Update time!!

Well I figured it was time to bless everyone with an update. Things here are, for lack of better words, interesting. Elijah has had his first set of tubes and stitches. Kale is actually starting to fight back when Elijah tries to take something from him and the both somehow changed the answering machine to speak spanish instead of english. Aaahhhh the joys of having boys!!!

Elijah fell and hit his mouth on the toybox so off we went to the ER. Blake was on duty that night so I called to let him know what had happened. Of course he came to the ER to check it out for himself, and in true Army form, his Staff Sergeant promptly chewed him out for it. I get a kick out of every time I see something on TV about how the military supports their families cause the families support their soldiers. HORSE SHIT! All we are considered is extra baggage that gets in the way.

Kale is doing awesome and will be headed to Granny and Pop's house before too long for a visit. A teacher's assistant from his class has been coming and babysitting here and there for us. Its good for us, but Kale is still trying to charm her out of makin him work(just like a man).

I have come to a huge crossroads in my life and have no idea what to do. If anyone has a road map I would greatly appreciate it! I dont know what to do and no matter what I choose someone will not be happy with it. I just wish I had a little help in making some decisions. ugh its so frustrating at times!! There hasn't been much going on that I care, or am willing to talk about. I find myself closing off to the world more and more every day........oh well. I guess that is about all for now. Blake will be home this weekend for a day, he is at WLC(warrior leader course) and will graduate July 22. I am off to fix the kids a snack then finish some laundry. Peace out!

copy cat

Since I haven't posted in almost 2 months I thought I would steal Steph's blog thingy and post it. I promise to get better at posting, but we have been busy with military stuff YAY...yes that was sarcastic.

1. I have come to realize my job…is recession proof-stay at home mom's are never out of work.

2. I have come to realize when I’m driving…I either sing or talk to the boys SOMETIMES yell at other drivers.

3. I have come to realize that I need…to learn to trust more

4. I have come to realize that I’ve lost…my identity

5. I have come to realize that I hate it when…i get behind in house work

6. I have come to realize the people I like…are hard to find

7. I have come to realize that money…doesn't make you happy

8. I have come to realize that people...are looking for someone's lead to follow

9. I have come to realize that I’ll always be…outspoken, bitchy, black sheep, best friend, and worst enemy

10. I have come to realize that my Mom…is very critical of me, but one of the smartest people i

11. I have come to realize my cell phone…is one its last leg

12. I have come to realize that when I woke up this morning…i didn't sleep well, damn bad dreams

13. I have come to realize that last night before I went to sleep…i watched tv

14. I have come to realize that right now I am thinking about…how to find myself again

15. I have come to realize that my Dad…can be the biggest ass, but is my biggest fan and strongest supporter, although we butt heads alot

16. I have come to realize that when I get on Facebook…i miss the people i worked with in the ER more and more

17. I have come to realize that today…is Monday, it rained and stormed, Blake worked late(that is the trend since he got back), and I missed a get together because of it

18. I have come to realize that tonight…will be boring

19. I have come to realize that tomorrow will be...alot of the same...my life is like that movie groundhog's day

20. I have come to realize that I really want to…get my identity back

21. I have come to realize that my life…is good for the most part, all in all i am blessed

22. I have come to realize that this weekend…we have a parade to be in, uuggghhhhh

23. I have come to realize that my ex...needs to speak up

24. I have come to realize that the best music is…anything i can dance to

25. I have come to realize that my friends…are always there for me, without them I wouldn't have made it this far

26. I have come to realize that 2008...had some of the highest and lowest points of my life

27. I have come to realize that the last person I kissed…needs to shave

28. I have come to realize that when people walk out of my life…they are gone, i don't let them back in

A few things that chap my buttocks

So, again I have been set off....I know what you're thinking...not Lindsey!!! So first of all there was the Special Olympic comment made by no-bama! Honestly, I was floored!!! I thought there you go trying to win cool points by going on Leno and you say that, what a douchetard!! I was PISSED to say the least and then I watched CNN where a mother of a Down Syndrome child spoke how her son had to bowl a 139 or 140 to qualify for the Special Olympics. She just smirked and said, he was so wrong he can't even make the points to go to the Special Olympics, now what!!! Shows how much he really knows!! I thought you go woman!! And of course I added my own amen sista in there.

So, tonight after mine and Kristen's gym "date" we headed to subway to grab some dinner for us and Blake. We are on our way back to post when she realizes she doesn't have her driver's license on her. The Barney Fife rent-a-cop at the gate said no she can't come on post without ID. So, I left Kristin at the gate while I came to the house, got her ID, and took it back to her. THEN her flippin ID wouldn't scan.....of course the old man looked at us like we were terrorist!!! uuugggghhhhh I mean half of the time they barely glance at your ID and tonight they wanted to be pricks about it! Just another douchetard!!

My last one is I went Saturday and bought a big, nice, bookcase for over 300 bucks to get it home and pieces were missing. So, me thinking Blake can't count I looked it over, not only were we missing 2 pieces one of the anchor, hole, thingys is stripped....uuuuggggghhhhhh They are only open half of the week, so tomorrow when they open I am going to be calling!! To me, thats alot of money to spend on something that ends up to be faulty. I don't want my money back, I look the book case, I just want to swap it out for a new one....and they better let me or I just might judo chop someone. hehehe

This is all that has irritated me so far this week......well except for the migraine I have been fighting for 3 days now, and now its getting hard to read and drive I am so dizzy. Damn I sound like a freakin Jerry Springer episode!!! Well I am off to wash the gym stink off of me and try to rest some.........I hope I can get the bookcase and entertainment center before mom gets out here next week....keep your fingers crossed!!!

An update from the other half

As you all may know, I made a few posts on here a while back talking about my trials in Balad. So much has changed. To get you up to speed, after my month or so in Balad, I was sent to Tikrit to finish out the rest of my tour. Little did I know that my tour would be cut short. We basically trained to come to Iraq to train some more. It wasn't much of a deployment when compared to others I have done. We had time to not only practice for football games, but to play them. Doing sports in your spare time is one thing and is a good stress reliever, but having time to practice for them? you have way too much time on your hands. I pulled a lot of duty, that's for sure.

I won't go into detail about everything I did...as it would be fairly boring. I came back to the states Jan. 25th mainly because of my new promotion put us over strength and overmanned. I understand why the BC did what he did. At the time, I was pissed, but later on I grew to understand it. Looking back, I don't regret a thing. While coming back closed one door, it opened many others. I got promoted finally! Now I look at the army as a possible long term career opportunity instead of feeling like I was in Specialist Limbo. Also, I can start learning how to lead and train other soldiers. Not only this, but I get to be with my boy Elijah. He is something else, lemme tell you. You can't put a price on being with the kids. For kale, I am finding that I am starting to know and understand him. Going through the tough things with him makes you want to love him and appreciate him more. He is usually the easier of the two to deal with unless he gets sick. Even though he doesn't talk and doesn't always show me affection, I can not see how someone could not love him once you have been through hell and back. He is a walking miracle.

While all this is great, coming back has shown me that it can be more difficult than I thought to adjust. Things haven't always been hunky dory between everyone in the house. I don't want to get into all kinds of details, but people who are in the know understand what I am talking about.
Along with this is my lazy, inconsiderate, pain in the butt (and that's being super nice) ex, D.
She fills Eva's (my daughter) head with lies and makes it difficult for me to see her. Now...lets see. what am I leaving out? My job. What I have noticed is that things are in full swing and haven't really slowed down any. I deal with a lot of stress and high expectations...some of which I put on myself.

So, for all of you out there who have any questions or concerns or what have you, just post them in the comments. You can email me via contacting Lindsey.
I don't plan on posting a lot on this blog, but every now and then I'll show up.
P.S. Fireproof the movie may have some bad acting, but it is a great movie. Go see it.
Peace out!

SGT Edwin B. Brietz
Medic
U.S. Army

Things I have noticed........

So it has been 5 forevers since I have blogged.......between Blake coming home, our trip to Arkansas, and getting readjusted to Army life things have been a little crazy. So I am sick with a horrible cold and hope I am not getting strep throat. A little warning about this blog-I am under the influence of cold meds........here goes....

I was watching CNN and saw how everyone is cheering for Obama about the AWESOME job he is doing and he hasn't been in office 100 days yet and this and that. Well I was half listening when I heard how he is bringing 20 thousand troops home by Sept of this year. I know what most civilians are thinking...You rock Obama.....but think about this. Out of those 20 thousand how many were suppose to come home anyways because their tour was ending. I know of three batteries here at Ft Sill that are due home by then, and that is just off the top of my head. So my thing is he isn't bringing anyone home, their tour is ending as scheduled...don't be blinded by this. BUT at least I got a good chuckle about this...now on to the next.

I was reading out FRG(family readiness group) newsletter when they announced the Saint Barbara ball on March 26th. To make long story short its a ball that its an honor to be invited to because it usually means you are getting some kind of award. Saint Barbara is the patron saint of artillerymen. Here is the problem I have.....The feast of Saint Barbara, or celebration if you will, is actually on Dec 4th...sssssooooo why are they having the ball in March?? AND in case noone noticed it is Lent...Are you really suppose to be feasting during Lent?? hhhmmmm At least it isn't on a Friday and they don't serve fish.......

Just a couple things I have noticed over the past couple of days. I know I know I am so weird, but am I really the only one to noticed these things? Probably so...haha The boys are doing great. Kale is still walking up a storm and is even getting better walking up and down an incline and switching surfaces...which is a HUGE step. Elijah is walking more and saying no every now and then.....he also has a temper on him. I wonder where he gets that?? Blake and I are doing OK for the most part. I hope its just the adjustment period, but we shall see. The Army gives these classes to the wives of returning men and basically teach you to bite your tongue and deal with them being an ass-hell they get a free pass. I want to know where my free pass is?? I get bitchy around Aunt Flo's visit and I never live it down, but you are looked down upon if you ruffle the feathers of a returning soldier....uuugggghhhh Sometimes military life bites BIG TIME. Well I will step down off of my soap box and let yall get back to your life. One last bit of business I have a new email address is lbrietz@ymail.com SO, hit it up peeps.....outie

Long overdue update!!

For those of you who aren't in the know the boys and I have arrived in Ft Sill. The house is unpacked, except for 5 boxes, and we are awaiting Blake's arrival sometime next week, hopefully. I knew coming here would be bring relief and challenges. First major challenge was me changing the plug on the washer. WARNING IF YOU HAVE TO PEE, DO IT NOW BECAUSE YOU MAY PISSING YOURSELF READING THIS NEXT PART. So, our dryer is a 3 prong plug and the plug in the house if 4 prong. One of the movers told me how to change the plug out. So, Heather and myself along with Elijah and Wyatt set off to Lowe's. I found the plug and I must say the appliance guy looked SHOCKED when I told him I was going to change it out. So, he told me step by step instructions. The next morning I grab the tool box and set out to change the plug.....all went well and when I plugged the dryer in it worked!! So, of course, I patted myself on the back and said to myself huh who needs a man. I noticed this one green wire wasn't plugged in, nor did it have a spot to plug in. I said huh must be a spare wire. WRONG!!! I put the door thingy back over the wires and it shocked the PISS out of me. It threw me back into the wall, sparks flew, singed my nails and fingers. About that time my cell phone rings and I struggle to get to my feet. It was Heather saying her brother was coming to town and would change the plug out for me. Needless to say I guess I was still in shock, no pun intended, and she asked if I was drunk. Once she figured out I was ok, and laughed her ass off, she told me to call maintenance. So, that afternoon the guy came and changed the plug out for me. Evidently the spare green wire, isn't a spare. Its a ground wire or something and that is what shocked the living daylights out of me. I say oh well I won't do that again.....LESSON LEARNED. He said its a good thing this is a 210 outlet(I think) cause a 11o would've killed you. I just kinda laughed. DISCLAIMER: Elijah was in bed asleep when this happened but the loud POP woke him up.

So......mom and Kale got here last Wednesday and mom and I unpacked boxes like mad women. I must say I am pretty happy with the house. The boys have alot of room to play, or destroy as I call it, and roam around like they own the place. Elijah's new favorite toy is a dishwasher and LOVES playing in Granny's. Much to his delight we have a dishwasher in our new house. Kale LOVES the low carpet, its so much easier for him to get around on. I like living on post better than I thought I would....everything you need is right here. Mom says its like living in a prison I tell her its called security. I love the fact of actually having another adult, Heather, to talk to during the day.....what a relief for the both of us. And since the guys are gone we take turns cooking dinner.......honestly there is probably a rumor going around about the 2 lesbians down the street haha Other than that I am just working on getting mine and Blake's room and bathroom put together. The boys bathroom and bedrooms are already up and going so now its time for ours.

Please say an extra prayer for Blake that he makes it to the States without any problems. I guess I need to get off my butt and cook some dinner. Peace out homies!

Hitting The Road

Well it's 2am and I am off to take a shower, throw a few last things in the car, and head to Ft Sill. I still feel like crapola and Elijah is starting to come down with it also.....uuugggghhhh So I see a dr appt in our near future. Our internet is suppose to be hooked up on Monday, which means it will be Friday, and I will update then on our journey. Say a little prayer that we have a safe trip. I'm excited, but ready to have it all over with. See ya on the flip side. Peace out!!

A New Begining

Well here comes another new start. Things have changed so much since last Friday. I got news that I am needed at Ft Sill so the boys and I are headed back to Oklahoma!! YAY!!!! We will meet the movers Monday and start getting moved into the new house! I have literally done a months work in a week-I'm exhausted and I am not even begining to be done. I am so excited that Kale will get to go to a good school and they are excited to be having him back. They have already called me 3 times this week saying they are ready for him...haha That school truly is wonderful!! Before you ask, no I didn't get mad and run off, I just can't discuss the particulars but please know everyone is safe and healthy-its all good. I really can't wait!! For the first time in my life I really feel like I fit in out there. I know what you are thinking, when I first got there I HATED it. Oklahoma takes ALOT of getting use to-trust me it does, but its not so bad. I have learned I like my distance from my family. I love them, but hell give a girl a break. I can actually make it thriugh this world without people dictating my every move.

Blake and all of the guys are doing fine and are safe. Just ready to see him on his R&R which should be in 2 weeks or so.....give or take a few days. I am so excited that he will get to see our new house! I am even more excited that he will be here for Elijah's first birthday-God willling! Even though I am stressed to the max trying to get everything done, I am so excited I am about to soil myself. I don't know what the house looks like, but I have seen some pictures and floor plans. I don't know how long we will be at Ft Sill, but I know it will be at least another year or so. Elijah doesn't know it yet, but he is about to be introduced to daycare-momma needs a break! I am thinking once maybe twice a week at the most, since I don't work, but I need a break. If you ever get to wondering if you really like your husband send him away for a few months-that will show you just how much he does.....even though us women say men never do anything! I know I say that too!

Honestly I am just looking forward to adult conversation.....I honestly think I have forgotten how to carry on an adult conversation, but I am fluent in baby babble!! COME ON R&R!!! Now that R&R is right around the corner time is dragging by and that just isn't fair!! Yes I am pouting!!! Whats it to ya?? Well when Blake gets in country for his R&R I will let everyone know so that you know he is safe....his time will be limited, but cherished all the same.

I don't know when we will be back for a visit, but it will be sometime after deployment, sometime this summer. I mean I have been here for 6 months and haven't seen hardly anyone, so it won't really be that different. Well I am off to fix a glass of wine, pack some boxes, and relax.....yes I know its late, but it has to get done. Thank you for all of your prayers for Blake and the rest of the soldiers. Peace out!

About to Blow My Top

So, Friday morning I get the best news possibly known to man-bottom line is I need to be moved to Ft Sill by the end of the month. This is great!! Until family puts a damper on things. I have been asked what is the hurry........why not wait......All that has happened since I moved back is everyone leaving me high and dry. Family said move back here so we can help out, I'm still waiting on that help. I am to the point where I am like fuck everybody.....people seriously wonder why we don't come back to visit more often. When you need people the most, that is when they leave you high and dry, with the exception of a couple of people.....and I stress COUPLE of people. So around Jan 14th the boys and I, complete with a UHAUL trailer, will be heading back to OK. I am so excited!!!! I can't wait to leave all of this negativity behind!! Its like some people are pissed cause I can actually take care of my kids....wow imagine that. When I can give out more details I will, just know that this is a very exciting time so if you have something negative to say-FUCK OFF!

more videos

Have tissues handy.....

Make sure to watch both videos. For everyone that has checked on me the past couple of days thank you. Just please say a special prayer for Blake and I-we need some strength. As if deployment weren't enough other issues have surfaced. Thank you and Merry Christmas!

The Holidays are Here..........

And I wish I could go to bed and sleep through them. Its just not the same without Blake here. He is going to miss Elijah's first Christmas, and even though Elijah won't remember, the first Christmas is always special. Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE holiday. I have so much to be thankful for. I was sitting here thinking today that 8 years ago I was in the hospital with Kale and mom and Stacy brought some Thanksgiving dinner to us. I look at where he is now.....wow blessed and thankful. He has beaten the odds in the past and continues to every day. After Blake left I got to mom's house and he stood up and gave me a hug. Actually the first time he has given a big squeeze hug when he wasn't sick-I'm so thankful for that. He knew just what mommy needed. I am thankful that Elijah is healthy. I never take his health for granted. True there are days, alot here lately, where I want to ring his neck for getting into stuff. I stop myself and say out loud "Thank you God for giving me a child who can get into stuff at such a young age". I am thankful I have my boys, I don't know how I would have made it this far in the deployment without him.

I am thankful for Blake. True, he works my nerves, but in his defense he is a man!! Or at least he was last time I checked ;) I sit back and read old emails of fights we had and think of the breaking up and all that crap when we were dating. There is no doubt in my mind that it was in God's plan all along for us to be together. Just in the past month we have gone from seriously thinking we weren't going to make it, to really connecting. Honestly, I never knew I could connect so deeply with someone. I am so thankful for that!! I am thankful that he and all the guys with him are safe!! Even though I don't know most of them in person, I feel that I know them because of the stories Blake has told me. I am so proud to be his wife! I am so proud of where our family is and where it is going!

I am thankful for my family! Although, living close again has made me realize I LOVE and crave my distance from them, I am still very thankful for them. For the most part they are ok people haha I am thankful that I am a stay at home mom, being able to watch my kids grow and develop. I know Elijah will have to go to daycare soon, because he is starting to get major separation anxiety-and quite frankly mommy needs a break!!! I am thankful that the new housing people on post are at least considering bumping us to the top of the list-now if we can only get a house!! I know I am very blessed in life. True I may not be the size I want to be, have the bank account I would like, but all in all I have a great life!

Last but not least I couldn't have made it this far without my friends. I have the bestest friends in the world! I am not going to name names, but 3 call me at least 4 times a week and listen to me bitch and complain!! Thats my adult conversation for the week-no really it is. This Holiday season is going to be a rough one for me, so IF I see you and don't chime out a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, please take no offense at it. I am doing my best to get into the Holiday spirit, I have to for my boys. Now when you are in the kitchen cooking and your spouse keeps saying is it ready yet or gets in your way please don't yell at him/her. Remember how blessed you are that he/she is there next to you to irritate you. I chose life as a military wife, but that doesn't make it any easier. I still miss Blake, still can't sleep without panic attacks or nightmares waking me up, BUT I put one foot in front of the other and try. So please let that be enough. Now that I am crying like a little baby I will say this-Happy Thanksgiving!! Be thankful for what you have and that we live in a free country. Say an extra prayer for all of the men and women in uniform, their families really do appreciate it.

Blake if you read this....I love you and I miss you!! I will see you in a few months. Stay safe!! 143

Since its been a month.....

I decided to grace everyone with my pressence. Before you ask, yes you should feel honored. Nothing has happened really. The boys and I had some Christmas pics taken on Sunday and I look like a bloated red skittle!!! WTF?!?! I am flippin HUGE!!!!!!! Blake is so gonna think I ate his wife, instead of being his wife. To my shock, we did get some good pictures. The boys finally calmed down and stopped screaming long enough to get some good shots. Deployment has posed its own set of issues. Getting adjusted to married life is hard enough, let alone doing it while separated by 9 thousand miles. Slowly but surely we are working through things and we will be ok(crossing fingers). I ordered us the book called The Love Dare. Its the book that Fireproof is based on, so we are both going to read it and journal and see what happens.

In the mean time I am going to keep hanging in there. Everyone is trying to help and pull strings to get me back to Ft Sill. I hope it all works and fast!! Moving back to Arkansas has been one of my biggest regrets ever. Live and learn-right?!?! The school here sucks big ones. I mean I knew it wouldn't be what we had in Lawton, but I was at least expecting Harrisburg standards.........haha yeah right. So far they have managed to lose him and break his stroller all in the same week. Yes that is right, break his 5 thousand dollar stroller I worked 5 years to get. IF I can find someone from the company to come fix it, you can best bet this woman won't be paying the bill. They broke it, they will fit it.

Kale is doing good. Not really doing anything new, but not going backwards so that is good. We are hitting the sign language hard and heavy to see if he will start using it. He lost his first tooth in Sept and the permanent one still hasn't come in yet. Elijah is now pulling up and has his 2 front bottom teeth. His 2 front top teeth are poking through so they will be completley in before long-I hope. Thats right RK, you are being shown up by a 9 month old!!

Blake is now SGT!!!! He got promoted on Nov 1 and I am so proud of him. He worked hard and it has paid off. Now that he is SGT there is even less time for us to communicate, but that is the price you pay. I was always raised with the thinking of family first no matter what. Now that I married into the military, its a whole new way of thinking. The Army comes first now, especially during deployment and honestly its a swift kick in the ego. I'm like who does this Army bitch think she is?? So my new name is Mistress Lindsey. Sounds like a stripper name and extra money doesn't hurt :)

Other than that nothing much has been going on. Just trying to keep busy so time flies. Just taking everything one day at a time and trying to handle everything myself. Last thing I want to do is worry Blake with things. Crap with us is strained enough without me adding every day worries to it. Just in a nasty funk again. My blood work is still funky and my thyroid is still not regulated. Dr says rest more and don't stress!! What's that?? Is she serious?? Well I am going to bed now........doctor's orders. Well it is after midnight. 143

Blah blah blah

Its me again. Its been almost a month so I thought I would bless everyone with a new blog. Seriously I don't know how Stacy does it. She tells me of all these sewing adventures, then Bunko, soccer, and still has time to blog-and she has a job.......So help a sista out!! Share your secret!! Hell I am doing good if I get to take a shower without rushing........I just don't know how yall do it. So whats new here. Kale had school pictures made and we got them back the other day. I must say he got his Granny's photogenic quality-which is none. They both either have their eyes closed, look drunk, or look high. Oh well. He is doing good in school and we-meaning I- am hitting the sign language hard and heavy. They said a couple weeks ago he said more and eat, but he hasn't done it for me. He is of course teaching Elijah how to get into EVERYTHING!!!! Elijah is doing well. He isn't crawling yet he does the Army crawl as we call it. He can scoot fast though. He is jabbering with bububababubu and mamamamamama and dadadadadada. He also started dancing the other day which is so funny. Between the fights over toys and sippy cups they keep me pretty busy. I actually had the first session of me time since Blake has been gone, well other than going out to birthday dinner but I caught hell over that so that doesn't count. My bff Tracy had a passion party and after that some of us girls went out for drinks and dancing. It was a much needed break!! So, I'm good for at least 3 more months.

Blake is doing well. He got his promotable status which means he will be SGT soon and I am so proud of him. His hard work is finally starting to pay off. He reupped for 6 more years, so we will be at Ft Sill at least a year after he gets back. After that who knows, we may stay and we may go. We are both just ready for deployment to be over with, only about 9 more months!!!! I enjoy trying to find fun things to send over there. I have some Halloween goodie bags that I will be sending this week and then I will start thinking about Christmas goodie bags. I know I know its early, but there are alot of guys so I gotta get started. This semester of school is going so much better than last semester-thank God!!

This weekend has been one of pure, downright boredom. I sit and wonder where everyone that said, come back to Arkansas so we can spend time with you and the boys suddenly went. Um hello, we are here and everyone disappears. Lesson learned! Next deployment I will stay put-screw this! As soon as a house opens up on post, and hopefully thats soon, we will head back to Okie.....until then I will just bide my time here in Hillbillyville. I guess that is about all that has gone on with us. I know its so exciting!!! haha Oh there was excitement this month. On Oct 3rd a brand new, shiny, pink Dell laptop was delivered to my door-complete with matching bag and mouse-courtesy of my husband. Surprise for me!! I mean he doesn't know how to send flowers but he sure knows how to pick out a laptop-not too shabby!! So, of course, he has major brownie points-hell he has a whole pan of brownies. Well I guess I will leave you with something I stole from a friends page, or as they say in the Army I acquired it :) Blake we love you and miss you!! Hurry home!! 143

I'm not the perfect Army wife. The deployments sometimes get to me and there are times where nothing seems to go right when he is gone. I think about how wonderful it would be to have my soldier home all of the time. There are times when he is home I push him away so it doesn't hurt so bad when he leaves again. At night I cry cause I can no longer handle trying to stay strong. There are times where I feel like walking away from this life I built, but when I stop and think about it I remember just how much I love my man and I am proud to be an army wife.

Trace Adkins Is In The House

So today was the usual, dull day around here. Took Kale to school, came back home, went to the post office, picked Kale up, and then home again. Kale got scratched at school today by another little boy. It's not too bad, I mean no blood or anything, I'm just glad Kale didn't grab a handful of hair when the kid scratched him. I am sure he thought about it and probably even tried it. When I picked him up the teacher was showing me the scratch and explaining what had happened and I asked Kale if he was ok....he looked up at me as if saying mom you should have seen the other guy haha Kale's a tough cookie I am sure he will be fine, but just to be sure I put some triple antibiotic cream on it after his bath. Elijah is cutting his first tooth. Last Thursday morning he was chewing on granny's finger and she felt it. Now you can see it and its growing fast!! He hasn't been fussy or anything with it(bangin on wood) so hopefully it will come in ok. He is cooing and I am thinking he will be talking before long. I have him saying mmmmm after he takes a bite of food and he is screeching at the top of his lungs. Not crawling just scooting on his belly but is trying to pull up. Maybe he thinks crawling is a waste of time and wants to grow straight to walking-who knows.

To explain the headline for today's post. I chatted online with Blake for a bit today. I knew he was excited about something because he was more talky than normal. When I asked him what was up he said I met Trace Adkins today. My first thought was BITCH. Then I was like huh. He said Trace had come to sing for them and then sat around and chatted, took pictures, and signed autographs for them. He told them that he watched him on Glenn Beck a couple months back, of course that credit goes to me cause I made him watch it cause I'm addicted to that show. Anyways he sounded up beat and it was refreshing to hear him excited about something. It also warmed my heart that Trace Adkins would take time to sit and relax with the guys before leaving........I think that meant more to them than anything. Other than that Blake is doing good. He goes to the board next week to see if he can get promoted so everyone say an extra prayer for us. He has been studying and working his butt off, he really deserves it. He got a good conduct medal a couple of weeks ago, BUT just told me about it yesterday cause as he says its no big deal. To which I replied a medal is a medal in my book. Hopefully he won't get too flustered at boards, it can be intimidating, and will be passed up to SGT. I mean I was reading the study guide for this crap and there is even a certain way you have to enter the room!!! You have to know alot of crap and no cheat sheets allowed. Anyhow that is about all that is going on around here.......

Brooks will be in town the end of this week, bu t will be golfing, and then I will be up here while he is at mom and dad's so I prolly won't get to see him. I think that sucks big time cause Elijah hasn't even gotten to meet him yet and I really want him to wear his bibs Brooks and Supy got him so he can see how cute he looks in them.....oh well. Maybe next time huh. Well I am going to do some studying then off to bed. 143

First Visit From The Tooth Fairy

So yesterday Kale went to the dentist for a check up. While the chick was cleaning his teeth she mentioned how loose one was and how the dentist may want to pull it cause it was hanging there. Well about that time she started polishing that tooth and out it popped. Kale screamed, blood gushed, and a tooth went flying.....after I realized he was fine I thought wow she prolly just saved me a hundred bucks by the dentist not having to pull it.....bad mommy. So other than that his teeth are healthy and his other front tooth is loose and will be next. How that kid has healthy teeth I will never know, nor will I complain about it. I can barely brush his teeth, let alone for the 2 minutes they recommend. So, even though we waited 2 1/2 hours to get called back Kale did well. There were kids kicking, screaming, yelling, crying, and Kale looked at them like whats the big deal. For some reason he fights for me to brush his teeth, but when we go to the dentist he just lays there and opens his mouth, seriously he does. I think he fights me to make my life hard :) The tooth fairy; being the brilliant, awesome, beautiful, person she is left him three dollars :)

Elijah is doing good and finally gaining weight. He took a bath the other night with Ruby Kate, which I am sure scarred him for life hehe They look like Ebony and Ivory, poor white kid. After the bath he and RK fought over the passy and dug through the diaper bag.....(I will get pictures of all this posted soon but my computer is being stupid!)

Things with Blake and I are going ok. Hopefully the adjustment period is about to be over with. I tell you I am going to ask for a raise!!! Being a wife is hard stuff!!! And me biting my tongue is even harder!!! I just keep telling myself one day at a time and that I am where God wants me to be. Blake knows he is going to re-up but doesn't know if he wants to stay at Ft Sill or go to Ft Sam Houston(San Antonio, TX). For selfish reasons I would like to stay at Sill. I finally have friends there, the schools are awesome, and it would be easier setting up shop there. BUT Ft Sam Houston is a medic's dream post. I so want him to get it, but it is hard to get assigned there. So who knows where we will end up.....I don't care as long as we are all together. This week will hold more of the same.....school, grocery shopping, and playing with the boys. Friday is Kale's birthday!!! I can't believe he will be 8!!! It doesn't seem possible!!! His dad, stepmother, and sister are going to come see him and we are going to party!!!! So, that should be fun, right?!?! I guess that is about all.....not much to blog about really. Maybe one day I will be able to blog about the end of the deployment....ooohhhh I can't wait!!! I'm off to cook some dinner and then have bath time for the boys. Peace out!!! 143

Catch Up!

Well since it has been 20 forevers since I wrote a blog I thought I would make an appearance. Nothing has been going on around here. Last week was hell on wheels and this week is shaping up to be the same way. I am going stir crazy in hickville, but what can ya do. Blake is doing ok and hopefully will be home for R&R in a couple months. We desperately need the R&R to get here. Seems we will have a couple good days and the a bad two weeks and then repeat the process all over again. I am about to the end of my rope-I don't know what to do. Every time I try venting I hear well cut him some slack he is stressed out. Yes, he is and I understand that, but in my own defense I am a little on the stressed side. Its starting to seriously mess with my mind, body, and soul. The stupid bitch Aunt Flo is making her appearance twice a month and bringing Uncle Cramp with her both times!!! UGH!!!! So the past week I have been accused of only thinking of myself. Maybe I do.....I wonder what would happen if I started thinking only of myslef. Lunches wouldn't be packed, clothes wouldn't be washed, babies wouldn't get fed, and care packages wouldn't get sent. I'm not trying to say I am all that and a bag of skittles, but come on a little credit. I do, however, think of myself when I go get my nails did and eyebrows waxed.....I don't want to look like Bert.

I find myself wondering why all of this is happening and what is to come of everything. I know God has a reason for everything, but come on a little slack wouldn't kill ya! Even though it may not be apparent to most people, my husband included, I am doing the best that I can! I know those same people think I am too weak to make it through this, BUT the people that know me know different. Someone tells me I can't do something and I make sure I accomplish it if for nothing else than to piss them off......that's the bitch coming out in me. Its been 2 months since Blake left and I still find myself waking up reaching for him. Stupid me woke up the other day at 6 reaching for him and thought oh he is just gone to PT. I sat there a minute and said Lindsey you are loosing it!! Maybe I am. I take pride in my role as a wife and mother, and I find myself not being able to be a wife. Yes, I still have the title, but none of the responsibilities. I can't cook for him, make sure he has uniforms to wear, laugh at him and with him.......I miss him terribly and often times I wonder if he feels the same way.

I look down at the boys and watch them play and thank God for my healthy family. True most people don't consider Kale healthy, but compared to where he has been he is the picture of perfection to me. Elijah, bless his heart, is still a runt. He is starting to get some thighs on him and a little belly, but I wonder what the next step will be if he isn't gaining weight. Not to worry, I am gaining enough for both of us! Kale is doing well in school so far and he seems to like it.

I don't know what the rest of the deployment has in store for us. All I can do is hope for the best and keep truckin' along. So, at the end of the day I put my faith in God knowing that he will lead me down the right path. I keep telling myself I am where God wants me to be. I try to see the good in every bad day, wondering what I can learn from that day. When I find myself lost and not knowing where I fit in, I look at my boys and it all makes since. I have to keep pushing along, not for me, but for them. Me sitting here crying itsn't helping anyone, most of all them. So, I pick myself up, dust myself on, put a smile on my face, and take on the world head on. So everyone and I meane EVERYONE know that I really am doing my best, the best I know how. Maybe one day someone will see that. Until then......................................................................143

Does Size Matter????

So, does size really matter?? According to pediatricians it does. I took the boys to the doctor yesterday and my little runt Elijah has fallen off of the growth chart. Not in the 1%, I mean 0%. At his 4 month check up he was 25.25 inches in length and 12lbs 12oz in weight. Well yesterday at his 6 month he was 26in and 13lbs 3 1/2 oz hmmmmm. My poor runt. So, since he can't eat more than 4 ounces at a time without you wearing it, Dr Sneed put us on double strength formula. She thinks he is so active that he is burning off everything he is eating. So we will try that and go back for a weight check in a few weeks. We also checked his thyroid function, because I didn't want it to go unlooked at like Kale's did thanks to ACH, and since we were getting blood any how we went ahead and did a full blood work up on Elijah. I know you are thinking we are stressing too much over the weight, but last time I had a child fall off the growth chart, that is when all hell broke loose. So we want to make sure we cover our basis here.
Kale on the other hand is a picture of health. He had grown and couple inches and lost 3 pounds. I thought he had and this confirms it. All of that walking around and the nutritionist suggestions are paying off. A nutritionist that works at the hospital with mom was nice enough to draw us up a meal plan of sorts for Kale. She even put it into English so that I can understand it, because nutritionist talk is like a whole different language than regular medical jargon. Kale showed off his walking skills to Dr Sneed, and she about cried. Everyone's hard work, most of all Kale's, is starting to pay off.......now if we could just get him to talk. We also did blood work on Kale just to make sure none of his meds need adjusting and got referrals for the dentist and eye doctor.
Thats about all that has been going on around here. Oh yeah. Mom and dad had a new air unit put in. So we are thinking cool sailing....um not so much. They didn't have a part to finish it so we had no air last night. Every single time we come down to mom and dad's their air messes up, maybe I am cursed. It got cool in here about midnight or so, but I hope they come to finish it today. Well that is about all from here. Blake is on his way to a different FOB in Iraq and should be there tomorrow morning his time, late tonight our time. He was suppose to already be there but they had a sand storm so that put them back a day or so. I guess that is about it. I will feed my runt again and try to get him fat. Peace out homies!

Sad Face

Dear Deployment,
I HATE YOU!!!!!

Insomnia Bites!!!!

So why am I not sleeping?? I haven't slept more than 2 or 3 hours a night in weeks!!!! Crazy thing is I don't feel tired. I know at some point I will burn out, because I am getting too old for this. Today was a very productive day for me. I actually got caught up on school work, made eye appointments for Kale and I, dentist appointment for me, registered with a Pharmacy, did laundry, and just got done cleaning the kitchen. Yes that is how exciting my life is, doing dishes at midnight! I like to keep the excitement to a minimum wouldn't want anyone to have heart palpitations on me. :) Other than that nothing else has been happening around the Brietz household. While in seminar tonight I did learn about STD's. Bottom line: wear a hat when traveling!!! And we also learned how they put in penile extensions. Why I have to know that to type up medical records I don't know, but hey I could have me a job on the side......I could call it Lindsey's Slice Shop. Kinda catchy I think! OK this blog is going absolutely nowhere so I guess I will stop there. Blake stay safe! Miss you and love you!!!

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