stuff

I just can't get this boy to stop reading! This was the other day in Costco-

So many people commented on it, and he just ignored them and kept on reading... While he is excelling in reading, his math has taken a back burner. So I am now doing a math program with him at home- and he is loving it! Mostly, I think it just makes him feel special that I make the time for him each and every day.

Tate's Valentine box for school this year was a ton of fun to make-

So in an effort to get into shape- after 37 year of pretty much being as inactive as I possibly could- I have decided no.more.excuses. I need to workout. It is good for me. And since I am not going to give up wine or french fries, I must do it often.

My excuse list is long- it is hot/cold/windy outside, I don't have time, Macy is home today... I am never going to get to the free gym we have on base, nor am I going to pay a monthly fee for a gym membership that offers childcare. So, I have decided to just work out at home. I know, I know- sooooo simple you say, right? Well, not for me! Remember, I have avoided this for 37 years!

And here is my workout partner-

She insists on putting on her "work out clothes" even- 

I just went out the other day and bought her about $75 worth of new (actual) work out clothes for her birthday! She is going to be psyched. She really is fun to have around. She doesn't get in the way (much) and it's motivating to hear her say things like "we exercise to live for a long time, right mom?"

Need this-

What a great reminder for me NOT to take my amazing husband for granted today. 

I read this poem the other day and loved it. We've got a move coming up this summer (tears, as I HATE to leave Cali...) and Brian is currently gone for 3 weeks, so reading this hit home-

The Military Wife

Lots of moving...
Moving...
Moving...
Moving far from home...
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog...all riding with HER of course.
Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house;
Moving curtains that won't fit;
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends;
Moving toward new friends;
Moving her most important luggage: her trunk full of memories.

Often waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting...
Waiting for housing.
Waiting for orders.
Waiting for deployments.
Waiting for phone calls.
Waiting for reunions.
Waiting for the new curtains to arrive.
Waiting for him to come home,
For dinner...AGAIN!

They call her 'Military Dependent', but she knows better:
She is fiercely In-Dependent.

She can balance a check book;
Handle the yard work;
Fix a noisy toilet;
Bury the family pet...

She is intimately familiar with drywall anchors and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes;
Sell a house;
Buy a car;
Or set up a move...
.....all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her.
She reinvents her career with every PCS;
Locates a house in the desert, The Arctic, Or the deep south.
And learns to call them all 'home'.
She MAKES them all home.

Military Wives are somewhat hasty...
They leap into:
Decorating,
Leadership,
Volunteering,
Career alternatives,
Churches,
And friendships.
They don't have 15 years to get to know people.
Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and perennials for those who come after them.

Military Wives quickly learn to value each other:
They connect over coffee,
Rely on the spouse network,
Accept offers of friendship and favors.
Record addresses in pencil...

Military Wives have a common bond:
The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands; his commitment is unique.
He doesn't have a 'JOB'
He has a 'MISSION' that he can't just decide to quit...
He's on-call for his country 24/7.
But for her, he's the most unreliable guy in town!
His language is foreign
TDY
PCS
OPR
SOS
ACC
BDU
ACU
BAR
CIB
TAD
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his.
She is the long- distance link to keep them informed;
the glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments:
She wants to wring his neck;
Dye his uniform pink;
Refuse to move to Siberia;
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days,
A travel brochure,
A long hot bath,
A pledge to the flag,
A wedding picture

And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.

Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.
But actually it is because she has lost her heart.
It was stolen from her by a man,
Who puts duty first,
Who longs to deploy,
Who salutes the flag,
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military Husband,
She will remain his military wife.
And would have it no other way.