I know, I know... I'm a bad blogging wifey...

I have blogged since Christmas! It just seems I have been super busy! And I haven't been working because I am on vacation this week. On Monday I took Princess and Bruiser out of daycare early and we went to see the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie. Tuesday, it snowed again, but didn't stick this time. I went in the AM to see Sherlock Holmes with MM and JW @ Studio Movie Grill. It was very good and nice to see those ladies. From there, got package ready to mail to hubby. Came home and did some chores with the girls.
I wanted to watch the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy. I bought all three movies because I loved the first two, A VERY LONG TIME AGO. I however have never seen the third one. We actually saw parts 1 and 2 at the theatre. But not the third. Lo and behold, I make it through the first two DVDs only to open the container to the third, the only one I haven't seen, and it's not there! So I am on a mission to find the missing DVD somewhere here in the house. Today I bought 4 movies... my bluray/movie addiction is just terrible! :) I bought Jennifer's Body, the Marine 2, the movie '9', and Paranormal Activity.
I put 16 rolls of film in to be developed yesterday. There was a coupon I couldn't pass up. I cant wait to see what precious memories are held in those little containers of film!
Lots of errands today. Including my monthly payment on that stupid no seat belt ticket! UGH! I am hoping to get my bedroom organized enough today to get the XBOX set up. Hubby can wait for his games, well, I want to play with him, but I am ready for Pacman! :)
More later. Just a quick update. Haven't heard from hubby all day! :( Miss that man so much!

I can't believe it's here...

It's Christmas. We had freak snow. Snow that actually stuck to the ground. Never happens here. A white Christmas and hubby missed it. I am not too surprised that this seems like just another day. I feel tired and crabby.
I grabbed a few last minute gifts today. Found myself black pants, a black shirt and a new black purse. Got some flip flops for C and L for around the house. These tile floors can get cold with bare feet. I also got Princess and Bruiser "princess dresses," a pink Barbie one for Bruiser and a blue Cinderella one for Princess. I also got Bubba a pair of courdoroy pants and a sweater (from mother-in-law, she sent Princess and the frog outfits to the girls) I picked up the District 9 dvd. I filled up the gas tank and got the oil changed on the truck today. Pretty productive, I guess.
I left work at 9:45 AM. I know I am going to regret it, but if hubby says don't worry, momma won't worry. I know we'll be OK. I just get so worked up about stuff. And I still, as usual, feel like I didn't get anything accomplished. I got to Skype with hubby a bit ago for an hour. Yay! And the man finally set up a facebook account. I am still in shock! Were bringing him in to the new world bit by bit. Welcome, honey!
I have been reading all the merry Christmas posts on facebook today. I am still not feeling it. I am glad the time is passing so quickly. I can't wait to reunite with my husband and get reacquainted. I really want to be in the spirit. But I am just not. I know I am not the only one who feels this way. This holiday stuff just isn't the same when your family is incomplete. I could care less about the gifts. I just want this whole that is in my life to be filled. And my hubby is the only thing that can do it.
I must say, I am grateful for this in a way. I have made some new friends. I am showing my children how to be strong. They will be so much more prepared for life's hardships than others. They are taking this like little warriors, ready for battle. I told my husband I appreciated him today. Just in case I hadn't told him lately. He, and his military brothers and sisters are making the ultimate sacrifice. Though we are missing him, we still have the comforts of home. We have familiarity. We have each other. They have this new environment, new culture and new people to learn to live with. I can't even begin to imagine. I am grateful for the friends I have made along this journey. I am thankful to have them as a support system. I am thankful that I am able to provide a Christmas for my children, with my husband's support from afar, when so many others are unable to.
This time apart will never be regained. My hubby is missing out on so much. Our babies are growing up so fast and these moments are gone in the blink of an eye, it seems. It saddens me. I saw a bumper sticker today that said, "if you love your freedom, thank a vet." I know my freedom is worth the sacrifice. I know my children's freedom is worth it... that's the big picture. But is it really worth it? I tell you, for all this freedom, I feel pretty trapped...
Miss you like crazy, honey. I hope you have as Merry a Christmas as humanly possible. I love you and I am constantly thinking of you. Be safe and let's hurry up and get 'er done! I am ready for you to come home!

Christmas Eve Eve...

Tomorrow is Christmas eve. I am ready for the big day. In a way, I am dreading it, however, I am glad it's here. It just means the clock is ticking. I am going to try to make this more than just another day. We are supposed to go to my brother and sister-in-laws' house tomorrow. I guess I am ready for that. I feel like crap today. I took some Nyquil. We'll see if that does the trick. w
I called the pharmacy manager today. He agreed to refill Princess' antibiotic for free. I told him thanks for having the Christmas spirit. I stayed the whole day at work. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I held on til the end. No excused time today. Now, tomorrow may be a different story. The daycare is closed so I am going to have to rely on CiCi and Elliebear to babysit and 8 hours is too much. I just don't have another option right now. So hopefully they offer the time off tomorrow.
I haven't talked to my Mom. Strange. I don't know if she's been working or what. Guess we both have been busy. MM showed me how to "bling my blog". I just picked a cool one to experiment with today. Will have to research that one a bit more later.
Got to Skype with hubby for about 10 minutes tonight and instant messaged with him earlier today. My tulips drank the whole vase of water overnight and were so perky and beautiful today. The husband-unit is truly one of a kind. I am glad he was issued to me for this mission- operation LIFE! Love you, hubby!

Stop this crazy thing! I want off...

of this roller coaster! Today was an emotional nightmare for me. I started off the by oversleeping today. It was intentional. I didn't have to be at work til noon but I had taken 4 hours of appointment time from work, scheduled it a few weeks ago, because the little ones had to get their H1N1 2nd round dose of the vaccine. The appointments were supposed to be 8:30- until... I didn't get there until 9 AM. I woke up with this feeling that has stayed with me throughout the day. I felt worried. I felt tense and sick. My stomach in knots and my neck and shoulders in pain. And my head is killing me!
Cici went with me to help out with the kids. Because they were all coughing, it was a 'rule' that the doctor had to check them all before she would allow them to get the shots. That was 40.00 extra I wasn't expecting. I knew I had 40.00 for Princess and Bubba's follow ups from the strep... But I wasn't expecting 80.00 total.
The appointment results were: Bruiser= bronchitis, Princess and Bubba= still have strep, Pinky, Bubba and Bruiser= ear infections. This all resulted in me having to spend 47.00 and change on meds for them. New antibiotic and more medicine for the nebulizer. (I got home this evening with the meds, put them on the table, started doing other things and Bruiser got a hold of one of the bottles and broke it. I tried to take it back to CVS to see if they did any courtesy refills. Not only do they NOT do that, they require me call the doctor to ask them to call it back in. Geez. That whole incident put me into uncontrollable tears for a bit. I was so mad at her!) They were able to go back to school. Since they have been on antibiotics, they are no longer contagious per the doc.
For awhile, my mind was spinning toward the finances. I had to take an unexpected 4 hours unpaid last week when Bubba got sick and this 4 hours today means I have missed technically a whole day of pay for next check. Money isn't a huge issue. My hubby would tell me I am worrying about the wrong thing. I can hear him saying it now. But that's me... I'm a worrier. This made that previous feeling worse.
Good thing is, I was off work for 4 hours. That's always nice. And I got to talk to hubby on the phone and via Yahoo! Instant Messenger while at the doc's office. That made me feel good for a while. The first highlight of the day- hearing my honey's voice!
Got to work and was having a decent day. I got flowers from my hubby today. Second highlight of the day! Much much needed gift. Card said thanks for being me and that he missed me. I was truly happy and felt better still. Then word got around that one of our backfills (help-reps), passed away. She went to the hospital for what she thought was an asthma attack and turned out to have con genitive heart failure. She had some surgery for it and died due to complications from the surgery.
They sent out an email saying we could take Etime, which is unpaid, excused time. I mulled over it for an hour before deciding the day was shot sales wise and another 2 hours wasn't going to break me, so I left. I decided to take Cici and Elliebear to the movies. They have been cooped up in the house. They did a bit of cleaning too. I figured, hey, it's Christmas time. How many other times of year do I get excused time off for no reason??? How many times would I be able to spend time with them without them helping out with the little kids???
We went to Movie Tavern and saw Avatar in 3D. This was the 3rd highlight of my day. I am putting this movie on one of my favorite of all times list. It was beautiful. The story was excellent. I laughed and cried. I clapped and cheered and oohed and aahed. It was truly amazing. Can't wait for the bluray on that one! Went and picked up the kids from daycare. Realized I didn't take anything out to eat this AM. So stopped at Church's for dinner.
I spent so much money today and didn't make any. Wow. I hate that. I always feel guilty about taking time off for me when I can be making money to provide for everyone. But I still can't put my finger on what's making my stomach flip flop. I have had this feeling all day. Even before I knew what was going to happen with the doc, the meds, the time off, etc. I don't know what the deal is, but I want it to stop!
I got a letter from the chief of the Navy Reserve... encouraging me and my sailor to attend a Returning Warrior Workshop. Hmmm...
I guess I will gear up for tomorrow. Work work and more work. IF they offer Etime tomorrow or Thursday... I am turning it down. Don't want to make this feeling any worse. At least I will have my beautiful flowers sitting on my desk to cheer me up. Maybe I am feeling this way because of Christmas coming. Ya' think???
I love you, hubby. I wish you were home... Can you tell them you changed your mind?

Sunday... Not too shabby close to the weekend...

Our local basketball team, my favorite, won tonight! And our local football team won yesterday! Woo Hoo! Just wanted to start with that.
Today was kinda nice. Did some cleaning. Took the kids to Cici's for dinner. Forgot to mention we got some passes @ party yesterday for free buffets. So I took advantage of that today. Didn't feel like cooking. It was a nice day out. Took the kids out to play for a bit. Went to Kohl's so C could spend her GC. Elliebear didn't want a GC to Game Stop. I told her I wasn't giving her 50.00 in cash to carry around but I'd buy her 50.00 in stuff from somewhere else and keep the card. I mean, hubby and I will have that XBOX 360 when he gets back... She didn't want that either. Weird kid. She's not so much into video games. I tried to talk her into trading with C. I couldn't tell C that she had a Nintendo DSi waiting for her for Xmas, so that would have been perfect... But C didn't want it. She is starting to finally get kind of girly on me. My little tomboy is growing up. C ended up buying herself a bubble bath kit and a silver ring from Kohl's. L and I made a deal... I gave her 25.00 in cash, which she spent 15.00 of at Kohl's and I took the GC. Again, weird kid. She just wanted cash in her pocket. I'm betting that she will have misplaced the remaining 10.00 by the end of the week. I found J-Man's remote control helicopter at Kohl's as well, daddy. So that is taken care of. I really don't think I have any more gifts to buy. Did I mention I picked up another movie for them (G-Force) and some more little Webkinz I found on sale at the base last weekend? Odds and Ends but they will like them.
The girls are out of school tomorrow. The little ones have daycare. Let's hope they get their room cleaned. I really don't want to have to yell at anyone when I get home from work tomorrow. I am hoping that sometime during this break, I will be able to take Princess and Bruiser to see the Princess and the Frog movie. I really think they will like it. We still haven't found Froggy. Bruiser is so upset about it.
Guess I'd better go to bed. Unfortunately, I am fortunate to have a job to go to in the morning. Ugh. Oh well. Dreaming of you as I lay down my head, my love. As I hope you found you dreamt of me when you awoke. I love you.

What a Great Day!

Honey, our little family had a great day yesterday! Got up at about 8, started off everyone with malt-o meal. (And hubby, I am sending a box of it for you to share with your Seabee brothers. It is apparently pretty popular stuff!) Then got everyone ready for the FRG Christmas party. We actually made it on time! Can you believe it!?! The first FRG event we made it on time to. Everyone cooperated and nobody messed up their clothes and we didn't forget anything. It was amazing!
The even was hosted by Southwest Airlines. They truly went above and beyond. They had all kinds of food, chicken strips, burritos, nachos, meatballs, corn salad, cookies, cake, fruit, quesadillas, and stuffed jalapenos. That's what I remember. The kids and I were able to take some pictures with Santa. The kids made Christmas cards with decorations provided by the FRG. And Southwest is going to mail them. We got little Seabee poker chips as keepsakes. And as a door prize I got a spa set. C and L got a musical snow globe, a connect 4 game, and a sand art set. C got a 25.00 GC to Kohl's and an art set. Perfect for her, she loves to draw. L got a 50.00 GC to Game Stop and a digital camera. I also got a Mary Kay hand cream set and a measuring cup set. Princess got a Mother Goose book. I was just saying the other day that they need to have more Mother Goose in school now. But everyone is just diving in to actual factual now. Each family got a Southwest Airlines mini-popcorn popper. Just like at the movies but about 2 feet tall. And they gave us these little blankets that zip up into pillows. Each kid got a teddy bear. And the hubby and I got little duffel bags for the gym. I am going to let the 4 little ones open their FRG gifts on Christmas. Everyone was so nice. It was good to see everyone.
I bought a Seabee cookbook that one of the wives had put together. Looks like it has some good recipes in it. I may never get around to cooking any of them but surely hubby will try some of them out when he returns. I just wanted to support the FRG.
The kids and I also made buttons with pics of hubby on them. It was a fun event. Even though I was chasing after Sheridan and the twins most of the afternoon. They got to see some planes take off and land as well.
I must say, I was in a much more festive mood upon leaving than I was going in. I was kind of in the dumps about Christmas. I think it was just being around all the smiling faces and out of the house. The gifts were amazing but it was more than that. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have participated. So afterwards, we came home, chilled out for a bit. I went and got some McDonald's for dinner and then we packed up and went to look at Christmas lights in the neighborhood just about 5-10 minutes north of us. It took us an hour and a half to get through the neighborhood, it was so packed! However, there were some beautiful displays. Everyone actually stayed awake the whole time!
Got home, got everyone into bed for a good night's sleep. Honey, it was a wonderful day. I was wiped out, pooped, tired, the whole 9, but well worth it. C and L were surprised at how much fun they had. Think it took their mind off their bio-dad's decision to cancel... For the moment. The only thing missing was you, hubby. Love you! Missing you like crazy!

missing my baby...

Sometimes it seems like I haven't talked to my husband in months, though I may have briefly spoken with him recently. I am feeling lonely. No matter who's around or what's going on. My heart knows what it needs, and that's my husband. I have been extra busy lately it seems. Today is Friday, thank goodness. I had an ok day though. I went to Shae's 10 year anniversary luncheon at Salt Grass. It was ok. There were only 3 girls including myself, Alisha and Sylvia. Oh well, Abbie, the manager went to supervise as well. The rest were all of Shae's buddies. It was nice to be off the phones, though I wasn't very talkative or feeling very social with everyone.
I am still just ready for Christmas to come and go. I was thinking about trying to go to the Union Christmas party on Saturday night with JoBeth and Veronica. But I don't feel much like partying. I have to take the kids to the FRG party tomorrow as well. I feel tired from just thinking about it.
A short week coming and then vacation! The girls bio-dad cancelled their first week of visiting. He called and told me that he was going to Houston for a week. Didn't ask why, don't care. But once again, I get the task of delivering this news to C and L. I was supposed to let them go this Sunday but now he's saying the Saturday or Sunday after Christmas. I am relieved, personally. The less time the better that they are away from me.
I am missing my husband more and more. This involuntary celibacy stinks! :) But I truly miss his company. One of the major reasons I am with my husband is his ability to make me laugh. That man is funny! All I can do is count the days until I can laugh with him again.

I just don't know...

It's Friday night (technically Saturday morning) and I just don't know. I have so much to do around this place I just don't even know where to start. I am so tired. I feel a bit overwhelmed. I just don't know. I am trying to keep a smile on my face but I am feeling truly discouraged. The only thing that is keeping me going is knowing that I have vacation coming up very soon. I know it's going to fly by- the one week I want to move slowly.
I was dozing off the last couple of hours at work today. It was kind of slow. Christmas is keeping our callers busy I guess. I did get to instant message via cell phone with the hubby today. That was nice. And Skype for a bit as well. He got his Christmas tree. Cute little thing. I am trying to convince him to put the lights on it. Oh well.
We had a food in at work today as well as a gift exchange that I totally forgot about, so I didn't get to participate in the gift exchange, but I did bring chips for the food in. Everything was good, ham, coleslaw, cheese, fruits, beans, croissants, brownies, cake and dips. I enjoyed it. I was smiling on the outside but if people really only knew how I was feeling.
I feel like I am stuck on this desert island and I am surrounded by restless natives. These ships full of people pass by and wave and occasionally come on the island to replenish their supplies and then they are gone again, leaving me all alone. I get an occasional message in a bottle (from my hubby) which cheers me up, but ultimately, I am alone on the island until I am rescued.
I rented the Disney movie "Earth" to watch with the kids this weekend. If I have time, I'd like to see it, but hopefully it will at least keep them occupied so I can get things done. I am so ready for this deployment to be over. I got a wonderful card from my hubby today that made me genuinely smile. I love him so much. I'd do anything for him, including endure this torture of being away from him.
I miss you, hubby. I love you very much. Thanks for keeping me going when I don't think I would have the strength otherwise. I saw a great quote today... "challenges make you discover things about yourself you never knew." That was from Cicely Tyson. I am learning a lot about myself.

There will be blood...

I woke up in a puddle of blood. Yes, I am putting this in here because it's bothering the HECK out of me! This is the 3rd month with no birth control. Was trying to save the money while hubby is gone. Yes, I know the benefits about preventing cancer, etc. but I also know I have been able to keep some weight off. Who knows if that's even why... But I am officially going to have to start back after this cycle because this first and second day of overflow is driving me nuts. That was my cue to call in today and take vacation. Besides, I have been neglecting my home.

Started the day with dropping off all the kids at school. Princess has been off and on complaining of a headache. It's been in the mornings mostly so I just assume that it's because she tries to stay up late and may still be sleepy. But she's done it for a couple days now, so I guess I will call the doctor. Ellie bear called me just as I pulled up in the driveway to say she forgot to have me sign something. And then I remembered asking them for their progress reports last night and getting distracted and forgetting about it later on. So, I have no idea what is going on at this point with grades. Will have to catch up on that one tonight.

Then went to hubby's bank and took out $200. Thanks baby! 173.89 spent at the grocery store and that was after my massive stack of coupons. Original total was $205 and change! I love being a frugal shopper!

Of course now that I am back home, I thought of a few things I missed. I have to go to the post office today and to Kinko's to make copies of some photos I am sending out with the Christmas cards. I have to clean clean clean at home! Just wanted to sit and start this blog early...

To Be Continued...
Got started with the cleaning and then hubby skype'd me. He told me where the key to the trunk was so I opened it and found some goodies inside. Shirts for me and the kids, candy and some DVDs. The best was the long johns that smelled like him. He bagged them up for me! Sweet man who knows my heart!
Got back to work then got a phone call from my cousin, talked to her all of about 10 minutes to be interrupted by a call from the daycare. Princess has been throwing up and complaining of an upset stomach. I go to pick her up and make an appointment for the doctor. Come home, she pukes in the driveway before we ca.n get out of the car. I put her in bed, clean out the car, do a bit more around the house til time to go to the doctor.
Find out from doctor she has strep throat with "scarlatina" rash/fever? That's why her face was all splotchy. Man...
Luckily I had gotten everything ready for dinner last night. Roast in crock pot, delish... Princess taking amoxicillan (antibiotic) and tummy feels better she says. Took my Mom money. She is having issues with finances right now. Got absolutely nothing I set out to do accomplished today. Still feeling like crap, now physically and mentally.
I miss you, hubby. You are the only thing that can make this all better. I think I will just cry myself to sleep and let the rest of the world pass me by... This day has truly turned to crap...
WOW! Hubby is good! He said he "sensed a disturbance in the force" and called me to say good morning/good night (that time difference is crazy!) How amazing the sheer coincidence of "good timing" was tonight. A call just as I was blogging for help! :) I think I can hold off on the crying now. Love you, Hubby!!!

Happy (belated) Anniversary To Me!

I am having a decent day today. The calls are pretty slow. I went to my anniversary luncheon- it was 10 years on July 12, but I was out on disability for carpel tunnel so I just got around to having it today- at Pappasito's Mexican restaurant. I invited Shannon, JoBeth, Chris, Don, Shae, Shenika (the one who's little boy has a party next weekend), Alisha and my manager, Stan came along. I ate the fish (talapia) taco with a beef enchilada and beans and rice. It was yummy but the best part was the extra 1.5 hrs off the phone!
JoBeth had the nicest surprise for me today. There was a card attached that said on the front, "you worked your butt off and somebody noticed!" I can't remember the inside right now. But I shared the award that came in the mail with her and she was so impressed that hubby thought of me and my sacrifices that she decided to acknowledge me too. Well, she knows of my love for fairies. So she got me a 2010 calendar with different artists' fairy drawings for each month. They are truly beautiful. JoBeth is an awesome friend. She wants me to go to the Union Christmas Party with her on 12-19-09 if I can get a sitter. That's the same day as the FRG Christmas party. Whew! I'm gonna be wiped out! I probably won't be able to get a sitter anyway.
Mary came right before we left. The bitch is back. Oh how I hate it when she's in town. But so far she's not the heavy hitter she has been on the first day the last 2 months. We'll see what happens tomorrow. I am really considering taking the day off. I have so much to do it's not even funny.
I got a trunk in the mail today from the hubby. It's padlocked so I hope he will be sending me the key. Curiosity is killing this little kitty. I wanna' know what's inside. Night before last I browned enough chicken breasts for 2 meals so dinner was quick and easy tonight. I didn't eat much because I had such a huge lunch. Got a roast ready to go in the crock pot in the fridge. Before I go to work in the morning, just gotta' start it up...
It is so cold here right now. I hate bundling up all the kids in the mornings. Oh well. Just gotta' get through the winter. Princess woke up from a dream whining. I asked what was wrong and she just kept saying, "dada"... It was so sad. The princess is taking this deployment harder than I am.
I am disappointed. I confirmed today that I need one more science class for my associates degree. I thought I was done. Don't know how I overlooked that and frankly don't want to think about it right now. I did as requested by my husband. I sent off for a transcript evaluation for Bellevue University. $11.25 SMU charges for that! I will send off for one from my last school as well and we'll see what happens.
I didn't get to blog Monday and Tuesday. Not much happened. I got to speak to hubby very briefly on the phone both days. No Skype. :( He got his Christmas box. Yay! I have more stuff ready to go out soon. Hopefully this weekend. I got in the mail on Tuesday an award from the Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (for my state). It came with a nice certificate. Hubby nominated me for it. Wasn't that sweet? Thanks baby! It was honoring me for my sacrifices while he serves his country and for supporting him! Anytime, babe!
I bought the Harry Potter movie and Public Enemies with Johnny Depp and Christian Bale on Tuesday but haven't watched them yet. I still haven't seen Taking of Pelham 123. It is so hard to find the time to watch movies now. I can barely keep my eyes open. It's almost midnight again, so I will turn in for the evening.
I love you, hubby! I can't wait to see your face again!

For the love of my children...

We had some very disturbing news in Seabeeville this week. I wanted to just do a separate post regarding what happened. A little one has died. He was just 5 years old and his father is deployed currently. His mother was in the hospital with pneumonia and while she was there, and he was in the care of others, he swallowed a pushpin and died of complications.
Upon hearing that news and sharing it with my older girls, I cried. I wanted to share it with them because of the importance of keeping an eye on their siblings and each other. Life is too short and I don't want to make it any shorter. They take it for granted that the little ones can entertain themselves sometimes. I wanted to give them a reminder that they must always help me to pay attention because Mommy can't be in 7 places at once.
The separation is hard, but for a tragedy like that to happen amidst being apart from your loved ones is just too terrible to even imagine. I can't imagine the father's anguish nor can I imagine the mother's pain, especially as her husband wasn't there to immediately comfort her.
I do wish that family all the peace and love that they can receive. Not only in spirit but in flesh. And I can only hope that I can keep myself and my family healthy and happy until we are whole again.

I love weekends!

Friday went by really fast at work! Just as I hoped. I left work so happy. Got a few emails from my hubby that morning. And I got to talk to him on the phone and Skype! :) woo hoo! elation!
My doctor's appointment went well. I didn't get seen until almost 5 PM though. That office is awesome, but they are too busy! I have a clean bill of "lady" health.
Friday night didn't consist of any wild parties. :) Unless you count the broom and lemon scented Joy. I did, however, Skype with hubby til about 1 AM so I slept in on Saturday...
I woke up too late to go to the base to exercise. I went to Elliebear's violin concert at the local high school. I took Princess with me and she was so sleepy I ended up leaving after L's performance and coming back to pick her up at the end. Ellie is so emotional. She was crying because one of the other girls in the class was being mean to her. I tried to convince her to not let others get under her skin, but I know better than anyone, that's easier said than done. Went to the grocery store. Couldn't find my list so I got what I could remember and when I got home, noticed so much more I needed and forgot. I need time to go down each aisle and just fill up the basket with what we need. Oh well. We'll survive one day at a time.
Saturday night we put up the Christmas tree lights and new little ornaments, which aren't going to make it through Christmas, between the twins and Bruiser. Our little tree doesn't look like it belongs in an episode of Charlie Brown anymore. :) I am not putting the gifts underneath the tree. If they can't leave the lights and ornaments alone, I know they can't leave the gifts alone!
Sunday... More Skype time with hubby this morning. I hope and pray that he gets to take that SCWS (?) board soon. I am so worried about him doing well and getting it out of the way. Not that I don't think he'll do well. It's that I don't want him to have too much on his plate when he's there. I guess it could be good to have some things to occupy his mind.
Hubby wants me to take some classes. I really want to, but I am afraid I won't be able to put forth my best efforts right now. I can barely find time to read the Sunday comics...
I got the new Bluray player hooked up in the bedroom this weekend. I got tons and tons of laundry done. And there's still about 2-3 loads left. This included comforters and sheets. I meant to wash the kids coats but... I forgot. I made fried talapia tonight with some egg noodles in Alfredo sauce and 2 cans of mixed veggies poured in. It was really good. And I have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
I am so disappointed in how much I got done. I did Elliebear's hair today too. She took her braids out. Princess fell asleep b4 8 PM so she didn't get her usual Sunday night braiding. Which just means I have to do it tomorrow.
I wrapped all the Christmas gifts today. Which took all afternoon with all the interruptions. This day has come and ended way too quickly.
Princess has 4 Barbies, 4 Disney princess books, 4 new games for her Vtech system, the riprazor trike, new Disney Princess shoes and purse.
Bruiser has 2 Barbies, the radio flyer trike and a cookware set.
(Now they will probably end up sharing the cookware and the books. I don't trust bruiser with the game system though- she broke the one she got last year)
Cici has her DSi, the fish lamp, 3 webkinz (Internet animals) and she got the sea monkeys as an early gift.
Elliebear has the keyboard, 1 webkinz pet and a pair of Heeleys (those shoes with the skates built in), the Hannah Montana and Tinkerbell movies that came out this fall on DVD.
Pinky has the doll that sings "I'm a little Teapot" and that electronic drum.
Bubba has the giant thing of blocks in the plastic wagon and a big CAT dump truck.
I got gifts for my brother's kids and hubby's brother's kids got sea monkeys as requested. I thought about getting a gift for my cousin's little girl. But I just don't know. I am also invited to a co worker's little boys 2nd b-day party on Dec 13th or 12th (that Sunday) at this place called Abbie's Playhouse. I think it's gonna be fun for the little ones. She said it's for ages 8 and under so C and L will basically just go to enjoy the pizza, cake and ice cream and to help mom out of course. :) Last year we went to the one she had a McD's. She said he likes Sesame Street and books would be OK. So, I found 5 little books, beginner books with the Sesame Street characters. They were only like a buck each. But I couldn't find any Sesame Street toys that weren't $30+ talking Elmo's so... She's just gonna have to understand that I am doing Christmas for 6 and it's a bit rough right now... Oh well. Maybe I will add some candy or something in with it.
Dexter was just delicious tonight. Man, wish hubby was here to see it with me. It's almost midnight. I guess I will join the rest of the house and go to sleep.
I have a long week ahead of me. OT practically each day. And so much to do at home each night. UGH. I just have to do that little engine chant... I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. :)
I love you, my wonderful hubby! I hope as you read this and catch up on our lives here at home, you are safe and know that you are so very loved.

As The World Turns...

All I can do is try not to fall off into oblivion. I am so glad tomorrow is Friday. I will get off work at 3 PM for my annual exam. Yeah! I'd rather have my insides prodded than be at that place. I guess it's not so bad, but that statement is true. I only took the last 3 hours off so I go to lunch for an hour from 1-2 and my appt is at 3:45. I will have some time to get some stuff accomplished before I go.
I had an ok day. I didn't "hear" from my husband today. I miss his voice and now that I've had a taste of Skype, I miss seeing his face. But I did get 4 amazing cards containing letters in the mail today! Thanks honey! You are always there for me, even half a world away!
I realized today that I forgot to include something in husband's box. Just hope he can deal without til next time. I am seriously trying to get some stuff accomplished. It's happening, I guess, slowly but surely.
I changed my mind about the FSA. I dropped it to 1,000.00 a year. I can't guarantee we'll spend the 2,000.00 I originally opted for but since we have a 700.00 deductible this next term, so we'd only have 300.00 to make up and surely we'd do that. I hate this stuff. I was so spoiled by our old contracts. This sucks. We have to meet the deductible, then we pay 10% of the remaining cost of the visit to the doctor until we reach 1,000.00 out of pocket, then everything is covered at 100%. Ugly. Just hope all of us stay healthy next year. And hope we don't have another deployment baby! :)
I did get excellent news. The NACCRA group is going to pay 50.00/child toward my daycare bill each month. Not anywhere near what I was hoping for, but I'll take it! That'll cover at least one or 2 other utilities or an extra car payment each month. So, I'm excited! It's a lot of paperwork and stuff but I guess it's worth the trouble.
Cold weather is coming in. Supposed to be worse tomorrow than today. I think it was like 38 degrees when I got home from work. Brrr. This is hubby's weather, not mine. I missed my Private Practice TV show tonight because I was on the phone with HP trying to get the printer to work in the bedroom for the paperwork and with Time Warner, trying to get the kids PC to work. This evening has just been tiring. We ate left over spaghetti and a 5.00 pepperoni pizza from Lil Caesars for dinner. I was just beat!
They are finally replacing the carpet at 2401! Hubby, you know how long that carpet has been there! So we have to remove everything from the floor before we leave tomorrow and take home our breakables. So, I must remember to bring home my beautiful roses! They have started to open up and you can still smell them from several feet away. I must say I have been extremely pleased with this most recent delivery. It was beautifully arranged. The flowers all bloomed at the same time. They smell spectacular. They are amazing. Thanks so much, baby! You know my heart.
I signed up for the 12 days of Whataburger free gift offer. Tomorrow's is a free breakfast taquito. Too bad I probably won't be able to get there before I go in in the morning. So we shall see what the next day has to offer. This will be a good thing, counting calories sometimes, you know.
Saturday Elliebear has her Christmas concert at the local high school. I wish hubby was able to hear her play, she's getting better. But still sounds like a beginning 5th grader who doesn't practice enough. :)
I am glad to be keeping busy. It makes the time go by faster. Need that! Brings me closer and closer to touching my husband again.

Winter Wednesday!

We had snow today! It didn't stick but it was so nice for the kids to be excited about it. The weather is supposed to be super-yucko the next couple of days. The kiddos have also been overjoyed at all the houses lit up with Christmas lights. And we have a tree up but no lights on it yet... I feel terrible. I just have so much to do...
I really need to wrap some gifts. I just don't even have time for that. I have wrapped Ellie's keyboard and Princess' Razor trike. Just because they were too big to hide. I watched the Maverick's game today. They beat New Jersey, which isn't saying much since NJ is 0-18. Poor apple pies. Princess is so cute. I said "oh, look at cute baby Pinky" and Princess said "she's an apple pie"... Ever since the Transformers apple pie/Optimus Prime incident, she's been obsessed with the words "apple pie".
It must be time for Mary... I have been pigging out all day. I went to What-a-burger for lunch, and felt like I could have eaten 2 of them, with onions rings and a large Diet Dr. Pepper. Then a coworker was given extra fries with her meal and I was starving, so I ate those. Then I had a peanut butter sandwich and some pistachios. I had a huge cup of water and 2.5 cups of coffee. And that was all at work. For dinner, I made spaghetti and green beans. Quick and simple. I had 2 huge helpings of spaghetti though. And a cookies-n-cream ice cream cone for desert. I feel just sick about my eating today. Not sick to my stomach, sick to my self esteem. I don't know what the deal is. I think I am stressing about a lot of stuff too. Now I have to go to the gym this weekend.
I didn't get to talk to hubby today. I did get to mail his Christmas box finally. Let's hope he gets it in a safe and timely manner. I really miss my husband. I feel sometimes that this is not even fair. But I knew what I was signing up for, I guess. Why can't those couples who want to be separated from each other go through this? Not me and my honey!
I finally finished my annual enrollment for health care. I decided on 2,000.00 annually for the FSA. It's gonna' cost me 166.67/month, but I believe I will spend that for items that are eligible plus doctor's fees. We'll see. I've gotta or I'll lose it! I hate that I even have to change anything. Oh well, Ce la vie. I could be working somewhere without any health care coverage, right?
It has been decided. They are going to close hubby's local post office. At least we'll only have one stop to make to check our mail now since his box will be relocated to my station. :) This is going to happen in February, honey.
Well, I can't say anything exciting happened today. I am just glad the day is over. We move on to the next one... One more down... Another one has bitten the dust... You get the idea.
Love to you, my dearest husband. I can't wait to kiss you!

Old Man Winter Rears His Ugly Head!

It's COLD! Not Buffalo, NY cold... but it's cold! And today it started raining.
Yesterday... Whew! A Monday... Wow. Well, it was pretty typical. Not bad, I guess. I didn't get to talk to hubby. Got some brief emails. Would've made for a very long day, except... I got mail! 3 cards and total of 13 pages of letters! I was overjoyed! The cockles of my heart were warmed! (watch your mind there, hubby!) :)
YEAH! my blogging was interrupted by a wonderful Skype call from my hubby! Love it! Love it! Love it! He makes me so tremendously happy!
Back to Monday. My boss man listened to one of my calls. I thought personally it was a perfect call. Perfect fact finding questions to suit my offers. I didn't miss any offers. Built rapport with the dude. He didn't really buy anything, but all in all, it was a perfect call. His response when we were done (32 minutes- covering his initial inquiry, his Uverse account and his home phone account, 2 separate bills, covering offers for wireless, speed upgrades, TV upgrades and support plus for his PC)was that the call was too long. So, I was like, "I don't see how you expect us to hit all our target offers and build rapport and fact find and handle their initial request without the call taking a bit of time". He said something as he was walking off. I can't even remember what it was so my response was, "I can't win for losing"... And I went to lunch. UGH. I hate my job. But it pays the bills, right?
Oh, I had rented over the weekend, some movies from Blockbuster. The Angels and Demons and my free rental was this really weird french vampire movie called, "let the right one in." It was about this 12 yr old boy who was bullied all the time and this weird little girl (who had been 12 for a long time as she was a vampire) befriended him and they ended up falling in love. I must say it was different. Anyway, that's about it for Monday.
Today, work was a bit better revenue wise. Still had some ridiculous customers. But it's OK. Today is over. I can let it go now. :) Made this Betty Crocker Chipotle Ranch (pasta) chicken salad for dinner. Added a can of corn to it along with 3 cooked and cubed skinless chicken breasts. It was really good. Simple dinner because I am so tired. We work an hour of OT today and yesterday and Bruiser kept me up all night Monday night.
And today, I can see all my hard work with cleaning over the weekend (along with my Mom's) going to shit! I got a call from Cici's teacher today and she got a 54 on her last math test. C is missing assignments, mostly from when she was out sick but she is behind and not understanding whatever they learned while she was out. She is scheduled to go to tutoring after school with the teacher this Thursday and Friday to catch up and get help. And if needed, which I am sure it will be, next week M, T, Th and F.
I feel so bad about the girls having to walk home right now. It's supposed to snow tonight/
tomorrow AM. And it's really cold. The last thing I need is for them to get sick and they already had to walk home in the rain today. Most of Cici's friends and L's walk home though. I don't know anybody (that they have told me about associating with) who doesn't walk. So it really sucks! But we have to do what we have to do. I can just harp about bundling up and wearing their coats and I guess it's no worse than if they wanted to go outside to play in this weather.
I still haven't had time to hook up the new Bluray DVD player in our bedroom. Too busy. But I did go today and get Terminator Salvation and Night at the Museum on bluray today. The later of the 2 was what we attempted to go see at the drive in south of us here over the summer. It was so far out and the little kids were soooo noisy that I couldn't hear most of the movie but Cici and Ellie got on top of the car and watched while I sat inside with the little ones and they said it was good. So, we'll see. I am a movie fanatic! I can't stop buying them. One of these days, (after I retire) I want to sit down and just watch each one of our movies once. I'd be there for days but still. That relaxes me.
I am trying to finish my annual enrollment for my health insurance at work. The deadline is the 3rd @ 7PM. I just want to make sure I don't mess anything up. I think I have it under control. We are going to try a flex spending plan. Wish me luck! Well, the best part of today... I got a dozen BEAUTIFUL roses from my hubby at work. They made me grin from ear to ear! And to top it off, I've now seen that handsome face before I conk out at bedtime. Goodnight, Daddy! Thank you for being you! There's not another one in the whole universe like you and I am lucky enough to have let the right one in... I love you, hubby!