Somtimes The Best Things in Life . . .

. . . Aren't The Things We Had Planned.

There was a time when I wasn't sure how I was going to enjoy "regressing". Back to naps, diapers, sippy cups, etc.

Now I can't imagine life without them. Without this beautiful smile.

This deep, joyful belly laugh that reminds me how wonderful life truly is. Despite deployments, long days as a "single" mother, etc., I can't imagine life without this 32 inch wonder in our home.

And the best part of it all? I get to share it with his Daddy in two days! No more long distance descriptions, blurry Skyping, etc. He gets to see this smile in person.

It's Time . . .

. . . to come home.

Hoping that this is my last weekend without my husband.

I should be doing this or that, but I mostly feel like watching the time pass, and counting how much closer we are to the end.

You would think four kids + the holidays would keep me busier than ever, but my heart is mostly in this homecoming.

Pressing forward.

Literally one hour at a time.

What They Call A Big Snow Down Here

Having lived in Michigan, the excitement and panic that this amount of snow creates is almost comical. People rush to the stores, stocking up on bread and milk because "You just never know when you will be able to get out again".



Love it.



Also love that it doesn't stay around for too long.



One morning of struggling with boots, gloves, wet clothes, etc., and I give thanks that it will disappear soon.



Like, by the end of the day.



It's just that we don't have the right snow gear anymore, and without it, it's just a cold mess to be outside for any length of time.



Still, the kids shot off Saturday morning, congregating with other neighbor kids in the cul-de-sac.



A snowlady was assembled, snow balls were tossed, and the laughter was sweet to my ears.

Praying for Patience

I've been off my blog for a few weeks.

I'm scattered.

Too out in left field to put something together that is profound and "meaningful".

Mom was here this week for five, whole, wonderful, Panera-filled, coffee drinking, Christmas wish walking, holding my baby so my arms could rest, takin' the kids up to the bus stop at 7:00 AM in the freezing weather, sitting across the couch from me at night and making me laugh, days.

It was perfect.

I wish she was still here.

Anyways, I'm absolutely obsessed with thinking about my husband coming home.

It's all I can really think about.

Dream of.

Reminds me a lot of those last few weeks of pregnancy, when you are absolutely consumed with what is soon to come.

Focusing and thinking internally about what this and that means.

"Are these Braxton Hicks or contractions?"

Isn't it funny how you wonder that until you finally have the real thing and then you think "How could I EVER forget this!?!?"

Anyways, all I can think about is my husband's return.

Time seems to be dragggggiiiinnngg . . . .

My motivation is nonexistent and if it weren't for the kids I'd be on the couch watching movies and reading, focusing on another hour down and closer to THE day.

Which we still don't know when that will be.

We have a "window" but more than likely, we should have him home in less than three weeks.

Woo hoo!

That's all I can say about that.

I do have to add that we bought a real tree this year. First time in 6 years that we have had something besides the fake number that I bought when Dave was deployed last.

The thing smells great but sure is messy. I've forgotten how many needles a day those things can drop!

Still, what is better than the smell of a Christmas tree?

I am proud of myself and the kids. We picked one out, got it on top of the car, home, in the stand nice and straight, and decorated so nicely.

Can't wait for hubby to see it.

Will post photos soon.

Off to enjoy the dusting of snow that we got last night.

Hoping you are having a blessed holiday season.

Thanksgiving

This Kid Keeps Me Busy

Not only is this messy, but it's costly too. K-Cups! What a thing to waste!

Apparently playing/inhaling in coffee grounds isn't the best thing for your respiratory system. It appears that the stuff is somewhat of a nasal irritant.

I need to get this kid a sand box.

And maybe some new toys. Who knew undies could make a kid so happy?