Home sweet Home

I made it home on Thursday and finally downloaded all of my pictures. It was such a fun trip. I'm really glad I made it. The kids had such a great time playing with their cousins. Even though the car ride was long and hard on them they are already asking to go back to aunt Meg's house. I'm not sure I was able to give Meg a break but it was a nice break from routine for me. I can hardly wait to go back in December. We went to the air show, did art projects, had a picnic at the park, played in the sun, cuddled babies, treated ourselves to Cold Stone, and just had a great time. Thanks Meg for making it so much fun!
The day before I left I got a phone call from a friend I had up in Alaska. The Lundgrens live in Logan now and I decided to stop and visit them on my way home. I am So glad that I did. It was so great to see Tiziana and her family again and they even surprised me with a visit from the Scotts. It was such a great trip. This deployment has reminded me of all the people in Alaska that took care of me and the boys during Jonathan's first deployment. People are usually surprised when I admit that I miss Alaska. I don't miss the subzero tempertures and darkness. I miss the friends I made. Tiziana was the reason I survived Jonathan's first deployment. Her husband was also deployed and her example was such a strength to me. Not only did she endure 9 months without her husband but she gave birth to her second little girl while he was gone. She amazed me (and still does). I remember when the boys were very sick for an entire month and I was quickly becoming depressed. I finally prayed for help and the next thing I know Tiziana is at my door with food and toys for the boys. Her chicken noodle soup was the first thing the boys ate (and kept down) in weeks. And it was during her visit that I saw Kade smile for the first time in weeks. I can't count the number of times she showed up when I needed help. It was so good to see her again. Thanks Tiziana!