Prayers needed....

Just when you think you have all that you can handle a little bit more gets put in your lap. I have just found out over the past couple of days that Mark's brother is in liver failure. He has diabetes and hepatitis, and this has now begun to affect his liver. Right now his liver is functioning at about 5%. It was looking very grim the beginning of the week. It looks now like he will be able to live another year or so with his liver. The saddest part is that a liver transplant is not looking too good. His health is so poor that they are apprehensive about preforming the surgery. I am very hopeful that he will make it til Mark returns home. Mark and Ed were very close when Mark was growing up and he was a huge influence on Mark joining the Marine Corps. It overwhelms me that Mark is having to deal with this news while fighting the war of his life in Iraq. It comforts me to know that he is a strong man not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. He will be able to deal with this and get thru the next several months. I am truly praying that Mark gets the chance to say goodbye to his brother face to face and also has the chance to tell him how much Ed has meant to him over the years. Please keep Mark and his brother in your prayers. They are needed more than ever right now.....

Prayers needed....

Just when you think you have all that you can handle a little bit more gets put in your lap. I have just found out over the past couple of days that Mark's brother is in liver failure. He has diabetes and hepatitis, and this has now begun to affect his liver. Right now his liver is functioning at about 5%. It was looking very grim the beginning of the week. It looks now like he will be able to live another year or so with his liver. The saddest part is that a liver transplant is not looking too good. His health is so poor that they are apprehensive about preforming the surgery. I am very hopeful that he will make it til Mark returns home. Mark and Ed were very close when Mark was growing up and he was a huge influence on Mark joining the Marine Corps. It overwhelms me that Mark is having to deal with this news while fighting the war of his life in Iraq. It comforts me to know that he is a strong man not only physically but mentally and emotionally as well. He will be able to deal with this and get thru the next several months. I am truly praying that Mark gets the chance to say goodbye to his brother face to face and also has the chance to tell him how much Ed has meant to him over the years. Please keep Mark and his brother in your prayers. They are needed more than ever right now.....

Spring break ends.....

Thank goodness school starts back up tomorrow. I am at my wits end with my precious little man. He has been on spring break for way too long and now it has finally come to an end!! YEAH! He goes back to preschool in the morning and I am one happy momma. Now, I love my son with all my heart but we have been together nonstop for like ten days!! It will be so nice to get back into my nice little routine on Mon ,Weds and Fridays. Although we did have a nice little breakfast date this morning. We went o Beans for my weekly fill of their wonderful java and a yummy wheat bagel. Zach got a milkshake and a plain bagel. Turns out the little guy loves cream chees so we split a cream cheese to go with our bagels. He ate the whole thing! The past few mornings I have been having to go out for my morning cup o' joe, due to the fact that the other day as I cleaned and rinsed my coffe pot it fell to the floor and smashed into a million pieces. UGHH....I have had that coffee maker since I got married. I can brew the perfect cup of coffee with that dinosaur of a coffeemaker. I am not ready to go out and purchase one of those high tech espresso/cappucinno/coffeebean grinder doohickeys! I like plain and simple when it comes to my coffee. So, I called my dad for some advice.....my dad has been known to break a pot or two in his day. So, using my his worldly advice; I went to the Braun website and low and behold there is a section entitled replacement parts. I was able to plug in my maker number and wa-la for a whopping 16.99 plus shipping and handling, I was able to order my self a new coffee pot. Now , I know what you are thinking, "she could have bought a whole new coffeemaker for that much!" But like I said before, I like plain and simple and I dont do well with change. So, in a few short days I shall be back in the coffee making business. Til then, Beans here I come!

Happy Easter!

What a great day I had on Saturday. I did practically nothing but it was perfect. The weather was awesome and the temp reached 90 degrees! I did some much needed house cleaning, there is a difference between "clean" and "picked up".....my house had been picked up for too long, it was time for clean! Anyway, Zach played outside and inside all day. He isnt too big on the heat so he would come in from time to time to play with his toys, recharge and go back outside. I gave all the cars baths, they were quite neglected. Pollen is so bad right now and those little twirly helicopter things are all over them, so they needed some TLC. That night I had a "date" with Amanda. We had a blast. First, we ate at Mi Cabana. YUMMY....not too mention some really good margaritas. After dinner we went to see Benchwarmers, talk about a feel good movie, I laughed pretty much non stop. It was awesome! If you liked Napoleon Dynamite and pretty much anything that David Spade is in, you will love this movie. When I got home that night I had Easter bunny detail. I had to fill 24 plastic Easter eggs with candy. I was going to hide them this morning before Zach got up, but of course he was up at dawn, so I had to tell him that the Easter bunny left mommy a job. I told him that the Easter bunny didnt want to leave the eggs outside last night because he was afraid they might melt. So, I will be doing that here shortly.

We are going to venture out to church this morning as well. This will be my first time in a couple years and Zach's first time as a big boy. I had taken him when he was a baby, but I stopped going and so did he. I am trying to turn over a new leaf and got back in touch with my spritual side. I really feel like I need it. I remember when I was going to church on a regular basis and going to bible study. I felt different and I really want to get back there. So, I figured what better day to start fresh then Easter Sunday. So, with all that being said, its time to get the ball rolling. I have eggs to hide and a son to dress. Happy Easter.......

Here I am....

I had to take a break from the blogging for a few days because I didnt want to ramble on about how terrible I had been feeling, So, here I sit on a better day ready to hit the keyboard with positve thoughts and affirmations. Just one thing before I blather on, thank you so much you guys for helping me figure things out.

Anyway, things have been going well here at the Liston home. The kids are on sping break this week, so Zachary has been out the door from 10 am til 7 pm just about everyday. Stopping long enough for a pb&j sandwich and many popsicles. It has been so great, he is so worn out by the time bedtime rolls around that he welcomes the comfiness of his Spongebob bedsheets. The weather has been so great too, so that makes things so much more bearable. As Zach plays out side riding his bike up and down the street, I am able to get things done around the house and also get in some much needed reading. I love to sit on my front porch and rock in my "freshly painted" rocking chairs and read some chick book that is totally mindless but absolutley wonderful! I have been spending time with Jo Anne and Wendy in our front yards just watching the kids play and having "adult talk", which is blissful. You dont really get the oppurtunity for much regular talk when your day is filled with kissing boo boos and discussing the antics of Jimmy Neutron. Although, I wouldnt trade it for anything ion the world!
I was able to ge tout on my won for a couple hours the other day, which was noice. Like I said the kids are on spring break, so my babysitter was able to come over in the afternoon on Tuesday and I went and had a shopping spree at Target. Man, there's nothing like a little retail therapy when life has you down. The whole thing started with me needing invitations for a coffee I am having. Of course you have to start at the beginning which is clothing. They have the cutest summer clothes, so I had to buy several outfits for Zachary and then, of course, I couldnt deprive my self of a few things. Then clothing takes you to stationary which is right next to health and beauty aides which is next to the book and video department. And on my way to the checkout, I walked past the seasonal aisle and it dawned on me that Sunday is Easter! SO.... I had to make several Easter basket purchases, an egg coloring kit, a dozen or so plastic fillable easter eggs and candy to go in them. SO, when all was said and done I had clothes, books , shampoo, conditioner, Easter necesseties and of course the inivtaions.
In the end I was so high from all of my purchases, that I had minimal buyers remorse!

We are getting ready for our big trip up to RI. It is going to be a long one, but we are ready for it. With the events of the past week, it is going to be nice to get out of dodge for awhile and be in civilization for an extended amount of time. My bestest friend Gina, is going to fly down here and then drive home with me, Zach and three doggies! She is a true saint. I couldnt do this without her. Love you Gina!! It will be nice to be up there for an extended stay and spend loads of time with my family and friends. Not to mention all the beautiful babies that will be making appearances this summer. I am so excited for that. I am finally going to have a niece or nephew of my very own, to spoil rotten! Much to my brothers dismay.....

So, that's my story.....not too exciting, but good enough for me! Til next time.......

Confusing times.....

Not sure where I am going to go with this, but here goes. I have always thought of my self who takes friendships very seriously and that I would never take advantage of one. Especially beinhg in a military situation you need your firends more tahn ever. It has been brought to my attention taht I may have abused my friendship with someone who measn alot to me without evne realizing it. I guess I need to start from the beginning. Mark has always been the most important thing in my life. Even when we were dating we spent all of our time together. Now I know that some people will see that as unhealthy and kind of co dependent. But you have to understand I had never expeirenced love like that and it was something that made me feel alive and new. I wanted to spen all of my free time with him, and now that we are married I guess people say that things change and that you learn to do things on your own, but I have not gotten to that point. When My husband is here I want to be with him and spend every waking moment with him. The past two years have been so uncertain. It started with a deployment to Haiti and then Iraq and then six months later Iraq again. Its not like he was going on a business trip to Arkansas, he was going into the bowels of hell. Anyway, I have digressed. Being a military spouse for the past nine years I have learned a few things. Especially 7 of those 9 years being in a place where your husband is gone most of the time and you arefar away from family and hometown friends. I have learned to do things on my own and be ok with being alone when he is not around, I have also learned that we as military spouses take care of each other when our husbands are gone. We embrace each other and talk and laugh and cry and do whatever it takes to get thru the deployment. I have also learned that when the men come home its time to back off a bit and enjoy every moment with your husband. Now, this does not mean that your friendship with the girls you spent time with goes to shit, it just means that every one is ok and busy now that their husband is home and its ok to back off just a bit and enjoy being a family again. It does not for a nanosecond mean that my friendships meant nothing to me, I love each and everyone of my friends. Especially with this past deployment schedule. There was such a small amount of time between deployments that if I did fall off the face of the earth here and there that was ok because I knew the love of my life was going to be leaving me again soon and for one of the most dangerous places in Iraq. I think I am beginning to ramble, I guess the point I amtrying to make is, I love my friends and I would never in a million years do anything to hurt them, but I cannot apologize for being in love with my husband and wanting to be with him 24/7, when I know that it wont always be that way. To all my firends out there, I want you to know that I love you and that you mean the world to me, and if you dont hear from me for awhile when Mark is home please dont take it personally, its just that our time is so precious and I value it. Until next time.....

The end of a LONG week....

Actually it was a fast week, but an anxiety riddeen one. So much going on and yet nothing. I know thats crazy but its so true. This deployment is a confusing one thats for sure. I am constantly worrying about Mark. From the moment I wake up til the moment I fall asleep. I know that worrying about things is not going to help, but I just cant help it. People say, whatever is going to happen will happen regardless. Well, I simply cannot be that person. Mark is my life and the fact that he can be taken away from me in an instant scares the shit out of me. I waited my whole life for this wonderful man and then he goes and puts himself in the most dangerous place ever! Whats up with that?? I know there is a plan for everyone, and I truly hope that our plan is to be together til there is life on Mars. This deployment is making me nutso....I have to focus this energy onsomething more productive. Iw ish I was a painter or a sculptor, with the nervous energy I have I could probably create the next Mona Lisa or statue of David.

Enough negative rambling.....I had a good day today, the weather was very nice. We cruised with the top down. Ahhhh, what a release! I took Zach to see Ice Age 2, it was very cute. We went with Lisha and Olivia. Zach and Olivia were arch rivals and now they are two peas in a pod. When they saw each other they hugged and were so excited to be together. Its nice to see two very strong willed kids come together and form a close bond. Why cant we all take lessons from them.....put differences aside and just hug........

Some days are just good....

Today was such a good day. I didnt even have anything planned really. It was supposed to be a day of errands and such, ie. take all three dogs to the vet. UGHH! Well, I decided that wasnt go to happen today. No worries, the dogs are fine, nothing that cant wait til next week. I decided that I needed a a "me morning." This morning I woke up with every intention of going to the vet and running your run of the mill errands and then I thought ya know what? I need a pedicure and manicure. I dropped Zach off at school promptly at 9am and headed to one of my most favorite spots, the local coffee house, Beans....mmmmm, I love their coffee. So, after relaxing wikth a cup o' joe and the morning paper, I headed off to the nail salon, my second favorite place to be. I love the massaging pedicure chair with its weird little rollers that go up and down your spine and the nice warm whirlpool bath that bathes your tootsies in utter bliss. Ahhhhh, what a way to start the day. After the pedicure, I scooted over to the manicure chair to get my biweekly fill of acrylic fun. Nothing like a mixture of some fouling smelling powder and toxic liquid to give you some hot looking nails. Afer all is said and done, they really do look fabulous. After I picked up Zach, we had an unexpected play/lunch date with Patrick and Olivia and their mommies. We had a great time. Kids get to play, moms get to eat; what could be better! The day ended with more outside play and me chatting it up in the beautiful sunshine with my two pals Wendy and Jo Anne. Another late afternoon spent gossiping and laughing. Like I said before, some days are just good.......

MARK CALLED!!!!!

Oh happy day!!!!!! I heard from Mark this morning. I have never been so happpy to hear his voice. After the weekend from hell, it was a much needed phone call. He sounds so great. It amazes me that even in the most dire situations, this man can still have 1. a sense of humor and 2. the ability to make me melt with his voice. I just love him so much. He was happy to be distracted with all of my tales of woe and madness back here at home. There is always something to make him laugh. I also had to redeem myself regarding a care package he just recieved. While I was home I helped my parents put one togeher for him. Well, at the same time I was picking stuff out for his package, I was also buying stuff for the house. I had purchased a cake mix to make for after dinner that night. Well, as I was preparing dinner and getting ready to make dessert I realized it was no where to be found. Yup, the cake mix ended up in the care package to Iraq. Great place for it, I am sure they will have numerous oppurtunties to bake a cake! Man, I was bummed, I wanted to make that cake. Well, he just received the package and was wondering what the hell I was thinking.....his marines thought I had lost my mind. So, I made sure to tell him it was a mistake and then I asked if he wouldnt mind sending it back home, I really wanted that cake......hahahahahahaha

End of along, but good day

Today turned out to be a very nice day. The weather definitely cooperated so that is a bonus. The nice weather always seems to put me in my happy place. I like that. I started and somewhat finished a project. I have two rocking chairs that needed some TLC, so I sandpapered and painted them to the best of my ability which isnt saying much. But I gave it my best. The weather was perfect. High 70's , low 80's. Zach tuckered himself out playing with his buddies. They go from yard to yard and just terrorize anything in their path, its great to watch. I spent the latter part of the afternoon chatting with my friend Jo Anne on my front porch on my newly painted rocking chairs, it was a perfect way to spend the late afternoon, which turned into early evening without even realizing it! Before we both knew it, it was 615 and our kids had to eat dinner! Man, responsibilities! haha So, after a nice dinner and a hot bath, Zach is ready for a good nights sleep: after some much needed SpongeBob Squarepants, of course.......

First Blog

Its Monday morning and its the first real morning of daylight savings. Zach is still sound asleep and we have to leave for school pretty soon. I have counseling today, and man I am going to have an earful for her. It has been an interesting weekend to say the least. I am so ready for this whole deployment thing to be done. We are only in the first month and it has been a roller coater. I can only imagine what the next six months will bring.UGHHH! This is one tough life we lead as military spouses. I am so damn proud of my husband I could burst, but that doesnt make it any easier when he is such a bad place. I can only hope that the prayers we are sending are surrounding him and his marines. They need us all more than ever.