what we've been up to

So, I've been thinking that I've posted some pics lately, but that's about it. Given the wonderful things that have happened for us, I figure I had better write it all down since this is as much a journal as it is a blog for everyone to keep caught up on our lives!

The first few days after Tyrone got home, I was in shock. I had spent so many days and nights, over a year's worth, wishing that he was close enough to reach out and touch. I knew that the deployment wouldn't last forever, but I couldn't imagine it ending. With him finally beside me, I hardly knew what to do with myself! Sometimes I still don't. Every so often I can be found just reaching out to touch him, with tears in my eyes. He understands, though, and always just smiles reassuringly.

Tyrone has been a saint, letting me sleep in, jumping in to normal life around the house, even making breakfast some days! Our house with Tyrone home is a more chaotic, happier place and I am absolutely in love with it! He is such a hands on Daddy and we are beyond blessed to have him!

Real life stops for no one, you know, so in the not-quite-month since he's been home, we have had: a serious Shiloh cold, Shiloh with pink eye, k throwing up at school, one of my oh-so-unpleasant migraines that ends with an ER trip and serious drugs that take me out of the game for 24 hours, AND the water pump on the truck went out.

Yeah, that truck. It's not that it's a bad truck, it's just that it's 12 years old. Of course, it's practically rebuilt now, lol. Anyway, we're selling it. We have a buyer! YAY! Tyrone has already bought a little 2 door Accord for his back and forth to work car, and we are going to buy a vehicle for me this week....probably a minivan?! what?! Yeah, I know, so not...well....me. But, we're a large family. A minivan makes since....and I kinda like the Chevy Venture that we're looking at. We'll see. I'll let you know when we make a for sure decision!

We had a parent teacher conference with K's teacher a week and a half ago. She confirmed what I already knew, which is that Kaleb's reading is coming leaps and bounds, he's soaking stuff up like a sponge! And, as an added bonus, there are some math concepts that he has down (that we've worked hard on!) that no one else in his class can even touch. He really gets math, and we are so proud of him!

Gabe is STILL waiting for a spot in either the pre-k or headstart programs, I can't wait until he gets in. He did so well in school! Shiloh continues to be her adorable self, her signing is fabulous, and just yesterday she said "knock, knock" when her brothers were telling knock knock jokes.

As far as work goes, Tyrone has an awesome, and I think well deserved, schedule right now. They have 3 day work weeks until they go on block leave in Dec. They have yet to have to actually stay a full day, either. This gives families a chance to really "gel" again, and I think it's wonderful.

So, mostly, we're just spending as much time as possible together and appreciating every moment like never before. Sorry this was so long, but now you're all caught up!