Remembering...

Today we all need to remember those who lost their lives in the attack of 9/11 so many years ago. It is hard to imagine how far this country has come since that dreadful day in 2001, when all hope was lost and the idea of recovery was far from certain. We also need to remember those who lost their lives in the fighting after the attack. Everyone is important.

I'd like to thank all the families of those serving our country, who fight for our freedom and the freedom of others. It is our duty as spouses to keep the home fires burning so our military members can try and have one less stress to worry about while putting their lives on the line.

I think about all the wonderful friends I have met over the past 3 years and how their families are coping with multiple and sometimes back to back deployments. Those women who give birth without the support of their husbands are very strong and should be an inspiration to all.

Not everyone can be a military spouse but those of us who can stay strong and calm help many other spouses who are unable to cope.

Thank you to everyone I know.

Devil Dog Run

The Marine Detachment on base hosts the Devil Dog Run every year to raise money for our humble Birthday Ball. It is open to anyone and the Marines are highly encouraged to participate. This was the first year we could participate since we left for 29 Palms just a week before the run last time we were here. It was much larger than I thought...at least 2,000 people ran either the 10K, 5K or unit run. Ryan's tummy was bothering him that morning so he pushed Olivia in the jogger while I ran ahead. I got to the half way mark before the unit runners caught up with me and the road became way to crowded for my slow pace, so I kept Ryan and Olivia company to the finish line. My final time was 43 min for the 5K...not bad for someone who had not run in over a month...I blame the weather. My last competitive run was the Turkey Run in Quantico back in November of 2004. I ran the 5miles in 57 min and did a little training before the race.

Completing the Devil Dog Run has brought back the joy of running for me...not to mention the help of cooler weather. I've always considered myself a runner even when I did not run regularly. It is my time alone with my thoughts and gives me a sense of personal accomplishment...something that I can not rely on anyone else to complete.

The Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge is hosting another 5K Fun Run in October to benefit the Cancer Center of Southwest Oklahoma and I'm thinking about signing up. It gives me time to actually train a bit before hand so maybe I can run the whole thing...baby steps.

Venting...

I love our house, I love taking care of our house, I love our little angel...but it can get very boring around the neighborhood being the only person home. There are only 5 family's living on the block with 3 new homes on the market. Everyone works except the wonderful couple across the street who just had their first child on Sept. 2nd...he's in the Army on medical leave and she, well, just had a baby. There is only so much a person can do around the house until the exact same thing is done again.

I've cleaned up the living room just to have Olivia mess it up again...that's ok, it's her job. I've done a load of laundry every day this week. I clean the kitchen, vacuumed the floors (what little carpet we have), and check email several times a day. Ok, maybe there's other things I can do around the house, but knowing I can't go anywhere at anytime is starting to create cabin fever. Oh, it's still to hot to go outside with Olivia during the day.

So maybe I just need to sit down and read a book, something that is not on my school's reading list anywhere...it's been a while since I've read for pleasure, not purpose.

Just venting...

Labor Day Weekend Fun

Lots have been happening since the last posting. Olivia and I traveled down to Fort Worth, Texas to visit a friend from 29 Palms. She just had her 4th son three weeks ago so the trip was short but sweet. Maddie, 18 months, and Thomas, 4 yrs old, enjoyed playing with Olivia...she could keep up with the boys.

Upon returning home, Olivia decided to bring me her shoes, my shoes, and went to the front door. So, we went outside and I set up her new baby pool due to the incredible heat and humidity. She has started letting us know more about what she exactly wants. Bringing us things she needs or wants to play with...like diapers and wipes, it looks like we'll need to get a little potty soon.
Ryan's parents came down to visit us for the Labor Day Weekend. They decided to drive the 13 hr route, arriving here after 2am. Olivia was unsure of who was in her house the next morning but took no time at all adjusting to having her Grandparents around. We traveled out to the base to show off Ryan's office, and then hit the Commissary. Grandpa found the carts with the cars and kept Olivia entertained while we checked out. Then everyone went to LETRA (Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area) to go to the beach. The water was cool at first but became very comfortable. Olivia loved being towed around in her floaty and Ryan, Tina, and Grandpa enjoyed testing out the water slide. All was fun and games until Ryan splashed water directly into Tina's eyes...but then he felt bad, a good thing.

All and all, the weekend has been fun...relaxing and enjoying seeing Olivia laugh and play with Grandma and Grandpa.

This is Great

So, after reading several friends blogs that I didn't even know they had, I have concluded that blogging will become my new favorite past time. Not sure how often I'll post something or even if it has any real meaning...but hopefully those reading these entries will be pleasantly surprised.

After running around doing errands all after noon with Olivia, she finally wore herself out and is in bed...quite, for now. Elli is curled up under my right arm leaning against me...she needs much needed snuggle time after being confined to the bathroom for weeks. Must now find the energy to clean the kitchen...yuk, fold all the clean laundry on the bed, pack for our mini trip to TX tomorrow and pick up the house.

This morning I finished mowing the front lawn that I did not accomplish last night as the mosquitoes ate me alive. In the heat of the day, the only time of the day to myself, I mowed the backyard and cleared out the 6ft tall weeds behind our fence. It took the saw and 30 min just to clear a path so the 1 inch diameter weed stumps did not damage the blade of the mower. Ryan said be careful...so nice of him to worry, although he said do not brake the lawnmower blade as the cost of fixing any damage is much greater than taking me to TriCare on base to get patched up...if anything should happen. Nothing did happen and the mower is safe and sound in the garage.

Ok, enough rambleing...must finish my housework before my eyelids close so when I return from TX the house is not a complete disaster.

Carpets No More!!!

Not sure if everyone has heard our carpeting situation so here it is...all carpeting throughout the house is gone. As first time home buyers, we were so excited to find a house and become homeowners, the thought of needing to replace carpeting did not enter our minds. The previous owners did have two dogs but our cats always did well in new places and traveling so we thought nothing of it. Wrong!!! After returning home from two weeks of visiting family up north...a strange smell took over the house (nothing strong...just different). Weeks of trying to clean the carpets with vinegar and baking soda did nothing to help the situation. The cats were not the same in this new house as our old home in 29 Palms, CA.

After opening Pandora's box with a newly purchased black light...with a nearly broken toe... Tina started taking up the tack strips around the edge of every room. A few days later, the carpeting and pads were pulled up and placed outside at the end of the driveway. Now, with new carpet remnants in the living room and Olivia's room, the cats are out of their 6 week jail cell (the front bathroom) and acting normal again. To top everything off...the strange smells are gone!

The only thing left to do is figure out what type of flooring to put down again. Now that we are forced to change the flooring, we might try to improve on the value of the house...if budgeting allows.

Lately...

Ryan has been promoted to Captain. Need less to say...it was extremely hot and humid the day of his promotion, but Olivia did very well without her usual two naps a day. The local lake has been a favorite spot of ours as the cool water helps to keep everyone from overheating. Olivia is growing bigger and stronger everyday. She is walking much better now and it becoming a wonderful toddler...until she starts her terrible two's.

...And So It Begins

It is time to start sharing our life with friends and family. This will be a place to share photos and stories about the happenings of the Collins Family. Although this might be a project that consumes a lot of time, we feel it is important. Unlike our photo sharing website at www.ryantinaolivia.shutterfly.com, this is a place to check back periodically to see what is new and interesting. Hope everyone enjoys the blog.