November 5,2007

Months have come and gone since I have last blogged. Hunter came home, summer travelling began and what can I say, I find myself finally seeming to get in to somewhat of a routine, if I dare say that considering the always changing schedule the air force place on our lives.

Ava turned one, which was very memorable partly because we can't believe how time has flown and partly because Kate stole Ava's cupcake before we could even light the candle. Ava did get another cupcake, which she devoured happily all by herself! We are so blessed with our wonderful girls.

The girls had fun on Halloween. Ava was a flaminco dancer wearing a dress that Hunter brought her from Spain. Kate, after watching a Max & Ruby show(her favorite) where Ruby was a princess for Halloween, she decided to not be a flaminco dancer, but a princess. We dressed her up with jewels, makeup, did her hair and she was adorable. Unfortunately, I didn't get any before pictures of her only ones after she had been out trick or treating for an hour. Hunter took the girls around. Ava had a blast following the crowd of friends who had all gatherer at our house for dinner and then Hunter was the token father becasuse all the other dads were either flying or out of town. Kate was a trooper and carried home her bag of candy that must have weighed over five pounds.

That is about as exciting as things have been for us recently, the cool weather is here, the leaves are all gone and now comes the cold! We can't wait to go home to Texas in December.

Blessings to all I love, R

The Eagle has landed!

Praise be to God for the safe return of our beloved father, husband and son! He arrived yesterday afternoon in a five ship of jets. We truly loved the sound of jet noise overhead! We were able to line up along the taxiway and once the engines were off and the canopies were raised we were allowed to run and meet Peso. Bootsie hasn't taken her eyes or arms off him since. Luvy just loves to look at daddy and squeals with glee when he holds her.
Peso's father, Steve and mother, Tito came to welcome him home. What a joy it was to welcome all of the jets home safe and sound. Hunter's mother and father were great helps in getting the house cleaned for his return and Tito made sure every piece of laundry was cleaned and folded before she left. What a blessing they both were. We enjoyed visiting with them. Tito watched the girls one evening in order for Hunter and I to have a nice date. We went to dinner and watched a movie. The evening was great.

Hunter brought home some fun gifts for the girls. They love their dresses from Spain. Their daddy sure has a great talent for buying gifts.

All bags are emptied and all guests have left. Now we have a week and a half to enjoy being a family again. We are thinking about Oregon for a short trip away, Hunter is itching to try out his new kites. The Hood River area should be beautiful this time of the year! We love you all and thank God for all your prayers and love. Blessing, Rachel

May 10

So, I haven't slowed down enough I guess because my body has now decided to slow me down. I have not felt well since last night. Unfortunately, I had several plans today and tomorrow, which I had to cancel. I am bummed about missing my friend Michelle's head shaving party and I was supposed to host play group tomorrow. I have had a lot of rest today and just wanted to jot a couple quick notes and include the adorable pictures of our girls.

Luvy is rocking on all fours and getting around by rolling or moving her legs to push herself. She is into everything that is on the floor, so now Bootsie and I will have to be a little more careful about what we leave around. Both girls have been great today and taking it easy, Bootsie has been a good helper and very tender with mommy. My good friend Kristi went grocery shopping for me to get some necessities and took Bootsie to play with her son for several hours this evening.

I have been working on several projects: I have almost finished getting all my paper work back in files, I have planted my front bed with new flowers and I have started taking out the clothes the girls no longer fit. My dad would be proud of me for changing the oil on my lawn mower and changing out the blade for a thatching blade. Thankfully, in the neighborhood, there is a young man who I can call to take care of lawn needs and he cleaned up all the grass I had torn up with the thatcher yesterday since I didn't feel good enough to do it.

Peso is set to come home in a week and a half, so we are getting very excited! He is busy finishing up last minute OPR's(officer performance ratings) and awards papers for the guys in his flight. When he gets back he will be moving to the wing weapons, so he should have a more family friendly schedule, Lord willing!

That is all for now, I will be doing the race for the cure on Saturday if I feel better. I will be pushing the girls in the jogging stroller. It should be fun. I love and miss you all dear friends and family in Texas. -Ralee

May 5, 2007

Well, now that life has slowed down a bit I can finally reflect on the past couple of weeks (or a month) since I have last journaled.

Our biggest event this past week occurred on May 3, Bootsie turned 3. She and I had a stack of buttermilk pancakes topped with candles. She made me relight the candles three times. We celebrated her birthday in Texas the weekend before we came home to Idaho. We had a fiesta for Bootsie with fajitas, a pinata, a lot of presents and ice cream cake. Many dear friends and family helped us celebrated. Celebrating Bootsies birthday was bittersweet because her daddy wasn't there. Hopefully by the end of this month we will welcome him home!

After coming home last weekend, I developed mastitis again. Thanks to antibiotics, I am doing better. Thankfully, my sister flew home with me and helped out by emptying all the bags and helping me get settled back in to being home. It was hard to say goodbye. Bekah is such a blessing to have as a sister because she is also one of my best friends.

Several guys who left for the deployment before the rest of the squadron came home on Friday and the girls and I went to the airport to welcome them home. It was great to welcome them back, but it was hard leaving with out our daddy! Soon it will be our turn.

I helped give a baby shower for my good friend Kristi today. We had a large turn out and she was showered with a bundle of cute clothes for her little girl. She is due early in June, very exciting!

Bootsie continues to surprise me with new words or skills that she has developed without me showing her. Luvy is sitting up very well and reaching for everything. She loves bathtime especially when her big sister shares her toys. We are still working on getting our nighttime routines. The weather is finally warming up, but the wind is still making it hard to go outside. We are anxious to get out and enjoy the sunshine by going for runs, visiting the park and digging in the sand table outside.

That is all for now, I am glad to be home, but I dearly miss my family. I have plenty of projects to keep me busy until Peso comes home. Thanks for all your prayers and love. -Ralee

April 3

March ended with a mom's only get away. Well, with Luvy in tow, but without toddlers to chase. My friend Meggan and I travelled to Port Aransas for the weekend. Despite heavy rain the entire time, we had fun catching up without the distraction of little ones to keep up with. Don't get me wrong, we love our babies, but a break once in a while helps a mom to refresh and come back ready to take on motherhood with renewed zeal. There was a sand sculpting competition on the beach, which despite the rain, yielded many visitors and some awesome artwork. Luvy was tucked warmly inside my rain parka and slept the whole time. I had some great seafood and we even slept in-ooh! On the way home we enjoyed the beautiful wildflowers in full bloom because of all the rain. Love the bluebonnets!

Luvy who is almost 6months(on the 11th) had here first taste of solid foods yesterday. She dined on Brown rice cereal. She ate it happily and gave me a look that said, "Where have you been hiding this stuff!" Kate helpe me feed her and we all enjoyed the introductory feeding time. Needless to say she loved it and rewarded me with a full undisturbed nights sleep. She has "slept" through the night since 7wks, but usually she has been waking up around 4 for a couple minutes just restless and I have to give her her pacifier, but I guess the extra food on the tummy helped her not need her pacifier or whatever. It's all good!

Peso is counting the days or atleast the roundabout days until they start coming home next month. He is still keeping busy and now is on the night schedule, not his favorite, but atleast when he calls, I am awake and we can instant message when he has the time. His spirits seem to be good and he is happy with the progress they are making.

Bootsie celebrated Easter in Mother's Day Out and made us wear her bunny ears for pictures. I know she is going to enjoy the egg hunt we have planned for her on Sunday. We are looking forward to a wonderful Easter weekend spent remembering the sacrifice our Lord and Savior made for us by dying on the cross for our sins and His conquering death, which brought life to all who believe! May the Lord bless you and keep you all! Love, Ralee

March 26

Hello All, I just came home from visiting a good friend in Austin for the past week. Peso and her husband were roommates in college and he also flies in the Strikeagle. We were at SJ and they are currently in Pensacola heading over to Lakenheath this summer. She just had here third son, a real cutie. Bootsie enjoyed getting to know the older boys who are 4 and 2. Unfortunately, she left a couple cat scratches on the youngest who enjoyed taken things from her. The kids had fun playing all over the house. The weather kept us from going outside, so we did get a little stir crazy. The time with my girlfriend Tracy was great and we did get to visit some despite the five children under foot.

Last Wednesday, I went to a good friends to play in her clay studio. I made a slump plate, which I am very excited about and really enjoyed visiting with her more. She was so generous and invited me to come every week to play! Yeah!

The girls are doing well. Luvy is rolling everywhere and she is working on her first tooth, which just broke through. Bootsies vocabulary continues to expand. I also think she has a candy gps system in her because she finds it wherever we go, fortunately, the eat all your food and then you can have a piece, is actually working for her.

Peso seems to be doing well and staying very busy. We are very excited this separation is half way done. The girls and I can't wait to welcome him home, as all in Mountain Home say Amen to that! That is all for now. Love, Ralee

March 13

After two weeks or more of not blogging, I find myself inspired again. I am currently battling what I can only determine as post-partum depression. I have spoken with several dear friends and a doctor, so I am taking several steps to overcome this frustrating experience of sadness which sweeps over me often. Thanks for all the prayers and calls. As a result of just not feeling like doing anything because of the depression, I haven't taken the time to do things I love to do. One being keeping in touch with friends and family, which is why I blog.

We have really not done anything recently that is all that exciting. We have celebrated birthdays with friends, taken pictures in the bluebonnets-love springtime in Texas and just enjoyed our family.

Bootsie continues to love Mother's Day Out and is picking up words left and right. The other day she told my dad, "Papa, don't help me!" as she was helping herself get out of the car. She is Miss Independence. She wants to peel her own bananas, put on and take off her own clothes and even tries to go outside and explore on her own. The exploring alone is a constant source of conflict. The biggest news with her is that we have bought a Dora potty and are now working on going potty in it several times a day. SHe isn't quite proficient, but she is getting there and really enjoys getting stickers every time she goes to the bathroom. I will spare you pictures!

Luvy is 5mos. old and weighing in at 15lbs.12oz. Yeah! She is continuing to be an easy going baby and a source of joy to all of us. Her eyes have yet to choose their color, but I think they will be brown like mine and her sisters. She is rolling on each side and from front to back. She is sleeping well from 9:00pm-7:00am give or take 30minutes-praise God!

Now that the weather is warming up, I am able to get out and go jogging more and my mom and I do Pilates in the evenings on the days I don't get out for a jog. Thanks to the good Mexican food and my parents real sweet teeth, I am finding loosing weight to be ever a challenge (sure blame the parents for the sweets). I have started reading more, which helps me feel good by keeping my mind working. All these things to say, I am doing well, loving my time with my family, missing my friends in Mt. Home, and feeling confident that by God's grace and maybe a little meds, I will get out of this post partum funk and enjoy life more. Blessings, Ralee

February 22

Luvy is four months and weighing 15lbs. Bootsie is only two months away from being 3!

How time flies. I entered a blog last week about the week before and here I am again doing the same thing again.

Peso seems to be staying busy with flying, his masters, reading, going to the gym and I am sure squeezing in Xbox when he can.

Papa and I took Bootsie to the Stockshow last Friday to check out the animals. She loved seeing the cows, horses, sheep, hogs and especially the chicks. I took her into the petting zoo, which she enjoyed, but was somewhat timid. I think she actually understands that things can hurt her and so she is more guarded around the unknown. She would pat and animal then quickly walk away. We fed the animals, I had to hold Bootsie's fingers out so they wouldn't bite her while they were greedily eating the feed. She squealed with delight and a little terror mixed in there. Papa bought funnel cake bites, which were great and overall we just enjoyed looking at the awesome animals-awesome because they are soo well cleaned and taken care of for competitions.

This past weekend a good friend, Kk, came in to town and she, my sister Bek, my mom, my mother in law, and I went to the Rodeo on Friday while Papa and uncle J watched the girls. They were great for the guys and we gals had a fun night out. It was fun to get back to my Texas roots! Yehaw! My sister, Kk and I even sported cowboy boots!

Sunday I ran into an friend of mine from college, who I had been really wanting to see while I was here, but didn't have any recent contact information for her. My mother and I were supposed to go to my friend Meggan's church, but she ended up being out of town and so we went to my parent's church instead. As we were getting out of the car, the gal in the truck one space over looked familiar. I thought it was my friend Lisa, but then quickly thought no, it couldn't be her. My mom asked who I was looking at, so I said my friends name, I said it loud enough for the woman to hear and believe it or not, it was my friend Lisa. The last person I would have expected to run into in the church parking lot. Praise God! We are going to get together and catch up. I am soo excited to get back in touch with her. She and I did our student teaching together.

This week has been pretty low key. Monday, I did paperwork. Tuesday, went to my friend Meggan's for a playdate. Wednesday, Bootsie went to Mother's day out and I went to lunch with my grandmother in law, Winnie. We had the most delicious empandas. Afterwards, I checked out the PX (got some weird looks when I asked where the BX was) at Fort Sam Houston-Huge place with an entire room dedicated to sports tennis shoes. Mt. Home pales sadly in comparison. But on the other hand, getting a medical appointment in Mt. Home is ten times easier than in this large town of San Antonio where they have five military instillations. I was on hold for five minutes just trying to get a live person and when I did, the earliest they could see my girls for physicals was in the third week of March! Maybe I am being silly, but come on now. Makes me miss my small town.

Well, that is what we have been up to. I pray this blog finds all my friends and family doing well. Sure do miss you! Don't you want to come to San Antonio for a break? You are all welcome!

Love, Ralee

February 14

Last Friday we went to the Zoo. Unfortunately, it was rainy and cold, but Bootsie had a good time hollering at the animals even though most of them were in their caves hiding from the rain. I was able to get to know several ladies that I had met at a Super Bowl party my sister took me to hosted by her Sunday School members. Each of the ladies were really nice and one even has a girl Bootsie's age, so we are planning on getting together. Bootsie loved petting the "sheep"(mind you that's a goat), everytime I corrected her she would say goat and then one second later she would call it a sheep again. Silly!

This past weekend we went to the Outlet Malls-awesome, I am talking the best every shop you could want and more. My sister, father and I all got cowboy boots, yeehaw! I bought new running shoes, now I don't have an excuse. Sunday we went to church, had lunch at home and packed up to go to the Stockshow grounds to show Bootsie the animals. We drove all the way down town only to find a line that was clear to the highway from the arena, so we made a u-turn and headed back home. We were soo disappointed and Bootsie seemed like she knew she had been cheated. I am going to take them down on Thursday to see the animals.

I had the girls pictures taken yesterday, boy that was an experience. I showed up at 11:10am and they didn't get to us until 11:45(my appt. was for 11). After doing the photo shoot and then viewing all the pictures, waiting for all the paper work and everything else, we didn't leave the mall until 1:15pm. Fortunately, they have a good entertainment area for kids. The pictures are going to be adorable. Luvy has one that she took on a bed of pink rose petals soo cute. That was all I did the whole day except for exercise and make cookies.

Bootsie has a Valentines party at her mother's day out today, first one, so we will see what she thinks. I made cookies and Valentine's for her to hand out. I hope she has fun.

Luvy is now 4mos. old, I can't believe it. She is cooing, blowing and making all sorts of funny noises. She continues to be easy and a pure joy. Love her smile, her whole face lights up!

Happy Valentines to all my friends at home in Mt. Home, I miss you all. Lots of love, Ralee

February 5, 2007

What a beautiful day Monday was, the weather was mild with a light breeze, the sun was shining, Bootsie was playing happily, Luvy was cooing next to me in her bouncy seat and I was able to do my quiet time for the first time peacefully in I don't know how long. Usually I find a couple minutes in the morning before the hustle and bustle start to do my quiet time, but this time outside on my parents wonderful back porch was truly blessed.

Over the weekend, I was able to go to Kerrville (where Col. Rock is from) and see my grandmother to introduce her to her second great granddaughter. We played in her backyard with bubbles and then went to a park on the banks of a river. We all, I mean even my grandmother, swang on the swings for a while and visited the ducks and geese, who were quite a bit nicer than the ones in Mt. Home.

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so I was unable to capture the moment in picture-bummer.

Sunday we went to church and heard an amazing message, then we met my mother-in-law for lunch at Pei Wei's (sp?). It is kind of like a cheaper P.F. Changs. Yummy! Then we napped(my favorite) and chilled the rest of the day.

Tuesday I enrolled Bootsie in Mother's Day Out. I am excited for the break to get errands done and for the opportunity for Bootsie to start interacting with others in a more structured environment. I am out exercising now with my new stroller and feeling the burn, it is really hard getting back in to the regime, but I love it. I only wish I had a friend to work out with. Hope all is well at home, sorry for such irregular inputs on my blog. I am finding it really hard to get the time to sit and type, by nighttime, all I want to do is sleep. I know you all understand. Love to all! Ralee

January 30

Hola! Como estan? We are doing well here in San Antonio. We had a great trip visiting our friend Courtney down in Del Rio. We met them back in UPT. Her sons, Noah and Joshua, and Bootsie had a good time playing together. The weekend allowed us to catch up in a relaxing time frame rather than the quick couple of hours we have had in the past to visit. Courtney was such a blessing to me and an encouragement in parenting and discipline. We had fun going to the park, feeding ducks pretzels in the river and playing at Pizza Hut (Dino pic) and McDonalds. The drive wasn't too bad (2hrs) because Bootsie and Luvy slept most of the way.

Peso is doing well. He is working, sleeping and, I assume, playing PSP or Xbox. He said he has been able to finish a lot of work on his masters, which is good because he has found it difficult to work on while at home. We miss him terribly. When Bootsie saw a picture of hime on the computer she said, "Hi Daddy!" I almost cried.

My dad put up a swing set yesterday, which Bootsie is thrilled with and played on for an hour last night. This outside activity will help entertain and give a chance to burn off her high amounts of energy. The weather is quite a bit warmer than Idaho. Sorry friends in Mt. Home.

We met new friends yesterday. My dear friend Meggan, who has been my friend since first grade, has a one year old daughter Caroline. She loved hugging and poking at Luvy and Bootsie. Bootsie didn't seem to like the attention as you can see in the picture, it gave Meggan and I a good laugh.

We miss all our friends in Idaho and pray for God to bless you and meet all your needs.

Hugs, Ralee

January 26

I haven't written lately because there hasn't been anything of note to write. I have just been chillin' at my parents house cleaning, doing laundry and playing with the girls. This time has been very relaxing. I have gone to lunch with my sister, visited a museum with my sister and mother in law and made dinner for my family. It has been fun to introduce Luvy to friends and family who haven't met her yet. Bootsie enjoyed getting to know her Uncle J better last night. He threw in the air, chased her around and was just crazy with her. He did give her a roundup whistle when she started to get angry and surprisingly, she stopped fussing!

I have talked with Peso every three or four days for a short while. It has been good to hear his voice and he has relayed to me some of his needs; especially for electric blankets and snow boots because it is quite a bit colder than he expected and for him to be cold, it has to be really cold! He seems in good spirits, getting decent rest and accomplishing a lot on his Master's classes-what else does he have to do. =)

I was able to get out and go for a walk with my sister yesterday for the first time since I have been here. The weather was beautiful in the 50's and sunny. I should be getting my jogging stroller in next week, so I can start getting out more when that arrives. I am getting the Baby Jogger double- M will be happy about that because she loved hers. My first stroller I bought ended up having flaws that I couldn't overlook in the frame and brakes. I just can't wait to get out and get moving. The hills around my parents house are going to take me a while to condition myself enough to run up them.

I am off to Del Rio today to see a good friend from UPT. She has two boys, a big back yard and lots of fun toys-so Bootsie should have a lot of fun getting to know them. It's a two hour drive to Del Rio so I am going to go during naptime so they can sleep and we will arrive about the time my friends boys wake up from their nap. I am excited to get a whole weekend to spend visiting, catching up and letting our babies interact. I haven't spent this much time with my friend in years.

That's all for now, love to all of you! Ralee

January 22

We are settling in here and unpacking for our extended vacation. We haven't ever stayed long enough to use the closet or drawers, but it will be nice to not live out of a bag.

Sunday, we attended church and then went to lunch with some old friends Peggy and Jeff. Their daughter, Andrea and I have been friends since the second grade. My sister, Aunt Bek came by after church and hung out with us. My good friend, Kara aka "KK", came out for a visit later in the day and spent the night. It was soo good to catch up and introduce her to Luvy.

Bootsie has enjoyed playing with new toys and Luvy likes her new view from the Bumbo. They are both sleeping well and taking naps, which helps keep everyone be in a better mood! Bootsie is enjoying exploring my parents acreage around the house. We miss everyone in Idaho, but are loving the warmer weather and friends and family time.

Yeehaw! We made it safe and sound to Texas! Our trip home was pretty uneventful. Bootsie behaved as well as could be expected with out a nap, but with movies, treats, toys and snacks we survived. Luvy was great of course-sleeping and eating along the way. The altitude never seemed to bother on the ascent or descent. Praise God. He also provided a father of four girls on the first leg of the trip who was very helpful and kind. God also let me sit next to a mom of three, the youngest was Bootsies age, who even held Luvy so I could "work" with Bootsie and when she badly needed a diaper change.
The layover was short and easy to get diapers freshened up and a slice of pizza consumed. I was the last one off the plane in San Antonio because Bootsie fell asleep the last five minutes of the flight. Thank goodness for helpful flight stewards that brought my stroller and wheeled her out and carried my other bags to lighten my load. My parents and sister came to meet us and my mother and sister in law came also. It was soo good to see their smiling faces!
Thank you for all your prayers and thank God for His constant provision in our lives. Now after a dinner of Mexican food-enchiladas, fajitas, guacamole, rice and beans-yum, I am off to shower and go to bed. I look forward to church tomorrow and seeing more good friends.
Hasta la Vista! Ralee

January 19

Hello from Idaho for the last time in January, I am heading down to the Lone Star State! I am packed, my bags are in my friends car, my house is somewhat clean except for laundry that I am not going to fold. I just need to clean my dishes and go to bed. Boy am I spent. I haven't napped today, which is not good for my mastitis recovery, but I will be home tomorrow many helping hands and nothing I have to do other than live my life! Praise God for family.
Peso e-mailed yesterday and said there was about four inches of snow on the ground. I look forward to more information once things get into a groove for him. I sure miss his presence. Our bed is lonely and Bootsie needs a wrestling partner. I try to rough house, but it isn't the same. We enjoy squeezing the tiger paw to hear his voice. I am glad I did all the things to keep his voice and face familiar to the girls.
We fly out early tomorrow and arrive for dinner in San Antonio, Yeah Mexican or bar b que, not sure which one I want more! I have a good friend watching the house for me while we are gone.
Today I mailed a large package for Peso with some things he needed and on my way out the pastor from our church carried Luvy for me. He saw me struggling with the girls and the package and jumped in to help. I am blessed to have the small town where I run in to people I know and who care for me and want to help me in any way possible. Thanks Pastor Dan!

This is all for now! Signing off from Idaho! Next blog will be from Texas! Ralee

January 17

I am alive and can say I have recovered almost completely from the flu-like symptoms of mastitis. I am still a little tired and not feeling 100%, but am well on my way. Praise God!
I am still planning on leaving for Texas on Saturday, soo exciting! But I am really going to miss my house and friends who I tend to talk to or see daily.
I spoke with Peso this morning because his flight was cancelled due to an incoming snow storm. He said that getting to a computer is difficult because there is little time and few computers available. They don't have Internet connection in their tents. He say he is sleeping well and feeling pretty good. Not much other than the fact that my magnetic picture frames I sent with him don't work too well on wood, which is all there is in the tent. He said he has them held up by a piece of scrap wood. I think things are still soo busy with just arriving that every one is a little up tight. Hopefully, I can get Peso to enter a blog every once in a while. This isn't summer camp, so don't expect too much, but we shall see. At least I can talk with him and pass on any interesting news.
I am soo grateful for phone communication, it is just so great to hear his voice, if only for a short while. I just need to get my mind in gear because I tend to panic and forget questions or repeat myself. I know Peso doesn't care, but I want our talks to be meaningful, not filled with silence or my rambling about nothing even though I am sure he is used to that.
I am off to bed, need to keep watch on my sleep, don't want a relapse into the flu like symptoms.
Love, Ralee

Addition to January 16

I just heard from Peso and he is doing well. His bags with his pillows just arrived today, so he should sleep better. He is flying at night, so he is going to bed around the same time as we are. His spirits seemed up. He said that the food wasn't as good as on his last trip several years ago. He did say the tents were somewhat private with plywood between each space, but the door is cloth so every time someone comes and goes you hear everything and the cold wind blows in and disturbs you. He said they have been really busy getting everything set up. He has a list of things he has forgotten, number one being an alarm clock. So, once he gets me the list, I will be hitting the store.
It was sooo good to hear his voice especially with the day I have been having. He said he would call tomorrow evening again, so I will look forward to visiting with him again. Praise God! RALEE

January 16

What a day! I am sick at home with mastitis, a breast infection that is associated with nursing. Some of the things that lead to this infection are stress, lack of sleep, poor nursing and other illnesses. I have definitely hit three of the four causes. Thankfully, I was able to get in to see the doctor this morning at the very onset of the problem. He prescribed antibiotics for me to take for ten days four times a day. I felt sour and achy at the doctors office, but as time passed I developed a major headache, a temperature of 101.2, and chills. Not fun when you are alone with two kids to care for.
Some might wonder why the heck am I sitting here typing when I should be sleeping or something. Well, I have to praise God first and Luvy is awake beside me. Reasons to praise God through this ordeal- it is an infection that is associated with nursing and despite the discomfort I have a beautiful baby girl cooing at me, who is healthy and I am blessed with an abundance of milk to give her. Second reason to praise God: antibiotics that will help me get better in a couple days. Thirdly, my dear friend has taken Bootsie for the day so I can rest. Her afternoon plans were cancelled which allowed her to be free and clear to let Bootsie come and play all day with her kids.
So, despite the roaring heardache I have, the fact that I ache all over and on top of it all I haven't heard from Peso for five days and miss him terribly. God has taken care of me and I have to give him praise.
That's it for today, hopefully I can blog tomorrow and proclaim that I am 100 percent better or atleast this blasted headache is gone. Blessings, Ralee

January 14

Today was uneventful, which was a blessing actually. Bootsie was well behaved...for a two and a half year old. I did learn that in order to get her to obey or stop something, her toys need to have a time-out. Our weather today was very chilly 20 degrees, but with a breeze making it feel cooler. So, we stayed in and watched movies, napped and then went to visit a friend for dinner. We enjoyed a yummy potatoe soup, I will be getting the recipe!

Luvy is laughing often when we tickle, surprise or make funny noises for her. Bootsie has started spending hours just playing with her small toys in blankets or on the window seal. She started this over Christmas with the nativity set, but I can't figure out what she is imagining to do with her toys. Soon enough I am sure her words will be developed enough to let us figure it out. She asked for Daddy today on the way to church. I told her that he had gone bye-bye for a while. She said, Oh no. It was soo cute. She kisses her pillow I made for her and gives her tiger a hug to hear his voice. I know she doesn't fully get it, but her asking for Daddy shows that she thinks of him and their relationship realizing his presence is missing. Sweet!

We haven't heard from Peso again since two days ago when he left for his final destination. I know everyone has arrived there safely according to a couple of friends who have heard from their husbands who gave them a quick call. So, that is good news. I will let you know when I hear from him. Please pray for him-safety, wisdom, health, spiritual growth and mental strength.

I have been painting a couple of items I have been wanting to decorate for a while. One is a sign for our door asking people to knock and the other are two pictures to hang above the beds in Luvy's room. I love getting a chance to play with paint. I am still congested and am praying that God will heal me before I have to fly on Saturday! I am soo excited to go to San Antonio, but if I am sick, flying will not be fun.

I need to get some sleep. God Bless!

January 12

Luvy is now 3 mos. old, my how time has flown. We could not have asked to be blessed with a better baby. She sleeps, eats and plays well. Her overall personality seems to be easy going, she is such a joy.

Both the girls are healthy, but I seem to have a sinus infection I can't shake. Hopefully I can get to see a doctor early next week before coming home. I can't wait to see everyone. I have started packing and hopefuly won't forget anything!

I spoke with Peso tonight, he was heading to their final destination. We only talked for a couple of minutes, he was getting ready to step. He must have had some time to shop because he said he sent gifts for his girls. Can't wait to see them.

The weather is chilly 8 degrees this morning. I certainly won't miss this grey time of the year. I will miss my house and my friends here because we are extended family to one another. How blessed I am to have the option of going home or staying. Praise God for the wonderful friends and family He has provided for me.

Trying something new to keep in touch

I discovered blogging only recently and thought it might be a neat way to keep in touch or atleast let those who care know what we are up to every now and then.

I am heading home while Peso is deployed. I am excited to share life with my family on a day to day basis for a while since I haven't ever lived in my home town as a married adult.

Today was my first day home alone with the girls. I have a cold, which is making it hard to really feel good. But, I exercised and felt some relief and then a hot shower always helps to open up the breathing passages.

Bootsie was challenging today because she stayed up late last night, but hopefully things will go better tomorrow after a good day with a nap and earlier bed time. Time just flies for me when I am alone and before I know it, the clock says 8:30pm and Bootsy is still up and running.

Luvy couldn't have been better. She even slep from 10:30pm-8:00am can you believe it! Soo awesome considering I stayed up until midnight last night and am currently up passed midnight tonight typing this message. Just feel like doing something.

Peso called tonight just as I was about to leave for Wal-mart. He said he was just calling to check in and let me know he was safe at their first stop. He was exhausted after a 10+ hour flight. He should be there a day or two and then will head to the next of three stops before reaching the final destination.

I will try to add pictures tomorrow to this spot, we will see, I haven't ever done anything like this, but thought it would be fun. I am off to bed. Praising God for Peso's safe journey, Lovy getting over her cold and protection over us at home. Hugs, Ralee