Ruck = Yuck

So Billy woke up at 3 am in order to get to his ruck march this morning. What is a ruck march? Well, it is a march in full uniform, with weapons, and a 35 pound bag on your back. This particular ruck march was a 12 mile march that they have to do once a year. So imagine wearing your full uniform including a 10 pound helmet, carrying a 35 pound mammoth backpack on your back, holding an 8 pound M16, and toting a 9 pound bag of water to drink. Now imagine walking with all this gear on a beach of loose sand AND walking up hill for half of it. AND doing it in under 4 hours in 37 degree weather. Not fun!! Billy finished in 3 hours and 47 minutes. They measured his ruck sack before he left and he had 47 pounds (he over packed) and rather than risk taking out too much stuff to make it less (it couldn't be less than 35 pounds) he just left it and basically walked around with Allison on his back for 12 miles. Let's just say that when he got home, I got a vivid image of what he's going to look like in 40 years - all hunched over, wearing his long underwear, knees knocking, feet swollen and blistered... it was miserable trying to watch him climb into bed. A heating pad wasn't going to cut it. I had to pull out the heated blanket and just wrap him all up like a buritto. Thank GOD it is only a once a year thing.

Speaking of being old and hurting... did I mention that I can hardly walk today after doing that ABS workout yesterday? Yeah, my ribs and sides feel like I've been punched by a mule - from both sides. We didn't do any kind of workout today. Not that I could have anyway. When it hurts to breathe... it's probably a sign to take a day off.

Anyway, that's all I know today. We're starting to gear up towards Christmas. I've got the kids completely done - I think. I'll have to wrap everything and make sure it all looks even. And we've got to start thinking about William's birthday coming up. Poor kid. I hate how close his birthday is to Christmas. But it's going to be fun. He's got quite a few little friends in the neighborhood that can come to his party. So, it's going to be kinda fun to have that! Can't wait!

Happy Early Christmas!!!!

I've put up a new background for the blog. I love changing it up. The easiest way to decorate ever!! I just wish I could browse through pictures online and pick one for the house. And with a click of a button, have a whole new look in my living room. It's like I look in my living room and see my couch that we've had since 1999 and think, "Really? How can we have had a couch for 12 years?" Most of the stuff in our house is like that. Just old and broken in. Comfortable. Until it breaks. Like our washer and dryer. I told you the dryer decided to get all old and crotchety on me. Well, we went out on Black Friday and did some 'shopping.' Really, we were just waiting for The Muppet Movie to start and needed something to do. So we walked around some appliance stores and the more we looked, the more we got that ITCH to buy something new. But we were good little grown ups and we waited... we went and saw the movie and headed home. However, the itch was too strong as we drove onto post. That's when we stopped to fill up the truck and saw the Furniture/Appliance store right there at the PX. (PX = Army Walmart) "Oh let's just look!" I had no idea the PX did Black Friday sales!! But oh my goodness! We got seriously sucked in. And who wouldn't!?! No tax. No payments... no interest for 12 months! Um... yes, I'll have one of each please! So we got our early Christmas presents. A new washer and dryer!!! FA LA LA LA LAAA LA LA LA LAAA!!!! But the best gift was yet to come... we get them home (recruit a very nice neighbor to help us haul the things upstairs) and then Billy sets off and does ALL the laundry. He likes all the nice buttons and features just like any man likes buttons and shiny new things. So, I let him. I wasn't going to fight over my husband wanting to wash clothes!!! But boy howdy, I wanted a turn really bad!!! So yesterday, I set off and washed all the blankets and sheets and everything I could think to throw in there. I even reached for the dog and then changed my mind. Probably shouldn't wash the dog in the new appliances. So, now everyone has clean clothes. Dry clothes. Clean bed sheets. Clean bedding. Clean sweaters. Clean jackets! Everything!!! Will the fun EVER END??? My entire attitude towards laundry has changed. I woke up this morning at 5 am just to put a load in the wash. Yes, I know. It's a sickness. I'm sure I'll get over it soon enough. But it's like the best new toys a mother could ever ask for! (did I mention that my dryer has a steam function?? SQUEE!!)

So now I just need a new couch and I'll be good to go! I don't know though... my couch is like one of my children. I'm a bit attached to it. It's gotten me through all my pregnancies and a few fights. It's served as a scratching post for my cats, a trampoline for the kids, the place where Santa leaves the kids' toys every year. Every birthday party or family get together, you can see that couch in the background of the pictures. It's also the first major purchase Billy and I ever made together. Seriously... I'm getting a little emotional thinking about it. Wow! I need help.

Speaking of help... Emma handed me a note yesterday... "Mom and Dad, I love you but I don't like it here in North Carolina." From there she talks about wanting to run away and stuff. Now, I know Emma. She's a bit dramatic. She was smiling when she handed me the note. So I don't think I need to worry about buying a tracking device. But, honestly... I wonder what is bringing this on. That is one reason I really hope she gets in the gifted program at school. Maybe if she had something to call her own - something that makes her feel special. She's got a ton of friends here. They sometimes get her into some serious trouble like last week when she found herself grounded for a whole week. But maybe this is the time to pray for my Emma. And for me so that I can figure out how to make things better. I know not going home for Christmas is a big suck for her, but what can I do? Me and the kids are free to go where ever we want, but we are not leaving Billy during the holidays. No way. I've wondered if I could put the girls on an airplane for Nashville for a couple weeks... not sure...

But Billy is starting his special PT back up today. He stopped for a couple weeks because of the holidays and stuff. Oh and tomorrow they are doing their ruck march. 12 miles with 35 pounds on their back in full get up. I hope it is cool enough outside. That is one long walk! So we're going tonight and find him some inserts for his boots. He'll be Gellin'!! Oh and the drama with the guy finally settled out. It was just something silly. I think I was more worked up about it than he was. Basically it was another fellow failed his PT test too and wasn't given any Bar from Enlistment or anything and then was even offered to get certified on a machine that Billy wanted to get certified on. I felt like Billy was getting left out on a chance to do something worth while. But the other guy finally did get in trouble over his PT scores and so I'm not quite as upset about it anymore. I know that is awful. But at least I don't think Billy's being singled out now. Anyway... all that to say... once he passes his PT test and gets the bar removed, we can take a trip home. So, it's a goal. And we're working towards it. This isn't easy for Billy. He's not loving it and is getting discouraged. So, lots of prayers for Billy!!

But my new friends here in the neighborhood have decided to start doing a morning workout routine. Yesterday we did Zumba from the Wii and today we did a 20 minute Abs workout. Oh my!! I'm fine right now, but I bet I won't be able to cough or laugh tomorrow without holding my gut. It's just nice having a few gals here close that I can hang out with. I'm starting to feel a bit at home now. I just gotta get the whole family feeling that way...

Day 24 ~ Happy Thanksgiving!

We are just so blessed and have so many things to be thankful for!!! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!

This is a picture from our front porch!

Day 23 ~ Second Chances

We have such a merciful and loving God. Where would we be if He didn't forgive us when we fail each other and fail Him? Where would we be if life just came crashing down and we weren't able to pick up the pieces and start over? We get that strength from deep inside. We just have to make sure that we don't wait too long to right the wrongs. You never know when life could be snatched away. It's such a gift to be forgiven. And so is the gift to forgive!! See, both my girls have been on a major lock down (grounded) this week for being just incredibly 8 and 10 years old. It's been hard to see them watch their friends play outside while I stand over them with my iron fist and keep them from having "any fun whatsoever!" But that's the cool thing. I forgave them several days ago. They know I've forgiven them, and so now we can hang out and be somewhat friends again - but they still can't go play outside... ever again... well, maybe until Sunday.

Day 22 - Appliances

I know that sounds silly. But I really am glad to have a washer and dryer, a refrigerator, a vaccum. All the things that make my life a little easier. I am more aware of how thankful I am when one of these things isn't working properly. Sigh... My dryer hates me. But... after the holidays (if we have any money at all left) I plan on getting it fixed. It's just driving me crazy. Especially since lately it seems everyone wears twice as much clothes as normal. It's freezing beyond words in the morning. And so everyone puts on the long pants and sweaters. By the afternoon, we're sweating and it is hot and sunny out. So, everyone comes home and changes into shorts and t-shirts. Billy changes three times a day. Winter PT uniform in the morning. Camo uniform for the day. And then summer PT for the afternoon. AND he takes three showers. That is three towels. My patience with laundry is wearing very thin.... especially when my dryer hates me. BUT... where would I be without that thing? So, I guess I can't complain too loudly.

So... remember me telling you that Emma's teacher was kinda laid back and easy going, but gave A LOT of homework and it has been a challenge. Well, she totally made A honor roll. HOOAH! And I know it was because I stayed on her butt the whole time. But anyway... her classroom had 36 kids in it. Way over limit. So, they hired a new teacher and last week Emma got to go into the new classroom with about 20 other kids. They basically divided the three fifth grades and turned it into four classrooms. So... I have my parent teacher conference with Emma's original teacher and she says she wants to recommend Emma for the gifted program. She said that the only thing about it was that her 'new' teacher (the one that started last week) doesn't agree. Dems Is Fightin Words!!! But whatever. The new teacher is Ms. Keith. So, we (the originial teacher, Emma, and I) have decided that we need to make Ms. Keith see what we see in Emma. I mean, at the time Ms. Keith made this decision, she had only had Emma in class for four days. So, I immediately didn't like Ms. Keith due to the fact that she was so quick to judge like that. But guess what....!!!! The principle sends home a letter yesterday, "Due to unforeseen medical issues, Ms. Keith will no longer be the teacher of the fifth grade. We are in the process of hiring a new teacher as soon as possible." Now, I hate it that something so bad could keep her from teaching... but I'm also kinda relieved that we have another teacher coming in. Maybe not one so closed minded. Emma's glad too. She didn't care for Ms. Keith too much. She was "mean." And then on the other hand... I think good grief! These poor kids! Being tossed around like this. I suppose 5th graders can deal with this a little better than say a kindergarten class... But this will be Emma's 5th teacher in the 5th grade. That is messed up! LOL!!

Days 15 - 21

I wish I had waited to make that post about my health... because of course I get sick the very next day. It took me a while to get out of it and then I just had tons of mess going on. So, a week later... I'm BACK!

So yeah... here we go... the speedy version...

Day 15 - I'm thankful for the microwave. I don't know if I could live without it.

Day 16 - I'm thankful for our vehicles. They are both running and both paid for. WHOO HOO!

Day 17 - I'm thankful for books. I love to read - I just wish I had more time to do so lately.

Day 18 - I'm thankful for the gift of my education. Even though I can't use it yet... I'm glad I finished school when I did. I understand so many Army wives never get the chance to go back to school b/c their husbands have such crazy schedules.

Day 19 - I'm thankful for Chicken and Dumplins. My grandmother's first and then Cracker Barrel's second.

Day 20 - Thankful for having such smart and responsible kids! Emma got straight A's and Allison got a "Terrific Kid Award" at their school's award ceremony last week.

Day 21 - I'm thankful for Skype. This has been such a great way for the kids to talk to the grandparents. I hope they all get to call us on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

So how's Army life this week?? It's been interesting. Billy got yelled at by a Sgt because he was running trying to catch up to a guy and wasn't paying attention and ran in front of some Officer. So the Sgt started yelling at him and carrying on like, "Oh No! I can NOT believe you would run in front of my Captain and not salute. Who do you think you are, Private??!!??" Billy said he felt horrible and would have never done that. But he just didn't see the guy because he was so focused on trying to catch up with that other fellow. Sounds like a mess. Oh and there is some other petty drama going on with some other guy in his unit. Don't get me started on it, but it is not fair. I feel like Billy is getting picked on and we don't know why. I'm kinda getting tired of some of the crap going on. And so is he.

But we did make it to church yesterday. I went to the circus tent across the street. It was weird. Not horrible. Not uncomfortable. But certainly weird. We're going to keep searching.

Day 14 ~ Health

Actually I am very thankful for ALL of my family to be so healthy. Yeah, we'll get the occasional bug that puts the family down for a couple weeks about once or twice a year... but normally, we're just a healthy bunch. My kids always have wonderful check-ups at the doctor. They have never had a cavity at the dentist. We've managed to go almost 11 years with children and have only ever had one broken bone (Allison at age 2). We had one good scare with Emma with a really high temperature that led us to the ER when she was five. And earlier this year, William drank some benadryl and that sent us to the ER, too. I'll never know how he got that top off... but whatever. All it did was make him drunk. Allison spent the first 15 days of her life in the hospital and then came home on a heart monitor because she was just too little. I've known Billy 15 plus years and we've only ever had to take him to the doctor for a real sickness (like fever real) once. I mean... come on! Of course, I've had my own little things here and there - almost always involving the birth of a child... but nothing I couldn't handle. So I know we are so blessed! I pray that we continue to stay as healthy as possible.

Day 13 ~ My gift

I've been told that I have a gift of writing... by several people. I don't mean to sound all bragging or carry on like I've got some kind of big head. But I do and have always loved writing. As far back as age 13, I can remember asking for a typewriter for Christmas and getting one. I wore that thing down to the nub. I just loved writing stories and stuff. And then in high school, I had an extraordinary set of English teachers who fed my hunger for writing. I just love doing it. This blog has been such a means for therapy for me. I just enjoy it so much. I know I have plenty of typos and errors here and there. But it's not like I'm trying to get published. I just like being able to put my thoughts down, and do it in a way that isn't completely boring. At least I hope it isn't boring.... I would hope someone would shut me up if I had nothing interesting to say. So I guess I'm thankful for that gift. Maybe one day I'll fulfill my dream and actually write a book or something.

So here's the deal

Billy's on again off again mission has kinda fizzled out to basically nothing. BUT we still have to stay put until after Thanksgiving. So I think I already explained that. But what I haven't told you is that looks like we're going to have to stay put for a while longer - like through Christmas. Billy missed his PT test run by 8 seconds. So they put him on a probation of sorts. It's called a Bar from Re-enlistment. He's not allowed to take any leave and a variety of other things until he passes his next test. But he's started doing some extra training in the afternoons that will help. It really kinda sucks that he just barely missed it. But considering this is the first PT test he's had since AIT back in August and the fact that they do not do real PT training, he didn't do that bad. He just had an off day. He was really super bummed about it. And now knowing that we are going to have to stay here through Christmas just makes things a little worse. I know especially the kids wanted to go home and see all the grandparents. That just isn't going to happen now. So blech. I guess we were kinda hoping the family could come see us this year... but who knows if that will happen. It's just a bit depressing really. I just don't want to think about it right now.

Moving on...

Day 12 of the 25 days of Thanksgiving ~ I'm very thankful for all the friends in my life. I'm thankful for the kids' friends who keep them busy every single day. I'm thankful for the new friends in my life here in North Carolina. For the friends I have back at home. For the friends I don't get to talk to very often, but I still love a lot. For the friends I have who I can tell everything to and the friends who would do anything for me. I am blessed - as my whole family is blessed with good people around us.

Day Eleven ~ Freedom

I've always had a deep appreciation of this great country we live in. I don't think I've ever or will ever take the freedom we have for granted. Especially now more than ever. I could not be any more proud of Billy putting his own freedom on hold in order to protect our country. It is because of him and all the other men and women of the armed forces that we are even able to continue to have the freedoms we are so used to. What is probably the weirdest thing (or maybe not weird, but just unexpected) is how people will thank me and the kids for our service to this country. I never really thought about it that way until recently. And that's sad because there are millions of military families out there who sacrifice so much every single day and the general public just doesn't understand that. I know I didn't. Freedom isn't free. Freedom is that thing that takes kids' daddies away for months at a time. Freedom is that thing that takes men and women away from this world forever. Freedom means a lifestyle that requires daily struggle, pain, fear, loss.... It isn't free. Is it worth it? Oh absolutely. Do I complain about this life because I'm regretting a decision of such magnitude? No... I complain because I'm just showing an honest (and selfish) side. But when it all comes down to the truth... the real truth... I will take all the nonsense paperwork, all the unanswered questions, all the daily changes in plans. I will take it all because I know that behind all that BLECH is a priceless gift. A gift that so many people take for granted. Put yourself in the shoes of one soldier for one day and you'll see what I mean.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Day Ten ~ My house

There were a few days there back in September when the Blackburn's got to experience what it really felt like to be homeless. On a Saturday morning, we turned our house keys into our landlord. We had nowhere to live until the following Tuesday. So, we crashed at the in-laws before taking our trip here to North Carolina. It really felt more like a vacation... until we get here to Fayetteville and there was just nowhere to stay. Having Fluffy with us limited our choice of hotels. I just never thought it would be a big deal. So after driving around for about an hour, we finally found a place in the absolute most horrible part of town. This was after Billy said we should sleep in the cars. I refused to sleep in the car. No way. I'd rather sleep in the Happiness Hotel than make my kids sleep in the car. But I've already talked about that evening. It wasn't fun. I remember the next morning sitting at IHop with the kids and thinking, 'this is what it would feel like to be homeless.' We had nowhere to go. We still had a few hours before we could check in with housing. I knew we would be getting keys to our new place soon enough, but it still makes you feel uncomfortable knowing you just had no place to hang your hat...yet. And I do not pretend to compare my situation to those people who really have lost their homes. And those that really do not have anywhere to go. You hear some really sad stories about families who just lost it all in this economy. So I appreciate how fortunate I am. To be blessed with such a great little house in such an awesome neighborhood, I am more than thankful.

Day Nine ~ My Childhood

I have to say that my childhood was pretty great. And I don't mean great like I had a big house and lots of things or new cars. I mean I was surrounded by some really funny and loving people. I've come to miss all the family gatherings that we used to have. The big Christmases at my grandparents' house. The big meals we'd have on the weekends, just because my grandmother loved to cook big meals. All the cousins and aunts and everyone. We just did it all the time. And my brother and sister who always did the most outrageous things to their baby sister (me). Like put me in a box and throw me down the stairs to see how far I would roll. Or when I was sick they made me "a special drink" to make me feel better. I'm pretty sure that special drink had some coffee grounds and tabasco sauce mixed in with the coke and ketchup. I miss playing silly games like Spotlight, bootchey tag, no skibby's and no pokes, and garbage bag swimming. I miss taking rides in the car and listening to my mother make ridiculous comments like "listen to the birds" and then having my brother mock her for hours on end. I love that we barely had any money but mom always made sure we were involved in band or dance or sports. We were so truly blessed. I don't know how well we knew it back then, but I know it now. So thankful for the wonderful blessings I got growing up with the amazing people God gave me.

Day Eight ~ Food

Yup. I'm totally thankful for food. I'm a big fan of food. Food can completely make or break my mood. Too much food can make me miserable... too little food can make me miserable. Yummy food. Hard to prepare food. Food that other people prepare and bring me. I love me some food. But seriously, there is just something about eating a fantastic meal with my family all around me. Just makes my heart and my tummy big. I just thank the Lord for providing for my family every single day. I know there are so many people out there who just do not have enough in their cupboards to feed their family. I've been there. It's not fun. So, when I am able to prepare a meal (even if it is frozen chicken nuggets and a can of green beans in the microwave) I hope to always give thanks for what has been provided for us.


Speaking of being provided for... looks like the mission may not be called off after all. We'll know more soon. I hope. Until then, we're just patiently waiting.

Day Seven ~ William

William. My precious baby boy. My pain in the rear end... too smart for his own good little man. Most of you know (or maybe not) that he was the child God wanted me to have - not the one we planned on. After Allison, I didn't think I could have any more children (mentally) and was fully prepared to go on with life with just my two girls. God is still laughing at that little plan of mine. I look back at the day I found out I was going to have another baby. I was sitting in the parking lot of the grocery store. I watched a young mother go up to her car. She spent a good many minutes trying to wrangle her infant out of his stroller and get him buckled into his carseat. Then she spent another several minutes trying to fold up the stroller and wedge it into the back of her little SUV. She struggled and struggled with that little stroller and the more she struggled, the more I cried. I thought I was done fighting strollers and now this. Another baby?!? Boy oh boy! Looking back, I don't know why I was so distraught about the news of another baby. That kid is going to keep me young - or make me very old very fast. But I couldn't imagine life without him now. So glad God gave us that little boy.

Day Six ~ Allison

My daughter Allison has always been my mystery child. One day she likes Batman and basketball, the next day she likes Barbies and hair bows. One day she tells me that William is her best friend; the next day he is the biggest bother ever. One day she loves tacos and the next she hates them. She can turn directions faster than any other person in the world. Which is one reason I always have such a hard time figuring out what to buy her for Christmas or birthdays. This year on her list she put a basketball goal and an easy bake oven. So maybe that is why I love her so much. She has so many sides to her. This has been her nature from the beginning. She came into this world with such a massive amount of drama; I'm sure that's why she likes to keep me on my toes. After all, that's what she does really well. Seeing her tiny body attached to all the machines and tubes and not knowing if I would ever get to hold her or bring her home... it makes every moment just that much more special knowing how precious every God given moment is. Looking at her now, you'd never know she was pre-mature or had any trouble at all. So thankful for that wonderful blessing!

Day Five ~ Emma

I am so thankful for having such a beautiful young daughter as Emma. Of all my children, she and I bump heads the most. But I'm certain it is because we are both just too stubborn. Having said that... she is brilliant. Clever. Creative. A master at caring for animals. She likes to keep her bedroom clean (love that so much). She has a real tender heart. She knows what she wants and will do whatever it takes to get it. I'm sure she'll be a success at whatever she tries to be in the future. She never has a hard time speaking her mind. She's fun and she loves to laugh. Even though she and her preteen mentality stress me out sometimes, I just remember that I love her because she is just such an awesome kid. Her love of music and dance remind me of myself as a little girl. I remember holding her in my arms for the first time thinking I could never love anything as much as that little creature. Now she's too old to let me hold her, but it doesn't mean I don't try every now and then. I'm just glad she let me braid her hair today. =)

25 days of Thanksgiving

I should have started this the other day, but just thought about it this morning. I think I will try and post at least one thing that I'm thankful for each day this month in honor of Thanksgiving. And since it is already the 4th... let me catch up.

Day One: Most of all I am thankful for my salvation. Thankful for a God who loves me and is always there for me.

Day Two: I am thankful for a husband who loves me. You guys know how much I love him and I won't gross you out with all my sappiness anymore. But to love and be loved in return... it's the greatest thing!

Day Three: I am thankful for all the parents in my life. My mom, my dad, in-laws, step inlaws... You guys are awesome. And I love you. You always support us and would be there for us any time we needed you.

Day Four: I am thankful for "noogies." In other words, for a sister who gets me. She always understands me even when she doesn't agree with me. We have more inside jokes than we can count. It's great that we can just laugh at each other no matter what. You are MY Schmael and my wagon junkie. Love you!!


I have no more news on Billy's mission. At this point, we are thinking they aren't even going. A week ago, they were freaking out trying to get everything together and now no one has even said a single word about it since Monday. I don't know. Billy doesn't know. But we do know that he is not allowed to leave the area or drink any alcohol until after November 25th. Not that this is a problem, but they made him sign this thing saying he wouldn't do either. So even if they don't leave any time soon, we are for sure staying here for the Holiday. I might just take a stab at making my own turkey and dressing. Or not. But I will certainly do my own chicken and dumplins. I can do that. And since I'm the only one who likes dressing... we might just have a non-traditional meal. I'll just make everyone's favorite food. Heck we might end up with chicken and dumplins, spaghetti, meatloaf, cornbread, salad, sausage balls, tacos, and mac and cheese. Oh and a chocolate cake. Sounds pretty awesome to me. Anybody want to come?

Our Pooch

So Shadow has turned out to be a worthless guard dog. But he's a super sweet companion. Maybe the guard dog will come out later... but he really is a sweetheart. I really kinda love him. By far, he is the smartest dog and quickest to potty train out of all the dogs I've ever had. Of course, I've not had many. And I'm a lot older now and have a little more knowledge about how to do it. But if you ever want to know the best way and most effective way to potty train a dog, Google "crate training/ potty training your puppy." We may have just lucked out with a really smart dog, but I think that combined with the crate training has made for a not so horrible nightmare in potty training. But Shadow will love just about anyone. He hardly ever barks. He's scared to death of Fluffy. And one of the cutest things he does is he'll follow us around. If I'm sitting in the living room watching TV, he's at my feet asleep. If I'm in the kitchen making dinner, he is sitting on the edge of the carpet watching me. If I'm sitting here at the computer, he's at me feet chewing his bone. When Emma and Allison get home, he gets all wired up and excited because he knows they take him for an afternoon walk everyday. And William (after under going some intense "kid training" on how to play with the puppy) absolutely loves him. He said that Shadow is his best friend. *heartmelting* So yeah... looks like we got us a good'un.

And then Billy's mission... who the heck knows. Everyone going on the trip was supposed to complete this thing online to get their travel expenses taken care of. But the powers in charge did not give anyone directions and so all the forms were declined because everyone did it wrong. So, now we're having to start all over. But they never sent us the new form. It's just weird. I don't understand it, neither does Billy or anyone else. I don't know what's happening or anything. But he did come home today after PT and ask me for $2 and a Canned Good so he could turn it in in exchange for a day off tomorrow. Hey, I'll gladly give up a can of Spaghetti and Meatballs for a chance to have a long weekend. Girls are out of school tomorrow, too. So that will be FUN!! I might just leave everyone at home and go put some Christmas presents on layaway. Shopping..... By Myself.... Oh. My. Goodness!!!!

Twas the night after Halloween...

...and all through the house. Not a creature was stirring - except me digging through the candy buckets trying to find all the butterfingers. Man oh Man! We had a very wet and very cold but pretty great Halloween. It was kinda miserable at first, but we were determined. So, we all got wrapped up and headed out in the freezing rain. At first, there was no one on the streets at all. It was weird. But as if by clock work... right at 6 pm, all the doors opened and people were coming out on the streets in mobs. About a half hour later there were so many people on the streets you could hardly find your own children. This was the kind of Halloween I remember as a kid. It was too cool! One of funniest things was a guy in an Army uniform with a horrible mask on his face, walking around with an ax dragging the ground. He just walked around super slow and would zone in on a kid and start following him. It was hilarious! And then there was a house with the garage door open and smoke coming out from behind a strobe light. A chain saw guy was in there and would crank up his saw when kids walked by. Well, Allison had nothing to do with it. William was like, "I gotta fill my bucket... I don't care!" So he takes off to the porch and...

It wasn't too long into the evening that Emma gave up. She was dressed as a Genie and was freezing her butt off even after I gave her my coat. She and Billy went back to the house to hand out candy and Allison and William and I went around one more block. At one point, William tripped over his poncho coming down some steps and fell flat on his face. A whole groups of kids were all in line to get on the porch and they all stopped what they were doing and helped him up and picked his candy back up and put it in his bucket. So sweet! Overall, it was a good evening. A cool thing about it... I actually knew a few people and that was nice.

Now we're in November and still no clue about Billy's mission. I bet they don't even go.