To Those of You Wondering If I Have Fallen Off the Face of the Earth

Dear Those-Who-Have-Been-Wondering-if-I-Have-Fallen-Off-the-Face-of-the-Earth,

No, I have not. I am still around. Life has been exceedingly crazy the past two weeks. We spent the week leading up to Halloween discovering that my husband was going to Iraq, deciding that the rest of us should go live at my parents' house for the duration of hubby's tour, packing up/cleaning our rental house, withdrawing children from school, and preparing for a cross-country road trip. All went fairly well, except for the fact that trying to pack an entire house and subsequently cleaning it all by oneself while dealing with four children is not and enjoyable experience. Thank goodness for friends who took pity on me and watched my children for me! And we did not get the house cleaned to the management company's requirements. I know we didn't. So bye-bye, deposit. You will be missed.

The drive across the country was actually rather enjoyable. We did the first leg right after we turned in our keys to the management company. It was hard, seeing as we had spent the whole day cleaning. But we made it. I have to say that the South in the Fall is just absolutely breathtaking. And the further north we drove, the more beautiful it became. The kids did well in the car. Not too many meltdowns. Thank goodness we have adaptable children!

(three and a half days later...)

Nebraska is not very, shall we say, lovely. But Wyoming along I-80 is worse. Much worse.

We arrived at my parents' house Sunday evening, just in time for dinner. Dinner is good. Especially after living off of fast food. *shudders* Fast food, while good on occasion, is not at all good more than two times in a row. So not good. So thanks, Mom and Dad, for the delicious meal. It was very much appreciated.

We spent the next couple of days getting settled in. It's amazing how moms (and I am speaking of myself at this point) are given the gift/curse of being able to run off of pure adrenaline when the need arises. I had a sinus infection (did I mention that) for the whole packing/moving/traveling ordeal, but was still able to unpack. I knew a crash was inevitable, but things must be done to preserve sanity in an insane situation.

Hubby and I were able to get a night all to ourselves at a quaint little hotel two nights before he left. It was wonderful. And that's all that needs to be said.

It was difficult saying good-bye to Hubby. And that's all that needs to be said.

(The following week...)

The kids have started school. It's nice to have a routine, again. It makes things seem more normal. My family has been wonderful. They've been so helpful, and I just can't thank them enough. The kids are calming down, as well. It almost got to the point where we were all ready to sell them on eBay, but they are quickly redeeming themselves. Except can anyone please explain to me why children seem to become hyper after 5pm? Or is it just my children?

So there you go. I have not fallen of the face of the Earth. I'm just hanging on the edge for a bit.

The End,
Nomes