Talk about an extremely stressful and challenging day - let me give you the readers digest version... (as only I can do!) LOL
The morning, following a very interesting and slightly depressing evening, got off to a very sluggish start. Eating a not so great breakfast, and feeling "not so well" this week :-P landed us at the gym with only an hour to exercise - take away chatting with a friend and signing the girls up for gymnastics (fun!) and all I had left was 30 minutes - so a bland work out to say the least! A trip to walmart had the natives restless for a good nap and some lunch - however that would have to wait since the moment we walked in the door (with arms full of all the groceries) all hell would break loose. Mom ran to the bathroom, while Maddie decided to use the living room floor, a granola bar and some gummies to tied them over, while I cleaned up the mess, and tried to getting the groceries in the fridge, pee laundry started, and Maddie re-dressed. Kids ran off to play and I took the opportunity to jump in the shower - only to have to jump out sopping wet to intercept the alarm as it screamed that the back door had been opened (why did I let the kids learn to unlock the door, again???) Still in a towel, puddles on the floor I called the alarm company (somewhat concerned why they hadn't called me yet.) come to find out - the alarm must be ear piercing for more than a minute before they get the signal to call and check in - this does not instill peace in my heart! Alarm is resest, puddles cleaned up, mom is fully dressed, kids are fed, and Maddie is down for a nap. All is well. I do get to spend the next few hours in the kitchen (something I haven't really done, in almost a month) :-) Super spruced up brownies for a baby shower, chili for dinner, and banana bread - all done. Maddie is up, girls are now playing together - having a ball - all of a sudden, there is this high pitched, painful scream - the one you hear when you know whatever just happened, really hurt! Abigail meets me in the hallway saying, "something happened to Maddie!"
Come to find out, she was standing on the desk chair and fell off, only to land on the filing cabinet door and scratch up her back pretty good. Did I mention that I was the one who left the cabinet open when I was looking for the alarm paperwork...UGH! I felt terrible, it was ugly, and it really hurt...! I held Maddie for awhile, put some medicine and a bandaide on her back and laid her on the couch with her favorite movie. Thank goodness the babysitter would be here any minute and Maddie was sure to perk up!
As crazy as today was, there were some pretty great highlights....
When Maddie was eating lunch, she says to me, "Mom, this is really good. Thank you so much for making it for me!" How sweet is that - from a 2 yr old!!! :-)
When I came home from a baby shower tonight the girls were still awake, and they both come bouncing in to the kitchen to say hello and give me the rundown of all the fun things they did with the babysitter - the first thing out of Maddie's mouth is, "Mom, it doesn't hurt anymore!!!!" showing me her back! - Thank goodness! and finally....
As I'm putting the girls to bed, Abigail says, "Mom, I love you just the way you are!" and of course, Maddie repeats it! :-)
oh my goodness - out of the mouth of babes!
A hard day - but ending it with a smile.
Night all!
Maddie enjoying her great lunch - doesn't it look good? LOL
Sorry for this picture - but she actually wanted me to take it, because she wanted to show Daddy - this is literally a minute after she fell.... she is wanting to tell/show daddy everything lately.... :-)
There were a lot of big wigs there, chatting up how proud they were our soldiers - they were presented a Florida flag to display in Kuwait - which I think is pretty cool!
This is a picture of all 3 units in formation from Nicole's view point. Thanks to Cole for taking all these pics.... I didn't even bring my camera! I'm glad someone was thinking! :-)
We had an amazing turn out, much to my surprise (not that I didn't think anyone would come - it was just in the middle of the work day!) but, my Dad took off work to drive up, along with Cole and the boys, Beck and Rea, Gee Gee (Nate's grandma) Uncle Mark and Sue, Nate's mom flew down from Ohio to see him off! It's pretty wonderful to have a family that loves and supports us! We are so grateful!
Our wonderful Gee Gee!
Cole and the boys!
Abigail told me she was telling Daddy, "I will miss you."
Maddie loving on Daddy
Although it's difficult for Nate to see his girls change and grow through a computer, and challenging for me to keep everything afloat while he's gone - I know that Nate is doing exactly what God has called him to do. If you were to see him "in action" - talking with and dealing with soldiers and situations you would agree that he is really great at what he does! Nate is reliable and steadfast, and others know (or learn quickly) that he will follow through and get the job done! With the same commitment and integrity that he has a soldier, he has as a husband and father. I am very proud of him and proud to be his wife! 
