Caleb's Special Day

Throughout this whole process, we've tried to be open and honest with Caleb about where daddy's going, how long he'll be gone (in 4 year old terms), etc. Its been difficult for him to comprehend, and I'm sure that actually, he still doesn't understand. So pray for him...that this year will pass quickly and he'll feel the love of his Abba Father AND his daddy.

We took him on his very own special day before Joshua left. First stop...family pictures. These were not wildly successful. I won't lie. But at least we got a decent shot. Then, off to Chuck E. Cheese for some pizza and fun, followed by a trip to Build-A-Bear Workshop. We both made very special Army pals. I'll share....you enjoy...

*love*

~meg

With daddy...waiting patiently for pizza!

Ride 'em, cowboy!

Next stop, picking out our pals at Build-A-Bear!

Daddy's kisses are the best...


My boys!

Look lady, really...I'm 4...

Love him. Bunches.


Almost done!

Puppy makes perfect!


Our hero...every day. Not just the days he's in Iraq. :-) He's the BEST...or as we say, he's our favorite. *wink*

In the "dressing room." Don't peek!!

This little Army puppy has a special message from daddy recorded in him! :-)

A day well done!

Going Away Party

WOW!!! That is the first thing that comes to mind about my going away party last night at Red Robin. A ton of family, friends and coworkers came out for the fun. All-in-all, I would guess around 100 people were crowded into an area of Red Robin that was way too small. :-) But it was great. The staff team at Red Robin really went above and beyond for us. As you can see by the pictures, they decorated for us, got me a card and got us a cake. It really was a memorable experience.

Thank you to everyone that came out. It was great to see so many people that support Meg, Caleb and me. For those of you that got me gift cards, phone cards and other gifts, thank you so much...it was totally unexpected, but it was really great and we appreciate it dearly. I'm looking forward to the Welcome Home Party with all of my great friends. Thanks again.

Welcome to the insanity...!!

Well, we're 8 days and counting now, folks! If I sound a lot more chipper than you would assume I'd be...you're right (because I'm not sure I've ever been more emotionally unstable...today was a rough day for Joshua, too...). But here's the skinny: Joshua leaves for Columbus next Friday, his going away ceremony on Saturday, free day on Sunday and ships out on Monday. And by "shipping out," right now I only mean Oooooooooooook-lahoma. Where the wind comes sweeping down the plains. Where the waves and wheat...oh, wait. That's the musical...

As for the title of our blog (its late, and I'm skipping around in my randomness), it is very much something that we believe and are living out (as a matter of fact...we have it permanently inked in Hebrew on our bodies...maybe one day I'll bless you with the pictures *wink*). No matter WHAT happens...we know God is in this. And because He's in us, we have never felt so hopeful in what sometimes feels like a hopeless situation. For sure, people deploy every day. But the personal impact of its reality is far different to deal with than the idea or the possibility. So, we're learning and coping and growing through this process. Without a doubt, we are being stretched in our faith daily...which is always a journey anyway!

I hope you'll enjoy the ride with us...