We are strong and we will make it, right now, it's just easier said than done.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
No Words
We are strong and we will make it, right now, it's just easier said than done.
Friday, November 26, 2010
The Door of Change
Today was a long, long Thanksgiving day and Friday morning is coming much sooner than we want. I wanted to go do a little black Friday shopping at Wal-Mart for their midnight specials, so Brian and I loaded the kids up at 11:15 and headed to Colby. Brogan was so giddy in the van ride over saying, “We going shopping it’s dark out there.” We have never been to a black Friday sale at the opening, so none of us quite knew what to expect. Ainsley was mortified that her and Brogan were in their pajamas until she noticed they weren’t the only ones in Wal-Mart in jammies. We scoped out our locations and even had Ainsley standing a few feet away at another location for an item. It was fun!! At 12:00 the workers began cutting the plastic wrap from the items and people began grabbing. Since we were in small town America it was safe, but we did see about 5 police officers patrolling the store just in case. Ainsley and Daddy had something secretive going on and separated from Brogan and I so that they could shop. We all made it out safely around 12:40 and the kids were both in great moods despite the lack of sleep. They stayed awake on the trip home, but crashed quickly after we put them in their bed.
I finished packing the kids and I for our weekend in Denver and Brian finished going through the house and year-long reminders for me. Our 8:00 a.m. deadline was quickly approaching. Neither of us were wanting to go to sleep. We knew we both needed to sleep for the drive to Denver in the morning, but we both were thinking that sleep was of waste of time away from one another. We eventually gave in to sleep around three and the 5:30 alarm came much too quickly. Thank heavens we had a van-full going with us to Denver to keep everyone awake and safe.
Leaving the house was bittersweet. It’s like the young couple that leaves to go to the hospital to have their first baby. They leave as a young couple and return home – forever changed – as a family. We too left our home Friday morning as a family – knowing that we would return home without him – Daddy, my husband, my best friend. We also left knowing that we would have to walk through those doors, separated by thousands of miles, thousands of times before we could walk through once more as our family.
I finished packing the kids and I for our weekend in Denver and Brian finished going through the house and year-long reminders for me. Our 8:00 a.m. deadline was quickly approaching. Neither of us were wanting to go to sleep. We knew we both needed to sleep for the drive to Denver in the morning, but we both were thinking that sleep was of waste of time away from one another. We eventually gave in to sleep around three and the 5:30 alarm came much too quickly. Thank heavens we had a van-full going with us to Denver to keep everyone awake and safe.
Leaving the house was bittersweet. It’s like the young couple that leaves to go to the hospital to have their first baby. They leave as a young couple and return home – forever changed – as a family. We too left our home Friday morning as a family – knowing that we would return home without him – Daddy, my husband, my best friend. We also left knowing that we would have to walk through those doors, separated by thousands of miles, thousands of times before we could walk through once more as our family.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thankful
We are thankful for our families. You always step up to the challenge and lend a hand whether we ask or not. God knew what he was doing when he put you in our lives.
We are thankful for our friends that bring joy to our lives. We are thankful for the opportunity to be working for employers that appreciate us and have supported us this year. We are thankful for our health and happiness that we sometimes take for granted.
Most importantly, we are thankful for the freedom that Brian and many others defend on a daily basis. Without this freedom, we wouldn’t always have the things we are most thankful for. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year.a
Waking Up to My Little Piece of Heaven
THIS is the little bit of heaven that I got to wake-up to this morning . . . . . . . .
I will live for more moments like this when we can all lie in the same bed, squished and crowded, once more.
Above and Beyond
Our family would like to recognize Brian's employer, Western Plains Energy, for their support. Employers have to keep a soldier's job available to the soldier upon returning from deployment, but WPE has went above and beyond what is expected of employers of deployed soldiers. They have been supportive and told Brian that if there is anything they can do, to just let them know. When Brian told them that he didn't know if he was going to be able to get home at Thanksgiving, Chris and Steve at WPE made it possible! They purchased the airline tickets for Brian!! I can't tell you how wonderful this gift to our family was.
Deployment can get pretty expensive when you have to purchase an additional items for your soldier to make their deployment as good as can be. Some of the items can be small toiletries, while others are "big ticket" items such as another laptop, camera, and internet to keep your soldier in communication with home. It all starts to add up . . . .and very quickly I might add. So, when WPE offered to purchase Brian's plane ticket this was a huge help to our family! They brought our loved one home and didn't even ask for anything in return.
Thank you Chris and Steve and the rest of the WPE employees and board members for supporting our family during this deployment.
Deployment can get pretty expensive when you have to purchase an additional items for your soldier to make their deployment as good as can be. Some of the items can be small toiletries, while others are "big ticket" items such as another laptop, camera, and internet to keep your soldier in communication with home. It all starts to add up . . . .and very quickly I might add. So, when WPE offered to purchase Brian's plane ticket this was a huge help to our family! They brought our loved one home and didn't even ask for anything in return.
Thank you Chris and Steve and the rest of the WPE employees and board members for supporting our family during this deployment.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Dinner with the Wolf's
Tonight we had a wonderful evening with Brian’s parents, Dean and Charlotte, and Brian’s grandmother, Grandma Thummel. Brian’s sister, Cheryl, made an awesome supper which included Brian’s favorite desserts, no-bake cookies and Cheryl’s cherry bars. We had a few visitors stop in to say “Hi” and it was nice for Brian to get to see them before he left. It was nice to sit and visit with his parents and Grandma without the hustle and bustle of a filled house. The kids had fun playing on the organ and with some old cars that Grandma Charlotte had found in the basement. Some of them were even Daddy’s toys from his childhood. Ainsley and Daddy played a short song on the organ together. It was so fun to watch the two of them together. They are a great pair, Ainsley and Brian. Brogan had to join in too, he doesn’t like Ainsley to get any more Daddy-time than him.
We finally decided we better get the kids to bed. It was time for another long goodbye. I know Brian hates to do these as much as I hate watching them. It’s so hard watching everyone try to be strong for one another when deep inside we are all thinking of the very raw emotions that come with war and long goodbyes. . . Did I tell him I’m proud of him, did I tell him to stay safe, did I tell him we’ll keep the home front running while he’s away? At the same time I know Brian is probably thinking the same thing . . . .Did I tell them to stay strong and watch after Stace (he NEVER calls me Stacy – if he does – I KNOW I’m in trouble!) and the kids, Did I tell them not to worry too much, Did I show her how to change the furnace filter, Will she remember to feed and water my dog, Did I tell them they make ME proud, did I tell them I promise to stay safe? 
The goodbyes also come with everyone offering help and support for Brogan, Ainsley and myself. We have many friends and family that let us know they are just a phone call away to help our family out in Brian’s absence. Sometimes it’s the offer of helping with house maintenance or the offer of watching the kids to give me some alone time. No matter how big or small, we are very grateful for every act of kindness bestowed upon our family. All of you are part of what helps keep Brian safe. He knows that his family at home is being taken care of and watched over, which he means he can rest easy and keep focused on the mission ahead. So, THANK YOU!!
HOME . . .
Today was filled with tons of emotions. My stomach was a ball of nerves and excitement. I had misplaced my military id, so I had to clean out my wallet and purse over lunch and found it in the console of my car. I forgot to bring my camera, so I grabbed the school camera to throw in my bag for the airport. We left Colby shortly after 4:00 yesterday to head to Denver to pick up Daddy from the airport. We hadn't even made it to Mingo and Brogan asked "Are we at the airport yet?" Oh, boy! This could be a long trip.
To keep everyone entertained along the way we watched movies, called Grandpa Dean to sing Happy Birthday, and even talked to Daddy before he got on his airplane. Brogan said he would wave at Daddy in the airplane when he was "watering" the rocks! (I think that's his favorite part about traveling!)
Brian text me to let me know they were on the ground and making their way to the gate. The kids and I were plastered to the window waiting for Daddy's plane to be in front of us. When the Frontier Airlines plane with a deer pulled into gate A28, Ainsley started jumping up and down with excitement because it was Daddy's plane. Brogan quickly followed suit. We went over to the gate as soon as the passengers started departing the plane. It seemed like it took for.ev.er for Brian to depart the plane. Finally, I seen the first DCU departing the plane and it happened to be my husband! I put Brogan down and both kids went running to the arms of their Daddy. Brian had to scoop them both up and move out of the way because he was blocking others from exiting. I never get tired of these homecomings!
Papa was pretty excited. It was midnight and he was still awake!! (This doesn't happen very often for Papa since his shingles 2 years ago.) All 4 of us told stories and teased one another to keep one another awake for the ride home. It was so nice to have Brian with me. Brian finally gave in to sleep after our Limon stop. The rest of us stayed awake the entire trip. We pulled in to Oakley around 4:30 or so. It was absolutely wonderful to sleep next to my husband! It's amazing how soundly you sleep when the one you love is snuggled in right beside you. . . . . . . .
To keep everyone entertained along the way we watched movies, called Grandpa Dean to sing Happy Birthday, and even talked to Daddy before he got on his airplane. Brogan said he would wave at Daddy in the airplane when he was "watering" the rocks! (I think that's his favorite part about traveling!)
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| Ainsley & Brogan arrive at gate A28. |
We made it to the airport about 8:30, got our gate passes and quickly moved through security. It went better than I thought. The kids loved the moving walkways and escalators. We made it to Brian's gate with about 20 minutes to spare. I'm so glad I took the leash for Brogan. I know that some of you reading this may not agree with putting a toddler on a child-restraint, but let me tell you, I took it off for about 3 minutes once we got to Brian's gate and had to dirt-roll Brogan to the ground to get him to stop running away from me! The "tail" quickly went back on! The little stinker was just laughing as he was running away. Brogan was excited to see the luggage carts outside. He said, "Hey Buzz is on there. To infinety and beyond." That kept him entertained for a mere oh, let's say 5 minutes.
Brian text me to let me know they were on the ground and making their way to the gate. The kids and I were plastered to the window waiting for Daddy's plane to be in front of us. When the Frontier Airlines plane with a deer pulled into gate A28, Ainsley started jumping up and down with excitement because it was Daddy's plane. Brogan quickly followed suit. We went over to the gate as soon as the passengers started departing the plane. It seemed like it took for.ev.er for Brian to depart the plane. Finally, I seen the first DCU departing the plane and it happened to be my husband! I put Brogan down and both kids went running to the arms of their Daddy. Brian had to scoop them both up and move out of the way because he was blocking others from exiting. I never get tired of these homecomings!
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| Daddy!!! |
Nana and Papa were waiting for us at baggage claim. It was 10:30 or so and none of us had eaten supper. Thank goodness there are restaraunts still open late near the airport. We had a bite at Village Inn before heading home. The kids were both so tired. They were asleep before we even left the Village Inn parking lot.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
One more wake up . . . . . .then HOME!!!
That's right!! Brian has one more wake-up and then he's flying home!! We are all pretty excited. Ainsley and I will both go to school in the morning and Brogan will go to Nana's. Papa and Nana will pick Ainsley up from school and then pick me up and we will head to Denver. Brian's plane is scheduled to land around 9:30! We'll pick him up and head back home. It'll be a late night, but it will be nice to sleep in our own beds . . . . together!!
Those 3 simple, yet wonderful words are about to come true . . . . 4-Day Pass!!! I hope our time goes slow and is filled with joyful memories to last a lifetime! I want it to be 4 days the kids remember all year long and then some.
Good night!
Those 3 simple, yet wonderful words are about to come true . . . . 4-Day Pass!!! I hope our time goes slow and is filled with joyful memories to last a lifetime! I want it to be 4 days the kids remember all year long and then some.
Good night!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
A Bed Big Enough for 2!!
Mom and I went to Hays today to pick up the big bed for Ainsley and Brogan. Brogan was pretty excited about using tools to help us put it together. We got it put together, put the Toy Story bedspread on it and Brogan fell in LOVE! After his bath he said he was ready to go to bed, but as soon as Ainsley climbed in and lights went out, he decided it might not be as cool as he thought. It may be just like other beds and put him to sleep. After about 3 times out of bed for a drink of water, he finally decided to stay in there and he crashed. Now, I'm just hoping that he can stay in his bed ALL NIGHT! Wish us luck . . . . . 2 nights in that bed and then we get to go get Daddy at the airport! We are all excited for that!!
Monday, November 15, 2010
Sorry Honey - I HAD to
We love you honey, ugly glasses and all!!
91.4 degree Floating Mortar Attack!! LOL
What a day!! Let's just say, I'm glad every Monday isn't a repeat of today!! I've been irritable, cried, laughed, and loved all in one day!!
I walked into my classroom today and was met with a heat blast! My room was 91.4 degrees!! And, while my room was a furnace, the rooms across the hallway were barely reaching 65 degrees. Our thermostat was having some issues for the day!! We left our rooms at 4 and it had "cooled" down to 80. Let's just say, not much learning was accomplished for the day.
I've met some wonderful families who become good friends in my Kindergarten classrooms, and today I was blessed by another family! One of the great moms of my room this year made me a beautiful scrapbook to fill with pictures from Brian's 4-day pass!! It was so unexpected, I couldn't help but cry as I turned each page and read the inscriptions that she choose. They were all so fitting for our journey! I can't wait to fill it with pictures from next week. Thanks Ashlee, Jake, Lewis, Mac and Levi!!
We had a great supper, the dishes were done, no laundry to do (actually I do, but the washer is broke, great excuse) and the kids had played great. It was bathtime! I usually do seperate bath times, but decided to let them bathe together since they were playing together so well. So, I put them in the tub and head into my room to get some stuff done when Ainsley starts SCREAMING "Brogan get out of the tub, quick!" "Mom, come here, HURRY!" I knew what had happened. Any other moms out there know what I'm about to see in the tub?!?! Yep, Brogan had a floater and he was so proud that he had totally grossed his sissy out and made her get out of the tub! Ainsley is completely grossed out and mortified while Brogan is laughing and saying "Look Sissy!" I was mad at the time, but later just had to laugh!!! We got the tub cleaned and Ainsley gave Brogan a little threat about not pooping in the tub or he was going to get vinegar!! He was pretty apologetic after that.
Finally, I was trying to rock Brogan to sleep tonight, but he was too interested in singing "the rocket song" (The Star Spangled Banner) with me to keep himself from falling asleep. He has gotten hooked on this song and won't let me sing my favorites "You Are My Sunshine" and "I Love You Brogan" because he KNOWS those are night-night songs. Anyways, he is starting to memorize the star spangled banner, so I decided to record it on the phone for Daddy to listen to. Daddy is at FOB all week, so I thought he could use some cheering up. Daddy called as soon as he got the message to let us know that he thought it was pretty cool. I told him about the whole bathtub incident and, you know Brian, he was laughing so hard he could hardly breath. I love that laugh - I can always pick him out in crowd by just listening for his laugh. We were enjoying our phone call since we hadn't talked for several days, but then he said, "Sorry Babe, I gotta go, the way people are moving around I think we are about to get a mortar attack." Crazy thought to be talking on the phone to your husband and he's about to be "under fire". Just to make it clear - it's all pretend right now. He's still "in country". So I could actually joke about it tonight and tell him to go take cover and get a good night's sleep.
Today was filled with so many different emotions. Tonight, I can sit back and laugh at everything that happened. I can go to sleep knowing that Brian will be ok through today's mortar attack and tomorrow's IED explosions. I can fall asleep with sweet thoughts of today and pleasant dreams for tomorrow. I hope you can too! Good night, sleep tight . . . . don't let the bed bugs bite.
I walked into my classroom today and was met with a heat blast! My room was 91.4 degrees!! And, while my room was a furnace, the rooms across the hallway were barely reaching 65 degrees. Our thermostat was having some issues for the day!! We left our rooms at 4 and it had "cooled" down to 80. Let's just say, not much learning was accomplished for the day.
I've met some wonderful families who become good friends in my Kindergarten classrooms, and today I was blessed by another family! One of the great moms of my room this year made me a beautiful scrapbook to fill with pictures from Brian's 4-day pass!! It was so unexpected, I couldn't help but cry as I turned each page and read the inscriptions that she choose. They were all so fitting for our journey! I can't wait to fill it with pictures from next week. Thanks Ashlee, Jake, Lewis, Mac and Levi!!
We had a great supper, the dishes were done, no laundry to do (actually I do, but the washer is broke, great excuse) and the kids had played great. It was bathtime! I usually do seperate bath times, but decided to let them bathe together since they were playing together so well. So, I put them in the tub and head into my room to get some stuff done when Ainsley starts SCREAMING "Brogan get out of the tub, quick!" "Mom, come here, HURRY!" I knew what had happened. Any other moms out there know what I'm about to see in the tub?!?! Yep, Brogan had a floater and he was so proud that he had totally grossed his sissy out and made her get out of the tub! Ainsley is completely grossed out and mortified while Brogan is laughing and saying "Look Sissy!" I was mad at the time, but later just had to laugh!!! We got the tub cleaned and Ainsley gave Brogan a little threat about not pooping in the tub or he was going to get vinegar!! He was pretty apologetic after that.
Finally, I was trying to rock Brogan to sleep tonight, but he was too interested in singing "the rocket song" (The Star Spangled Banner) with me to keep himself from falling asleep. He has gotten hooked on this song and won't let me sing my favorites "You Are My Sunshine" and "I Love You Brogan" because he KNOWS those are night-night songs. Anyways, he is starting to memorize the star spangled banner, so I decided to record it on the phone for Daddy to listen to. Daddy is at FOB all week, so I thought he could use some cheering up. Daddy called as soon as he got the message to let us know that he thought it was pretty cool. I told him about the whole bathtub incident and, you know Brian, he was laughing so hard he could hardly breath. I love that laugh - I can always pick him out in crowd by just listening for his laugh. We were enjoying our phone call since we hadn't talked for several days, but then he said, "Sorry Babe, I gotta go, the way people are moving around I think we are about to get a mortar attack." Crazy thought to be talking on the phone to your husband and he's about to be "under fire". Just to make it clear - it's all pretend right now. He's still "in country". So I could actually joke about it tonight and tell him to go take cover and get a good night's sleep.
Today was filled with so many different emotions. Tonight, I can sit back and laugh at everything that happened. I can go to sleep knowing that Brian will be ok through today's mortar attack and tomorrow's IED explosions. I can fall asleep with sweet thoughts of today and pleasant dreams for tomorrow. I hope you can too! Good night, sleep tight . . . . don't let the bed bugs bite.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Our Veteran - Our Hero
So, tomorrow, take a moment to remember those that have served their country. I'll remember my special veteran, along with my Grandpa Johnny!!
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| Brogan holds tight to Daddy after his deployment ceremony in October in Salina |
Tomorrow, November 11, is a day set aside each year to honor our Veterans. Our family has been blessed with our own veteran in our lives. I've watched him go from a simple "one weekend a month, two weeks a year" soldier to a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. I've seen him be lead by some great commanders and some not-so-great ones too! I've seen him go from the soldier who needs led, to now, being the soldier who is leading young soldiers off to war.
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| Ainsley (15 mos.) at Brian's deployment ceremony in Ft. Riley 2004 |
Our family has also changed from one Veteran's Day to another. We've lived a circle of military life. We've been the simple KS National Guard soldier, then the family that flew a flag for 15 months and had a blue star banner hanging in our window, back to a weekend warrior family who welcomed our veteran back to the USA on Thanksgiving, and now, we are getting ready to hang our blue star banner back in our window and say, "Go serve our country with pride and honor and return home safely!"
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MY FAVORITE!! Ainlsey went running, screaming "That's MY Daddy!!" as soon as she seen him. . . . and he was afraid she wouldn't remember him!! Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away!! |
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| Daddy is trying to explain to Ainsley that he has to go back to "uwait" for a little longer. |
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Video
One of the soldiers in Brian's unit created this from their time in Salina. It's pretty cool!! Go to the bottom of the blog and mute my playlist so you can hear the music on the video.
Monday, November 1, 2010
4-Day Pass
Those of you familiar with the military know that these 3 little words are music to our ears, but can also be ripped from us without warning!! We have been hoping that Brian's 4-day pass would fall around Thanksgiving, but not even sure if he would get a 4-day pass. A couple of weeks ago, Brian thought his pass may come the week after Thanksgiving, but then last week, he was pretty sure he would be home for Thanksgiving. Am I surprised it changed . . . . . . . . Heavens NO, we've been with the Army way too long to write ANYTHING in PEN!!! Right ladies?!?!?!
In some ways, I'm glad that we will get to spend one last holiday with him, but in other ways I'm already stressing. Holidays are a great time to get with our families, share wonderful memories, and eat some good home-cooked meals, BUT they also bring with them stress, time crunches, tired-cranky kids, hurt feelings and most of the time - - - - sickness!! The stress is compounded even more this year with everyone wanting to get their "last supper" with Brian.
We appreciate everyone that wants to step out and wish him well, but we also need to spend our last moments quietly reflecting on our family and our blessings, especially our two most important blessings, Ainsley and Brogan. Brian and I have decided that we are going to spend our last few days as a family as just that ---as a family with the four of us. We are going to huddle up in our home and spend time laughing with one another, recalling great memories of the past and making new memories to last into the future. I can't wait to just be together for 4 days! I hope that time is on our side and allows us the time we need to prepare.
I think it's much harder to prepare this time . . . . for all of us. Last deployment, Brian and I knew that . . . a year was a long-time to tell your love goodbye. We didn't know . . . .that a year was actually 365 days, there would be trials that would arise that we never even imagined, that a missed call from your spouse would literally bring you to your knees in tears, and most importantly that a reunion was filled with more emotions than your heart, mind and soul could ever imagine! This time, we know ALL those things! We remember EVERYTHING.
Ainsley is also 6 years older this time. Last time, she just told Daddy goodbye like she did every day when he left for work or to run to the grocery store. When people would ask her where Daddy was she would say "oooowait" for Kuwait. She would only cry for him when she got in trouble from Mommy. Sometimes she wouldn't even talk to him on the phone, she had better things to do, like play with Chloe or pester Timber. But this time she knows it's not just goodbye like when Daddy goes to work, she understands the dangers that come with war, she realizes just how much she is going to miss her Daddy---- and this breaks our hearts even more.
On the other hand, Brogan is still young enough that he doesn't fully understand all the chaos and goodbyes that are going on. He likes to call Daddy on the phone and sing to him, but for now, he thinks it might just be ok with out Daddy (there's lots more room in the bed without him snoring beside us!! LOL). I think Brogan will be like Ainsley was and won't realize the "time componet" until Daddy comes home. Then he will realize that Daddy was gone for a LONG TIME and won't want to go to sleep for fear Daddy is leaving in the wee-hours of the morning.
So today, I am thankful for those three, sweet words "4-Day Pass". I am thankful for the memories we will get to make and the time we will spend together on our 4-Day pass. And, I am thankful to our family and friends who understand that this is our 4-day pass. Thank you for understanding that we need to be together during this time of transition and goodbyes. We hope you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as you spend time this Thanksgiving with your family. Many blessings to all of you!!
In some ways, I'm glad that we will get to spend one last holiday with him, but in other ways I'm already stressing. Holidays are a great time to get with our families, share wonderful memories, and eat some good home-cooked meals, BUT they also bring with them stress, time crunches, tired-cranky kids, hurt feelings and most of the time - - - - sickness!! The stress is compounded even more this year with everyone wanting to get their "last supper" with Brian.
We appreciate everyone that wants to step out and wish him well, but we also need to spend our last moments quietly reflecting on our family and our blessings, especially our two most important blessings, Ainsley and Brogan. Brian and I have decided that we are going to spend our last few days as a family as just that ---as a family with the four of us. We are going to huddle up in our home and spend time laughing with one another, recalling great memories of the past and making new memories to last into the future. I can't wait to just be together for 4 days! I hope that time is on our side and allows us the time we need to prepare.
I think it's much harder to prepare this time . . . . for all of us. Last deployment, Brian and I knew that . . . a year was a long-time to tell your love goodbye. We didn't know . . . .that a year was actually 365 days, there would be trials that would arise that we never even imagined, that a missed call from your spouse would literally bring you to your knees in tears, and most importantly that a reunion was filled with more emotions than your heart, mind and soul could ever imagine! This time, we know ALL those things! We remember EVERYTHING.
Ainsley is also 6 years older this time. Last time, she just told Daddy goodbye like she did every day when he left for work or to run to the grocery store. When people would ask her where Daddy was she would say "oooowait" for Kuwait. She would only cry for him when she got in trouble from Mommy. Sometimes she wouldn't even talk to him on the phone, she had better things to do, like play with Chloe or pester Timber. But this time she knows it's not just goodbye like when Daddy goes to work, she understands the dangers that come with war, she realizes just how much she is going to miss her Daddy---- and this breaks our hearts even more.
On the other hand, Brogan is still young enough that he doesn't fully understand all the chaos and goodbyes that are going on. He likes to call Daddy on the phone and sing to him, but for now, he thinks it might just be ok with out Daddy (there's lots more room in the bed without him snoring beside us!! LOL). I think Brogan will be like Ainsley was and won't realize the "time componet" until Daddy comes home. Then he will realize that Daddy was gone for a LONG TIME and won't want to go to sleep for fear Daddy is leaving in the wee-hours of the morning.
So today, I am thankful for those three, sweet words "4-Day Pass". I am thankful for the memories we will get to make and the time we will spend together on our 4-Day pass. And, I am thankful to our family and friends who understand that this is our 4-day pass. Thank you for understanding that we need to be together during this time of transition and goodbyes. We hope you keep us in your thoughts and prayers as you spend time this Thanksgiving with your family. Many blessings to all of you!!
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