Not Enough Hours......

I finished my last final for this semester yesterday. Apparently while I was walking into the testing center, Clem called. I got his message when I got back out to the car. I wasn't terribly heart broken over it because he was online yesterday afternoon. I had to remind myself that this time around is MUCH better than it was 5 years ago.....and 60 years ago. At least now I have the luxury of online communication and letters that will get to me in 8 days. My poor grandmother. I'm always reminded when I talk to her how hard it was when my grandfather was in WWII. I don't think I could've done it back then.

I'm not much of a morning person (I'm sure that comes as a shock to most people), but yesterday morning was an exceptionally bad one for Lilly and me. I felt so terrible after I got the kids to school that I decided I'd surprise Lilly by picking her up early from school and having a "date." Needless to say, she was completely surprised. We had hot chocolate and spent a long time just talking. She's really an awesome kid-very smart, very aware. I had fun with our one-on-one time. I thought Dewey might be a little upset with me when I told him yesterday afternoon, but he wasn't. I think I need to make more of an effort spending special time with each kid. I think it would help everyone. I felt better after spending time with Lilly. I think by spending quality time with each of them it'll help with all my feelings of guilt and inadequacy as a mother. Dewey and I had a long talk the other night about how I feel about being a mom.

Since I finished my final a day early, I decided to spend the whole day catching up on my housework. So what do I do instead? Get on here. I have a kitchen, 2 bathrooms and PILES of laundry screaming at me. It never ceases to amaze me how little time I have when school's going on to do simple, necessary things like folding laundry. It often kills me that I don't have someone here to share the load. Good news, though. He'll probably be home Wednesday or Thursday (17th or 18th) for R&R. WOO HOO!! We actually get 2 Christmases in a row with him!!! It's purely coincidental that he'll be home this year. I've even lied to the kids telling them he won't be home until January or February. It would be nice if I'm forgiven for that little fib, but I think the kids' reaction will be worth it in the end. I think that's what I'm MOST excited about. How often do we get to do something for our children that will bring them so much joy? He'll only get 15 days home, but 15 days is better than no days. I'll just be left with almost 9 more months without him. That's ok. It'll pass eventually, and then we'll get him home for next Christmas, too. HOLY COW! 3 CHRISTMASES IN A ROW??!!

Well, I really should go get my stuff done. It's already 1130. I only have 3 and a half more hours until the kids are home. Toodles!