What a week

So as you know my husband is gone with the army. And some days are easier than others and some days are just overwhelming. Today is one of those days although not for why you would think. Let me start with yesterday. Brayden is a very rowdy, ornery boy. At least in the evenings if he doesn't nap. Which I don't like him to do because then he stays up late. But yesterday I was just so frustrated with him wrestling with Riley and just being a pest to her. Now I know "Sibling rivlary" However it is still frustrating. I had tucked Riley in and was tucking Brayden in and I told him how even when he is ornry and a pest and even just plain mean at times I still love him very much. And he said how hard it is to be nice and all that. I said well then maybe we need to call the neighbor boys more or have U. Kyle come and wrestle him more so that he can have fun doing that and not hurt his sister. And he started to cry. Mommy, I don't want you to have to call the neighbors. I just want daddy home to wrestle with me. (yes, I am at this point crying as well) I said I know sweetie, but daddy has to be gone awhile longer. Then he asked if his surprise on Saturday was daddy coming home (Yep, I am crying still and harder) I said no but wouldn't that be a great surprise. Anyway that is tough on a parent.
Today we woke up happy and well. And I got to help with the harvest party at school which was great fun. Daddy even called and so he got to talk to daddy.
Now the thing I am overwhelmed by today. Brayden's school as well as friends and family have been collecting stuff to send to our soldiers for Christmas. I am overwhelmed by there generosity. I picked up the things from Brayden's school today and OH MY. They are so generous. The soldiers will be truly touched. Thank you all so much. I means so much.

Going on

We have been very busy since I got back from NYC. Jim has headed out and is in limbo. We have had fun going to 2 pumpkin patches. One of my most favorite thing to do. Have I said it lately. I LOVE FALL!! We also added a member to our family. The kids have been wanting a dog and cat. So, when I was in NYC I asked Jim if we could get a cat and then when he gets home we will get a dog. He said sure no prob. When I got home I told the kids daddy said ok. Then every day Brayden asked if we were getting his kitty. And when you asked Riley if she wanted a kitty she would say no. It was really cute. So, after looking on craigslist and the humane society's website. We went there and got out little sisco kidd. He is really great. He loves the kids and something we realized just today. His birthday is the same as Brayden's. He chases toys and is doing great with his litter box. He is almost four months old and really great. Another bonus we still have all six fish and our frog.
I also spoke at our moms bible study this morning. Oh how I don't like that. I am a behind the scenes or not in front of a big group kind of person. I hope it went well and people have a better understanding of how big God is in my life and how even though life is more difficult when Jim is away, life is good and I have so much to be thankful for. One lady did tell me that she was impressed with my possitive outlook on things. So, that was nice.
You know how when you have to do something that you don't really enjoy doing and it weighs on you and you wake up nervous about it at night, every spare second it spent working on it and all that. I was feeling that for weeks. Ever since she asked me and I agreed to speak. I am just not a public speaker. Now, in the army I am in charge of the family group. And when I speak in front of people it is different. I am giving them information. I mean I guess it is the same. This today was just much more uncomfortable. Anyway it is done and hopefully someone learned something. Now I will probably sleep great. I feel much more relieved.
Here are some pictures of what has been going on.

NYC

I got back on Monday night late from NYC. My mom came and stayed with our kids for 5 nights and I flew out and saw my husband for 4 days. What a city. It is great. So much to do and see. Lots of learning. Wow. I am so amazed that more pedestrians aren't ran over. The subway is great. Don't mind that at all. My favorite parts were Central park, Staten Island ferry at sunset, The chapel that stood at ground zero. Amazing. I could not live there and anymore than 3 days would drive me nuts. There are so many people and just the thought of living in an apartment where my kids couldn't be outside as much as they are now. I mean if they want to swing while I am making dinner that is great. I was showing Brayden some pictures and told him those kids can't just go outside. And he was like wow.
I am so glad to be home. I really missed my kids. I had so much fun with my husband. And am sad that he is heading out soon. It just seems so much more real when he is overseas. He travels so much stateside and so it wasn't that much different. We could call him every morning and text throughout the day. Now it is just emailing and waiting. I love you so much Jim. Be safe.

Kids and NYC

I leave tomorrow moring to go to see my husband one last time before he heads overseas. I am so excited to have 4 days with him alone. However, I have never left my kids before. I mean they have slept at my parents but other than one trip to the beach and one night in Portland. I have never been more than 5 minutes away. I know they will be well taken care of and all that and I am so blessed that my mom is coming to my house. (less to pack) but I am going to miss my kiddos and if something happens know that God and my parents are with them until I can get home to them. Brayden has mentioned several times today he doesn't want me to go. And I should stay with him forever. He is to young to understand all this. But he will be fine.
Another thing. Aren't kids just so cute with money. When we play store. Riley and even Brayden could care less about the paper money. They just want the coins. I love the innocense that my kids have. It is just so fun to hear Brayden say he is going to marry his babysitter who is 10 years older than him and Riley being such a mommy to her little dolly as she faithfully walks it around the neighborhood daily. And also keeps the little boy next door from pushing her. I mean he might hurt her dolly right?
I was cleaning the house earlier and it got me thinking What is my favorite room of the house. I have decided my bedroom. I love my soft cushy bed and I get to relax in here. Even if the kids are cuddling in bed with me. It is all good memories. What is your favorite room of the house? Do you love your kitchen? Bathroom because you love baths?

So, I leave in the morning. My friend Tami and I have a long day tomorrow. But we will enjoy talking, laughing and reading. So, it will be lots of fun. Then I get to see my hubby tomorrow night. YAY.