Steve has been gone for almost 3 months. I admit that we don't have a countdown and I don't often think about how much time is behind or left. It's just one of those things that works for us. When I do think about it, I can't believe how fast the past 3 months have gone and I hope the next 4 go by just as fast. The kids and I have done very well. Sure we have our moments and our unexpected trials, but overall we are handling everything so much better than I would have ever imagined. People ask how we do it and , my reply is "we just do it." Somehow you have the strength, the extra patience and feel the prayers, love and support from so many.

The past 2 days we have been the hardest since Steve left. It's days like these I wish Steve were here, although I know it's not possible. But thinking of him being gone consumes my mind more than usual.

Preston left yesterday to Nebraska. He'll be out there until the end of July with Steve's parents. He'll be playing on the farm, riding horses, helping Papa with chores & being his shadow, playing t-ball, preparing for his 4-H competition, riding in a parade and having FUN! It was really hard saying good-bye to him. 2 months is a long time, but I know he is going to have a great time. He's been talking about going since February. He transforms from sports guy to cowboy very easily.

After a hard day I spent the evening with girlfriends, just what I needed. After a fun night of dinner, shopping and a movie, I was feeling much better. And then more drama first thing this morning! Mason had pulled a box of shelving onto his foot. He wouldn't stop crying and wouldn't stand on it. I called the Urgent Care on the Academy and luckily got an apt for 1 hr later. Fortunately the x-rays showed no broken bones. He was a great patient. He never cried and was so cooperative. We were in and out of there in less than a hour. I couldn't believe it. That never happens, but today I needed a quick visit with a positive outcome. Here is a picture of him with my glasses on, pretending that he was sleeping.

He didn't want to take the glasses off while the Dr was wrapping his ankle. Did I mention that he was seriously the BEST patient.

They think it's just a sprain. He still won't put any pressure on it. Needless to say, it's been a very low key day. We all took naps and have played on the ground lots.

As I was hanging out with the kids this evening, the doorbell rang. My neighbor a few doors down put together this beautiful arrangement of flowers for me! I told her that the past few days have been rough and that she totally made my day!

Tonight Taylor told Preston about Mason's accident. When I got on the phone with him he asked "Do I need to come home? What if Mason has to go the emergency room?" Preston is very tenderhearted and has a great concern for those who are hurt, sick, disabled, etc.. I told him that he didn't need to come home and that Mason was going to be just fine.

I have learned that somethings you can control and somethings you can't. Once again, I feel the hand of the Lord in my life. It's comforting to know that although I am alone here without Steve, I am not really alone!

P.S. And more great news, my parents called today to ask if it's okay if my Mom comes out next week. Um, I didn't have to think too long about that one! Thanks Mom and Dad!!

This week in pictures!

The Thunderbird's flew over our house all weekend long! They were practicing for their annual performance at the Air Force Academy Graduation.

The kids and I went to the Air Force Academy Cemetery on Memorial Day. Sometimes things mean a little more when you can actively participate in them

Popcorn is popping on our tree and Taylor can finally pull her hair back in a ponytail

Taylor's Kindergarten Graduation and Steve's parents come to visit!!

Preston and Taylor's last day of school..compared to the first day of school in August

Our little neighbor boy in our backyard, not a big deal..........until you realize that in his bag is a dead gardener snake that his dad killed in my backyard with a shovel! I was FREAKING out.

Mason, Mason, Mason. He is defiantly in his 2's. Despite being busy, busy, busy...he is such a good little guy. I'm not sure how much longer I am going to be able to lug him around, he is HUGE! He is my buddy and his smile melts my heart.

And a quick Steve update: "I'm being transferred to Rustamaya - the other location for Iraq AF officer training. Appears I may be there for the duration. Will begin teaching a new English class on 1 June. Rustamaya is a NATO-run base (about 5 miles outside of Sader City) at which we have a small detachment of 10-15 USAF personnel that operate independently. I'm looking forward to the change."

Memorial Day 2008

I hope we all remember how much was given so we could enjoy this day and every day in freedom.

War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and will never be free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.

-- Jon Stuart Mill

What Taylor gets from Me.......
Yesterday I took the kids to buy the Indiana Jones Trilogy DVD's. I wasn't paying much attention to the kids while I was putting the items on the belt. Mason was strapped in the cart, the other 2 usually don't wonder off. When it was time to go, I couldn't find Taylor. I called her name, a little panicked. She was sitting on the ground behind the cart! A little upset I asked her what she was doing on the floor? She said to me "Look Mom, I organized the shelves." I couldn't believe it, the entire shelf was neatly organized. If she were 10 yrs older, she would've been hired!

Here is what my 2yr old must get from Steve............
Today I was at the grocery store with Mason. Again I wasn't paying attention to him while I was putting the groceries on the belt. The clerk looked at him and started laughing. He had grabbed a Star Magazine off the shelf and was totally looking at pictures of beautiful women. He was happy, so I let him look a little longer. Confession, this isn't the first time he's done this. In January we were at our friend's in Texas. There was a Victoria's Secret Catalog on the counter next to where Mason was sitting. Next thing I knew, he was intently checking out the pictures. I think we're in for it!

FLOOD UPDATE

My 3-4 day expectations were shattered last week when the restoration company said to me "We meant it will take 3-4 days for the carpet to dry. Not 3-4 days for everything. You are looking at about a month before the basement will be done." Then when I heard "Contractor" in the next sentence, I totally cringed!!

I am married to a Handyman. We have never had a contractor set foot in our homes. Steve has laid wood floors, built decks/porches, replaced doors, cabinets, counters, installed sprinkler systems, he even built an amazing play set last summer for the kids using the wood from our old deck!! I have heard horror stories of month long projects turning into MONTHS!! This is what scares me. The contractor came out yesterday to assess the flood damage and said the workers would be out next week.....I'm not holding my breath. When I asked him the most frequent question, he thought the work would take 3-4 days.

Should I believe him? If that's true, then the restoration company could be out to do the carpets the following week. That means my basement could be put back in order in only 2 more weeks! I am excited thinking about it.....although I really shouldn't have any expectations, I know better.

This is just 1 wall in the guest room. It's crazy. I'm not sure how much longer my need for cleanliness can handle CHAOS in the house! I have tried to stay out of the basement. Out of sight out of mind has been my motto lately! Even if it means staying away from 1/3 of my house, a woman has to do whatever it takes to "hold it together." I'm trying.