Whole again...for a while

Dave comes homes in 2 days! I already have plans to sleep and run to the grocery store all by myself. Oh, and perhaps sit down in peace and quiet with a warm meal in which I will finish before it gets cold. These are the luxuries I have missed the most with being a single parent over the past three months.

I know that I could not have done this journey alone and I want to recognize my church family and friends along with our family who supported us along the way. God has been so faithful in orchestrating this whole event. And, more than ever, I can truly say I have felt his presence through each day and especially in the moments when I think I have had all I can take. Most importantly HE has kept my husband safe despite all that's going on overseas and for that I lift up praises!

Although I know that this is not our last time for Dave to go to Afghanistan, I think the first round is always the hardest. In reflection over this journey I would say that this is what I personally have gotten out of it: I appreciate my husband more than ever, I am even more thankful for what I have, I am blessed with amazing people in my life, I am more capable and stronger than I ever thought I was, my kids are wild but keep me busy and happy, life is full of surprises, it is okay to eat hot dogs or chicken nuggets three days in a row, late night quiet time is wonderful....and so is early bedtimes, and finally, Skype is the greatest invention ever!

As we conclude this trip, I am filled with excitement and lots to do before we pick Dave up on Sunday. Thank you again to all of you who supported us along the way! We love you all!!

Life as a single mom

Well, it has been almost two months since Dave left for Afghanistan. In some ways I feel like time has stood still yet, I know it has moved very quickly. This distance has been a stretch for us all in different ways. I think Noah is having the hardest time as he always asks me if daddy is going to come home. That breaks my heart. I know that as a mom, I am doing all that I can, but I also understand that I cannot replace the value of his daddy. Maleah, too young to understand the situation, absolutely loves skyping with Dave. Every time I bring out the laptop, she starts smiling and shrieking with joy. When daddy appears, she is nothing but excited to see him. That, makes my heart feel great. As for me, well, the quote "distance makes the heart grow founder" is nothing short of the truth. Complacent in my daily life while Dave was here, I never truly knew how great of a unit we were. Coming home from work and helping me put the kids to bed, or folding two loads of laundry while we catch up from our long day, was all but take for granted. I truly found a new appreciation for not only my wonderful husband, but for how great of a marriage we have.

Many people told me that a distance like this would surely not be healthy for our marriage. But, I would have to disagree. Though it is hard not to get to have Dave home each night, we have found great excitement with our Skype dates. It is like reliving the first months that we met. Waiting by the "phone" hoping he would call, late night chats, and so much to share. I find myself touching my make-up up before we chat, giddy to see him. How silly. How fun.

Finally, yes, it has been a lot of work. I am tired. I am ready for help. And I will surely welcome Dave back with open arms. But, I thank God for this opportunity to show us how strong and special our family unit is. Through this he has taught me that I am capable of doing anything. And he has shown me all the blessing that I already had, and never appreciated.

A New Adventure

Well, we have made it one week tomorrow since Dave left for Afghanistan. I have to say that the Lord has given us so much strength. Each day the kids and I are getting into a better routine, and it truly is getting easier. Dave seems to also be adjusting over there. We are able to Skype with him each morning and night which is such a blessing. I am truly thankful for technology. The kids are adjusting well with Dave being gone, which was something that I was worried about. Noah likes to tell people that his daddy is in "a-fa-ganna-stan" or sometimes...the North Pole! We look forward to reuniting with daddy on January 5th. Until then, we are just praising God for his grace and goodness. If you are out there reading this daddy, we love you so very much and are proud of what you are doing. Come home soon!!