Daddy's Home!

Andrew finally made it home, after an excruciating 5 day journey back, and we have been enjoying all being together again.  It always takes some adjustment to fall back into routines but it seemed easier this time probably due to a 60 day instead of 120 day deployment. 

This was where Andrew slept and all the things we sent him to remind him of how much we love him.  The room he shared with Slammer was about the size of our bathroom but he was always thankful for a dark, cool place to sleep when he could.  I think he only had one day "off" while he was there and that was only because of trying to schedule crew rest.

My handsome husband ready for a mission.  Still does something to my heart to see him in uniform!

He arrived back home very early in the morning.  So we arrived before dark to pick him up.  Michael and Mary Ellen were troopers though, and so excited to finally see Daddy!!  I have video of the actual reunion that I'll have to add later.  Seeing them run across this field yelling, "Daddy, Daddy" was priceless!

Mary Ellen modeling the shirts we had made for Daddy's return..."My Daddy is My Hero"!

Michael and Mary Ellen looking happy and content sitting with Daddy.

WELCOME HOME DADDY!

USO Books

The USO has a wonderful program called United Through Reading where they provide hardback children's books for service men and women deployed to read on video to their children back home.  They package up the book and the DVD and send it to the families.  What a wonderful treat for children to have their Mom or Dad read them a bed time story and actually be able to see them!  Of course many have been away from family for up to a year or more, so seeing them doing something so everyday is truly a comfort for children.  Here is a link to a sample of what United Through Reading is doing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEGRijdCIm8

Michael and Mary Ellen were so excited to get their books from Daddy!  They have instantly become their FAVORITE books; wanting to read them every night!  We miss Andrew so much and are eagerly anticipating having him home soon.  Thanks USO for such a special memory!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

We were sad we couldn't spend Father's Day with Andrew this year but are eagerly anticipating having him home in a few weeks!  We did have a great day at church and Michael and Mary Ellen made cards for Daddy in Sunday school.  You'll get them when you come home Andrew!  We took some pictures to send to Andrew to remind him how much we love and miss him.  You are our hero and the best Daddy ever.  Thank you for taking care of us so well and loving us so much.  Hurry home!

Hooray for Daddy!!

Artwork for Daddy

We started working early on Andrew's Father's Day box.  It takes about a week for them to receive packages and we wanted him to be able to enjoy our gifts for Father's Day.  Michael and Mary Ellen are really into finger painting and coloring right now.  So we did a few "paintings" for Daddy.  As you can see Mary Ellen decided to use the entire jar of red finger paint for her painting.  I finally had to take it away from her.  She just kept scooping more and more paint on the paper.  I think it ended up being about a 1/2 inch thick!  Michael was a little more restrained.  We also did a paper collage tie.  Wish I would have gotten a picture of those.  They turned out really cute!  It was a neck-tie outline on a paper and they glued different color scraps of paper on the tie and then we cut them out.  They did most of it completely by themselves!  We also made "Cowboy cookies" and bought a few DVD's and magazines to add.  He got the box yesterday and loved it!  We really miss him and are looking forward to finally getting him HOME!!

Daddy's Off...

Well, Andrew left for his deployment 2 weeks ago and we were able to go with him for the big send-off!  We miss him so much already but we are so proud of him and what he is doing. 

Michael and Mary Ellen knew Daddy was leaving but thankfully still don't really understand the circumstances or the concept of time and how long he'll actually be gone.  So, the send off was less tearful (on my part) than ones in the past.  They just think he's going "to work" and I have to be strong for them.

The last good-byes stuck in my throat and were sad but I was still trying to be strong for M&M.  Seeing the pictures afterward though was truly bittersweet.  Watching Andrew have to say good-bye and knowing how much he's going to miss them.  Hearing him say "Mind your Mama", was the most difficult.  They both just smiled and said "yes, sir".  Anything for their Daddy!

 I guess many have forgotten that a war is still going on.  We rarely hear about it on the news anymore.  But I guarantee you that the loved ones of those serving know and our soldiers and airmen are STILL sacrificing to defend and protect us all.  Say a prayer for Andrew and all those who are currently in the Middle East doing the difficult jobs.  We owe them so much!

See you soon Daddy...fly safe!

Swimming N Sliding

This is only the second time we've gotten to swim this year so far.  All the work on our yard prevented us from spending too much time in the yard.  And shockingly the $10 blow-up pool from last year still stays inflated for several hours...long enough for M&M's allotted daily outdoor fun.  Gotta love that Wal-mart!  I think filling the pool with water was most of the fun for them.  Until....

...Mama got the idea to combine their two FAVORITE outdoor activities, the pool AND the slide!

They were in heaven!!

We All Scream for....

Yep, ICE CREAM!!!  Now M&M have had ice cream before...but never an ice cream cone.  It was quite an event and funny to watch.  They loved every minute!  Do they ever have to know that they are actually eating frozen yogurt and NOT chocolate ice cream?  I can get away with it for now, I guess.

I guess Mary Ellen's reaction after she finished says it all!!