Mar 22, 2009
Mar 13, 2009
He's home!
Robert made it home safely after 368 days of deployment. Here are some links to the media's reports on the reunion. Thank you all for your prayers and support!
(click on "watch the video")
Mar 12, 2009
Robert is coming home:)
We are picking him up from the airport today. I can't believe it's been 368 days! I can't wait to wrap my arms around him!
Feb 21, 2009
Feb 15, 2009
2 steps forward...
...3 steps back. I overdid it this week, and woke up with overwhelming muscle spasms in my lower back. Went to the ER and they gave me valium, and a shot of torridol and dilauded. Now I'm laid up for a couple of days, and no lifting over 20lbs until I'm healed. UGH! I was trying to push it to get things done before Robert comes home, now I'm at a standstill. I should have paced my self. DOH!
Feb 6, 2009
Fundraiser for Robert's Unit!!!!!!
We are getting down to the nitty gritty trying to raise last minute funds for the Welcome Home for the unit. If you come to the Coliseum Carlos Okelly's between 4-9pm on Mon, Feb 9th we will get 20% of sales in that time frame! All of that profit for us will go to their welcome home celebrations! PLEASE PASS THIS INFO ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! We want to give our troops the celebration that they deserve! Come and eat some yummy mexican food with us and show your patriotism:)
Kim Ross
Kim Ross
Jan 31, 2009
As romantic as it sounds...
...I now know that I have NO desire to EVER buy an old house and fix it up.
Jan 28, 2009
Jan 27, 2009
Robert is in the desert, I'm in a flood. (Hover mouse for description)
We had a pipe burst under the dishwasher on Jan 16th. Flooded the bathroom, hallway, fam room, kitchen, utility room and living room. Still waiting on the insurance adjustor to come. Sigh. I just need it finished before Robert comes home!
Jan 16, 2009
Dec 30, 2008
Scrapbook Fundraiser! January 3rd.
PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!!! You can buy tickets at the door. Just email warriors_at_home@yahoo.com to give us a headcount and we'll hold your ticket. This is our last scrapbook day before they come home, so come and crop those Christmas photos while supporting our troops!
Dec 28, 2008
We got a shed;)
Unfortunately it flew in from my neighbors yard around 4:30am this morning. Kylie took this pic through her bedroom window before we left for church. Sounded like metal trash cans banging on the ground...quite the rude awakening! All of the things that were in the shed stayed put in her yard. lol. We were lucky that our tree kept it from slamming into our garage. 
Dec 25, 2008
Dec 22, 2008
Ruby red slippers...
...THAT is what I forgot to pack! Oy. Our power went out Friday morning and came back on finally tonight after dark. (When I came to check on the cats around lunchtime today it was 40 degrees inside our house). I appreciate the Brinkers and Starrs for taking us in (and for those of you that offered). I was watching a "memorable moments in 2008" show tonight and saw the homes sliding off the cliffs, forest fires ravaging houses, floods, tornados...and 4 days of living like a gypsy didn't seem so bad. I'm thankful to have good friends and family that take care of me but I must admit...there is no place like home.
Dec 20, 2008
Oh, the weather outside is frightful...
Big ice storm Thursday night. It's Saturday night, and the power is still out in my neighborhood. I'm at Heather's tonight to get warm and take showers (and get an Internet fix). Hopefully our power will be restored soon!
Dec 9, 2008
The words to "Taps"
The words are:
Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.
Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky.
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh.
Day is done.
Gone the sun.
From the lakes
From the hills.
From the sky.
All is well.
Safely rest.
God is nigh.
Fading light.
Dims the sight.
And a star.
Gems the sky.
Gleaming bright.
From afar.
Drawing nigh.
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise.
For our days.
Neath the sun
Neath the stars.
Neath the sky.
As we go.
This we know.
God is nigh.
Dec 5, 2008
You Know Your Soldier Is Deployed When...
1. You sleep with your cell phone on your pillow.
2. You use an entire bottle of his cologne so you can smell him around you.
3. You get nervous every time the phone rings or you hear a knock at the door.
4. The shoes he left in the middle of the floor are now oddly comforting.
5. The postal clerk knows you by name.
6. You buy beef jerky every time you go to the grocery store.
7.You check your email every 5 minutes including in the middle of the night.
8. You have enough priority boxes, packing tape and customs forms for his entire unit.
9.You have a ton of friends with deployed soldiers who you've never actually met because they're all online.
10.You don't just tie a yellow ribbon around a tree outside, you tie one around your heart
2. You use an entire bottle of his cologne so you can smell him around you.
3. You get nervous every time the phone rings or you hear a knock at the door.
4. The shoes he left in the middle of the floor are now oddly comforting.
5. The postal clerk knows you by name.
6. You buy beef jerky every time you go to the grocery store.
7.You check your email every 5 minutes including in the middle of the night.
8. You have enough priority boxes, packing tape and customs forms for his entire unit.
9.You have a ton of friends with deployed soldiers who you've never actually met because they're all online.
10.You don't just tie a yellow ribbon around a tree outside, you tie one around your heart
"Army Wife" by Dana L. Self
This is for the young women that are waking up at 6 a.m. every morning, laying out clothes and packing three lunches for those small precious children that they have been left alone to care for. This is for the pregnant Army wife wondering if her husband will make it home in time to watch their miracle happen. This is for the childless Army wife, living in a town or on a base alone where she is a complete stranger to her surroundings. This is for the women that feel like a third leg when they go out with their friends and their husbands. This is for the Army wife that canceled all her plans to wait by the phone, and even though the phone broke up and cut off every time you spoke to him, you waited anyway. This is a pledge to the women that cry themselves to sleep in an empty bed. This is to recognize the woman that felt like she was dying inside when he said he had to go, but smiled for him anyway. This is for those of you that are faithfully in that long line at the post office once a month, handling 2 large boxes and 2 small children like a pro. This is for that woman that decided to remodel the house to pass time, and then realized that she had no idea what she was doing and sighed and wished she had a little help. This is for all the lonely nights, all the one-person dinners, and all of the wondering thoughts because you haven't heard from him in days. This is for the sad Army wives, the angry Army wives, and the strong Army wives. A toast to you for falling apart, and putting yourselves back together. Because a pay check isn't enough, a body pillow in your bed is no consolation, and a web cam can never compare. This is for all of you no matter how easy or hard this was for you. Our soldiers are brave, they are heroes, but so are we. So the next time someone tells you that they would never marry an Army guy, don't bother explaining to them that you can't control who you fall in love with. Just think of this and nod your head, know that you are the stronger woman. Hold your heads up high, hang that flag in your front yard, stick 100 magnets on your car, and then give yourself a pat on the back. Be proud to be the woman that you are, be proud to be an Army wife.
Bah Humbug
Can we just fast forward thru Christmas this year? I don't want to go there. I'm too busy, and sick, and sad to mess with it. How is THAT for pathetic? I seem to be stuck in a pity party that I can't find my way out of. Ugh. The songs are so depressing to me this year. The Ross clan loves Christmas. It's about giving, and family, and lots and lots of food. All of that will still be here this year. But Robert won't. And I hate the thought of watching the kids go through it without him. I know, I have to do it for them. I have to go to the tree farm and cut down a tree. And drag boxes of glittery junk out of the garage attic. And play the songs that are so sad to me. I know that I'm lucky to have family here, and good friends, and healthy kids....I know, I know. This phase will pass and I'll be embarrassed to have written this. But for now, I'm going thru the motions.
Nov 26, 2008
Thanksgiving
Robert proposed to me on Thanksgiving. About a million years ago! (Okay, in 1990). I have a lot to be Thankful for. I have 3 healthy-amazing-sarcastic children, a husband that I adore, all my family is close by, a strong church, great friends, my fellow Warriors at Home that understand, steady income, shelter, health insurance, great doctors, a thriving photography business...I can go on and on.
The holidays are bittersweet. I hurt for my friend, Suzy, and neighbor, Jan, that recently lost their husbands and will spend the holidays without them. I hurt for my kids that LOVE getting together with our awesome crazy family but long to have their dad home, I hurt for Robert for wishing he were with us as we get together with our friends and family. It's amazing how you can be in a room full of friends and loved ones and feel alone at the same time.
Fortunately for me, my husband will be home in a few months. And that is something else to be thankful for. When you are gathered with your families this holiday season, please pray for those soldiers that are in harms way, and for their families trying so hard to keep it together back home. I am so thankful for the power of prayer:)
The holidays are bittersweet. I hurt for my friend, Suzy, and neighbor, Jan, that recently lost their husbands and will spend the holidays without them. I hurt for my kids that LOVE getting together with our awesome crazy family but long to have their dad home, I hurt for Robert for wishing he were with us as we get together with our friends and family. It's amazing how you can be in a room full of friends and loved ones and feel alone at the same time.
Fortunately for me, my husband will be home in a few months. And that is something else to be thankful for. When you are gathered with your families this holiday season, please pray for those soldiers that are in harms way, and for their families trying so hard to keep it together back home. I am so thankful for the power of prayer:)
I did it
I've lost 45lbs! I've gone down 4 pant sizes. Whoo hoo! When people ask me how I did it, I tell them the common sense diet. If it's fattening, don't eat it! You don't need a diet with a title-South Beach, Atkins, etc. We all know what is good for you and what isn't. Throw in lots of water, no late night snacking, and lots of exercise and BAM....45lbs:) I go back to the doc on Dec 2nd to get the green light to start working out again. 12lbs more and I'll have hit my goal. I still need to firm up and turn this flab into muscle:) Working out has been an AMAZING stress release, it gives me energy, and it helps me sleep. I'm looking forward to getting back into the gym!
Oct 24, 2008
Surgery went well.
My doc removed scar tissue from my ovary laparascopically. After a D& C, she did an endometrial ablation, and tubal ligation. I'm home resting now (go vicodin!). I should be back to a normal routine after a couple of weeks. Thanks for your prayers:)
Oct 22, 2008
Surgery tomorrow.
Please pray for Robert, he's having a difficult time not being here for it. This is my "to do" list for today (it's noon right now):
Take Mik for a strep test
Bring in winter clothes from garage attic and have kids try them on to wash them
Clean a path in my room so mom can get to the bed (everything from remodel is in there)
School
Bible Lessons
Vision Casting forms for church
Report on Bizantine Art for Mik to do in front of art class on Friday
Take checks to bank
Pay bills
Return frame to Michaels (bought the wrong size)
Take framed prints to Ultrasound clinic to be displayed:)
Take a friends maternity pic
Get liquid diet and enema from Walgreens for today
Mail CD's to clients at Post Office
Take my van and keys to the shop to be repaired while I'm re-cooperating
Take a key to my neighbor so she can feed my cats
Shower the kids (and bail water between each one because the drain is plugged)
Pack a bag for me to take to the hospital and the kids for grandmas
Photoshop the 9 shoots that I'm behind on (hahahahah......wahhhhhhhhh)
The good thing is, being so busy will take my mind off the fact that I can only have clear liquids ALL DAY today!
Take Mik for a strep test
Bring in winter clothes from garage attic and have kids try them on to wash them
Clean a path in my room so mom can get to the bed (everything from remodel is in there)
School
Bible Lessons
Vision Casting forms for church
Report on Bizantine Art for Mik to do in front of art class on Friday
Take checks to bank
Pay bills
Return frame to Michaels (bought the wrong size)
Take framed prints to Ultrasound clinic to be displayed:)
Take a friends maternity pic
Get liquid diet and enema from Walgreens for today
Mail CD's to clients at Post Office
Take my van and keys to the shop to be repaired while I'm re-cooperating
Take a key to my neighbor so she can feed my cats
Shower the kids (and bail water between each one because the drain is plugged)
Pack a bag for me to take to the hospital and the kids for grandmas
Photoshop the 9 shoots that I'm behind on (hahahahah......wahhhhhhhhh)
The good thing is, being so busy will take my mind off the fact that I can only have clear liquids ALL DAY today!
Oct 7, 2008
3rd Place for Best Photog in Fort Wayne!
There were 130 photographers nominated. Thanks to all that voted for me! (Click to view larger). 
Oct 6, 2008
New pics of Robert!!!1
These are from a recent ammo blow. the green thingies contain grenades, the blue tanks are propane, the bricks I believe are C4, and I'm not sure what the rest is!
Sep 29, 2008
Interview Sunday night on the news
Okay, I look awful and much to the chagrin of my Sophomore English teacher, Mrs Salerno, I said "um" 7 times. Click the link below and then "watch the video".
http://www.indianasnewscenter.com/news/local/29864794.html
http://www.indianasnewscenter.com/news/local/29864794.html
Aug 25, 2008
Gloom, despair, and agony on me........
**UPDATE** Laprascopy on October 23rd
I've been having abdominal pain for about a month now. The doc did some tests, gave me pain meds, and decided that it's most likely scar tissue from some of the 7 surgeries that I've had. I had my first physical therapy today. They are trying to using abdominal massage to break up the scar tissue to avoid another surgery. I cannot express how painful this is! I have a very high tolerance to pain and the effects of pain meds, and I think I walked out of there in shock. She said that the pain will lessen with each session. I certainly hope that she's right. I have to go back Thursday........WAH! The day after Labor Day I see my doc again to see if the 2 sessions helped. If so, I'll keep going, if not more surgery. Talk about a rock and a hard place. lol!
I've been having abdominal pain for about a month now. The doc did some tests, gave me pain meds, and decided that it's most likely scar tissue from some of the 7 surgeries that I've had. I had my first physical therapy today. They are trying to using abdominal massage to break up the scar tissue to avoid another surgery. I cannot express how painful this is! I have a very high tolerance to pain and the effects of pain meds, and I think I walked out of there in shock. She said that the pain will lessen with each session. I certainly hope that she's right. I have to go back Thursday........WAH! The day after Labor Day I see my doc again to see if the 2 sessions helped. If so, I'll keep going, if not more surgery. Talk about a rock and a hard place. lol!
Aug 23, 2008
Aug 12, 2008
Control freak vs. the world
I've said it before, I'm a control freak. I consciously try not to be, really I do. I bite my tongue, rationalize with myself...I've actually come a long way. But it has been a rough couple of weeks. I'm a list maker. I'm an avid calendar keeper. I'm not sure if that helps my "condition" (control freak) or makes it worse. But I haven't felt well for a couple of weeks, and that has caused me not to finish lists and I actually had to cancel a shoot on Thursday just 2 hours before. But I had some tests done, and will get the results next week and hopefully get that resolved.
I've had a crazy schedule and little sleep for 2 weeks, so I'm looking forward to slipping into a routine when school starts next week. Although I have planned on doing some "house repairs/remodeling/painting over 3 weeks in September thanks to some very dear friends and family helping me out. I will still be doing school during that time, and I'm preparing myself now for the chaos that will be out of my control during that time. It will SO be worth it! I'm anxious and excited at the same time! I can't wait to get started so we can get done. Robert will be thrilled when he gets home! Sorry, won't be posting pics because he wants to be surprised!
Robert and I both bought webcams and microphones this week:) We're having trouble with his mic, so I think I'll send him a better webcam with a built in mic and he'll sell the cheap ones that he has. It is SO amazing to see his smile again. The streaming video is so much better than still shots. The kids and I had a blast yesterday with them talking and seeing him AT THE SAME TIME!!!!
I had to take our big black cat, Nikko, to the emergency vet at midnight on Saturday night (thank you Nina for coming to stay with the sleeping kids). He had been hoarse and coughing for a couple of days, but started wheezing and foaming at the mouth. He has bronchitis! Kylie and I have to give him an antibiotic PILL every night with a contraption that is basically like a blow dart gun with a plunger. He weighs 15lbs, doesn't feel well, and fights back with all his might. Took 6 tries last night, but we got it. He is feeling much better, and he is learning to live with the relentless kitten, Remy.
Jul 19, 2008
Meet Remy Malone Ross
We bought Mikala an early birthday present today. Needless to say, all of us (except Nikko) are in love! Mikala spent hours lamenting over his name. 
Nikko meets Remy. Starts out slow, but the end is hilarious!
Nikko meets Remy. Starts out slow, but the end is hilarious!
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