This year has gone by so fast, but yet so slow at the same time. Kyle finished his first contract in Afghanistan, and came home. The job he was hoping to come home to was cancelled and though he has followed several leads, there doesn't seem to be any way around returning overseas until an option becomes available. With this he will miss Kayla's promotion from the 8th grade and another summer with the kids. On a good note this opportunity comes with choosing a different schedule where he will only have to be gone for 3 months at a time. Piece of cake right? I'm not so sure. Obviously I started this blog with the intentions of a small window into the life of a busy mother with her husband working in a war zone. Little tid bits and some pictures to keep family and whomever informed. I can't say life without him here wasn't what I expected, because I'm not sure what I expected. But the words hectic, chaos, and torture come to mind. I did not have spare seconds to update my blog, something I hope to work on this time around now that I DO know what to expect.
The past 5 weeks with Dad home have been just what the doctor ordered. We have gone on a mini vacation to visit family, during which we took time to stop and take the kids to Sea World, see the San Antonio river walk, and basically get used to each other again. I am chop liver when dads around and to be honest I'm dealing quite well with that. Seeing the kids with him again is wonderful. I had forgotten what it was like to not only have the second set of hands, but also for the little things to matter again. Tasks like picking up the house before bed, and making sure finger nails are always trimmed are taken care of. Some may even say I am being incredibly spoiled. He does most of everything, and I appreciate every bit of him even more. This time the twins are also a little older and have a somewhat different personality from the last time dad was home. They now have little inside jokes and keep me laughing pretty much constantly.
We now once again prepare to say goodbye. Spending this week making sure all appointments and items are purchased to send him off with everything he may need while he is away. How do you "prepare" for this? As the parents we toughen up, look strong on the outside, give as many hugs and comfort in every way we can. Pray this will be the last time we have to part, that maybe this time won't be as difficult as the past, and that The Lord will be with him and keep him safe in his arms until he returns to ours.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
"Nine o'clock and all is well."
Its Nine am, and between breakfast, cleaning out training potties, and our snack time I thought I would take few minutes and spend some time with my computer. Days are starting to blend together, and take forever at the same time. Daddy has been gone for 3 weeks and it feels like 3 months. The kids and I seem to be adjusting alright, for the time being. During school hours, I can take a small breath. But that is also when my time is the craziest. The twins keep me rather busy but well "entertained" shall I say, during the day.
Between facial expressions and new phrases, I am constantly laughing. Collin having gotten into the new HOP movie, has started blurting out "I'm just sayin!!" alot. Last night at Christophers ball game our new puppy had fallen into a rather deep sleep on my lap. Collin see's this and asked me "Puppy dead?!" It is always interesting to see what will come out of their mouths next.
As I said before we are potty training. On the days where they decide they would like to wear underpants, cleaning out potties, and giving jelly beans to the eager two year old that beams of pride consumes most of my day. Collin seems to have the knack of it, but still has good days and bad days. Cole on the other hand has no interest. He asks for the jelly beans when brother is receiving his potty reward, but gets quite upset when he is denied the treat until he potties in the toilet. I am not pushing him, so hopefully he will get the itch soon. They have also started participating in a moms day out. Once a week for 4 hours they head to Miss. Marilyn. It was rough at first. The first two times they went it was tears and clinging to my leg. But now they run in on their own, eager to play with the other kids and enjoy the craft that comes with going to "school". And this "school" is a great blessing to Momma as well!!! I use this time to hit the store, for appointments that are needed, any other errands, or just to get the bathrooms that have been neglected for far to long scrubbed down. Cole has also taken this time as an opportunity to try and reroute the lines of his boundaries. He pushes me on a daily basis to see what he can get away with. Today for example Collin decided he was going start banging a toy on one of my windows, when I told him to stop he did so. Cole on the other hand who was not even near the window, grabbed a toy walked over to the window, looked right at me and started banging. (deep breathe, and a time out later) no one was banging on windows. He knocks down every baby gate he possibly can, and the number of fights I have broken up over a toy or one boy having something the other boys thinks is his and only his, or was first to the bath tub, or the front door, is insane. The whole twin thing a still new to me even at the age of almost 3. I wish I knew if twins normally fight as much as these two seem to do. I know when the other kids were small and pretty close in age, we had those days. But it seems like these two cant get along to save their lives.
The older kids are enjoying spring very much. We have had a few days in the pool already, and other afternoons at neighbors pools. We get knocks on the door quite often asking if someone can come out and play. The kids know my rules, if homework is done and their room is clean they can head out until dinner. Kayla has several friends in the neighborhood as well and when they are not walking to Dairy Queen after school (which I have had to limit, due to constantly having to head out in the middle of dinner prep to pick her up. And most of the time some stray child would need a ride home too. I was starting to feel like the city transportation). They are hanging here. I constantly have a few more mouths to feed other than my own. But it makes me look forward to the evenings where it is only mine at the table.
We are blessed to hear from Daddy on a daily basis. He is on night crew, so he sleeps when we are going to sleep too. This and the fact that he has wifi access at work so we can talk pretty much when we want thanks to Viber. It feels as though he is still in Utah. I know it will get harder as time passes and he is not here. But I am doing my best to be strong and get through this at my best.
Between facial expressions and new phrases, I am constantly laughing. Collin having gotten into the new HOP movie, has started blurting out "I'm just sayin!!" alot. Last night at Christophers ball game our new puppy had fallen into a rather deep sleep on my lap. Collin see's this and asked me "Puppy dead?!" It is always interesting to see what will come out of their mouths next.
As I said before we are potty training. On the days where they decide they would like to wear underpants, cleaning out potties, and giving jelly beans to the eager two year old that beams of pride consumes most of my day. Collin seems to have the knack of it, but still has good days and bad days. Cole on the other hand has no interest. He asks for the jelly beans when brother is receiving his potty reward, but gets quite upset when he is denied the treat until he potties in the toilet. I am not pushing him, so hopefully he will get the itch soon. They have also started participating in a moms day out. Once a week for 4 hours they head to Miss. Marilyn. It was rough at first. The first two times they went it was tears and clinging to my leg. But now they run in on their own, eager to play with the other kids and enjoy the craft that comes with going to "school". And this "school" is a great blessing to Momma as well!!! I use this time to hit the store, for appointments that are needed, any other errands, or just to get the bathrooms that have been neglected for far to long scrubbed down. Cole has also taken this time as an opportunity to try and reroute the lines of his boundaries. He pushes me on a daily basis to see what he can get away with. Today for example Collin decided he was going start banging a toy on one of my windows, when I told him to stop he did so. Cole on the other hand who was not even near the window, grabbed a toy walked over to the window, looked right at me and started banging. (deep breathe, and a time out later) no one was banging on windows. He knocks down every baby gate he possibly can, and the number of fights I have broken up over a toy or one boy having something the other boys thinks is his and only his, or was first to the bath tub, or the front door, is insane. The whole twin thing a still new to me even at the age of almost 3. I wish I knew if twins normally fight as much as these two seem to do. I know when the other kids were small and pretty close in age, we had those days. But it seems like these two cant get along to save their lives.
The older kids are enjoying spring very much. We have had a few days in the pool already, and other afternoons at neighbors pools. We get knocks on the door quite often asking if someone can come out and play. The kids know my rules, if homework is done and their room is clean they can head out until dinner. Kayla has several friends in the neighborhood as well and when they are not walking to Dairy Queen after school (which I have had to limit, due to constantly having to head out in the middle of dinner prep to pick her up. And most of the time some stray child would need a ride home too. I was starting to feel like the city transportation). They are hanging here. I constantly have a few more mouths to feed other than my own. But it makes me look forward to the evenings where it is only mine at the table.
We are blessed to hear from Daddy on a daily basis. He is on night crew, so he sleeps when we are going to sleep too. This and the fact that he has wifi access at work so we can talk pretty much when we want thanks to Viber. It feels as though he is still in Utah. I know it will get harder as time passes and he is not here. But I am doing my best to be strong and get through this at my best.
Friday, March 23, 2012
The Eve
When I started this blog I thought "Oh, what a neat way to keep everyone far away informed in our lives". I have since of course been busy with the kids and such and completely fallen off the wagon. Well today marks the eve of my other half heading over seas. Kyle was pretty much living in Utah since January but he came home every chance he got, so it wasn't so hard. The kids haven't really had to deal with not having dad around. Tomorrow he will head to Indiana for 6 days of training then he will board a plane for Afghanistan on the 31st of March. We have made as many preparations as we can think of. He has his web cam and a nifty little thing called a magic jack that he will use to call home through the internet. We purchased new towels, plenty of soap, and sunflower seeds. We are shipping a trunk full of his belongings that he can not take on the plane, today. And I saw him pack a framed photo of our family, So I am pretty sure he has everything. No idea how this will impact the kids but I hope that through Skype and phone calls it will seem like he is here. No idea how I am going to handle not having my second set of hands and eyes around.
On a happier note dad was home for the kids two week spring break. We did some really fun things. We took the kids to Las Vegas, saw the strip and the Hoover Dam. My little sister came in town and we went up the mountains for an afternoon. We also hit Spring Training and saw the Royals take on the Angels. The kids have really enjoyed having this time together and with dad.
I know he will be missed and he will miss us, but he will be back before we know it;-)
On a happier note dad was home for the kids two week spring break. We did some really fun things. We took the kids to Las Vegas, saw the strip and the Hoover Dam. My little sister came in town and we went up the mountains for an afternoon. We also hit Spring Training and saw the Royals take on the Angels. The kids have really enjoyed having this time together and with dad.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
I Got Dibs
Saturday we woke up, and decided spur of the moment to head to San Diego till Sunday evening. I for one had never been to the west coast, and the thought of being on the beach again sold me. We loaded up and with in a few hours we were looking at the Pacific Ocean. The babies were not very fond of the the loose dry sand, but were thrilled with the moist packed sand close to the water line. Sunday we took them to MCRD San Diego, where Kyle attended boot camp so many years ago. This was the older boys cup of tea. Seeing their reaction to the Drill Instructors, and a platoon of new recruits, that had not earned their boots yet was quite entertaining.
Kayla has made the decision to play Volleyball this year, but was short celebrated when she realized she had missed the sign ups. But God provided and with a call to the coach she was given a second chance and will start practice today hopefully.
I have started prep to come home to visit during fall break. The kids are super excited and there will be alot to do the two weeks that we are in Kansas City. Family to see, I will also be hosting a baby shower for one of my best and oldest friends. So lots to do. This is what makes up the fun things in life...Right?
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Everything is new for a minute
Hello from Arizona!!!! I thought for a long time whether or not to make a blog, aren't they for people that have something special going on in their lives? Then we moved, and moved again, and again. This last move took us so far from everyone we hold dear in our lives. So this is my attempt to keep all persons I love as involved, and to remain in our lives for years to come.
With 6 little ones there will be plenty to keep up with so here we go!
A lot of you know generally the details of our lives, but for those who don't, I can't promise a short recap, a recap none the less.
Kyle and I just celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary in May. During those 12 years we have moved from North Carolina (where it all began) to Kansas City, then to Houston, then back to Kansas City, and our last move to Vail, which is just outside of Tucson Arizona. Kyle took a job for a company called General Dynamics as a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Technician. And so far loves the company and the job. We have also grown our family to 6 kiddos. Kayla (12), Cameron (10), Christopher (8), Chase (7), and twin boys Cole and Collin, who just turned 2 in May. Life is not easy by any means but it s definitely eventful.
The kids started school on July18th (Vail is a year round district) and they seem to be adjusting to life in the mountains with ease. Kayla is in the 7th grade and has the hard choice of Volleyball (which she has played for 3 years now) or Cheer leading. She is a typical pre-teen, hates her chores, brothers are annoying, and locks herself in her room to watch T.V. or read as much as she can. Cameron is doing great this year so far, after a rough introduction to the school environment, he was diagnosed with ADD, and has made almost a complete academic rebound. He has chosen to play fall baseball, and should start practices in September. Christopher is my class clown. He loves to make people laugh, and I have a feeling this will bring us more trouble than he is ready for. His game is soccer and I can't wait to see him back out on the field this fall. Chase...oh my Chase...This little one has a huge heart, says some of the funniest things right now, but has alot of hurdles to work on as he gets older. Chase was also diagnosed with ADHD, and is taking it in stride. School is not a problem and his reading level is back up to normal. In 2009 Chase fell backwards off a swing at school, being that I was in downtown Kansas City getting a cast off of Cameron's arm at the time, my sister headed to the hospital with Chase to be sure he was not in need of stitches. No stitches were needed but I did approve a CT scan, and praise Jesus I did. The scan showed a small Arachnoid Cyst on the center, rear of his brain. Very common, people live with them their entire lives with no symptoms or problems. MRI revealed there is a blood vessel that runs right through the middle of it. After a year a re-check showed no growth, so no boxing or football for him and he should be fine.
Now to the twins!!! Something I was certainly not prepared for, but taking one day at a time. Pregnancy was fairly simple aside from a bout of preterm labor at 32 weeks, I was released on bed rest to prepare for the final members of our family to arrive. At 36 weeks Kyle and I drove to the hospital for a scheduled induction (with both boys head down, I was free to "try" and deliver traditionally) 1 hour after arriving I had an IV, pitocin started and was extremely nervous for the day to come. Been there done that, but not with two. The rest happened so fast I hardly remember. The doctor came in, breaking my water while he visited, and within a few minutes I had what felt like 9 nurses around me, ordering me to move around in to all these positions, my doctor re-appeared and informed me that we had to get the babies out now. As they wheeled me off. I looked at Kyle not knowing what as going on I am sure I had the same look of panic as he did. I woke 2 hours later with twin boys. Come to find out I had had a placental abruption, and their heart rates where in the 40's. An eventful way to come in to the world, and have not stopped since.
Cole, the oldest twin is my tiny man. He was born a pound lighter than Collin and remains at least 3 lighter than him now. He was found to have leg tremors at night because of an iron deficiency. Due to this he has nights where all is fine and nights waking every few hours. He also has large tonsils for his age, but from what I understand they are now down to a safe size, so no surgery!!!! Yeah!!! Collin has lead a farely normal existence, until we got here to Arizona. What I thought was a simple fever turned into a 4 day stay in the ICU. There he was found to have the human Boca Virus, showing as ear infections, fever, and beginning stages of pneumonia. From there the breathing treatments brought on an SVT episode, and we couldn't get his heart rate to come below 230. He has bounced back, he now takes a daily medication to keep his heart rate regulated, and we know Albuterol is not for him.
With the four older children in school, one would think life would get easier... only having the twins home during the day. Ohhhh Quite the opposite. I spend my days running from one end of the house to the other to break up pinch fights, get one off the T.V stand while the other decides to rearrange my kitchen table. Between double the lunch thrown on the floor, and toys everywhere. I don't even think about leaving the front of the house that is gated to try and make beds, or put away laundry. So I do most of that in the evening between homework, dinner, showers... At least during summer break I had a few extra sets of eyes to say "Mom, Cole is standing on the dining room table!" As for now my favorite time of the day is when I tuck myself into bed, and wonder which child will wake up crying or sleep walking. Yup, I got one of those too.
With 6 little ones there will be plenty to keep up with so here we go!
A lot of you know generally the details of our lives, but for those who don't, I can't promise a short recap, a recap none the less.
Kyle and I just celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary in May. During those 12 years we have moved from North Carolina (where it all began) to Kansas City, then to Houston, then back to Kansas City, and our last move to Vail, which is just outside of Tucson Arizona. Kyle took a job for a company called General Dynamics as a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) Technician. And so far loves the company and the job. We have also grown our family to 6 kiddos. Kayla (12), Cameron (10), Christopher (8), Chase (7), and twin boys Cole and Collin, who just turned 2 in May. Life is not easy by any means but it s definitely eventful.
The kids started school on July18th (Vail is a year round district) and they seem to be adjusting to life in the mountains with ease. Kayla is in the 7th grade and has the hard choice of Volleyball (which she has played for 3 years now) or Cheer leading. She is a typical pre-teen, hates her chores, brothers are annoying, and locks herself in her room to watch T.V. or read as much as she can. Cameron is doing great this year so far, after a rough introduction to the school environment, he was diagnosed with ADD, and has made almost a complete academic rebound. He has chosen to play fall baseball, and should start practices in September. Christopher is my class clown. He loves to make people laugh, and I have a feeling this will bring us more trouble than he is ready for. His game is soccer and I can't wait to see him back out on the field this fall. Chase...oh my Chase...This little one has a huge heart, says some of the funniest things right now, but has alot of hurdles to work on as he gets older. Chase was also diagnosed with ADHD, and is taking it in stride. School is not a problem and his reading level is back up to normal. In 2009 Chase fell backwards off a swing at school, being that I was in downtown Kansas City getting a cast off of Cameron's arm at the time, my sister headed to the hospital with Chase to be sure he was not in need of stitches. No stitches were needed but I did approve a CT scan, and praise Jesus I did. The scan showed a small Arachnoid Cyst on the center, rear of his brain. Very common, people live with them their entire lives with no symptoms or problems. MRI revealed there is a blood vessel that runs right through the middle of it. After a year a re-check showed no growth, so no boxing or football for him and he should be fine.
Now to the twins!!! Something I was certainly not prepared for, but taking one day at a time. Pregnancy was fairly simple aside from a bout of preterm labor at 32 weeks, I was released on bed rest to prepare for the final members of our family to arrive. At 36 weeks Kyle and I drove to the hospital for a scheduled induction (with both boys head down, I was free to "try" and deliver traditionally) 1 hour after arriving I had an IV, pitocin started and was extremely nervous for the day to come. Been there done that, but not with two. The rest happened so fast I hardly remember. The doctor came in, breaking my water while he visited, and within a few minutes I had what felt like 9 nurses around me, ordering me to move around in to all these positions, my doctor re-appeared and informed me that we had to get the babies out now. As they wheeled me off. I looked at Kyle not knowing what as going on I am sure I had the same look of panic as he did. I woke 2 hours later with twin boys. Come to find out I had had a placental abruption, and their heart rates where in the 40's. An eventful way to come in to the world, and have not stopped since.
Cole, the oldest twin is my tiny man. He was born a pound lighter than Collin and remains at least 3 lighter than him now. He was found to have leg tremors at night because of an iron deficiency. Due to this he has nights where all is fine and nights waking every few hours. He also has large tonsils for his age, but from what I understand they are now down to a safe size, so no surgery!!!! Yeah!!! Collin has lead a farely normal existence, until we got here to Arizona. What I thought was a simple fever turned into a 4 day stay in the ICU. There he was found to have the human Boca Virus, showing as ear infections, fever, and beginning stages of pneumonia. From there the breathing treatments brought on an SVT episode, and we couldn't get his heart rate to come below 230. He has bounced back, he now takes a daily medication to keep his heart rate regulated, and we know Albuterol is not for him.
With the four older children in school, one would think life would get easier... only having the twins home during the day. Ohhhh Quite the opposite. I spend my days running from one end of the house to the other to break up pinch fights, get one off the T.V stand while the other decides to rearrange my kitchen table. Between double the lunch thrown on the floor, and toys everywhere. I don't even think about leaving the front of the house that is gated to try and make beds, or put away laundry. So I do most of that in the evening between homework, dinner, showers... At least during summer break I had a few extra sets of eyes to say "Mom, Cole is standing on the dining room table!" As for now my favorite time of the day is when I tuck myself into bed, and wonder which child will wake up crying or sleep walking. Yup, I got one of those too.
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