Its down to hours

Well, its about 5:30 pm and we are literally down to hours left before Dominic leaves for his deployment.  He has to leave the house at 3 am.  We've had a really amazing week together.  We have spent a lot of time doing projects and getting things done but we've also spent so much time together as a family.

This morning I made breakfast (normally Dominic's undertaking).  Then he and I finished cleaning up the garage.  This was one big task but one that I really needed him to do for me.  I need to be able to get to things like a screw driver, drill and actually know where to find it all.  I am not a freak about organization but I do like to be organized.  It drives me crazy when I need a tape measure or screw driver and can't find one.  I also needed to be able to get to the shelves where we keep our Christmas decorations so that I can put them away when the time comes.  So it took us about an hour and we got the garage looking great!  I love when it looks like it does now.  Dominic took down the Christmas decorations so that I don't have to.  I appreciated that so much.  Now all I will have to do is put them back up.  I can handle that.

I wasn't planning on putting up any Christmas lights this year but then I thought, well I suppose we could put some on the deck railing.  Dominic helped me with that too.  He's what our family calls a "what-a-guy".

We are going to go out to dinner tonight.  I'm not sure where he wants to go but I told him that he gets to pick.  We like to go to Texas Roadhouse for steak so maybe that's what he wants.  We'll see.

Christian understands and knows what daddy is doing, where he's going and for how long.  Ayden doesn't have a clue and of course neither does Mason.  Dominic has been spending a good amount of time doing boy stuff like wrestling with them on the living room floor.  They love that!  I asked Dominic if he would make them a video that they can watch when they want to see daddy.  I was hoping that he would read them some stories on video so they could have him read them a bedtime story.  He just couldn't bring himself to do it.  He said that he will have an easier time doing something like that once he's already gone.  I will mail him some books and I hope that he will record himself reading them to the boys.  I think its really important for Ayden especially to be able to see daddy.  

For those of you that want to send him care packages, he won't have his address until he gets down range.  Once I do get it from him I will let you know.  Dominic will have cell phone service for about two more weeks.

Happy Turkey Day!

Our dinner table was filled with food that was made with love.

Dominic has smoked a turkey on the grill the past 2 years.  It became a tradition that my dad started several years ago.  He makes the best smoked turkeys.  Dominic learned how to do it and now we smoke our own turkeys.  Dominic got the turkey on the grill around 10 am and we were eating by 3 pm.  We had smoked turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, corn and green bean casserole (Dominic's favorite), stuffing, rolls and we never forget the cranberry sauce in our house.  It was a great meal and we enjoyed it together as a family.

I said grace before we ate which was tough.  I asked Dominic if he wanted to say grace although I knew he would be too emotional to get through it.  He said no, so I said it.  We thanked God for giving us the time to be together, we asked His blessings on the family and friends that we couldn't be with, we asked for safety and comfort for Dominic and for the boys and I as we get ready to separate.  There were tears by the end.  Its tough because as the days go by we know that there are fewer days on the other end.  He will be leaving so soon.  

I still can't decide if I will shop at 5 am tomorrow.  Dominic is saying that he sort of wants to go because he's never done it before, which would mean waking up the boys that early.  So I still don't know what we are going to do at this point.

Dominic is taking a nap in his recliner.  He finally got to sleep in today.  He's woken up early every day that he's been back.  They were waking up at 5:30 am during training.

Well, I usually put up our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving which I would like to do tomorrow but there is so much stuff floating around the house right now.  Dominic's luggage, clothes, stuff that he needs to take with him are all on the floor right where I put the tree.  I would like to have it up before he leaves so that he can see it but I don't know if we will have room for it.  We'll see.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday

Another full day.  Christian had school today.  They got to go on a "campout" with a real tractor/trailer hay ride and s'mores.  It was the schools reward for being named an Exemplary school by the Texas Education Agency.  Congratulations!

I went to my stroller class for the first time this morning.  It was a beautiful day, perfect for walking.  I walked with three other ladies.  I was the only one with a stroller today though.  I did meet a lady that I spoke to for most of the walk.  Her husband is deploying on Monday also only he will be gone for 12 months.  She has three kids, two girls and a boy all under age 4.  It was great to talk to her because we can relate so much.  The walk was tough and I was regretting it in the beginning but I hit my stride and kept going.  It felt great when I was done and I am happy I went.  No stroller class Thursday for Thanksgiving but I will be there next Tuesday.  Ayden stayed in the Child Watch and LOVED it.  He cried the whole drive home because he didn't want to leave.  I have a feeling the transition into preschool is going to be smooth....hehehe

Dominic finished up with his out-processing on base around 2:30 so he offered to pick Christian up from school.  That was nice.

We went to the deployment dinner tonight.  It was kinda nice.  I got to see all of the people that are going on this deployment.  I was surprised about how many of the guys have wives and kids.  I didn't realize that so many of them had families.  There are 12 guys and 1 woman going on this mission.  The Family Readiness Center prepared a meal of burgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad and chips for everyone.  The kids drew on all of the white boards and played.  It was short and sweet.

Tomorrow won't be as busy.  Christian is done with school for the week.  I think we might get some things done here at the house and maybe Christian and I will bake a pumpkin pie.

Busy, busy

Okay well you probably can tell what I've been doing since I haven't been blogging.  I've been focused on Dominic and family.

Yesterday was another busy day for everyone.  Dominic had to be at work by 7 am.  He had some stuff to do in the morning and firing in the afternoon.  He didn't get home until 9:30 pm.  I guess there were too many failures with firing and they had to stay until everyone passed.  Dominic always does great with firing and was three shots away from best shot.

I took Christian to school then came home to wait for my car to be finished.  I dropped it off in the service dept. at the local Dodge dealership last Friday.  He called me Friday afternoon saying that it was leaking coolant and they needed to replace the lower intake manifold gasket but wouldn't have the parts until Monday.  I told him to keep the car since I had the truck to drive at home.  So yesterday he called when my car was done and the boys and I got a ride back up there to pick it up.  It was covered by our warranty so we only had to pay the $100 deductible for a $400 job.  Love that warranty!

I spent a lot of time wrapping Christmas presents yesterday.  I want to try to get them in the mail soon.

I got an email from the Airman Family Readiness Center yesterday inviting us to the Hearts Apart Christmas Party.  This party is for families that have a deployed family member.  I replied with an RSVP for the boys and I.  It should be nice, they serve dinner and each child gets a gift from Santa.  I also got a list of in-home day cares that have drop in/hourly slots.  That will be good to have should the need arrive.

Dominic and I laid awake talking in bed last night.  We are both starting to get sad about him leaving.  He absolutely does not want to leave us.  And I understand the difference between him wanting to leave because he needs to do the AF thing and not wanting to leave us.  Its going to be a tough 6 months.  He told me that he hopes that if nothing else, I will make some friends while he's gone.  I hope so too.

Today, another busy day.  Dominic left for work at 7:30 am.  He has out-processing today and a few other things.  Later today we are going to go to the park then after that we are going to a deployment dinner at the Family Readiness Center.  I'm kinda looking forward to it.  I hope to meet everyone that is going with Dominic and get some pictures.  Maybe I will meet some of their wives too.  I know at least a few of them are married.  

Dominic is leaving early Monday morning.

He's back!...temporarily

Hi all, Dominic got back at about 9pm last night.  He was tired but so happy to be home.  I kept Christian and Ayden up so they could see him.  Mason just couldn't hold out that long.  Dominic brought us all gifts.  He got the boys each a Webkinz.  Ayden got a skunk that he calls "Skunkie" and Christian got a bald eagle named "Eddie".  He also got Christian a mini snow globe from Philly.  He brought me a magnet and some fresh pretzels.  

This morning we got up and went to breakfast at The Cracker Barrel.  They have really good breakfast and Dominic loves their pancakes.  They serve them with small bottles of real maple syrup too.

We did a little bit of shopping today and we are going to have a nice dinner at home tonight.  Prime rib and bacon wrapped scallops are on the menu along with Caesar salad.  Dominic has a huge to-do list of things that he must get done this next week.  I am going to do whatever I can to help but I know that most of it he has to do.  

Its so great to have him home.  We sort of keep following each other around the house.  We both missed each other and are so happy that we will have this week together.  It will be hard to let him go again a week from now.

Love These!

I have been eating a lot of soups lately.  I absolutely love these.  The Southwestern Corn is my favorite so far.  I've had the tomato and the butternut squash ones too.  I have yet to try the broccoli and sweet red pepper though.  Just thought I would share!

Friday

I didn't blog last night like I usually do. I was really tired last night and still am this morning. When I spoke to Dominic last night he said that he will be sleeping in on Sunday. He's been waking up very early for the past two weeks so I don't blame him for wanting to sleep in.

My handyman called this morning and said that his daughter is home sick today and that he wouldn't be able to come do my jobs today. He is in a similar situation as us. His wife is deployed (but gets back today) so he takes their kids to school and stuff. He offered to come do the jobs tomorrow morning instead, which is fine. I am a little disappointed but thats okay.

I got a text from Amanda last night saying that JR is in the ER again with his kidney stones. Geez! This poor guy! He just can't get a break. I haven't heard any more from her yet. I hope he's okay.

I got a text from Dominic this morning saying "I'm done". They will stay in separate billeting rooms tonight and get up early to get to the airport tomorrow.

My sister was hoping to be able to take a leave of absence from work for a month to come out here to Texas and stay while Dominic is gone in the early part of next year. She found out yesterday that it will cause too many problems with her benefits and seniority to do that. It would have been so great if she could have done that but I don't want her to sacrifice that much with her job. She will still come out around Spring Break time like she has the past three years. The boys love her so much and she is so great with them. Ayden asks almost every single day if we can go to Auntie Kara's house. Poor thing, he just doesn't realize that she doesn't live right around the corner. He LOVES his Auntie!

I am hoping but also expecting these six months to go fast. I think that if we continue with our current schedule we are going to be so busy everyday and the weeks will pass quickly. I hope anyway.

I was really excited about trying out the stroller class at the YMCA yesterday but the weather was bad. It didn't work out and the class was canceled because it was very cold and windy yesterday. We could have still done it if it hadn't been windy. The wind chill was 30 degrees and its just not good to have the babies out in that kind of weather. We will try again on Tuesday.

My car is leaking...something. Dominic thinks its transmission fluid. Even I can tell that its not oil. Its clear and doesn't smell like oil. I was hoping to be able to get it in the shop on Monday but when I called they said to bring it today. That works for me as long as I can get a ride home. They have one of those courtesy shuttles so they will bring us home. I can drive the truck if I need to go anywhere. Thank goodness we bought a truck that fits our whole family. I am just waiting for Mason to wake up from his morning nap then we will go.

It's cold again today. It's been very warm for this part of the year. It was 76 degrees on Halloween this year!

Excited!

It was a good day. I took Ayden and Mason to a play group this morning. There was a little bounce house and some snacks. We sang a few songs and played. Ayden had so much fun. The friend that I go with is 30 weeks pregnant with her third daughter. I am liking her more and more. We went to the park last week together. Her name is Tasha. Anyhow, she and her husband are trying to sell their house and have most of their stuff in storage. They have all of their brand new baby items ($1300.00 worth) in storage which was broken into and all of the baby stuff was stolen. She is only 10 weeks away from her due date! I felt so terrible when she told me about it this morning. It is always so special to pick out the items that you want and the patterns that you like and to have someone just take it right out from under you like that is unimaginable. People can be so cruel! Her baby shower is on Saturday. I won't be able to go because I don't have a babysitter but I have a gift for her.

Christian went to Sylvan this evening. I guess it went well. He didn't say much. I will be meeting with the director probably next week to see how he is doing. I'm anxious to hear.

We got word today that we won't be having guests for Thanksgiving now. Its unfortunate but Corey and Amanda won't be able to make it here. I guess it will be the five of us. I am trying to decide whether or not to brave the 4am crowds on Black Friday this year. Last year was my very first time ever getting up at 4am to go shopping. I waited in line with my friend Leslyn at Best Buy for 2 hours and almost passed out. I was very pregnant and as soon as I stepped out into the fresh air I instantly felt better. That was a strange experience for sure. So we'll see this year. I don't have a friend to go with this year but maybe I will go alone. We'll see.

Dominic took his test today. He said that he knew that he passed but didn't know what his score was yet. They finished up really early today, around 3:30pm. I guess the guys all had fun messing around and joking today. I think most of the pressure is off now that they've tested. They have a few things to do tomorrow then they will graduate on Friday. Saturday they fly home. Since they didn't get their plane tickets until late and because its the weekend before Thanksgiving, the guys got split up between three flights. Dominic comes in on the first flight but has to wait at the airport for the other two to arrive. He has to be sure that everyone gets in okay. They will have a bus pick them up and drive them back to base. I'm guessing that he won't be home until after 10pm.

Tomorrow I am going to try out a Stroller Class at the YMCA. They have daycare for Ayden and Mason if I were to take a class where I couldn't have them. So tomorrow Ayden will go to daycare at the Y and Mason and I will go to the class. I guess it's a lot of walking and they stop occasionally to do lunges and squats and things. I know the lady that is the director of the Y here and she teaches lots of the classes. She just had a baby herself and takes or teaches this class...i'm not sure which. Anyhow, I am really excited about it. The class is on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I am thinking about adding this to our weekly schedule. We'll see?

Okay so I am going to sign off for now. More to come tomorrow!

Testing my limits

Sweet little Ayden.  He can be such a booger.  I love him to death and he makes me laugh all the time but he is one big handful of...something!  Today he just seemed to be testing me at every opportunity.  He jumped on the bed 2 seconds after I told him to stop...timeout!  He jumped on the couch after being told to stop...timeout!  He just couldn't follow directions.  He went to bed early too!  

Christian missed 30 minutes of tutoring at school today because he wasn't paying attention or following directions again.  I got a phone call from the principle wondering why Christian hadn't been picked up yet.  I told him that Christian was supposed to be in tutoring.  Its so frustrating sometimes because I feel like the teachers think that I am a bad parent.  That's hard.  If Christian could just use his ears!  His teacher called the names of the kids that needed to stay and he just didn't listen.  We have an appointment with a child psychologist next week.  They will do an evaluation with Christian.  We just want to cover all the bases and maybe get some answers.  Christian has had trouble focusing and following directions from the very beginning of school (in England).  I am hopeful that we will get some suggestions but we'll see.  Christian is so smart and loves to learn but has trouble in this one area.

Mason isn't sleeping well lately.  I'm not sure why.  The only thing I can think of is that I switched from cloth diapers to disposable because he had a rash that wouldn't go away.  When I switched back his rash dried up and is gone now.  He does fine with them during the day but I wonder if they keep him from sleeping well at night.  He only took two 20 minute naps today.  I am going to change to a cloth diaper when he wakes up for his first bottle.  We'll see what happens after that.

Dominic called late.  He is whooped!  He said that today was a pretty boring day.  They did some training with the C-130's then did some classroom stuff.  They did some studying and will test tomorrow.  Dominic scored a 100 on his last test the other day.  While we were talking he asked me to hold on so they could have their evening prayer.  I thought that was nice.  A few minutes later it was very quiet in the background.  I asked if everyone was going to sleep...he said yes.  So we hung up.  He said he would call again tomorrow.

I am going to take the boys to playgroup again tomorrow morning.  I think they are supposed to have a bounce house or something.  It should be a good time.  I don't have any other plans beside that for the day.  

So until tomorrow...

Monday, Monday

Its been a good day.  We went on about our normal routine however we had a tough time getting started.  Christian enjoys reading, writing and drawing so much that we can barely get him to go to sleep most nights.  We've always allowed him to lay in bed with his lantern to read at bedtime.  Its gotten to the point now where he lays in bed for hours (much like I did as a kid) and he writes comics and draws pictures.  I love that he is creative and I do feel bad that bedtime seems to be the only time that he has peace to be able to express his creativity.  I have gone in to check on all of the boys only to find Christian still awake and drawing or reading at 10:30pm when I am going to bed.  Well this morning Christian woke up turned off his alarm and went back to bed instead of getting ready for school.  New Rule:  No more bedtime free time for the rest of the week.  

The little boys and I went to Walmart to pick up some items for our Thanksgiving meal.  We have a great friend named Corey (Cool Bobby) that we met in England.  We are so grateful for the people that we met there and he is one of them.  He lives in San Antonio with his girlfriend, Amanda now and we've invited them to come up for Thanksgiving with us.  We heard yesterday that they might not be able to make it because Amanda's schedule has been switched around a bit, but we'll see.  We hope that they can make it.

Mason didn't get to nap very well today because of my appointment.  I had to wake him up so that we could go.  There are few things I hate more than waking a sleeping baby, or having someone wake a sleeping baby.  I guess when you have three kids and the house is generally noisy anyway it is a huge accomplishment getting the baby to stay asleep.  I just hate to wake him.  My appointment went well.  I took some coloring stuff for Ayden and he sat quietly and colored.  It was great.  Mason was fine too.  We only waited for 10 minutes or so then my time with the doctor was only about 5 minutes.  It was great.

Christian had Boy Scouts tonight.  His den leader said that he is going to try to get a field trip organized for the boys to go to the Sheriff's Department or something.  That would be really cool I think. 

I spoke to Dominic for a bit.  He said that they had another rough day today.  They did their last section of Asp training.  For any of you that don't know what that is, its an expandable baton made of steel that they carry for self defense.  Dominic has had asp training many times but this time has been very intense.  When someone screws up they all have to drop for push ups and sit ups.  I guess there have been quite a few screw ups.  Dominic said that he is exhausted.  He was laying on his bed looking at all of his bruises.  I think he's going to look pretty beat up when he gets back.  They will be traveling to another base tomorrow to train using the C-130.  He seemed excited about it.  I guess they are expecting snow there tonight.  I hope he takes pictures.

Well, I guess I will sign off for now.  I am tired and need to catch up on sleep.  Doubt that will happen but the thought was nice.

Lazy Weekend

It was a very laid back weekend here.  The boys and I just hung out at home.  It's getting a little bit colder here.  Its dropping into the 30's at night so we've had a nice fire going in the evening.  I really enjoy using our fireplace.  Dominic enjoys it more though.  He can't wait to use it when Fall rolls around.  I sent him a picture of our fire Saturday evening on his phone.  He said it made him smile.

Dominic has been busy at training.  They had today off though.  He said they practiced grappling for fun in the morning and just hung out the rest of the day.  

Well, I guess this is going to be a short one since there wasn't anything going on this weekend.  We have another busy week ahead of us though.

Words of wisdom

Today was another pretty good day.  Thank goodness!

Woke up, took Christian to school, came home, stayed home!

We didn't go anywhere today which was just fine with me.  It was a very busy week.  I was perfectly happy to stay home, clean, do laundry and take care of some odds and ends around the house.  I spoke to the handy man.  He is going to do my small jobs for me.  He gives a military discount which is always a plus.  I also called my doctors office about bringing the kids to my appointment.  The lady I spoke to said that it would be fine to bring them, they just don't want kids screaming and making a scene.  I completely understand!  Then I asked her when would be a better time to schedule my appointments given our circumstances.  She asked for my name and looked at the schedule.  I am the first appointment of the day!  Could that be any more perfect?  I was beyond happy to hear that.

I spoke to Dominic this afternoon.  He called while we were picking Christian up from school.  We spoke for a good 15 minutes.  We had a really good conversation and I needed that.  He said that they did some grappling today.  He got paired up with a 280 pound guy who ended up just laying on top of Dominic and he had to tap out because he couldn't breathe.  That made me laugh...and still does as I write it.  He said that it was fun and they all had a good time.  They finished class early today.  They will have a break Sunday.

Have you ever gotten a phone call or an email right when you needed it?  That happened to me this evening.  I got an email from my Aunt Lani.  She is one of my mom's sisters.  Aunt Lani and Uncle Chuck were an Air Force family so I know that she understands what we are going thru.  I am going to share her email with you (I hope that's okay Aunt Lani).  Thank you!  I needed to hear these things.

Hi Brianna, I love reading your diary and let me tell you the memories come flooding back.  Our phone calls were very rarely what I thought they would be....You are in one world and Dominic is in his Air Force world.  It's NOT that you aren't in tune with each other it's just you both are responsible for Your job/His job.  Brianna you have a huge job 24/7 and this can be mind boggling at times (like bring no children) my reply to MYSELF was always...so like what am I supposed to do? put them in the freezer till I get back!  Just remember you are a huge wall of love for the boys while he is gone.  Sometimes you will just feel so overwhelmed and ask What about me?  NORMAL.  Dominic wants to hear all the news but also feels so left out...he is taken care of with meals and time on his hands which he can't do with or be with the ones he loves the most.  He always has the guys to be with if he chooses and on his free time can do as he pleases.  This would bother me because I didn't get those choices...NORMAL.  You are a wife, mother, lover, friend, and all around make everybody feel good person.  This is Brianna and you are just like your Mom used to be and like your Gramma Lane was.  NORMAL.  A military wife (a good one) is all of the above.  It's OK to cry and yell into your pillow when things aren't great for you.  Just always let the boys know how much you love them and let them share in the letters to Dad.  He is a good Dad and loves his family.....he would love to be home but he is helping to keep our country FREE.  I send you my love and not a day goes by that I don't think of all that is involved in this part of your young lives.     Love, Aunt Lani

It's a new day

Well, today wasn't so bad.  The morning was good and Mason was so happy this morning.  He slept thru the night and woke up in a great mood.

The boys and I ran a couple of errands and picked up a few groceries while Christian was at school.  We checked the mail and I got an appointment reminder.  The problem, as I expected, is that on the letter they ask that you don't bring children.  Uh, yeah right!  As if all people even have that option.  Its so frustrating that I don't have anyone that can help me with this.  I completely understand the doctors office not wanting to have children there.  Believe me, if I didn't have to take them I wouldn't.  I would rather not!  They can be loud, annoying and embarrassing at times.  Its a tough situation but I don't have the option of not taking them with me.  My appointment is on Monday so I am going to call them tomorrow to explain the situation and I hope they will understand.  We'll see.

I called a handy man today.  I am hoping he will be able to come do a few small jobs that Dominic wasn't able to get done.  Honestly, there couldn't possibly be more than a few hours worth of work so I hope this guy can do it.  He gives a military discount too which is great.  I have to call him back tomorrow.

Christian had Sylvan again this evening then immediately after that we had to go straight to school for the PTA meeting and 3rd grade performance.  It was very cute and Christian did a great job.  We practiced his lines in the car and talked about how important it is that he speak slowly and clearly.  So many of the other kids speak so fast and you can't understand what they say.  Christian did great and I will post a couple of videos on youtube of his performance tomorrow.

Dominic took Ayden to McDonalds a few weeks ago to get a happy meal.  Nobody asked if they wanted a boy or girl toy, so he just happened to end up with a small plastic Barbie doll.  Ayden LOVES this doll and takes it EVERYWHERE with us.  He played with her like she was a female race car driver or something.  He didn't name her or comb her hair but she was good at what he had her doing!  Anyhow, he had her as we got out of the car at the school tonight but then she was gone.  I told him to put the doll in his pocket which I saw him do.  Then he and Christian chased each other on the lawn in front of the school.  Next thing we know, she's gone!  Ayden threw an absolute fit!  He is so beyond upset about it.  Poor little guy.

I spoke to Dominic a little bit.  He seemed more interested in what the guys were doing than talking about our days.  We only talked for a few minutes.  He didn't say anything about his day other than he did his laundry.  Its so hard to not get to talk to him and then when we do, it doesn't go the way I had hoped it would.  Oh well, there's always tomorrow, so until then, i'm off to sleep.

What I hoped would be a good day...

I had hoped for another great day.  I have had three really good days since Dominic left for training and I thought I was on a roll.  Well, my hopes came crashing down before I even got a shower today.  I'm just going to say that there is some drama going on with my family that has thrown a big ol' wrench into a bunch of people's lives.  As if there isn't enough going on?!?!?!?

Anyhow, I did get a phone call from a friend today.  She asked me if the boys and I would go to the park with her and her 2 year old daughter.  The weather was absolutely perfect today so there was no way I was going to pass that up.  We met up with them at the park and she and I got to have some good adult conversation while the kids played.  It was a nice break.  

After we left the park we had to take all of Christian's popcorn orders to the squadron to be passed out.  I met up with our friend Zach who helped me since I didn't know anyone that had ordered.  Unfortunately most of the people didn't have money or weren't even there.  It kinda sucked but I left it all with Zach and he is going to be sure that everyone gets their order and I get the money.  Zach is a great friend along with his family.  

I figured that since we were at the base I had better take Mason to get his shots.  I hate to do it but it had to be done.  I'm not sure what else to say since we all know what happened next.  Mason screamed, Ayden didn't know what was going on and I tried to comfort them both at the same time.  I was glad to get out of there.  I don't go to the base very often so I don't feel as comfortable there as I did when we were in Iceland and England.

I really needed to talk to Dominic today just to vent.  He can't have his phone during duty hours so I don't get to talk to him until about 6pm.  Normally if I don't get to talk to him I would call my mom.  When I have a bad day she is who I call, well, called.  Its still so hard living life without her.  Its only been five months since she passed away.  My heart aches for her.  Sometimes I need to hear her voice.  Is that so much to ask?

Anyhow, Dominic called at 6pm but we didn't get to talk for long since we had to go get Christian from Sylvan.  Christian does 5 hours of math tutoring per week.  Four of those hours are at Sylvan Learning Centers.  This is his second week and he really seems to be doing well.

Dominic said that PT was okay.  They did a run at 5am, then they started training.  They didn't get done until 5:30pm.  He sounded tired and physically exhausted.  I guess all the guys were starting to wind down.  Some were doing laundry and some were making calls.  

I am anxious to get to bed tonight.  I am anxious to start tomorrow on a good foot, and keep it that way.  

Training starts....finally!

I talked to Dominic this afternoon.  He called while I was in the second hour of Operation Toy Organization.  They still hadn't started training yet but they got their room assignments.  Well, I guess you could say they got their room assignment.  I guess the twelve of them are all in one room with bunks on every available wall.  He said that it was what he imagined prison to be like.  They have been waiting around to start training which was supposed to start today but that didn't happen.  They had to go to a briefing this evening and they will start with PT bright and early at 5am.  I asked him if he thought that his training would last longer since they started a day late.  He doesn't seem to think that will happen.

Dominic said that everyone has been so bored.  He said that several of the guys made a trip to the BX twice yesterday.  A few people bought some hand-held computer game systems and Dominic bought a Monopoly game.  The base is huge I guess.  Dominic says that it is really nice though.   

My day was a huge success.  I am very proud of what I accomplished today.  I got all of the toys organized, both rooms clean and vacuumed and they look great.  They NEVER look as good as they look right now.  When I was done I realized that Mason's room needs a new fire alarm.  We took the one down that was up because the alarm kept sounding for no reason...not from cooking either.  After we picked Christian up from tutoring we went to Lowe's and bought a new fire alarm.  We got home and I installed it.  I'm glad to have that done.  It was a small project but I am so happy that I was able to do it by myself.  I can feel some independence coming back.

Well, its late and I am going to head to bed.  I think I will sleep on Dominic's side...hehehe.  We have a constant running joke with each other about sleeping on each others side of the bed when the other isn't there.

Until tomorrow...

Teeth Picture~

Mason sitting still with all four teeth showing!

Another day, come and gone.

Well, yesterday was a fairly busy day by my typical standard.  We all got up and got ready for the day.  We took Christian to school.  Mason cried the whole drive, he was REALLY hungry.  Ayden, Mason and I got home and had some breakfast.  It couldn't have been soon enough for little Mason.  I started in on Christian and Ayden's room while Mason took his morning nap.  Its a big job going thru all of the boys toys.  If it weren't for so many pieces!  Each toy comes with at least 50 pieces and when they play with all of their toys together they get all mixed up.  I guess its some mild case of OCD for me but I like to have the toys in their own bins, not all mixed up.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not completely anal about it or anything but when I clean, I organize at the same time.

So I made a trash bag and a donation bag and got to work.  I decided that I was definitely going to need more bins though.  

When it came time to pick Christian up from school, I loaded up the car with our donations and planned to drop them off.  We got Christian, took him for his weekly allergy shot, dropped off our donations and came back home.  We had to eat, do homework and get ready for Boy Scouts.  Mason was sleepy so he took a nap while we ate dinner and I had to wake him to take Christian to his meeting.  I figured that it would be best to go buy some new bins while Christian was at his meeting so we wouldn't have to go home where Mason would be fussy.  If we went to the store he would be fine, and he was.  We got our bins and a few groceries and by the time we were done it was time to pick Christian up.  It worked out perfect.

I called Dominic but he sounded occupied.  His room was loud with people.  He said they were playing cards and dominoes.  We didn't talk for more than five minutes.  He did say that the Army food is awesome, so thats good to know.

I spoke to my dad yesterday and the house is almost done.  He was going to finish the 1/2 bath then both bathrooms will be done.  I can't believe the amount of progress that has been made in such a short amount of time.  I just wish I could see it with my own eyes.

Dad is thinking about coming out here to be with me and the boys for Christmas, so that would be exciting.  We'll see though, nothing is set in stone.

Christian has math tutoring today after school with his math teacher for one hour.  I hope it goes well.

Today, I am going to continue my project with the toys.  Its a big job!  Wish me luck.

My Flower

Ayden picked this flower for me yesterday.  Isn't it pretty?

We had a good day.  The boys and I picked up Christian's Boyscout popcorn.  We picked up a Sunday paper and came home.  Christian likes to read the comics and Ayden likes to look at the toy ads.

We hung out at home then went to a friends house for a  Pampered Chef party.  It was a good chance to get out of the house for a bit.

Dominic called in the evening.  He sounded tired.  They got to their training base around noon and got checked into their rooms.  He said that he and the guys hung out in his room watching football and had a couple beers.  Then they went to the enlisted club for dinner, watched more football and had a couple more beers.  They will start training tomorrow.

Ayden likes talking to Dominic on the phone.  He told him that he wanted to fly on a plane to see him.  Christian wanted to know where he was and asked him some questions about what he's doing there.

No big plans for today.  I am going to start going thru toys.  I feel like we are overwhelmed with toys and with Christmas right around the corner, I know there are more to come.  Get ready for a donation Goodwill!

Date day

Yesterday Dominic and I dropped off the boys with some great friends of ours so that he and I could spend some time together.  We didn't have any plans except to go to lunch and maybe do some Christmas shopping.  Thats exactly what we did.  We had a nice lunch at Chili's then went shopping.  We enjoyed our time together and we are so grateful that our friends were willing to watch all three of our boys along with their two boys.  It can be a serious handful when they all get together but everyone seemed to do fine.  I was concerned about how Mason would do because we've only left him one other time.  They said he did great and only got fussy when he was sleepy.

We picked up the boys, came home and packed Dominic up.  It didn't take long since he mostly took military gear.  We decided that we wanted to go out to dinner with the same friends that watched the boys.  We always have a good time with them.  So we went to Logan's Roadhouse.  We had a great time and lots of laughs.

Dominic and I went to bed at 10:30pm and he had to get up at 1:50am.  He showered, dressed and said goodbye.  One of the guys that is on Dominic's team lives in our neighborhood, so he picked Dominic up and they met up with the others at the base.  Dominic was able to arrange a government bus to take all 12 of them to the airport.  I hope he was able to sleep on the drive since its about 2 hours long.

The boys and I have a couple of plans today.  We have to go pick up Christian's Boy Scouts Popcorn this morning.  Then we are going to a friends house for a Pampered Chef  party.  She said that it would be fine if I brought the boys.  They have plenty to play with at her house too.

So, today should be a good day.  I am choosing right now, in this moment to make this day a good one.

Mission

This is a photo showing what Dominic's mission is.  He is part of a FAST (Fly Away Security Team).  Their mission is to secure the aircraft and crew once they have landed.  Often they will be landing on dirt runways with limited or no security.  When a C-130 lands at a remote strip, the security forces pour out from the back of the plane and take up positions where they can keep an eye on the surrounding landscape.  The planes are often carrying people, supplies, medical aid and injured.  

Getting geared up

Over the past couple of weeks Dominic has brought home more and more supplies.  Our whole living area is green with cammo.  Last night he started pulling it all out to unwrap and adjust to his size.  I don't know if it makes me any more comfortable or not but everything is brand, spanking new.  It almost sparkles (if cammo can do such a thing).  He put his flack vest together with four 1" thick plates that are meant to protect him from bullets.  There is a neck guard for the front and back of his neck and a groin shield.  There were pockets and pouches for all sorts of things.  These supplies are meant to keep him safe.  I pray that they don't get tested.

I went shopping alone last night.  I left all of the boys home with Dominic while he sewed patches on all of his new BDU's.  I realized as I was driving to Walmart, that this was going to be the last outing that I would have alone.  Over the next several months I am going to have either two or all three of my boys with me at all times.  Our oldest son is in third grade so I am able to do errands during the day while he is at school.  Then I have the younger two with me.  It works out best this way because Christian and Ayden can't seem to keep their hands off of each other.  My dad says that it will always be that way.  "They are boys" he told me once.  

I made a decision the other day to stay home for Christmas this year instead of going to California to be with family.  I can barely stand to fly by myself so I can only see  the negative parts of flying with all my boys alone.  Mason being a lap child who is crawling now.  He wouldn't be able to sit still for that long.  Dealing with security, and keeping track of everyone along with strollers, backpacks and luggage.  I just don't want to deal with it.  I would drive as crazy as most people thinks that is.  I think it will be a lonely Christmas but I am determined to make the best of it.

In The Beginning

I am starting this blog for my husband.  I am hoping that while he is away for the next six months, he will be able to pull it up and read up on life here, without him.  That sounds very sad after reading it but its the truth. 

Let me introduce myself.  My name is Brianna.  I am 28 years old and have been married for 8 years.  My husband, Dominic and I have three beautiful boys.  Christian is our oldest (8), Ayden is the middle child (3) and Mason came along 8 months ago.  They are absolute joys however being that they are all boys, you could say I have my hands full.  I am a stay-at-home mom and wouldn't have it any other way.  I love that I can be here at home to keep up with chores, laundry and I am able to be here for my kids.  Speaking of which, I have Mason sitting here on my lap while I am trying to type.  Its tough to find time for myself and I know it will become much more difficult in a matter of weeks.

My husband is a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force and we are stationed in North Texas.  We have lived in Iceland and England and are so happy to be back in the states again.  So even though we have been a military family for more than 8 years, this will be our first deployment.  I say "our" because even though he is the one going away to serve our country, we as a family are deeply affected by it.  We are on this deployment together.

Dominic will be leaving for his training portion of the deployment on Sunday early in the morning.  He will be gone for two weeks initially.  Thank God he will be home for Thanksgiving.  He will be home for about 7 days then leave again for 6 months.  

I am learning, in all this preparation, how dependent on him I am.  I know that this deployment will help me become much more independent.  That's a good thing.  I am truly sad that he will be gone especially because things have been so great lately.  We love to be together.  We laugh, we play and we love after 8 years of marriage, I think that is a great thing.

I will end this first post on a good note.  

I couldn't be more proud of my husband for serving his country so that he can support our family.