Yesterday Jeff left at 4:30am to go take care of business with his Michigan Navy people. The was there until a little after noon, then he got on the road to Chicago. Well I was working away in the studio, Deagan was napping, and my cell phone was quietly charging in the bedroom. Little did I know that I had MISSED 13 CALLS from Jeff!
His car just up and quit on the side of the road in Indiana. It's been running fine since we got it and it just plain quit. My Dad thinks it's the transmission ($great$)....
Anyway, this was at like 1:45pm. I didn't get back to him until about 2:30. Then by the time we figured out that it was indeed dead and he wasn't going anywhere it was time for me to pick Olivia up from school. 3:45.
Our first (or shall I say his first) instinct was for me to get in the car and come get him, about a three hour drive EACH way.
But he had to report in Chicago by Midnight.
So we decided to call AAA and have them tow him to the naval base. Since it's free!
Well I was on HOLD with them for over a half hour while they tried to locate a towing company that would take the job.
So at about 4:30 we were told that he would have a 1.5 hour wait for the tow truck.
keep in mind he'd been there since 1:45. And it was about 25 degrees out. And he hadn't eaten since breakfast.
So an hour and a half later, still no tow truck. Two hours, nothing. Two and a half hours and I call the tow place. She was a Brat to me (to put it nicely) and hung up on me after saying it would be ten more minutes.
Well sure enough twenty minutes later the truck arrives. A little after 7pm.
He didn't make it to his destination until after 9pm. Still with no food. And he had to check in and get his issue.
Poor Jeffie didn't get food until 10:30!
What a start to an adventure....
Oh yeah and his car is still dead and we have to figure out what in the world we are going to do now!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Day Has Come
Black bags as big as me all over the living room. Stacks of brown t-shirts and black shorts, all the same. Everything labeled "carter." Black boots. Clean pressed camouflage uniforms. Headphones, ipod, laptop... all of the essentials for curing boredom.
The bathroom clear of any sign that a man lives there, all that's left is fruity sweet smelling girly stuff. The house is spotless after countless hours of work getting it ready to put up for sale. Just another sign of it's emptiness. It's now less of a home and more of just a house. A dead weight that we want so very badly to get rid of. Because as soon as it's gone, we can all be together again.
That's right. Jeff has left today for his military duties. He'll be in Chicago for a few weeks, we really don't know how long. Then he'll hopefully get a few days break before reporting to Virginia. He'll be in Virginia as his home base, and hopefully ours, but we won't know his real schedule until he gets there. Everyone keeps asking how long it will be before he's deployed. The answer: Who Knows! He's got a lot of training courses to go through before he can be thrown back into the mix. But I will keep you updated.
As for the kids, they are doing good. We've been so busy over the last few weeks getting ready for Jeff's departure that we haven't really been able to understand what's going on. Olivia completely understands what's happening, and has shed her fair share of tears. And I'm sure more to come as the realization sets in that he's not just working late, he's entirely not here. Deagan on the other hand is only three and has absolutely zero concept of time. He thinks Daddy is at work. And that's just fine. We'll see how long that one rides out... My worst fear is having to be "Mean Mommy and Nice Mommy," where they love me and hate me all the same because I'm the only cop in the house! We're working on that. They are used to taking advantage of me and really listening to Jeff. But things have been on an upswing for the last two weeks as I have been preparing them for me being the only disciplinarian and lover in the house:) Let's hope it works!
As for me, well I was fine until I sat down to write this blog! Now I've shed a few tears:( Not because of anything in particular, but because I can foresee the long days in the future. The part that hurts the most is to see the kids hurting. Olivia was crying before school today and I thought I wasn't going to be able to send her. But I knew that the two of us would be in a downward spiral all day if we let ourselves sulk. I'm used to this, or so I tell myself. Even though this time it's COMPLETELY different. For now, I have my family close to me and my best friends too. I've got a business to occupy my time and soon A BABY. I should enjoy this honeymoon before the baby arrives.... because then the reality of being a single parent will really set in!
Well I didn't take any pictures this weekend with Jeff, because I wanted to enjoy our time. But I hope to when he gets to come home for a few days in between Chicago and Virginia.
Thanks for all of the love and support:)
The bathroom clear of any sign that a man lives there, all that's left is fruity sweet smelling girly stuff. The house is spotless after countless hours of work getting it ready to put up for sale. Just another sign of it's emptiness. It's now less of a home and more of just a house. A dead weight that we want so very badly to get rid of. Because as soon as it's gone, we can all be together again.
That's right. Jeff has left today for his military duties. He'll be in Chicago for a few weeks, we really don't know how long. Then he'll hopefully get a few days break before reporting to Virginia. He'll be in Virginia as his home base, and hopefully ours, but we won't know his real schedule until he gets there. Everyone keeps asking how long it will be before he's deployed. The answer: Who Knows! He's got a lot of training courses to go through before he can be thrown back into the mix. But I will keep you updated.
As for the kids, they are doing good. We've been so busy over the last few weeks getting ready for Jeff's departure that we haven't really been able to understand what's going on. Olivia completely understands what's happening, and has shed her fair share of tears. And I'm sure more to come as the realization sets in that he's not just working late, he's entirely not here. Deagan on the other hand is only three and has absolutely zero concept of time. He thinks Daddy is at work. And that's just fine. We'll see how long that one rides out... My worst fear is having to be "Mean Mommy and Nice Mommy," where they love me and hate me all the same because I'm the only cop in the house! We're working on that. They are used to taking advantage of me and really listening to Jeff. But things have been on an upswing for the last two weeks as I have been preparing them for me being the only disciplinarian and lover in the house:) Let's hope it works!
As for me, well I was fine until I sat down to write this blog! Now I've shed a few tears:( Not because of anything in particular, but because I can foresee the long days in the future. The part that hurts the most is to see the kids hurting. Olivia was crying before school today and I thought I wasn't going to be able to send her. But I knew that the two of us would be in a downward spiral all day if we let ourselves sulk. I'm used to this, or so I tell myself. Even though this time it's COMPLETELY different. For now, I have my family close to me and my best friends too. I've got a business to occupy my time and soon A BABY. I should enjoy this honeymoon before the baby arrives.... because then the reality of being a single parent will really set in!
Well I didn't take any pictures this weekend with Jeff, because I wanted to enjoy our time. But I hope to when he gets to come home for a few days in between Chicago and Virginia.
Thanks for all of the love and support:)
Friday Night @ Dinner
Jeff's parents came down Fri/Sat to help out around the house and took us out to dinner Friday night. We went to Mongolian BBQ (oh so yummy). The kids had these paper placemat that had a crossword on it. Olivia started working on it with GiGi and the first question was, "Who asks you what you want to drink?" or "who brings you something to drink" something like that related to the restaurant. She thinks for a second and says, "MOMMY!"
It was so cute and we were laughing so hard:)
It was so cute and we were laughing so hard:)
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tired, and still sick. And sick of being tired!
I'm not sure what I sat down to blog about. I'm feeling ultra whiney, still haven't shaken my sinus sickness and am completely exhausted!
We shot a wedding this weekend, then did two marathon baby registry creations. His sisters and father came over Monday night for dinner. Jeff's been home MWTF and busting his butt around the house to get things in order before he leaves. Since he's off work we've been 'doing things' after school to keep us busy and keep the kids up past their bed times. Yesterday I drove to Grand Rapids at 7:30am, drove back and then did 19 cheerleaders pictures and got home late again. So I am severely sleep deprived and overall REST deprived because we've been go go go. His parents are coming today/night. And our lives will be non-stop until he leaves.
Jeff leaves on MONDAY. We are all ready for it, but not all at the same time. It's easier just to not think about it.
Olivia caught wind of it on Tuesday and had a mini-meltdown. She obviously doesn't really remember much of him being gone in our previous lives down south. (Thank you Angie for keeping us sooo busy!) Needless to say, I'm not entirely sure how she's going to take it this time. We talk about it constantly, but until it's a daily reality - I have no idea.
If our house doesn't sell by August, it's going to be a long school year here without him!
So I guess my point of this blog is to say hi, fill you in, tell you we are EXHAUSTED and oh soo busy.
And perhaps by Monday when my feet land back on the ground, then I'll be back to a normal (wait, I guess our NEW normal) life!
We shot a wedding this weekend, then did two marathon baby registry creations. His sisters and father came over Monday night for dinner. Jeff's been home MWTF and busting his butt around the house to get things in order before he leaves. Since he's off work we've been 'doing things' after school to keep us busy and keep the kids up past their bed times. Yesterday I drove to Grand Rapids at 7:30am, drove back and then did 19 cheerleaders pictures and got home late again. So I am severely sleep deprived and overall REST deprived because we've been go go go. His parents are coming today/night. And our lives will be non-stop until he leaves.
Jeff leaves on MONDAY. We are all ready for it, but not all at the same time. It's easier just to not think about it.
Olivia caught wind of it on Tuesday and had a mini-meltdown. She obviously doesn't really remember much of him being gone in our previous lives down south. (Thank you Angie for keeping us sooo busy!) Needless to say, I'm not entirely sure how she's going to take it this time. We talk about it constantly, but until it's a daily reality - I have no idea.
If our house doesn't sell by August, it's going to be a long school year here without him!
So I guess my point of this blog is to say hi, fill you in, tell you we are EXHAUSTED and oh soo busy.
And perhaps by Monday when my feet land back on the ground, then I'll be back to a normal (wait, I guess our NEW normal) life!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Happy 6 year Anniversary!
This weekend, Jeff and I celebrated our six year anniversary. We ended up going out to dinner on Friday night instead of Saturday to celebrate. Saturday we had a wedding to shoot. It was my friend, Julie from High School so it wasn't bad at all. It was more like a phs reunion! Jeff had fun meeting all of the girls that I went to hs with. And after 9pm it was like we were guests anyway, so we could enjoy ourselves. Here is a picture of us at the reception.
Olivia, hoping for spring
Last week we had a warm day that got into the 60's. So Olivia boycotted her winter gear and traded it in for some spring gear. Notice the rain boots instead of snowboots, the lightweight jacket, tights and a dress.
This was just before she went to school:)
Crazy D
Crazy D
He figured out that he could step on one end of his shovel and launch the (broken) handle end up in the air.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
24 Week Baby Update
I had a check up this morning and all is going well. I actually gained 6 lbs last month! Which brings me to 11 overall. I'm pretty happy with that, but the doctor keeps asking me if I'm eating. Have I ever not eaten? HAHAHA!
The baby belly is in full effect and starting to make the back feel the wonderful weight of carrying it around all day.
If you've followed my blog, I'm sure you read about me moaning about being sick. Well I've been holding onto this sinus thing for A MONTH now. Can't breath through my nose at night and just always feel like I'm swollen and stuffed up. Not to mention the loveliness that comes out in the morning after it's all settled during the night. Anyway, since I'm in the third trimester now she is able to treat it and FINALLY I have a script for antibiotics due to a sinus infection. Hallelujah! I can't wait for this crud to be gone!
On a much lighter note, we have a birthday for the bambino....
Carter Number 3 will be welcomed into this world on:
WEDNESDAY MAY 27TH, FIRST THING IN THE MORNING.
whoo hoo... let's just hope he/she has a name by then;)
The baby belly is in full effect and starting to make the back feel the wonderful weight of carrying it around all day.
If you've followed my blog, I'm sure you read about me moaning about being sick. Well I've been holding onto this sinus thing for A MONTH now. Can't breath through my nose at night and just always feel like I'm swollen and stuffed up. Not to mention the loveliness that comes out in the morning after it's all settled during the night. Anyway, since I'm in the third trimester now she is able to treat it and FINALLY I have a script for antibiotics due to a sinus infection. Hallelujah! I can't wait for this crud to be gone!
On a much lighter note, we have a birthday for the bambino....
Carter Number 3 will be welcomed into this world on:
WEDNESDAY MAY 27TH, FIRST THING IN THE MORNING.
whoo hoo... let's just hope he/she has a name by then;)
Julie's Bachelorette Party
Nicole, Julie and I at her house before going out. And don't worry, it's just pure sweet cranberry juice:)
Busy Weekend
We had a busy, busy weekend! Saturday Jeff cleaned out the garage (it was a storage dumping ground!). We ended up taking a trailer full of junk and crap over to the dump. And have another few garbage bags of donation stuff to take this week too. But the good news is now the basement and the garage are clean and organized. Just those "things" that start getting to you:)
Saturday night I went out with some old friends for Julie's bachelorette party. We had dinner and then went to a comedy club. It was fun:) Jeff had a movie night with the kids, and they loved the extra daddy time.
Sunday we drove over to Spring Lake to see Miss Lindsey and Mr. Peter. She's back from Arizona now and the boys wanted to hang out before they both start their new endeavors. Peter is headed back to AZ for about a month before he goes into the Army Special Forces selection try outs. Anyway, the boys (bless them) took the kids bowling and out to play for four hours while Lindsey and I went to Miss Leah's house to take pictures of her new baby. It was so much fun:) We had that sweet little Bea molded in all sorts of places. I'll post some pictures when lre emails them to me;)
Then we went out to dinner and got home WAaaay too late, as we were ALL tired today and dragging.
Saturday night I went out with some old friends for Julie's bachelorette party. We had dinner and then went to a comedy club. It was fun:) Jeff had a movie night with the kids, and they loved the extra daddy time.
Sunday we drove over to Spring Lake to see Miss Lindsey and Mr. Peter. She's back from Arizona now and the boys wanted to hang out before they both start their new endeavors. Peter is headed back to AZ for about a month before he goes into the Army Special Forces selection try outs. Anyway, the boys (bless them) took the kids bowling and out to play for four hours while Lindsey and I went to Miss Leah's house to take pictures of her new baby. It was so much fun:) We had that sweet little Bea molded in all sorts of places. I'll post some pictures when lre emails them to me;)
Then we went out to dinner and got home WAaaay too late, as we were ALL tired today and dragging.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Prego Mamma Update
I have been VERY fortunate and feeling VERY well this pregnancy. And just now, 6 months into it, I'm starting to "feeel" pregnant.
I've got a decent belly now and I can finally feel a difference. I noticed today that by the end of the day, I'm walking with my shoulders back and belly out... with a mild prego waddle. I'm sure it's going to get more comical as time passes.
More people are starting to notice the baby now too:)
Still no real complaints yet, just being tired and having heartburn... pretty lucky!
I'm so excited because my BF lindsey is MOVING BACK TO MICHIGAN this weekend! And we get to go over and see her and Peter. And Miss Leah, who has a BRAND NEW baby girl that I cannot wait to meet. And do newborn pictures for on Sunday:)
I'll get that little baby fix to thrust me into excitement and anticipation for our upcoming bundle!
I've got a decent belly now and I can finally feel a difference. I noticed today that by the end of the day, I'm walking with my shoulders back and belly out... with a mild prego waddle. I'm sure it's going to get more comical as time passes.
More people are starting to notice the baby now too:)
Still no real complaints yet, just being tired and having heartburn... pretty lucky!
I'm so excited because my BF lindsey is MOVING BACK TO MICHIGAN this weekend! And we get to go over and see her and Peter. And Miss Leah, who has a BRAND NEW baby girl that I cannot wait to meet. And do newborn pictures for on Sunday:)
I'll get that little baby fix to thrust me into excitement and anticipation for our upcoming bundle!
Monday, February 02, 2009
Sleepover Divas
This weekend Olivia had a sleepover with her friend from school, Stephanie. They decided to get all dressed up and have mommy do their hair and make-up. We curled Olivia's and straightened Steph's naturally curly hair. Then gobbed on the glitter:) They had a great time!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
That would be a surprise!
Today Deagan had a birthday party for one of the kids at his school. There we ran into a friend we haven't seen in about a year. She's the mom of two boys, the same age apart as Olivia and Deagan, and they go to D's school.
Well it turns out that when she was 38 weeks pregnant with her 3rd, they discovered she was actually having TWINS.
She was planning a home birth and using a mid-wife, so no formal ultrasounds along the way. She was getting HUGE and thought maybe it was a big baby, that might not pass during a home birth. So they scheduled an ultrasound. Sure enough it was TWINS. A week later she gave birth to two little girls! They had to go buy a mini-van the night they found out, a double stroller, another carseat... now that would be a surprise! (and a dream for Olivia!)
Well it turns out that when she was 38 weeks pregnant with her 3rd, they discovered she was actually having TWINS.
She was planning a home birth and using a mid-wife, so no formal ultrasounds along the way. She was getting HUGE and thought maybe it was a big baby, that might not pass during a home birth. So they scheduled an ultrasound. Sure enough it was TWINS. A week later she gave birth to two little girls! They had to go buy a mini-van the night they found out, a double stroller, another carseat... now that would be a surprise! (and a dream for Olivia!)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Mr. Ring Leader
15 minutes ago in the kitchen:
"Maverick, SIT! Maverick, SIT!" says Deagan dangling a cheerio in his face.
"Deagan, Maverick doesn't really like to sit." says Mommy.
"Yes he does, he just doesn't know it yet! Maverick, SIT" says Deagan forcefully.
The dog sits.
"See momma, he'll do anything for a snack."
"Maverick, SIT! Maverick, SIT!" says Deagan dangling a cheerio in his face.
"Deagan, Maverick doesn't really like to sit." says Mommy.
"Yes he does, he just doesn't know it yet! Maverick, SIT" says Deagan forcefully.
The dog sits.
"See momma, he'll do anything for a snack."
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Our Family
Tonight while eating her snack, Olivia made this drawing of our family... she's hoping for a girl!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
A little whine session...
... I know, I shouldn't whine. I should be thankful for what I do have rather than whining about the monetary possessions that I don't have. After all they are just "things"...
However, I'm sick of being broke! I'm sooo ready for a change!
So here is a list of my current financial (may it be petty) whines...
I want new maternity pants! I hate buying some, loving them in the store and then wearing them a few times and wishing I had gotten something else! All to wear for only four more months!
I need new shoes! My favorite "everyday" does literally have HOLES in them! And there is snow on the ground...
I want to sign Olivia up for a dance class. I found one, but we can't ju$tify it. She's going to be "little" and excited about princesses and tutus for only a VERY short while longer. And I'm afraid if I don't capture that girly spirit it will soon be gone. The girl LOVES to dance and would take a hip hop dancing class in a second if they offered one for 5 year olds! After all soccer starts in April! Then she's little miss tough girl! But dance classes... oh so expensive!
Deagan's Montessori Preschool is KILLING us!
I want to sign Olivia up for some summer camps with her friends. She's going to be stuck with a hermit crab mother, crying new baby and a bossy little brother all summer- oh so stimulating! But most summer camps are about $150+ a week!
We went to a gymnastics open house with some friends on MLK day and DEAGAN went bananas! He was tumbling! He was all about it. But again, gymnastics classes... yeah you thought dance was expensive! I think gymnastics tops the charts on kids classes...
I want a smaller house! With a smaller mortgage!
Ok thanks for listening, if you were able to make it through the whine!
I think that will just about do it for now:)
However, I'm sick of being broke! I'm sooo ready for a change!
So here is a list of my current financial (may it be petty) whines...
I want new maternity pants! I hate buying some, loving them in the store and then wearing them a few times and wishing I had gotten something else! All to wear for only four more months!
I need new shoes! My favorite "everyday" does literally have HOLES in them! And there is snow on the ground...
I want to sign Olivia up for a dance class. I found one, but we can't ju$tify it. She's going to be "little" and excited about princesses and tutus for only a VERY short while longer. And I'm afraid if I don't capture that girly spirit it will soon be gone. The girl LOVES to dance and would take a hip hop dancing class in a second if they offered one for 5 year olds! After all soccer starts in April! Then she's little miss tough girl! But dance classes... oh so expensive!
Deagan's Montessori Preschool is KILLING us!
I want to sign Olivia up for some summer camps with her friends. She's going to be stuck with a hermit crab mother, crying new baby and a bossy little brother all summer- oh so stimulating! But most summer camps are about $150+ a week!
We went to a gymnastics open house with some friends on MLK day and DEAGAN went bananas! He was tumbling! He was all about it. But again, gymnastics classes... yeah you thought dance was expensive! I think gymnastics tops the charts on kids classes...
I want a smaller house! With a smaller mortgage!
Ok thanks for listening, if you were able to make it through the whine!
I think that will just about do it for now:)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Out of the mouth of my three year old!
Deagan has been very vocal lately and all about telling you what is, in his little world.
During lunch he says to me, "I'm going to take this last bite, then you're going to follow me upstairs to your room. I'm going to jump on your bed and you're going to tickle me, OKAY MOMMY?" With the biggest blue eyed smile ever!
This afternoon after lunch, he went into the bathroom as I was doing the dishes. Naturally, I walked in there when I was done to see if he needed anything. He turn and looked at me and said, "Don't help me when I'm by myself! I'm by myself, I do it by myself when I'm by myself!"
I just smiled and walked away:)
*EDIT* Addition from 1/27-
So this morning Deagan woke up at 6am and thought it was time to get everyone up! I put him back to bed, he asks to watch a movie instead of going back to sleep. I say NO, maybe after we take sissy to school.
6:20am he got up again, this time getting Olivia up. I put them both back to bed.
6:45 he's up again, this time in the bathroom. I ask him why he's not going back to sleep?
"because it's morning time and I'm not sleepy!" He says with the eyebrows of his father!
I tell him that he doesn't have to sleep but he does have to stay in his room and be quiet, again no movie.
7am He's whining because he can't turn his own movie on, wakes up his sister, she proceeds to help him.
Daddy gets up, tells them both to get in bed (not being specific as to who's bed) and NO movie.
7:15 Deagan opens our door and politely and as quietly as a mouse says,
"Daddy, you hurt my feelings because I wanted to watch a movie and sissy knows how to do it, so you should let us and you made me sad." Shuts door behind him and walks out.
7:45 I get up and find them both in Deagan's room (NO movie on) but them both up in his bed with about 40 stuffed animals having a "sleep over."
During lunch he says to me, "I'm going to take this last bite, then you're going to follow me upstairs to your room. I'm going to jump on your bed and you're going to tickle me, OKAY MOMMY?" With the biggest blue eyed smile ever!
This afternoon after lunch, he went into the bathroom as I was doing the dishes. Naturally, I walked in there when I was done to see if he needed anything. He turn and looked at me and said, "Don't help me when I'm by myself! I'm by myself, I do it by myself when I'm by myself!"
I just smiled and walked away:)
*EDIT* Addition from 1/27-
So this morning Deagan woke up at 6am and thought it was time to get everyone up! I put him back to bed, he asks to watch a movie instead of going back to sleep. I say NO, maybe after we take sissy to school.
6:20am he got up again, this time getting Olivia up. I put them both back to bed.
6:45 he's up again, this time in the bathroom. I ask him why he's not going back to sleep?
"because it's morning time and I'm not sleepy!" He says with the eyebrows of his father!
I tell him that he doesn't have to sleep but he does have to stay in his room and be quiet, again no movie.
7am He's whining because he can't turn his own movie on, wakes up his sister, she proceeds to help him.
Daddy gets up, tells them both to get in bed (not being specific as to who's bed) and NO movie.
7:15 Deagan opens our door and politely and as quietly as a mouse says,
"Daddy, you hurt my feelings because I wanted to watch a movie and sissy knows how to do it, so you should let us and you made me sad." Shuts door behind him and walks out.
7:45 I get up and find them both in Deagan's room (NO movie on) but them both up in his bed with about 40 stuffed animals having a "sleep over."
Friday, January 23, 2009
Lazy Weekends at Home
Here are a few pictures of our lazy weekends at home. Just loafing around and dealing with the snow...
Our Weekend, two weekend's ago
Deagan in his swim goggles!
Deagan woke up and insisted on wearing his swim shorts, flip flops and goggles.... despite the negative degree temps outside:) 
Olivia (and her bedhead) spinning around a yo-yo ball in the kitchen. Despite the fact that you can't see it.
Deagan and Daddy playing hide and seak...
Sweet morning girl!
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