Well Geno left yesterday to return to Bucca. I apologize that he wasn’t able to call many of you to say goodbye. We forgot the cell phone in the car. The boys and I were allowed to wait at the gate with Geno until his plane left and we weren’t able to run out and get it. We had a very teary eyed goodbye. We had a really good time, not so much quantity as quality.  Hopefully he will be home in the next 90+ days, just in time for Christmas. I miss him so much that it’s almost unbearable - but it’s our life and I wouldn’t choose any other person to stand by then my soldier. Geno and I added up our actual time together and he’s been apart for about 2/3 of our marriage. People often ask me “How do you do it?” Working full-time, taking care of a preteen(along with the attitude that goes with it) and a rambunctious toddler that just yesterday decided to jump off the arm of the couch - talk about scary! My answer recently has been “This is the life I love. It’s hard but rewarding in smiles, hugs and kisses. My husband is my hero - not many people can say they have a hero for a husband.” 

I’ve added the final pictures to Flickr from Geno’s leave. Derrick took some REALLY good pictures yesterday at the airport - he’s got a really good eye.

Xavier’s surgery is on Tuesday and I am really nervous.  I know it’s not a major surgery but it’s still really scary. I know Geno wishes he could be here but duty calls and hopefully he’s back in Bucca by then and able to check in on the little man.

I’m picking up my mom Wednesday night after work and preparing for the 10k on Saturday.  I am really excited since I have so much support coming to cheer me on - my mom, Jeff, my Aunt Lynda and Brianna, numerous co-workers, even my running coach!  We are also having a jewelry party later that day - if anyone wants to a catalog and/or submit an order just let me know.

Hopefully Geno is able to write in his blog once he returns to Bucca but if not I will let everyone know when he’s arrived.