2 weeks in

And we are in a routine. The girls and I really are enjoying our time together. Jake said something yesterday, he commented on how lucky I am to have our girls with me daily. He's so right! As mothers stay at home or not we can easily get frustrated when our kids are constantly asking questions and "mom mom" is always being yelled, etc... It made me check myself and once again appreciate my time with them. I've made it my goal to thoroughly enjoy this spring and part of summer with these 2 pretty chicks before baby arrives. Last night we had some serious thunderstorms which included a few tornado warnings. The plus side to that? Being in bed at 8 pm with my 21 months old arms wrapped tightly around my neck, my fave snuggled in her chest. And as my arms were around her my 4 year olds hand was in mine. We fell asleep to the booming of thunder and the flashing lightning. It was bliss.
Yesterday was marathon day in Nashville. I was supposed to be running my first half. Womp womp, that has been put on hold till next spring, thank you baby:). I had about a half dozen women I know running it yesterday and one doing the full. They all finished, it was so cool to see status updates pooping up on fb of them finishing! Their run was done in the pouring rain, some waiting a couple of hours just to start the race.
Lydia has got quite a scrape on her right foot. Until it fully heals she can't wear her afo's or shoes on that foot, no aquatics for her either. These things are bound to happen, SB or not. It just effects her a little differently when they do. Through fb I met another SB mom who's son is just 2 months younger than Lydia. She is a Christian and has introduced me to a couple of pages for Spina Bifida children that are Christian based. The posts and questions are so much more positive and uplifting than the other groups I have scene. I'm so encouraged to be open to this kind of reaction and parenting, story sharing, updates, etc...these groups are private and not as public so no wonder I hadn't found them before.
Spring is in full force here, more and more I am loving this area where are in. I find myself picturing a life for Jake and I even after the Army(whenever that will be!) I find myself day dreaming about buying a home somewhere near Fort Campbell and what kind of sports group to get the girls involved in. This are is such a prime location for traveling to the east coast or back home to the Midwest. The weather is never too extreme and let's not forget its the south. If its one thing Jake and I agree in its that we do love the South. From southern cooking, BBQ sauce, cowboy boots and country music...this next year 2014 will be a big year as far decision making for our family. We will be deciding if Jake will stay in and retire with the Army or if getting out and possibly moving back to Wisconsin is the right decision. I think him and I both understand too that if he stays in we most likely will never move back to Wisconsin. Because seriously, who moves to a cold state after 40? Normally. Your looking at a winter home in Florida! Ha kind if funny hey?
Well my Lydia wants a book or 5 read to her. Then it's off to get ready for church!


Enjoy your Sunday!

Where to start?

The last 48 hours have been emotional. Sunday night we said goodbye to Jake. My heart just ached as I watched him walk away from my rear view mirror. Every part of me straining to hold on and to get my last look of him. You never know if its the last time you will see your Soldier when they go off to war. My husband, my better half, my night in shining armor, the father of my children. It literally took my breath away. I could taste his big red on my lips for a moment and the tears fell. I gave into that moment of fear. And as quickly as those negative thoughts came in I had to let them go. For I know my God will protect him, and I have such peace in that. My heart is aching for my husband, but this is our life, his job, to go and fight the bad guys.
We are so fortunate to have him gone just 3 months. It could have been the whole 9! To think if he would have left when the other soldiers did there wouldn't be a number 3 on the way.
I was surrounded by my fellow Army wives this morning. I felt their love, understanding, and prayers, and I was once again comforted, so humbled that I have such women in my life. As much as I want to be home and sit by my dad like a little girl, and cry, I know here at Fort Campbell is where I am meant to be. Where my girls are busy with their normal day to day routine, their friends, and their home.
My husband can leave knowing we are safe and have a good support system. I can't imagine what he is going through. I mean sure he shares his feelings with me. But as a man, a father, a husband, their every being is made to protect to build up, to guard. And he has to let that go, he has no control over there. But we have the man upstairs! Jake and I have come a long way and thank goodness we are at a good place with our walk with God. Jake gave me a list of bible verses to read throughout this deployment and Isaiah 41:13 has stuck with me. "For I am The Lord your God,who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'do not fear; I will help you"
The girls are keeping me smiling, right now I need them as much as they need me. Funny how that works...we are already in a routine. I am soaking up this time with them. These last few months before our lives change again and we have another baby Gehl!
My dad and I were talking last night and he told me he went to his weekly bible study. He was running late and when he walked in and joined the others who were already praying he told me how humbled he was at what he heard. 4 different people went on to pray over Jake and I. To pray for our household, our marriage, our children, his job. My father was choked up hearing his brothers and sisters in Christ praying over his son n law and daughter. It was so good to hear that, so reassuring, these prayers, I'm sure along with others, have really carried Jake and I through these first few days and will continue to. So thank you!

It's time to sneak away and nap now while my little chicks are napping...have a good Tuesday!

And give your husband an extra long kiss tonight-cause I sure wish I could do that to mine. :)