group back(the group not with AJ) will send their advanced party out by the first of March. That just sounds wonderful, because I know AJ won't be to far behind. It will be hard to watch the other Marines come home because they all left here together, but we will get our turn soon enough after. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When did time start moving so fast?????

I'm trying to figure out where this week went and when time started just flying by. There was such a long period during this deployment that time just stood still. Now that I know better when AJ will be arriving in the states (not a date to come home just yet) time has been flying.

I am starting to panic about all of the things that I wanted to accomplish this deployment, and still have not done or started. I know he doesn't care either way, but each deployment I have always set a list of things I wanted to have done before he got home. This time, I wanted to get the bathroom done, get carpets cleaned, touch up paint on the trim in the living room, get the basement landing cleaned up, and just start weeding through the junk. We have all intentions of getting our house on the market sometime this year.

I also look at the backyard and all of the toys and stuff laying around that never made it into the shed. Also, the Christmas lights still sit in a pile on one of the porch chairs. So, after this weekend of shower activities... I need to start on my list. Not to mention, we will hopefully be able to put the winter clothes away in March. ** Any of you living in central IL know that we have had a horribly long winter filled with frigid temperatures and snow, so I am looking forward to flowers, grass.. yes I said grass (because I love to cut grass so much) and warm sun.

Totally off topic, but we were at a drive thru one day and the snow had melted for more then a two day stretch. Brady said, "Mom I see the grass!" I had to chuckle because everyday I walk out of the house and say I can't wait for Spring!!!

Anyway, the kids both had counseling this week. They have been fighting non stop. I was hoping a talk by the counselor would curb that, but they were right back to it today. The counselor blamed it on cabin fever and just February.

We had a minor emergency on the drive home today. I was on the interstate, when I looked in my rearview mirror to see Brady's face fill up with tears. All of a sudden, Keegan started yelling at me that Brady was bleeding. To curb an argument in the car, I gave Keeg my fiber bar and Brady the last of my Diet Coke. He had put his finger in the can, and had cut his finger. I had to stop on the side of the interstate and apply pressure. The whole time, trying to remain calm, but trying to think where I should take him incase it didn't stop. I did get it to stop, and had Keeg hold pressure while I drove 10 minutes to my Mom's to get a band-aid. It stopped after all of that, and seems to be o.k. But, talk about freak out!

Well, I better get going. AJ is suppose to get on tonight. I never am sure what time he will make it on. I am exhausted.. so I am hoping sooner then later.

Yuck!

Never in a million years did I think that I would be able to stomach helping someone throw up multiple times. Before I had kids, I would throw up at the thought of someone getting sick. Mr. Brady got sick 8-10 times this morning. I put him to bed last night with his first dose of antibiotic. His temp seemed to have gone down. I didn't sleep well last night, and found myself checking his forhead and Keeg's several times. When my alarm went off at 5:45, I dashed in there to find him burning up. I was in a panic because the child we carpool was also home sick. I had no idea how I would get Keeg to school. It's a 20 minute drive from my house. I quicky remembered that my sister in law had school today and possibly could take him. I sent her a text and she offered to drive him. Thanks Michelle! I am so glad that I did, because as Keegan was heading out the door, the throwing up began. I think it was due to him having his antibiotic on an empty stomach. Poor guy. Everytime we went to sit down, he had to run. He finally fell back asleep on me in the chair. I have to admit, it was nice to snuggle with him. He is not much of a snuggler any more. I was able to work on my Emails why he slept on my other arm. About noon, he was asking for more and more food. He was running around by 3:30. So, I was able to drop him off at my Mom's, get Keegan and get some much needed food in the house. It was really nice to go to Wal-mart by myself. It is amazing the things I don't forget when I am by myself. I also ran into an old friend. Jenny it was nice seeing you!

Anyway, the night went fast. With cooking dinner, getting homework done, and getting the house picked up. I haven't been to work since Thursday, so it will be hard to get up early and last a full day! At least it is a short week when I return.

Well, I better go. I bought a new book, that is currently in Oprah's book club. I was looking for something inspirational. I also have to edit the Family Readiness Newsletter so that it can be mailed out by early next week. Tomorrow will be a late night of basketball. I'm really not looking forward to leaving at 7 a.m and not getting home until after 9 tomorrow. Ugh!

It was really nice to have a four day weekend. Friday, Keegan and I made the trip to Champagin, to see the specialist. We found out that all is o.k. We will just increase his meds, and then see the specialist again in 6 months. It was a long day with the hour and half drive there and then hour and half drive back.

Saturday was pretty much just a day to regroup. Then, we went shopping for Jamie's shower. Sunday was spent by having lunch with the Lanchoneys, who were here visiting from CA. **Thank you for having lunch with us and playing Wii! *** Keeg and I headed to the concert later that evening. Brady got to have sleep over at my parents house. Then Sara Lanchoney came over and we enjoyed some great conversation and some much needed drinks!

I woke up at 7:45 this morning. I had to jump in the shower, because the guy was coming to do our tub at 8:30. Well, after I had washed my hair, I heard the door. He came early. Ugh... So I washed fast and sent Keeg to tell him just a minute. I threw on some sweats and ran to the door as I hear him telling the worker I was in the shower. I was so excited to have our tub done. Well, when the guy came in.. he decided that the sub floor was to soft to put the tub on it. He said that we needed to have the floor done before he would do the tub. I'm not exactly sure why the owner didn't discover that a month ago. I was pretty bummed. But, thanks to my future brother in law and cousin in law, they will do the floor for me and I can get the tub done the first week of March. I also had my consultation with the oral surgeon. I will have my wisdom teeth done March 20th. I'm a little nervous, but ready to just have it done so I don't have to mess with it when AJ gets home. I also got us upgraded to a DVR. I am usually all about the new technology, so I feel like I am way behind the times with it. I can't wait to be able to record my shows and watch them when the kids are in bed!!!

Brady had a fever today, and was complaining of an earache. I got a hold of the doctor, and got him an antibiotic. I think it is just an ear infection, and that he will be back to school tomorrow.

Jonas Brothers

Keeg and I went to the Jonas Brothers last night. I have to admit, it was a good show. I survived the screaming teenage girls. I was lucky, the section I was in was mostly Moms my age with their kids. So, not a lot of craziness going on. We left a few minutes yearly to start walking out. We were able to stop right by the stage to watch the end.



Our seats were awesome Jeff... Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Letter I've Been Waiting For!!!!

** After I posted this.. AJ said to stop sending his mail by March 1st. He will be ADV party to NC. His birthday is March 12th, so if you plan to send something I would send it by the end of this month.***

Family and Friends,

Well it is February, and we are closing in on our last full month of this deployment. The Marines have still been performing beyond their means, and I am as always impressed to say the least.

Over the last month, the Marines have continued their work in improving survivability, life support, and all around making Fallujah a better place. The Marines constructed a new 32’x32’ building, that will be offices and a briefing area for the Battalion commander, SgtMaj, and Battalion Executive officer. They are very pleased with the building. The Marines did such great work that the Battalion commander has praised them all over our area of operations. I think we will be getting calls from others to do some of the same work. With our work load already full, we will probably not get the chance, but it is nice to know that we are wanted for the outstanding work that your Marines do.

The attitude of the Marines remains positive. They all know that the end is coming soon and are counting down the days. I think this is the main reason they stay so focused, and keep the quality of work high.

I would like to pass on that around March 15th families should stop sending mail and packages. As it takes about a week or more to receive mail, we will be doing some moving. The Marines are very grateful for the support the families and friends have shown through this deployment.

As I close I would like to remind everyone that there is only one more update that you will receive. I have been proud to be able to update you on the progress of your Marines.

Thank you again for all your support, dedication, and prayers. You are the best home front any Marine could ask for.

Semper Fi,

SSgt Conrad

Yes We Can!

I heard about this on the radio yesterday. It is very touching! *Make sure you turn off the music on the playlist to here it*.
Yes We Can - Barack Obama Music Video

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Nails

I decided after a year without my acrylic nails, to have them done again with all the wedding festivities coming up. I had a gift certificate that needed to be used before it expired. So, this week I got my nails redone. Brady was the first to notice. He said, "Mom why do you have those nails on. Take them off right now. Those are like Jamie's? I don't like them." Leave it to my 4 year old =)

Valentine's Day from afar...

My Valentine's day was pretty quiet. I had to go back to work after 3 days of going to class. The kids were crazy and excited. My boys took me to our favorite pizza place, Monicals, for dinner. They were so proud that they took me on a date.

I just wanted to make sure I made a note of this Valentine's day. Many of us Marine Wives keep in contact on MySpace. We share pictures, send little comments, and just keep tabs on each other. There is a place to put the mood you are in and comments and it is a good way to tell if someone needs a little encouragement. Anyway.. there is also a place to change your profile picture. I thought it was so cool that all the wives I knew had taken some type of picture with their Valentine's day gifts. Many were of flowers, some had jewelry, and one even had a 9foot teddy bear. I just smiled when I thought of the use of technology and feel sorry for the Marine who forgot Valentine's day. Ugh!

Our Love Song

I thought this was an appropriate time to share my first chapter of that book I will someday finish. There are a few mistakes I saw and a place where I left a note to myself.


Our Love Song

Our Love Song started on December 22, 1994. I was just a junior in high school, and my Marine, AJ, was just a senior in high school. We had met several months prior, but I wanted nothing to do with his cocky ways. I hadn’t done much dating prior to our relationship, but always had the idea of being with someone who was very career and goal oriented. AJ at the time seem to have none of that. He had come from a single parent home and had lost his dad at the age of just 14. He seemed to just be loving life, and was interested in spending the money he got from his Dad’s untimely death, and wasn’t really thinking about what he wanted to do with his life. I had goals. I wanted to finish high school, go to college, and then after having an established career I wanted a husband and children.

In our first month of dating, AJ would tell people that I was the girl that he was going to marry someday. I would roll my eyes, because I had just met him. I couldn’t understand how he knew that already. That was so far down the road for me. After we started dating, I quickly found myself totally consumed by him. I didn’t want to spend a moment away from him. I would go to school and work, but then wanted to be with him in any spare moment I had.

It was just three short months that he gave me a promise ring. He had picked me up from work at the local mall. He had given me a jewelry box and told me to open it as he drove. I remember the exact intersection we were at in our hometown. I opened the box and dropped it. I couldn’t believe that I was 16 years old, and that he was giving me a promise ring. I didn’t even know what a promise ring was. When he gave it to me, he said that he knew that I was the one that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He wasn’t ready to get engaged, because we were much to young, but knew that at some point he would want to move to that next step.

AJ was approaching the end of his senior year. His Mom had to force him to go to school, and he was just getting by. He had been seen by a few college scouts, and had been asked to go to a local junior college to play football. But, the college life was so out of reach for him. He wasn’t disciplined enough to go that route. His older brother, Bob had gone into the Marine Corps a year prior, and he was starting to think that was the route he too wanted to take. AJ came from a line of Marines. His Grandfather, whom he adores, was a Marine for four years then made a career in the Navy. His father, also spent time as a Marine, and fought in Vietnam. He said that his Dad never talked much about his experience, but thought that it would also be a good fit for him. I didn’t know much about the Marine Corps. The only experience I had with the military was through my cousin Steve Boltz, who served in Operation Desert Storm when I was in seven grade. He became my pen pal. I remember feeling so sad that his kids couldn’t be with him at Christmas and couldn’t see how his wife could life with knowing he was in harms way.

AJ had been in and out of the recruiter’s office. He knew that he wanted me to be a part of his life, and decided that he needed to take me into the office so I could hear of the high life the recruiters were telling him the Marine Corps was. At that point in our relationship, I didn’t want to think of spending one day without him, I could understand how we would survive being away during boot camp.

After long talks, we decided that maybe he should just try something else after school got done. He got a full time job at a local hardware store. After doing that for a year, I knew that was not the life for him. He needed something more. It was during the end of my senior year in high school, that the talks turned back to the Marine Corps. We were much more serious, and he knew he had to do something to become more disciplined and to work towards a future together. Again, he took me back into the recruiting station. We decided that we needed to sell my parents on the idea. So, we asked the recruiter to come to dinner so that we could ask all the questions that we wanted. I remember it like it was yesterday. My mom made AJ’s favorite meal of chicken parmesan. My two very young sisters were at the table along with my parents. With my parent’s blessings, AJ decided to enlist.

We had decided that I needed to graduate from high school, and then go ahead with my goals of starting college. I did just that. I graduated and then immediately started college. We spent the summer together, and just fell more and more in love. I remember crying each time we were together, because I couldn’t imagine being so far way from him. I had always lived in our little Central Illinois town, California seemed a world away.

The summer turned into Fall. It was time to say good-bye. I remember having all of our friends out at his Mom’s house for a good-bye party. The same party we had a year prior for his other older brother, Bill. Both of his brothers were now in the Marine Corps, and AJ knew that is what he too needed to do. I remember the car ride to the recruiting station, and not wanting to let go. I couldn’t imagine not being able to talk to him anytime I needed to. I had no idea how I was going to survive. We had a large crowd of family and friends there to drop him off. I remember him holding me and saying that he needed me by his side. I remember him getting into the white van, and waving good bye as I cried. I had this feeling of loss as he pulled away. I had no idea what to do with myself. We had a lot of mutual friends, so I had them to lean on. But, not many of them understood. They hadn’t been in such a serious relationship, and had no idea what I was going through.

During his boot camp, I wrote him each and everyday. I would spray perfume on my letters and send pictures. I know that the drill instructors made him do push ups because he got so much mail. I am sure the perfumed letters, got an even greater response. The three months went pretty fast. I stayed busy with school and work at a local hardware store. AJ wrote when he could, but that was pretty scarce. I got a phone call one evening that was pretty quick. He had snuck a phone call to me while the drill instructors were busy. He could have gotten in so much trouble, but he was missing me terribly. In October of 1996, it was time to start planning our trip to California to see him graduate.
My Mom, his Mom, his sister, and I flew out to see him. We met his cousin, Adam in San Diego, along with his brothers Bill and Bob who were both stationed in California at the time. I was beside myself. I had missed him so much, and couldn’t wait to put my arms around him.

We got to San Diego a few days prior to the graduation. There were several events that led up to the graduation. The first day we went to the Recruit Depot to look around. His Mom had been there, two times prior so she was showing us around. We then took time to sight see downtown San Diego. The next night, we had the DI dinner. This is a time when all of the drill instructors are introduced and talk about what the recruits had been enduring.

We pulled into the parking lot. I was so nervous and excited to see AJ. After the DI dinner, I would see him for the first time in 3 months. As we walked into the theatre
I heard someone yell my name from a corner window. I knew immediately it was him. Again, he put his butt on the line in order for me to know that he saw me. I about died and couldn’t want to put my arms around him.

After listening to the DIs and having dinner, it was now time to see our recruits. I remember it being a chilly November evening. All of the recruits walked in with their platoons. They all looked the same. I thought I would never be able to pick him out of all of the recruits. After watching them all march in cadence with their crisp uniforms, it was now time for the recruits to find their loved ones. AJ found me immediately and grabbed me. After the initial hugs and kisses, he had to refrain from showing affection. I remember him looking so thin and all of a sudden a grown man. Not the young boy I had fallen in love with. I loved what I had seen.

In our letters during boot camp, we had discussed how we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. The separation was killing us. We had talked that if we were able to make it through the separation of boot camp that we wanted to be engaged after. I had looked at rings while at home, and then again at the Marine Corps exchange when we got to the recruit depot. I couldn’t wait to show AJ, when he got to spend some time with us what I had in mind.

The next day of our trip, was the graduation. Marine Corps graduations are held on Fridays. AJ’s was special because it fell on the Marine Corps birthday. At the time, I had no idea of the significance of the Marine Corps birthday and what it meant to a Marine. I remember his mom telling me that there was traditionally a Marine Corps ball. I couldn’t wait to find out more!

AJ had worked so hard in boot camp, and was named his platoon guide. He also had picked up the rank of Private First Class. A huge honor, because man recruits graduate as a Private. He was already starting to shine as a Marine. I could see that this was the life for him. He marched so proud and so stoically. The graduation was a beautiful ceremony. Because, it fell on the Marine Corps Birthday, there was more ceremony involved with this graduation. I remember just wanting it to be over, so that he could get into our car and just spend time with him away from the watchful eye of his drill instructors. After the ceremony, we did just that. We went and had lunch, and then went and looked around the Marine Corps Exchange. I had pointed out to him the rings I had seen the previous day. After looking around, he had me convinced that he wanted to wait to buy a ring until we got home. I a bit disappointed, left it at that. We then went to our hotel where other Marine families were staying. We just laid around and talked and hugged each other. I never wanted to let him go again. We talked a lot about how me being his side had motivated him and helped him get through the long days of boot camp. There came a point when, he told me to stay put and that he would be right back. When he came back, he came back in with his whole family and my Mom. I knew something was up. He asked me to come into the sitting area of our hotel room. He knelt down and opened up another ring box. He told me that he couldn’t live without me and that he needed me to be by his side to continue this journey. I remember being so shocked, because he had me convinced that I was going to need to wait. Little did I know he had purchased my ring and asked my Dad for my hand in marriage. He was just 19, and I was just turning 18 the following week.

I proudly wore his ring, and couldn’t wait to get home to show all of my friends. I now got to plan a wedding and was one step closer to never having to be apart from him. Little did I know or understand that the Marine Corps would be full of separations. But, I was naïve and didn’t have a care in the world, as long as my Marine was by my side.

We flew home just two days later. I went back to school at the local college, and got to share my story with all of my young friends. Everyone was so jealous of my gorgeous ring, and was so happy for us. We immediately started talking about wedding plans. We had set the date to be in July the next year. We made appointments with my local priest and started sketching everything out.

During our first meeting with the priest, he discussed with us what the Catholic Church’s thoughts on marriage where. He interviewed us both separately and together. We then had to take a compatibility test. After taking the test, we scored higher then any other couple he had seen, and said he was very surprised at how compatible we were and how we had the same ideas about entering into our life together. However, he thought that we because we were so young and because of his situation in the military he could not marry us. I was devastated. I wanted nothing more then to marry my Marine, but to marry my Marine in the parish that I grew up in and loved. There were calls to the Bishop’s office and to the Pastor of the parish, pleaing to marry us. Our parents had to come in and talk with the Pastor. We knew we wanted to be married, and we were going to do it no matter how we had to, even if that meant by a justice of the peace. After this long stressful process, the Pastor decided to over rule his assistance decision, and decided to marry us the next July. I felt such a sigh of relief.

AJ had to leave to start attending his first school, the School of Infantry. That was just *(check time). This is where Infantry Marines learn their combat and weapon skills. This meant nothing to me at the time. Our country was at a time of peace. I didn’t understand why he would need to learn those skills. He was a Marine, but Marines were only used for peace keeping. It was great to be young and naïve.

Happy Birthday Jodi!

My littlest sister turned 20 today! It doesn't seem possible. We love you Jodi!

Kenny at Soldier Field!

As I was talking to AJ tonight via webcam.. we were able to prebuy Kenny Chesney tickets to his show in June at Soldier Field! It won't compare to getting to touch him at the last concert, but it will be an awesome experience that I get to share with AJ!

A Valentine's Day Surprise!

I've lost my head....

I have lost my head. Has anyone seen it? I think that this class has officially used every once of brain power that I have.

We woke up today... everyone was happy. We got out the door nicely. We even had time to read a book before everyone headed out the door. My day went well. I learned a lot today and didn't feel a bit overwhelmed. I even found out that after I am done with these classes, I can take a test and be Microsoft certified.

I ran into our IT guy at the college, and asked him about the testing and asked what I would have to do if I ever wanted to teach adults. He said that if I wanted to teach there, that I pretty much just needed to be certified. I became excited about that, and am thinking that might be a nice addition to our income. We will see.

At lunch, I got another call from the Marines wanting me to interview in CA. I didn't even call the lady back yet, because the timing is just not right. It was nice to hear that they still were very interested in me though. I just wish that they would pay my way out there, so I could at least see what it is all about. But, I am content with my decision to stay here in Illinois and see what other options might be available to me (like the adult teaching).

Anyway, back to loosing my head. I looked at my calendar at around 1 this afternoon. I noticed I had a basketball game written down for Keegan tonight. I became completly overwhelmed at the fact that I wouldn't get out of class until after 4 and still had to pick the boys up and somehow get them fed and get home to get the uniform. I made it all work, only to find out that the game is tomorrow. Keegan had taken half of Brady's valetines to school. Brady must have taken another bag to school already with half of his. Ugh! But, we found Keegans and I think that once I send the rest of Brady's to school the problem will be solved.

My head is just pounding. I think I will lay in bed here for the rest of the night. Of course, after I finish my dishes and a load of laundry. It is never ending. We also were blessed with a few inches of snow today. I am so SICK of snow and so ready for the SUN! At least some fake sun this week. I think it would do me a world of good.

I promise my next few blogs won't be so negative. Sometimes I feel all I do is rant and rave on here. But, I guess I created this for my outlet. Mission Accomplished.

Keep swimming.. Keep swimming

I haven't felt much like blogging the past week. I feel like time is standing still and really not a whole lot of exciting things going on. Winter keeps showing its ugly face.. and I am just tired of it. I am ready for flowers and warm sun. This time of year, we usually have a Florida trip to look forward to. This year, we decided to skip it in hopes of taking the kids somewhere when AJ returns, and hopefully we can get away for a few days by ourselves. We will see how it all turns out as the time gets closer to AJ returning.

I am taking a four day Excel class at the local community college this week. I had to write up a proposal to use title money, and it was approved. I was hesitant on taking the first day of the class, but there was a lot of little things I didn't know that I am now glad I had as I head into the next 3 days. It is a nice break from the classroom, and I am already getting ideas for my next project with my older students. I am sure my brain will be fried by Thursday afternoon. Friday, Keegan doesn't have school because we have a teacher retreat. He has to go see a specialist an hour and half away on Friday, so I will be missing the retreat. We will see what the specialst says and where we go from here. He has had constipation problems since he was 3, and I am just growing tired with dealing with it. Hopefully we get confirmation that there is nothing going on and it is simply him just not wanting to take the time.

Brady woke up in a rotten mood today. We stayed up late watching the Marine on The Extreme Home Make Over last night. So, I am sure that had something to do with it. I litterally had to put his feet on the ground today and he just wasn't wanting to get going. He reminds me a lot of AJ in that matter. I ended up having to take him to school, he wouldn't have anything with the carpool today. He was late to school, and Keegan forgot his backpack. After sitting in my class, I realized that I hadn't send his pillow and blanket back to school for nap. Luckily, my Dad was around today and he was able to run it over. It was just one of those days, when we all needed to go back to bed and try again.

Other then that, we are just getting through each day. I find myself missing AJ a lot in the evenings. I think that the end is almost close enough to touch, but still seems so far away. I think his work load is slowing a bit, and his internet is back up after being down for a few weeks. Communication has been better this week, and I always seem to do better when I get my daily Emails.

Well, I am going to turn on the news and hopefully fall asleep. Getting to sleep at a decent time, becomes a struggle once again. I just can't unwind. But, once I get to sleep.. there is no waking me.

In love halfway around the world....

New Pics

This picture took my breath away. Aj is next to the guy with the kevlar helmet on. In charge!

AJ and Page
Haha! AJ looks like he is on vacation!

Thanks Edina for these pics!

Catching Up.....

I have lots to get caught up on. The past few days have been a whirlwind. Friday as I was on the phone with AJ, I got a call from Camp Pendelton, CA that they wanted me to come and interview for a Family Readiness position. I knew it was going to make my family upset, so I didn't want to tell them. They wanted me to be in CA on Thursday, but they weren't going to pay my way. It was going to cost me aboug $1000 just to fly and stay for the couple of days. I told AJ all along that all I wanted out of this was to get an interview. It is my dream job. I love working with Marine families, but realized that my boys need my family here. I guess if I am called to do this job someday, it will come up again. I am not unhappy with my current job, but I just wanted this to all workout somehow. I got a call for the interview, and I feel that was an accomplishment. The timing is just not right. I couldn't possibly think of packing, moving, and trying to sell our house in the next few months. AJ wanted me to go for the interview, but I just couldn't see spending that much money, to maybe only have to fly back a few weeks later.

Saturday we had a Marine Family Day. We had debriefings, banner making, and a dinner. It was a great girls night out. We laughed so hard all night. I really needed that.

The Girls

Marine Wives My Girls! Shan and Jess

Me, Tawnya, Jess

We had thundersnow yesterday. It was crazy. It snowed with thunder and lightening. We got about 4 inches in 2 hours. I had ventured out with the boys to get some groceries and had decided to make dinner at my Moms. As soon as we got there it started to snow. I think it caught everyone off guard. So, I had about a foot of snow in my yard, before some melted today with the warm up. It left us with very dense fog. I have never been so scared in my life. There was a major accident on our route home. I couldn't even see the cop who was redirecting traffic. They made me turn on a side road. It would have been perfect, only I didn't know where I was going because I couldn't see 1 foot in front of me. Luckily, there was a group of cars following me. I came to a road, I thought was the main road that I needed, but it wasn't. I pulled off to the side and asked the man behind me to please get me to our town. He was so sweet. He said he had been trying to get his GPS to work, but was having a hard time with it. He got me to the main road, and made sure I got to where I needed to go. I was freaked that I would get lost and not be able to tell people where I was to be found. I guess it is a good thing my phone has a GPS locator on it and my van has ONSTAR. Someone would have found us. But, something I NEVER want to experience again.

Don't forget to vote tomorrow. Go OBAMA!!!!

Snow Day!!!!!!!! January is OVER!

I woke up this a.m. to my phone ringing at 5:00 a.m. It was my SNOW Day call! I was hoping for one yesterday, but it sounded like we were only going to get a few inches. The storm turned and dumped anywhere from 4-8 inches in the area. I think we got around 6. I'm looking forward to getting things put away and taking a long winter NAP! Did I mention... January is OVER!