The Send Off

I had another adventure with my children. We journeyed to Hinesville, GA, to watch "the soldier" leave for Iraq.

The 3 girls, 1 soldier, and their mama...in one vehicle....and everyone survived! We picked up Joseph on Monday morning at 6:00 on base. As we were loading his gigantic army bags into the car, reveille played. Seems as if you could hear it everywhere. Wow! That was great! Things were really put into perpsective at that point and we were all a little more solemn after that. Joseph met with quite a few more young men and women, were issued their guns, and began their journey.

He called on Wednesday with excitement in his voice. I was glad to hear that. He's called a few more times throughout the next few days. Haven't heard as much from his this week as I imagine their duties have really begun.

Many prayers and much love sent to all who serve........especially that one "soldier".......

Ch..ch....changes......

My life has taken quite a few twists and turns these last few months.

I have gone back to my "old" job which is a "good" thing. Not that my other job was a "bad" thing. It's just that the benefits of my return are greater than the benefit of my staying where I was. Make sense?

I have also had to start taking the trash off, again, since Joseph left. A chore I really do NOT enjoy.

Speaking of changes..... I made a request of my 4 children. I invited them to a sleepover at my house....just the 5 of us before Joseph's tour began. They all complied. I think I can speak for all of us in saying that we really did have a good time. Many thanks to Ben and Jason for allowing me to take their spouses for the night. We started the evening with supper @ Wings followed by a trip to the grocery store for snacks. I might add that they were a lot easier to keep track of in the store when they were little. I stuffed them all in a buggy and off we went (Not now. When they were little.) We all had things to get and then meet at the register. I fully expected to be stuck with this tab, but to my surprise they paid for their own.

When we got home, we laughed and laughed and finally made our way to dreamland at about 11:30. I realized a few things during this sleepover......
1. We take up a lot more space than we used to.
2. If you don't beat Meredith to the shower, you won't get one. She uses all the hot water.
3. I have very witty children.
4. I am VERY blessed to have such caring children and am so proud of each and every one and the additions they have brought and will bring to our family. Of course, I always knew I was blessed, but I just wanted to put it in writing.

There have been a few more changes we won't go into, right now, but...

It's ALL good!