One Year

Well today is the day. My brother is leaving for Iraq today. I am trying not to freak out but the thought of him going back there makes me so sick to my stomach. He is honestly the most courageous, selfless person I know and I am so blessed to be able to say he is my brother. So he flies out of paradise today (Hawaii) and back into hell. I am soooo ready for this war to be over. In the meantime, I will pray every single day that God will watch over him, keep him safe and bring him home to us as soon possible. So prayers from you guys will help and be greatly appreciated!
On the home front, Vinnie is in Santa Cruz with his dad for the week and will be home on Sunday. Which is entirely too long for me to be away from my boy. I love that he is spending more time with his dad because I think it is helping them rebuild their relationship. Plus he loves his dad so much. But I hate being away from him just like I hate being away from all my boys. I wonder if I'll still feel like this when they get older? Probably.
Went for coffee with Miss Nance last night. A couple of other people were supposed to come but it ended up being just us two and we had a nice time chatting. Wandered over to FatBurger and shared some chili cheese fries and onion rings. We've been spending a lot of time together and I just love her company. There's just a certain kismet about my relationship with Nance. Love that girl like crazy! And tomorrow night we're going cropping with the gals including Miss Mallory. Went to see her at MDW and she looked gorgeous. All young and glowing making me miss my glory days. Ah to be young again. But right now, life is good. I feel like I'm where I belong, taking care of my boys, being creative and just enjoying the simple things: time with my family, my friends and taking in some sun. It doesn't get better than that. Unless you throw Patrick Dempsey in the mix. And then it does get better. Considerably. Hey, a girl can dream can't she????

Slippin' n Slidin'

Whoever created the Slip n' Slide is a freakin' genius. The kids love this thing and spend a couple hours a day running back and forth. This serves 3 purposes: they get some excercise, some sun and mom gets to relax and read. So nice for all of us. I love Summer and while this one has been hotter than most, the Slip n' Slide has made it more bearable. The kids play so well together and it gives me tons of photo ops. And lord knows I don't have enough pictures of these boys right? And check it out, even the big one gets in on the action:

Things are progressing nicely with my little venture. I'm looking forward to my trip to Los Angeles which should be either next Thursday or the week after. Nancie is going with me and we are anxiously anticipating our mini vacation. She gets to meet the guys and it makes such a huge difference having her support through all of this. Of course, having Jim's support means the most but it's not the same as having your best friend holding your hand (literally) through this process. I'm so excited!!
Made a nice little bundle selling my unused scrapbook stuff at the Stamper's flea market last weekend. $169!!! And Nance made $89!! Can you say, S H O P P I N G??? We're cropping there Saturday night and Nancie and I are going to be shopping fools. I can't wait! What more could a gal ask for? A little shoppin', a little croppin' and some time with my gals!
Last but not least, gotta give a big CONGRATS to my oldest pal Lisa. She had a sweet baby boy on July 7th. Blake was born with a full head of dark hair and I can't wait to go take a peek at him.
Hope everyone is having a great week and enjoying their Summer. And if you haven't already, go buy a darn Slip n' Slide! The kids will thank you!!

Patience is a virtue

See this guy? That's my husband. My man. My buddy. Yeah, I piss and moan a lot about him and Lord knows I give this guy a hard time. But he's has to be the most patient guy I know. Especially when it comes to me. And I have been a pain lately. Between me running around constantly and my sister moving suddenly to Hawaii, I have been pretty grouchy. And that's putting it mildly. How he tolerates me is beyond me. Ahhhh, it must be love.
Life has been a bit hectic. As I mentioned before, my sister left for Hawaii. Today. Actually this morning. Loaded up the kiddies at 5am and took the quick drive to the airport. All was fine until I got out to help her unload her luggage and then I realized, my little sister is leaving. I don't know if she's coming back. I know if I went to Hawaii I probably wouldn't want to come back. And sure, we've had our misunderstandings. Even if she is 33 years old, she's my little sister. And I love her and I'll miss her. But I hope this is a great new beginning and opens up a whole new world for her.
OK So my goal this week is to R E L A X. Take a deep breath and not stress about things that are beyond my control. Nancie has been the most awesome, most understanding, most loving friend I have ever had in my entire life. I don't know what I'd do without her. And she has been the best nurse in the world giving me the most pain-free shots I've ever had. Crossing my fingers that the next round are just as pain-free. I'm off to kick up my feet, watch some cartoons with the kids and think happy thoughts!!!

Five

This boy is five today. I can't believe it. He is an amazing jumble of emotions on a daily basis. Once minute happy, the next minute mad. Funny, crazy, daring. This is my heart attack. The one who climbs to the highest point and then jumps. The daredevil. But oh how I love that face. Wouldn't change that personality for anything in the world. I love that he is so confident and unafraid. So different from me at that age.
Summer is moving along a lot faster than I thought it would. Doesn't it always? Finally got the Slip n' Slide out this weekend and the kids had a blast. Thanks Nancie!!! Of course, they tried to get mom to do it but I wasn't trying to break any bones this weekend. Jim got a hefty dose of my world when we took the kids to the park. I love that he thinks it's so easy amd then I get to show him how it so ISN'T! 3 toddlers at a public park is excercise. It's constant running to make sure they don't fall off anything tall, don't hit or get hit by another kid, no don't put sand in your mouth! And stop taking toys from the other kids. Yeah, fun for them, exhausting for me. But with my trusty back-up, all was well. Kids got to play, Daddy got a reality check. I know Jim appreciates all I do but he really has no idea how MUCH I do on a daily basis. I love being home with the boys but it's a lot of work keeping this house running. And I'd like to end that with 'like the well oiled machine it is' but well oiled it ain't. It's like the Tin Man in Wizard of Oz, just getting that first taste of oil and starting to move around. But I do my best. As long as the kids are happy and provided for, it's all good.