My Brother, the Soldier.

My older brother joined the Army Reserves a while back & just left for his first (& let's hope last) deployment to Afghanistan.  I don't like that at all.  Suddenly this war that up until now has just been headlines in a foreign place is really close to home.  We were able to go up & have a little going away party before he left, which included dancing to Michael Jackson, dressing up like superheroes & lots of tasty grub.  My nephew Jackson's entire 3rd grade class walked up to their house that day, brought this poster & sang some patriotic songs to wish him luck & thank him for his service.  Not surprising, but I get emotional just thinking about it.  I'm proud of my brother for his service to our country.

 We spent a good part of the day at the airport the day Andy flew out, & were even able to take him to the gate & hang out right up until he boarded the plane.  Holy moly, that was a little brutal, but I am so grateful for that time.    I'd be lying if I didn't admit I think he's a little crazy, but I really am proud of him.  I can't imagine the amount of courage it took for him to walk onto that airplane. Whew.  Say a little prayer for his little family while he's gone, if you wouldn't mind.
Now that the majority of my immediate family is scattered abroad, I'm more or less counting down the days until we pick each of them up at the airport.  There are going to be some serious parties coming up...

Help My Mom Be Nice.

So bedtime is truly one of my favorite times of day.  And I don't just say that because I'm sending my kids off to bed with the possibility of enjoying 5 minutes of me time, or even a chance to go to the bathroom alone, though some days those are very appealing ideas.  It's one of my favorites because we have a great routine that includes reading stories, singing a few bedtime songs & having family prayer together, and it's just a chance for us to enjoy each other without anywhere else to be.  Tonight was no exception from the norm, until, in the middle of a really nice prayer my 4 year old said "bless my mom that she can be nice every day when she gets frustrated."  Oy.  That hits like a ton of bricks. Right in the face.  So, here's to hoping that his mom can get it together & not get frustrated.  Even if the wall is covered in toothpaste or Century Link disconnects my internet for the 3rd time in 2 weeks or my Crohn's is fighting me like a ninja in my innards while my kids are fighting like ninjas over a happy meal toy.  Or whatever the case may be.  Yes, please bless that his mom will be nice every day even when she gets frustrated.