Overnight Guest(s)...

Since Paul's departure on Monday, a certain someone has moved into my bed...Drew. It was fine at first, "just for tonight", I told him. But after 4 nights I've kind of had it, and here's why. Last night he brought company to bed with US. A teddy bear, a book about bugs, a hard plastic happy meal dinosaur that he's grown far too attached to, and last but not least, a 4 foot rattlesnake (stuffed animal of course), complete with a rattling tail.

Yep, I bet you can guess my dreams were something out of a scary science-fiction movie that my husband would try to drag me to see...to include a large mutant teddy bear and T-Rex hunting me. Finally, at 3:00 a.m. I woke mid-nightmare, startled by a large snake attacking me. I was soothed knowing it was just the stuffed snake being thrown onto me by my co-sleeper.

Yes, I'm sleeping solo tonight baby! Just me, by myself, without kids.

A Great Way to Celebrate...

No, I'm not being sarcastic...of course it would have been absolutely the best for Paul to be here on our anniversary, and to have made secret getaway plans for a romantic spa weekend, or a cruise, or a long weekend tasting wine in Napa, or a trip to the Virgin Islands. But, I'm actually content to spend it with my 4 favorite people, Abbie, Paul, Drew and Charlotte.

However, I'm hoping this post acts as a big, giant HINT for next year...

Sweet Sixteen!!!

It's hard to believe that today is our 16th anniversary! Yes, I was a child bride and he was barely out of college, and brand new to the USMC, but here we are, 16 years later with 4 kids, 2 dogs, and a love for each other like no other.

On a side note, I heard from Paul this morning and he is finally back in Iraq.

Happy anniversary Babe.

Back to "Normal"...

I have to say, I thought it would be more difficult to get back to "normal" after Paul left, but it's actually not too bad! I'm back to blogging, back to crossfit, back to being busy...as usual.

Here We Go Again...

Hopefully this is the last time I'll have to take this picture of Paul with the kids right before we walk out of the house to take him to the airport.

What I Hate Most about the USMC...

Goodbyes...I feel sick.

Back to Reality...sort of.

We are back from the beach and home again. We had a great, relaxing time in Emerald Isle, enjoyed too many "refreshments" and we are all a little waterlogged. Beautiful weather was enjoyed by all. Ghost crabbing, pelicans, dolphins, fishing, boogie boarding, body surfing, mini golf, water park, sandcastles, shell hunting and relaxing in the pool...need I say more?

One more week of catching up and we'll say, "adieu" once more...til January.