Jonathan

Jonathan had his birthday party this afternoon at the Emerald Coast Science Center. He had a great time. In this photo you can see that he was participating in the activity we choose -- dinosaur dig. The kids loved using their tools to dig through a rock to get to a dinosaur inside.  Jonathan and his friends had a great time running around the museum looking at exhibits, eating cake, opening presents and of course digging for dinosaurs.  Such a sweet little guy!

Swim

We're off for the beach here on base and I wanted to post these delightful pictures of hot mess Mary.  Oatmeal on face? Check.  Jonathan's goggles on upside down? Check.  Sticky fingers? Check.  Adorable? Always.

Loving her bathing suit. Thanks Grandmother!

1 more thing...

Sam *should* be coming home around the 10th of May.  It is over a week earlier than projected.  I do not know if it is certain but I am crossing my fingers and toes. Jonathan graduates in cap and gown on the 13th so it would be wonderful if Sam could be there of his ceremony.  Please pray for his remaining time on this deployment and pray that he arrives home EARLY and safely.  (I can't believe he might come home early!!! This NEVER happens!!!)

Sleepover

Jonathan had his friend Connor spend the night last night. It was our very first real sleepover.  I expected chaos, madness, and total terrors.  However, overall the night went very well and everyone got along splendidly. All three kiddos were asleep by 8:30 PM.  (Granted, I made sure to wear them out by walking them, having them play in the sprinkler, and go to the park).  Jonathan and Connor were released early from school on Friday and they played hard all day and then Connor's mom picked him up today at 3:30.  Suffice to say I am pretty worn out and Mary and Jonathan are also quite tired.  Tomorrow night Jonathan is spending the night at Connor's house.  He is so very excited and it will be HIS first time to sleep at a friend's house.  I admit I'll be a little anxious but I know he'll have a blast being with his buddy.

Easter Dress and Stuff!

Mary looked darling in her Easter dress from Grandmother.  I surprised her on Friday morning and told her that she had a new dress from Grandmother and she instantly lit up with happiness. She loved her dress. She proceeded to dance around and requested Grandmother's photo to put into her Easter basket for school. She kept taking it out and looking at it and took it to school with her.  Adorable.

Goals and Birthday Presents

Goals:
I have lost 10 lbs since Sam left.  I had been exercising regularly and continue to do so 5-6 days a week since January 1.  However, I hadn't been counting calories or writing down my food consumption.  While I felt fit, I also felt fat.  Writing down what I eat, paying attention to labels, and doing my best to cut down on sugar has been the best for me for losing the weight. My goal is to lose another 8-10 lbs before Sam comes home in 5 weeks.  I think I can do it if I continue to track my food intake and workout using cardio and weights.  I want to fit in my clothes better and not be the person who always hides from the camera. I am sick of feeling fat and ugly.  I can and will continue to lose weight until I can feel good about myself and not hide from wearing a swimsuit.
I also want to drink more water. Not just for weight loss but just for general wellness. I drink too many diet cokes each day and I'd like to replace them with water as often as possible. It will save money, too!

Birthday Presents:
Jonathan has a birthday right around the corner so I have been asking him what he wants for the big 6! List of what he wants:  crocs, legos, bakugan, pokemon, and a cat.  Yes, a cat.  I already purchased a pair of crocs and my parents got him some legos.  I am sure I can arrange for him to get a bakugan and more pokemon cards for his party too.  The cat though is trickier. I would just love to get a cat.  I grew up with a cat and I love animals. Cats use a litter box and do not mind if come and go throughout the day.  Jonathan however does not realize that cats do require brushing, feeding, love, and attention. I took him and Mary to the cat shelter yesterday for an hour.  Mary fell in love with a cat named Felix. (We would have taken him home then and there if he wasn't spoken for!) She held him like a stuffed animal for 30 minutes straight and he fell asleep in her arms. It was adorable. Jonathan however wasn't as excited. He did really like a black cat that gave him attention and showed him his playful side. However, the cat (accidentally) scratched Jonathan hard enough to draw blood and Jonathan took it very personally. He thought the cat disliked him!  Plus, he really treated the "wound" like a major gash rather than a minor scratch.  I told him we could get a cat eventually if he could accept that cats scratch sometimes and that they don't always want to be held or cuddled. He said he'd think about it. 

Friday

Jonathan had such a fun day at school on Friday.  First of all, fridays are now Fun Fridays and he doesn't have to do school work at school on those days from now until the end of the year. He gets to play, do relay races, and enjoy being a kid instead. (Envious over here!)  Anyhow, so Fun Friday started off being great because Jonathan had a fun time at school.  The rest of the children, with the exception of the 6 graduating kindergarteners, were dismissed at noon.  Jonathan and his buddies next proceeded to Magnolia Grill for lunch with all three teachers. As you can see in the photo, he was dressed nicely and was quite excited.  He woke up early just to get "ready" for the day! He ordered his own food (a hot dog) and was able to pay for it himself with money he had earned around the house doing little chores.  With $14 in one dollar bills shoved into his camo wallet, he was set! He got to see the inside of a walk-in refrigerator, make his own ice cream sundae, and wash his own dishes! (I wish he got as excited about the washing dishes here at home).  After Magnolia Grill, the children headed over to the bowling center.  Riding in the teachers' cars was part of the excitement.  At 2:15 I met him at the bowling alley and he was still grinning from ear to ear.  His  teacher said that the children were well behaved and garnered many compliments on their manners and behavior.  Jonathan told me in the car that it was one of the best days of his ENTIRE LIFE! (Yes, he shouted that end part).  Ah the life of a 5-year old.
The next exciting date in the near future is Jonathan's birthday.  I have the invitations ready to go and they will be passed out next week.  
I am still sick and can't seem to get rid of this nasty cough.  Why won't it go away?! At least Mary is feeling much better.  I can handle my own illnesses much better than handling both my own and a little one.
We're off to Target in a few minutes to get a few things.  I think something I forget is how long it takes to do every little errand when Sam is gone.  Just "running in to get one item" can take much longer than anticipated.  Between a meltdown, a spill, and 2 potty trips, the "running in" to any store can end up being a crawl. 

Jonathan got a stripe at Karate today. He was the only kid who got a stripe today and it was for self discipline. The teacher came up to me after class and told me how impressive Jonathan's push-ups were today! I am so proud of my little karate kid.  He is a great little boy and I am so happy he is enjoying his new class.  Here are some pictures that he took. He told me he wanted to be tough!

Mary showing off her new skirt!

Mary loved dancing around the room!
She is wearing her new skirt. We were fortunate enough to win a giveaway from an etsy seller who makes the most fabulous skirts.  I highly recommend her to all of my friends with little girls!  http://www.etsy.com/shop/LimerickHollow

April 4, Monday

Today marks 3 weeks that Sam has been gone.
It feels like much longer than that!!! I double checked the calendar just to be sure!
We just returned from karate a few minutes ago.
 This weekend was pretty uneventful as I was sick with a horrendous head cold and sinus infection.  Being sick is never any fun but being sick with two kiddos and no husband is even less fun! I
felt awful not being able to do much with the little ones but I managed to take them to the
library, grocery store, and park. 
This Friday Jonathan is going to a restaurant with his kindergarten class and then they
are going bowling afterward.  There are only 6 children in his class so the teacher is going
to shuttle them in her minivan.  Jonathan has been earning money for the trip by doing
chores around the house and he is beyond excited to pay his own bill (including a tip!)
It's hard to believe that he is almost finished with the school year.  Only 6 weeks remain and
then it is summer vacation! 
My personal achievements:  losing 5 lbs and continuing with my workout routine. I workout
5-6 days a week either running or attending the gym for weights and/or the stairclimber.  Also, I
have really been working on how I discipline the children. I have been trying hard to not
raise my voice but to talk softly and firmly and stay calm.   I do not spank the kids but I
do put them in time out or take away a toy.  Jonathan responds most to having a toy put
in time out.  Mary has become more defiant since Sam departed and has been testing my
limits pretty much on a daily basis.  I guess the terrible two's are kicking in!
Today is my sister's birthday. Happy Birthday to Bethany who is 33 today! She is a wonderful
sister and friend and I am lucky to have her in my life. 

End of March

It's been over 2 weeks now since Sam has been gone. 
The kids and I definately are not sleeping as well as when he is here and Mary has been up a lot at night.  However, I am glad that we have made it through the first 2 weeks and are that much closer to his return.  Mary regularly looks around the house for Sam and asks me where he has gone. I answer that he is flying his airplane and that answer seems to be enough to satisfy her curiousity.  Jonathan, however, knows that he is gone but has been much better about talking to me about his feelings and emotions.  He'll let me know in simple language that he is angry and sad and feels that it isn't fair for his dad to be gone so much.  I know this is all normal and I empathize with him.
Next month my little boy turns 6! I can't believe how fast time has gone.  While he was reading aloud to me from his kindergarten book, I realized just how far he's come academically this year.  My little toddler is now a big boy reading books, adding and subtracting, and riding a scooter with ease down the sidewalk.  I am throwing him a party at the Emerald Coast Science Center in Fort Walton Beach and naturally he wants to do the Pokemon theme.  (I tried to convince him that Legos would be a better theme but I lost that battle).
Mary is extremely opinionated lately and the word "No" seems to have permanently stuck itself in her vocabularly.  It doesn't really matter what the question is. The answer is usually "NO!"  and that's that.  She still loves her preschool at Mary Esther Methodist Church and attends 5 days a week.  She is the youngest in the class but I think it has helped her speech trememdously as she is ahead of her age group for language. 

Glad it is spring! Happy Spring to everyone!

Just another day in the life of...

...a deployed spouse.

Started off the day by losing an earring down the drain. 
Made it to gymnastics this morning with the kids for open gym which went well! I was hoping to go home and put the kids to bed for a nap since they wore themselves out.  Not to be.... Instead, I got my first ER visit checked off the list.  5 hours at the ER! Wheee!! Apparently Friday is Fun Day at the ER because many of the patients had been having too much fun and wound up in the emergency room.  I was proud of Jonathan and Mary for both being composed and keeping themselves busy making funny faces and drawing pictures during the whole ordeal.  Well, most of the time.  Mary had been having stomach pains and severe trouble using the restroom and it was very reminescent of last summer's UTI ordeal.   Mary has urinary reflux and is on antibiotics for the next year to help ward off UTI infections.  She has not yet had one since being on the medicine so I was naturally very concerned when she spiked a fever this afternoon, complained of stomach pain, and refused to potty.  She said it hurt too much.  Fortunately (PRAISE GOD!) a urine sample revealed no bacteria in her urine but she does have a bacterial infection of some sort.  And she is constipated.  And of course Target didn't have Children's Suppositories.  And of course I slipped and fell off the curb on the way to the car and pulled something in my leg that didn't need or want to be pulled. 
And I know it is petty, but I am mad because I don't have any chocolate in the house.
Praying that the kids go to sleep at a reasonable time tonight....

Jonathan had his first testing at Tae Kwon Doe/Karate yesterday and got his yellow belt. I am so darn proud of him. The face he had when he got his belt was priceless.  He really enjoys doing this and it is great for him physically and emotionally. The picture with his look of surprise is my favorite -- the teacher brought out a wooden board for Jonathan to break with his hands.  Jonathan did it on his first try! It was so fun to see him in action! 

I get to break a wooden board?!

FRIENDS!!



Did not want to stop drawing light sabers to smile for me...




Little G, the Sweetheart



The Damsel



Look at Mini Shawn!



Buds!

Made Me Laugh ....

So today ended on an unexpected note -- I watched dolphins swimming in the sound right by our house. We took a walk around the block and stopped at the beach to put our feet in the sand and ended up having a personal Sea World show.  Ah, living in paradise!
Haven't heard from Sam today or yesterday and it always makes me more tense and frustrated. Hearing him, even for a few minutes a day, brings me comfort and needed support.  Taking care of the kids alone and not having family nearby is difficult and quite lonely.  I love it when people take the time to visit and I appreciate people sending packages to Sam and to us.  It makes the kids happy to know that while Daddy is away, others are looking out for them.
This morning I babysat two adorable little boys that attend Jonathan's Montessori school.  Having 4 children with me ages 6,5,3, and 2 was a lot of fun though also a lot like herding cats.  The issue I disliked was having to buckle in and buckle out 4 kids. However, it was fun watching them play together!! The three boys, especially the eldest two, (Jonathan and Grant), really were fearless.  I swear they were playing Survivor: Youth Edition.  They were like spider monkeys on the jungle gym and I got tired just watching them! Oh the joy of being a kid!
Well so far we're making it through spring break.  I didn't work out today so plan to go to the gym tomorrow morning and if the weather is nice, to the beach in the afternoon.  Ending the evening will be karate practice.  Overall a pretty nice day laid out for us. 

My favorite girl....

Fun Times!

My Favorite Boys

Days before Sam left we headed to the beach

Sam's face says it all

He's already learned to be a smart alleck and do bunny ears

Snake in the House

"MOOOOMMMMYYY, there is a SNAKE in the hallway." 
Never the words a mother wants to hear as she walks in from unloading groceries.
So in true crazy Carolyn fashion, I attempt to determine using my very savvy Internet skillz what type of snake it is -- poisonous or not.  The dang thing was moving so fast I couldn't get much of a look so I trapped him in my bedroom! Ha! Score 1 for me! Then I thought about trying to catch him with my bare hands. I do watch too much TV, don't I?!  So I calmly dialed base housing and explained quickly that someone needed to come over immediately to come and get the thing out of my bedroom. I wasn't sharing my sleeping quarters with a snake. No chance.  The first man sent over told me he was unable to catch the snake but that he "thought" it was harmless.  Fabulous.  But it was still in my bedroom.  Another man was called over and they both shut themselves in my bedroom with a bucket and a few other devices that looked like they were used in the tower of London to torture criminals.  After 15 minutes they emerged victoriously.  The bedroom furniture, they stated, was in disarray.  Fine by me, I said, as long as the snake is out and unharmed.  Turns out it really was just a garden snake who had lost his way. 
Oh the fun that happens when Sam is deployed.  

Fun Day

I had a great day today. I went with Mary to my friend Shannon's house and we had a jewelry show/party called Lia Sophia. It was a lot of fun and I met some new people. Mary played with Apple, Shannon's daughter and Jonathan stayed here with Keegan, Apple's big brother.  Jonathan thinks Keegan hung the moon. After all, he's a teenage boy who liked Pokemon years ago, so he scores major points in Jonathan's book. Mary enjoyed putting on make-up and playing with barbies. I was just happy to be around adults and lots of bling!
Jonathan is really into Pokemon these days.  I really don't know what triggered this new found obsession but he is definately hooked. The cards and toys are all he wants when he gets a new present.  I wish they weren't so dang expensive.  Of all the toys/hobbies he's enjoyed throughout the years, this one gets on my nerves the most. I actually like Transformers and GI Joe. But Pokemon is pretty obnoxious and I'd rather watch paint dry then have to sit through the Pokemon movie once more.  Alas, the time will come when Pokemon is no longer cool and something else is a must have. 
I got to talk to Sam today on the phone so I pretty much felt like I was floating I was so giddy. Talking to Sam is like savoring a piece of chocolate. You have to just enjoy the moment because it comes and goes so quickly. I never know when he'll call but when he does, everything has to stop and be on hold.  We only have 20 minutes so I make sure to pick up the phone as soon as I hear the familiar ring.  Sam told me today that he is flying once again and staying busy.  I can't imagine what his life is like over there but I certainly admire his tenacity and humble attitude.  As cliche as it might sound, he really is a warrior.  I love him and miss him.  Tomorrow will be the 1 week mark of his departure. *sigh*

Saturday

I was able to talk to Sam last night for the first time in several days. He is in country now and will begin flying soon. He said it feels as though nothing has changed from his last visit.  The good news is we should be able to talk at least every other day for 20 minutes.  Hopefully everyday, though I won't hold my breath.  I am proud of him for showing such bravery and courage under the circumstances. He hasn't lost his sense of humor nor his wit despite the many rotations/deployments.

The kids and I are officially on Spring break.  I don't think it should be called break for me because the kids are out of school and therefore there are technically no breaks, and, I am not sure it is even spring yet, is it? Hrm. Who came up with this name anyhow?! Today we're off to the park and the library on base.  The library has an outdoor play area that is filled with nature spots --- butterfly garden, bird bath, weather station, etc., and it keeps them entertained.  Mary loves watching birds. I think I'll take her play binoculars with us to "spot" the different kinds of birds flying around.  

I can't say we have a lot of events planned over the next week.  Probably will head to the local beach at least once since the weather is nice.  Even if the water is cold, the sand is fun in and of itself for kids.  Additionally, we'll probably hit the park a lot and go to open gym at the local gymnastics gymnasium.  Gotta wear these kids out!

Sam would love to receive art magazines.  If you walk into the local Borders/Barnes and Nobles, you can head over to the magazine section and see an array of colorful art magazines.  Sam loves art, and as you might know, was an art major at UNT in Denton.  He is a great painter and will one day get back into the art scene.  In the meantime, he has expressed to me that reading the art magazines is relaxing and enjoyable. The more photographs/pictures in the magazines, the better. So if you'd like to send him a care package, definately consider sending an art magazine or two.  E-mail me for his address.

Well the kiddos are calling my name and wondering where I am.  Time to go and entertain the masses....

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day!

Don't forget to wear green tomorrow to avoid getting pinched! It's St. Patrick's Day tomorrow! The year is flying by faster than fast!

Sam has made it to Germany.  He should be leaving Germany today or tomorrow.  Apparently he is staying in some old WWII barracks.  That should be interesting and rather uncomfortable.  At least the weather should be warmer. 

If you'd like Sam's e-mail address to write him a message, it is:  sam.mcintyre@hurlburt.af.mil
If you'd like to send Sam a package once he arrives to his final destination, just send me a message
and I'll happilly send you his address. I don't want to post it publicly.

Spring break is next week. Will be finding activities to keep the kids busy and keep me same.  Hopefully we'll survive the week without too many catastrophes.

Grumpy

Sam leaves Monday and I am just plain unhappy about it.
I ran 4 miles this morning and was able to get a lot of my angst and stress out during my jog but now I am just plain grumpy and wanting to stop the clock.  I do hope this deployment goes by quickly. The kids and I will really miss Sam.

Weather Woes

I really dislike running in the cold. Running in the cold with wind whipping in your face is even worse.  I ran 5 miles today with the wind punishing me with each step. The odd thing is, it seemed to be against me no matter which way I ran.  (I ran in a circle so shouldn't it have been against my back, pushing me at one point?!)  Now I feel a little bit sore and tired but happy that I kept on moving despite the weather. 
Why is it so cold and overcast today? Just last week it was 72 and sunny.  Did someone upset Mother Nature?  Please tell her to bring the sunshine back.  I'm cold. 

It's March!

Well apparently I have not been the best blogger on the net these days.  Forgive me for being away for so long. I guess life just gets busy and time passes by quickly! I know that the time between deployments always flies at such an unimaginable pace.  As soon as Sam steps of the plane, the clock starts ticking faster than normal.  On that note, Sam leaves on the 14th for his next deployment.  I can't believe it is that time already.  Oh how we will miss him!
As for me, I have been working out quite religiously since the start of the year. I run every other day approximately 4-5 miles and on the other days, I do the stair climber and/or weights. I aim for 5-6 days a week of exercise. I really do want to fit into my skinny jeans again and not look like the fat girl in the room.  Ever since I hit 30, I noticed my metabolism has really slowed down and every calorie seems to hang on to my thighs and stomach.  When did I get a beer gut?!
Mary is the talker of talkers these days and is still obsessed with princesses, dinosaurs, and picking flowers.  She is so tall that most people assume she is 3 or 4 when we out in public.  It's comical.  Strangers will look at me in disbelief and ask multiple times if I am "sure" she is only 2.  Ha. Yes, I am sure.
Jonathan is in karate now and loves wearing his uniform to practice.  He is doing well and was given his first "stripe" last week for courtesy. He adores his fellow students and his teacher, Master Mathis.  He better love it for how much we have to fork out each month! Kids are so expensive.  Sam and I are keeping a "tab" for how much each child owes us.  We take into account all the things they've broken and all the private school and extracurricular activities they've participated in.  We'll expect to be paid: never.  But it makes us feel better to have an amount on our white board. 
I guess that's my quick update for the moment.  I hope all my friends and family in cyberspace are well. Love, Carolyn

SAM & CHRISTMAS!!!

We are enjoying having Sam home for the holidays. It has been a wonderful week for the McIntyre family. Currently we are in Ohio with my parents and my sister Bethany, who has a daughter that is Mary's age.  It has been such fun being able to play in the snow and enjoy each of the many presents that we received this Christmas.  We are staying at my folks house and the kids love exploring each nook of this wonderful old home.  My parents adopted a cat named Max and Mary has fallen in love with Max. She simply adores watching him do just about anything.
We return to Florida tomorrow and Jonathan and Mary will start school again on Monday.  Sam will head back to work and we shall slowly phase back into normal life once again.  Sam and I may run a 5k race together in the spring.  It'll be fun to train for something together before he has to deploy once again.
Sam came back from war quite tired but excited to see his family and his own bed.  He also came home with a new hairdo! His hair is much longer now! He looks handsome no matter how his hair is!  I couldn't be more proud of him for all of his accomplishments. He is truly a hero and deserves our gratitude.
We have had a wonderful homecoming and a fantastic Christmas. The best gift was having Sam return home safely from Afghanistan.  God has blessed us so very much. 

CHAOS & Sam's imminent return...

I had quite a day.
The garbage disposal broke. The car was in the shop with $1200 worth of repairs.  The kids were quite energetic and wanting my attention the entire day.  The dishwasher leaked.   I had a lot of errands. I had to make a million phone calls to our bank and kept getting my calls disconnected.  While the kids demanded more and more and more..... Yay!!! It was a fun day. *snort*
I try and find the humor in things but sometimes it is just not funny right at the heat of the moment... 
IT's the end of the deployment... well almost. Sam is on his way home and is supposed to arrive in 2 days but we shall see if the weather and the plane agree that he will be home that day.  I am concerned about the ice in Europe and I am worried as we are set to leave as a family on Christmas Eve for Ohio. 
The fun part of this day came this evening as I got to have adult time with 2 friends. We had our nails done and went out to eat!! It was great to feel grown up again!!

Pictures

Here are some more of Jill for my family...

Traveling

Well it's been nearly 2 weeks on the road.  We have had so much fun traveling from Florida to Texas. We stayed at my sister's house in San Antonio for more than a week and now we are in College Station, Texas.  We are staying with my in-laws here in College Station.  We leave Friday for Florida.  We will have been gone for exactly 2 weeks! whew!
In San Antonio, we went to a Spurs basketball game and sat in box seats.  Ooh lah lah! It was wonderful! Boy did Jonathan like watching the cheerleaders! We also enjoyed the weather and frequented the local parks and Jonathan went with his cousins to their karate classes and swim class. We had a great time meeting my new niece, Jill.  She is a beautiful little girl that was adopted from Korea.   She loves her big brothers and was such a joy to be around.

Mary

Mary and James

Jill!

James, Paul, Jill, Mary, and Jonathan really enjoyed themselves.  Everyone had a wonderful time keeping busy indoors and out.  It was a wonderful trip and I can't wait to go back to my sister's house to visit again soon.  I love them!

Paul

James, Jonathan, and Paul at the game

Daddy Dolls and Packing Up

Well tonight I used my new bloggie camera/camcorder. I don't know if I am actually doing well with it so far. It is a very small camera about the size of a cell phone.  It is also a touch screen, which I find very intimidating. Nevertheless, I tried it out tonight and here are some photos of the kids with their Daddy Doll. They have 3 of them but just 1 was found for the photo session.  Jonathan of course had to dress up when he heard the camera was being used! I will never be a photographer. Sam and I always note that I have no "eye" for good photography.  Just not one of my talents!

Here is Jonathan with his nerf guns, vest, and bullets, plus a compass and a sword.  If we get attacked, we'll be fine.  ha!  By the way, he looks JUST like his dad in this photo!!!!

And this is the end of the photo session. Jonathan grumpy, Mary having a last burst of energy before promptly falling asleep....
So now I have two kids in bed at 7:20!!! I am so proud of myself! And, I have to clean the house and PACK (or start at least) because we leave on Friday for San Antonio. We will be visiting my sister and her family for a week and then heading to College Station to see Sam's folks!!! Two weeks of not having to clean my house or cook a meal!! Whoot!  I love Thanksgiving and it is going to be so exciting to meet my new niece, Jill!