Tuesday, August 18, 2009

School has started





I know it's been a long time since I last wrote.  The Yllescas girls have been really busy the last few weeks of summer!  I had a blast at my Mary Kay Seminar in Dallas.  It was great to be surrounded by positive, upbeat women-especially during our anniversary.  When I got back to Nebraska, Julia was busy getting ready for the fair.  Thanks to her grandmas' sewing, gardening, and craftiness, she was able to enter a dress, pinata, tomatoes, and a few other things.  Since she is in the younger age group, they did not get judged on their projects.  Instead, they all received participation ribbons.  Next year Julia will be moved up to the older kids category in which they will get judged.  I had to laugh because when she found that out, she said "Ohhhhh...I'm so nervous!"  Julia's first day of second grade was already last week!  She was so excited to go.  When I picked her up, I asked her how it was.  "Well, it wasn't my best first day ever."  I guess she had a headache all day and then wiped out on the playground and scraped her leg all up.  Poor thing.  But the next day was much better and she informed me that she thinks 2nd grade will be much more fun than 1st grade! :)  Julia has also started dance classes up again.  Eva has started talking a lot now.  I've even noticed her singing the ABC song!  Of course she doesn't sing the alphabets but she has the tune down. :)  I'm still working on getting my house sold in Texas.  That is such a big stress for me especially since I am here in Nebraska and can't keep my eye on it.  But, I have great friends in TX who are helping me out tremendously with this.  I'm also looking into trading in Rob's truck and my vehicle for an SUV.  I need something that will pull the boat but is more practical for me to drive.  It's going to be really hard to get rid of Rob's truck because that was his "baby" but I know he would understand.  It's just too hard for me to drive around a F250 King Ranch diesel truck!!!  So, as usual, we continue to be busy.  As life continues to move forward, my thoughts and memories of Rob stay constant.  I think of him often throughout the day and don't even realize it until I think back on the day.  He will always be in our hearts.  There's not a day goes by that I don't miss him terribly.  I find myself getting really sad/frustrated/angry when the small things happen.  For instance, my vehicle wouldn't start and I couldn't figure out why.  I know nothing about cars.  But Rob would have figured it out in a heartbeat.  When something in the house breaks, Rob would have known what to do.  Yes, I'm blessed to have my brothers and dad near, but it's not the same.  It's a very helpless and overwhelming feeling.  I'm getting better with asking for help because I know I just can't do everything on my own.  But, I'm getting better at doing things I used to hate to do like making phone calls to companies, going through mail, house maintenance, etc.  I'm used to doing things on my own since Rob had deployed so much.  But, I also LOVED giving back those duties when he returned.  So, I'm learning to let the little things go and prioritize in order to keep my sanity! :)  Things are getting better but every once in awhile that frustration will creep back in.  That's when I take a deep breath, say a prayer, and, if needed, ask for help.  I know I've said this alot, but I truly don't know what I would do without the support and help of my awesome family and friends!!!!!

The pictures are of me in front of the Mary Kay Corporate Office and sitting at Mary Kay Ash's actual desk (wearing her glasses) and of Julia's first day of 2nd grade.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rob was so fortunate to have you three! We're proud of all of the beautifulness you are pressing forward to experience.

Michael said...

argh!!! i TOTALLY wish we lived closer to you ! (as opposed to germany!) we are in the market for that exact truck! oh well, if it's still for sale in 9 months we'll take it off your hands then. :)

hanging-on-mom said...

From this Military wife and mom I can only continue to pray for you girls and cheer you on! So proud you keep on keeping on!! Rob would be so proud of you all!
You and your girls are a testament to the price Rob payed for our Country...and Rob and his family will always be in this Military Families Prayers!!

Anonymous said...

I was just thinking of y'all last night, wondering how you were doing. Thanks for the update. I'm proud of how strong you are and what a good example you are for those sweet girls. Keeping y'all in my thoughts & prayers.

Anonymous said...

Your girls are so cute. I can't wait for them to meet Andrew. And you look fantastic. Mary Kay is a great company. I can totally see you driving around in a pink Cadillac. What fun.

Beth and Beau

Heather said...

You are such a strong presence in my life Dena! I was beginning to get concerned when you hadn't written but figured you must be busy. You look so fabulous and extremely relaxed in the MK pictures. Glad you had a good time. Your girls, as always, are absolutely darling! Love Julia's thoughts about school. I teach and start back next week...too quick of a summer.

I am glad that you are having the normal emotions when it comes to the small things. That is all part of the healing process. When something breaks, I get angry, then laugh, and maybe even cry but by the end, nothing is worse for wear. I bet there are times you even talk to Rob when something goes wrong. I know he is up there smiling down saying "That's my girl! Strong and independent!" Keep asking for help, no matter how uncomfortable it is. The help from others will get you through the small things. Take care and stay strong! As always, saying prayers!

Heather in Helena, MT

Cari Morgan said...

You continue to amaze me! Julia looks so cute for her first day of school. I wish you were closer so we could let Eva and Jillian play...they'd have a ball! Thank you for these continuted updates-I always look forward to finding out what the Yllescas girls are up to.
By the way - you look fabulous!

The Bender Bunch said...

We love you, Yllescas girls! Way to go Julia on 2nd grade! You are sure to have it all down pat in no time! And little Eva Grace, your giggles are contagious as am sure your singing is as well!
Dena, congrats on starting your business and best wishes from all!!

Love,
Karen, Craig, Logan, and Zach

Mike in Topeka, KS said...

Dena:

It was great to get the update.
I was able to watch my granddaughter get on the school bus for her first day of 2nd grade. What a thrilling experience.
Every Sunday at church I see the picture of Ryan Soldan who served in Rob's unit. His picture is labeled "Home". I pray every time for you and the girls. I picture Rob's photo also labeled "Home" except he is really home.
I'm sorry that you still hurt at times but I'm glad you still feel connected to Rob. He will never leave you.
You are growing and I know you will do a great job of raising the girls.
Keep your eyes on Jesus and He will give you peace.
Mike in Topeka, KS

David M said...

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 08/19/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.

Trisha said...

Dena,
It is great to read your post. You have accomplished so much and it looks like you are staying on track. I am thankful you moved to Nebraska and have a strong support group. Congrat's to Julia on her crafty accomplishments and entry to second grade!
Hugs from Nevada,