Final Commute

Well, my last day in Irving was Friday. As I made the last commute I began to think back on the great times I have had working there and how each practice has grown. I started to think about the decision, and while I have always been sure, there was that moment of sadness when you realize that you will not see the same faces every day.

The commute seemed to be a little faster than normal. Maybe everyone took the day off to work on cleaning up the mess the "tornadoes" had caused. Great! A perfect start to my last day. There was lots to do and any extra time would be aprreciated....AAHHH,NO! Over my AM station, yes...AM, came the traffic report. (Did I ever mention that I get the FM stations about 25% of the time?) Accident on west bound George Bush!! Damn it! There was at least a 45 minute backup. Now, I am truly sorry for the motorcylist that was injured in the accident and had to be Care Flighted to the nearest hospital...but really, when I heard that report I knew I had no regrets!!

Can you see the disgust on my face??

Elementary Elections

Tomorrow Ashlyn is running for Class President. She has her poster, her speech and her outfit already for the big election. Good Luck Sunshine!!

Pictures from the sandbox

David and the Chaplain

David and the Chaplain's bodyguard or RP. He is known as the Religious Person.

David and a mortar tube. I know-don't even ask...

Congratulations!!

Congratulations, Aunt Mel, on the new job!! We are so excited for you. We know you will do well. We are so happy that you are working so close to home and wish you the best of luck in your new position.

Missing Daddy

As most of you know, Dayden and I have a morning and night ritual where we say good morning and good night to Daddy and kiss his picture. We talk to his picture just as if it were him standing right there. I try to make sure he stays fresh in her mind so that he won't seem like a stranger when he gets home. I don't think she will react that way, but just in case...

So this morning I go to wake her up. Typically, she is still asleep and I just speak softly and tell my little angel it's time to rise and shine. Most of the time she is as happy as a bug in a rug and usually asks for Bailey and "Ashen" (Ashlyn) Rae. This morning though, through very sleepy eyes in the sweetest little voice she says...."Mommy, Daddy Iraq..(sigh!)" It was so sweet and so sad all at the same time. I don't know if she was dreaming of Daddy or not, but choose to believe she was. Hopefully it was a wonderful dream and it made her feel like he was home.

Update from the sandbox

I talked to David today. He called to let me know he will be on a mission for the next couple of days. I can't tell you where he is going...because he can't tell me. We speak in code. I am pretty good at figuring it out. We use birthdays, anniversary, and "work" speak to communicate when he talks of travel. While I can't give away too much of our code (because when he reads this he will freak if he finds out I put it out there for all to know), he is out of the office on an overnight stay. He won't need a rental as he his traveling by air. He hasn't booked his return flight yet...you get the idea.
I get incredibly nervous when he tells me this. I am so limited as to what I can ask and he is so limited as to how much he can say. Now don't get me wrong. I want to know. This way I know when to expect to hear from him. We have been able to set a routine, if you will, and if there is any interruption I tend to really worry. This way I know to expect the interruption and can deal with it a lot easier.
He also mentioned he may move. I don't like that either, but really, do you think what I think matters...uh, NO!!
He is in good spirits and is healthy. He has had such a different experience this time than with the first two tours. We have finally passed the halfway mark. We have something like 132 days left. Cross your fingers they will move up the return date.
Thank you all for remembering him in your prayers. He loves being a Marine and I am so proud of him...

Solemn Communion

Ashlyn made her Solemn Communion this past Sunday. She is such a blessing and is growing up so fast. I'm very proud of you Sunshine!!