Where did October go? It seems like the entire month WHOOSHED by my eyeballs. I have so much to share. I hope you don't mind that I'm going to share my whereabouts over the last four weeks.
When I left you around the 6th of October I was expecting my parents for a visit. Their visit was AMAZING! The weather was beautiful and we accomplished tons in the 12 days they were here. One of the top things my dad wanted to see was the Vietnam Memorial. He is Vietnam Vet and lost a best friend while they served together. Since my dad had never been I wanted to make sure this was at the top of our list to see. When we got there I could see how emotional it was going to be. The memorial was amazing. To our surprise a volunteer helped my dad find his friends name. We were amazed how helpful the volunteer was. I could tell this was a very special moment for my dad when he touched that wall for the first time.
This was quite a history lesson for the kids.
We also visited Arlington National Cemetery. WOW! Just a beautiful place. This is one of my favorite pics for this day. The kids loved watching the soldiers guard the unknown soldier.
Lastly, a quick look at two people I respect greatly and I am so glad we were able to spend 12 AMAZING days together… my parents! It was great they were able to see the beauty of Virginia in the Fall. It's beautiful.
The other BIG, BIG news was our visit from the Prince. He was home for his R & R. Otherwise known as Rest & Relaxation. We weren't sure if he was going to make it home or not. It was a big surprise for the kids in order to save any disappointment if he didn't come home. I picked him up from the airport and my cheeks hurt from smiling so big when he rounded the corner in his uniform. I almost did a no no and ran past the security people. I couldn't get to him FAST enough.
We got home just in enough time to get to the bus stop. The looks on their faces was priceless. I can only imagine the feelings and emotions that must go through his mind as he see's their reactions.
While every day was amazing there is a transition phase you go through when they come home. Russ had the 8 hour time change from Iraq back to the states. It's brutal on the body and the Prince wasn't back to his normal self for about 3 days. The kids also think they can get away with MURDER during the 15 day R & R. Easy on Russ, not for me. LOL! Needless to say any type of normal routine was thrown out the window. My parents stayed a few extra days to see Russ and then they drove back home. We had a few days to ourselves and then my in laws came for a visit. We were able to spend 5 great days with them.
Once all of our relatives left it was time for the four of us to just enjoy the time we had left together. I felt my shoulders relax for the first time. It was great to sit on the couch and listen to the kids ONLY interact with him. When the kids went to bed it was great to just sit quietly with him. It felt normal and I liked it. I didn't want to think about him leaving.
He does have to go back… BUT…we do have some GOOD news to talk about!!
My Prince is coming home earlier than expected. YES, YES, YES!!! If you've watched the news you probably heard they are sending the troops home from Iraq by the end of the year. My sweetheart is one of them. The kids were elated. Alexis didn't care that her Daddy would be home for Christmas but that he would be home for her birthday in January. Silly girl.
Wednesday we made the trip to the airport once again. You would think the trip to the airport would get easier. It never does but there is LIGHT at the end of our tunnel. I'm grateful for the AMAZING 15 days we had together and anxious to see the next 6 weeks go by. We are almost to the finish line.
Now I'm in the process of getting the kids and myself back into our norm. While my house is a chaotic mess, and my stamp room has cob webs growing on my stamps… I'm gong to bed tonight with a big smile on my face because I am so proud of what he does and for our country.
I'll be starting regular postings on Monday. This will give me time to clean off my stamps and see if my brain still has a creative side. 🙂
Thank you again for all your support and prayers.
XOXOXO
29 thoughts on “15 Amazing Days!”
Love all your pictures. The photo of your dad at the Vietnam Memorial is awesome. I've been there years ago and it is an amazing site to see. I remember being asked to take a rub of my great-grand father's brother.
So glad you got to see your parents again and that they were able to enjoy their time with you and the kids and Russ.
Love Alexis' expression on her face it is priceless. I'm happy he was able to get the chance to come home for his R & R and in addition to that he'll be able to return home sooner than expected.
Thanks again to Russ for all he and the other men and women of our country do. Looking forward to him being back with you all soon.
Can't wait to see your new goodies, as they help keep me motivated and inspired.
Dear Kimberly,
I am sitting here with tears rolling down my face after reading your post and seeing the joyful pictures of your children being reunited with their father. Priceless, indeed! Please accept my gratitude for the sacrifices your husband and family are making for our great nation. Words simply cannot express how thankful I am that our service members and their families care enough about ordinary citizens like me to keep us safe from harm.
Your husband and family will be in my prayers in the coming weeks as you wait for his homecoming.
Thank you again for being so brave and strong and for sharing your journey with us.
Oh Kimberly this post had me in tears from your Dad putting his hand to the wall of soldiers to your kids jumping into the Princes arms. I come from an Army family here in Australia. My Dad is a three times Vietnam Vet as well so I get it about the wall. All us three kids that being my younger brother, my elder sister and myself all joined the Army and did various times mine being the longest hehehe. This is why your post meant something very deep to me thankyou so much for sharing Kimberly.
Hugs
Michelle
Those pics make me cry – I remember how emotional that feeling is the first time they see you!! Girl, I don't know how you held it together to get those pictures, but I am so glad you did because they are priceless!!! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex
Totally rad! Im so happy for your family that Russ will be home soon!!!!
Hi Kimberly !
I have been checking your beautiful blog for a while as I am a newbie SU demo in the UK and of course I just love your gorgeous projects ! But, like everyone I enjoy your touching and sometimes funny stories about your precious family and I just had to mail to say how thrilled I am to hear your good news. Your pictures are priceless and had me smiling with joy for you ! These weeks will go so quickly and I wish you all the very best for all those beautiful times you will spend together very soon.
Much love Jane x
Amazing photos and memories….I'm happy for the wonderful news and excited for you all….once again, I appreciate what your Prince and others do to keep us all safe! and You, well thank you for sharing him so that he can…..Hugs to you and your precious Children, it's hardest on you and them…..Deb
Awesome news! God is good. Love the photos – I'm so pleased for you xx
Such good news! Bringing troops home is always good. Just a few weeks away!
glad you are able to see your prince! the faces of your girl are priceless. so sweet! 🙂
Sitting here at my desk at work (lunch) looking at your post. Tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. So happy that the time we spent missing your posts was so enjoyable for you with your Prince and your family. Thanks to your Prince for what he does for our country and to you for sharing him and the rest of your family with us. Hang in there, he will be home soon.
I have to stop sneaking a peek at this blog from work. I'm here with big tears in my eyes. Your stories of deployment/R&R and the Vietnam Memorial bring back lots of memories for this daughter of a US Naval Aviator. I remember seeing Dad come back from the Tonkin Gulf, in uniform and running to greet him. Now I'm all choked up again!
Thoughts go out to you and your dear family. Thanks for sharing. Look forward to seeing more of your wonderful projects, too.
Everything that April said…she took the words straight from my heart. Thank you! No only for the sacrifices you and your family have made for our country, but also being so open and heartfelt in your sharing. You are truly amazing! Your family remains in my continued prayers, especially that these last six weeks may go quickly!
So good to hear that you've had an amazing October! What a precious gift! Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Prayers continue for you and your family. God bless you all!
Hugs from a stampin' sister in Texas,
Lisa
Someone pass the kleenex please! So happy for you Kim!
Oh, how exciting for you and your kiddos! I know that "trip to the airport" feeling all too well, too. Hubbie went to Korea for a one year remote while I baked away in Abilene, Texas. It was what we had to do to get our assignment to Alaska but what a tough pay off that was. I learned what STAMPING was the first week we was gone, so I'm super grateful for that!! That was over 18 years ago and it still is painful to read your posts knowing how hard it is on you and your whole Family. Military Life is Tough…..you feel so stinkin' proud for what they're doing but it doesn't get any easier, does it. Keep your chin up and he'll be home before you know it! Big hugs and special prayers for a Russ's early homecoming Ü
I'm so happy for you! I hope this time apart zooms along and your prince returns to you safely, for good!
this is a very emotional post to read, but happy about all the great news; sure hope these great guys do come home at the end of the yr., as they've been promised; hubby's cousin's been home for awhile & it's a huge transition; hugs & prayers to all of you, from CANADA!!
Okay, so after I get through wiping the tears from my eyes (all the while smiling from ear to ear!) I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your blog. Your projects are SO SUPER amazing and I love your style, but most of all I love what your family represents. You have an amazing marriage, great kiddos, and a hubby that serves our great country and gives his life to protect our freedoms. I love so much about this post, but the happiest thing is that your hubby gets to come home to you early! I'm so excited for you and the children! So, so happy!
Hugz,
Robyn =)
Love the photos of the kids seeing their dad. The look on Alexis's face is priceless! I am happy for you and glad he will be home sooner than thought. Love you, and God bless Russ and America!
Kimberly,
The photos are so sweet!
Oh my goodness those photos of your kids greeting their Dad are so so beautiful. I did hear the news here in Australia about the troops being withdrawn and my thoughts immediately went to you. Thankyou for sharing so much of your life with us, I have learnt so much and I am so happy for your family that your Prince will soon be home 🙂
So happy for you and your family! Beautiful pictures! 🙂
Such a wonderful post and simply beautiful pictures! So happy for you and your family 🙂 I must add that you have the youngest looking parents! How nice to know you've got good genes!
I'm glad to hear the good news about your husband coming home soon!
The look on your daughter's face was great! Love the pictures!
Hello there, Kimberly! As always, I so enjoyed reading your post…one of the best ever with your amazing photos of the kids, Russ, and your parents. I just love the look on Alexis' face! I'm glad you had such a wonderful October, and hope the days fly by until your Prince is home where he belongs! I am so grateful to Russ, all the troops, and to YOU for all your sacrifices, too, while Russ is out there keeping us safe.
WOW! Such great news on all fronts – but most expecially abour your Prince's R&R and the pics of the kids! Tears on the eye lashes and if I don't blink, all will be fine! There is no way we can ever say thank you enouth to Russ and all of the other service personnel for what they have or are giving for all of us. That goes without saying about the families here at home as well. Thank you for sharing all of these most special moments of you and your family – and don't stop….I think we need to feel so happy for you all!
I cry everytime i look at the picture of Russ grabbing the kids up…priceless…all i can say is Thank you for your sacrifices…all of you! What an inspiration.
Just catching up on some blogs. . . and saw this wonderful post! Just wanted to mention that if your dh comes back home before Christmas through Camp Atterbury in central IN, to let me know. . . I would love to help welcome him home! I'm there every week on Sunday nights with my husband and our church's praise band for the chapel service. I may be going other days to deliver cookies to welcome the troops back to the US while they are out-processing. Thank you so very much for the sacrifices your family has made for us.
Comments are closed.