Our Numbers

12 hours until I see my man again!

It has been 202 days since we have been together as a family, and even then, it was a short 14 day visit. Matthew has spent 332 days away from his family in this 2009 year alone, and it's OVER! This passed year has been long and hard here with two under two. It brought me to tears knowing I made it through this year and that it is finally over. I can't fathom what my husband has been through while I've been dealing with tantrums, high fevers, and dirty diapers. This chapter in our lives is now closing, the new and exciting one begins.

I thank God my soldier is arriving home safely to us!

Buxton has been talking about Daddy's return, "on a reeeeally biiiiig helicopter" for days now. He is so excited to build forts with Daddy and eat some of the "Texas sized" jelly beans we got for him!

Out of Buxtons 30 months of life, Matthew has been home for 8 (sporadic) months.

Brayleigh is a bit too young to understand why brother and Mommy are dancing around the house screaming "Daddys coming home!" But Matthew is convinced she will love her Daddy!

Out of Brayleighs 11 months of life, Matthew has been home for 1 (split) month.

I am extremely blessed with an amazing little family.

And I thank God for each little moment we spent together and I have faith many more are to come.

Getting Rides From Brother

I love the relationship B&B have. Sissy loves her brother, or "brub burr" as she calls him! It's the sweetest word I've ever heard. They both panic when the other goes down for a nap, or when Sissy wakes up and B's still sleeping, she crawls right on in there and starts yelling for him. Buxton is slowly starting to share and be nice to his Sissy, just in time for Daddy to get home! They are adorable.

Waiting for my Daddy

The countdown to Daddy's return is down to just days. But in this world, in these days, minutes are loooong. Just check out B's expressions.

Mail Time

We love getting mail! Auntie Sue sent us a true care package. After having a phone conversation with me a few weeks back, when the kids and I were sick, and shortly after the Fort Hood shooting, she put together the perfect box. I receive the worlds most comfy blanket, to keep me "warm and snug until Matthew returns!" Brayleigh Ann got her first CD player, she loves it (when brother lets her play with it)! Oh, Buxton. He was given an amazing game. It's called Animal Scramble. It's similar to tag, but adorable! He LOVES IT! I will have to get some video for you all.

Thanks Auntie Sue, we love you!

I just found my children splashing toliet water on eachother...

Queen of the Vacuum

Miss. Brenna gave Sissy a little ride on the vacuum cleaner today (apparently a must-do for Charlie)! After her ride, Sissy showed Daddy how well she can stand on her own, this was of course, until she was tackled by big brother.

They're Back...

YAHOO! Brenna and Charlie have arrived back to Fort Hood! After moving in with family for the duration of the deployment, she is back! Oh, how they were missed. Brenna and I grew close at the start of this deployment, lonely wives club! I struggled without her here. With only about a week and a half before the return of our soldiers, we are keeping busy with all those important appointments.... hair, tanning, and waxing!

Buxton and Brayleigh are grateful to have Big Boy Charlie back! Charlie is just a month older then Brayleigh.