Day 55

Happy Birthday Daddy!! Today Daddy celebrated his 31st Birthday many many miles away. A few weeks ago the kids and I made Daddy his Birthday Cake in a Jar and sent it to him so he would have a home made treat in time.

Daddy had a chance to call and talk for a few minutes today. He was in incredibly high spirits. He was very excited to tell me he received many many many packages the last two days all for his Birthday. For lunch today he said he broke out the one Hickory Farms kit and a few other guys enjoyed it with him. He does have one question, who sent the second Hickory Farms package?

Day 54

What a Adorable purse, huh??? I am so totally stoked Emma FINALLY got herself a ACU bag. I have wanted to get her one for so long!! Daddy just happened to pick out the Dora Patch about 2 years ago. And my good friend and maker of the bag surprised me by getting Emma a name tape. Thank you Summer!! WE so love this bag.

We had a good long day. I had a all day FRG Leader training so the kids were in Day Care all day. And they did great. I was so happy to hear Logan took a 2 hour nap in one of the care givers arms and Emma enjoyed playing on the computer that the pre-schoolers have access too. It feels so good to know the kids are so comfortable and have a good time in Day Care.

Day 53

Today we had a nice day at home. This AM I woke up really not wanting to P90X. I started to do doubles last week which is about 2 hours of workouts a day 5 days a week and today I just said no, I need a extra day of rest. So that is what we did A LOT of rest.

It was a nice day today. Today and tomorrow we are expecting the temps to be in the 40's before it dips back in the low teens tomorrow night. Today the high got to about 46 degrees. So I decided I would make a path on over to the bbq. Beneath the 6 inches of snow is about 2 1/2 of ice so I had to walk carefully over to the grill. Oh, it was yummy!!

Day 52

This Video is a Emma dancing in the kitchen one evening, I think right after she got that new "dress" (She calls nightgowns dresses)

All is well around here. I am super tired and ready to go to bed early.

Day 51

For whatever reason I cannot get a video to upload today. Sorry:(


All is well here. The Jeep is causing me more headaches and heartaches. I am looking forward to driving my Honda tomorrow. All signs are saying I should not be driving that vehicle.


We had a easy peasy day here. A whole lot of phone calls and some dusting and organizing, fun stuff I tell ya.


I will continue to work on getting some good clips and new pictures!!

Day 50

Finally a clip of Logan:)

Day 49

Again, I failed at taking pictures or a video today. To give myself credit we were not home at all. We left early this morning for the early Service at church and then headed to the mall. After we left my friends from dinner Logan fell asleep and Emma was in bed as soon as we got home.


As I was dressing Logan for church I remembered that his 12 months jeans really do not fit very well. Poor Boy had to wear jeans that stopped right at the top of his socks. Emma was incredibly upset that I did not wash her Christmas dress last night and I would not let her wear her flower girl dress to church. It was obvious we are in need of new clothes.


After church we headed to Penny's. Logan now has 2 new pairs of jeans and Emma got a new pastel purple dress and pretty sweater, Mommy even got 2 new shirts. And I ran into the Gap with a gift card and got the kids new Gap sweatshirts, I love that store:)


We spent the rest of the afternoon at a friends house playing. The kids love to be at the Sunderman's and they play quietly (for the most part) for hours. Giving me the opportunity to talk to another adult with limited interruptions.

Day 48

Sorry no video or pics today. I kind of forgot until late this evening and Logan was in no mood to cooperate. I am working on trying to get a good clip of Logan talking a little.



Today was a nice day. We really did not do a heck of a lot except organize the play room a little. I am trying to figure out a way to put all the toys in Logan's view without it looking like a pig sty. Since the playroom in right next to the front room I try to always have it looking somewhat cleaned up but I think I just need to get over it.


Tonight was movie night. We watched the Disney flick UnderDog. I am so totally not a Disney chick but this film was all right since it had real people and only 1 talking dog. Logan seemed to dig it most of the time while Emma got scared at many points. Now that the kids are in bed I am headed into the bath and then hopefully will fall asleep on the couch. (my favorite thing to do)

Day 47

For the first time in 20 days we woke up to about 4 inches of snow. It was an incredible 3 weeks, not waking up to snow that must be moved!!! Ha-Ha, it was not that bad. After all the salt I laid yesterday it was very easy to throw and because we had so many "warm" (35 degree days) a lot of the snow had melted and resided.

Today was a good day. God is incredible. I have been in a bit of a funk and so needed a day like today. Because Logan has a rackity cough he could not go to day care but I took Emma anyway. Logan ended up taking a 3 hour nap which was incredible on my part. I read for about an hour, worked on the FRG newsletter, and got misc. stuff done around the house. I was able to snag a baby-sitter for Logan so I could still take Emma to her friends swimming birthday party. Emma and I had a really good time. And the pool was heated at 91 degrees it felt oh so good.

Isaiah 41:13 (New International Version)
13 For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

Day 46

Today was another pretty good day. We stayed busy all day. Matt emailed asking for new slippers and some extra PJ bottoms. His big trunk is Missing and he now does not have some of the "extras" that are nice to have . So we headed to the Dollar Store to get Matt some stuff for a couple care packages. It so makes my day to be able to send him just a few things that may make the time over there a little more bearable.

Speaking of Matt, another Facebooker emailed to say she say Matt on CNN this AM. A short 45 minutes later I was watching a smiling really handsome man standing next to a group of children. You can look up the video by going to Cnn.com and click on Videos and than scroll through the videos to find Afghanistan's Ongoing War. Or go to my facebook and click on the link.

This afternoon we headed to the Bowling alley for some free FRG bowling. Emma had a blast. Logan did not care for it so much. He was having a hard time understanding why I would not let him chase the balls down the lane:) Enjoy the little clip!!!

Day 45

It is snowing again!! Uggg, we had like 2 weeks of no snow and it was ohh so nice. This AM I got out and dumped about 75 pounds of salt all over the ice patches of have not wanted to deal with. After all that salt I was super stoked to see most of the ice melted. Except at the bottom of the driveway which is no surprise. So we are ready here for the dumping of snow they are calling for.

Today was a GREAT day. We were super lazy and it was really nice. I finally got my workout in this afternoon. Logan took a 4 1/2 hour nap, I think he is fighting off something. Emma even took a little nap until 4:45 when I woke her. After the kids woke up we put Emma's new shelves together and I labeled her new containers for all her "big girl" toys. She has been so good she has earned back a number of toys.

Psalm 18:2 (New International Version)
2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn [a] of my salvation, my stronghold.

Day 44

Today was one of the days that seeing the Green Flower of the Month Club box made me smile.

I knew today would be long, I took the kids to Day care so I could do the big grocery shopping trip and go to the Doctor for a normal check-up. I did not plan enough time to unload the groceries and had to go straight to the Doc which made me anxious. It took way too long to get all the paperwork together, and I was starting to get antsy. When really there was a reason for my anxiety. The CDC was trying to reach me to tell me Logan had a fever. 1 hour later I picked my little red eyed boy up and felt horrible for not making it sooner.

Today was a long day. After all was said and done I got to arrange my newest bouquet while Logan happily snacked. His fever went down after Tylenol and he ate a good dinner. I am praying the fever was a teething fever and not a infection or flu fever.

Day 43

Today was a really good day!!! We all woke up and hung out around the house for a few hours before we got ourselves ready to head into town. We had plans to meet one of Emma's classmates at the local Sci-Tech center. We had so much fun. This is a two story large playroom. Emma loved running around looking at all the experiments. Logan just wanted to run around. They had a phone station that had a stepping stool that had him. Really anything that he could climb on:)

We spent a few hours at home before we headed to the Y. I let myself sleep in this morning and it totally worked out that the Y has evening childwatch so for once I got the best of both worlds. I was able to sleep in (well 7 is sleeping in) and get in a good run without listening to a kid screaming:)

Day 42

Today's blog is actually a few pics from yesterday. Yesterday we attended the Lowe's kids workshop for the first time. Emma and I made a Jewelry box, it was SOO much fun!! Next month I think it is some kind of a truck, maybe Logan will join us.

Today we had a good day. After a LONG day at church we (Logan and I) enjoyed a 2 hour nap while Emma enjoyed 2 quite hours glued to the TV. (A rare treat right now) After we all woke up and turned off the TV we prepared for some dinner guests. It was my pleasure to have another military spouse and her 2 kids over for dinner and some great fellowship. This is another Strong Christian Mom who's hubby is deployed and lives right down the street. I had a blast while I truly enjoyed some company.

Day 41

Happy Valentine's Day

We have had a GREAT day. The kids sleep in, which is always inviting. I woke up at 7:00 to the sun shining in the windows and silence:) I was able to lay in bed and watch the morning news until 7:45 when the kids woke up. After the kids finished their breakfast I let them have one of their Valentine Treats and they wanted the chocolate rose. So that is what the video is about- chocolate for breakfast!!

Day 40

Tonight for the first time in 2 weeks we got to have our movie night. I am teaching Emma how we earn things and FINALLY we had a GREAT day and earned a movie. Tonight we watched a old Black and White Curly Sue movie, it was great. It was so great I feel fast asleep 45 as soon as I put Logan to bed, about 45 minutes into the movie. It was fun to curl up with the kids and play on the floor.

Tonight I am exhausted for whatever reason and really just want to curl up and watch ER, and that is what I am going to do!!!

Day 39

Today's video is about the kid that has no fears!! He shows his true fun filled daring side here.

Today I had a chance to go to Emma's school for her Valentine's Party. We had a nice little time and she got a ton of cute little Valentine's with treats. After the Party Emma and I went out to lunch. She surprised me and ate the entire meatball the size of my fist with some spaghetti. She totally got to pick out a treat from her Valentine Bag. We had a nice little chat about the way she needs to act and some fun stuff ahead she may miss out on.

The Lord continues to test me in areas I am having a hard time with. I will continue to lead on him (and some close friends and family) for guidance and strength.

Psalm 46:1 (New International Version)
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Day 38

Being a "Single Parent" Sucks. Being so far from "home" is lousy. Not having someone to turn to and feel a sense of "ahhh" is lonely. Tonight has got to be one of the hardest nights yet. My nights are usually my best. After I get the kids to bed I gather all my stuff and sit on the couch with my lap top and then turn a program on that I will watch while I click. I usually loose myself until I realize it is just way to late. Tonight I just don't want to.


I really don't feel much like blogging tonight. Tonight is a night I should just go listen to the odd sound of rain falling in February as I try to mentally let go of the struggles of the day.

Day 36

So we are trying something a little new with Emma, A sticker reward chart. Gramie helped me create a chart that including all the things she must accomplish as well as things that are just part of our routine, there are 12 things in total. At the end of the day if she completes all the tasks ( wake up happy, eat the lunch she pics, brushes her teeth) she will get 1 big smiley face that will allow her to pic some fun stuff at the end of the week. Like a date with Mommy or watching TV. ( We are back to the NO TV rule)

Day one was great, Day Two, not soo good. We talked about what happened and she is pumped to have a better day tomorrow.

Please pray for Emma, she is really struggling with the changes. I believe it has become apparent to Emma that Daddy is really gone for a long long time. Last night she woke up at 9:15 very upset and missing Daddy, all she wanted was to have me pray over her for her Daddy. Please pray God wraps his arms around his Angel and guides her through the next year. Please Pray our God will be with Matt as he continues to lead his Soldiers into battle, that his Soldiers will feel God's arms around them as he guides them down this path.

Thank you all

Day 35

Okay, so this video is not exactly what you are seeing but hearing the sweat contagious laughter of a 15 month old. After coming home from a long day we all changed into our snow gear to head outside. Even though we have had some incredible high 30's days we still have a good 18 inches in the back yard. Emma wanted to head over to the play place so I started to make the trek with Logan in my arms. With every step I took my foot would fall the 12-18 inches and Logan thought that was hilarious. I hope you enjoy:)

God is Good. Life is definitely sending me some trials. Unbelievably I have this sense of patience and acceptance. I am me and no one but me can change that!! I am determined to make my point without being rude, negative, or insensitive and life could not be better!! Praise Jesus!!

Day 34

Today was a GREAT day. The kids woke up in really good moods and we have a good morning. After church we ran a few errands before coming home for lunch and nap time. It is rare that Emma actually takes a nap but she took a really good one today. After my super long night I tried to lay down and read to relax but there was just too much "clicking" that needed to be done.

After nap time we worked up a little present for Daddy. We made Cake in a Jar for Daddy's upcoming birthday. We also took a few videos that I will plan on posting when it is closer to Daddy's Birthday. The kids had so much fun with this, I definitely encourage this activity, I am told you can also make bread in a jar??

Day 33

I am finally getting a chance to blog a little tonight. Today we all had a very nice easy day at home. Logan was super cranky today but was able to eat more food and did not have any more signs of the flu. Emma was also good.

So this evening I headed out to a friends home for a get- together. I had a lot of fun hanging out with some good friends.

Since coming home at 9:30 I have spent way too much time on the phone!!! Logan is also stirring. It is super windy here tonight and his room has a draft. It might be a long night, I just moved him in with me and turned up the heat in hopes his room will heat back up.

Day 32

This is actually a picture from Matt's first deployment in Afghanistan but it always makes me smile. Today as I was looking for this picture I took some time to look through Emma's old pictures. Most of the pictures I was looking at was when she was 2 years old and what a resemblance her and Logan have, especially when they are crying. I will try to post a few of those soon.



Logan is still sick with the Flu. thankfully he is not pucking but it is coming out the other end. I have been giving him a liquid diet along with crackers, toast, and banana's and he is horribly upset with this. He wants real food and he wants it now!!! Please pray this virus will FINALLY leave his body, it has been 8 days now.


Emma is doing alright. She is complaining of a sour stomach yet she enjoyed the tootsie rolls, yogurt, and cake snacks she had. She insisted on crackers with Gatorade for dinner!! She even took a nap today. I will be praying that she sleeps off whatever is trying to make her sick.

Day 31

WOWSA!! It is hard to believe it has been 1 whole month at this point. It really has gone by super fast for us here in the Thom household. When I think about the last 30 days there is only 1 thing that really comes to mind and that is colds, the flu, and sore muscles!!!

Today the kids had doctors appointments. Logan's was supposed to be his 15 month well baby but he is not a well baby right now. We are going on Day number 6 of having the flu, my poor little guy. So we are onto a clear liquid diet and maybe a little of the BRAT diet tomorrow. The only problem is the kid is such a Brut I am not going to be able to keep food out of his hands.

My little princess may not be feeling all too well either. She had a low grade fever at the Doctors today and another one again tonight. She is yakking like crazy tonight. I fear she is next which kind of sucks because I have a fun filled girls only Saturday night.

The above pic was just to precious to pass on. Logan LOVES his Daddy (Doll- Matt had me name the Doll Logan's Ddaddy) but has kind of taken to the plastic covered picture of his Daddy on that voodoo looking doll. I am going to pull up the pic I have of Emma from our last Afghanistan deployment for tomorrow.

Day 30

I am not really sure how I managed to delete this particular blog but I thought I would put the video back up.

So originally this was a day late and now that it is 2 days later that I am putting it back up I really cannot remember what happened on that day:)

Day 29

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Today was a "ahhh" day. I had/have the opportunity to go cross country skiing every Tuesday afternoon. I had the most awesome time. One of the best parts was looking at all the trees and snow covered ground and thinking "God is Awesome"!! I think we covered about 4 or 5 miles in the 1 hour 45 minutes we were out there and I enjoyed every minute. I am not sure how my hip flexors are going to feel tomorrow but I am totally hooked on this new form of exercise and cannot wait until next week!!

God is Good, God is Awesome, Please Praise God with me. He works in mysterious was but I know he has a plan for us!!

Day 28

We continue to be a sickey flu like symptom household. Logan and I had a okay day. Both of us were eating and drinking normal but still not feeling up to par. I fear Emma made be starting to get sick tonight. She spent the entire afternoon either sleeping or in between her room and pacing the living room. Finally at 5:30 I asked her if she wanted to watch TV in Mommy's room and of course, that was fine with her. Both kids have been down for a couple hours now and are okay so far.

Despite not feeling well I was productive today. I got the house cleaned up and even cleaned the vehicles. It was a balmy 38 when Emma got home from school so I thought what a better day than to pull out the vacuum and Armor All and clean the Jeep and the Honda. I am actually excited to drive my little Honda tomorrow, it is all clean:)

I have a few videos from the last couple of weeks that I am saving for days like these. There was no way I was going to get a good happy video of both kids. Hope you enjoy watching Logan enjoy his apple!

Day 27

Today was the day every Mommy of a Deployed Spouse dreads, the "Mommy is Sick Day" Last night I finally went to bed feeling a little sour and when Logan woke up at 5:30 it had not changed. Logan too was still not himself, but he did eat a little and drank a TON of water. There were a couple good things that came out of today. The first Emma was awesome. She loves to watch TV so she really welcomed the idea of sitting in front of the tube all day with her beloved "me-me". The other good thing was Logan was also sick. Since he got up so early he took his first nap a little before 8, so I was able to set Emma up and headed back to bed myself for 2 hours. After we go up and I found the energy to fix some food for the kids Logan quickly realized only 1 1/2 hours later that he wanted to go back to bed. I loved the idea myself and settled in for another 2 hour nap!! All is all today was not a bad day. Yes, I did not feel good but thankfully Emma was a good little girl and when Logan was awake all he wanted to do was sit on my lap!!

The pic above is from us turning the page on the Calender. And the other one is the kids talking on the phone to papa. Logan also loves to play with the phone.