Socks & Teeth

Mornings are a bit crazy in our house. I have a morning routine planned out in my mind, but for whatever reason the kids do not realize the importance of it and when it comes to waking them up the challenge begins. M is by far the easiest, B on the other hand..its like waking up a hibernating bear! Most mornings I have to threaten that if he doesn't get up I am going to be forced to leave him in the house alone while I take M to school. Extreme fear factor to a 3 yr old. Once they are up and going, its a dash to dress, brush teeth, make breakfast, and pack a lunch, and have everyone out the door by 7:30 at the latest.

Without fail every morning they both have a sock issue. They are so much like Dave and I in the stubborn sense that we regularly just look at each other and laugh. If M's sock is not perfectly lined up across her toes with the line in the sock all hell breaks loose until she can get it fixed. If B's sock is too scrunched up on the heel, again all hell breaks loose. And God forbid if they accidentally put the other's sock on. I have never seen anything like this. I am wondering if they are picking up some of my OCD tendencies, but instead of checking the doors twice before bed they are focusing on their feet.

On a separate note, as a parent I am not grossed out by too many things that happen with them with the exception of a loose tooth! This is a new realm for me, and it disgusts me. M knows that it does she she is now intentionally showing me out far back she can bend a tooth. Ugh. I secretly pray every morning that it falls out at school so I don't have to witness it. I have no problems with the tooth after its out of the mouth, but still attached is too much for me to handle.

So, here is to hoping that at school today that nasty tooth falls out before she makes it back home to torture me another night with watching it go back and forth. And that their socks stay on straight:)

Sallie & Conrad

After the traumatic start to yesterday we thought that we would end the day on a positive note and finally purchase the kids a pet. They have been pushing for a dog, but I know when the upcoming move this is not feasible. I need something low maintenance. I recall that M had a fish in NC (until Dave accidentally tossed him in the garbage disposal while cleaning the tank), and thought this was very low maintenance and she loved it. So, off to Pet Smart I go.

I was schooled by a 17 yr old employee upon entrance who clearly took her job very serious. I explained what I was looking for, and also that I needed 2 fish. I knew coming home with 1 was not an option. So, she points me in the direction of the Beta and informs me that two females can live together in the same tank. I know with the fish in NC, the tank was somewhat small, but she insisted I purchase the larger tank since I am placing 2 together. Who was I to argue?!? I had no idea what I was doing.

I get them home, the names are determined. All is well. Fast forward to an hour ago. I guess that really isn't fast forwarding more like rewinding since I am not writing this, but whatever...an hour ago Dave states you should check this out. I walk over and low and behold Sallie and Conrad are both face down in the rocks. I am trying to not look to panicked but know this is going to be a bad moment as the kids have looked at these fish all day long. Sure enough, after practically shaking the tank like a snow globe it is determined they are dead.

Lucky for us, in the tank yesterday we placed one of those make believe figures that looks like a shark for them to play around. So, when we broke the news M immediately said she was going to say a prayer and chanted off a Hail Mary (thank you Catholic schooling...I have no idea if a Hail Mary is something that is said over a death or not, but none the less I am impressed she knew the prayer because I definitely do not), B on the other hand his lip starts to quiver and I see the crocodile tears. I am just waiting for him to tell us we killed Sallie, but instead he yells at the shark in the tank because he thinks the shark ate her. YAY shark! Thanks for taking one for the team.

So, we head to the toilet, M says enjoy your time in fish heaven, and B states he is flushing the shark next. We hit the lever on the toilet and Sallie and Conrad have met their maker. Of course a few minutes later when B has to use the bathroom he runs upstairs because he now is convinced they could come and bite his butt from this toilet. Hopefully this will soon pass.

Tomorrow we are off to try this again. Maybe I will end up with two separate tanks, or completely different fish. Whatever the case, we have to keep the shark around to prevent us from looking bad.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Every big decision is our house is solved by the best out of three games of Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS). Around 5:45 this morning, the first game of the day took place when M woke up crying that she could not bend her pinkie finger. I went to her room and sure enough in between the tears she informs me that when she took a shower a few nights ago in my shower she hit it on the granite wall, and there was a piece of granite under the nail. The finger has swollen to three times the normal size, red, hot, with a huge puss looking bubble around it. By now Dave is in her room and if you are not aware he wants to take the kids to the ER if they have a simple paper cut. So, I am always the voice of reason on the topic of our kid's injuries. But looking at this one, even I was concerned.

I send M to brush her teeth and get dressed. And immediately it is like a Wild Wild West draw Dave and I bust into our RPS stance. We know that this one is a big one as the doctor at the ER is more than likely going to remove her nail to get to the granite. He wins the first game, I win the second, and it comes down to the final round of the 3rd. He throws rock, I throw paper. It is settled, he is going to endure the ER.

I just received a phone call from the ER. We were correct the finger is infected. They just placed a topical on it to numb the injection site where they are going to go in and remove part of the finger. My heart is breaking for my little girl. I know this is going to hurt, and I know she is more than likely scared. Dave said she is a little trooper and he has promised her almost every DS game known since she is being such a big girl. Another confirmation in the wrapping around her finger:)

I would also like to point out, I was anti-granite in the shower when building this house. But for whatever reason, Dave needed a car wash to clean himself. This will be brought up to him as well once M is home and feeling better:)

Deployment

Living in Indiana the past three years has really removed me from the concept that there is still a war going on. Unlike when Dave was in Iraq, I am not on the iCasualties website hourly making sure someone from 3/6 did not pop up. Instead, I rarely watch anything to do with the war simply because its nice to not have to think about it like I did 4 years ago. However; this morning I receive an early morning call from Dave that sounds like he won the lottery. He found out his deployment schedule. Ugh. I knew it was coming, and I was hopeful it was over the summer so I could travel around with the kids a bit to break up the time. But I also know this means I am going to single parent it for 7 months. I know to a lot of you are thinking really Kandi, join the freaking club. And you will never hear me verbally complain about this. My dear friend Katie and I have a mutual understanding since she is getting ready to embrace deployment #5 - I do not complain to her about deployments, and she does not complain to me about mother in laws. But at any rate, it is still a large pill to swallow after living in my fantasy for the past three years of no war.

Knowing myself, I now know that my months will be marked off with x amount of time until Dave leaves. Currently, I was just focusing on x amount of time until we move. Now the picture has just gotten a lot larger.

We have been talking to M about this deployment for the past 3-4 months just because I know it is going to be the absolute hardest on her than anyone else. So, today I told her the dates. She immediately points out he is going to miss her birthday and B's. Already this deployment is costing me money because I got weak and said we would have two bday parties. One in Sept., and then one in Oct. when he returns to celebrate his, hers, and B's. I guess I never would have thought that at the age of 6 the first thing she would have thought about was her birthday. Clearly, the Hart kids need to toughen up a bit to the military way of life.

I suppose now I am off to look for an iPhone application for my phone of iCasualities as I know that I am going to be addicted to it yet again. I can't wait until Dave checks in so I can check in with his new boss as well and explain that I would like him behind a desk and stapler at all times. The only injuries I want to worry about are paper cuts.

Disclaimer

I didn't think I was going to have to put a disclaimer on here, but I suppose I will. This is my blog, and yes very narcissistic of me to write one as a great friend pointed out, but I am really doing it for a few reasons...1...to hopefully give my friend Teresa something to do since her spouse is deployed for a year. I know 7 months suck, but 12 definitely just blows ass. 2...I want my kids to have something in writing to document the day to day things that have went on in this crazy little life of ours. So, I am not saying that you have to agree or like anything that I put on here, but chances are sending me an email about something isn't going to change what I say or how I think. I mean, have we met?!? With that said, take a good look at the little uniform my Marine puts on daily and think to yourself he wears this for a reason, and that reason is to allow you the freedom to choose what you read or what you choose not to read. Exercise your freedom.

Exactly 4 Months until the Sandbox

Checking out our calendar today to see what uniform was needed for M's school, I realized that we leave Indiana exactly 4 months from today. Immediately I feeling a sinking feeling in my gut thinking about this upcoming move. To make matters worse, I receive the confirmation email that TMO (the military moving people for my civilian friends) will be here to pack up our house June 8th-10th. This sends me in a spiral for multiple reasons. 1. I am going from a good size home that I absolutely LOVE to a cracker jack size house in the middle of a sandbox. 2. There is no way possible I am going to fit my current home items into this new mansion in the sand. 3. I only have 4 months to mentally prepare myself for the culture shock I am going to experience. All awhile maintaining a positive attitude for the kids, as the consensus has already been stated they do not want to go. How in the hell am I going to pull this off in only 4 months?!? I need more time.

Just so everyone doesn't think I am a Negative Nelly, I do have a sense of adventure, and I am "hopeful" the journey is not as hideous as I imagine it to be. I mean, I already have found a desert BFF in the sand who is waiting for my arrival. As crazy as it sounds, I have never met her, but we know people in the same circle and had an immediate connection. I suppose that is a positive side to this military life. Friendships. Not to mention I know this is going to be good for Dave's career.

Long ago I sent out my recruitment fliers to my military friends to jump on the Westward Train with us. So far, all I have heard is crickets. I will send you pictures of how much fun you are missing with the Harts in the sandbox:)

I am now off to clean out a closet as my OCD is kicking in fast and furious as I only have 16 weeks to get rid of my belongings. Another positive, I get to purge Dave's crap. I think he has hoarder tendencies, especially with military pubs.

Doctor Visit

So, the doctor confirms that I have strep and a double ear infection. This is nothing that a little antibiotic cannot cure, but what makes me the most upset, I have gained 3 lbs since my last visit 5 months ago. The only side effect from the antibiotic listed is diarrhea. I hate to say it, but a little hopeful I can expel those extra pounds.

I have given up soda for almost 2 months now. There has to be something said for that. Not that I was drinking it every day, but I have definitely taken it out of the diet, not to put on 3lbs. And do I hit the gym, at least 3 times a week. I know its not a lot, but I am there and when I am I am sweating my ass off. So, this takes me to my diet. Its the only explanation. My issue is, when I go on a diet everyone in this house goes on one somewhat. Because if I can't eat it, chances are I am not making it. Hope the kids enjoy broth tonight for dinner. Considering I cannot swallow anything, and now I don't want to eat anything their choices are limited. That is until Dave gets home and busts out his goodies stash. Don't let his hard body fool any of you. He has a sweet tooth unlike anyone I have ever met.

So, here is to day one of shedding a pound and starting on an antibiotic to rid myself of this sore throat and ear infections

New Site.

Okay, so the last site that I was working on Live Journal to blog my reasons of running the free world is entirely too damn difficult to work in. I don't think I am the dumbest person when it comes to technology, but clearly that site is designed for those with a PhD in something, which I clearly do not have. If this one appears to be as difficult, then that is a sign I should just hang this idea up.

So to start my day I awake around 3:30 a.m with a throat that is so sore I couldn't swallow. Dave happens to wake up and informs me that I should look in the mirror. My neck is swollen and my ears also hurt. I despise being sick. Of course immediately Dave points out that he has to work late tonight, and I am looking at him as if he is crazy to even suggest that I would ask him to walk away from his job for a second in order to treat my swollen neck, ears, and tonsils. I mean, that would just be crazy to insist that the ROTC kids do not learn drill tonight. So, around 4, I think that if I take a hot shower this will help with the sore throat, ears, and swollen neck issues I am having. It doesn't. I feel worse. I eventually fall back asleep and wake up at 6:30 to Brayden standing on my side of the bed staring at me. I am not going to lie, I was creeped out by the little minnion in his Batman PJs just looking at me. But clearly he knew it was time for us to all get up and really start our day.

Once I get the kids to school, I now have to go in and finish packaging military care packages for our dear friend Bill Sablan who is currently in Afghanistan allowing you the freedom to read my nonsense. The last thing I want to deal with this morning is a bunch of kids talking. So, I quietly sneak into the office and begin taping box after box. And now its time for the custom forms. Total BITCH! I filled out 12 of them, and the Sablan family will be getting a bill from Tricare for my carpal tunnel surgery. I hope the goodies are worth the pain.

Now that I am home, I have decided to call the doctor's office to make an appt. for the tumors growing off of my neck. Of course nothing is ever easy. After much back and forth and the fact I have had nothing but Popsicles, they have agreed to see me at 11:30 this afternoon. Of course I am told to arrive 30 minutes early to fill out paperwork. Not sure why they need additional paperwork since I have been seeing this doctor for the past 3 yrs. But note again, Dave Hart will not be inconvenienced by the appt. The ROTC kids need to learn how to drill.