Reunited and it feels soo good!

I am happy to report that Ricardo made it home safe and sound.... Finally!
He had several delays in his trip and didnt arrive until 2am.. about 12hours behind schedule. I guess that's not too bad. After arriving home around 3am we had a late snack from Taco Cabana then Dad/Ricardo showed us some of his cool souvenirs he brought home and just enjoyed being back home.. I'll post more when I get the chance. Take care!




Taken at 2am.. that should explain the faces my kids had. They had fallen asleep waiting to hear word that his plane was actually coming in after many delays.. They were excited once they saw dad!

5 more hours!

Time is moving very slowly it seems.. Ricardo left a message at 2am that he had to spend the night in Manas and was hoping to leave there shortly. I finally spoke with him this afternoon as he landed at BWI..(Baltimore) So happy he's back in the U.S.A! Now we are playing the waiting game here.
Marc and Justin are off to the high school football game this evening. It's a very big game for Steele. I think our high school is the up and coming team in our area. No kidding! Lots of good writeups on our school and the sports programs in it's three years of being open. Anyways we are playing a school from Austin who won state last year so it will be a tough game till the end I think.. Ricky is getting ready to watch his WWE.. He is very big into wrestling!

Well thanks everyone who kept our family in your thoughts and prayers.. We are a very blessed family! I'll post again next week with family pics..

2 MORE DAYS!

We are soo excited that we will be together again. Some days it just felt that the end was soo far away. Now that we are reaching the end of the deployment I can say we made it through and would be able to handle this again should that happen. Crossing my fingers that we can hide from having to deploy again anytime soon, if at all! I am glad that I blogged this whole experience. I don't know how some spouses handle frequent deployments, but it's part of the job and we all have to be prepared for it somehow.
Probably the most challenging thing was driving the kids everywhere they needed to be. Having three boys who had something going on all the time and only one driver caused for some crazy times. I had to make friends really quick when sports started up in August. Ricky is looking forward to taking a bike ride with his dad. Justin is wanting Ricardo to take him golfing, which I am sure all the boys would like to do. I am looking forward to them clinging to dad for a bit and catching a break.. 24 days until we set sail. woo-hoo!!
So here's to anxiously waiting for Friday afternoon to come!
Take care everyone!

16 more days!

I guess it's time for an update. We have had a calendar full of activities since my last posting. From birthday parties, chauferring the kids to and from practices, games, Marc's work, visitors for my birthday, school, breaking up daily arguments, Halloween, to prepping for Ricardo to FINALLY come home have kept us going non-stop.. I am sure to have forgotten something on that list!
Now for the election. This is something that has glued me to the news and becoming more aware of the position that each candidate took on the important issues. I was torn on who to vote for as I agreed with about 50% of McCain's views and 50% of Obamas views. In the end my vote went to McCain, even though I knew it would be a long shot if he would actually win. Given Barak's position on the war, I just couldn't give him my vote. He does, however, have some very good ideas when it comes to trying to fix the economy, education reform, and some very other important issues. Not to mention, he is one heck of a speaker! We should all be blessed to live in America where we have a voice and are able to exercise our rights in the way we did yesterday- whether it was the outcome you wanted or not..
16more days until Ricardo comes home! It has been the long six months. I will be crying tears of happiness come that day.. We already have that day planned out. Ricardo has requested some Dos Equis with Lime- chilled for him, and a nice family dinner at Texas Roadhouse! No problems honoring that request!
Take care everyone.. GOD BLESS THE USA!


pumpkin carving


pumpkin carving


pumpkin carving


drinking "wedding cake" with my mom and aunt.


birthday lunch

Ricardo.....

has some competition!! Just kidding! He really suprised me tonight.. I have always had a love for spanish music, ecpecially Luis Miguel. He sings so beautifully and his songs are SOOOO romantic!!! I received a phone call on Friday from one of Ricardo's co-workers here in SA. He had told me that he had some tickets to a wine tasting for him and his girlfriend. He was going out of town for work and wanted to know if I wanted to go with his girlfriend. Of course I said yes- that sounded like fun. Well long story short- the girlfriend shows up at my house tonight. Marc then gives me a note written from Ricardo.. In the note he expresses his love for me and that he wanted to do something special for me.. AAWWWWW! He thought I would enjoy the concert more than the wine tasting. So he got me two FLOOR tickets to see Luis Miguel.. Man what a show it was! Tu eres mi corazon mi amor- my husband is wonderful!



Reading my "love note" from Ricardo


So happy with my surprise!



So dreamy!

46 more days...

until Ricardo can leave Afghanistan. woo-hooo!!
He was going to stay a few extra weeks which would put him coming home the first week of December. A little extra money is what we were thinking when considering that option. We have just come to miss being around each other, him missing certain memorable events in the boys lives, etc... Those are things you just can't get back. So putting an extra a few extra $$ doesnt amount to the time lost with family, holidays missed, which he would be missing Thanksgiving if he stayed. I have realized many times including this time what a great husband and father Ricardo is. More importantly what a great supporting family that we both have. We would not be who we are and where we are without them! Thank you!!!!
I know he has been working his butt off over there and when I have talked with him lately it's quite obvious that he is ready to come home. We are more than ready to have him home at this point! Working practically seven days a week since he got there in May can wear you down I am sure..
So here's to 46 more days until he can celebrate his homecoming... 75 more days until we can celebrate (aboard the Carnival Conquest) being together again and Ricardo obtaining his masters/while working full-time and going to school full-time... Anything is possible!

Celebrate good times come on!

Counting down the days until Ricardo will be home again. He has 56 days until he can leave Afghanistan. woo-hoo!
We will soon be together again. So to celebrate that on top of a big accomplishment in Ricardo's life, which is earning his masters degree, we are taking a nice family vacation December 14-21. The boys and I are VERY excited. The ship stops in Cozumel, Montego Bay and the Grand Cayman Islands.
This trip would not have been possible if not for the sacrifice of Ricardo being deployed for six months, so for that I am thankful!

The Circle of Life

I found this posting on another blog and thought the message was soo great I wanted to share it. I am taking a psychology class right now where we are picking apart old and new rules of life, seeing which ones we identify with the most, reflecting on that, as we write the story of our life so far. This is a great rule in life- The Cirle of Life...

Soren Kierkegaard said, “God has given each of us our "marching orders'. Our purpose here on Earth is to find those orders and carry them out. Those orders acknowledge our special gifts.” It is important to know that each of us is a unique individual and that we each have our own reason for being here. It is easy to get lost in the endless sea of competition and conformity to feel like a number of just another spoke in the wheel. We are each searching for some message that reveals our purpose and sets us on the right course that gives our life meaning. However, you already have it with you. Your purpose is inside of you. You have to learn to listen to your inner voice, the one that gives you gut feelings and little hints all throughout your life. It is when you finally listen to that voice that you will discover why you are here. It may surprise you to discover that you are in control of your life to a much greater extent than you ever imagined. Frank Clark said, “Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things.” There are so many things that you have already accomplished that you have not given yourself enough credit for. George Eliot said, “The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us, and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.”

It is usually through reflection that we see the good that we have done. What we focus on is what we get, so do not spend a lot of time in the past. Just learn from your past and move on. You cannot change it. If you feel that you have done someone wrong in the past, find them and apologize. You cannot change what happened, but you can at least let it go. I have found that by apologizing for a past event, the person I thought I had injured did not even remember what I was talking about. The only person I had hurt over all that time was me. Let things go and move on. The thing that makes or breaks us is our mindset. Coach Vincent Lombardi said, “The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince.” We learn to live in the future or the past in either thought or memory, but life is here in the present. If you do not live in the present moment, you are missing out on the very essence of life. Learning to enjoy the here and now will allow you to fill your memory banks up with wonderful memories because you will be fully aware of what is going on around you. Too often we are on autopilot and miss all of the things that surround us. You have to notice the order of life and the opportunities that are always present.

I thought the movie, “The Lion King,” was a good representation of the struggles and the lessons in life. In fact, the song, “Circle of Life,” by Elton John really summarizes well that we are all connected and that each of us must find our own path. Read the lyrics.

Circle of Life (by Elton John)

From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to be seen than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done

Some say eat or be eaten
Some say live and let live
But all are agreed as they join the stampede
You should never take more than you give

In the circle of life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle, the circle of life

Some of us fall by the wayside
And some of us soar to the stars
And some of us sail through our troubles
And some have to live with the scars

There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round

In the circle of life
It's the wheel of fortune
It's the leap of faith
It's the band of hope
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle, the circle of life

Because of free will, we do have the opportunity to soar…or we can allow ourselves to fall by the wayside. You have the choice to be whatever you want. The power is within you…so set your dreams and goals well. Denis Waitley said, “Goals provide the energy source that powers our lives. One of the best ways we can get the most from the energy we have is to focus it. That is what goals can do for us; concentrate our energy.” Focusing your thoughts, words and actions towards making your dreams come true, attract people and circumstances into your life so that you can accomplish your dreams. Thomas Huxley said, “The great end of life is not knowledge but action.” You can dream about where you want to be, but you must take action towards making your dreams come true. You slowly become aware of what you need to do as you focus on where you want to be. By listening to your inner self, you will discover a guide that will lead you to your chosen purpose. M. Scott Peck said, “The great awareness comes slowly, piece by piece. The path of spiritual growth is a path of lifelong learning. The experience of spiritual power is basically a joyful one.” The more you discover your inner voice, the more spiritual you will feel. You are connecting to your soul. It may sound esoteric, but it is really one of the greatest lessons you will ever learn. Start listening to your own wants and needs and follow your own way. David McKay said, “Find a purpose in life so big it will challenge every capacity to be at your best.” You will find your place on the path unwinding and will discover your own circle of life.

Back to school!!

I never thought this day would get here! We had a long summer. We all stayed fairly busy. Some of the highlights were the various camps the boys attended, family reunion, going out on Aunt Robbie's boat several times and tubing on the lakes, Six Flags numerous times, the boys staying up super late and sleeping until lunch, Natural Bridge Wildlife Safari and much more. One of my own highlights was going to Mexico with my favorite girls from NY/NJ. It was a nice little getaway for myself. The last few weeks I have been more than ready to send the boys back to school- as our activities slowed down that gave them too much time to aggravate one another. So it was with great happiness that this day finally came. The boys were excited to get back to school, see their old friends,etc.. Heres a few pics of the kids on their first day.


Ricky's now in the 4th grade


Ricky


Justin's now in the 8th grade




Marc's now in the 10th grade

Highlights of this week

Stayed busy this week which is not a bad thing.
Heres some of the highlights....
Justin had football camp this week at the high school. He had a great time and is ready to start trying out for his school.
Ricky started his football practice this week. He had practiced Monday-Friday. We were all dying- parents included, having to be out in the 100 degree weather for 2hours.
Took Ricky roller skating. We have not been since we moved from Ohio. We used to go ALL the time there.
Took the boys to Americas Incredible Pizza Company- fabulous place but a little pricey. The last time I went there with Ricky the tab was picked up by the family service center.
Registered Justin for school.
Justin had a four game basketball tournament Saturday at Trinity University here in SA.. He played well, especially his last game. Of course that had to be the game I had to miss.
Marc worked all week except for yesterday as he needed the night off to attend a friends quincenera. He told me afterwards that alot of tejano music was played. I think he was expecting more top 40/hip hop,etc.. He had a good time overall.
The boys had their share of fights this week- reminding me how I am thankful that school is right around the corner.. woohoo!!



Ricky at the roller skating rink


Glow in the dark mini bowling.. The boys loved this!


Ricky on the go-kart track


Justin and Marc racing motorcycles


Marc

Passing time.....

This weekend so far has dragged on ever so slowly.. I intended on taking the boys to the wildlife safari this morning but was informed Justin had basketball practice at 10am so I postponed that outing until Monday. Did some re-arranging in the garage and went through all the junk in my bedroom in the hopes of getting rid of all the things I dont need. I want to be as simple and clean as possible. Feels like I am going through this process all the time in the boys room.
So after I passed the time doing not so fun stuff did some searching for places and activities for next years family reunion. I think I got carried away!
I had too much today to "think" Think about missing Ricardo, think about all the things the boys are missing doing with their daddy. Justin said to me he really misses playing catch with Ricardo, the other two similar things..
On a postiive note I am little more secure with Ricardo's safety. I have started back to being informed on the news. Lets face it- you cant escape the news/media no matter how hard you try.
I wanted to share some good news about a military benefit that recently passed. Money for the GI Bill that is unused from the service member can go towards the spouse and/or dependents college education. It wont be effective until March 09 I believe. With me going to school (possibly as my career! hahaha) and Marc going off to school in three years this is wonderful news.
Going tomorrow with the boys and some of their friends to float on the Comal River. Should be lots of fun. I have been informed of how extremely cold the water is, but it seems to me with temps of the high 90's the water should feel pretty good. We'll see!
Four more months then life will be back to normal.. I cant wait!!

The Last Lecture

There was special last night on Primetime that I was only able to catch a few minutes of as I had to go pick up Marc.
Here's the link to Randy Pausch's book. On the website there are clips from his last lecture, excerpts from his book. I will be reading this next!

This was on his wesbite:

On September 18, 2007, computer science professor Randy Pausch stepped in front of an audience of 400 people at Carnegie Mellon University to deliver a last lecture called “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” With slides of his CT scans beaming out to the audience, Randy told his audience about the cancer that is devouring his pancreas and that will claim his life in a matter of months. On the stage that day, Randy was youthful, energetic, handsome, often cheerfully, darkly funny. He seemed invincible. But this was a brief moment, as he himself acknowledged.
Randy’s lecture has become a phenomenon, as has the book he wrote based on the same principles, celebrating the dreams we all strive to make realities. Sadly, Randy lost his battle to pancreatic cancer on July 25th, 2008, but his legacy will continue to inspire us all, for generations to come.

:: CLOSE


http://www.thelastlecture.com/

America's Got Talent....

That was on tv this evening as I was cleaning up from dinner. The last contestant was an spc. in the army who had just came back from serving 15months in Iraq.. He gave a little background story and it triggered the sad feelings that I am trying really hard to escape me right now.. Been :( since that.. I am definitely trying REALLY hard to focus on the positives that will come from all this but sometimes its just easier said that done.. Lissa said on her blog EXACTLY how I feel all the time. Yes-Staying busy does help in some regard but all it takes is something so small that just sucks all the happiness out of you and you are just left feeling so sad and alone without your spouse. I sometimes wish that time would just travel like the speed of light to get me through until December.. In saying all of these sad thoughts I am feeling- I know it was Ricardo's time to go over there and serve his dues.
On a happier note I went to a luncheon this past Saturday that was for the deployed families. It was put on by the family service center at Brooks City Base. I arrived a bit late as I had some issues signing Ricky up for football. Anyhow once I got there I had a wonderful time. It was held at a family fun center that was a combo of Mr Gattis and a Malibu Grand Prix. Of course all the kids who came had a wonderful time. I was able to meet a few people. There were quite a few military members and their families there that came simply to show support and offer up any help possible.. There is alot of assistance out there if needed and its definitely great to feel that you/I am not alone in that regard.

School is starting back up in less than a month. It seems we have a full calendar until then-with football practice mon-fri starting next week. I am crossing my fingers that Marc will not have to work the last weekend before school starts back as I would have the chance to take them to Corpus for a few days.

Got Ricky all signed up for football and let me tell you he is really pumped up this year about playing tackle! The league I originally wanted to sign him up at close to our house had a long waiting list so I went to the next city over.. So far I can say that I am glad I did that. The league he is in went to state last year- not to mention Converse Bucaneers are all about football.. I am sure Ricky will learn alot about the game this season. Had to go pick up all his equipment this evening and what nice people they have running the league! My first impression was definitely a good one.

That's about it for this post!


The boys had built a fort in Ricky's room the other day


Ricky in his practice gear and ready for football!


Taken on a recent visit to the Alamo..

101 random facts

I saw this on other people's blogs that I like to read and wanted to join in..
101 random facts about me

1. Enjoy cooking and trying new recipes
2. Love to travel
3. Love my kids- minus their honery backtalking moments
4. Love my husband- miss him dearly!
5. Enjoy grocery shopping- but annoyed with the commissary on paydays when they jack up the prices on staple items.
6. Love the beach
7. Love going to NYC.
8. Think it would be awesome to get orders there- Ricardo working at the recruiting office in Times Sqaure- just for a year or two..
9. Love having a clean house
10. Enjoy getting manicures/pedicures.
11. Wishing it were December already- so Ricardo would be home!
12. Wishing I knew what I wanted to do- college/career wise.
13. Don't want to take speech class.
14. Hoping my kids go onto college and be successful and happy.
15. Having strange dreams lately.
16. Wanting and needing to get back to running- to lose weight and relieve stress.
17. Can't stand the sight of blood.
18. Enjoy going to Texas Roadhouse for a nice juicy steak.
19. Enjoy taking the boys to Six Flags
20. Love going to Disney World and would love to become DVC members.
21. Love going to Mexico
22. Missing places that have four seasons.
23. Love to Ski- Don't get to do much since we live in TX!
24. Grateful for being a SAHM
25. HATE to have to defend that job title- as if I am sitting on the couch eating ice cream all day!
26. VERY indecisive!
27. Found a new love for reading memoirs.
28. Reading a good one right now- Escape- about a lady who grew up in the Polygamist lifestyle and escaped it.
29. Missing all my closest friends in VA, NY/NJ and Ohio.
30. Looking forward to Mel's visit in a few weeks!
31. Newsjunkie
32. Watch the Today Show every day
33. Wishing things weren't so violent right now in Afghanistan. makes me worry soo much
34. Missing Ricardo
35. Make alot of to-do lists
36. Needing to get a mani/pedi
37. Want a boat- loved taking the boys out last week on the lake- tubing and just all around fun!
38. Thankful that Marc is on the right path to be successful in life.
39. Loving my house and the upgrades that have been done so far- even though I was very happy without them.
40. "Fashionably" late at times. Need to work on that.
41. Traffic stresses me out- don't know how I made it driving in NOVA all those years.
42. Wishing the gas would go back down to something reasonable
43. Watched the movie Rush Hour 1,2 and 3 a zillion times now.
44. Like trying recipes- especially the ones from Pioneer Woman Cooks.. Not the most health conscious ones, but they are soo tasty!
45. Love the holidays
46. Love to decorate- especially for Christmas.
47. Trying to work on being less judgemental- lord knows I dont like people to judge me.
48. Interesting debates going on with this coming presidential election.
49. Need to devote some time soon to picking a place for next years reunion.
50. Love to fly- wish I could more often
51. Wishing I had better skin- having to use alot of different creams/oils to make my skin more smooth can be a pain at times.
52. Needing to go get my refills today.
53. Thankful for my daily phone calls from Ricardo
54. Working on not keeping my emotions bottled up.. I am not a pretty site when they come out..
55. Think (worry) about what life will be like after the military.
56. Not sure I want to live in TX for the rest of my life.
57. Wishing we could have been stationed overseas
58. Would love to travel to Germany
59. The idea of taking an rv trip with Ricardo and the boys seems kinda fun and adventurous.
60. Hoping this idea of a cruise upon Ricardo's return will work itself out.
61. Needing to de-clutter- feel like I do that often.
62. Not looking forward to all the driving back and forth I will be doing this month- with football practice,taking Marc to and from work,etc..
63. Pay my bills on-time..
64. Gotten alot better about NOT buying things- just because.
65. Enjoy going to watch the Houston Astros. Havent gone to that many this season.
66. Needing to work on getting Marc's drivers permit this week.
67. Have a little anxiety about alot of things in life right now.
68. Like to shop at Lerner NYand CO
69. Baby Ricky too much- and he is growing out of that :(
70. Have a BIG dream still of adopting a little girl.. One day!
71. Enjoy reading other people's blogs.
72. Cant wait for the show Apprentice to return.
73. Love taking pictures.
74. Wanting a better camera- with a big lens attachment
75. Dont like having a home telephone- too many telemarketing calls!
76. Working on sending cards and bday gifts out in a more timely fashion. Better late than never right?
77. Trying to work a little weekend trip for me and the boys to Corpus before school starts.
78. Wanting to buy Rosetta Stone- so the boys and I can learn some spanish
79. Thinking of more facts for this- getting hard!
80. Love music
81. Contemplating getting enhancements for a long time now. I come up with a million other ways to spend that $$ on though.
82. Enjoy my peaceful summer mornings- when the boys are asleep.
83. Dwell on the negatives way too much!
84. Wanting to volunteer somewhere- this coming fall.
85. Grateful for my kids good health.
86. Grateful for my life and all that we have and have been given over the years
87. Enjoy taking the boys to Chuckecheese about once a month..
88. Wanting Linda to come visit soon so she can "help" me make the curtains/cornice boards.
89. Have a fear of guns- and never want to own one.
90. Can't stand for the kids to wrestle- as it always leads to real fights.
91. Love going to Comedy Clubs- havent been lately.
92. People who make racist remarks really bother me. Don't understand such ignorance.
93. Needing this to be over- laundry and other such household chores are calling my name.
94. Needing to keep myself busy right now.
95. Dont function too well having too much downtime- tend to get sad and moody with Ricardo being gone.
96. Like to rearrange my room or other rooms in the house.. Gets too boring having things the same way for soo long.
97. Do not like scary movies
98. Wanting to go to Virginia and visit friend and family- next summer ok!
99. Really enjoy psychology.
100. Need to register for fall classes- and pay for them- yuck!
101. This was fun- glad it's over though. Now onto housework- then fun.

Updating from Dallas

Been awhile since I have posted. The boys and I have been a little busy since my last posting on the 12th. The boys enjoyed their 5day visit from Godefrey- or Louis as we called him, who lives in France. We took him to Six Flags, the alamo, riverwalk, and of course they hung out at the house playing hours and hours of video games it seemed.
Then we went to Oklahoma for my family reunion. It was quite small this year but we made the best of it. The boys enjoyed going out on my cousins boat along with hanging out with their cousins who they only see once a year. The kids played games of tennis in the wee hours- while us adults watched them play from a distance while catching up on each others lives, and had some very interesting debates- over a few beers and other drinks of course! We all have decided to move the reunion back to Texas so we are scouting for new locations right now.
Sunday I dropped Marc off at his camp, which turned into a comedy of errors that day. I'll post about that later.
Monday we went out on Lake Grapevine on my aunt's boat with the boys and my mom. The boys had tons of fun that day and all the tubing they got to do.
Tuesday we went to Six Flags. Ricky braved it and rode all the rides/roller coasters that he was tall enough for. Didnt make it to the two really scary roller coasters. We may go back on Friday for a few hours once we pick up Marc.
Wednesday we went to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor- the waterpark. Very nice park! Lots and lots of rides. The boys had alot of fun- and had their moments too! They rode almost everything. The was a ride Ricky begged me to go on with him. Well I am now regretting it as once of the things you had to do was put your chin down when going down the first hill. Didnt do that step and I am paying the price now.. I think I got whiplash.
Today the boys want to go on my aunts boat again so we will do that around lunchtime. I will have to pass on tubing :( My neck is pretty sore..
The tile job that was started while I was in Mexico should be complete when I return home on Friday. It will be nice to get my house back in order and be able to cook real meals once again. Been eating sandwiches and fast food WAY too much since the job started. Even the boys have said they are sick of mcd's and other fast food places.
Marc is enjoying his baseball camp. I am heading out in a few minutes to catch one of his practices.
Much much more I want to post but I will save it for when I am back home this weekend. My next post will include pics. I have taken quite a few!

Six Flags

Yesterday I took the boys to Six Flags. Justin and Marc each brought a friend. As I was getting things ready to go Marc says he is not going after all. I knew that would happen. He just wanted to stay home and chill as he said he is not much into rides.. Well I really gave him NO choice. So he calls a friend to come along with him. Well after the day was over he told me how much fun he had and he rode all the roller coasters except for one.. Big accomplishment for him! We all had a great time..


Group pic


Ricky- ready for the waterpark


Ricky and I with Flash

The past few days

Wednesday was a little emotional.. I was dwelling so much on the bad things going on over in Afghanistan. All I could think about was Ricardo and his safety or the lack of it in my point of view. Other little things were going on at home that I had to deal with. Got an outrageous phone bill and had to call customer service. The poor guy on the other end really got an earful from me.
I am lucky that Ricardo is able to call me almost daily and he reassures me that he is ok and the base is doing everything possible to keep our men and women safe over there. I don't know what I would do not being able to talk with him on a constant basis.
I just have to remind myself that so many people are keeping Ricardo and my family in their thoughts and prayers every day and that he will come home to us safe and sound. Four more (long) months of this!
So after ALL day of being sad, mad,etc.. I decided I just had to change my mood and go somewhere that the boys like and have fun for a little bit.. Marc had to work that evening so Justin, Ricky and I went to Chuckecheese to play some games and have pizza.. Justin got the high score on the basketball game and I kicked some butt on skeeball.. Going there was good distraction for me. Later that evening Justin had basketball practice.
Thursday was a chill at home day. We are having tile put in the house so we hung around the house most of the day making sure things were going smoothly. I ran a few errands with Marc in the morning and picked up some delicous chinese food for lunch.
Today I am taking all the boys to six flags waterpark. Marc isnt much of a waterpark person but I know once I drag him there he will have fun. There are a few rides that hold four people- so he needs to come with us and all ride together.
Heres a few pics of the last few days.......


My three handsome boys


ChuckeCheese


Tile job so far.. It will look awesome when it's finished!



Bags posing for the camera

From the highs to the lows....

Well I hadnt posted much leading up to my recent trip.. Back to reality. It was like going from a big high- being surrounded by wonderful friends and having such a great time I was distracted with the thoughts of how much I am missing Ricardo and all the sadness that goes along with this whole deployment... In the beginning of the trip on the plane I felt surrounded by couples who were soo lovey dovey I was about to get sick.. LOL..

Not watching the news while in MX I was not aware of the bombing in Kabul Afghanistan. Had I learned of that while on the trip I would have gone to a complete low filled with worry.. Coming back and reading up on the bombing has made me a little worried- Ricardo said it took place just a few blocks away from him.. Not really liking this whole deployment thing after all!

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/06/26/afghan.fighting/index.html?iref=newssearch

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/06/18/afghanistan.fighting/index.html?iref=newssearch

Trying not to live in worry but gosh it's kinda scary thinking about whats going on over there. Seems Afganistan has been in the news far too much lately!


Check out the photos on here Ricardo has put together when you get a chance.. cant wait until he is home.. In ten more days it will have been two months that he has been gone and only four more months to go, but who's counting..

http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm283/AfghanVet_2008/

More highlights from my trip

Couldnt add too many pics in one post so heres a few more..



Sara wanted a little culture so we went to Tulum


With our amazing tour guide Jesus- He made sure we learned everything about Tulum then showed us a great time in Akumal.. nice beach, good food and drinks..


Sample of some of the food we ate. YUMMY!


Group pic on the streets in Cozumel..

All good things must come to an end.. Cant live that way all the time- though it sure would be nice! The trip was a nice little break for me. The girls and I hope to meet up again every year and I am sure we will want the best of the best again! What great memories!

Wonderful weekend in Mexico!

After soo much debate on whether or not I could or even should go to a friends bachelorette party trip in Mexico it turned out to be one of the best trips! From the moment I got off the plane in Cozumel I knew I was in for a treat. Friends of the family took EXCELLENT care of me and my friends. Talk about being treated like we were high class celebrities as my friends would say. We were able to do so many extras that really made the trip extra special and we will always have these wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
Here are a few of the highlights of my weekend....


Captain Garcia behind the wheel!


Kicking off the trip with a few drinks..


Concho- long time family friend who made sure we were taken care of..


All of us with our hats from Ricardo


Swimming with the dolphins..

Breaking news!!! Maryann is (finally) engaged!

After celebrating five years being together today, Ryon popped the question. Of course the answer was YES!~ We are all really happy for them and I am sure they will live a long happy life together. Can't wait for that lovely beach wedding!




I loved to dress her up when she was younger..


Big time Cowboys fan!



Good times we had on the Riverwalk when she came to visit.


The family- Ryon we will get you to come to Texas one of these days.





The lovely couple!

Just sharing a few lines I found on the web that seem soo true..

I don’t know if anyone has truly found the secret to a successful marriage. It may be that you should always put the other person’s needs ahead of your own. Or maybe you should vow to spoil each other with time, attention, and intimacy.
Whatever the secret is, don’t rest until you find it. Love each other with every thing you’ve got and don’t let anything or anyone separate you.

Ryon and Maryann-Congratulations on your engagement and we wish you all the pleasures that love and marriage brings.

missing my mischievous little monster

Of course I am talking about Ricky! He keeps me busy thats for sure. He has been at camp for a week doing all kinds of exciting activities. The things he looked forward to most were the "boy stuff" shooting, canoeing, fishing, etc. I sure missed him but knew this would be a good experience for him and hope he liked it enough to go back every summer. I tend to baby him as I am told. Can't help it! He's the youngest. He reminds me from time to time that he is NOT little anymore. His teacher wrote in her little thank you note that Ricky is a hard worker who has a very kind soul. So under all that mischief he is just a sweet little boy. He came out this year with all A's and B's this year after some adjustments in the beginning of the school year. I am so thankful that he had a teacher that was so patient and kind. So proud of you and your hard work this year Ricky! I am off to pick him up in a few hours. Then it's back to the grind over here with him and All Stars. Three tournaments coming up and of course lots of practices to go along with that. Tomorrow evening is another special event for Ricky. For doing well in school as part of his gift I got him tickets to WWE tomorrow night. He is big into wrestling. He will be going with Marc and they are both really excited..
Attached are just a few pics of Ricky. Had to enclose the last one- he is always up to something!