We just had a lovely steak dinner. Mike invited Chad and Scott. Ashlee and Lindsay were there, too. We had london broil, pasta salad, green beans, and flaky cheddar cheese biscuits. After dinner, Scott, Mike, Ashlee and Lindsay took Casey to Cold Stone for dessert. They promised to get Al and I something decadent!

I'm really nervous about Mike leaving for Alaska. I am fretful that he'll be gone for three years (I just found out that he'll be gone three years instead of two.) He'll be there until he's 23 years old. Wow. Why is it that mother's love their sons so much? I just get crazy when I think about my boy being so far away from me for so long. I don't feel strong enough to be able to cope with this. How will I make it?