Days 13 & 14: Vacationing at home is happily exhausting

Keeping busy is good in when your spouse is deployed. Thank goodness for that, because busy is what I have been. We have been fortunate enough to have visited with lots of our loved ones over the past week. Yesterday I was so exhausted from all the fun I didn't even have the energy to blog. My mama was nice enough to get up with the boys and let me sleep in this morning. Let me tell you, that is THE BEST gift you can give a military spouse who has children, sleep. Tomorrow I head back south to Fort Campbell so here's a few photos from our last couple days of this this trip.

Yesterday we started off our day with an amazing surprise. DADDY (:

 

We met Jenna at Sumburger (a restaurant exclusive to my hometown) for lunch. The boys are very good at holding still, or waiting, or keep our eating area clean. So I always feel bad when I take them out to eat, knowing most the time someone will scream at some point and we will leave a mess behind. Though this time, Jack decided to take his mess with him.

I don't think Jenna will make the mistake of giving a three-year-old cheese fries (without a hose readily available) again. Especially since my rule is, "you get them messy, you get to clean them up".

Fifteen wet wipes later, we were ready for the park. I am fortunate enough to grow up in a town that as a gorgeous city park. A huge pond with a bridge, lots of ducks, a sidewalk path around it, lots of playground equipment. It's just awesome, and I love to watch my boys boys play in the same places I remember going when I was little.

 

 

My friend Jacob met us there with his dog, Butch, to take a walk, play, run around like crazy, and catch up. Jacob and I have been friends since elementary school and I hadn't seen him for two years. In that time he has been through a lot, including a tour in Afghanistan. There is something to be said about hugging an old friend you haven't seen in way too long when you've wanted to be there for them sooner, but couldn't. Of course, the boys loved playing with Jacob and his dog. And I loved being able to finally catch up with him.

 

After the park naps, and dinner, Jack, Avery, my mama, and I went to the my high school's football game. My little brother, Max, and my husband's little sister, Lauren, are in the marching band so we went to watch them perform. We also met my two brother-in-laws there, Jacob and Justin. Did you get all that? Haha.

 

This is Jacob and I. He reminds me a lot of Jeff so it's always really comforting for me to spend time with him. And he was just as nervous as I was about Jack running around in the huge crowds of people. Haha.

 

 

Jack and his aunt Avery and uncle Justin. I sometimes wonder how my boys got so lucky. Our family may be unconventional because Jack is only 4 years apart from both of them, but they love each other, all three of them. The kids are like one big family. People always find it odd that Jeff and I both have little siblings that are that young, but I think that makes our family kind of special (:

 

Even Jeff enjoyed the game with us (Sorry hunny, but you were lovingly held by the hair most the night).

 

Today was uneventful. I wanted it that way. Both my boys and myself were exhausted. We aren't used to this much time out and about and this much fun. So worth it for sure, but the day before a long road trip it's important to me that we all get some down time. So after I woke up at 10am (thank you sooooo much mama) I spent most of my day crocheting, washing our clothing so I don't have to do it all when I get home, and trying to gather all our stuff from around my mom's house. Though, I know I will forget a few things, I always do. The boys played outside, and if they were inside they were doing this.

 

Watching old "Tom and Jerry" episodes in German with Avery. Yes I said, in German. My 8-year-old sister prefers her cartoons in German. Haha. She never ceases to surprise me.

 

Tomorrow I get to do this for 7 hours:

 

That drive is so boring. But today my daddy checked my oil, put air in my tires, and said Talulah is ready for the trip back to Ft Campbell. Please cross your fingers the boys don't hate me for saying we have to leave Nan's and my trip is as uneventful as can be expected with two toddlers.

P.S. Today marks two weeks down in this deployment (though it feels like its been much longer). That means we are 5 percent done. Not too shabby.

Hope y'all are having a wonderful weekend

(:

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 12: Good, Busy Day

Jeff finally made it to his final destination. This makes me happy for more than one reason. It means he probably going to stay put for a while (thus being safer for a while). He has a bed to sleep in and a space (even if it's small) to call his own. Lastly, it means he will be on some sort of schedule, which reduces my stress immensely. It means I don't worry as much because I know what he's doing and when we will talk (approximately). That alone makes a military wife's shoulders feel a bit lighter. On top of all that, right now it looks like his schedule is allowing for him to be awake when I'm awake, and asleep when I'm asleep. *happy dance*. Thank you, Army for the small break, it means a lot.

 

Today we had lunch with my friend Ashley at our favorite Chinese restaurant. The boys were so happy to see her. Even though it was like a three ring circus, as it always is when we go out to eat, they were fairly well behaved today. It was good to catch up with a friend that I've known since elementary school as well. Ashley turns twenty-two tomorrow, so happy early birthday to her (: we love you and hope its wonderful.

 

We stopped at the store on the way home to do something I have been planning for a while. I took Jack and let him pick out stuff for his "Letters to Daddy" bag. I decided a few months ago I wanted Jack to have special supplies that only get used when he's writing/drawing for daddy. That way, upon daddy's return when I ask him if he wants to color a picture for daddy... he won't flip out and think Jeff is leaving again. So today we bought all this:

Toddler friendly crayons, a notebook Jack picked out (daddy will be proud it has a corvette on the front), bright blue envelopes (again I let Jack pick), a little calendar for Jack to mark off days in, and a stamp pad and train stamp so daddy will always know who they are from when he sees the envelope with the train (or 500 trains, Jack is excited about stamping). We also got a little pouch to keep it all in, which Jack will get to decorate with fabric markers and I will write Letters to Daddy on. He is super excited to "write his first letter" tomorrow. I can't wait to see what he comes up with. I'm sure it will be nothing that I will understand, and Jeff will have no problem reading it. They are silly like that (:

We came back to Nan's house to repeat Jack's favorite part of the day.

 

They are just so darn cute. Right after this Avery said "Katie, let's get a picture with all three of us" ... Jack has been calling me "Katie" at least 50% of the time ever since. I tried to explain the your mama is Avery's sister and that's why she blah blah blah. It got me no where. So I banged my head on the ground... just took a photo like they wanted.

 

After Jonah woke up from his nap we went in town for dinner. Man. Oh. Man. I sure married into a good family. My husband's Nanny is the best chicken-fryer that I know. God help me, I think I gained 5 pounds tonight. On top of that, Nanny is pretty much amazing at everything, especially being a great-grandma.

 

My boys are very lucky (:

Granddad was there too and was happy to see Jonah and his "#2" (Granddad is Jackie James, the orignial). Jeff's parents also came and all his little siblings. It felt really good to be surrounded by people that love Jeff as much as I do. Jonah played with his grandma Laura for a good bid of the evening. his favorite game was "How many grapes can grandma hold in her cheeks at once" haha

 

The boys were out by the time we got back to my mom's house, Jonah went straight to bed and Jack got to stay up a bit longer to play with Avery. Their playtime ended with Avery reading him two books. He loved it. He sat quietly (more so than when I or daddy read to him) and listened to her every word. And even at 8 years old, she was so animated. I love listening to them. Most people look at Avery and notice how small she is. I look at her and I cannot believe how big she is. She was my pseudo first child. I was 14 when she was born and I remember missing her while I was at school. She weighed barely 5 lbs when she came into this world, spent 2 weeks in the NICU fighting to stay healthy, and then spent the next 8 years defying every judgment that told her "you are too small." Today I looked at her and finally realized she is not a baby anymore. I know this all sounds silly because I'm not her mother, just her big sister. Today, I saw a smart, gorgeous, funny, loving, sweet little girl. Coming home is hard, as I've mentioned before, especially without Jeff. But Avery, that sweet girl, always makes me feel like I've moved mountains to get here. She usually jumps on me when I walk through the door. She missed me. "She remembers how much I love her and she missed me"... That's what goes through my mind when she hugs me. In times like these, 12 days after my husband went to war, a hug like that from a little sister like her can heal my heart.

 

<3

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 11: Making an Effort Anyways

I've always said I will be honest. I don't want to be one of those people that always writes about her perfect little life. My life is far from perfect, but it's mine... and for some silly reason y'all have taken an interest in reading about it (:

 

Today was rough from the start. My sweet (almost)15 month-old was a tornado today. My mama's house began to look like I turned a blender on and forgot the lid. Jack thought it'd be a good idea to ride the back of the recliner like a horse. And when I used my mom voice to say "Jackie James Davis the second, you get down from there" I totally spooked him and down he went over the back. He wasn't hurt, but I don't think he'll do that again. Geesh child, mama does NOT want gray hair, in case you misunderstood. Even the Dogs in The house were losing it. Walter (the ridiculously cute black puppy from yesterday's post) broke Jack's favorite toy :( Jack mourned poor "Cranky" for at least 15 minutes, which is a good bit of time in toddler world. Walter then moved on to chasing Luna constantly, trying to get her to play. Luna was not amused.

 

Deciding that my mom's house was one mess away from the walls caving in, I packed up the boys and went in town to visit with my grandma and aunt Amy. I always love going to visit my grandma, it brings me back to my childhood. I used to love staying with her. My grandma has always been supportive if my decisions even if she didn't agree with them, and I could never thank her enough for that. The boys so enjoyed playing with her and aunt Amy today, makes my heart happy.

 

After that, Jonah was more than ready for a nap so we ventured back out to "Nan's" house. Jonah went right to sleep, and Jack and I cuddled on the couch until his favorite part of the day came... The part of the day when Avery gets off the bus (:

 

They are like two peas in a pod. They really look like they could be siblings, actually. Jack wants to do whatever Avery wants to do.. and Avery usually doesn't mind the shadow (: Shortly after that mama got home from her first day back to work after surgery. She said she had a great day, was so happy to see all her kiddos and teacher friends, and felt pretty good. She was also happy to come home to this:

 

Seriously adorable right?

 

We went to visit grandpa Kevin and eat dinner with him this evening. On the way over, Jack completely lost it out of the blue. Screaming at the top of his lungs for his daddy, clinging to his daddy doll. He wasn't in trouble, or upset or anything. Then all of a sudden he was a complete mess. He cried so hard, he gagged. I ended up having to pull over console him the best I could. It was horrible. (Here comes the truth part.) I am having a really hard time with the fact that Jeff and I brought our children into this world knowing they would have to hurt like this. I can't forgive myself for letting them go through this pain. I knew if I had a child, they would have to deal with a deployment, they would have to hurt, to cry, to miss their daddy. And I knew Jeff would miss special moments (like Jack being born), and would hurt because he missed them so bad, and that he would feel guilty. And I let it happen anyways. I don't for a second regret bringing my children into this world, so please don't hold this against me. It's very hard to explain, this emotion. I'm not even sure I really know what it is. I'm just disappointed in myself for not being able to take this pain away for my husband and my children. Of course I am hurting too, but at this moment I can't really feel that... I'm just feeling everything for them maybe?

 

Despite today's challenges, I made myself wear a cute dress, put on make-up, get out of the house, and smile anyways. Fake it 'til you make it, right?

 

P.S. I hope my husband calls soon, I really miss him and could definitely use the reassurance his voice saying "It's all going to be okay, babe" gives me.

 

This tired girl and I are hitting the hay.

Goooooooodnight.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 10: Grandma's House

"We had a great day, it was a super way... to spend... some time together"

5 extra awesome mom points for anyone that can tell me what kids show that is from (:

But seriously, we had a great day. Today was my mom's last day off work after having surgery a few weeks ago, so we celebrated her health and spent the day together with her at the same time. My mama even treated me to lunch at Bob Evans. So good. We picked up some things we needed, including some new fleece pajams for the boys (this mama totally underestimated how cold fall, Ohio nights are in a country home). Though the nights are colder than expected, I am so very happy to be home, in my mama and stepdad's house. We are surrounded by open air, back roads, woods, animals, farms... I love it (: I always feel more like myself during/after a visit back home. It grounds me, in a way. I guess "back to my roots" isn't such a silly saying after all.

The boys also have a blast here, Jack especially. He spent 3 hours just playing outside, running, jumping, digging, riding, giggling. It melted my heart to see him so very happy after everything he's been going through lately.

He mostly played by himself or with the dogs outside while waiting for Avery to get home from school. But when he wanted a playmate, Nan wasn't far behind.

 

We also were lucky enough to receive visits from aunt Kathy and Jenna today. It's always good to catch up with aunt Kathy and Jenna has been one of my very best friends since the 10th grade... so most the time we just pick up where we left off last time I was home visiting (:

We got a message from daddy that said he's on the move again, so please say a prayer for safe travels for him. Other than that we didn't do much of anything today, the boys enjoyed themselves, I crocheted for an hour or more straight today (an accomplishment in itself with my children). And I got to meet and hang out with this adorable, little guy.

His name is Walter (: He is my mama's newest addition to her "pack". He is a yorkie/poodle puppy and is "three kinds of crazy" as Jack called him this morning. Haha. But he's sooooo cute and sweet. How could you not love that face?

I'm off to bed to cross my fingers and toes that I wake up to a message or call from across the globe (:

G'night all.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 9: Roadtrip, Rules, and Remember Please

What I learned today: a road trip with two toddlers is a lot differ than a road trip with a toddler and a baby.

I am so thankful that Erin made this trip with me. I drove and she did everything else. Fed them, rescued dropped toys, entertained them with her dancing and singing abilities. By the end of the trip I had... two carseats full of "saved for later" snacks, cars/trains covering the floorboard that had been launched in frustration, a tangled mess of blankets and stuffed animals that had been traded a few hundred times, and I think I found and itty bitty bit of Erin and I's sanity between the empty Starbucks cups.

By the time we were an hour away, Jack had enough of everyone and everything. So we did what any other person would do in the situation and popped "MJ's Greatest Hits" in the CD player.

Crisis averted.

The drive from Fort Campbell makes you a particular kind of crazy. I've driven all over this beautiful country of ours and I'm telling you this is the most boring drive... ever. Even rural Montana was more exciting than this folks. Eighty percent of the view is this.

I was sooooooo very ready to get out of the car when we finally arrived. The boys were as well. Jack and Avery talked to each other like to old friends that hadn't seen each other in 20 years, and Jonah literally ran laps around my mom's house. Haha. I was starting to think they'd gone mad

[Sorry it's blurry, that's the most still I could get them]

 

The boys are finally asleep downstairs. Here's to hoping Jonah will only wake up once tonight and Jack will only kick me in the head (or elsewhere) once or twice. I have been dragging out composing this blog for over an hour now, hoping my husband would get online or call. I can't procrastinate much longer though, the boys are sure to be up bright and early and it doesn't look like the phone is going to ring no matter how many times I stare it down. This will be the first time we've went more than 24 hours without talking since he left. That might not seem like a big deal to you, but it is. Try thinking about how it would feel if you woke up without your husband, spent all day re-insisting that daddy would not be in Nanny's house, and then went to bed that night without hearing his voice of reassurance. On top of that, not knowing where he is and trying to make yourself assume he's safe because you haven't got a phone call (because that's what we're told to do). Not how I wanted to end my day, but I'm going to try my best to sleep anyways. I have to try even if I fail I suppose.

 

I am hopeful this week we are about to spend in Ohio will provide an abundance of emotional support for the boys and I. Being around friends and family great. I am also scared. Being home means I have to face the fact that Jeff is gone again. When he is gone, I visit our families alone. I have a suitcase full of stuff, none of which is his (even though I did start to pack his out of habit). I answer silly questions about deployment (i.e. "Where is he?" "Do you miss him?" "How do you do it?" and my favorite.. "Is it hard?"). I have to hear about how everyone else misses him so much. I have to do a lot of things that I really would rather not. It's hard to explain. On a military post.. A 22-year-old mother with two small children, alone, crying at the drop of a pen... is completely normal. Here, in civilian world.. It is not. I understand I cannot change how the world operates, I would be silly to think that my life and our situation (being as foreign as it is to most folks around here) would not attract some attention. I just wish people would think before they speak. So if you see me, or any milspouse for that matter, all I ask of you is to try your best to not make it worse. Offer a hug or a "hey it's really great to see you" and smile, don't pity me... I can assure you I pity myself enough in private (: It is totally okay to ask about my deployed husband. You can ask practical questions that I can answer, like "What country is he in?" "How long will he be there approximately?" "Have you heard from him?" "How was he the last time you spoke with him?" Of course I will be happy to see and talk to anyone, even those that may forget to consider how emotional some topics may make my children and/or I. I do ask that you be considerate if my eyes get a little watery. And on the off chance I do let a tear fall, remember that I don't allow that often and let me do what I need to do.

 

It's also important that you remember to be considerate of my children. I understand that everyone in America has a different view and opinion on this war. But here it is in black and white, that is their daddy. He is the fixer of broken toys, he is the best tucker-inner they know, he is the cooker of their breakfast, he is the kisser of boo-boos, he is the daddy. To them, he is not a killer of bad guys. If I ever hear those words said to my children about their daddy, I will go ballistic and rightfully so. So, just don't do it.

 

Jeff and I decided together a long time ago what we would tell Jack (and Jonah) when deployment came around again. If you ask, Jack will tell you that his daddy is in Afghanistan. If you ask him why, he will say "to help the people." Daddy is there to help, because daddy is a really good helper. That is what he knows, that is what is true, and that is what we, as parents, felt was an appropriate description of deployment for our children. Remember please, and respect that.

 

Jeff, on the off chance you get to read this before I talk to you again, I wanted to reassure you again how proud I am to be your wife. My hearts swells with love for you. My smiles widens when I think about you. When I close my eyes I can still see and hear your laughing. I will hold on to that until I don't have to pretend anymore. This week will be hard without you, but I will get through because it will bring me one week closer to the end, I love you, don't forget.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Day 8: Out and About

Forgive me if tonight's blog is lacking. I have a lot to do toinght so we can leave for OHIO in the morning. The boys and I are super excited to see everyone.

 

Today we ran some errands this morning, getting stuff done (that I really should have got done earlier this week, but who's keeping track?)

 

After the stuff we had to do, we did some stuff we actually wanted to do. Like, the park!

 

We got a real treat when the boys' friend Corbin (and favorite babysitter "Cole") came to join us

The three stooges in action

Corbin and Jack always have a great time playing together, and most the time that leaves little brother Jonah just triying to keep up. It's good to have friends (:

 

I also finished up Erin's birthday present today. Per her request, a slouchie beanie in navy, olive, maroon. I had a blast making this one and hope I get the chance to make a few more.

 

And because I believe everyone should go to bed having laughed each day

hehe.

 

Happy Sunday

 

 

 

 

 

 



Day 7: Best Friend Time

Sometimes my best friend has perfect timing. She comes to visit when I definitely could use a pick-me-up. She never asks if I need her. She never brings up stuff I don't want to talk about. She always lets me vent and be sad, but then makes sure I laugh too. Seriously, everyone needs a best friend... you just can't have mine, 'cause she rocks.

 

 

This morning we took the boys to the child care center. I'm happy to report that absolutely NO tears were shed at all. Both the boys were happy to see lots of new friends to make and lots of new toys to play with. The tug on my heart is so much less painful when I leave and they are happy.

 

Erin and I's day consisted of the Clarksville Downtown Market then a walk around to all the shops on Franklin Street and Strawberry Alley. After that we headed to the store we should never enter Target. I found a new dress, some super cute boots, and a notebook to write my love letters in (: Erin found all her favorite colors in clothes she loved. Success in my book for sure.

We also got chinese food, and a pedicure after that. It was a long and awesome day.

 

Erin found it pretty funny that I smudged my pedicure because I tried to put my shoes back on.

Until karma bit her in the ass foot..

haha. She got to walk barefoot-ish allllll the way from the back of the PX to the car.

 

I've also been teaching Erin how to crochet. She really wants to learn, and is doing great.

 

TA DA

Her first bow. Not too shabby, eh?

 

I also forgot to post this yesterday: Jack (and our family) would like to say thank you to everyone who sent a card, message, called, or sent a gift to him for his birthday. It's means so much to us that our little boy is so loved.

 

He had been talking about a toy he wanted for weeks. "I need to get a 'Cranky' mom" he would say. I finally asked him to show me and he asked me to turn on Thomas the Tank Engine. Come to find out "Cranky" is the crane that lifts the cargo on/off the trains on Thomas.

 

So he used his some of his birthday money to finally get a "Cranky." Let me tell you, he LOVES this toy. Money well spent, Jack Jack.

 

And here are some photos especially for daddy. Daddy taught Jack how to swing onto the slide at the top, so we thought daddy would like this photo (:

 

Daddy also had mentioned a few weeks ago that he thought Jonah would look adorable with slicked back hair, so here ya go dad. What do you think?

 

Okay, so he may have been kind of annoyed with me. hehe.

 

Hope y'all are having a great weekend

 

 



Days 5 and 6: We have hit "the wall"

It has been a long two days. Let me preface this post by saying I love my boys, I am so very thankful for them, and I would do anything I could to take any and all of their pain away.

They say during a parent's deployment. Children will regress, they will act out, they will test the "left behind" parent, they will cry, and do things that just really don't make sense. As a military family, we've been told this on many occasions. It's hard to fully understand though until it happens. For the first few days, the boys were normal. They got into normal things, they made their normals messes, and they cried because of normal reasons. Of course they were both sad, but neither of them really knew what to think or how to process it so I assume they just carried on as they usually do. Yesterday and today has been a whole different ball game. Jonah is crying almost constantly. He wants to be held, and he wants my full attention at all times. But really, he doesn't want me to cuddle him and love him, when I pick him up to hold him sometimes he still cries and fights me. He literally does not know what to do with himself. My poor guy :(
Jack has decided he hates to go potty now. He went through 5 pairs of underwear today. He isn't listening, he instead just repeats his question or comment until I change my answer to something he approves. Or he ends up screaming when I tell him I already answered his question. I know in my heart that my children are just trying to work through all this stress. At one year and three years old, no one can expect them to know how to do that's But it's all very exhausting for this mama, both physically and emotionally.
I so hope that it will pass soon, or I can figure out a way to help them.

Despite the stressful few days I've had, my best friend Erin is here visiting and making things a bit more bearable and a lot more fun. Jack is in heaven. Some of you who have been reading for a while may remember that Erin was my constant "helping hand" during my husband's first deployment. Jack spent the first 9 months of his life spending almost as much time with her as he did with me. Erin is one of Jack's very favorite people. She also drove from Ohio to stay with Jack while I was in the hospital giving birth to Jonah. I am so very lucky to have her in my life and so are my boys.

It takes a special kind of person to come into my crazy house and not lose their patience (or mind) and she's doing great (: Tomorrow we get to spend a while without the boys thanks to CYS. The offer child care on certain days for spouses of deployed soldiers, for us to "catch our breath" if you will.. Who knows what we will get into, but it's sure to be fun. I just hope my boys aren't to upset about spending some time away from mama. I normally wouldn't worry because they usually do so well with stuff like that. But after the last two days, I honestly couldn't tell you how they will react in the morning. Praying its not so bad. Call me a softie, but I still cry if I have to leave them crying for me :(

Lastly, I just want to tell my husband (on the off chance he'll get to read this) that I miss you so much. I have found myself wishing more than ever that I could talk to you and rely on you for advice and ideas about what to do to help our children. You are so good when it comes to them. Just know that I love you, and I am still thinking about you every second of every day. I wonder what you are doing, and what you are thinking about. I am so thankful for the time that I get to talk to you but 15 minutes a day is not even close to enough. Though, I could talk to you 24/7 for the next 9 months and it still wouldn't feel like enough. I am impatiently waiting for the day I can feel your arms around me again. I love you.


Hope y'all have a great weekend (:

We have a button!



Want to grab our button for your blog?

Find it in the side bar

(:

Day 4: Fall Kickoff

Our day started like this

 

 

I felt 10 times better than last night but still not quite up to par. Thankfully, the boys were super sweet and relaxed with me on the couch for a couple hours this morning.

Since they were so good, I realized that I shouldn't let my illness affect their day. It was a gorgeous, fall day outside and I decided we should celebrate that.

I got the idea from PlayDrMom who posted a great tutorial. So I decided to document our own version of the project and pass it on to you!

 

Coffee Filter Fall Leaves

What you'll need:

washable markers

coffee filters (cut them into the shapes of leaves)

paintbrushes

water

 

 

Step 1: Color the leaves with markers. Scribbles are fine, so let the munchkins go crazy. (Don't worry about the table, as long as you use washable markers, the stains will wipe clean).

 

Dip the paintbrushes in the water and paint the leaves until they look something like this:



The water gives them an awesome watercolored look. Then set them to the side to dry.

(Again, don't worry about the table stains).

 

Jonah was a little more interested in chewing on the brush than painting, I think someone is about to cut more teeth. But no harm done, as it is just water (:

 

We did ours about noon and they were dry by dinnertime.

 

 Pretty cool huh?

Ours are getting packed up and shipped up to daddy, a little bit of fall for him. The boys were so excited to make something for daddy and we hope he loves them.

 

After lunch I was still feeling pretty good so we heading to the store for a long overdue grocery trip. I haven't put "real clothes" on since Jeff left. When your husband is gone, sometimes you just... don't see the point. Anyways, eventually you have to make an effort. It's better for you and the general public doesn't look at you as weird (:

So I tried out the new "red lips" fad today.

What do you think? Yay? Nay?

 

Either way, it made me feel a little bit better about myself.

After the store we ate a quick dinner and took a walk.

 

[sorry for the blurry photo]

 

Seems like we had a pretty good day when I write about it all. Emotionally, our day wasn't very good. We didn't talk to daddy all day. Jack finally had the mental breakdown I was waiting for. He started crying out of the blue, screaming "I WANT MY DADDY." It was awful. I didn't know what else to do so I sat down on the bathroom floor and cried with him. After what felt like forever, we both seemed to be okay and continued on about our day as usual. Breakdowns are going to happen, I suppose.

 

Just in time, right before bedtime. We finally got the phone call we were waiting for. Jeff sounded like he was in good spirits. He said we was missing his old unit though. Last deployment, he had a lot of friends in his unit, this time it's a little different. That's not to say he doesn't get along with the folks he is with now, it's just a different dynamic. A whole new ball game for him. He said that where he is now the phones are fairly busy as well. Despite everything, it was SO good to hear from him and I hope we cheered him up a bit (:

 

Time for bed