JESUS. ENDURANCE. STRENGTH. POWER.

So, not only am I writing in my blog again, I have also decided to start running again. Yesterday, I got up and went for a run before church. I only ran two miles and it was tough. I'm gonna let you in on a secret of mine. Something, I've never told anyone. Are you ready? I have a mantra that I say when I'm running and I don't think I can manage another step. It sounds silly, I know. 

While running yesterday, the first mile was ok. Then I turned around to come back and discovered a steady incline for the entire way back home and my heart sank. I was streaming Pandora through my iPhone. I had it on a country station at first but had to change it in hopes of finding something more upbeat. I decided for a Christian station. Sometimes, I get really good upbeat music that gets my legs moving and then there are times like yesterday. I was running while "How Great Thou Art" was playing! Come on, Pandora!! While I love the song and it flooded my mind with memories of my childhood church, this was not exactly a running song! But I suppose that's what Pandora's box is, right? It's either something really good or something really bad...or is that just on Big Brother? I'm sure you're wondering why I didn't change the station. Well, I'll tell you why. I couldn't. I just couldn't! It was too much extra exertion to unlock my iPhone, find the Pandora app and pick another one. Come on! I couldn't breathe, let alone peruse around through my apps! I passed a few runners coming the opposite direction. I mustered all my energy to pick up my pace, stand a little taller and try to control my breathing so they wouldn't pick up on the fact that I was about to kill over! Then I told myself it was time. Then I told Jesus it was time. You know the time...it was mantra time! With each breath out, I say (in my head) Jesus. Endurance. Strength. Power. I repeat this over and over until I pass the finish line or my run is over. HOWEVER, yesterday even saying my mantra was too exhausting! So I had to shorten it. I could only get out Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! 

Something else I do while running is a little hand raise. If I'm listening to my Christian music I may put a hand up for a beat or two. Yesterday, I attempted and then put that hand right back down. I told Jesus, "Shoo, not today. But here, here..." I put my pointer finger up as I ran! "You see it, God...this finger's for you!!!" I finished my run and I felt great when it was over. I'm hoping that tonight's run will be better than yesterday and hopefully when I open Pandora's box it will be to find an upbeat Toby Mac or Mandisa song! ;)

Boys

A facebook friend of mine posted a picture of her 2 precious little girls a week or so ago. They were hugging and smiling and just adorable. The caption said something to the effect of they had just said their bedtime prayers and my friend had prayed that they would always love each other and be good sisters to each other. After the prayer, the little girls hugged and one of them exclaimed, "Jesus heard our prayers!!! Take a picture!" How completely sweet!!!

That night I decided to try it with our boys. "Boys" is the opportune word in the previous sentence. I had finished reading them their books and then got them all nestled in bed. As we said our prayers we prayed for the people in the path of Hurricane Isaac and thanked God that we were safe. I ended by praying that they would always love each other and be good brothers to each other. When we pray, I usually pray and then Hunter goes and then Jack. 

*Jack has a little bit of a talking problem. Not only does he talk a lot, and I mean A LOT, he also gets ahead of himself. He doesn't stutter, it's more of a repeat. He'll repeat the same 1-3 words before he can get the full sentence out.*

After we had said "AMEN" I looked up waiting to see them hug. Instead, Hunter looks at me and says, "When Jack was praying he sounded like a scratched up DVD!" Well, there you have it...boys!!!

I don't have pink in my life. I don't have glitter and glam. No little divas in this house. No one to watch me put on make up and ask to have some. Theres no finger nail painting going on here. I live in a house  where everything can be turned into a weapon. Before I know it, I have crossed enemy lines. Star Wars and Thomas are our main topics of conversation, at the dinner table, in the car, at bedtime, while watching tv. Karate moves are shown off. I find paper airplanes and ninja stars made from notebook paper everywhere. 

No, I don't have princesses or sparkles but I do have two very sweet and loving boys. They are boys that know how to share and give. My oldest made me a cross out of sticks at recess. My youngest offered me his heart when mine was broken. I have polite, loving little boys. Yes, they can be rowdy and loud. But I wouldn't trade them for all the taffeta in the world!!

Here Kitty Kitty

This was an email I sent to a couple girlfriends a few days ago. They told me I should blog. I did not tell them I actually had a blog, one that I don't ever write in!

So...y'all know I can't see, right? Especially in the dark. Last night we were in the back yard and I saw something on the ground so I took a step toward it and bent over a little. It was really fast and I thought it was a lizard. Then from it's movement I ruled that out. My next thought was SKINK!!! Then I realized it was most definitely a snake!! LOL! It was a fast little booger. I said calmly, "Snake...SNAKE!" But with the dang wind Luke didn't hear me til I was running away screaming SNAAAAKE! Glad the little guy got away tho cause Luke was gonna chop off it's head with a shovel!

Anywho...the whole scenario reminds me of the commercial where the woman lets a raccoon in her house thinking it's her cat. Luke ALWAYS gives me the look when we see it cause he says that's me!

So, here is is...my entry for 2012. I'm only 9 months into the year! ;)

Impressions

I really thought life was gonna be good. I was so excited and happy to be in Florida, to be reconciled with my husband, to be a family again. Then I was blindsided. I had been lied to. The more neighbors I met, the more stories I heard. The more the truth was apparent. I can't make us work. Both parties have to actively want to be married. So now, a year later, I find myself separated once again. This has been a vicious cycle, one that is unhealthy not only for our marriage, but for our children. This time he left me. The married life wasn't for him and he just didn't love me anymore. Then came the other girls. His first mistress, the bottle, has remained faithfully by his side. The heartbreak is almost unbearable. The devastation. This is not me. I am a Christian woman who doesn't believe in divorce. I believe in fighting for your marriage. But how long can I fight this battle alone? How can I love someone so unconditionally and not have that love returned? Did our vows mean nothing? I gave him my heart. I gave him everything, all of me. And in return what have I been given? Lonely nights of crying myself to sleep. The betrayals, the lies, the ugly words, the pain. If it is God's will to restore our marriage, I will accept that with an open heart. I will trust God to heal my shattered heart and help me to forgive and forget. I pray that God with either deliver Luke from his strongholds or release me from the marriage.

I know that life is hard. It wasn't meant to be easy for anyone. "Man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward." Job 5:7. This is God breathed, this is a truth. But, equally true is that God has promised to deliver us from our troubles. I cried for a month and a half straight. Every day. For hours at a time. I thought the pain would never end. I came across this forgotten treasure today,"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in you book." Psalm 56:8 I am almost embarrassed now to think of how many tears I shed as I lay in a heap sobbing. I am so thankful for my God and His love for me. I know that through Him I can do all things. I am thankful for the promise that God has made in Isaiah 49:16, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands." God is holding me so tightly that I leave a visible impression in His hands. Can you imagine? The King of Kings holding me? That is so encouraging and in that verse I find comfort.

***Today is Sept. 1, 2012 and I feel like I have to let anyone who reads this entry know that we are back together and better than ever. Luke has been sober for 114 days. He attends church with us and we are really working on the pain. I can't begin to explain how amazing our God is. His hand was all over this situation. Maybe one day I will take the time to tell the story of our incredible journey and the strongholds that God helped us to overcome. I truly believe that ALL things are possible with God. 

Lessons in Faith from a Seven Year Old

Luke and I decided to live on base when we moved to Florida, as we own a house in Missouri. The last time we lived on base was in 2006 in New Mexico. Hunter was only 2 at the time so he doesn't remember all the "perks" of living on base. He doesn't remember the announcements made base wide by the Command Post. He doesn't remember fighter jets flying over or hearing the "war" going on. He doesn't remember Luke being gone all the time and it just being the 2 of us most days and most nights. And he definitely doesn't remember hearing Revile played at 0600, Retreat at 1700, Taps at 2200 or Call to Arms at noon on Fridays.

We got here on Sunday. Monday we either weren't at the house when any of them played or we just didn't hear them. But Tuesday we were in the living room and Retreat started at 5:00 sharp. Hunter was laying on the floor watching TV and sat straight up. His eyes were wide and excited. He looked at me and said, "I didn't know today was the day God was coming back! Because I know what that noise was. That was praising God! It was the horn blowing, saying God is coming!"

I didn't know what to say. I didn't even realize he knew details about the second coming. I found it sweet, funny and completely appropriate if it were the last day! I explained to him what it was and that it didn't mean his spiritual Father was coming, but instead the music meant his earthly father would be coming because the music marks the end of the work day. Wow! I've often thought of the end of times and the trumpet being blown. I have to admit I feel a sense of panic and fear most times. I picture myself trying to gather my babies, my husband, my parents and direct them the right way. I stress that we won't be together when the time comes (if it comes when we're still alive). My focus is on my loved ones instead of on God.

Hunter's response to Jesus' second coming was completely appropriate. He was excited, he stopped what he was doing and he was ready to go! Oh, to have child-like faith. We can learn so much from children. When the disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven he responded that the children were.

"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 18:3

"Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:4

"Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." -Luke 18:17

Right before we moved I started a book by Priscilla Shirer titled, "He Speaks to Me." One of the chapters was about having childlike faith. Tuesday God gave me a tangible lesson through my 7 year old.

Reflecting Back and Moving Forward

This past year has been very long and difficult for our family. As I sit here now I look back at all the trials and struggles and have to take a minute to thank God for seeing us through to the other side. I appreciate my struggles because I know they happen for a reason. I try to think of my troubles as opportunities to learn and help others who may go through the same struggles.

"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." 2 Corinthians 1:4

It is a surreal feeling to sit here and look around at my family and my home. My heart is bursting with joy. It's a relief. We made it, we finally made it, and here I sit looking back across this canyon of pain and separation that seemed much too wide and much too deep to cross. God had a plan and a purpose. He is love and His love carried us through.

That being said, the McGlone family is starting a new chapter. The boys and I have just moved to Florida where Luke was waiting for us. He worked hard to get everything unpacked and all the furniture set up. We've been here for 1 week 3 days and have been busting our tails to get the house organized and decorated. Of course with any move you have to buy new things to fit the new house. We still need to get some window treatments and rugs, but other than that it feels like home. I can't wait to see what adventures God has in store for us in Florida!

My Oh My, How Time Flies!

Well, since my last post life has been busy! Hunter graduated on May 20th. He was so cute in his cap! Of course Luke and I juggled Jack, the camera and the video camera back and forth throughout the entire program. Jack was cute because he would clap when everyone else clapped. He's so proud of himself when he does it too. He has a huge crooked grin with 6 big teeth.

We went to Elizabethtown for Memorial Day weekend for a surprise birthday party for Luke's dad. Then Hunter started summer school on May 28th (Thursday). Now, I remember when I went to school, summer school was to make up a bad grade or because you were in danger of failing. It wasn't a good thing. I don't know if it's just Missouri or if it's changed everywhere, but now summer school is a good thing. It is an optional program. I wanted Hunter to go so he could get familiar with his school and teachers. I can't believe how big he is! I was so sad and he was so excited! The first day parents were supposed to walk their child in and sign them in and then walk to the class room with them. I just couldn't believe how well adjusted he is. He is so outgoing and doesn't know a stranger. I walked him in again on Friday just in case he didn't remember where his classroom was. Then I figured I'd walk him in on Monday just in case he had forgotten over the weekend and he looked at me and said, "Mommy, you can walk me in tomorrow." He was so excited that he was a real big boy and was allowed to walk in by himself. He got out of the car and turned back to me with a big cheesy smile and a full arm wave yelling bye bye mommy! I love you! He blew me a couple kisses, yelled bye bye again and turned and ran to the school. His crazy blonde curls bounced with each step he took and his back pack looked bigger than he was. I couldn't help but cry agian! I don't want him to grow up!

And now Jack is going to be 1 next month! I can't believe it. He thinks he's so big. He tries so hard to do everything that Hunter does. He pulls himself up on everything. He waves and claps. He crawls so fast EVERYWHERE!! And he feels like he has to feed himself which is a very messy process! The funniest thing to me is bath time. Every night I put both boys in the bath together. I have a very large red cup from college that has now become their bath cup. Hunter likes to fill the cup with water and take a big drink and then spit it out (I know...not very sanitary...but hey, they're boys!) Jack always watches him and big brother won't let him have the cup. Jack with mouth open wide, reaches his little chubby hand up with fingers spread apart almost to the cup and Hunter will turn so it's just out of his reach. Jack eventually gives up and finds his rubber duckie to chew on. I try to put Jack in first (it really depends on how fast Hunter gets undressed). Jack will see the cup sitting on the side of the tub and he makes a slippery crawl as fast as his body can manage to the corner of the tub. His little body stretches and his outstretched hand just barely touches the cup. He knocks it off and it plops into the water. Very proudly he will submerge the cup so it fills with water and I'll be dipped if he doesn't bring it to his mouth, take a drink and then he will open his mouth and let all the water fall back out. But what makes it so darn cute is that he will look over at Hunter and smile and then do it again. It's not a look of haha, I have the cup and you don't. It's a look of did you see me brother, did you see me? They are so precious and I am so thankful for both of them. They bless Luke and I in their own unique ways every day!

We Have A Preschool Graduate On Our Hands!!

Well, last night was Hunter's Preschool graduation. I can't believe that he will be starting Kindergarten this fall. I also can't believe that Jack will be one in like 6 weeks! Sometimes I feel like my life is passing me by. I want my boys to stay babies forever, but at the same time, I'm curious and excited to see what God has in store for their future. They truly are a blessing to Luke and me. We are leaving tomorrow to go to Elizabethtown for my father-in-law's surprise 50th birthday party. I am excited to go and see everyone, but sad that I won't get to see my family. I am still working at our church and I've been leading a Ladies Bible study on Tuesday nights. However, now that it's summer, I'm taking a break until fall. Luke is still an instructor in the Air Force. He's just finishing up his soccer season and then I guess he'll move on to softball. We stay busy and at times our lives are completely hectic, but I love every minute of this chaotic whirlwind that I call my life!

I should be ashamed of myself...

So, I really thought that this whole blog thing was going to be great! I was going to post pictures and updates so that all my family and friends could keep up with us while we live so far away...umm, yeah, not so much. My problem is I don't think I can make a post without posting pictures and I don't have time to post pictures. The last thing I want to do when I get home from work (sitting at a computer all day long) is get on our computer...so I don't. Plus I barely have enough time as it is to clean, cook, do laundry, do dishes and bathe the boys in the evenings. So, now nearly ONE year later from my last post I am going to make an attempt to try this whole thing out again! Wish me luck!!! =)

Playing Catchup!

So...a lot has happened since my last post. Like, for instance, I had a baby! Haha! Let's see how I can catch everyone up. I last wrote in May so I'll try to go back to June. Well, actually after my last May post I had gone to Kentucky for my baby shower that Amanda threw for me (May 29). It was fun to see all my friends and neat to see April pregnant and exciting to meet Karana, Shannon's 2 week old! There's something special about being pregnant with your friends...especially when you've been friends since kindergarten!

June was actually pretty hectic for me. Heather had her baby, so that meant I was on my own in the office! Actually, we got a temporary replacement who came in and worked part-time in Heather's absence. I got a little overwhelmed trying to do my job, Heather's job and train Angi. My due date was July 4 and when that day came and went with no sign of baby coming I must admitt I turned into quite the bear. The 4th was a friday and I was praying Jack would come before Monday because that was when Vacation Bible School started and Angi was going to be on vacation that week so that meant I would be on my own amidst all the chaos that comes along with VBS.

That Monday I was sooo uncomfortable and thought that I might be in the early stages of labor...turns out I was...infact, my water had broke at some point that day and I didn't realize it! ( I know, I know...how is that possible? It was a trickle, not a flood, that's how! lol) I got home and proceeded to walk about a mile and a half...ALONE!! I kept doubling over in pain, but kept going cause I was determined to have that baby! I had noticed all day long that Jack wasn't moving like normal so at about 11pm, Luke and I went to the ER and I was hooked up to monitors...still leaking all the while! They never checked me cause they could hear the heartbeat and said he was fine. We got home after midnight and I was dreading to have to face day two of VBS! I changed my bottom half TWICE (and it still never dawned on me why I was "leaking"!!!)

The next morning (July 8) I got up and finally realized that my water had broken!!! You that are closest to me, know I'm a blonde in a brunette's disguise! Anywho, I was determined to go natural, even though I was put on pitocin! Finally at about 8:15 PM I gave in and ordered an epidueral, got it around 8:30 and Jack was born at 8:46!!! SERIOUSLY!!! It was a hectic ordeal...I had to be put on oxygen cause Jack's heart rate dropped drastically! Then we both had to be put on antibiotics and monitored because I got a fever during labor which is a sign of infection...due to my water being broke for so long!

In August my mom and gramma came down and stayed for a week while I went back to work. They watched the boys for me and cooked and cleaned and did the laundry! Then Hunter started Preschool the following week and Jack started going to his babysitter! Jack made his first visit to Ky in September and got to meet his brand new cousin, Braeden!

Luke turned 27 on October 9 and I surprised him by getting a sitter and taking him out to some fancy smancy restuarant. Actually it wasn't that fancy...but it should have been for the price! It's a place called The Point. It's a steak house that is basically on a cliff, hence the name. It's kinda rustic and like a huge log cabin. There are big windows so you can look out at the beautiful scenery while you eat. That morning I got up before the crack of dawn to make a birthday cake for him completely from scratch, including the frosting. It was a long day for me, but Luke is completely worth it! =) Well, I guess this post is long enough!

I've Been Tagged...

At least I think I have been. =)

Ten years ago, I was...a junior in high school.

Three things I am going to do today...the newsletters at work, clean my house and pack for Kentucky!

If I were a billionaire, I would...pay off all debt (including our house), start a college fund for our children, save/invest, give a couple million to my parents =), donate money to a charity and TRAVEL, TRAVEL, TRAVEL!!!

Five places I have lived...Lexington, KY; Paris, KY; Richmond, KY; Clovis, NM; St.Robert, MO

On my resume, you'd find these five jobs...church secretary(Westside Baptist Church), dietary aide (PCRMC and BCH), server (Logan's Roadhouse) , POS (Kohl's), cashier (Food Lion).

Tag: Heather A

Bellies, Kentucky and Potato Salad

One thing about this pregnancy that is fun is working with another pregnant person! The fact that we are so close together with due dates makes it that much more fun. When I was pregnant with Hunter, I was definitely the only one. This time I have 3 best friends and my sister-in-law pregnant with me! Heather and I after church.

We are going home to Kentucky this weekend and I can't wait to see my family and friends. I'm really looking forward to rubbing bellies and meeting Shannon's new little one!!! Oh and my mom is making her potato salad!!! I can't wait! =) Deviled eggs will make the trip complete! haha!

Just Us!

This is us before church Sunday morning after Hunter's birthday.

This is just me, showing my belly off at 30 weeks, 3 days!

Hunter is going through an umbrella phase right now, so Luke and I got him one for his birthday. He couldn't wait for the first rainy day so he could use it! Of course, even though he has his umbrella, he still has to wear his "cool" raincoat!

A Spidey Filled Day!

So here are some pictures from Hunter's birthday party weekend (April 26, 2008). Since his birthday fell on a Tuesday this year we had his party on the Saturday before. He had a few friends come as well as Becky and Gene (my parent-in-laws), and his Uncle Brad and Aunt Heather, who brought along their neice Makenzie.

Issac and Hunter sitting at the Cars table that Hunter got from Uncle Brad and Aunt Heather.

Hunter in mid jump!

Hunter and Austin decided to take a break from the jumpy house and check out the playground. Austin, Hunter and Issac enjoying some pizza!

The cool cake that Ausitn's mommy made.

Spiderman even showed up for this special birthday boy!

Hunter had a great birthday. He and his friends had a good time playing and the adults had a good laugh thanks to Spiderman's outstanding performance! =)

Ten Weeks Left!

Well, apparently I'm not very good at keeping this thing updated! Let's see, I guess it's been about a month since my last post! I got baptized on April 13th. That was a good day for us. Luke and Hunter were right there with me smiling. Hunter was very impressed with the big "bathtub" and Luke was excited for me. I am hoping that will jumpstart something in Luke, we'll see. I had asked if I could have bubbles, but that request was denied.

As of today I am 30 weeks pregnant! I am so excited! Not that much longer...10 weeks! So, here's a picture of me at 27 weeks and then at 30 weeks.

The theme of this month has been Spiderman! Hunter's 4th birthday party is going to be this Saturday on the 26th. His acutal birthday is the 29th. We have rented a blow up jumpy house and Luke ordered a Spiderman costume off of Ebay. Our friend Ammie has been nice enough to make the cake for us. We're having the party at one of the parks on post, unless there's bad weather. In that case we'll be having the party at our church. I'm excited and Hunter is excited, but I honestly believe that Luke is the MOST excited! haha! He's such a big kid! Well, I guess that all that's been going on here with us. Oh, we steamed cleaned our carpets last weekend, but thats about the extent of our excitment! I'm always at church (between a 40 hour work week, bible study, Cubbies, and small groups) and Luke has started classes again this week...we stay pretty busy!

Floods, tornadoes and weight gain!

Well, it's raining non-stop again here in great Missouri. There were major floods two weeks ago. Roads got washed out and people had to evacuate their homes. We were fortunate enough not to be effected by it at our house. The water is already rising again. There have been tornadoes today as well as last Friday. I refuse to sleep in the closet again! We did that a couple months ago when there were like 5 tornadoes! No thank you! I'll sleep in my bed and if I get blown away, I get blown away!

We were supposed to get the nursery done this past weekend and get the garage cleaned out, but that didn't happen. We started on Saturday, but eventually gave up for the day and then never started again on Sunday. I'm driving Luke crazy with my "nesting". I can't help it...I want things organized (every closet, every cabinet, every drawer!) Jack has been very active the past couple of days and I have been more tired! Hunter has been asking more and more questions about the baby. He's excited that his little brother is going to be in the room next to his and has already asked if Jack can sleep with him in his bed. My next appointment is on the 7th of April. Hunter gets his 4 year check-up on the 14th and I know that he will be getting shots. I know you haven't seen my belly mom, so here is a picture of me about 2 weeks ago at 25 weeks along.

With Hunter I gained, oh about 60 POUNDS!!!! So far I've only gained 6 pounds, (as of my last doctor's visit). However, this is what happened last time too...I gained it all at the end! I'm sure I've gained a couple more pounds and I'll find out next week. So my goal this pregnancy is ~ "just not 60, just not 60, please not 60!"

Easter

We had a pretty good Easter. I was sad cause we weren't with family, but it was overall a good day. I got up and arranged the baskets how I thought they looked best...you know...just the way the Easter bunny would have wanted them! haha. Then I woke up the boys and made french toast for breakfast. Hunter was upset that he missed the Easter bunny, but once he saw his basket he forgot all about it. After Hunter got his basket we ate, but Hunter didn't want french toast...he wanted Nerds. So, I decided to sprinkle Nerds on his and he had a special Easter breakfast!

Hunter liked it!

After breakfast daddy and Hunter tried out his new kite from the Easter bunny before getting ready for church.

My handsome boys!

After church I made a ham, mashed potatoes, peas, corn and rolls. Then for dessert I made a cake and bunny cookies. We had a good day.

Weclome To My Blog!

Well, I've finally joined the online world of blogging! I guess having a facebook and myspace account just weren't enough for me! Actually I decided to start a blog so that our family and friends can keep up with us from afar! =) It's hard living so far from everyone that we love, so I hope this helps!

Luke tested for Tech Sgt. on St. Patrick's Day and we are waiting to find out whether or not he passed. We won't know anything until sometime in June so please keep us in your prayers. We could use a pay raise. I'm already starting to stress about finances with another little one coming soon! Luke is currently enrolled in Kaplin University and has been taking online classes for pre-law. He really enjoys them and is doing well.

Hunter started a new daycare yesterday and he absolutely LOVES it! It's right down the road from our church so it's close to me. I feel so much better knowing that he's in a good place. The atmosphere is completely different than where he was before.

The excitment is growing as July gets closer and closer! We cannot wait to meet Jack and to see how Hunter interacts with him. Last Friday Hunter was rubbing my belly and saying, "Come on brother! What's taking you so long baby?" It was funny cause he's never done that before. Hunter is very excited to be a big brother!

As for me, I'm just working and being a mommy and wife. Keep our pastors in your thoughts cause they have not only one pregnant secretary, but two! Heather will be 27 weeks Wednesday and I will be 26 weeks on Thursday! We really are one week apart from eachother...8 days!