Yes, we need a roof over our heads.

Isabella: "Mommy, I really miss Daddy!"

Mommy: "I know Sweetheart, so do I!"

Isabella: "Where is Daddy?"

Mommy: "Remember, he's in the desert."

Isabella: "What is he doing there?"

Mommy: "He has to work."

Isabella: "Yes Mommy, because we need a roof over our heads."

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today was my Mom's birthday. I can't even begin to explain to you what she has means to me! I couldn't have done this year away from Steve without her. She helps with the kids, giving me much needed breaks when she sees that I'm "near the edge, and ready to jump." She is absolutely wonderful with Isabella and Jack, and they love her to pieces! Thank you Mom for helping me get through this year. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!


Nana with her grand kids (Baby Byers in Diane's tummy...debuting in March)



Me and Isabella taking a break during dinner.



Bella enjoying her ice cream sundae.



Jack playing with cousin Lydia's vacuum cleaner.



"I might be playing with this now, but don't expect me to vacuum when I can walk!"

Blooms & A Special Trip!

Steve sent me these today...



I can't explain how much I love Steve. Even half a world away he still reminds me how much he loves me, supports me however possible, and encourages me.

For those not on Facebook, you probably didn't hear the news that Steve will be coming to South Carolina for meetings in October. The kids and I will be going down to meet up with him. This is a HUGE unexpected, but God-planned meeting. Never in our wildest dreams did we think that we'd be able to see Steve before his R&R in January. I'm not telling Isabella about this yet as I don't want her to be disappointed if for some reason Steve's trip doesn't happen. Please pray that the Air Force keeps this trip planned!

She Makes Me Smile

Isabella LOVES to be outside. From the moment she gets up in the morning till the time her head hits the pillow she wants to be outside. She hates to come it for meals, naps, potty breaks :), really anything. One of her outside activities is to water all of Nana and Poppy's beautfiul flowers. Nana plants a beautiful Butterfly Garden each spring, which is full of color this time of the summer. There are also all types of creatures (Bullfrogs and Butterflies).

While Daddy's away...

...mommy has to do things that Daddy normally does, like wrestling.







I'm ready for Daddy to come home!

Hot, Hot, Hot

Yes, my Hubby is HOT, but so is the weather...130+.



And here I complain when it's 85 out.

4 down 8 to go

Four months ago we said goodbye.

It's hard to believe that if this had been a four month deployment he'd be on his way home now. But, we press on. The penny jars are a little lighter, fall is just around the corner, and we've made it to football season. All summer I've told myself that if I can make it to football season I'll be ok. Well, it's here, and now I've started to say if I can just make it to my birthday and Christmas I'll be ok.

The "newness" of being with Nana, Poppy and her cousins has worn off, and Bella is really missing her Daddy. I am so glad that she loves him so much, and remembers how much he loves her and how much fun they have together. We often talk about all the fun we'll have when he comes home.

More than anything I am thankful. Even though Steve is gone for this year, which is so hard, I am confident that he'll arrive home safely. Many families don't have that. I think of our dear friend Scott, who lost his Rachel in April. He is now a single father. I think of all of the husbands, wives, mothers and fathers who have lost loved ones this past month in Afghanistan. Oh how thankful I am that Steve is where he's at. If you know of a single parent I urge you to send them a note of encouragement or offer to help them out in one way or another. Their job is so very hard.

I am thankful that Isabella and Jack are doing so well. I love that they can adapt to all different situations. They are true military children, and I believe that they are better for it.

I am thankful for my parents and brother & sister-in-law who are so incredibly helpful and encouraging. I couldn't have made it through this long year without them!

Lastly, I am thankful for a wonderful church home the kids and I have here in Indiana. I am thankful, more than anything, that Steve and I have both grown so much closer to our Heavenly Father through this experience.

Thank you to everyone for all your love and support! 4 months down, 8 to go.