We Miss You Daddy!

Chris left last Monday for training out in California. He will be gone for about 5 weeks. When he returns, we will have less than a week before he leaves for Iraq. The kids are adjusting ok. They ask when Daddy is coming home pretty frequently. Luke always counts everyone at the dinner table. Lately he will count and when he gets to Chris's chair he says, "Mommy, somebody is missing! Daddy's not here. I sure do miss him." We love the Daddy Dolls that I ordered from Hug a Hero. Hayley sleeps with her doll every night. I kinda wish I had my own.

I did give Chris this Mizpah charm from James Avery for our anniversary.https://secure.jamesavery.com/jewelry/search/product/C-384/Mizpah-Set/ure.jamesavery.com/jewelry/search/product/C-384/Mizpah-Set/I love it! He wears his half on his dogtags, and I have mine on a necklace with a cross that Chris gave me for Christmas two years ago. I also got a deployment bracelet to wear. Another idea I got from a friend. Everytime I look at the bracelet, I pray for Chris and his Marines.

The comment that I frequently get from others is, "You are so strong! I don't think I could do what you do." I have to say that it's not me that is strong, but my God that is strong! He is the one that has laid the plan for our family and I know that it is His perfect will that is unfolding in our lives. He gets me through everyday with joy not fear or saddness. Not to say that I don't miss Chris terribly to the point where my heartaches or worry sometimes, but God says in His word, "Do not be anxious about ANYTHING, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

I want to say thanks to those in advance for praying for Chris and his Marines while they are away. We do appreciate your support.

So Much to Celebrate!

Well, we have had a busy week so far but, boy, has it been fun. Chris is still home on block leave. We enjoyed a night away this past weekend to celebrate our 8th anniversary. It doesn't seem possible that we have been married eight years and we have be together for eleven and a half! God has truly blessed our marriage. Chris loves and supports me in everything that I do. He is my best friend and hero (in the true since of the word)!

Luke started gymnastics and 4 year preschool this week. He is loving both. As I dropped him off at school this morning, he lovingly gave me a kiss and said, "I'll see you later Mommy! Have a good day!" Off he went to check out the centers and his new cubby spot. Some of his old buddies from his class last year are in his class again as well as some new faces. I love that he loves school so much! He is not too big on sharing everything that happened at school. Usually I get, "School was fun!" or "It was fine". Today I learned about a new friend named Danny and that he played chase on the playground. He also informed me that Mommy begins with the letter M (m was the letter of the day).

Hayley started gymnastics this week too. Her class is a Mommy and Me class. I need to remember to wear my workout clothes next week. I think I get as much if not more of a workout chasing her around the gym and helping her with all of her tricks. She absolutely loved everything about class. We sang and stretched at the beginning and then we moved to different stations around the gym. She loved the bars and balance beam. She not only wanted to walk forward and side ways on the beam, but she also tried walking backwards. Her little face just lit up each time she succeeded at something new. Her favorite thing about gym was the cool stamp she got on her hand at the end of class. You would think she won a gold medal.

My parents are coming in town to visit this weekend. We are all looking forward to their visit.