Our New Life....

Well I've almost made it through one whole week....with who knows how many more to go! Some of you already know that Joe took a new job as an over-the-road truck driver....which means that as I write this he's somewhere between Texas and North Carolina....which in turn leaves me a single parent, so to speak. There's no denying that this was one of the toughest decisions we've had to make in our lives, and yes, there were a lot of tears the days leading up to him leaving. But I've quickly realized that our situation could be much worse. I know that Joe will be coming home soon, but there are many single parents whose spouse will never be coming home again. So I'm staying positive for our kids, myself and Joe.

I depend on Joe for SO much, that when we made this decision, I didn't know how I was going to function. We are by every sense of the word a team when it comes to raising Evan and Ella, and I just lost half of my team. This past week I had to rearrange my whole routine to figure out the best way to survive while Joe's gone. He's been laid off since basically November, so I got pretty used to him dealing with the kids in the morning, getting them to the sitter and picking them up (on the days he had other things to do), taking care of them when they're sick, etc. etc. etc. Now I've gotta do all that and work a full time job and a part time job.......

Thankfully the kids and I have gotten along just great this past week. I'm very diligent about getting them to bed at a descent hour, which then leaves a little 'me' time at the end of the day.

Then there's the other side of the fence......I know without a doubt in my mind that Joe is missing these kids more that words could ever express. Our decision for him to take this new job was so so tough because he didn't want to leave Evan and Ella. Evan will turn 4 this month, and at this point it's looking like Joe won't be home for his birthday. :( Then at the end of the month Evan will start pre-school, and Joe won't be around to watch his little boy get on the bus in the morning or get off in the afternoon......and I know it just breaks his heart, because it breaks mine. There are just so many milestones we take for granted until we realize the ones we'll miss.

I text Joe what I've called flf's (fun little facts) about the kids everyday.....just something one of the kids said or did. Yesterday it was: 'Ella was stung by a bee (again) at the ballpark. And 'according to evan' Brutus is barking right now because he wants daddy to come home.' Today my flf was: Evan is now singing 'got my toes in the water, ass in the sand.' While Ella only has down the 'ass in sand' part!!' Ahhh yes, my kids are funny......some of the things they say and do just crack me up and I don't want to forget them, and I know Joe is missing out on them. So I do my best to keep him informed. Plus we talk every night, when he's not driving, and it's good to hear his voice.

Pray for Joe if you will to keep him safe while he's traveling and far away from the ones he loves. And pray that the kids and I will stay positive while he's gone. I'm doing my best. :) Because everyday I get to see these smiling faces.........