The Countdown to Homecoming

You know those scenes in Finding Nemo where Dory is singing to Merlin- “When life gets ya down, ya know what ya gotta do? Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming...” And then after the reunion with Nemo where they explain if the fish that got caught in the net just keep swimming down, they’ll be free? I keep telling myself that during this deployment. Almost every time I have found myself feeling completely overwhelmed, those scenes/singing have popped into my head! Sometimes it’s made me laugh and sometimes it’s made me almost feel a little crazy, but now look? There’s literally only 2 days and a few hours left in this month. Some people ask, “Well, how do you do it?” I guess I didn’t realize I had a choice not to- I mean the consequences of not doing it wouldn’t be pretty. I know that for fact. For the most part, I just keep doing what I need to do and try to keep a positive attitude most of the time. Except, sometimes I’ve had to remind myself that I literally can...

I skipped church today! Eeek- I dropped all the kids off and made arrangements with my sister-in-law. I drove to meet my friend for lunch and a movie. We actually went to a later one and had time in between so we got more talking and Target browsing time in too! And I figured, why not throw a chai tea in from Starbucks as well. Hmmm, almost 7 hours away from all the kids, and I feel human again. You’d think with the kids at school during the week, I wouldn’t need it, but despite how much I love cuddle time with Holden, I do well with some space! When Dennis is home, I’ve decided I will give myself at least a couple hours every week. Did I mention the pad Thai? It was so delicious. That perfect balance of sauce and noodles. Mmmmm Now that I’m back to “normal, I am feeling a bit remorseful about stripping Annika’s room. I took everything out. I told her I would return with a clean sheet, blanket, and pillow. I also told her that if she continued this- I was debating a bonfire. Ahhhhhh-...

We’re here, we’re to that point in the deployment when I need to ask myself, “Where am I at?” “What do I still need to do before Dennis gets home?” Time is going by fast, yet I still have time to get a few things accomplished. I decided I won’t be attempting to change the color of the kitchen cabinets. At first, I told myself I would do what I want because I’m in charge here. I told myself “A happy wife is a happy life!” Even if Dennis said he doesn’t want the cabinets changed, he will realize he was wrong when he realizes how much happier it makes me. I’ve decided that was wrong and for whatever reason he doesn’t want them changed, I can live with that. So, as for the house being changed when he gets home- the only things different will be an unfinished paint job in the living room, (I’ve decided to wait until the kids quit leaving writing utensils around for Holden to finish...) blinds put up by Tim, and our beautiful table. Oh, and about 500 bags of donated stuff. I guess it’s enoug...