3 weeks...

That is how long I have until Duane leaves for Basic Training.

This week it seems like each day I go to work, I am more anxious to get home to be with him than usual. Not to do anything in particular, just to BE together. To be able to kiss and hug him, and talk about our days, laugh, play with our daughter, plan dinner for the next night, watch a movie, run errands..... just normal everyday life.

What am I going to do when it's just Aidynn and I? We are going to miss him so much. We won't be able to talk to him or see him for the first nine weeks. Then we might be able to go to South Carolina to see him for the day when he graduates. Then he is off to AIT for 26 weeks. We don't know what the arrangements for visitation will be then because of his MOS.

I am a strong woman, I know I will get by. I am seriously looking into getting a roommate though. Not for financial purpose, but for the comfort of having someone I know and trust around the house. It's too bad all of my siblings are grown and have families of their own now!

Thank you to everyone for being so supportive a few weeks back when my family had a minor financial crisis for a few days. For those of you who I have forgotten to update - I got my money back. We actually ended up more comfortable than predicted this month. We got our beautiful tree all set up and decorated a few weeks ago. That weekend my friend Teri watched Aidynn for Duane and I so that we could have some quality time together. We went to the movies and saw Enchanted.... it was wonderful. Such a sweet movie. It reminded me of how truly lucky I am to be so in love and to have that feeling requitted. We have nearly finished our Christmas shopping... all of the babies are taken care of - Little Miss included! How SPOILED she is! My favorite gift that I bought for her is THIS!

How cute is that? I can't wait until she gets to see it! I have already been fighting with myself to give her her presents early.... (no Kristi! WAIT! )

Among lots of other interactive toys we got her a new wardrobe. She is growing so fast.... everything she wears now is 12-18 months! Daddy took her to her appointment for 6 month boosters last Friday. She did just fine. She is now 26" and 17lbs 6oz. Daddy is still looking for a dolly with long nylon hair.... all dolls today seem to have yarn or no hair at all! I know he won't give up though... he wants to find one for his baby girl. We also still need to buy gifts for the newest kiddos in our family - nieces Cynthia and Sonja. They are 10 and 7 and I am clueless as to what they would like! I should call my brother and find out before it gets TOO CRAZY out there.

This Christmas has turned out to be wonderful so far. I haven't had to worry about money, or buying everyone something that they would like. Duane has gone shopping for all of the presents with me - having his opinion and help with everyone certainly was a HUGE stress reliever! I can't stand shopping and really dislike large crowds. I am so excited to spend Christmas this weekend with our beautiful (and ever expanding) family that just keeps getting bigger each year!

So... writing this has helped me narrow down my Christmas list.... I thought I was done! *laughs* Cece... Sonja.... (possibly) the boys.... and (Oh!) the Christmas party at work.... hrm.

Merry Christmas friends! I must go, busy busy, busy!

I love you all!