It is quiet around here tonight. The boys are settled around a campfire outback with headlamps in place. They have each had a big bowl of homemde vegetable beef soup, and have started in on the toasted marshmallows. They have become competent (and safe) enough to be able to do the entire operation on their own now. It gets rid of a lot of dead scrub that we have in the woods edge, and it keeps both boys in one place!! Strike a match- and you'll know where your boys are. Literally, they will stay out there for hours.
Savannah is out on a date tonight. A date with her dad. He took her to dance class, and then he was taking her out to eat at one of the restaurants downtown that she loves. Her birthday is in a few weeks, but Race will already be gone. He has been taking her on a birthday date for about 5 years now, and she was really looking forward to it tonight.
It is hard to set aside the idea Race is leaving. I try not to let it cloud the days that we have left. But it has become increasingly harder. I walked into the bedroom today, to see him labeling some of his clothing and shoes. Not with his name, but with his BLOOD TYPE. In big bold letters in likely places on clothing (bottom and sides of boots, inside-back of shirt, etc.) The idea of Race ever needing an emergency blood transfusion "in the field" is a difficult thing to ignore. Also as the date gets closer, he begins wearing his bullet/rocket proof vest around while he is working around outside just doing normal stuff. He does this to become accustomed to the enormous weight again. It is an amazing piece of equiptment. I can't tell you how thankful I am for the technological advances in this area, as well as the fact that he has the absolute best gear available. But, still, hard to watch. Hard. to. watch.
It was a gorgeous day today, and I got outside and cut back my perrinials, to get them ready for spring. I wish I had more bulbs to plant, but DRAT! I didn't get enough! I am thinking about vegetable garden seeds though, and maybe I'll start some things indoors for transplanting in spring.
We got some exciting news for our family last night, and I can't wait to be able to tell you about it! Have to keep mum for now though. Maybe tomorrow?
I am going to scoot out onto the deck and watch the boys. Maybe there are a few marshmallows left???
HAve a great night!
Melissa
5 comments:
You drop that hint about good news and then you tell us we have to wait!!?? Are you practicing torture skills, I hate to wait. Come on cough up the news. I am sorry that Race will be leaving again, that has to be so incredibly hard, I can't even begin to imagine. My heart and prayers are with you and your children.
Bridget
You are all such troopers. My heart aches when I read what you write, I can only imagine what you go through. But I know you're very strong and trust the Lord through it all!
Oh Melissa, you are CRUEL!!! I'm coming back tomorrow to check!
Love the campfire idea. Unfortunately we're not allowed to have a campfire anywhere in the state of Oklahoma right now. But we got some sleet tonight so maybe soon? *sigh* Winter isnt' winter without campfires.
Hope Savannah and her dad have a great time and I'm really sorry about having to say goodbye again. I'm so glad he was home for the holidays though! And I want to thank him for doing what he does and thank YOU for making such a sacrifice and letting him go at times.
Many hugs to you and Race.
That is not covered under the Geneva Convention, young lady... *tap, tap, tapping my foot* But if it's wonderful news, and it's happening to your family, then I simply can't wait to hear it!
It is hard. Life, with all its blessings and bounty, still comes with the things in a broken world - like having to watch your children get their hearts broken, or watching your husband prepare for the unthinkable - God is the *only* thing that can offer comfort in times like that. {{hugs}} Call me if you need to talk- the phone is on the charger and I have pregnancy-induced insomnia, so I'll be up. :-)
Dy
I sat and cried. It's hard to know that someone you love is going into danger. I wish his dad could have seen what a fine man he is . It would have made him so proud. He would have been so proud of you and the children too. How you all go on with life and are there waiting for his return. God bless all of you. I'm sure all those flowers will be in full bloom when Race returns and the home front will be beautiful.
I wish I was there with boys and their campfire. That is my favorite thing to do. There is something relaxing about sitting around a fire. Good way to burn up yard trash and the guys don't even know they're working!
That birthday dinner with dad and daughter is such a wonderful memory maker. Savanahaa will treasure those memories.
Love
Grandmama
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