In the wee quiet hours of the morning

One of the things I enjoy about being in Chloeefornia is the time difference between here and Utah.  Sure, it's only an hour but it means that I naturally wake up earlier than everyone else (Splenda Daddy included) and can sit quietly, watch the sky gradually light up and listen to the birds.  Blissful I tell you, sweet and utter bliss.

I love the humidity. I forgo my flat iron and just work with my hair the best I can, but tell myself  "it's vacation" so who really cares?  That thick air is like a comfort blankie for me.  Clearly I live in the wrong place.  I do love the desert but if  I had to choose, I think I would swing for the sea level.

I swallowed a camera Tuesday.  It's took pictures all the way through my intestinal system.  Isn't that exciting?  Don't be jealous.   Okay, you can be slightly envious.  Especially when it eventually comes out the other end.  TMI?  At least I don't have to retrieve it.  It's a disposable camera.  AND, I can sleep knowing that the one I swallowed wasn't a reused one.  So there's that.

No further to getting any answers on my gut.  The nausea is awful.  The pain - intense at times.  Let's be honest (like I ever sugar coat things anyway). Now we are questioning the diagnosis of Gastroparesis but since it is such a variable disease and can have false negative tests all the time, and they currently can't find anything out - it seems to still be the default  diagnosis.

That sucks.

On the other hand - right now, being in Oceanside is a fabulous distraction!  The kids have a new home.  A HOME I TELL YOU!  3 bedrooms, 2 and half bathrooms, the deck goes right into their backyard which is the playground.  The playground is surrounded by all other homes so every kid can come out, play and still be watched by every other mom/parent in the neighborhood.  Last night Splenda was out there and heard a detached voice,  "Aaaannnnnthony....share the ball!"  Eyes are watching I tell ya.  It was kinda cool.  And of course, Anthony immediately shared the ball.  No questions asked.  You can sit and hear the children play, hear them called home for supper at dusk.  I love it.  It reminds me a little of how it was when my boys were growing up and every mother was watching out front.

The neighborhood is lovely.  Great homes filled with great people.  Based on Corb's last promotion it qualifies him for an upgrade in housing.  Because of some other circumstances in play, he ended up with other officers. NCO and not.  There is a difference.  A good one.  Chloee is simply THRIVING!  A great neighborhood with lots of friends, a fantastic school, safety, structure and most importantly the most love I can ever imagine poured out on this girl!  I even think about it, and I get all teary eyed.  If you would have asked me 2-3 years ago if I could have ever imagined this day, these circumstances for my lil brood?  I would have never dreamed it.  Yet.  It's here.  Right now.   I couldn't feel more blessed.

Have I mentioned before that I love Camp Pendleton?  If not, I do.  Love it.

Hoping to hit a Walmart today, get a few supplies and then wait at the school yard for that moment when my favorite girl bounds out of class, backpack on and ready to hold hands while we walk home.

Life isn't perfect right now, but it's pretty damn close.