Paratrooper

This morning the boys and I had the honor of coming to watch Nick's first jump with his (airborne) unit. He just finished Airborne school last week, so it was a great stroke of providence that he was able to do a jump so soon after the schooling. (He did 5 jumps at school, so this was not his "first" jump, just his first jump with his own unit since graduating with his wings)

I am SO glad that we were able to see Nick in action. It was truly breathtaking to see it all happen. I can't express how proud I am of my husband! He is simply amazing.

The soldiers ready to board the plane and make the first fly over

The plane flew off, turned around, and then came back to make the first pass. It was so amazing and exhilarating (and scary!!) to see the first soldier jump.

The boys were awe struck when the saw the soldiers leap out of the plane. We all started screaming and cheering when we saw the first parachute open. Wow!!

Nick is somewhere in the middle

Nick after a safe jump and landing

Proud family picture with our paratrooper! Yay Nick! We are so proud of you!

Oh what a man

Yesterday, my husband came home from work with these:

and these:

(yes, those are Lindt truffles)

It was such a thoughtful thing for him to do. I was having a bit of an "off" day (just a few more pregnant weeks left!) was feeling unproductive and discouraged. Shouldn't I start nesting soon, and have all these spurts of energy and times of great productivity?? My husband's loving gesture and encouraging words were just what I needed.

In fact, today has been amazing! By God's grace

I woke up before the boys, felt completely rested and had time to pray and exercise in peace.

I cleaned the fridge, reorganized the freezer, made 2 lasagnas and cleaned the kitchen (twice).

I swept (twice), cleaned the spare bedroom and put fresh linens on the guest bed.

I updated my blog (yes, I think thats 4 new posts??), responded to long lost emails and mailed some important mail.

I prayed and did my devotions.

I played with the boys for hours and was able to take them outside (!!!) to play for the first time in a long time (it was 50 degrees out today!! Of course with the wind chill it was only 30, but oh well, the sun was shining!!)

All this to say, if you have the chance to do something thoughtful and considerate for another person, do it. It is one of the best feelings to know that you are loved. It lifts a mood. It makes your heart smile. It's the best.

Watching for Dad

One of the boys latest pastimes is pushing their toy bins up to the front window, standing on their tip toes, and watching for anything exciting to happen. Sometimes they look at the neighbors, (hee hee!!) or at the snow falling, but today it was all about Daddy.

They spotted his car long before he was even close to the house and let out cheers of excitement and glee, "It's Daddy!!" "Daddy!!" They watched anxiously as Nick parked the car, gathered his things and then headed towards the front door. Daddy was home and boy were these boys glad to see him.

Daddy was pretty excited to see his boys too. And who can doubt it, when you are greeted at the door with this kind of attention? May the days never end when our children delight in our presence!! How wonderful to be eagerly waited for; to hear their squeals of pleasure as you open the door; to be smothered with hugs and kisses; to be asked how your day was and to hear detailed stories about theirs...these childhood days are so precious.

A salute to my soldier

For the truth you stand for

For the lives you've saved

For the battles you've fought

For the sacrifices you've made

For proudly wearing the uniform and standing up for what is good and right and true:

I love you.

For the times you held my hand

For the life you have given me

For the times you wiped my tears,

For the truth you made me see

For the day you gave me your heart, your love, your life and said, "I do"

I love you.

For all those times you loved me when I was so unlovable
For all the times you listened and encouraged
I love you.
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For all those times you hugged me, when I was busy crying over milk that had spilled
I love you.

For the children you've given me, both on this earth and yet unborn
I love you.
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For all these things and so many more
thank you, my dear husband, you are what I waited for.
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Thank you for being all that you are and for doing all that you do
I love you.

26.2

It doesn't seem that impressive until you add the word "miles"


Yes, 26.2 miles. A marathon.


And now my husband has run two of these 26.2 mile races just this year. His first marathon was in Iraq of all locations. During Nick's second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was able to participate in a Boston Marathon sponsored race for soldiers. In Iraq. That last part still amazes me.

His second marathon was much closer to home. It took place in Kansas City, MO. Obviously, the race was much different from the first in location, conditions, and climate-- but they still both involved a grueling 26.2 miles.

The best part of the run (for me anyway!!) was there at the finish line. I stood waiting for my husband to come running across. Perhaps you will think it silly, but I stood there with tears in my eyes. I couldn't help it. For a military wife who has been through so much waiting and anticipation, all the same emotions of pride, joy, and amazement came flooding in. Of course a marathon isn't the same as a 15 month deployment, but I felt every bit as proud of my husband at that moment. He had trained hard. He had worked hard. And now had reached the culmination of all the months of effort-- he had finished the big race and had finished well. I'm so glad that we were there to greet him at the end!

The boys were proud too. And they seized the opportunity to congratulate daddy as soon as he got down to stretch. Too cute. :)

Appreciation

Appreciation is a wonderful thing. And today, I was appreciated in a very thoughtful way by my dear husband. He really is a romantic at heart and goes out of his way to do sweet things for me.


After getting the boys up and dressed this morning, we came downstairs for breakfast. I got the boys seated at the table and quickly fixed their cereal. When I pulled out the cereal box a note fell out of the cupboard.

When we finished breakfast, I opened the Bible Story Book (by Catherine Vos) and did morning devotions with the boys. As I was reading I noticed there was another book mark in the pages. It was another note.

After smiling my cheeks off at the thought of my dear husband, we went out on a brisk morning walk. Then I loaded the boys into the car, still smiling away, and we headed off to the commissary and did our grocery shopping for the week. Using our well planned menu and shopping list, I found some great deals/coupons on the things we needed and was also able to buy a few splurges (like some good quality cheese for fondue) too. Best of all, I was able to restock on all the fruits and veggies AND stay below our weekly grocery budget! Nice!

When we got home from the commissary (and the library for story hour and seeing Nick) I unpacked the car, made lunch, and started putting away groceries while the boys ate. When I opened the spice cupboard, I discovered another note at eye level.

So yes, today my husband showered me with thankful recognition and gratitude for the role I play in our home. He wanted me to know that he was thankful for all that I do each day... and while I think I already know how much he appreciates me, today he MADE SURE I knew.

Sometimes it seems the best thing we can do for a loved one is to make sure they know how much we care. It's easy to take them for granted... to not think about the work they do... or care about the challenges they face... or even to be too proud to say, "thank you" because they never say it back. But let's not be selfish. A little appreciation goes a long way. As my husband's did for me today. :) My face aches from smiling so much. :) :)

Oh so sweet

My morning started out quite hectic.

Boys up at the crack of dawn (literally in the 6 o'clock hour).

Spilled milk and cereal at breakfast.

Dirty dishes in sink.

Then out for a quick walk/run through neighborhood.

Directly into car after exercise.

Off to run errands.

Then to the commissary. Longest lines ever. Apparently pay-day equals long lines (do that many people really live pay check to pay check?? Wow!!).

Cranky kids while waiting in line.

Rushing to get to story hour on time.

Running late.

No parking at the library.

Circle.

Circle.

Arg! Still no parking.

3rd circle.

See a soldier standing in front of library holding Starbucks.

Soldier approaches vehicle.

Realize that soldier is none other than Captain Daddy!!

Daddy hands Mommy the Starbucks treat.

Unbuckles boys and brings them into story hour.

I drink an iced coffee and get a few minutes of quiet while parking the car a mile away. But better than the Starbucks or the peace and quiet... I have an amazing husband who is always thinking of me. He got out of class early, and instead of doing his own thing, he drives to the only Starbucks in town, buys my favorite drink, and meets me at story hour. Yep, he's a keeper. :)