Day #7 - "A Week In The Life" . . .

Happy Mother's Day!!

I awoke feeling so very lucky today. Before the boys & I even rolled out of bed, we were webcamming with Ben. He made it back to his "home" which means we can webcam & see him. It's been a long couple of weeks without seeing his face. Brent went crazy with excitement! We continued to talk for almost 2 hours. It was so nice!

I am such a lucky mother. Together with the plant that Ben sent, I was given such sweet things today. Tery, my sweetest, most cherished friend sent me a fun card with chocolate! PERFECT! Jen, my favorite sister-in-law, and my mom also sent cards with nice thoughts. Thanks to Jessica, I even had a card to open this morning that had the boys scribbles inside. Such a thoughtful thing to do while she was here. These things all started my day with a huge smile.






We had made plans to go to a fair in Macon, GA today with Aunt Carol & Chelsea (they must not be sick of us yet!). We decided to meet at Panera for a bite to eat before the trip. What sweet boys to take their momma out for breakfast!

The Macon "Georgia State Fair" was a bit disappointing. We unloaded the boys and headed in. Grabbed a little lunch, walked the Midway, went near the petting zoo, heard a little bit of a good band and then left. Brody loved sipping on the Lemonade while we walked around and Brent was busy pointing at the different rides and screaming at any animal we came near. While this was promoted as the "State Fair," from what the Walker's say, the "National State Fair" that is held in the fall in Perry, GA is really the one to go to. We look forward to it.

After spending only about an hour at the fair, we headed back to the car for some diaper changes and to figure out where else we should go since we made the drive to Macon. We decided on an outdoor mall. It was a nice afternoon of shopping. I was introduced to "Charming Charlie". A store with tons of gaudy junk jewelery. What a great place! We then ate dinner at "Five Guys". YUMMY!! And made our way home.

The boys both slept on the way home but by the time we pulled into the driveway, Brody was awake. I carried Brent in and put him into his bed, dirty clothes & dirty face. I thought I would just put Brody into his PJ's and into bed but he just wouldn't have it. So, he played very nice while I got ready for bed. Once I was done, I laid him in bed and he was sleeping within minutes. Such a good boy.

Ben's picture was posted on Facebook by his Brigade. I am so proud of him for finishing up yet another round of training. He's not going to be doing the job he was hoping for but we both know that things happen for a reason and God has a great plan for him. Today was a rough day for me missing Ben. I feel like I've been doing really, really well but today, I just wasn't "strong." Lots of tears later and I still miss him terribly but I have never been so proud of my man. I owe so much to him and I'd like to say a special "Thank You" to the man who made all my dreams come true. Especially my most desired dream, to be a mom. A role that I knew I was born to fulfill. Thank you for our boys Babe!! I love you!

Day #6 - Out & About . . .

Seems we've been living life like we are on a vacation. With Aunt Carol as my partner for the weekend, we decided to do something out of Columbus. We drove up to the Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn. Chelsea joined us for the drive and Chucky & his girlfriend, Heather, met us there.
Brent & I went to the the Faire in Bristol, WI just 2 summers ago and this was much of the same thing. The Walkers had never been to one before so it was fun to walk around and take it all in with them. Between all of us there were Beef Sticks, Monkey Tails, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, a Porkchop on a stick, Potato Skins & Cheese Sticks eaten. We took in a comedy show of Acrobats and then headed back to Columbus because Chelsea had a date with her boyfriend to go see a movie that she had to get back for. I hope to go again next spring with Ben and the boys and spend a little more time there.


The boys were very good today. Here is a picture of Brent sharing his drink with Brody. While there are moments that Brent is mean to Brody, for the most part, he is always concerned for him. Always making sure he's coming along with us. Always making sure he gets a bite or a drink. I hope it forever stays that way.

We met up with Chelsea & Brandon after their date at a movie for dinner at a local restaurant, BMerrells. Brent helped Brandon color a bit while we waited to eat. Aunt Carol took this picture on her phone.

The boys and I then finally made our way back home. We stopped to fill up with gas and when we pulled into our driveway, Brent did his usual "There it is!". Unpacked the car and put the boys into the tub for a much needed bath. They didn't get the chance to play very long because it was already late and past their bedtimes. Read 2 new "Toy Story" books to them and they were on their way to sleeping. They've been so easy the past 3 nights to put to bed. Could I really have done it?? Can it be like this every evening?? I sure hope the streak continues!!


I then headed downstairs to begin my nightly ritual for bottle cleaning, diaper bag refilling and picking up whatever needs to be put away. I noticed there were messages on the phone so I listened and found that there was a "gift" left on my front porch. At 10:00 at night I opened my front door to find a surprise Mother's Day gift from my loving husband! What a great way to end my day. I have it sitting on the kitchen counter so it greets me first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks Ben for taking the time to send me something while you are busy taking care of business so far from home. I love you & miss you so much!!

Day #5 - Friday is here. . .

Friday has arrived. One more week closer to seeing "Daddy!"

Last night both boys made it through staying in their own beds. This is how I found Brody this morning. He is always happy in the morning. Brent on the other hand is a lot more like me, it takes us awhile to wake up. I thought I would catch him first thing to go peepee on the potty. Doesn't he looked thrilled?

We had a busy morning. I managed to get a load of laundry done and we all made it through breakfast without any drama. Got dressed and headed to "My Gym" for some "Free Play." Aunt Carol was nice enough to meet me there and watch the boys while I had a little "me" time to get my nails done.


After playtime, we went out to lunch with Aunt Carol & Chucky to "Cheddars." Aunt Carol entertained us by giving Brody her lemons. Ha, Ha on us . . . he likes them. After lunch we went to JC Penny's to look around and then headed home.




We were able to get our walk in even though it was hot, hot, hot. So much so that dinner was Pancakes for the boys. I wasn't hungry. After I showered up, we headed back out on the town to meet up again with Aunt Carol. (Uncle Chuck is in Florida on a fishing trip so I have a partner for the weekend.) We ate a good dinner at "Jason's Deli" and then hit up "Old Navy" to see what they had. After that, we stopped at Walmart for a few items and by then, it was way past the boys bedtime.

We came home, walked into the house, went upstairs and Brent begged to go to bed. Ahhh, if only it was like that every night. Bottles washed, Diaper Bag refilled and I am ready for another day.

Have a great Mother's Day Weekend!!

Day #4 - All about Movement. . .

Today we had nothing planned. I love these days but also like to keep busy so loneliness doesn't settle in.

Brody woke up at 6:45 this morning, I DON'T THINK SO. Luckily he fell back to sleep once I brought him into bed with me. Brent had already joined me after a coughing fit at 4am so we were all together. While I know "the rules" that they should stay in their own beds, it sure is nice to wake up together. All we are missing for those few precious minutes is Ben.


After diaper changes, we headed downstairs to start our day. I put Brody down and started to make Brent his daily oatmeal. I hadn't heard from Brody so I went looking for him. Found him about to climb the stairs. Guess it's time to put that baby gate up.

I did have a few minutes this morning where I thought I was going to cry. I was busy burning my Steel Cut Oatmeal on the stove top that I didn't pay much attention to Brent pulling the Gallon pitcher of Crystal Light out of the fridge. After I told him to get out of the kitchen so I could clean it up, he casually walked over to Brody and hit him on the head. So, I walked over to him and took him over to our "timeout" spot. While I did that, Brody decided to GIJOE it through the spilled juice. All while my oatmeal just kept on burning.


After that event, I decided we needed to get out of the house. So we went on a walk. It was already in the 90's and the sun was shining bright. I love to walk our neighborhood. 3 miles later and a phone call from Ben, I was over the episode in the kitchen.

We headed upstairs so I could attempt to shower with both boys awake. My first time ever trying without someone else here. They did ok. They both hung around my bedroom and bathroom. When I came out, I didn't know where Brody was. When I asked Brent, he showed me. They both thought it was silly.

It was going on 4pm and Brent hadn't taken a nap and I didn't feel like sitting around the house with a crabby kid so we decided to go to "My Gym" to make up the class he had missed this past Tuesday. It was great. It was a smaller class than we are used to which meant more time to do the activities. It was nice. I am thinking I may switch permanently. Brent listens to "Miss Tracy" better each time we go. And today when they asked him what his name was he said "Mine" and pointed to himself. Think we need to work on that some more. . .

I never thought I was the journaling type. . . I think I may have been wrong. . .

Day #3 - Not productive . . .

Day #3 brought a busy day in which nothing in particular was done. We all had a good nights rest but Brent woke up with a nasty cough. I called to see if we could get in at the doctors. We ate breakfast, got dressed and got out the door to make our appointment. With the rush of getting out the door, I did not bring along my camera today to capture our moments.

Our moments today?

Brent has yet another ear infection in his right ear (he's only been off of antibiotics for 6 days!) and a possible chest infection. He started another round of meds today and has strict orders to keep on coughing to get that stuff out of his chest.

We then hit the road with the help of Aunt Carol to go pick up Ben's truck in Newnan, GA. Our friend Jessica had used it to get back towards Atlanta yesterday to make her "crack of dawn" flight back to Hawaii. We met Aunt Carol's long time friend, Joyce, at the Cracker Barrel for lunch. This is where the day got exciting. . . I did not order the Chicken 'n Dumplings as usual. I ordered the Haddock and it was delicious!! Brody loved the carrots and Brent liked the biscuits.

We stopped at the Walkers on the way home to visit and eat some dinner that Aunt Carol's mom had made. A nice roast, green beans and potato things they call "dolphins." Brent was too busy feeding their dog, Lacy, to even bother with much dinner. Brody ate left overs from lunch today. We didn't stay long because I only had one diaper left. It was Brent's size so I knew it would work for both boys. Turned out that the 10 minutes that Brent was playing really nice by himself in the living room deemed him the winner of the diaper.

Came on home and played in the backyard for just a few minutes. I managed to rake enough to not only get a blister on my thumb but tear it open too. Brent decided to get into the pool with his clothes on and Brody ate some grass. It was indeed time for a bath!

The boys soaked for awhile before I got them out to webcam with MaJ. She was able to witness Brody fight for his right to play with his favorite toy (the ball blower that Aunt Jen bought him for Christmas) and Brent gave a tour to her of the playroom using the phone. Because of all the webcamming we've been doing lately, he thinks that you can see whatever it is he shows you with the phone. So sweet.

After numerous books and lots of hugs, both boys finally fell asleep.

Tomorrow brings no plans but to relax and spend time together. With my camera in hand, hopefully I can capture our day in color.

Good Night Y'all.

Day #2 - Not what was planned. . .

Today we said "Goodbye" to our friends, Jessica & Ava. They have a long day ahead of them tomorrow, making the trip from Atlanta to Hawaii. It was great to catch up with them. Jessica has 2 children 19 months apart so she knew what I needed, when I needed it, without me saying a word. Ava, who is 4, was the best playmate. She was patient and kind. I believe Brent may have fallen in love with her. They will be missed and I already look forward to visiting with them again.

We had many plans for the day. However, Brent woke up with an upset stomach. We tried to make our plans of attending "My Gym" happen but his stomach would not allow it. We also had plans to take our friends towards Atlanta. Those plans also did not happen. Instead, we used the time at home to do some chores. Brent's little vacuum covered just as much area as mine did today. It even entertained Brody for awhile. If only he had a toy that would clean the toilets.

After the morning had passed and most of the afternoon, it seemed Brent had recovered from whatever it was that was ailing him this morning. So we took up the invitation to attend a "Cinco de Mayo" dinner a day early.

Before leaving the house, Brent was adamant that he wear his "Buzz." I tried to explain that they were pajamas but he just wouldn't have it. So, I gave in. (I thought only little girls were specific in what they had to wear.)

Brent wore this outfit to an anniversary party. It seemed only fitting to bring out for Brody to wear to a "Cinco de Mayo" event. I can't believe it's already too small for him. He's growing up so fast!!

Brody officially crawled today on all fours. We were webcamming with Ben's parents and he just got up and came on over like he's been doing it all along. I had to do a double take just to make sure. He's done it again since but has gone back to "army crawling" as well. Maybe tomorrow he'll get it together.

After the hot and spicy food was ate, we came on home. I left the boys in the living room and I could hear Brody giggling. He was laughing so hard he could barely breathe. I came around the corner and saw Brent sitting on top of him. I couldn't help but say "Brent, get off of him." At the same time I went to grab my camera. Brent listened and got off of him before I got back. It just makes my heart smile when they play together.

The Beginning...

It was an idea. I read on Emmy's blog about her desire to begin a project about documenting A Week In The Life. Sounds like a great way to recap our days and keep track of our boys growing up. So, here is day one.

We woke this morning to rain. A LOT of rain. That set the tone for the day. Whatever we were going to do today, it was going to be inside. When it was all said and done, our little pool out on the patio was filled to the very top with water.

We have had visitors for the past week, Jessica & Ava Light. We met the Light family while stationed in Virginia. They are currently assigned to Hawaii. So Jessica brought along one of her favorite snacks, Aloha Hershey's Kisses with Macadamia Nuts. So glad I cannot buy them at our local grocery store. I have had more than my share today.

Today I witnessed our baby, Brody, sit up from a laying position. I hadn't seen him do it before. Now he sits in his crib and talks when wakes up from his nap rather than just lay there. He is still only "army crawling" but he has gotten awe fully fast. He gets up on all fours and seems to know what to do next but he just hasn't made that first move yet.

And this is Brent. He thinks he is hiding. He will stand as still as he can and giggle. He went potty like a big boy twice today. While we haven't officially started training, I think it is time. Yesterday was the first time he told me he had to go and today he is begging me to change him immediately after. I think it's time to clear the calendar to give this little man his chance.

The boys needed a bath because they went to the CDC this morning for a couple of hours while I went shopping to gather a few items to send to Ben. They always seem to play hard with the other kids and I always feel they need a good bath after being there. They love their baths.







After spending most of the day playing inside our house, the playroom had to be put back together. Much fun was had. Puzzles were done, Trains were driven, drums were played, Balls were tossed, Books were read, I think everything was played with today!