Last Post for May...

It's been a very busy weekend. Friday, I dropped Gyllian off at school, and Sam and I headed to the mall. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I NEVER shop for myself. I will go out intending to, but I always come back with clothes for my children (it's much more fun shopping for them). That day, I was on a mission. I first went to EMS (outdoors store) and found my new favorite pair of shoes. I got the KEEN Whispers, and am absolutely in love with them. I spent more than I normally do on anything, but they are so worth it. I next made my way to Aerie and purchased some "nessessities". I then went to Old Navy and purchased four tank tops and a pair of shorts. I did buy Sam something, but it was cheap. I was so proud of myself. Saturday we got up and made plans with my friend Kristi to go to the beach. It was the first sunny day we had in a while, and we were not going to waste it. We spent about three hours there and loved every minute of it.


A little while later, our friend Becky joined us.

After we left the beach we went home to get ready for a birthday party at the pool. Both kids had a blast! We were utterly exhausted when we got home. A think that is a sign we had a good time. Today (Sunday) was another beautiful day. If we didn't have another birthday party we would have gone to the beach again. In a couple of weeks, Gyllian will be out of school and we can spend everyday there. It's not as fun as it would be with daddy, but we're making the best of it. I got two emails from Kevin over the weekend. One was a little worrisome, and the next one set my mind to rest. I know he is ready to come home. It's hard to be away from each other, but he is doing his job. I am so proud of him.

Memorial Day Weekend...

I know it's been a while since I last posted anything, but it's been a busy weekend. Friday was spent with my friend Stacy. We were sitting outside enjoying the sunshine when my cell phone rang. "Unknown Number", it said. I answered it and it was Kevin! I honestly did not expect him to call while he was in this far away place. It was so wonderful to finally hear his voice. We talked for about 15 minutes or so, and hang up with a big "I LOVE YOU!" That night the kiddies and I hung out at Stacy's. There was a bonfire and good conversation all around. The kids had a blast as well.

My kids slept so well that night. It was the first full night of sleep that I have had in a long time. The next day was spent at home for the most part. Kevin called again, and Gyllian was able to talk to him. She was so excited. We went to Old Navy, and came right back home. That evening we had a birthday cookout to go to. So it was off to Kristi's we went. It was great fun!

Again, my kids slept very well that night. They didn't get up until late the next morning. Sunday we got up and went back to Kristi's for breakfast. Then it was to the neighborhood cookout we went. There were ribs, burgers, potato salad, Hannah's famous pasta salad, and so much more! After that it was to Stacy's for dinner. We had ziti and homemade meatballs. They were delicious! We got home a little after eight, and crashed. Yesterday was our chill day. I got up and started cleaning. Gyllian was up with me. Sam slept until almost ten! We then threw on our bathing suits and went to the splash park with our friend Torria. What a blast that was. It only took an hour, but Sam finally got into the water.

We came home, and had dinner. It was an early bedtime for them last night! We really crammed a lot of fun in this past weekend. Today it was back to the daily grind. Kevin called again today and it was really great to hear his voice. I miss him so much and can't wait for him to be home. Then I'll be able to write about the adventures we have as a WHOLE family.

Short, But Sweet...

This is going to be a short post. I will write more about my day tomorrow. I just had to say...HE CALLED! It was so good to hear his voice. We got to talk for about fifteen minutes. The only sad thing is that Gyllian was at school when he called. I hope he can call again tomorrow.

Thursday...

Today was just another day without Kevin. We started the day like any other by walking Gyllian to school. Afterwards we went to a playgroup with our FRG, and Sam got some much needed play time in. We started off on the swings (as usual).

We were all over the playground today. He is getting much braver, and mommy is getting a little more nervous. We found that tapping the poles with mommy's pen made a cool noise.

He REALLY likes the bouncy seats...

And today was his first time going down the big slide without mommy.

We played for a good hour before we decided to pack up and go home for lunch. After lunch, Sam went down for his nap, and I baked Susan a cake for her birthday. It wasn't much,but I figure it's the thought that counts (you'll recall that I am NOT much of a baker). We walked to pick Gyllian up from school, and came home to start dinner. After dinner, we surprised Susan with her cake. It took her so long to get to the house, that I had to blow out her candles because they were about to catch her cake on fire! Next thing we knew it was bedtime. Now it's quiet and I am alone once again. I haven't heard from Kevin in a few days, but I'm trying to keep my mind off of it. It's hard to knowing that most of the other wives have heard from their hubbies. We'll see. I just need to keep busy and try not to think about it. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

And the Waiting Game Begins...

So, my husband is now in a far away place, and I am waiting to hear from him. This is harder than waiting for him to come home. I haven't told my kids because they would be bugging me about it non-stop, but anyways...yesterday was Gyllian's school's Arts & Writing Celebration. We walked up to the school and saw her art and writing projects she has been working on. (Yes, kindergarteners are reading and writing.) She made a beautiful butterfly.

She also did a very cute frog project.

She showed me where they hung her home project for the month of May.

We went into the classroom and looked at more of her writing projects. It amazed me watching and listening to my baby girl read them to me on her own.

I'm sure I was beaming with the pride that I was feeling. It's amazing to me that I was there when she came into this world, and now I'm watching her grow and learn. Five years has gone by way to fast.

After that we strolled the halls looking at more artwork and writing projects. We also were able to enjoy a cookie while we did.

It was a good day. Today, we walked to school, and then Sam and I went and walked with our friends Stacy, Joey, and Maryna. We walked a whopping three miles! We hung out with our friends for a little while after, and then went home so that Sam could have a nap. Then we walked to go pick Gyllian up from school. Needless to say, I'm exhausted! Now I am alone and waiting. This is the typical life of a Navy wife and of Navy brats. There is a lot of waiting. But we have a busy schedule tomorrow and for the rest of the time Kevin will be gone. Let's hope time speeds up.

Big Girls DO Cry...

Or they want to anyway! Today wasn't much better than yesterday. The one good thing that happened today was that I got to sleep until 8:30. Sam didn't get up until almost nine. Gyllian is self-sufficient enough to get up and turn on cartoons without waking me. The poor girl has been snapped at enough times to know better. After that...it was every mommy for herself. I got my workout in, and a shower to boot! Then I tried to get some much needed cleaning done, and the kids couldn't leave each other alone. I fed them lunch, and TRIED to put Sam down for his nap. He wasn't having it. I got him back up, and it was World War III in my house. Now, I don't like to yell, but I am now hoarse. Sometimes I feel like we speak two different languages. I tell them to do something, or to stop doing things, and they do the opposite! Thank goodness they're cute! That's all I can say about that. I got quite a bit of cleaning done, but not near what I wanted to get done. I got another email from Kevin today. I swear, those emails are life savers! He always knows what to say to get me through. I can't wait for him to come home. At least he will be coming home with interesting gifts and pictures. I will actually get to see faraway places through him. I know he would much rather be here with us, but I want him to see things and have some fun. As soon as the weather gets better we will be doing the same. It won't be the same without him, but we be together again before we know it.

What Doesn't Kill You...

Today was the most frustrating day so far. I have finally made a final decision on whether or not I want more kids, and the answer is...NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! I should have known by the way my day started that it was going to be a doosy. Sam had me up at about six this morning (followed closely by Gyllian), and while I TRIED to snooze on the couch they had screaming contest that lasted all morning. I got up, made breakfast, and tried to get started on some house cleaning. I didn't even get a chance to work out because my old (and soon to be new again) neighbor called and asked if I could baby sit his sons (one is three, and the other is two). I said sure, what are friends for? The boys were angels. My children on the other hand were (how can I put this?) possessed!!! A few hours later, my friend came to pick up the boys (the easiest $30 I've ever made), and I went over to my friend, Susan's, house. Once again, the possessed children acted horrendously. I was sooooo embarassed! It didn't get any better for the rest of the night. I tried to be a nice mommy, let them have a living room picnic while we watched a movie. They were too busy wrestling each other to care. I just finished putting them down to bed, and I am utterly exhausted!!!!! Today was definitely a day that I could use Kevin's help. All I can do is hope tomorrow is better. The only good thing that happened today was that I got an email from Kevin. I miss him so much, but the emails help. They keep me focused and ready for all the crappy stuff that can happen. Now, if only I could email the kids to him...hmmmmm.

It Never Fails...

It's been a couple of days since I have posted anything, but the children have been keeping me busy. It never fails! Whenever my husband leaves, my kids get sick. Gyllian's asthma flaired up the day he left, and now Sam has viral bronchitis. Now both of my children have inhalers. On top of that, I had to bake some brownies for a fundraiser for the PTO. Bless their hearts. Like I said before, my husband is the cook, not me. I am not a cook nor a baker. I tried to dress up the basket I put them in with pretty ribbons just to make up for this fact. I also promised that I would just send money next time. I got a couple of email the past two days (which is what keeps me going). I always know when he is busy by the one-liner emails. They usually say, "I love you, I miss you, kiss the kids for me, gotta run!" I will take what I can get! Time seems to be going by pretty fast, so it's not too bad. I definitely can't wait to see this...

Grrrrrrrr!

Today was an off day. I just couldn't get it together today for some reason. I am missing Kevin, and missing home (Chattanooga, TN). New England is SO different than the south. We got back from taking Gyllian to school, and went with my friend, Stacy, to pick up my new bathing suit. When we got back I decided that instead of putting Sam down for a nap, I would take him to the park. We had a good time until...

A thunderstorm came along and sent us packing.

Oh well, at least we got a little big of sunshinetime. After that, it was boring, boring, boring. I am so ready for the warm...no, HOT weather to be here. I believe the kids and I will be living at the beach this summer. It won't be as fun without Kevin, but we can make the best of it. Once again the house is quiet, and I am alone with my thoughts. That can be very dangerous. I start to wonder what Kevin is doing and if he is ok. I think tonight I will download a movie from NetFlix and try to keep my mind off of things.

Just Another Monday...

So, I have decided that I am going to try to write everyday that my husband is gone. What better way to document our time for him to read when he returns. It will be a lot of regular day to day life, but we will definitely have a lot of fun. Today started like any other Monday. We got up a quarter to seven (thanks to Sam), and got Gyllian ready for school. Since it was a beautiful day, we walked. I came home, worked out (while Sam had his morning snack), and got cleaned up so I could get on with the rest of my day. I put Sam down for a nap right before noon. I put my headphones on and got to cleaning. I had so much energy today and what better way to use it than to get our house spic and span.

As I cleaned, our cat enjoyed the sun coming through the window.

Time flew. Next thing I know it's almost time to go to the bus stop, and Sam is still sleeping. He took a thee hour nap! Wow! We went outside to join our friends when this rediculous clump of idiotic cars met our eyes. Last time I checked, they are called sideWALKS not sidePARKS! That is one of my biggest pet peeves.

We head down to the bus stop to get Gyllian. Everyday is the same thing. Our children think that it's a race to get home. Sam has very short legs, but they move pretty fast. I love to watch our children enjoy each other...even during the simplest of tasks such as walking home from the bus stop.

As soon as we got home, time sped up. Next thing I know it's time to start dinner. I decided to try and make it a bit fun. I mixed bow tie, penne, and spiral pastas together instead of just boring spaghetti noodles. Gyllian ate it right up; Sam didn't buy it. Sam goes through these phases where he doesn't want to eat meals. He wants to snack, which I know is normal. Kevin on the other hand can't stand it. My husband loves food. He loves to cook, he loves to eat...the kitchen is his domain. So when Sam goes through these phases, it drives Kevin crazy. After dinner, Gyllian decided to do her school project, which is to cut out and color a butterfly for the month of May.

Next thing I know, it's bedtime. I had to chase down Sam to put his pajamas on.

I won of course!

Now that the house is quiet, I have time to think about the many days ahead. If they can go as fast as today, we'll be all set. I can't wait for the hot weather to come! If you come knocking...we won't be here. We'll be at the beach! Every passing day, I know that we'll get through this separation. Our children are resiliant, and just trying to keep up with them makes my day go by quicker.

Just Because

People tell me all the time that they don't know how I do it. By "it", they mean living life while my husband is gone. Once upon a time I wondered the same thing myself. Kevin was a late joiner to the Navy. He was 26 when he joined. Gyllian had just turned three and I was four and a half months pregnant with Sam when he left for boot camp.

I asked myself many, many times how I was going to do this. It was extremely hard at first, but your mind kind of goes on auto-pilot and you do what you have to do. For me, that was taking care of Gyllian and my unborn son. It was not easy. I suffered from insomnia, went into pre-term labor three times, and gave birth to my son without my husband.

Six weeks after our son was born, I picked up and moved over 900 miles away from home to be with the man I loved. I was afraid, but I knew that it was the right thing to do.

Gyllian adapted quickly, and Sam flourished. I, on the other hand, had a hard time. I gained all of my baby weight back and wasn't taking care of myself. I finally snapped out of it and started exercising. Kevin finally was assigned to a boat, and eventually started leaving more. I wasn't going to let my own fears and doubts dictate how I was going to live my life and raise my children. I started becoming more active and the weight started coming off. My children and I stayed busy and time just started moving faster. I found my inner strength and overcame the challenges that tried to get in my way. Gyllian started school this past year, and Sam is a little more self sufficient. So now, when people ask me how I do it, I tell them I just do. I can't pause my or my children's life because my other half isn't here. We get out there and make the best of everyday. That way when daddy comes home, we have plenty to tell him. Trust me, we have PLENTY to tell him!