7 Quick Takes-Gratitude

1. After writing this post a few days ago, I received the kindest messages from so many people. Comments on Facebook, private messages, and a phone call from one of my favorite ladies from Lawrence University. The support, the offers of help, and the love I was shown mean so much to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

2. Because I was in such a terrible amount of pain this week, Will's commander did him a huge solid and gave Will a few days off from training to stay home and take care of me and the kids. Trust me...that rarely happens, especially during training. Especially when the soldiers are out in the field. So I owe Will's commander a huge thank you as well. I'm not kidding when I say I could barely get out of bed this week. I don't know what I would have done if I had to be on my own with Tony and Alessandra Monday-Friday, all day and all night.

3. I'm going in for my first epidural injection early in the morning of the 22nd. I've heard from numerous sources that the injections will make me feel like a brand new person (for at least 4-6 months). Hey, I'll take it. Any day that doesn't involve me crying in pain when I step out of bed sounds like paradise to me.

4. My mom is flying in on Wednesday to spend some time with us while Will heads back out into the field. Tony was thrilled to hear this news; he keeps telling me that Nana is going to bring him jelly beans in her purse. Sigh. Apparently, my mom is fulfilling her role of "never say no" nana quite well.

Yeah, pretty much.

5. I have a serious book addiction. Every time I see a book that looks even remotely interesting, I HAVE to have it. Naturally, the books I want are never available at the library, so thank goodness for Amazon Prime. You should see my nightstand right now. It's piling up with books, and they fall into three categories:
a. Finished it, but haven't put it away.
b. Halfway through it.
c. Haven't even started it, but I saw the title and review and had to purchase it instantly.

6. Pinterest gives me unrealistic expectations. One upside to my debilitating back pain this past week was that I had a lot of time to browse Pinterest while Will was tending to our brood. What are the chances that our landlord in Colorado will be cool with me adding a swingset, a garden, and a clothesline to his/her backyard? Hopefully high. I will refrain from asking if we can have a chicken coop or a beehive.

7. Sadly, next week we will have to say goodbye to our neighbors-turned-friends, RJ and Alana, as they head to Fort Bliss (RJ's very first official duty station). This is one of the unfortunate sides of military life, and I've found that it never gets easier saying goodbye to the wonderful friends we make at each duty station. Guys, we love you lots and wish you well. Hopefully we can be stationed together again (ummm, Europe, anyone?) in the future!

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at Conversion Diary!