Here we are on the last day of 2010. Where has this year gone? Last January 1st, I thought the year would never pass. I didn't wish the year gone but I wanted to do that. You see, Joey had just left for Iraq. I don't think I have ever been so scared in my life. Scared for him...what do I know of war. I just know what the movies and the documentaries show us. He was not here for Christmas, not here for his birthday, the entire family was lost. The only way I got through it was thinking he was still safe down in Georgia at Ft. Stewart. I watched for his posts on fb because then I knew, for the moment, he was safe.
In March, Sue and I went south to North Carolina for Sheryl gastric bypass surgery. I had mixed feelings about this surgery but she assured me this is what she wanted and needed and I supported her. It is always scary watching someone you love undergo surgery for the first time...so much could go wrong. I don't often pray, but my prayers were answered and she came through the surgery fine. I am so proud of her. This surgery was a big life change, a positive one. i thought this surgery meant that she would only be able to drink liquids for the rest of her life. Nope, she eats everything, some things don't agree with here but they may one of these days. To date, she has lost a person. It is amazing. If I wasn't such a chicken I might consider doing it too, but there are side effects I don't like to do....like vomit!
Sue and I got a chance to drive around Raleigh. The weather was actually very warm for end of March, beginning of April. We turned on the AC. We had rented a mini van for the trip because we had to take Dani, Tank and Shania. The trip went better than anticipated. I wasn't worried about the dogs but Shi with the dogs....all the dogs. Dani, Tank, Romeo and Tyson. All went well. Just one altercation with Tank and Romeo over a puppy at the dog park. Romeo and Tank went to the vet's for treatment and are still the best of friends. Even though Romeo is little, he is still a bully breed.
Moving on. Sue and I enjoyed the trip but it is always nice to be home. I like having a mini van and the dogs love it. They have more space, we can fit their beds and they just settle and sleep. April brought Sue's birthday and we celebrated quietly. Sue shares her birthday with her stepdad so we went there for cake. All in all, April was quiet and so was May. Many, many family birthdays in May. Happy birthdays went around but phone and facebook. We should all meet at a park on a given day and have one big party. It would be nice to have all the families together in one place.
Joey came home in May for a month. It certainly was mixed feelings for me. We had to send him back to the war. Luckily, he was not in Afghanistan. Still, everytime I heard of something happening in Baghdad, I sent a message and he would tell me not to watch the news. Being superstitious, I had to watch the news. It was good seeing him, he looked healthy and happy. We didn't see enough of him but he had a lot of people to see. He went back in the middle of June, but before he left, he proposed to Christina. I was very happy and beside myself. Christina is wonderful and keeps Joe in line. A good thing so I knew this would be good thing. Christina takes over where the Army leaves off. And in May, I went to the 11-7 shift at work. I was having trouble keeping up the pace on days and my hip was killing me so I knew it was time to switch. It has made a big difference. I don't know why I ever went to days...I am a night person.
On June 25th, I got a call from Joey. He apologized for not calling sooner but sometimes it is hard to get the phone. He assured me all was well over there and with him. Then, he asked me if I was sitting down. I could not imagine what was coming next. I was shocked but so happy. I was going to be a Grandmother!!!! I have been waiting for those words for so long. I was so happy, I couldn't believe it and I couldn't wait to tell everyone who would listen. What a birthday present. Earlier in June, we celebrated father's day with a big picnic at our house. We had everyone, all the fathers and the mothers, sisters and brothers and kids. It was great. I think it should be a tradition. Maybe we wouldn't have steak every year but a cookout with all the fixings. And strawberry shortcake for dessert!
In August, Sue decided to venture out on her own and take on some dog walking. She is doing great and growing. So this has been good. She has been doing some overnight sitting as well but I don't like it. I know she will be a success. You go girl!!!!!
Stephanie decided she wanted to have the bypass surgery because she had had knee surgery for something that was not weight related. And in September I flew down to NC for her surgery which was also a success. And while I was worried about the surgery, Steph had had surgery before and done fine. I stayed with Sheryl while I was there and it gave us some time to have some quiet time which I have been missing. Sheryl, when she was in school, would be taking to her friends after school but would get off the phone when I came in because she wanted to talk with me. I always felt so honored. I guess I did something right. Steph came through the surgery just fine and came home with no problems and today, 3 months later, has lost 60 pounds. I am so proud of her...I know it wasn't easy. They both look fantastic.
I believe it was October when we found out for sure that we were having a boy and he was going to be named Joseph Michael. He would be called LJ for short but he would always be my little Jelly Bean (that's how big he was in his first ultrasound).
We haven't seen much of Christopher but he has busy in his own right with a very important job. We are very proud of him because his undertaking has taken a lot will power. We miss though at the family functions, but understand. We will be getting him more involved this year.
Well, it has happened. The hip needs to be replaced and that will be done very shortly. While I was all wrapped up with the hip, I realized that it was just a very short time until Joe was home. He was again on American soil on Dec. 5th. He was in Ft. Stewart and safe. He came home for the holidays on Dec. 23. He will be here for a month. The bad thing about him going back is he will be taking my grandchild with them. I think they should leave him here and they could come visit. It will only be a few months and they all will be home in August!!!! I new milestone to wait for.
This has been my year but I am looking forward to the new year and all it will bring. I am always excited at this time. Spring is around the corner, yes, it is. It is like getting ready for the new school year. I have learned to knit and crochet and I love it. I will be making lots of things. I want to learn how to quilt. I love beading and looking forward to doing more of that.
Life is good, and I am enjoying it.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!!
