Friday, May 8, 2009

The Life of a Firewife

Just returned from lunch with my friend in real life, Elaine, from Matters of the Heart.

I tell you, she is just the sweetest friend!

Firehubby and I were going to have a date today, and I was really looking forward to it. Afterall, there are only 5 more weeks until summer break and then we will have to put a pause on our dating while the kids are at school. I cherish this time with my hubby and it is hard to have evening dates with the high cost of babysitters.

Anyway, I digressed…

Firehubby was recalled! For those of you not familiar with fire lingo, that means forced to go to work at a moments notice. His recall is important to his department as they are sending firefighters out to Santa Barbara. He won’t actually be going to S.B., he will be filling in for firefighters who are on their way to that major disaster.

Side note: Two firefighters have been burned fighting the Santa Barbara wildfires. I know that they, their families, and the citizens of S.B. could certainly use many prayers!

Ok, back to my other train of thought…

So, no date with Firehubby, I will adjust my attitude, because clearly others need him more today.

May I digress again?

One challenge of being a Firewife is that you have to change your life at a moments notice and make sacrifices, just as the firefighter does. This can be very stressful.

Today is no different. I am scheduled to work tomorrow. Remember, I only work when Firehubby is off duty and there is not such thing as a childcare provider for our family. So, I need to find someone to watch my kids at 0545 tomorrow morning. Not such an easy task on a Saturday morn. Plus, it is possible that Firehubby will not be released at all. They could actually keep him on duty for days. So, I have to be sure to line someone up for the entire day. Plus, I am scheduled for Mother’s day. The hospital cannot do without me either. I don’t know how I am going to do this…

Thanks for listening friends…it helps to get it off my chest.

Back to the highlight of my day…

Lunch with Elaine and Rooney was so nice! Delicious food and great company!
Now, let me BRAG about that little Rooney. He is 2 1/2 and is above and beyond intelligent. I sat in amazement as he spelled his name, identified and then actually counted objects and knew the sounds to all of the letters that he pointed out.

I can brag, because he is not my boy “) WOW! This is Rooney. My brilliant little friend! And cute as a button!


Well, thanks again for listening. I usually try to be positive in my posts, but this is quite a day.


18 comments:

Beth in NC said...

God bless your husband and all firefighters! My husband was a volunteer fire captain for YEARS. It was an uneasy feeling when he would leave in the middle of the night. I pray your husband all all ff will come home safe and sound.

Love,
Beth

Mrs. M said...

Thinking good thoughts for all the hard-working firefighters out there! I wish I was closer - I would help you out!! ;-) I am up that early!! Good luck!

mama's smitten said...

You are real! And that is what I appreciated about you ! Let me just say that I have a made a A Big decision and you may have had a little something to do with it??? Your True stories about your work career and you family has inspired me to look into a career as a nurse. Let's just say you stories came at the right times. Almost as though God was talking to me. Thank You for being real! I would love to pick your brain sometime!!!!! :) Prayers Fire Hubby returns safe ans soon! Good Luck finding some one to work for you! I would but I still have some years to go!!!! LOL

Rachel said...

Jealous jealous jealous... I am such an Elaine fan and would love to meet you both in person!

Rooney is a smart little guy! :)

And bless your husband for the work he does, and bless you for giving up your Mother's Day to make a really special Mother's Day for brand new ones!

Hope you get something for the kiddos...!

Aspiemom said...

It's wonderful that your husband does the work he does. What would we do without our firefighters?

I hope you are able to find childcare to fill in for him. I'd help you, but...GA is a little too far away from CA!

Pam D said...

How fortunate for both you and Elaine that you know each other irl and can go out to lunch! You both are so "real" on your blogs; I can only imagine what a great time you have together. I do wish I lived near you; I'd be happy to keep your kids for you. Airmail 'em to Georgia; we'll keep 'em busy! I'm praying for all of those firefighters in S.B. and so very thankful for your hubby and all of those who put their lives on the line fighting fires. Blessings...

Elaine at Matters of the Heart) said...

Oh what a sweet friend you are. I had such a wonderful time. Rooney could not stop talking about Mrs. Wife.Mom.Nurse, on the way home. It was great company, and such a good time. Thank you so much. By the way, the TJ card paid for dinner too. You are one of the dearest, sweetest people I know. By the way, if Brian does have to stay, I would be up for the kids on Mothers Day. We are going to church in the morning and a barbecue with the inlaw side, you know how they feel about the more the merrier. Keep it in mind. Happy Mother's Day.

Anne said...

Good luck with childcare. I know what a hassle that can be. We're also a family that works opposite each other so one of us is always home. But, for the times something doesn't work, we have a really good friend who helps us out. I don't know what we'd do without her!

Meg said...

You make as big of sacrifices as your hubby does, thanks! I hope you find someone to watch the kids tomorrow, because we all know how much it sucks to be a nurse down on the floor! I hope you get a date night together soon. Oh, BTW, that little boy is adorable!

Anonymous said...

As a fellow "firewife"....my husband is a Fire Captain in Orange County, I wrote a post on this for my "thankful Thursday" edition. We have been married over 30 years, and being a fireman was all he ever wanted to do, what a blessing it has been to be with a man who loves his job, his hobby..There have been many a "fire season" that we didn't see him for weeks on end, but being so proud, we just kept the family going and waiting for each phone call, as you know, when they are on the fireline, far and few between. I always enjoy reading your post, and know how important the "dates" can be, even after 30 + years...giggle...Have a great day! You and your family are in our hearts and prayers, saftey and peace....

He & Me + 3 said...

Sorry about the cancelled date night. My hubs and I never get them because of his crazy schedule and babysitting issues. We dont leave our kids with anyone but my mom. So it is all around her schedule.
I hope that you are able to work everything out.
Rooney is precious and Elaine is such a sweet blogging friend. How cool that you all met for lunch.

Unknown said...

You & Elaine are both the sweetest! And I really don't know you do what you do, with all the nursing drama & being a firewife too! Hubby lunchdates are the best.:)

Casey said...

Bless your heart!

I hope you get some time with your hubby soon. I remember how hard it was to find time just to sit and talk.

You both have jobs that can throw a kink in your plans at the drop of a hat.

Beth E. said...

Praying for your hubby and the other firefighters...Please tell him I said "thank you" for the sacrifice he and his buddies make. I am in awe!

I am in awe of you, too, girl! It's easy for me to see that God has CALLED you to be a nurse. It's not just your job, it's a ministry! Thank you to you, too!

Sidenote: Mrs. Nurse, is it possible for one to pull an ovary? You know, like pulling a muscle? 'Cause if it IS, then I DID! Well, maybe not an ovary after all, but I pulled something in my lower right side when I was trying to get into my parents car today! I'm okay when I'm sitting, it's when I stand and walk that I hurt! Have you ever heard of such a thing? Only me, huh?! LOL

Hope you found a babysitter...try to have a good Mother's Day, despite the fact that you have to work. :/

Oh, and I'm a little jealous that you had lunch with Elaine! She's a sweetheart! And Rooney? He's a doll!

Blessings,
Beth

Unknown said...

Julie,

I can't even imagine what it must feel like every time he gets recalled into work.

I am sorry your missed out on your date.

Praying that he is home safe now with you!

Hugs and love - Happy Mother's Day!
Rooney is really cute BTW!
Jill

Becca~CapturingSimpleJoys said...

I hope it all works out. The fire and that all are kept safe. Your husband being able to return home soon. You being able to find someone to watch the kids.
May you be a blessing to a mom on Mother's Day becoming a mom!

Oh, that little guy is a cutie!

Paige Hinrichs said...

God bless all those firefighters! That must be difficult figuring out schedules for time with your kids and each other! Isn't Rooney a smarty? He's cute too!

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

Happy Mother's Day!!