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!
McIntyre Family
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
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....
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!
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| I get to break a wooden board?! |
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
FRIENDS!!
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| Did not want to stop drawing light sabers to smile for me... |
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| Little G, the Sweetheart |
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| The Damsel |
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| Look at Mini Shawn! |
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| Buds! |
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.
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.
Monday, March 21, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
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*
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, March 19, 2011
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....
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....
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, March 11, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
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
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
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