Almost April?

Where the heck is the time going?  I feel like the past few months have flown by...I can't believe it is almost April!  

We got tickets to go to San Antonio to hunt for some houses...will head out during Zach's spring break from school. We plan to look at a few homes we found for rent in the area of Shertz/Cibolo....suburbs north east of San Antonio.  Schools are good there, it is close to the base (Randolph AFB) and we have heard great things about it.  We found some homes that look nice, but online you never know, so we plan to just check it out in person...look at the neighborhoods, schools, etc.  Also plan to check into a preschool for Erin...I forgot in that area it is Mom's Day out or as they call it, Kids Day out...love that!  If I can register her now, that would be great and one thing I don't have to worry about later.  We will look at the base houses and put our names on the list, but we hear the wait is long there and I am not sure being in the TLF (temporary living facility) for 1-2 months is worth a base house when it is said and done.  So we will see.  We are just going for 2 days, so it will be fast, but good to see the area and get some ideas for things.  

Zach headed off to speech school in Boron this AM with HUGE smiles...Miss Helen is coming back from maternity leave...he hasn't seen her since December and was super excited.  I love that for him.

I tried to work on cleaning out some more clothes in the garage. I have really struggled letting go of Zach's baby clothes for a lot of reasons.  I am not 100% ready to say we are done even though I know we most likely are.  I have loved being a mom and even enjoyed being pregnant...I just hate to close that door so finally with getting rid of so much.  But I did make some big and bold steps this weekend.  Threw out things that just weren't worth saving at all...packed up items to good will and then sorted for Ebay sales.  I stalled with my maternity clothes for some reason and I am not sure why...I will try again.  Planning a garage sale for the bigger toys and things I can't sell on ebay. I am hopeful when it is said and done I will feel good about things...now I just feel chaos.  

We had a good weekend...got the car taken in to have a "check up".  All is well.  Hung out in town and took the kids to lunch and Barnes and Nobles...Zachary was in heaven with all the books and walked away with a new junior encyclopedia and children's atlas book.  He is like my dad and just planted himself in the aisle of the book store with his books and started reading...happy as a clam. Erin was thrilled with all the books too, but more about taking them out and running to show us and then gathering more.  She loved the Elmo section!

Last night we had some new friends over for dinner. A couple that just got in the squadron.  Brandon had hung out with Joe the husband Friday and came home really excited about how nice he was and I had met his wife Maria at a coffee...so we both jumped to ask them over...super nice, normal, down to earth and fun people...so sad we meet them right before we move, but just happy to know them.  I feel like that is what it is about...I am thrilled to get to make new friends.  

Sally is doing well post op.  She isn't loving the cone, but we have learned we MUST keep it on 24/7...her ear is super itching from her fur being shaved and she wants to scratch...her tummy looks nasty, but is healing. I am just glad all the blood work came back totally normal and she is a healthy pup like we had hoped.  I now might have to Ebay her to pay for her vet bill.  :)  Just kidding...

Well I am off to get ready for the behaviorist and alone time with Erin...Happy Monday!

Sally Photos

Here is poor Sally...no laughing...she really is being a trooper!

Incision in her head...funny how her skin is the same color as her markings under her fur...

This is the big one on her chest...6 stitches..poor Sally!

Still happy and full of kisses...

Sally!

I don't have a photo to post at the moment, but wanted to do a blog update on Miss Sally.  

We have been watching a bump on her chest for a while now and then noticed one on her head last weekend....we decided it was time to take her in and let them take them out and run some blood work. She went in at 9 and had 3 lumps removed...one on her leg, one on her ear (the brown one) and one on her chest area.  The one on the chest was the largest and she now has 6 stitches there and some yucky drainage...the one on her ear has I think 3 stitches and looks good other than the shaved hair and the one on her leg you can't see.  She stayed until 5 and we went to get her at the Vet...they were going to not have a Vet there over night so we wanted her home with us. She has her cone to wear so she doesn't lick or pull her stitches out...Erin already calls it her hat.  We bought a new kennel for her...we got rid of her old one when we moved from TX and will need to get one again when we move back since Sally has thunder storm issues and must be kenneled during them...so I ran to town at 6 to buy one for her...She is doing well and in good spirits.  It was a nice price tag for the Vet visit, but I have to say, money well spent if it keeps Sally with us for as long as we can. 

Sally will be 9 in August and has been with Brandon and I since our first year together...we got her right after my birthday in 2001...she was basically abandoned by a family that got her for Christmas and escaped to our friend's house (April and Clayton).  They tried to return her, but they people didn't care and hadn't even named her. We got a call from Clayton telling us that our dog was at his house.  We drove over and the whole way (all 5 minutes across the town of Enid, OK)...I cussed out Brandon and told him NO WAY can we have a dog...we can't pay our bills...I am working two jobs, you are gone 16 plus hours a day, yadda, yadda, yadda.  I was really not wanting a pet.  We got to the Johnson's house and they had Sally out back in their dog's igloo dog house...she crawled  out and sat in my lap...She was so sweet and so darn cute I couldn't resist her. She came home with us a few days later when we had a dog pen built in the yard behind our condo.  

Sally has always been sweet.  She is crazy too. She ran away for 8 hours in Enid with her boyfriend Capone....lesson learned, Sally stays on a leash.  She has destroyed numerous items, mostly in her early years....a 49er doll of my moms, an expensive sweater of mine, pillows, bedspreads, you name it...

But Sally is a member of this crazy family. She is a good dog and loves us as much as we love her. When Brandon deployed and I was pregnant she literally never left my side when I was at home...I left for work and she would stare at me out the window and was there when I got home.  When we had Zach we were nervous that she might be too wild with a baby...boy were we wrong. She became Zach's favorite thing...he used to go to our back window and babble to her and just laugh.  He would feed her dog food by hand when he was little and follow her around the yard for as long as she would wander. She has always been so good and gentile with him and now with Erin.  Both kids adore her, but are sometimes too rough...she never barks, never growls, never shows her teeth...NEVER!  She is just so good with them.  

She is my very best walking friend...we go for LONG walks and just love being out together.  She is a great dog and I am so thankful we have had 8 years with her, but I want more!  Thanks to everyone for thinking of her today...she is home and doing well and we are so happy to have her back...it was actually way too quiet around here today without her!

Somber

As most of you read or saw on the news there was a fatal crash here at Edwards AFB yesterday AM.  The crash involved and F-22.  We did not know Dave Cooley or his family, but it doesn't make the loss any less real or tragic to members of the base or the AF community...

Last night I did a lot of thinking and some crying...for the family that lost a loved one.  I cried for a lot of things...

Most of in this world (the military) know that our husbands take inherent risks doing their daily jobs...as the wife of a pilot I got the talk early on when he went to pilot training when we were newly weds...the awful talk about who we notify, what to do, etc.  I have had Brandon deploy 4 times.  I watch him leave the house and go out to fly an airplane many days of the year. While I know the risks associated with it all, I think at some point a lot of us in this life desensitize ourselves to it...we know it is there like the elephant in the room, but we dare not speak about it.  We all live with the fear of the knock on the door, but we also can't live our daily lives waiting for the worst.  We go on and act like it is a normal desk job, have a great day at work sweetie while you are flying 500 feet off the ground and going speeds that break the sound barrier.  I think if we thought of that stuff we would all be insane...well more insane.  I know for me it is easier to not dwell on it.  

However yesterday made it painfully clear and real again why we can't ignore it all the time.  It is there...the possibilities of tragedy.  I started to assume the worst early in the day. CNN was reporting that the plane went down at 10 AM and by 12 they were saying the status of the pilot was unknown....same story at 3 when I left for Miss Gerri's...Sometimes no news isn't good news.  In this case I knew if they (the AF) knew the pilot was okay they would report that, it is a good thing.  If he wasn't they had to go through the notification process and couldn't release a statement until all next of kin on that list knew...my husband was allowed to call and tell me he was okay, he had been flying the C-17 that AM on a test mission...he couldn't say more than that.  

I respect the privacy that AF shows in this time and how they huddle together and protect their own.  While it seems secretive to the rest of the world, they are being careful to do the right things...

I admire Brandon's job and I respect what he does, but it does scare me more than I let myself think about...I hugged him a bit harder today than normal before he left...

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Cooley family... 

Recap...

This was a good week...Zachary had a good week up until yesterday. He had a rough day at school and then for the most part a good day.  I am so ready for him to get out of this school.  The one he goes to in town is great...it is a regular preschool through a church, Palmdale United Methodist Preschool (PUMP).  He has been in 3 classrooms there, 3 teachers and I have always liked them and felt he was getting a great chance to learn around great people. In particular, I love the teacher he has now, Miss Fabi.  She is awesome. I actually requested her room and am so glad I did...she is sweet but firm and is on top of everything. He goes there Tuesday and Thursday...I would put him there daily if it weren't for the 45 minute drive there and 4 hours I have to spend in town while he is there.  The other school is through the school district. It used to be on base and is now in a small town off base, Boron. He is picked up on a van and drive there, 25 minutes each way.  The class itself is only about an hour and a half long...special ed class working on speech skills.  He seems to like it, but I have always felt it holds him back a bit in intellect...he is doing well above what the class is learning.  (Example - Miss Fabi knows he can read, so she let him read a story to his class on Thursday).  The speech school also have other children with issues, some less, some more...but the behavior he sees there isn't behavior he has at home, but is seeing and learning there. Frustrating to say the least. His teacher there is great, but has been out on maternity leave since Christmas...3 subs since then.  I just think the school offers him very little that right now he needs...however if we take him out of it, he doesn't get services for Autism because first you must go through your district.  UGH...I am glad we will be moving soon!

He had school pictures this week...cap and gown ones!  His graduation is June 10th at night...I am pretty excited about it.

He just started to not only figure out answering questions, but is asking them. HUGE!  He is almost five. He didn't answer yes or no until 3 1/2. He has been answering some questions for a while now, like "what".  But the harder ones, why, who, where, when, how....have been much more of a struggle. Like all things Zachary, it just seemed to come together.  It makes it easier for us to communicate with him and I think for him it gives him the chance to questions the world around him and feel like he has some control.  I know that some times his poor brain is not in control and that must feel scary...so this is nice to see him asking and answering...being involved in his world.  

He also has been better about trying new foods this past week...always a key here. Erin will try everything...might not like it all, but she will try all food.  

Speaking of the little one...she finally switched from calling me Mahi to Mommy yesterday. Happened out of the blue and is too sweet. She is talking more, pointing and just in general a fun baby. Can't get over the fact she will be 2 when we move...where the hell did those years go. I am not as shocked he will be 5 as she is 2.  It is amazing how that slipped away.  She is a busy girl...learning her numbers, letters, colors....although she usually calls everything Geen (green). She is willing now to let me put her hair back, but it doesn't stay all day....I call it progress and am okay with that. She and Zach actually play really well together and he is an awesome brother to her. She thinks he is the best thing in the world!  I love watching them together.  

I feel pretty darn blessed that I celebrated nine years of marriage this week and have this wonderful family around me.  Struggles aside, I am so lucky and feel grateful each day...

*** Finished Nicholas Sparks "The Lucky One"....as always love his books and think it was good.  Started Jodi Picoult's "Change of Heart"...so far I am sucked in as I usually am with her books...

Happy Anniversary!

Nine years...

Today is my nine year anniversary with Brandon....hard to believe sometimes it has been that long and then other times it seems like it has been longer.  I am happy to say that this year we have no big hoopla planned...we went to eat on Friday night together and plan to spend today doing the usual...no speech tonight for Zach, so we are doing a family dinner.  I like that.  We don't ever hide the fact that our marriage isn't perfect...we have hit road bumps and had our share of disagreements.  What I am thankful for is that we saw a reason to work through it.  I have someone by my side that is genuinely a good person.  He is my best friend.  I am glad we are with each other in this world to share experiences good and bad together.  In fact I thought the other night what is the hardest part of him being deployed....it isn't having him gone or being alone...that I can handle.  I miss having him there in those moments when the kids do something new, or big, or fun and he isn't with me to share it.  

I feel pretty lucky today.  I have two amazing children that I adore and make me happy beyond words.  I have a great husband who is at the end of the day my best friend.  We have had a good nine years...not perfect.  I say that is success.  Happy Anniversary!

Photo...

Really happy to be able to see and the headaches behind me with my new glasses...I am wearing them a lot and it is helping, A LOT! I need to wear them to read, computer, tv time and driving at night especially...I feel a big difference...so here you go Karla...a photo! (now update your blog will you!!!)
Me and Little Miss Erin...

Monday...off to a good start...

Here are some photos from my date with Zachary on Sunday. I honestly had the best time with him. We played at a miniature golf course...went to Toys R Us for him to buy his game...on his own...ate lunch at his favorite spot - Panera! He had a good lunch, sat still and ate it all...then we headed to Sam's to get some items I needed...all in all he was so good and we had so much fun. He thanked me without prompting during lunch and he just seemed to really have fun. He got that it was a big deal to have a day alone and that was awesome.

In the car on the road...

Starting out on hole one...

He did really well this trip and tried the whole time...

Form isn't the best...it was nice to see him trying.

We both were so excited about my hole in one...YEAH mommy!

Can't avoid the game room..,skeet ball!

It was a fun day and I am so glad I am able to do things like this with him...he is amazing and I am a lucky mom. I just adore this child!

Weekend...

Here are a few photos from the past few days and a recap.
Wednesday I came back from speech with Zach and went down the street to a coffee for my squadron...only the second one in 3 years I have attended...I disliked the old Commander a lot, so the first two years I had no desire to go to the ones hosted by his wife that I didn't like too much either...the past year I have had a hard time making the coffees...they have either been when Brandon is gone (tdy), nights we have something else going on or often in town. So this was a few homes down, I was able to go. It was fun and the wives there were mostly all new to the squadron...figures. I am leaving the new ones are great and fun people. But I met them, have the chance to keep up in the next few months before I move and maybe end up with some new "friends" down the road. Never know...
Thursday I was in town and got some things done...nothing too exciting...Brandon flew and was home late. Friday I had a play date for the kids in the afternoon and that was nice...we hit the park since the weather was so sunny and no wind. Miracle here to have no wind! I saw my friend Kristie and her three little ones...it was nice.
Friday night Brandon and I headed out for an early anniversary dinner and had big Erin babysit. The kids adore her, so it was a treat for all. We went to Fresca II (the place I took you mom and dad when you were here). Nice dinner and good food...all in all a nice night out for us. I got up today, walked Sally and went shopping with the Erin's...tomorrow is my date day with Zachary....we are going to town to play miniature golf. I am so excited...picture for sure to follow...
Here are a few from the past few days...not many!
Also...thank you for all the comments on my last blog. I got a lot to my personal email and appreciated everyone's thoughts and the chance to share mine with all of you. I have to agree with my mom though...I might actually be luckier than most, I have gone to Holland and Italy and they are both fantastic.
Zachary showing off his light bright picture...fireworks!
Erin working in the playdough kitchen...

Both the kids doing playdough...Brandon had fun with them while i was at the coffee...

Food for thought...

My friend Christina was sweet enough to send this to me tonight. I thought it was a good post. National Autism Awareness Month is next month, so I am sure you will be hearing more on this topic in the weeks to come...
She sent me this statement by a mom with a child of a disability explaining what it feels like...I get this a lot from people trying to understand what it is like to raise Zachary...how is he different, what are the struggles...what do I mean when I say it is a rough day...when I try to compare that I love both my children the same, but it is a very different parenting experience with each one. One isn't better than the other...Hopefully this will shed some light on it, because this really is how if feels...

WELCOME TO HOLLAND by Emily Perl Kingsley.

I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......

When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. 

After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland.""Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."

But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay.The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.

It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.

But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned." 

And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.

Reading, reading reading...

Just finished reading Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult...I really love her books and so far I haven't disliked one of them...I am might not agree with some of the ideas in them or the way a character ends up at the end, but I like her writing style and enjoy her plots and stories.  This one was about an Amish girl accused of murdering her newborn...I enjoyed it a lot, learned a bit more about the Amish and thought it was a good story.  I got a nice chance to read today with all of us being a little sick and the weather being crazy windy and cold...so TV was on and I took the chance to sit cuddled with the kids and read...very nice.  I am going to read a Nicholas Sparks one next...should be quick and I always like his books...then I will pilfer through my pile to see what is next after that.  

Brandon's commander's wife surprised me last week by dropping a book off on my door step. It is called, "Born Fundamentalist, Born again Catholic."  We had a long talk about religion, church on the base, etc. a few weeks back and she thought I might enjoy this from one Catholic to another...I often find it hard with people when they invite you to go to a religious activity and you say no...they then think you don't believe in God or that you are anti their thoughts...in reality I think I am just sort of uncomfortable with some of it...too much talk of God makes me get a bit freaked out.  In reality I believe in God, I pray and I used to go to church all the time...I loved my church at college in fact.  Before we got married we had planned a Catholic service and as some of you know things turned out a little different we had a non denominational minister marry us at the last minute...I had a rough time with the church for a while after that and then we just didn't find a church we liked...had kids...it is hard to take them to Catholic service...so we got in a rut and haven't be participating in a while...we are hoping that will get better when we move.  But Catholics don't tend to join bible studies...a lot of women here do that stuff...their kids go to Vacation Bible school, AWANAS (spelling)....we didn't think that would be best for Zach....but it has taken on an attitude here that we are bad people, not good Christians, etc.  So sad, but true...So I am excited to read this book and see how it relates to those thoughts I have had about fitting into this world that is more open about God in a way that I am not sure I get....

I have more to say on other topics, but will add those to another post....Off for now!

Quote

I saw this quote on a blog I read and love it...I have read it before, but I was struck by it differently. This is how I am feeling now...like I have let life pass me by so much trying to get somewhere...now I crave the idea of living in the moment, enjoying my life and the people in it each day and cherishing it now. Just wanted to share...this was a top thing for me in the New Year's Resolution and I am working daily to remind myself of this...today is here now, live it, love it and enjoy...this is harder for me than I had thought, but I am trying!
So this is my new life motto...I will do my best to see this and live this...
Souza : For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were in fact my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.

Bubbles...

Here are some more photos...yes that is Erin on a bike...Lord help us we bought her one since she was showing interest....Wait...let me rephrase...Brandon took her to the BX while I was out with Zachary and got her this super cute pink and purple bike and a Dora helmet...so cute! She isn't quite there, but we wanted to try...Zach was thrilled she was on a bike. The rest were taken mostly last weekend and the week before when we had some nice weather...just fun playing outside with the kids and playing with Bubbles...

I love this photo...love her expression and how she is looking at her brother...priceless!

He is just beautiful...I know that is usually a girl word, but it fits him. He is!

Another great one of him looking at her....I love that they have become such good friends lately.

Zach got the idea of posing...Erin, not so much!

Stinker...

Bubbles!

That face...oh Erin....

She knew right what to do...

Happy girl...

Catch them!

Look at them all!

He loves Bubbles!

Always fun to get the kids out and playing in the yard...I love bubbles too! We had fun!

I am interested in any feedback from the masses...okay my two readers. I want a new camera for us...Brandon and I think this will be our purchase for our anniversary to ourselves...I have been looking into it for a while and I am still torn...

Canon Rebel...Nikon D90? Brandon is all about the Nikon...I am worried it is too much camera for me...thoughts would be so appreciated on this one...

That's all from here...

Pasadena photos...

So here are the photos from our trip last Sunday to Pasadena...might head to Santa Barbara tomorrow if the kids are up to it....Zach has a cold and Erin is possibly going down the same road...so we'll play it by ear...Just wanted to post some...
This museum is great for older kids, not as great for Erin's age...Zach loves the outdoor bike course.
Erin tried to do it too...

We told her no...oh the dramatics...

He is so cute out there...

My happy smiley girl...

Wow...he is getting big...

Out of order, but Erin coming down the slide...she is full of spunk this one!

This was the before...

I love this face...

The ladies...

So that is it...I have some more outdoor pictures of us from the last week or so too...bubbles! I will get those up tonight if I get a second...

Went to town today to pick up my glasses...yeah I can see. Did some shopping at Costco and let the kids play at the park right next door...it is actually a great park and I hope I can take them there more in the next few months. Erin who watches my Erin will be heading to CO for about 3 weeks at the end of April. Her husband is going to a school in NC with the Army to train for a new job...she isn't going with him, but just quit her other job and has time to go home and see family...so when she is gone I will have to be a bit more creative on my Tuesdays and Thursdays with Erin in tow. I can't complain...she is a fun little girl and having her around is always fun for me.

Not much else...I made a yummy crock pot dinner last night compliments of my Texas friend Kelley...had some prizes from Costco tonight. Hoping to walk with Sally again in the AM...we did our 4 miles today and it was great. I love that darn dog.

Off to read and bed...try to get the rest of the photos up!

Keeping up...

Okay it has been a while since I have posted.  Sorry to anyone keeping up...

I have some photos from the last week or so I need to post, but they aren't on this computer, so I will post tomorrow if I get a free minute.  

We went to Pasadena last Sunday to the children's museum...will post those photos and info on the trip in the next blog...

All in all a good week here for us.  The stupid behaviorist cancelled for her appointment Monday...second cancelled appointment from her and I am just overall annoyed and done with her.  She has yet to meet my child...comes and hands me photo copied hand outs of literally crap I can get on the internet...insulting on some level.  I am trying to tough it out since we need to prove we need the service to retain it for Texas....just found out about a program here that we are eligible for that would give him more services...sadly we just got news about it...the letter came after the holidays and we called to see if he can get anything through them....Fingers crossed...a friend here has a son, also diagnosed with autism and her son is getting 2 hours in home every day of the week...big difference from the drip I have coming here. She is scheduled for tomorrow AM...we will see how it goes.  

I am reading Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult right now...just got two of her books in the mail from Barnes and Nobles...I am anxious to get through this one and on to the others...I love her writing and enjoy her books a lot.  

Walked in town both days this week and glad I made myself do it...I didn't want to, but did anyway.  I plan to do my long walks with Sally this weekend too...We have thought about driving to Santa Barbara to take the kids to the zoo...I honestly have no clue how far that is or if it is worth it, but hey we have 3 months left here to do stuff...lets go and do.  

I still want to head back to Disney with the kids....There are great military deals right now with them, so we plan to go in the next month I think...need to pick dates, book hotel and do it.  I know it will be worth it and fun for the kids at this age.  I still really would love for my husband to take me to Knottsberry farm.  I love Snoopy and that is the home of Snoopy....seriously 4 years here and we have yet to go...not okay!!  We will for sure hit San Diego I am sure at the end of May or first weekend in June before the move...it will be a must.  I have loved having that beautiful city as our escape and wonderful place to enjoy time together.  One thing I will surely miss.  

I am working on my Christmas scrapbook now...another small book like the one I did this summer...10 pages done and about 8 to go...looks really good and again I am enjoying the little book to do for a vacation and specific time frame.  

Researching and looking into homes in San Antonio...not sure about what we will end up doing...Base housing would be great, but the waiting list is long and we can't put our names on it until two months before the move...so next month.  Most people we spoke to said that it took them several months to get a house...I don't want to live in the TLFs (temporary living facility) with two kids for months...doesn't sound fun.  Lots to buy and rent, but not sure what we will do...

Well I am off to bed and read some of my book before I close my eyes.  So ready to get my glasses next week....I went to the eye doctor last week and got two new pairs ordered...My left eye is basically useless...it basically doesn't work because my right is stronger and does all the work for it...so when I don't wear glasses my right eye is getting all the strain, causing me headaches lately and overall just not feeling great.  So the last few days I have been wearing an old pair of glasses...prescription not right, but better than what I have without for sure....what a difference. I am surprised I functioned so long without glasses...I seriously am able to read, watch tv and write on here so much better...I loathe the idea of wearing contacts because putting anything in my eye freaks me out to no end...so I will just have to get used to wearing glasses a lot more...Seeing is worth it!!!

I am off...promising photos soon...thoughts go out to April...hope Clayton finally makes it home this weekend...6 weeks of an unexpected TDY is enough already!!!  And to my friend Emily...she has had a rough week and I want her to know I love her dearly...please keep them in your thoughts too...positive thoughts, positive energy...