InstaFriday

While the other half of me is on the other side of the world, I've been a bit consumed with surviving life with 3 children, keeping my cool, giving them some extra love, packing all 4 of us up for a week, and now making it through another 6 hour trip to get us all back home.  So here's a peak at our week or so through Instagram and a few other shots, along with some random thoughts about this whole situation...

We sent him off with a steak dinner.  Taylor referred to this dinner as "our last supper".

1. It's amazing how content and excited my heart is, EVEN if it means being a single mom for 12 days, that Dave is where he is right now. 

2. This is the longest time Dave and I have been apart since we've been married. Probably even since we met . Which means it's the longest time ever. I'm glad I don't have to do it often, if at all hardly ever. And I have a new respect for single moms, military moms, and even moms with hubbies whose jobs keep them away a lot. 12 days seems like forever.

3. The house has a different kind of contentment and peace with our dog gone for 12 days also. Who would have thought that getting a sitter for the dog would be so helpful. But I would say it is HIGH on the list of things that have helped me to survive these past days.

4. Technology is crazy awesome. And Dave being on facebook has been pretty handy too. He can log in and start messaging me and I get an instant alert. We've chatted back and forth that way almost every day. I love that I don't have to wait by the computer or make sure to be home. My phone makes me feel a bit closer to him.  And this is one HUGE plus for Facebook.

4. Evenings stink the worst, for obvious reasons, since those are the times Dave's presence is missed the most.   I put the kids to bed and then come out to an empty living room.  Why is it that the first thing that I want to do is grab some junk food and pepsi?  I made a little "comfort food" trip to the store, and it's a little embarrassing the amount of money I spent on just junk.  Not to mention a few bribes for the kids. I did get some yogurt, granola and fresh fruit too - so that makes up for it.

5. I will say this 1 million more times I'm sure.  But our oldest 2 children are so very different.  The way they are each showing their emotions and sadness from missing their daddy this week is on opposite spectrums. And I deal with one much better than the other.

6. We have the greatest friends and family.  So many people who are taking such an interest and supporting Dave on this trip and praying for all of us.  I have felt the prayers myself - so thank you to you who have prayed!  I have honestly suprised myself with the way I've held it together, got stuff done, kept the house up (and even cleaned it better than it has been in awhile), cooked dinners, dealt with children 24/7, and even took a long road trip with them.  But why should I be surprised.  God is way mightier than I am.  So of course I can do these things when he's the one providing me strength.

8.  I painted my nails this past week. For the first time in maybe 15 years.  Possibly longer.  All that work and they lasted 2 days.  And Dave doesn't even get to see them.

9. Dave being away from Gavin for 12 days will be way more noticeable than with the other two.  He's eating way more baby food, sitting up for a few minutes by himself, and I'm sure will look much bigger.  I'm excited to show him all his changes! 

10. 2 more days. 

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