Happy Birthday Madelyn & More...

Let's start with the good stuff. Madelyn turned 4! And there is a funny story behind this picture. She couldn't get the candles to blow out, and no they weren't the trick kind that don't blow out. I'm not sure what her deal was. I finally lifted her up so she could get closer and it still took her a couple tries! We had over some family & celebrated her "big" day. Shane was actually able to call her on the morning of her birthday. It was the first time we have got to talk to him over the phone since he left. It was great for all of us!
As for Shane, I'm sure some are wondering how he is doing. Well he got there safely with no problems and seems to be getting settled in. The internet connection at the base he is at is the pits though. It cuts out all the time and is down sometimes for hours. So we haven't communicated alot besides email which has made it a little hard, especially for the kids. They just don't understand the concept.
Since Shane left everything has happened that wouldn't have happened if he were here. I hope that made sense. That's how it seems to happen though, my husband leaves & everything falls appart! I got a flat tire(thanks dad for fixing it), our computer crashed and I had to give the lady my sob story so she would hurry & fix it without taking a week, got a terrible tooth ache & went to the dentist come to find out I am grinding my teeth at night-Go Figure! (he didn't blame me with everything going on!), our family dog died (that was the hardest), lack of sleep, trying to juggle all the kids at church alone, that's just a few of the things going on here. I really want to thank all of our family & friends who have helped me lately. The phone calls, visits, dinners, etc... I've really had so much help. I'm so thankful for all of you! I like to think of myself as an independent person, but I've realized in times like these, that's what friends are for. I have a lot of service projects to repay everyone! So for now we just keep tugging along. Thanks everyone!!