We have a very fascinating year so far. Justin has left and has been in Baghdad since January. We have had a very hard time with this deployment. The boys just don't seem to be adjusting well. I think the big difference between the last deployment and this one is family. We were so lucky to have been around my family for extra support. Being around family they didn't have to worry about what was going on with dad. They could just be kids. This time we have made some incredible friends that have helped us tremendously. Our neighbor made the count down to Graham's birthday fun for him. She asked him with excitement everyday how many more days. On his big day they made sure he felt like the most important boy in the world. He had a wonderful day despite the fact his daddy was gone and he was not near his family.
We have had our share of trials as well. Logan broke his hand. Mia had the flu and was down for 10 days. She had the stomach flu for 3 days and finally her ear drum ruptured. We had a tornado strike our neighborhood. Luckily we only sustained minor damage. Our friends once again stepped in to help us out. It was pretty traumatic for Graham. He was prepared to spend a month in the bathroom. He had his guitar, birthday presents, a bowling pin, blankets and a pillow all in our small powder room ready to wait out anything.
We feel so fortunate to have moved into such a wonderful community. On any given weekend the boys are dispersed around the neighborhood. We have really relied on our friends and neighbors to help pass the time. Julie, next door, has threatened to secretly install a nanny cam in our home just to make sure the boys don't push me over the edge. She will stop by and do a head count, make sure she sees 5 little heads. It is not easy being a single parent without support from family. There are days when I get into bed and I am amazed that all the kids are accounted for and are still breathing.
