While Daddy was Away

We survived!

Aaron got home late Wednesday afternoon.

We were all so glad to see him.

It was a long haul, but not as hard as I thought it would be

Last year, when I was pregnant, it was much more difficult.

So that was good.

But, of course, none of my glorious plans to accomplish projects came to fruition.

Most nights I fell asleep on the couch before 9:30.  (that's crazy early for me)

Caring for 4 children all alone, all day, is utterly exhausting.

I hear by give a shout out to all the single parents and military moms--you all are amazing.

In this job, it is so nice to have some backup.

We had good days, like this hike.

And hard days.  (Lilly pulling a full grocery cart over on herself + William falling off the top of our 2 story playhouse)

But I was really honest with the kids and told them I would need their help.

They didn't need me to explain my deficiencies --they are all too familiar with them.

I asked them to pray for me when I was frustrated, exasperated, overwhelmed or had a bad attitude.

They took it to heart, and I heard this a lot, "Mommy, I'm praying for you."

It helped.

Even when the last thing I wanted was someone praying for me.

I have never experienced anything so quick to snap me out of my crappy attitude than to see my 5 year old son, on his knees next to the couch, praying for me.

HUMBLING.

In the end I was grateful for the opportunity to fly solo with the kids.

It was good for us.

But it was even better when Aaron came home.

Oh how we missed him.

One thing made abundantly clear while daddy was away is that:

LIFE IS BETTER WHEN DADDY IS HERE.

LIFE IS SWEETER WHEN DADDY IS HERE.

LIFE IS RICHER WHEN DADDY IS HERE.

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR DADDY.

Welcome home baby!

Here are a few shots from our days while Daddy was away.

We tried to get in as many phone calls to Daddy as his crazy hours would allow.

I spent 4 days in Fallbrook with the kids, getting backup from the grandparents.
My dad took the big kids to the SD Zoo one day and Davy and I visited my sister for lunch.

That day off was just what I needed; an entire day to myself--from morning until night.
I did a little thrifting, took myself to lunch, read magazines and savored the quiet while drinking hot tea in my parent's living room.
They have an amazing view.
Thanks for that day, Dad.  You rock my world.

We spent the night at my in-laws, where Nana made copious amounts of bacon for my kids' favorite breakfast.

And alien pancakes for William.

They took my kids out for the afternoon on what might have been the kids worst day of all.

I felt bad about it, but still enjoyed the chance for a nap.

My kids are so lucky to have such amazing grandparents in their life.

I'm lucky they have such amazing grandparents in their life.

Davy started backwards crawling while Aaron was gone.

I documented it all for him.

We had our first non-grandparent sleepover.

Lilly went and spent the night with her girl cousins and the boys had their boy cousin here.

Of course, watching Star Wars was in order.

Davy was so happy to be one of the big boys.

And while he would have gladly watched the whole movie, (look at his intent little face) I just don't feel right about filling my 6 month old baby's brain with images of Darth Vader and Joba the Hut.

So he got to stay for the photo opp and then went to bed.

The sleepover was a huge success.

PS. Having 4 boys here was a breeze.  As long as there are Legos, a backyard to run around in (a lot) and Star Wars, they are happy campers.

I got our Thanksgiving turkey.

It was 18.5 pounds--the biggest that will fit in my oven.

It was almost as big as Davy.

And finally, the long awaited arrival of Daddy!
He came bearing gifts, but the best thing was just having him home.
Although, I have to admit, the boys were pretty stoked with their bionicals.
And my mid century candlesticks are pretty awesome.

I couldn't hlep but breathe a sigh of relief when Aaron put the kids to bed that night.  

Whew.

We made it!

Love from,

Greta