Easter Monday...

We woke up this morning, still sadden by the loss of our soldiers yesterday. We did not know any of them personally, although I recognized one, who had been interviewed the day he deployed. January 29th, the same day as Dan. My heart breaks, for all of their families and friends. I still haven't heard from Dan. I think he is still out. His CO was interviewed from KAF, but if Dan had been in, I'm sure he would have e-mailed. I will feel much better once I hear his voice.

Nana and Poppa packed up and headed home today. They both offered to stay, and if I need them, I know they would come in a heartbeat. They were ready to go, though. I can't say as I blame them, they have been away from home for almost 4 weeks. I missed much of the packing brew haha, I went out for coffee, just like I said I would. I even took Nana with me, thus separating the Bickerson's Senior. The kids were very sad to see them go, but they quickly occupied themselves, eating candy, and playing with their friends. And I hardly had a chance to be lonely. The phone was busy all afternoon, with people checking in on me. And Stu and Arlene, and Joanne all stopped by to make sure I was alright. They certainly know how I feel. Stu is a gunner too, and his identical twin brother did the same job in Afghanistan as Dan. And of course, Dan took over from Jo's husband. It is at times like these, I am especially thankful for our extended family. The support of our family and friends is a welcome comfort. Another difficult day is over, and it's time to get the kids ready to go back to school. And life goes on.

"Knowing what to say is not always necessary; just the presence of a caring friend can make a world of difference."~~ Sheri Curry.

A Very Sad Day...

For 10 weeks, Dan has been in Afghanistan, and every morning, I hold my breath as I read the news, knowing that something terrible could happen at any time. Today was the day it did. I'm sure most of you have heard by now the tragic news of the deaths of six Canadian Soldiers in Afghanistan. Today has been an extremely difficult day for all of us who are a part of the military family. I saw the news this afternoon online, and though I knew if I was reading it on the news, Dan was safe, my heart still stopped. And as a I breathed a sigh of relief it was not my husband, I also knew someone else was crying in anguish at the loss of their husband, son, or brother. As military spouses, we all know the risks involved in this deployment. But knowing the risk, does in no way prepare you for the reality of a tragedy like this. There are no words to describe the feeling of knowing it could have been your husband. After I wiped away a few tears, I then had to call our children in and tell them the news. They had been playing with their friends outside most of the day, and I did not want them to hear about this at the park. I also wanted to prepare them that it could involve their friends, and they would be talking about it at school on Tuesday. I reassured them that their Daddy was safe, but they were understandably upset.

I, like so many others, was anxious all afternoon. Thankfully, Dan's parents were still here, and I was so glad of their support. And I know they were glad to be here. Even though I knew Dan was okay, I was not sure if any of our friends or Dan's soldiers were involved. As devastating as this tragedy is, it would be even more so for Dan if he had lost any of his soldiers. Luckily, this was not the case. Our buddy Stu got the news around supper time, and Arlene called me right away to let me know all of the soldiers involved were from Gagetown. I felt guilty because I was relieved they were not from our base, but I also know they could still be people we know. Our military community is small, and if we didn't know the soldiers directly, odds are we know someone who did. We lived in Gagetown for 6 years, Katherine was born there, and we still have good friends there. This loss will hit the town of Oromocto hard. The majority of the population there, like here, is military or ex military. They will be devastated by this news, but they will rally together to support one another. It is what we do in our military family.

Fortunately, the first two months of Dan's deployment have been quiet. Too quiet perhaps. Sometimes, silence is deafening. I think over the last two months, we may have been lulled into a false sense of security, that maybe we would get lucky this rotation, and every one would come home safe and sound. Today's events are a tragic reminder there is no security. There are no guarantees. Every time the soldiers leave the base, there is always a chance something bad will happen, and we must brace ourselves for the worst, but pray for the best. That is all we can do as spouses and families.

"Our hearts ache for them and their families. And I know as we gather here on Easter Sunday, our thoughts and prayers are with them. Today's events once more remind us of the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform continue to make against those who threaten freedom, democracy and human rights."~~Prime Minister Harper

Here Comes Peter Cottontail...

Oh my, the kids are only a little excited about the Easter Bunny coming tomorrow. They had a great time with the cousins, as usual. Of course, after the cousins left, it was time to get ready for the Easter Bunny. Katty asked me around 6 pm if it was time for bed yet, but I managed to hold her off, otherwise she would have been up at 5 am. They finally coerced Nana into helping them make the Easter candy kit that has been in the cupboard for 4 years. Nana was thrilled by this, of course. This distracted them for a few minutes, but it didn't take nearly long enough. The next thing I know, they had conned me into dying Easter eggs. So, at 7:30 pm tonight, I caved. They had a blast. I was pleasantly surprised by how little mess they made. Once the eggs were done, they watched TV quietly for a little bit, and then willingly went off to bed. Believe it or not, they were all asleep within 5 minutes of going to bed. This might have something to do with exhaustion from last night's sleepover. In fact, even Poppa is asleep. He's having a little nap before he gets up to perform his duties as visiting Easter Bunny. I hope he has a good nap, because Peter Cottontail's left a shed load of chocolate for the Bobbitt children.

"Here comes Peter Cottontail, hoppin' down the bunny trail. Hippity hoppity, Easter's on its way. Bringin' ev'ry girl and boy, a basketful of Easter joy. Things to make your Easter bright and gay."~~Steve Nelson & Jack Rollins

Good Friday With The Cousins...

Well, we woke up to a white Good Friday, joy of joys. It was cold as all get out when I went for my walk early this morning. You'd never know it was April. The kids didn't seem to mind however, as they were too excited about the impending arrival of the cousins. Mike and Annette and the kids and dog came up for the day and night. Uncle Mike even helped Poppa set up the new swing set. Bless him, he convinced his Dad to put it where I had originally wanted it, and I didn't even put him up to it. He even updated my computer for me. I knew he was almost a good brother in law. Although, I've noticed lately that he seems to dress rather oddly. I'm hoping he doesn't go to work dressed like that.

We had our big Easter dinner tonight. Honest to goodness, there was enough food for an army. We won't have to cook for the rest of the weekend. I know this is shocking for those of you who have ever spent a holiday in any one of the three Bobbitt households. Somehow, we're not known for a lack of food. In fact, after a few slivers of double lemon cheesecake with blueberry sauce (which really don't count as a real piece), Annette and I decided a walk would not be out of the question, so we went off for a walk around the block. Looking at the leftovers in the fridge, I'm thinking I'm going to have to double up on the walks for the rest of the week.

"After dinner sit a while, and after supper walk a mile."~~English Saying

And April Snow Brings...

Well, if April showers bring May flowers, what the heck does April snow bring? And no, this is not a trick question. Annoyance, that's what it brings. I have looked out the window and the ground is covered in snow. Snow, damn it. There is more snow on the ground tonight then there was at Christmas. I'm sorry, but the last time I checked the song was not called " White Easter". By the way, feel free to insert profanity at any point in that song title. I did. There is nothing beautiful or wonderful about snow in April. Nothing! Easter is supposed to be warm and sunny, and flowers are supposed to be blooming. not cold, and snowy. Snowy, I say!! I'm not bitter, really. Not bitter that we picked up a new swing set for the kids today, and they will have to wear parkas to go out and play on it. Or all the bubbles that will freeze outside in the frigid air, or the sidewalk chalk they won't be able to use until the snow melts. Bitter, hell yes I'm bitter. Almost as bitter as the wind that's blowing outside right now. Let's hope the Easter Bunny hasn't shed his winter coat yet, or he's going to freeze his fluffy little tail off hiding those eggs.

"The snow doesn't give a soft white damn whom it touches."~~E.E. Cummings

April Showers Bring May Flowers

What a yucky day, it poured rain here most of the day. However, it was brightened by Dan's early morning phone call. He called just in time to talk to all of the kids, which was a great way for them to go off to school. He was even able to reassure Libby that he has not been attacked by two feet long black ants. Apparently, one of the boys in her class told her there were giant poisonous attack ants in Afghanistan, and she's been fretting about it all week. Actually, she's been a little out of sorts all week. I think it's a combination of missing Daddy, and him not being home for Easter. I think she felt a lot better after hearing his voice (I know I do). It was a bit interesting trying to get the kids out the door on time when they were all waiting their turn to talk to Daddy, but no worries, I managed just fine, and off they went for another day at school. Only two more, and then they are off for a four day weekend. And apparently, it is supposed to rain and/or snow all weekend. Wahoo, I so can't wait for that.

Despite the rain, I somehow managed to keep John busy. Being the wise man that he is, he finished all of his outside chores yesterday. So while I went off for my haircut (with my newly found hairdresser who is excellent with naturally curly hair), Poppa set to work with my list of inside chores. I love that man (his endless questions, not so much). The girls now have storage shelves built in to their closets, and all of our wobbly chairs have been repaired. The poor bugger never stops. When he was done all that, he started carting around baskets of laundry. He even watched the kids after school so Nana and I could go shopping. I felt half guilty(not really), so I baked him his favourite chocolate chip cookies tonight (sorry Dan, but don't worry, your peanut butter cookies will be in the mail on Wednesday, promise). I guess they are up to standard, because he's had a few already. Maybe I should have made a double batch after all.

"Sweet April showers, do spring May flowers."~~Thomas Tusser, A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry, 1557

Cookies For Soldiers....

The cleaning lady came this afternoon, and let me tell you, it was the best $30 I have ever spent!! That woman is amazing!! My new mantra has become, "Don't touch those walls." In fact, it is how I greeted the kids when they came home. They weren't even allowed in the house until we'd had the talk. So far, so good, no one has dared touch the walls. While the walls were being washed, Nana and Poppa and I headed in to town. Unfortunately for John, he thought we were just going to Home Hardware, foolish man. Needless to say, he was a bit disgruntled when he discovered there was a trip to both the grocery store, and Zellers in the mix.

I got an e-mail from Dan while we were out. They are back in for a bit. And he is finally feeling better, but it took 48 hours. He was even too sick to have beer during a very rare beer call. Man, he must have been feeling rotten. Poor bugger. No worries though, there are now several boxes of Girl Guide cookies heading his way to make him feel better. Both girls had to sell cookies for Brownies and Sparks (joy of joys). They asked if we could buy some to send to Daddy, but they were concerned Daddy would share them with all the other guys, and there would be none left for Dan. That's when Libby had the great idea of sending all of the cookies to Dan to pass out to the guys, "And we will call it, Cookies For Soldiers". So far, we have two full cases ready to be sent. My great buddy Ann Marie (Ann Marie of the awesome care packages from New York City) generously offered to pay for one full case, and Nana and Poppa chipped in for part of another. And of course, Mommy bought tons. It's such a sweet idea, and I know Daddy will be just as proud of them as I am.

"While we try to teach our children all about life,Our children teach us what life is all about."~~Angela Schwindt