Tuesday, August 3, 2010

welcome home, daddy!!!


Two weeks ago I boarded a plane with my two littles and we flew to North Carolina. I wouldn't get on a plane with two littles for just any reason. You see, my man was coming home. But can I just tell you that these little boys are the best plane travelers ever! Seriously. I would fly with them any time.

What a year. How can one year be so sweet and joyous and so long and lonely at the same time? I'm not gonna lie; it wasn't easy and I'm glad it's over. It could have been so much worse and I'm thankful for how God grew me through it.

We spent several days at Bragg with friends. I wanted to be there early in case the redeployement got moved closer. We had fun with our friends. For a minute I wondered if we'd made the wrong decision in moving back home. And then I remembered my family and how this year would have been horrible without them. Silas got to know his family and I'm glad we had this opportunity for that. It's been lovely to watch him love his family. And on more than one evening when I thought I couldn't do it another day, my sister would show up "just because". Thankful.

We had several days with Marshall and enjoyed every minute. Families are meant to be together, you know? Now we're back home and awaiting block leave so we can be a family for a little longer period of time.

Praising God for the deployement that Marshall's unit had. I was recently reminded of how devastating it can be and currently is for a lot of Soldiers. War is hell and I'm not ashamed to say that I'm ready for this one to be over. That's probably not the popular Army wife thing to say, but I'm just being real. I'm used to not having popular opinions. ;)

Now for the pictures....
What do you get when you mix a 2.5 year old with a hot airplane hanger, loud PA system and the Army band practicing? See above picture.


Things turned around when we went outside and saw planes, lots of planes. And then...Daddy's plane!!


Bless you Jude, for falling asleep. Notice Silas' fingers in his mouth? Top two 2 year molars screaming their way through his gums...

Remeber, Jude was 5ish weeks old the last time Marshall saw him.


My vanity prevents me from posting the family shot. Anyone who's been to the Green Ramp in July understands how I went from put together to a sweaty, deflated mess while waiting on my Soldier. Here's one from another day:
Look at Jude. He's thinking, "What a bunch of freaks!"

Picked up right where they left off...




Love my boys.
Welcome home, Chaplain. We missed you a whole heck of a lot!!!

13 comments:

the Steiger's said...

Jill,
I am so happy for you and your family. And I am praising God for bringing Marshal home sefely!!!!

Kilgo4 said...

Tears of pure JOY for you and your boys this morning. You are all a shining example of the grace and determination it takes to successfully remain a strong family through trying times. I am with you.. I am ready for this war to be over. It is time for all of our service men and women to come HOME!

Oh and that Silas has stolen my heart once again with those big eyes. I hope that I can meet your boys face to face one day. They are precious.

Autumn said...

Awwww... So glad M is home!!! The pics are great!
We loved having you here for a few days. It felt like old times!
Great pictures! Especially the one where Jude looks like he's wondering if he's in the right family!!

Anna said...

Jill- I am crying looking at your pics. What a long year and what a big deal for Marshall to be home - we are so glad for you guys! We are thankful for his/your service for Jesus and for the soldiers and our country. It is such a big sacrifice and we pray the next month(s) will be full of connection & delighting in one another as a family. Lots of love,
Anna

K.P. said...

This post does my heart good. Marshall is one of our nation's heros and you are one of mine. From my seat/view into your life, you have gone through this with class and grace! Love you!

Apryl said...

Thank you for posting!! I'll have to let my kids see in the morning--we've been praying for Marshall (and all of you) for what seems like FOREVER! I can't believe it's finally over--Praise God! You are such a superstar, I'm a wimp, it's only been a week. Sigh.
hugs,
apryl

Rob and Candy said...

YAH! welcome home Marshall. So glad you are all together again!!

The Stums said...

I love this more than coffee (and that is A LOT). I so needed a distraction, and seeing your family all together was a perfect one. Jude is getting so very big while Silas no longer looks like a baby. Can you stop them, please??

So very, very happy for you.

Celeste said...

What sweet pictures! I just love those BIG smiles! I'm so happy for your family!!

Terri Leigh said...

Well now that I cried ... What a blessing to have him home safe and sound! :) Enjoy all the family time you can! Love and prayers! TL

Sheryll said...

Love the pictures! Isn't having a house full of boys the greatest?! You are a blessed mom . . . and family!
Love,
Sheryll + four boys :)

Anonymous said...

One more for crying...

What can I say? I'm a woman, and he serves our country, and you've been home with the kids, and...

Oh. I'm so glad you get to be together.

Next time you are alone with the kids, come to Michigan. We can.. sew American flags or something. (I don't know how to sew, do you?)

:)
Jen

alisa said...

No words...just happiness for your family...and a salute for your hubby, his sacrifice is to highly esteemed!