Boil alert!

Yesterday I was in panic mode, because in the morning, I got a phone call saying that there ws some sort of water system failure. Yesterday was also the day I was hosting a surprise baby shower for my friend Jennifer! There was no water pressure, and I was so worried we couldn't flush the toilets, wash dishes, etc. Luckily my neighbor went out and got me a couple cases of drinking water!!! I was so grateful! She went out really early in the morning and stocked up because by 10 am it was sold out everywhere! I was reminded of Hurricane Iniki times! I was upset because I had worked so hard to prepare for the party the night before, and we were going to move the party somewhere else. Thankfully the water pressure came back on, and we were able to flush toilets so I still held my party!!!! Right now we have to boil water for everything except showers, so its a major pain in the arse! I still don't feel comfortable showering and giving the kids baths in the water but I have made sure we use hand sanitizing gel for our hands and bottled water for brushing our teeth. The worst part of it all is trying to wash all my dishes but having to boil the water first.

Thankfully, my party turned out to be a success and I think everyone had a good time. I have fun entertaining and made a bunch of finger foods:
















And here is a group shot of everyone at the party:


So glad it turned out ok!

I forgot to post about this too, but last Thursday night, Girl Scouts was canceled, and I went and did something compulsive.... went to a Moody Spouses club event!! It was called Black and White bingo, and unfortunately I didn't win anything.. It was fun though, and it was fun getting dressed up in black and white (Kevin watched the kids for me).

These two girls are my two closest friends here in Valdosta:


And this is a group shot of some of the girls I go to playgroup with.


Friday night, Makenna had a birthday pool party and we also had a pool party this afternoon (Sunday) It has been a BUSY weekend!!

Mike in Southwest Asia

Well everyone, all settled in here at .... I've got my own room with an actual door (not a tent at a deployed location for my first time!) in a "trailer" building that has about 30 rooms. The room came with a single bed, TV (with about 24 channels), fax machine (for my job--always on call), desk, dresser, and even two small rugs. One window and a window A/C unit. It's been about 68 degrees and nice here, but the scenery is absolutely desolate. I have yet to see a bug, lizard, bird, tree or even roach. There's simply no trees or life in this area. I posted a picture of my surroundings for your enjoyment. Wireless signal is strong, and I've been chatting with Jennah and the kids daily.

Work is good. My Dip Clearance office is in the Host Nation Coordination Cell building in a part of the base that has a chow hall about 1/4 mile away and a decent gym 30 steps from my back office door. I pretty much have my own truck, a little Ford 4x4 that I've been driving all over, and gas is free. Now I just have to take an off-base driving course. The guys here get off base a lot, so I'll post again after my first excursion with them. Apparently there is some good middle-eastern style food to be had here.

not what I planned....

Tuesday started out crazy but it turned out to be an unusually relaxing day! Usually its the busiest day of the week for me, and a lot of driving around everywhere.

Makenna woke up with her left eye swollen, and crying that it hurt. GREAT! Off to the doctor we went, while I had to call Shane's school, speech therapist, ABA therapist and Makenna's ballet buddy to cancel everything planned that day. The wait time was a long and brutal two hours, but the doctor was great and very thorough. She most likely scratched her eye somehow and it had gotten infected. Got some eyedrops and antibiotics for her and the rest of the day we just vegged at home! It was really nice not having to drive anywhere or have "school" time for Shane! We went on a walk around the block, watched tv, and just relaxed. I love days like this!

Made it through...

I made it through the first weekend! I've kept us pretty busy, and hopefully being busy will make this deployment go by fast! I have been able to talk to Mike through Skype a couple of times already, and so far its not so bad!

Took the kids to a crafting playgroup this morning, and Makenna got to paint a treasure box..



Shane got to socialize too!



I love seeing him play with other kids!

Ringing in the New Year in St. Augustine

 

We had an amazing family vacation this past week, in St. Augustine, FL!  The town is so charming, I absolutely loved it… Loved the little shops and great places to eat.  Being right on the beach was so much fun, but the best part was being with Mike's family!  Some of the highlights for me were walking around old town, eating some yummy food, going to bed with the sound of the ocean, running on the beach first thing in the morning, and Makenna being so excited about the vacation house right on the beach!