So over this deployment...

For personal reasons, I will not discuss my unhappiness with this deployment, but let's just say I am going to be SO HAPPY when it is over.  There are certain people who should not be allowed to wear the uniform with the amount of disgrace they bring to it.  Such a shame, I tell you.  But I digress.

Bailey is doing fine.  Nothing has changed.  His heart is still slowing failing and there is not a lot we can do about it.  But he is a strong kid and I know he will fight this, tooth and nail.  Remember, he was only supposed to last his first few days, but he just celebrated his 11th birthday.  Oh my, how the time flies.  He is a brown belt in karate.  He had to give up baseball because of his heart, but she still loves to watch his sports.

Nalani is doing well.  Dance competition is in full swing.  They are starting to nail down their number for their Hip Hop production.  Then there is her Hip Hop competition team, Tap team, then her ballet and jazz classes that she takes for fun.  Oh and we cannot forget her karate.  She's a brown belt now.  WOOHOO!

Emily is LOVING kindergarten.  I am so happy she loves it so much.  I love her teacher.  She is so good with the kids.  She is top of her class, which does not surprise me.  I do not expect anything less.  She is currently just doing a ballet/tap combo class.  

Conrad...where do I begin?  Conrad is a handful and a half.  He loves to climb everything and anything.  Unfortunately, or fortunately, I have yet to determine that, he inherited his father's charm.  He is absolutely a joy to watch.  He has the most amazing personality, it is rather funny.  So glad to have him in my life.

Me?  Well with the amount of stress from this stupid deployment, I have had to battle with some pretty wicked headaches, a PTC relapse, I suspect.  It has been horrible.  But it has been controlled with a steady flow of diamox in system.  The greatest highlight of this week?  I finished all four books of the Twilight series in three days.  It is one of those books, I wish was a television show.  haha  I totally love the love story.  What can I say?  I am a hopeless romantic.

Before I end this...I have to say a HAPPY 12th ANNIVERSARY to my dear Ed.  Has it really been 12 years?  I love you.

Catching my breath

I guess you can say that since my last post, life has zoomed on by.  It has been relatively hard for me to fully function to my capacity.  I am overwhelmed with worry for my son.  Yet, I find myself being the one who is reassuring all those around me that he will be okay.  In my heart of hearts, I know that he will be okay and that he is in God's hands, but the mother in me can't stop worrying. He's my baby, no matter how old he is or how big he is these days.  He is my baby and I love him with all of my heart.  He is who taught me how to love, how to be a mother and how to be strong.  I followed his lead.  

For weeks we have been waiting to hear from the Cardiologist in Philly.  They are really great there.  I am so glad that we were referred to them.  I loved dealing with them.  They finally got back to me about Bailey.  I am confidant that everything is going as planned.  As I was telling my family, I was very happy that despite everything what really gets me is the unknown.  When Bailey was born, we were told he would not live past his first few days.  But when he survived that, they said that he would get to about three months, then his oxygen levels would drop and that would indicate the need for his first open-heart surgery, the Glenn Shunt.  Like clock work, that is what happened.  After his first surgery, they told us that he would again dip in his oxygen levels and that he would be around three years of age, the dip would signify the need for his second surgery, the Fontan.  Again, like clock work, that is how it happened.

I guess we were always prepared for complications to come when he was a teenager because that is what they prepared us for, but here he is at 10 and apparently has been in diastolic dysfunction since he was about 6.  No complications since he was three and then this.  It sent me spinning.  But that's all I am going to say about that because I will end up crying again...and I don't want to do that.  I don't want to go there.  I just want to remain optimistic for him.

I have been having a hard time with the fact that my husband is deploying soon.  I guess with everything going on I just want my husband here.  I want him home with me.  I know I am facing quite a few sleepless nights.  

Oh here's a good vent.  Okay, so a few months ago I entered a contest.  It asked us to nominate someone in the service who we thought deserved a 50 inch plasma television.  I nominated Ed and said that he deserved to have something of his own after all the sacrifices he makes for the family and for the country.  The president e-mails me and says that Ed won the grand prize.  YAY!  Not!  He comes all the way over here and because we live with my mom and have gifts for my son , we are no longer qualified.  He wanted to give it to someone who needed it more.  Basically I was okay.  I just felt like he made me feel like an ass, like I was being greedy.  It didn't say that there were any guidelines.  I didn't even think we'd win.  Anyway, I broke no rules.  I thought the whole things was handled poorly by www.EvoHT.com.  I was going through enough with getting Ed ready to ship off and dealing with Bailey's condition (which I had just told them about).  It was dumb.

Anyway, life goes on and that is what has been happening on my side of the computer....Have a great week.

A failing heart...

I don't know if I have said this before, but almost ten and a half years ago I was blessed with a son we call him Bailey.  At twenty years old, I had to grow up faster than most my peers.  I didn't have the luxury of worrying about which club I was going to visit over the weekend or which party I was going to attend.  I had to watch over my baby who was born with a very severe congenital heart defect.  The doctors initially gave Bailey a few days to live, but here we are 10 years later.

A few weeks ago we got news that Bailey's heart might be in the early stages of heart failure.  A couple of weeks ago this fact was confirmed.  I felt like I couldn't breathe when we were in the doctor's office.  I wanted to cry, I wanted to yell, I wanted to shrivel up in a ball.  No matter how much you prepare yourself with knowledge, hearing the words doesn't get any easier.  Early stages of heart failure...those words might as well have been daggers to my heart.

I of course had to keep my composure for Bailey's sake.  If he saw me react, he would be afraid and I don't want my son to grow in fear, even though fear encompasses me at this time.  I want him to enjoy life, enjoy what life has to offer for however long he has.  Now don't get me wrong, I don't believe in pessimism.  I just know that our odds aren't that great and that we should really appreciate the time we have with him.  That's a hard thing to do when it is your son.  It is hard to accept that your son has such a serious health complication.

In the midst of all this, Ed deploys in a month.  I can't believe it.  I feel like someone sucker punched me.  But I know I am surrounded by lots of love and support from my friends and my family.  That is all that really matters now.  I just hope that everything remains comfortable for Bailey.

So that's about it.  I guess you can say I am still in shock.  God bless you all for your prayers and concerns.

A little under the weather...

Well we just got back home from Vegas.  Well, the hubby is still there, but that is a whole other story all on its own.  I am rather annoyed, upset if you'd like.

So we got to Vegas and it was a long and hot trip.  When we got there my sisters got ready to go out and being that my dad hasn't been there in 5 years, I told them they could go out as well.  Nothing special, Ed and I just hung out with the kids.  Very quiet and low key until I get a phone call saying that one of my sisters is missing.  Great, missing in Vegas at three in the morning.  Are you serious.  So I wait for another phone call to tell me she is alright.  Nope, I get a phone call from my other sister hysterical.  I wake up Ed and we go help with the search.  We get to the parking lot and receive another phone call to go to another hotel to get her.  We head to the other hotel, grab my sister and she tells us of her strange adventure.  When drinking in Vegas, make sure there is at least one semi-sobber person.   Seriously, that is what I am when I go out with my sisters.

Then we hang out with the family the following day, hit Margaritaville and the following day the buffet at the Mirage.  Yummy food.  About one of the few highlights of the trips.  Then the family hit the pool.  When we first got there the weather was in the 100's, when we left it was in the 50's and super windy, rainy, and cold.

Wednesday we headed out to Hoover Dam.  I hadn't been there since I was little, so over twenty years ago.  So it was neat to see it again as an adult.  My kids loved it.  i didn't think they would enjoy it so much, but they did.  We did a mini tour of the power plant and the two girls were looking for Megatron.  haha  The kids loved seeing all the water and how massive the dam was.  I am glad I took them there so they could experience that.  I hope to take them again when they are older and maybe even a trip to the Grand Canyon.  I think they would like that.

Thursday was supposed to be date night but the hubby found out he didn't make rate...so he was moody.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I understand him not being in the mood but seriously, he was about to spend the entire long weekend with his buddies in Vegas, all he had to was fake the funk for one night.  I mean woo me, take me to dinner and a movie or show.  But all I got out of him was, "I don't care, whatever you want to do."  Every now and then it would be nice to not have to make the effort...I am always making the effort.  I mean I can't even remember the last time he bought me a birthday present.  So with him being a booby, I decided to just hang out with my family and skip date night.  Since he didn't really care to make a decision.  I didn't care to share the night with him.

Friday we left and I told him how I felt.  I felt like he was so eager to get rid of us the entire day.  Like he couldn't wait to be away from us.  This hurt.  See, when your spouse is about to deploy, you remember how long and lonely the days are when they are gone.  So I didn't like the idea of him being gone for so long.  But I convinced myself, it is only until Sunday.  We dropped him off and he went on his merry way.

I text him to ask what time they come back on Sunday and he replies with, "They said we are leaving Monday."  WHAT THE HELL!  Yeah, my hubby who is deploying soon is there for 4 days (three nights)...and we have a family party going on.  I am mad and fighting with him.  First of all, I have been asking him about the whole plan thing the entire week and he kept brushing me off...because he knows I would have issues with him being gone until Monday afternoon.  Secondly, I was texting him to tell him we were home, no response.  I texted good nite...nothing.  If you are away from family, you have a wife and kids, you respond to your damn cell phone.  Because seriously, I left him with the kids (all four) to go shopping with my mom, he has the kids calling my cell phone asking what time I will be home because the baby is crying.  If I missed the calls, he gets all mad.  That's crap, he can get upset with me about not answering my calls, and I can't dish the same.  He says it is crap that I am giving him a hard time, but isn't it crap that I don't go away for 3 days, blow money, get drunk and act like a single person like he does.  Crap is not appreciating your wife.  Now that is crap!

On top of all this, I have been bleeding for 20+ days while on Yaz...and cramping and my doctor says it is normal.  Normal, my ass, at least check me out because my sister just fought breast cancer last year and my aunt was diagnosed with cervical cancer.  You found a small cyst in my ovary, dammit, make sure I am okay.  Annoyed...just a little.  But really just tired of being taken for granted.  All these people talk about the sacrifices the guys in the military make.  Yes, they make great sacrifices, but dammit, us wives make some great sacrifices as well.

Crazy life

Crap, I had a long post and my mom distracted me and it deleted.  Crap.  Will recap later.

Okay, here's the nutshell of my previous post because I don't have an hour to sit here and retype what I typed earlier...nor will I have the insight, I don't think.

I haven't been on here because we were going through some pretty stressful stuff.  I know you have all heard about the sub-prime lending crisis, well sadly, we were included as one of the victims of it.  So after doing further research, I found a website that provided a means to fight the system and not lose our home.  I encourage anyone who is in a situation where you might lose your home, please visit http://loansafe.org  There is a wealth of information on that website and the people are amazingly supportive.  Because of the good advice we received on there we were able to properly submit a loan modification package and got approved.  THANK GOD!  I can finally breathe.

I will post the details of our trip to Disneyland later.

On hold

....sadly, I put my WW on hold this weekend.  I spent most of my time trying to keep Ed from thinking about his upcoming deployment.  I know he is trying to be strong for me but every now and then he shows some vulnerability and I can sense his uneasiness with the news of his deployment.  I can't blame him, he had a rough deployment the last time around.  I just hope he seeks help before leaving so that he is mentally prepared for what is ahead of him.  I was however more conscious of what I was putting in my mouth.  I know that I am going to have to watch my portions a little better, but I making baby steps.  I have to buy some running shoes so that I can get back to the gym. 

On Friday, Ed came home late because he got the news of his deployment and decided to unwind with his HM1, who also found out that he would be deploying as well.  They went out for a few drinks, got to know each other better and then discussed what was ahead of them.  On Friday, I was happy before he got the news.  I was excited because I got floor tickets to go see the Alicia Keys concert.  I have never had floor seats before...so I was excited about that.  Then when Ed said that he wanted to go out with the guys from work, I was a little bummed, but I rocked out with Bailey and that helped to pass time.

When Ed called me, a few hours later, he said he was on his way home and that he had some news that he wanted to share with me.  I told him that the anticipation was killing me, so that he had to share the news already.  Sure enough, he did...he is getting deploy in May.  I felt my heart sink into my gut and I literally felt as if I could not breathe.  OMG, not again. 

I guess my greatest fear is having to know that he is having a rough time out there and I am not there to comfort him.  I hate feeling like there is nothing I can do.  I felt so helpless the last time he left.  I wanted to crawl into a hole and not come out.  I can't do that though.  I have four kids depending on me to be strong and to hold the fort down until their daddy comes home.  I told Ed that when he got back, that would just be another excuse to take a trip to Hawaii and he smiled after that.  I guess it is good to keep him looking forward to something, right?

On Saturday, we had picture day at the dojo.  We were running late again, but what's new?  The kids and Ed looked good in their pictures.  I can't wait to see them.  I am so excited.  After all the wonderful picture taking, we went home and chilled.  The kids picked up the doggy poo and Ed cleaned the pool and the vehicles.  After Ed showered we headed out to Lakewood to spend time with my cousins.  That was a lot of fun.  Ed got to hang out with the guys and drink and I got to gossip with the cousins.  I was reminded of just how grown up we all were.  I hated to leave because I could see that Ed was enjoying himself...but we had a long drive and I was driving and I was getting tired, so we called it a night.

Sunday I woke up and there was breakfast.  Ed took care of some things in the house and we just chilled out and rocked out.  Ed and I took a nap to the music of our kids rocking out on rockband.  Nalani was bass, Bailey was guitar/drums, and Emily was singing.  I love my kids.  Conrad enjoyed sitting and listening to rock band.  Have I told you how much Conrad loves to listen to us rock out?  Well he does and it is so cute.  Oh and how can I forget, Conrad is starting to crawl!!!  AY!  He's growing too fast.  This week he will be seven months old.

I can't seem to get myself to sleep.  I keep thinking of Ed.  Please keep him in your prayers.  I know he will appreciate them.

The dreaded news...

He's deploying again and I am numb, it doesn't get any easier.  I guess because he had such a rough time the last time he was out there.  I just pray he is going to be okay.  This is the life of a military wife.

Eating habits

Wow, I didn't realize how bad my eating habits are until I actually took a good look at what I was putting in my mouth.  I really am a stress eater.  I realize that now.  It is kind of scary, but in a way good to know that it is something I can fix if I just keep addressing the problem.  I have been reading the wealth of information that Heidi has sent my way.  I really like the day menus, I think that will help me.  I was also looking up points on certain foods and was amazed to be quite honest.  I feel so overwhelmed.  I guess that is why people go to meetings, huh?  I wish I could.  So based on the menus I found online, I can do my shopping tomorrow.  I am happy because I can help my mom and Ed with their portions.

On other non-diet related news, my hubby took his first class exam.  I hope he makes it this time around.  I swear, you would think that with three back to back tours to the middle east, two of which in the heart of Iraq, they would consider just promoting him already.  That is what I hate about the military, well Navy...what if people aren't test takers?  Stupid.  Anyway, that's just my 10 cents.  Oh and don't get me started on the lousy vision and dental coverage (can you tell I just spent a whole lot on glasses for me, Bailey and Emily).  But I can't complain about the medical, it is what makes everything worth it.

 

Kids' news

Well, I forgot to say that I registered Mimi for kindergarten.  I just about died.  My baby is so grown up.  I hope she like Kinder, she has some separation issues, so I am not sure how she will fair.  I think she will be okay though.  She's an awesome little girl.  Conrad is moving backwards now.  Yup, he is mobile and that is scary because that means he's is growing.  He is his own person and I LOVE taking pictures of him.  I am so blessed.  Nalani has been having some health issues and getting blood tests galore.  It is a little frustrating, but I know it is a necessary evil.  I hope they find out what is causing her little tummy to hurt all the time.  Bailey is doing good, but still struggling with the whole attitude thing.  Not all kids can be perfect, I have to remind myself that.  I just wish working on his attitude wasn't so hard.  It is all about the dang stubborn streak.  UGH  Well, that is about it...for now.

Harder than I thought

Well, yesterday with all the running around I did, I didn't log what I was eating and did not eat things I should have and in the end not eating for most of the day really made me over eat at the end of the day.  So I really need to plan my  meals and then perhaps I will be more successful.  I have to start a written journal too so that I can keep better track of what I am eating.  I need to figure out how to calculate points too.  I know that will come in handy when I am really in this.  It is frustrating, but what I have learned from all my reading is not to be discouraged and that I will have my bad days and to be successful is to accept the fact that I will have those days but continue to move forward.  I need to remember that.  Anyway, so don't worry, I may have had a bad day, but I haven't given up just yet.  I go to the grocery store tomorrow, so I will be sure to plan my meals today so that I can buy the items I need.  Wish me luck!

Snack and dinner...

So this is probably where I mess up in my points.

Snack:

2 glasses of water

1 peanut butter granola bar (I am scared to see how many points that was)

2 handfuls of gold fish snacks

Dinner:

2 glasses of water

6 inch turkey/avocado sub ( had sprouts, mustard, lettuce, pickles, avocado, turkey, tomatoes, onions) I was good and did not get cheese or mayo.

1 cup of chipotle chicken soup

I will calculate the points tomorrow.  Heidi has given me good advice and I am going to follow it tomorrow.  I know this will be harder than I thought.

Morning/Lunch Meal

Well, I thought to start things off, I wouldn't calculate my points until after today, so I could get a good look at what I was really doing.  There is nothing like taking a good honest look at your life. Well, semi anyway.  Let's remember, I am a little more cautious of what I am eating, but I am eating things I think are healthy and don't carry a lot of points.  I will be sure to surprise myself when I do calculate the points in the end.  So here's what I had for breakfast:

*Yoplait Yogurt (Harvest Peach)

*One banana

*3 glasses of water

I don't usually eat breakfast, there was no toast and I was too tired to make eggs (would have to separate the yolks).

For Lunch:

1 bowl of beef stew and 1/2 cup of rice.  (I had about 1 cup and a half of stew that had about 5 bit size pieces of beef, about 5 carrots, 10 pieces of green beans,  four pieces of potatoes and broth)

2 glasses of water

The journey begins tomorrow...

There are so many times in life we come to a crossroad of some sorts.  Lord knows I have been to my fair share and here I find myself at another one.  I have topped off at my weight.  So I took the first step and reached out and asked for help to a very good friend.  In order to keep me responsible for this journey, I am going to blog it, everything complete with my meal choice, how many points I went under or more likely over.  But most of all I am being honest with myself.  Of course like every other crossroad I have ever faced in my life, I am nervous, unsure of what lies ahead but I have some very good guides coming along with me through this journey.  So I want to take the time to thank my friend Heidi for taking some time out of her super busy life to hold my hand through this.  I am taking this step to take care of myself, all my life I have cared for others, nurtured others, sacrificed for others, it is time to do the same for myself because if I keep putting this off, I won't be able to be able to care for anyone else.

So what made me wake up, the headaches are coming back and I have had Aunt Flo visit me 5 times in nine weeks.  My body's all messed up right now and I am the only one who can really fix it.

Stay tuned for the first day of my endeavor...wish me luck!

Oh the joys of having an infant...

 My baby was quite content on his new mat, smiling up at me.  I decide to take him and sit him up so he can play with some of his new toys when lo and behold my fingers are covered with poop!  Oh no!  You have got to be joking!  I turn him around and see that his poop has oozed out of his diaper and all over his back!  Gross and if I weren't a mommy of 4, then I would have died, but unfortunately I DO have experience in this department.  haha  So I give him a nice bath and he's all clean and happy.  He's growing so big now.  I look at his pictures and think, "Oh my goodness, he's growing up so much!"  Part of me wants to cry because I know he is my last.  I just have to enjoy every minute of it, even the "poopy happens" moments. 

Onto other news, the items from Ed's new venture came in today.  I am going to try them and see what they are like.  I know that the twist tubes that you can just put into a water bottle are really good.  I mean if I were to compare them top something, it would have to be Propel.  The best part is that it comes with either an immunity boost, or antioxidants, or even joint...not bad, if you ask me.  I wonder what the energy drinks will be like.  I will let you know once I taste them, but according to Ed, they are pretty good.

Crazy weekend

Why is it when you have four kids, your weeks start to fly by and weekends become such a blur?  If anyone can give me a remedy for this, please do share with me because I feel like my life is in fast forward these days and and is quite scary to be completely honest with you.

So let's begin with Friday.  On Friday, my two older children were scheduled to test for their purple belts in karate.  They have been waiting for this day for quite a long time and I knew they were so excited to get it over and done with.  My son even gave up playing baseball, a sport he has thoroughly enjoyed since he was six years old.  I know it was a hard decision for him to make, but I am proud that he knew his limitations and committed to one sport.  This is the first time that they had to test during the afternoon, it is usually held on a Saturday morning, so I was a little nervous.  I had to make my daughter take a nap before her testing, she is seven years old and does not function well when she is tired.  Since it was a few hours after school, it was perfect for her to take a nap.  I am glad she did because SHE ROCKED!  My son Bailey was amazing as well.  I am so proud of the kids!!

After the kids tested for their purple belts, my husband tested for his blue belt.  I was so proud of him because he was so sharp on that floor and he really knew his stuff.  He's so amazing.  I am glad he is able to do martial arts with the kids.  I know it means a lot for the kids to be able to do karate with him.  It is the one thing they can do together and share.  My husband has also has made some awesome friends through karate.  So I really can't complain all that much.  So yes, my KIDS and HUSBAND ROCKED!  I am so proud of them.

On Saturday, we chose to support our friends, extended family really, during their demonstration at the opening day for the local baseball organization.  I was so impressed with everyone that performed.  They were all so good.  Ed got to do a demonstration for karate and that was pretty cool to watch.  I really enjoyed watching the girls do their dance thing.  That was pretty awesome.  It was a very cold and blustery day, if you ask me.  I wouldn't want to be there if I were any sane person, but I think I may have lost my sanity with the birth of my my first born.  haha  I kid, I kid, but I probably have lost a little bit with each passing year as a mom.  Don't get me wrong, I love motherhood, it just takes a lot to be a mother.  That is why I no longer take my mother for granted.

Later in the evening, we spent a few hours watching the UFC fight with Sensei and his wonderful family.  It was nice to have an adult outing.  My mom watched the kids and our friends' little boy.  She said she didn't mind.  I think she sees my sanity slipping.  Have I told you guys how much I love my mom?  Well, I love her with all my heart.  She is an inspiration beyond measure!

Today we did nothing but clean up and shop at Costco.  I love Costco, it makes a ton of money off of me but they have such great deals.  I just can't pass it up!  We had to buy a whole bunch of food, the baby's formula (I bought two cans this time because subsequent visits to Costco will make me buy more, so I try to limit my visits there), but mostly snacks for the kids, veggies and fruits.  I came back home, made dinner and did laundry.  SO MUCH LAUNDRY!  Tomorrow I must tackle the task of fixing my room...yes, my tornado struck room.  

The joys of having a baby...

RIDICULOUS!  Yes, I love having a new baby in the house.  His presence brings me more joy than I know what to do with.  I am however not happy about the cost of formula.  It is outrageous, if you ask me, but a necessary evil since I was not able to breast feed the baby (due to the complications I mentioned before with my pregnancy).  We pay about $32.00 a week on formula.  But like I said, a necessary evil.  we won't even go into discussion about the diapers.  I have tried almost all the brands of diapers and I have to admit, I love Huggies and my love for that brand comes at a pretty penny.  

I have been trying to find a job.  A part of me wants to find one immediately to better our financial future, but another part of me likes the fact that I can take the kids to school, pick them up, have no problems with scheduling their appointments, and spend time with them.  When I was working, it was hard getting time off from work to go to various appointments.  It would get frustrating when I could not get the time off to take care of business.

My husband did start a new venture, Quixtar.  Although I was skeptical (maybe still am), I have chosen to support his endeavors.  I hope he sees some success.  I know that it is tough with him being in the military, there are several sacrifices that are made within the family, the biggest ones coming from him of course.  So he wanted to make sure that we had some extra income coming into the home.

On other news, we have started to prepare for the San Diego Heart Walk again.  I am excited about starting it up again.  I know it will be hard to beat last year especially since we are breaking from the group and going at it on our own.  I do hope to get a bigger team.  I look forward to this event every year.  The people who put it all together are all amazing and hard working...not to mention the nicest people on earth.  So it is no wonder I am so dedicated to the Heart Walk.  I do enjoy seeing my son Bailey become more and more involved in a cause that affects him.

And so it begins...

So here I am again, on a journey of some sorts.  The last time I was on blogger, I was on my way to becoming a mommy of four.  Unfortunately that was cut short because I miscarried, four years later and after many doctors saying I could no longer have any more children, I got pregnant.  I decided not to make public my journey with my last pregnancy, which was probably a good idea since  it was filled with complications and stories that you'd probably think I made up.  In the end, I have a beautiful healthy boy who is now six and a half months old.  

A little bit about me.  I am have been happily married for eleven years to my Navy guy.  He's been in for just as long.  It hasn't always been easy, hell far from it, but in the end, the Navy takes good care of us and our semi-large family.  I have four wonderful kids, my son is ten, my daughter is seven, my other daughter is five and my little guy is six and a half months.  When I find time, I need to finish up the last few units to have my degree post.  I have put that on the back burner so that I can get healthy and raise my kids.  Eventually I will have enough time to do things for me...but for now, this works.  Oh and I was a Navy brat turn Navy wife, how's that for some irony!

I do have to end with this, whatever people may complain about with the military healthcare system, they really are top notch.  I saw several civilian providers during my pregnancy and not one of them was able to diagnose my condition, chalking it up to depression and a figment of my imagination, it took a military hospital to diagnose and treat me.  So say what you want, Navy medicine is still quality medicine.