Summer choices...

Because someone, somewhere was looking over me....I was able to spend this whole summer at home with my children. Oh, what a summer we had!

Of course, we had lots of the usual suspects........Park and Pool......

.....But more than that.....I was able to slow down. After working outside the home for almost 10 years, I have come to realize, life isnt about how fast you can move or how fast you can get something done.....

Its about really hearing the questions your child asks you and catching those special moments. Like the pride Brock felt when he FINALLY lost that tooth......

I have to wonder if we were being looked over and given this summer for a reason, with Ryan leaving and my kids growing up way TOO fast....

We all have wishes.....Syd and Brock wished for toys. (of course), but my private wish is that I make it through this deployment and year with happiness, dignity, family and friends. Ryan and I will be different people when he returns (its inevitable) but I choose to see that as an opportunity to get to know a familiar stranger again. After all, life is all about choices.

We leave for Florida in one more day, so wish us luck on the plane ride....Im NOT good on a plane and the kids have never flown.....So Ryan may be carrying me over his shoulder (after I load up on pre-flight drinks) and two kids in tote.....Wow, sounds great doesnt it......

I have been blessed in life with a wonderful husband and children. I chose to begin this blog in order to document my families journey through my husbands third deployment.

We all get so busy in life and forget to reflect on how these types of journeys help us grow, change and learn. My hope is that this blog will allow me and my family to reflect on our blessings and not sorrows during this time and maybe.....just maybe I can inspire others in the process.

My husband doesnt leave for a few more months but our planning and preparing has already begun.

Thus far, the hardest part has been telling the children about daddy having to leave for the next year. Lots of questions and emotions. However, children are SO resilient.....they are now laughing about being two grades ahead when daddy gets home.....Im sure that doesnt make Ryan laugh, but we know if the kids are finding some humor in this, then that is a good thing.

We are getting ready to leave for a family vacation before Ry leaves. Our hope is to relax, love each other and have a TON of fun. (although hotel rooms with two kids can at times be considered an alternate form of tourture...) Definately more to come on vacation........