from the depth of our furnace known as Fort Bragg, NC. We’ve been busy here, especially with Geno’s R&R leave coming up. We are doing a mini spring cleaning. Derrick is going to stay with Grandma Incorvia. He leaves this Sunday (Father’s Day). He will be staying in Cleveland until the last week of July. His friend, Torrey, is visiting family for the summer so Derrick is excited. It will also be a good break for him.

Xavier had his ENT(Ear, Nose, and Throat) appointment today. It’s confirmed that he does indeed need his adnoids and tonsils removed. When the doctor showed me a comparison between what they SHOULD look like and Xavier’s it was apparent.  This is what has contributed to his snoring, minor sleep apnea and not being able to sleep through the night most nights. We are planning for his surgery to take place the last few days of Geno’s leave.  I’m a little nervous even though it’s a relatively common and simple procedure - he’s still my baby.  That’s why I’m glad Geno will be here.

Geno is expected sometime the last week of July. We plan on leaving for Ohio the later part of that week for the Lolli Family Reunion.  The boys have planned a night out in celebration of Ben’s 21st birthday. The girls (Stephanie, Karina and I - plus anyone else we can round up) are planning our own little girls’ get together - not exactly sure what yet We plan on staying in Ohio until Sunday or Monday and then heading back here.

Xavier has also started potty training “officially”. I think his friends at daycare have been an influence and sparked his interest.  He is growing into quite a little man.

Derrick received his report card today. ALL A’s and B’s!  We are VERY proud of him!!!

My running is going well. I’ve been following my training schedule from Lora (my running coach). I’m registered for 2 more 5k marathons before the 10k August 18th. One is the Law Enforcement 5k Torch Run (to benefit the Special Olympics) which is on June 23. The second is the Paul Hale Memorial Run on July 14th. I’m looking for a few more after the 10k in August before finding my next “major” goal. Someone asked me if I was ever going to do a marathon - not sure 26+ miles is A LOT of running! Running has become such a stress reliever for me - nothing like sweating out the frustration of the world.

Things on my end are moving along. I’m anxious for Geno to come home on leave. It’s been a long 6 months (going on 8 by the time he comes home). Alot has happened, alot of things said but I think I’ve woken up during this deployment. I’ve realized a tremendous amount and have grown appreciative of even more. Geno mentions destiny in his blog and though I believe in destiny I also believe more that you can change fate/destiny by the choices you make. I have made some bad choices and though they may come back to bite me, without them I would have never “woken” up to the finer things in life. We have a lot to discuss and sort out but when all is said and done we both will be stronger.

As you can see the craziness never ends - here are a few new pictures of the boys…