Let's Play Catch Up

It has been a few weeks since my last blog...sorry we have been busy. I had to take an unexpected trip to Iowa due to a death in the family. My step dads mother, Marie, passed away. I am really glad that I was able to go back, she was a big part of my life growing up, if Antonio wasn't here I don't think i would have been able to take the kids and go back. I went by myself for 4 days, it was really hard to leave them. I was a mess, first it was hard to make the decision to go and then when I made it and got my ticket and all that It was hard to be sure if I'd made the right decision,aahhh it was a struggle. But once I got home I new I made the right decision, there is no way I could have spent as much time at the funeral home as I did if i would of had the kids. It is just not a child friendly environment. I got to see a lot of family I hadn't see in a really long time, probably 12-15 years. It was a whirlwind, there was no down time. It was sad to see her go but she was really suffering in the end. She was diagnosed with altziemers and recently put in a nursing home and about three days before she died she refused to eat and drink and was struggling to breath.

It has been interesting since I've been home, I think we are all getting used to each other. Antonio started reading the book, Couples Who Pray, and it great praying with him everyday. God is molding us both. I am so glad Antonio is home and would trade the struggles we've been having for anything. I can see God helping me focus on the positive as I type this blog, LOL.

My little trip to Iowa was the first time I have left the family for that long. They really missed me and I felt very loved by all their phone calls and by Antonio repeatedly telling me that I could never leave him again. He said he wasn't used to this, he's the one that does the leaving and I do the staying. It was really cute!!! I got to experience Iowa winter, wow it brought back memories. We had a good sleet/rain/snow storm while I was there. I got to drive in it too, yippee. It wasn't horrible, but I don't think i will be wishing for wintry weather anytime soon. We wont be getting much of that in 29 Palms, that's for sure. Oh I am not sure who I told and didn't tell, but we are transferring to California in June. I think I sent an email, but I am not sure.

When Antonio was home for leave back in October he promised the kids when he got home that we'd set up the fish tank. So we did that and we all love it, especially the cat, Sarah. It is officially the best toy in her book. At first she was jumping up and batting the glass and scratching the stand with her back claws in the process. So while I was gone Antonio, being the proactive parent that he is, decided that instead of trying to make her stop he would simply put a chair in front of it so she could watch them and bat when necessary w/ out the jumping and scratching. She spends a lot of time on that chair. I will get a picture one day and post it. Thankfully the tank has a very secure lid and none of the fish have been eaten. Unfortunately one did die though, but the pet store guy told us to expect that some may since it was a new tank. But the other 6 are still holding on so i guess our stats are good so far.

Well that's all I have for now, and my fingers are getting tired, so I will quite typing for awhile. Take care