After and Since

The homecoming was great.  I can't describe the anticipation of that moment, but I know when those jets appeared like tiny dots in the sky and seconds later they zoomed overhead... that was a moment I'll never forget.  There's a sign at the front gate of the base here that reads, "Pardon Our Noise. It's the Sound of Freedom." That thunderous roar has forever marked a spot in my heart after it announced my love was home. And that he did a very brave and selfless thing like so many others to protect our freedom. And now he was home safe. Finally. Finally.

We came to the house afterward and immediately started playing in AK's room at her request.  The girls were all over him and couldn't get enough tickling and wrestling.  I watched in awe as they laughed and played. Avery went right to him and was calling him "Dada" right off.  I wasn't sure if she'd remember having just barely been a year when he left, but she did! Anytime he leaves the house now, she stands at the window and says, "Where Dada go? Daddy. Home."

The past month has been bliss here with Mike home.  Having him by our side no matter what we do or where we go is just priceless.  I still feel like it's a gift every day just to physically have him here in this house for any portion of the day.  Mike said it is like sensory overload being back. He said when he came off the jet, to see and hug us and then seeing/smelling the grass and all the trees was so wonderful.

We traveled to TX to see Mike's family for a few days and then went to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks for a few days.  It was heaven and I'm sad Mike had to go back to work yesterday.  But I'm not complaining because, like I said, it is so, so great just to know he's here. Just being able to talk to each other on the phone and via texting when he's at work is awesome. One of the MANY things I took for granted before he left.

Most people ask me if he'll have to be deployed again. I'm sure that's the case, and we may have to go through another one starting July of 2012, but things constantly change with this lifestyle so I'm trying not to even think about that right now. I just want to live in the moment and keep thanking God that Mike is here and safe with us!

HOME

Home. One beautiful word, many beautiful moments.  Mike came home after almost nine months on May 11, a little after noon.  We could hardly take the anticipation, but he finally arrived safely and we found his arms soon after. Thanks so much to Lexie and Sommer for taking photos and video. Share in our joyous day!

Countless thank yous to all of our friends and family that have prayed and supported us through this deployment. We are so grateful to have you in our lives. And lots of prayers for all those still serving and their families. May they come home safe. And soon.

Soooo Close

Yard mowed. CHECK.

Cars detailed and washed. CHECK.

House cleaned. CHECK.

Outfits laid out. CHECK.

Cameras charged. CHECK.

Signs delivered. CHECK.  Still need hanging! Anybody want to help? :)

Almost NINE months down. And only TWO days to go.  TWO!!!!

One Week!!!!!

So I bought milk today. The same two jugs I buy every week. A gallon of vitamin D for Avery and a gallon of skim for AK. And I almost started crying when I saw that the expiration date is AFTER Mike will be home. My husband will be drinking THIS milk! And then I went on to throw way more stuff in that I didn't need just because Mike would be there to eat it. I will be making him a sandwich on THIS bread and he will be pouring cereal from THIS box!! What a great boost to my day! I say to myself all the time, "this is the last time I will --- before Mike gets home. Whether it's taking out the trash, writing a check or going to buy milk, it feels so good to keep counting down this way. I can't wait to say, "this is the last time I'll leave the driveway before he gets home." Now that will be awesome. :)

Only about a week left! Please continue to pray for his safe return. I received a family readiness message today talking about some weather issues as they are traveling back across the Atlantic. I'm praying they aren't delayed!

Two Weeks!!!!

I can't believe Mike will be home in TWO WEEKS!!!!!  I am so excited at the thought of seeing him and squeezing him and bringing him home!  It's all I think about!

This feels like such an accomplishment.  It has been hard at times by myself, but the greatest thing I've discovered?  That God has made me a strong and independent person.  I've missed my husband... words can't even get close to describing how much... But I have thrived instead of curling up into a ball of self-pity like I imagined I would.  There are only a few times that I really wished I had his help around the house or with the girls.  Instead, the last eight and a half months have been spent missing his smile, his laugh, his touch, his humor, his company - I have missed all these things so much more than what he can do for me.  I just miss HIM.  The wonderful man I've loved for the last 18 years.

(And a bonus: he'll be here to celebrate our 10-year wedding anniversary coming up in June!)

Thanks to all of you for your constant prayers, support and love!!! 

Please continue to pray for Mike's safe return.  I can't wait to post homecoming pictures here and on Facebook... and finally get this blog off private status! Yay!

He's Coming Home!!!

OK, not quite yet, but the good news is that they are still on track for coming home in May!!!  Which is going to be here in just a few short weeks!!!  We are soooo excited!!!  Well, I'M so excited, anyway.  The girls are clueless because I don't want them to know until the day he comes home... in case something delays him.  When I can look Abby Kate in the eyes and tell her, sweetie, THIS is the day. TODAY!! TODAY your daddy comes home!! Those will probably be some of the happiest words I've ever spoken! And the happiest words she's ever heard!

I'll leave you with some pics of Avery.  She is already a little princess-wanna-be like her sister.  She LOVES dress-up and shoes and jewelry.  Here she is in AK's new Rapunzel hair.  She kind of freaks me out with it on, like something you'd see in a scary movie... a little baby witch or something. hahaha

Visitors!!

We heart visitors.  Especially these ones. ;)  Lexie and I were happy to welcome our friends Sarah with her daughters, Eden and Maren, and Lindsey, with her son Grant, all the way from Yuma, AZ, to stay with us for a few days!  We had SUCH a fun time!  Their husbands are currently deployed, so it was extra special for us to reunite as well as get our minds off missing them so much.  The kids had a ball together.  In fact we hardly interacted with them because they were so busy entertaining themselves!  I'll let the pictures say the rest... thank you guys SOOO much for making the trip!! We really hated to see you go!

 Lots and lots of dress-up was played!

One of several performances. :)

Grant shows off his cool after-bath 'do.

Abby Kate was in heaven with her two best girlfriends. They had a slumber party every night!

 Sarah, getting her baby fix. :)

The last time Maren held Avery, she was only days old! It's unbelievable how much they've all grown.

Got a babysitter and had dinner out one night!

 An impromptu carriage ride courtesy of our neighbors and their horse.

Pilot Rescue in Libya

One of my greatest fears with Mike's job is that his jet will malfunction and he'll go down behind enemy lines after ejecting. This happened to two F-15 pilots on Monday in Eastern Libya.  Marines and several aircraft from the USS Kearsarge were called to rescue those two Marines and did so extremely quick.  It's a huge comfort to read about how quickly we responded and had those pilots back safe.  Here's the article.

I've had the news on a lot during this because I want to be informed, and AK has been picking up things here and there from it. Yesterday she asked me, "so what's going on in Olivia today?" :)  She thinks the anti-aircraft shots are fireworks.  Their innocence is so sweet.

I cannot wait until the operation is complete and Mike is away from it all.  And when I can stop feeling paranoid with one ear tuned to the news all day.  Only a few more weeks, and he is set to come HOME!!!  I am elated at the thought of seeing his face and being in his arms.

Libya Update

I finally heard from Mike via email.  He is very vague and isn't permitted to tell me any details... I keep asking, "Is it you? Did you fly today? Will you be flying tomorrow?" But he can only respond with "I love you. How are my girls?"   ... but we're learning plenty from the news.  Read this article!  (It's a quick read with two pictures - one of his ship off the coast of Libya and another of his fellow pilot, Freedom Carlson - no joke, that's his real name not his call sign!)

I do know that his group of nine Harrier pilots aboard the USS Kearsarge have been striking several areas with perfect precision and they will be performing more air strikes today, which is night over in Libya. From what I can tell, their strikes are all happening in darkness.  I don't like the thought of them flying at night over there, but this is what they've been training to do for a long time.

It's unnerving and scary to know that Mike may be in the air over this crazy regime as I type this.  But I am so proud of him and all of his fellow pilots.  Thank you so much for your continued prayers and words of encouragement.  He'll be home safe before we know it!!!

Prayers for Mike

If you've been watching the news, you're aware of the situation in Libya.  Yes, Mike is over there in the middle of it and they are sending USMC Harriers to do air strikes.  I have no idea of any details other than that because they've cut off our communication.  All I've received are recorded messages from the CO of their squadron telling us that the pilots are well prepared and up to the task - and that the aircraft is in good condition.  Please pray for Mike and all of the service members overseas.  I have anxiety as you can imagine, but faith that God will protect them.  Just wish I could hear from Mike.  Hopefully in the next day or so...

More updates to come.  Here's a short article if you want to read more.

Moving Along

We are moving along and growing fast this year so far.  The last two months went by quick.  We've enjoyed getting outdoors in the spring-ish weather and already made a trip down to the beach when my mom, Carrie and nephews came to visit last month.

This & header pic by Carrie Carnes, vintagebluephoto.com

Abby Kate still loves school and dance and church activities.  She is a huge helper at home and plays well with her sister most of the time.  She has learned many words using her flash cards and enjoys anything educational, which I am so happy about!

Avery is 19 months.  She is full of laughs and is quite the clown.  She says tons of words and pretty much understands everything I say to her.  She has learned to throw away empty things like raisin boxes and plastic baggies.  The down side is that I find empty sippy cups, empty plastic bowls and the occasional toy in the trash. :) I love watching her play and learn. Perhaps my favorite thing is when she randomly sees a picture of Mike and says, 'Dada.'

Mike is floating around somewhere in the Mediterranean now.  I'm not positive if the Harriers will be involved in any of the Libya turmoil if a no fly zone is implemented, but I do know their cargo planes have been flying Egyptian refugees from Libya back to Egypt.  Mike has remained in good spirits.  He stays busy, but is so excited to get back home to his girls. He comments about how much they appear to have grown in photos I send him. He will be shocked when he sees them. They are so much bigger. I can't wait to watch them run to his open arms!!

Recent pic of Mike on the boat workin' hard. haha ;)

And the days are nearing!! Mike's homecoming is under two months away if all goes as planned. Um, which never happens, but still... :)  After the first couple of weeks into this, I had successfully pushed down all my emotions and quickly got a handle on life this way.  I found it was the best way for me to deal.  Now that the end is in sight, I'm finding all that emotion coming back to the surface.  I can't stand the excitement and anticipation of his homecoming!! Before this deployment I would've thought two months was an absolute eternity, but now it seems like just around the corner! 

Thanks so much for your continued support and prayers!!

Valentine's Day Surprises

 Flowers and balloons from Daddy!  Thanks, Daddy, we love you and missed you on Valentine's Day (and every day).

We also received these beautiful tulips from a friend, Jody, who I first met when Mike was in TBS in Quantico, VA.  What a wonderful and heartwarming surprise!  Thanks, Jody!!

AK Quotes

Just a couple recent ones I want to remember...

AK: Mommy, I'm the "pay for" lady and you're at the grocery. (She calls the cashier the "pay for" lady.)
Mommy: OK
AK: What would you like to buy?
Mommy: Some peace and quiet, please.
AK: We don't sell that here. Peace and quiet is for grown-ups.
...

AK: (comes out of her room where she's playing with Avery) Mommy, something's wrong with Avery.
Mommy: What is it?
AK: She's got some ear whack in her ear.
Mommy: (Smiling and trying not to laugh) Some what?
AK: (Loudly and slowly pronouncing again) EAR WHACK!!!

Looks Warm Over There

Mike just sent me this picture of him landing (or taking off, maybe??) on the USS Kearsarge. I actually don't know where he is "over there," but he's somewhere warmer, I know that!

Fifty-seven Percent There!

We are over halfway there.  I've tried to stay positive thus far, but there are definitely some very lonely days.  Mostly lonely nights, I guess.  When the girls go to bed - after I've done all that has to be done - and it's just me.  The times when I stop, when I run out of things to occupy my mind and my time... that's when I just miss him.  I miss him waking me up in the middle of the night just to talk to me.  I miss weekends working in the yard.  Seeing him pull into the driveway after work and the girls so excited that Daddy's home.  Seeing the girls jump all over him and wrestle on the floor.  I miss our family walks around the neighborhood.  Watching our favorite shows together on the couch.  I miss getting ready together in our bathroom with the girls playing at our feet. I miss being able to hear his voice and seeing his smiling face.

But the time continues to tick down with every passing day and I am so thankful for THAT!!  The girls are happy and healthy and there is much to be joyful about every day.  It turns out deployment is a great diet too.  After church the other day I noticed my dress pants were unusually baggy.  I realized I could slide them right off without even unbuttoning them.  I guess Mike took my appetite along with my heart. :)

Oh, how I miss him!!

Forgive Me!

I know it's been so long since I posted!  And here I thought I'd be posting so much more frequently during Mike's absence.  God has blessed us with a full schedule since the day he left and it has truly made this so much easier.

So to catch up, here are a few pictures from the past few weeks.

 AK's Thanksgiving preschool feast.

 Random shot taken after Mommy's Tuesday morning Bible study.

  I got a REALLY good laugh out of this.  I could not stop laughing.  And neither could "Santa," which made it even more funny.  Dad found his Santa suit and treated the grandkids to a home visit from Santa! He covered his face almost completely with the beard and wig so they wouldn't guess.  The first thing out of AK's mouth: Why does Santa sound like Pawpaw?! No fooling that girl!

  Then Santa came after me!

AK was happy to put Mimi's star on top this year!

  Our first attempt at rollerskating.  It wasn't Mommy's first time, but it may as well have been! AK did much better than I expected. She loved it and was so brave!! And by the end, I was racing my big bro around the rink. He beat me. Not much has changed! haha

  AK and William after seeing Tangled at Tinseltown in Louisville. Rapunzel is AK's new favorite princess now. She wants to grow her hair down past her feet. :) Don't see how that's going to happen when I can't even complete one stroke with the brush without her saying "OWWWW, Mommy!!!!" and then tears.

  My college friend and sorority sister, Ellen, invited us over one night. So many girls!!!  It was great to watch them play and to catch up with old friends.

  Pawpaw and Mimi gave AK these princess dolls for Christmas.  Don't think I've ever seen her more excited!

 

  Avery's new hat from Aunt Carrie and Uncle Brian. Love it!!

 We traveled to TX for Christmas where Grandma and Grandpa Wallace took us to ride on the Polar Express! So much fun!! Here, we are waiting to board the train. The girls wore matching owl pjs. Avery was all over the place. I think she would walk for miles if we didn't stop her!

 

  Train arrived!!

 After hot chocolate and a little trek down the tracks, AK met the "real Santa" at the North Pole. He gave her a Jingle Bell from one of his reindeer.

 Lil' punkin', doing what she does best - looking cute, but not sitting still. :)

 

  Christmas Eve, just before church.  I can't lie, this night was really hard for me. Being in TX with Mike's family was great, but it was also a constant reminder that he wasn't there with us. Seeing Abby Kate cling to her Uncle Bill was bittersweet... I know it was because he looks so much like her Daddy. We got to talk to Daddy on the phone a couple of times. It was so great to hear his voice. Still haven't been able to Skype or anything like that.

  This picture is always a struggle with all the kids! We needed to hire a clown or someone to stand behind the camera!

   Congrats to the new Mr and Mrs. Wallace! We are so happy for you, Bill and Holly, and we wish you the very best!

Cheers!

So this concludes my holiday rewind! I'll be posting more frequently now that we're back in NC and settling back into our routine.  I am thankful that we continue to stay busy as the months pass. We are a little over halfway there!