Been a while..

It has been about 5 months since I last posted. I managed to fill my hands with so much stuff I couldn't put it down long enough to type. I can't say the last few months have been the best. I have lost faith in most of what I held closest, but I've resolved to let it build back up. It won't be easy or quick - but maybe someday I will move beyond all of this. For now I will take pleasure in the cursory aspects of relationships until a more solid foundation can be built.

I do not believe that anyone deserves a free pass in life. For everything you do there will be a reaction while at times there may be reward, in others there is reprisal. There is only so much any one person can take - or any one person can do before the curtains are pulled back and the truth is revealed. The main issue is when the curtains are shielding a mirror - and only when one's reflection is accepted can you grow and move on. Only then can you change the patterns of the past and find joy in the future ahead.

Can the past be changed? No. Can it be left behind? No. You are fooling yourself if you think it can be. It is a part of you. Every thing you've done to help people, educate yourself - endanger yourself or hold others down, is a part of who you are. You cannot spew loathing and cruelty without those of whom you speak finding out. You cannot move on without being contrite for the wrong doing. You can turn over a new leaf - but without facing the truth about what you've done or who you are - you will never gain the trust of the people in your life who've shared your journey, your pain, your joy, your past.

It is said that ignorance is bliss, I believe that true bliss is ignorance of self; Having absolutely no concept of your impact on others. What joy there must be for the bull who crashed through the china shop. Does he have any concept of the damage left in his wake; or was he just thrilled to get in a good run and escape unscathed? To be clueless of yourself. To have no concept of personal impact - must be nirvana for the individual, but what kind of hell it must be for those who must coexist in their world.

I cannot change anyone but myself. My sister asked me once how I show love.. easy. I don't lie to you. If you ask me if you look fat, I will tell you the truth. If you want to know what I think about buying a certain car... yep... I'll tell you what I think. Politics? Pull up a chair we'll be here for a while. Life in general? I will tell you what I think, what I would do... however I will not care what path you chose. In the end it is your life and you are responsible for your actions.

So here goes. This year is going to be about taking responsibility. I will no longer swallow miss deeds only to dish them out as resolution for past transgressions. I will not look harshly on the ignorant. I will not hold grudges and I will live in the moment.

Happy New Year

Took the at home business plunge...

Last night I signed on to be a consultant for Usborne Books. I am hoping it works out for my kids and my bank account. It would be great to earn some extra income and bring new books into the home.

The program is pretty straight forward. I book parties, sell books and maintain a webpage. The start-up was only $50. The webpage was up and running within 24 hours.

My goal is to bring in $300 a month to cover the kids preschool costs. Anything over that amount will go into our savings. It would be great to have some breathing room to do the things we want (like birthday parties LOL).

So if you know a kid or have a friend who has a kid I will shamelessly ask you to support my venture. Hit up the webpage and order some books. They have everything you could want from Aesop's Fables to 100 Science Experiments. There is something for everyone - and its just one of the reasons I wanted to sign on.

They also offer incentives if you would like to give it a shot as well. I'll let you all know how I do - well - you'll be a big part of how I do. Wish me luck!

~Jinger

Dinner Warfare

Yep its that time again... where I have to stop being the good guy and start being a parent. Luke has been playing me like a fiddle for about 2 years.

Yes, two years and only at the dinner table. I don't feel like it and he knows it. By the time 5:30 rolls around I no longer have the energy or the will to fight with him about eating. So, I make 3 plates of "grown up food" for Mamma, Dadda and B.D. and two kiddo plates for Luke and Kadee.

I always swore I'd never be that mom. Who makes 4 different dinners. I have done pretty well... we only have two menus for dinner adult and kids. Tonight that all changes. We had a check up a couple weeks ago and the Dr. said no more kiddie plate for Luke or Kadee. We were told no snacks before dinner and that we eat ONE meal together. He'll either eat or go to bed hungry.

Tonight's the night. Dinner is Baked BBQ chicken with a side of broccoli and apple sauce. Lukey is going to be one cranky little man, but he'll survive. I wonder if I will.

Wisdom...

...from a toddler.

Today we had the pleasure of taking Luke and Kadee to a joint well baby visit. Kadee screamed for about 90 minutes straight - and that was before the shots. Now onto the good stuff.

Apparently, at the 3 y.o. well child checkup kids are now expected to pee in a cup. Yep. A toddler pee'ing in a cup. In all of our brilliance Byron and I decide that I will be the one to take Luke to the potty to get the sample.

Now Lukey took a trip to the potty about 30 seconds before they called our name to go into the exam room. I knew it wouldn't be an easy mission, but I asked him if he was ready and he said "Yeah mamma I got lots a peepees."

We set off down the hall and Luke lets me know that he's "Gonna fill up dat cup to da tops with all my peepees." He reassured me "I can do it Mamma, I'm good at going poddy". I agree and we enter the bathroom. And Lukey gets down to the business of getting the business done.

To my shock and horror Lukey did have to go potty and it wasn't that big of a cup. As I begin to shriek "No, Lukey!!! Stop stop!! OH NO ~~ Baby STOP PEE'ing!!!"

with a giggle and a smirk he says "It doesn't work like dat, MaMa. You can't dop da peepees."

Have I ever mentioned how great a cape is for quick clean-up?

Precious Moments...

There is something special about a daughter. She is sweet gentle... and just different than her brothers. The boys will spend the entire day raging like baby tigers looking for a fight. If they aren't fighting with each other - they make up imaginary beings to wage battle against. It is amazing the amount of violent energy that comes from a boy.

On the other hand. My baby girl will sit in the middle of their firestorm of terror playing with stacking blocks, a piano... dolls. Blissfully unaware of the furry surrounding her. She coos and sings, giggles and talks to herself.

Well, today was no different. The boys were creating "actions" (accidents) with their thomas the train engines. The trains would fly through the air like little red, blue or green hand grenades then crash into the pile of trucks & tracks below. The boys wailed with laughter - jumping and screeching with happiness at the destructive results of their "action".

Baby girl toddles over to me, crawls into my lap and coos something in Kadee-Talk then kisses mommy sweetly on the cheek while a train car goes racing past her face. She strokes my cheek... bats her eye lashes and farts like an elephant on my leg.

He brothers approve with an impromtu dance of joy. I guess they have been teaching her a thing or two.

A dream is a wish your heart makes...

and sometimes they come true.

This past week. Byron and I hosted our closest family and friends for a week of fun and to be part of our vow renewal and reception.

I dreamed for DECADES of my wedding. At fate would have it... Byron and I married in 2005 in the Doo Wop Diner at the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel. Not exactly Princess Diana Part 2. I told everyone in my life that we would be having a "real wedding" someday, and that vegas wasn't "my wedding". ~~~~ As they finally finally figured out I wasn't kidding.

This past Saturday, with 70 friends and family present we renewed our vows then hit the dance floor to celebrate our love and 5 years of marriage. I could NOT have asked for a more perfect or beautiful day.

The ceremony was fun filled, and written by our close friend Jessie Frost. My Uncle Paul officiated the event. The reception was amazing, food outstanding and music kept everyone on the dance floor.

A wedding/ vow renewal... whatever you call it... is NOT about the BRIDE!!! It is NOT about a dress... it is not about being a DIVA or a PRINCESS! It is about the bonding of two families, the joining of two lives and the JOY and CELEBRATION of two people becoming one. For 5 years I listened to people ask me WHY we needed this day. Then as our guests arrives, the festivities began and the days passed by I didn't have to answer anymore. Everyone understood.

My stepfather is planning a fishing trip with our bestman Sully. My cheerleaders partied with our Sailor buddies... I danced with my dad... I don't have to explain to my Mom what my Mother In Law is like. This is what it is all about. We are now one... He and I, and our family and friends are joined forever by the memory of that day!!!

Thank you all for joining me. I have to give a special thank you to Erin Rondeau and Jill Sullens. These two worked soooooo hard to make every detail perfect for our day. From programs to candles these two made such a huge impact on the day. Without them so many little things would have fallen through the cracks. LOVE YOU!

p.s. I will post later with pics and vendor info.

You get what you get...

and you don't throw a fit!

Ahhh, the wisdom of preschool etiquette.

Here at the Brinkley house we have a simple, but fun tradition in reference to our birthdays. By "our" I am referring to my husband and I. We let the kids design our birthday cake. They tell the opposite parent what they want and we surprise them with it.

Byron Duke and Luke have been planning my birthday cake since Byron arrived back from Iraq in early November. I was a little concerned because everytime I inquired about the cake my husband would smirk and laugh with a quiet "You'll see".

Well, today the moment arrived. He ordered the cake from a friend of a friend (thanks Crystal - Winky did an awesome job) drove an hour to get it and arrived home with the creation in hand. As I walked across the kitchen with my camera in hand my mind flashed to all of the things the kids could have focused on this year...

Disney, flowers, the beach, the zoo... but one kept flashing in my mind and filling me with dread. Lukey and his love affair with his pecker and his obsession with Thomas. I was SURE that somewhere on this cake there would be Thomas the Tank Engine pulling along a freight car of you know whats! He'd promised me one for Christmas and wasn't very happy that Santa didn't hook me up (thank God).

Ok, back to the B'day cake. I cross the kitchen, steal myself for trains and hoo-ha's then BAM!

There's the cake. In all of its laundry basket and bowling goodness! That's right a laundry basket with clothes hanging over the side and a bowling ball and pins. The cake was SOOOOO good and pecker free! I am a lucky B'day girl!

Back in the saddle...

I've been slackin. Well, not really slackin just not giving a flying F. I'm at my goal weight, passed my APFT, and yep been feeling a little lazy.

All done with that. Hittin the gym today. Gonna drop off the hellions and spend at least 2 hours smokin myself. Can't wait to get a good run in and sweat out some of yesterday's OH SO AWESOME BBQ (thanks honey - I love the ribs).

Alright... that is all I've got for the day. Now, I just have to find my flippin iPod, and wait for Kadee Baby to wake up from her beauty nap.

Oh Lord, forgive me.

This morning started like most of the American Easters in the past. Children up, running around to hunt the pastel eggs hidden by a giant rabbit. Mine came on down the stairs around 7:30 which is actually pretty late for them.

They ran through the house, collected their eggs and after doing a triple check that there were no eggs remaining the insanity pursued.

I remember ripping through my Easter basket shoving as much chocolaty, sugary, marshmallow filled goodness into my mouth as I could before my mom shoved me into some pastel colored, flower covered ruffled monstrosity.

Not my kids... (((as I hang my head in shame)))

Kadee went upstairs to play with her toys, the boys however sat down to sort the Easter eggs they'd found. Once the Easter Eggs had been sorted by color, they were then counted and inventoried for contents.

Once the contents had been removed from their original eggs they were sorted according to wrapper color and candy type (i.e. gummy bunnies by color, mini snickers by wrapper color).

Following this step the candies were reassigned to their new egg chosen, of course, to coordinate the correct candy color within. Blue gummy bunnies go in light blue Easter eggs - mini snickers inside blue wrappers are housed in dark blue eggs.

When Lukey had the audacity to SAMPLE some of the candy Byron Duke reminded him, "Luke, it is not time for eating we have to get organized first"

I'm starting to think Murphy stuck a GPS tracker up his...

How does the vast universe know the moment my husband walks out the door? I spent 8 weeks in a dirty germ infested building with 46 other people - didn't get sick.

The day we fly home I catch the freaking swine flu's cousin and bring it home with me. Rock out a fever for 3 days, contimplate buying a bottle of whiskey just for me, myself and I... then realize its thrusday and I only have 2 days to go.

Pull into the driveway... Hmm. What is does that little light on my dash mean? ((looks it up)) Hmm. Low tire pressure. LOW!!! HOW ABOUT FLAT AS A PANCAKE JACKASS! I take a deep breath, at least I am at home and I have half a gallon of milk left.

Neighbor (thanks Gene) comes over to save the day. He changes the tire in the dark. I am good to go get groceries the next day.

Yep... get all three kids ready, walk out to start the car. Nothing. Nada. Not even a click. The battery is dead 'cause my dumbass left the intertior lights on.

Soooo, now that I have gotten a jump and groceries. I'd just like to say, Murphy go bug someone else he'll be home before you know it and I'm sure you'll want to save up your energy for next time.

I hate you Murphy.

I'm Baaaack!

from Drill Sergeant School!

Well, I did it. I set my mind to something 7 years ago, and on March 20th I accomplished my goal. I had a great time at school - and faced some frustrating moments as well.

I'd say one of the most amazing things I saw was the transformation in my roommate SSG V. During our first day she was quiet and lacked confidence in her run times. By the conclusion of the school she was marching the entire class and smoked me in the run by a full minute.

Our platoon, while not always happy with each other, saw two of our members graduate with the highest honors in the class (Dist. Honor Grad and Honor Grad) and one of our three Drill Sgt. Leaders be selected as the DSL of the cycle.

I was asked to return as a Drill Sgt. Leader Candidate once I do some time on the trail. I was honored at the request and hope to fulfill it at some point in my career. ~~ That all depends on the NAVY as you know ~~

My handsome husband and my father attended graduation. Byron had to leave the next day for a short training mission, but it was hard to see him go. The kids and I are getting back in the swing of things... well except for the flat tire, dead battery and plethora of other Murphy moments.

My new hat looks pretty sweet with my cape.

Unintended Consequence

In the Army we learn about "Unintended Consequences". The Army Field Manual (FM 22-100)which explains our Leadership doctrine tells the story about a time change and the resulting scheduling hardships on a Soldier's family. Something the command didn't take into consideration - an unintended consequence.

How does this relate to Mommy Land? Well, I have a habit of turning everything my kids do into a song of some type. Dancey Dancey dancey dancey! I make all of their names into a tune same melody just different lyrics. Baby B my little baby B or Kadee Baby Kadee Kadee Baby and Lukey Lukey Lukey Bazookey!

So where does this lead? To bathtime. It was hard to get all of the kids ready for a bath - so I made up a little song. Forgive me but it goes like this... GeeeeTTT Naked Get Naked Get Ghe Ghe Ghe Ghe Get NAKED! Iiiiiiit's Bathtime it's Bathtime its Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba Bathtime! (repeat until all three are ready for the bath and headed for the tub)

Well, this was all fine enough when the kids couldn't talk or undress themselves. Fast Forward 'til today. Byron Duke and Luke without missing a beat will drop their shorts, sing the song and dance their naked little bodies all over the house. Kadee follows suit by attempting to remove her diaper while shaking her little toosh to the rhythm of the song.

Today it dawned on me -- Have I turned my babies into little strippers? definitely an Unintended Consequence.

I married a Sailor MAN... I married a Sailor MAN...

he's strong to the finish cause he eats his spinach I married a sailor man!!


The sad part is I am not kidding. I married a Sailor and he loves his spinach. I usually keep about 4-8 cans of Popeye's Spinach in the pantry just incase he gets a craving.

Now, I like spinach too, but there is only so much of it I can take just warmed and thrown on a plate. So lately I've been looking for ways to make his favorite veggie a little more interesting.

A couple of days ago I came up with a recipe for a spinach side dish. I used a recipe for Stuffed Mushrooms and broke it down or "deconstruced" its ingrediants to create my own twist. So here is the recipe for that one.

Deconstructed Stuffed Mushrooms with Spinach and Cheese:
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (4 ounce) can portabellla mushrooms (chunky)
1 (8 ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces
1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach (cooked or drained)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 onion, diced (small)
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup monterey jack cheese (shredded)

Directions
1. grease a 1qt baking dish set aside; preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. drain mushrooms and give a rough chop.
3. Heat a pan place oil in it and when hot -- add stems, onions, cook 5 minutes or until onion is translusent.
4. Add spinach, salt, pepper, minced garlic and pepper flakes, cook 3 minutes.
5. remove from heat; stir in cheese and sour cream until incorperated.
6. place mixture in baking dish and place in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
7. Enjoy!

and for you dining pleasure a great recipe for Spinach Quiche (this baby has BACON!)

off with the cape...

and on with the Apron!

So, I tried my hand at scalloped potatoes and after further research went with a different recipe. This one is located in "The New Cookbook" from Better Homes and Gardens for their Scalloped Potatoes one of the "best loved" recipes.

The potatoes turned out wonderful! I cooked them a little longer and added cheddar cheese to the recipe. YUM!

I skipped making the bread because the potatoes are enough carbs/starch for one meal.

Tonight we are having smoked chicken, left over potatoes and deconstructed stuffed mushrooms. Here is the orginal recipe for the stuffed mushrooms. I only have canned mushrooms on hand so I'll be breaking this down to a side dish instead of appitizer.

Here I go... off to the kitchen to battle Hunger!

Inspiration

Anything can be an inspiration. I really mean anything. I was inspired by a lack of pull-ups to start potty training Lukey, and while I was highly motivated he was uninterested until a love of ice cream INSPIRED him to poopy on the potty (thanks again Grammy Kim).

So, lets talk about me -- that is the point of a blog right? I talk about what I am thinking and you get to laugh at me or is it with me? Whatever. Back to me...

While Byron was deployed I lost all desire to work in the kitchen. I ate prepackaged diet food and whipped up whatever the kids asked for (hot dogs and grilled cheese were usually on the menu). Now that Byron has returned I am surprised that he doesn't think a hot dog qualifies as a meal for a grown man. I mean really, what is wrong with a hot dog? Its yummy, made of meat and throw in a can of baked beans BAM dinner is served. Yeah... no -- not so much.

So, its back to the cookbooks, blogs and Internet for me. I love to cook and thanks to the movie Julie & Julia I am one again inspired to create in the kitchen. I am not going to jump off the deep end and try to be Martha, Betty or Julia -- but I am going to give Scalloped Potatoes from scratch a shot for dinner tonight. Plus making food yourself takes a little extra time -- BUT -- it also saves a little extra money.

I'll post the recipes I take a whack at and let you know how they turn out. My favorite source for all things recipe is http://www.recipezaar.com/ this site is great because it gives you ratings from REAL PEOPLE who are trying these dishes in their home kitchens (instead of professional chefs in test kitchens).

Soooo... wish me luck. I'm off to bake some bread (bread machine = must have) and slice up some potatoes.

SCALLOPED POTATOES RECIPE
FRENCH BREAD RECIPE

ohhh... and P.S. if any of you have a copy of Mastering the Art of French Cooking laying around feel free to mail it to me! Yes people I am that shameless!

OH MY GAAWD!

Why? Why are my children awake at 0530? and even worse why am I awake at 0400? My husband lies happily snoring until his alarm clock sounds at 0600 and yet I am awake.

Whatever happened to all of those stories of stay at home moms who sleep til ten, paint their nails all day and eat bon bons? Did I miss something at SAHM Orientation? Is there a magic wand somewhere with my name on it?

Ugh... I'm going to get a cup of coffee!

living up to the standard...

It makes me laugh... when people call me "Super Mom" in my mind Super Mom has it all together, never breaks a sweat and is the image of style (in a hot mom way).

I am none of these things. I thank God that I have a two story home -- which allows me to host friends without having to hide the 3-5 loads of laundry waiting for my attention. I can have two dirty bathrooms and one left to welcome my guests. My car is a disgrace and only the very close or very brave are offered a ride, and if you think for a moment that I am the image of fashion ummm... yeah. I am wearing flannel pajama pants and my hair is in a bun.

Is it really about meeting a standard or living up to what other people think you should do? At the end of the day when you look in the mirror is your reflection looking back at a liar? Are you living your life as a fiction story - or is your's a story with nothing hiding between the lines?

bla bla bla... my point? Be who you are - don't hide, don't try to be someone else.... be YOU and do not pretend to be anything other than that. When you muddy the waters of your identity you do not allow people to invest in the person you are. They love and admire an illusion -- when the smoke clears there is discontent, confusion and pain.

So, am I a super mom? No. I am a woman who survives day to day and does my best to make it work. When people come to my home I clean like crazy, and slap on some make-up. Wanna see chaos? Come to my house at 0900 when I am trying to get the kids out the door for Pre-school, show up 10 minutes before dinner is supposed to be on the table. I scream, yell, cry -- and lose my cool.

but at the end of the day -- I see who everyone else sees looking back from the mirror. There is no confusion, no question... no wondering if I can keep it up or what people think of me.

Just my thoughts on today - take 'em or leave 'em. Oh, and go look in the mirror.

All I want for Christmas...

Welll, I am pretty simple really. For Christmas, on one hand I like things that sparkle and on the other hand I like Diamonds. Oh wait... sorry that just slipped out.

Today I was using the bathroom and like most moms I wasn't alone. ((this is a joy of motherhood you always have a potty buddy)). Our three year old, Luke, is in the final stages of potty training. He is very interested in what everyone else is doing in there and wants to SEE the results of your efforts -- he's not weird he knows that he gets ice cream for #2's and he wants to share that secret with you.

Aaaaanyway, today he walks in and says "Mamma wha you pecker?"
I say, "I don't have one baby, I'm a lady."
He replies, "Ahh Mamma (very sad), you la you pecker?"
I inform him "No baby I didn't lose it, I never had one"
He says, "Oh, Mamma." and gives me his sad puppy dog face.

He walks out of the bathroom for about 3 seconds then RACES BACK IN!

"Mamma, Mamma!! I buy lou pecker for Frissmass!"

"You're going to buy me a pecker for Christmas?"

"Uh Haaa! A grrreat greeeaaaat BIG ONE"

Lucky me!

The Turkey Rule

I am truly blessed. I have a set of in laws who are welcoming, funny, humble and fiercely loyal.

Having said that I am totally gonna sell out my mother in law and tell you ALL how she dropped the ball - and not just any ball this one has wings.

Kim, (my mamma in law) uses this really great method to cook the Thanksgiving turkey. You fill the turkey with root vegetables and then surround it with brown paper bags. (confused? so was I check the link).

Well, the morning started nicely. The men were outside playing with weapons and BBQ grills. Kim and I ran around the kitchen doing prep work, cutting veggies and potatoes. She set the oven and got the bird going. As time passed the house filled with the aromas of the holiday. Potatoes were mashed, pies were made, dressing was prepared. It seemed like forever and then it was the moment of truth... the turkey was ready.

Kim opened the oven and pulled the centerpiece out. All around the room people drew in their breath as the beautiful turkey appeared. We all got a great look at it as it sailed through the air with grace and skidded to the floor like a jumbo jet liner heading into JFK.

At first we all stared mouths gaping but as reality sank in, the star of the show was laying in a heap on the ground, we took action to rescue the day. Heavy guns (a.k.a. my husband) were called in to lift the bird and replace it on a roasting pan. The bird was placed back in the oven to recover and brown for final presentation at the table. The floors were mopped and horror was replaced by humor and understanding.

Fortunately for all of us since Kim uses the brown bag cooking method the bird never actually came into contact with the floor. The only casualties were the pan drippings and a wing lost due to the collision.

Turkey Day? 100% a success and a story that we will share and enjoy for years to come. Although instead of the 5 second rule -- we now call it "the turkey rule"!

(p.s. Kim is a great hostess and she kept her calm during an event which would have crushed a less seasoned holiday hostess with the mostest! She took it with a grin and laughed off the what could have been a turkey tragedy)

It's Over!

WOW! What an amazing journey the last 7 months have been. On April 15th I watched my husband board a C-17 aircraft bound for Iraq. He and his fellow Sailors were going "over there" and we were left behind to - worry, wonder, hope and pray.

I did my fair share of all of the above. The kids kept me crazy stupid busy, and thanks to the support of friends and family I didn't lose my mind. It got close at the end, but I made it through.

On November 3rd the calls and emails started flying. Homecoming was upon us and the dates and times were changing faster than a newborn's diaper. By the 5th I'd had enough and decided to ignore all further calls with "more information" on homecoming. My thoughts - "Just tell me when he's home - I can't take it anymore".

So, we get the "final" call that he'll be home Friday evening. I clean like a crazy woman, wake up on Friday clean babies, change clothes, confirm my hair appointment and hang banners. I am about to walk out the door when the phone rings. Its HER. The woman who calls to tell me he'll be home later not sooner. I brace myself and say hello. She tells me there is a time change - He'll be home sooner than later.

I call Andrea the OpLove photographer to let her know our time has been pushed up, and I pray that she can still make it. She's IN! I pack up the kids and head to the terminal ---> its time to Go GET DADDY!

We wait, for two hours we wait. I meet up with Andrea introduce her to the commander's wife, the ombudsman and she works her magic with the camera.

Then we hear the intercom "Ladies and Gentleman in the terminal your flight has cleared customs, your Service members will arrive shortly"

My heart races. I get in my spot "Babe I'll be in the back to your Left. Just look for me I'll be there" we'd planned it out, talked about it -- focused on it when we thought we wouldn't make it through. It was happening. He was about to be home.

A Master Chief from the command took up duty as "Bird Dog" and told us he'd let us know when they were on the bus and headed to the terminal. As we saw his boots coming down the stairs voices rose and the room filled with anticipation. We saw their shadows pass the doors and knew our boys were home.

The kids and I stood to the rear of the crowd (small room - large crowd) and off to the left like we'd planned. The doors opened and the first Kegbuster was welcomed home. The room cheered, we all clapped and waited for the next face to appear...

"Its HIM Its HIM!! Baby I'm here! We're here!!! It's HIM!!!"

I heard my voice yelling above the cheers of my fellow Kegbuster families. Saw the joy in my husbands eyes as he found us in the crowd. I choked back the tears in my eyes and my heart flooded with joy and relief. My Sailor is HOME! He is safe and we are complete as a family!

I watched as he knelt down to kiss the boys and pull them close, kissed his lips and told Kadee her Daddy is home. As a family we embrace and the last 7 months disappear all that remains is joy.

special thanks to Andrea of Andrea Leigh Photography for capturing our homecoming and making such happy moments last a lifetime!