Having returned from Kansas just a short week ago, dog, cat, and everything packed is now unloaded and organized back into our home. Jim is due home in another two short weeks and I still have much to do but here’s a little recap of what I've been doing over the last five weeks.
Over vacation I spent much time at my older sister’s house with her three little children. We painted, colored, and partied! Liz (my niece) and I and Gram, had a sleepover and January held an early Valentine’s Day party. We had treats on beautiful Valentine plates and punch out of Valentine cups and we all even wore party hats. Mom and I picked up balloons on the way too. Interestingly enough, after I’d spent over four minutes trying to blow up one of these balloons, Liz pulls out the bike air pump that had been sitting right next to me the entire time I was huffing and puffing on this one balloon. Man, what a seven year old can teach a person is beyond me. So, after blowing up about five more balloons, we discovered that these held magical powers...static electricity, which I might mention, I had too much of when I was home. Did I mention that I burnt out three light bulbs on my vacation? That takes talent. I would just go switch on the light switch and “pop” there it blew out. I guess coming from daily 80% humidity to close to 0% humidity, this might explain this newly discovered phenomenon. Well, I digress. We had a great party with all children sleeping soundly until the next morning. Gram and I sure wore those babies out!
On another occasion, I traveled over to Garden City, KS to see my other sister and brother-in-law and three children at their new bakery. I photographed their delightful sweets for her new website and we enjoyed catching up on the latest news: www.sinfullysweetbakery.com
Life sure is sweet with family near. I like to think I took advantage of every available second in my schedule to see family.
While home on vacation, I was able to chat with Jim via video messenger almost everyday. This was a great relief however, after a week of chatting, we kind of ran out of things to talk about so we would more often than not just sit and stare at one another. I sure didn’t mind that a bit...What a looker he is.
We had a lovely Christmas at Jim’s grandparents’ house where I surprised everyone with Jim on the computer screen. It was late his time in Afghanistan but we wanted the entire family to be together no matter what continent we are all on. The connection was poor and sound was minimal so most everyone just waved. He really enjoyed seeing everyone and to that I say a word of thanks to the family that was there for him to see. There is no other feeling than that of being alone during the holidays. We are so fortunate to live within the United States where we can spend time with our families.
In the end there are always goodbyes. I, of course, have become very familiar with them. As I have a fourteen hour drive both ways, mom drove with me. She is one of the most thoughtful people I have every met. Anyways, she made the drive back with me and read to me the entire time I drove. I will admit, we were both a bit delirious when we finally reached Clarksville. But, we made it! We were all so happy to finally be home. Shooter spent most of the hours outside while we finished unpacking until about 11pm. Sadie had a nice time running around the house and driving us nuts because she was finally able to stretch her legs. I was also happy. I have discovered that one can have many homes. I love it here in my home but there will never be another home such as that of my mothers. I digress once more. Mom left out on a semi truck with a cousin who hauls tanks to the area and they finally made it home after a five hour delay due to the slippery weather conditions near St. Louis and KC. Now, all settled in, she is back home and running the route once more.
Being away from family for a year and three days was difficult. When I finally made it home, it was like nothing had even changed. We all have stayed so connected through whatever forms of communication and for this I am so thankful. After being here for a week, my heart is still mending from goodbyes but now I know just how connected we really are, no matter how many miles physically separate us. My family is the greatest blessing I will ever know. What a family to love and to be loved by. The most caring souls, the strongest people who have seen so much in this short life, I am so blessed to have you all. Also, while being at home, I realized I missed my other home in Clarksville. People whom I have gotten to know and care for, I missed them; neighbors who watch over you, friends who know exactly what I’m going through.
God is so good. He has blessed me with the greatest people. He has placed these people in my life so that I may love and be loved. I feel at home wherever He is because He has already made my way. Praise God.
LOVELOVE
