Matilda Jane

Addy wore her first Matilda Jane tank dress the other day. Zach dressed her in it that day and this was the first time that she wore it. It fit perfectly. And, Z luh-huved it and he said that she could only wear MJ from now on. We got compliments on it all day long. I love that their clothing is unique because I don't like wearing the same thing as everyone else, and I don't like my kids to either. I wonder if Zach was giving me permission to buy lots of MJ???!!!! Well, here's my chance for more of the amazing cuteness that is Matilda Jane.......go check it out.....and don't blame me if you get addicted or go into debt over it LOL!!!

Next Month

I have eagerly been anticpating the month of March. Why do you ask?? Because it meant that I could finally say that I get to see my Honey NEXT MONTH!!! April will be even more exciting b/c I can then say that I will see him THIS month. There are times when I am overly anxious about seeing his face. I really can't predict yet what I will feel inside or what my reaction will be when I do see him approaching us in that airport. It's almost too hard to bear right now. The anxiety is almost overwhelming but in a good way. I can't wait to hug him. I've always loved his hugs and we fit like a glove. I'm ready to wear that glove again and to feel his arms wrapped around me. I feel safe in his arms. I always have. I am so ready to feel safe again. Yet, I do feel safe in my Father's arms each and every day. My God has taken great care of me and I am so thankful for that. We have all handled this deployment far better than I ever imagined. I know that it's only by God's grace, faithfulness and love for us.

So, April is almost here. We'll get to see Z. He'll go back at the end of April after being home for 15 days. And then, the FINAL count down is on!!! I'll be so ready for August when he's come for good. I love you, my Honey. Even though I much rather have you home with us, the lives that are being changed for our Lord is worth the sacrifice!!!

A Girl's Get-away

I escaped this past weekend for a girl's weekend in Houston. It was a very much needed trip. For all of us. I needed a break from the 24/7 duties of being a mom of 3 with a deployed husband. The boys needed a break from me. Addy-girl came along since she's a girl and all, she was allowed. And because I'm still nursing her. She was such a trooper. She's definately a girl after her mommy's heart!!! We shopped and shopped and shopped some more. It was such a treat to have so many places to choose from and so many great restaurants. I came home feeling relaxed and refreshed.

It was even more wonderful to come home to my boys. I missed them and when I walked in the door and surprised them, it was evident that they missed me too. It felt so good to be missed. It seems like we appreciate each other more now. I was welcomed with great, wonderful, warm hugs and tons of kisses. Evan wrenched my heart as he squeezed my neck and said, "I just knew you were coming back". Aww, I will always, ALWAYS come back for my precious ones.

Be Jeweled

I am a simple gal. I don't wear much jewelry but the pretties that I do wear are simple. I would love to wear more but other clothing items usually consume my budget. I came across this lady's awesome, unique and inspiring creations on another blog today. There's an amazing give-away going on so go ahead and check it out. If you win and I don't, I'm not gonna be happy. My fave's are "find joy" and "small squares". I'm sure each time I go back to her site, I'll find a new favorite. Scoot on over there. Now. Go. Are you there yet?? I'm on my way there again!

I felt him

Today is our first Valentine's day apart. Yesterday I received a little package in the mail from my honey. The customs form on top said that it contained "clothes" and a "letter". I thought to myself, "oh, my honey bought me a shirt. He knows how much I like clothes". I anxiously opened the package and was a little confused at what I saw. It was clear that there was a card in there but I also opened a zip-loc bag to find clothes but it wasn't a shirt purchased for me. Instead it was something even better. You see, that ziploc contained clothes that belonged to my honey. Not just that, but clothes that he wore. Clothes that touched his skin. Clothes that touched his skin that same skin that I haven't been able to touch in almost 6 months. I needed this but I decided to wait until the time was right. So, this morning started out good, then I could feel myself losing patience and wishing that my man was home with us. So, I decided that this was the time. I got the boys settled with a movie, put Addy down for a nap and then headed to our bedroom. I turned the radio on and made my way to the zip-loc bag. I opened it and pulled out HIS clothes. First, I clenched them as close as I could to my chest. Then, I climbed into bed still cleching them and not wanting to let go. That's when the thought really, really hit me that my honey's skin really touched this, he wore this and I desperately wanted to feel that close to him. I got out of bed to put on his clothes. But before that I just smelt them and then I pulled the armpit area to my nose and THERE HE WAS!! I am soo thankful that he decided to wear deodorant but even if not I wouldn't have cared. I smelt my honey. It was a sweet and familiar smell and I don't want it to leave. After I savored his smell, I put the clothes on and got back into bed and held him close to me. It was like he was right there with me and holding me too. I rubbed my arm and I could feel his big, sexy muscles. I let myself go. I let myself cry. I prayed for him. I prayed that God would keep him safe and that he would watch over him with every single step that he takes. I prayed that God would use him. I prayed that he would know how much I love him. I prayed that God would bring him home safe and sound and SOON!!!

Thank you, my honey, for giving me the perfect gift....YOU!!!

Givin' it a go

I have been reading lots and lots of blogs lately from people that I've never met and it's likely that I will never meet them. They have great stories about their daily life and just have a way of expressing that and are so kind to let all of us strangers in. I am no writer per se and I don't strive to be but there is just something in me that is released whenever I do write (or, type, rather). I have always been the kind that can get really get down to the nitty-gritty of my true feeling by just putting it on paper. It comes easier and more freely. So, here I sit at my computer thinking that I may give this blog thing a try. My life and experiences aren't nearly as interesting as the ones that I read and check way too much during the day. The point is that all of our lives are vastly different but unique and valuable each on their own. My plan is to journal my daily life as we continue "combing thru the tangles" of our first Army deployment! Here we go......