Change of Plans

The latest word is... due to an unexpected illness, hubby will not be returning to Iraq. He's fine, but we need prayer for wisdom for those making decisions about his health and about his career.

While I'm more than happy to have him home, it's hard for him not being able to finish the job he started. Right now we're taking one day at a time, trusting God's will above our own.

A few more...

Here are some highlights.

My oldest turned FIVE!!! Where has the time gone?!?
The weather warmed up just enough for a bike ride.

And D finally got a haircut!
Before and... after- still curly.

Time flies

We had a wonderful three weeks. There's a lot to write about, but I'll do that later. Here are some of the highlights:

Daddy has cool gear!

We got stuck an extra night on the drive home due to a blizzard. Some areas near us had two feet. When the snow plows were clearing the parking lot the snow was piled as high as our van.

"The boys" chilled out together in the hotel.

It felt very good to finally make it home. Jerusalem's (from My Little Life) banner was a perfect welcome back.

Together at last!

After 8 months, 4 flights/ 19 hours of flying time, and 2 days/ 10 hours of driving we are finally together again. It was a little hard to know how things would be after having been apart for so long, but I am thrilled to say that it's almost as though he never left. The kids have adjusted beautifully (D, the 16 month old, was a little shy at first, but now he jumps from my arms into his Daddy's arms right away). And all I can say is, well, it's very, very, VERY good to be back in hubby's arms.

Our smooth adjustment into our "normal" family life comes from 1. Lots and lots and LOTS of prayers, and 2. We have kept up strong lines of communication. Not all military families are as fortunate to be able to talk to their loved-ones every day like we are. We're just blessed that my hubby works in an area that he can call us daily, and he chooses to forgo hanging out and relaxing in his "hooch" at the end of the day, in order to take the time to call us.

We're also blessed that we are able to have some extra transition time as we met Hubby at an Army base far from home while he trains the unit that is replacing his (which is what he's doing at this very moment). Next week we will drive home and his actual "leave time" begins, and then he returns back to Iraq for his last 3 1/2 months. Three months don't seem so bad in comparison to 8 months, but we'll make it through like we did before, all in God's strength. I'll be out of the "blogging world" while he's with us during the training and especially while he's home on leave. Time is precious...