Homecoming!

This picture was taken just an hour after Owen returned home. (Yes, he has a beard - but he shaved it Saturday night).

We decided to surprise the kids about Owen's actual return. I told the kids he was coming home on Saturday when really he arrived Friday morning.

Friday, I sent the girls off to school and loaded the twins in the car telling them we were going "to a doctor's appointment." You can imagine the confusion when minutes later I announced that there was no doctor appointment and instead we were going to get Dad at the airport.

"Right now?"
"Yes."
"You mean, RIGHT NOW?" (T-man and Meya screaming with elation!)
"Yes."
Joyful Mayhem!

After getting Owen at the airport and lots of hugs and kisses, we drove to the girls' school. I had talked to the office staff the day before to let them know my plan. They were ready for us. They called each girl out of her class to come to the office one at a time. Leasie was all smiles. Madi was a bit emotional.

Lots more hugs and kisses.

It was a wonderful moment for our family. We are so happy to be together again.

What I have learned

My husband was gone for 63 days. Here's what I have learned:

The first week was hard, the second week was harder, and then we adapted.
I can function on much less sleep than I thought possible, but the dark circles under my eyes sure aren't pretty.
I'm stronger than I thought, but the 63 bedtime routines by myself nearly did me in!
I love my husband - I love that he is patient, kind, smart, and a great dad.
I love my children - they are my friends, I really enjoy them (most of the time!).
I have an incredible church - the support, love, and service was amazing.
My friends stood by me, even from long distances. I received care packages, cards, phone calls and emails that sustained me through tough days.
I have a greater appreciation for the military families who sacrifice much more than our small 63 days.
Life is about giving the best you've got to give to those around you.
Laughter solves a lot of problems.

I can't wait to...
kiss my husband
sleep without clutching my cell phone
have family dinner together
watch my husband play with the kids
get a pedicure
go to Myrtle Beach with my husband and kids

Thank you for all your prayers, well-wishes, visits, notes, and love.

9+ Months

Since hubby left, Baby C has learned to:

Clap her hands (as shown above)
Crawl
Wave
Stand up
Cruise along furniture
Say "ma ma ma ma"
Say "da da da da"
Growl
Click her tongue

I keep telling her to slow down. But she can't wait to catch up to her siblings.
She's not going to be a baby for very much longer.

3 Days to go!

Last FHE

We gathered for our last Family Home Evening without hubby. We had songs, a lesson, prayers, and a delicious treat.

I just have to say, I have amazing children. I am so blessed to be their Mom. This morning, Meya said, "Mom you're the best Mommy in the world!" I looked at her over her bowl of soggy Honey Nut Cherrios and thought groggily "Not really." Then I said outloud, "Why?" She replied without hesitation, "Because you are here with me everyday!"

You know what? I am. I choose to be here everyday with my kids. That doesn't mean I don't go absolutely crazy sometimes. But I'm here. Meya's comment made my day.
Here are my five little monkeys...who mean the world to me!

4 Days to go!

Unraveling

I'm unraveling. With six days left, it is all I can do to just hold the bare essentials together. Food. Clothing. Sleep. Family Prayer. That's it.

I think the weekend of hauling all five kids by myself to two soccer games, church, and two social events did me in. My eyes feel like they were punched. My arms ache as though I've spent hours at the gym. And my fingers look like swollen sausages. Come to think of it, my whole body hurts.

My house looks like there was an explosion of food, toys, and laundry. And for the first time since Owen left, I had to break down and cry.

8AM Saturday can not come soon enough.

BIG fun

I'm trying to make this last week full of fun memories so the time will fly by. Wednesday afternoon Tman, Meya, and I picked out four huge bouncy balls at Target ($2.59 each - love it!). We also bought donuts. We had quite a party - huge bouncy balls flying and crashing to the accompaniment of squeals of delight. Although only thirty minutes into the mayhem, I found myself asking "What was I thinking?" I finally sent the balls and kids outside where they continued to have a great time.

After a week of ego waffles and cold cereal the kids begged for homemade pancakes. And oh did I give them pancakes! I made the first ever, ginormous Abbe pancakes for breakfast this morning. They were the size of dinner plates. Oh the laughter. And oh the full tummies.

8 days to go...

11 Days to go

Our Enrichment Meeting, "Come to the House of the Lord" was this week. It was a celebration of temples and temple work. The evening was a huge success thanks to so many wonderful ladies who contributed their time and talents. The evening began like a "wedding reception" (hence the DELICIOUS catered wedding cake). Then we dismissed for three wonderful workshop-type classes. 1) Teaching our Children to Love the Temple. 2) How to prepare for Temple Attendance. 3) Glimpses of Temple Truths in World Cultures and Religions.

I came away from the evening with my testimony of temple work strengthened and my resolve to attend more often revived. I am so thankful temples. They are a source of protection and safety in a world with ever decreasing moral values. If you'd like to know more about Mormon temples, click here.