"We love you Daddy!"

I'm Not a Perfect Parent

Are you a perfect parent? Perfect in every way? Perfect house, perfect clothes, perfect husband, perfect kids? Yeah, me neither. My parenting style, and also lifestyle, have evolved with each child. Let's start at the beginning: child #1. Let's see, that puts us in Alaska. Winter time. Get where I'm headed? Yeah, I got pregnant. Which was exactly what we planned. We were so excited! I think I rushed out and got every baby book sold in Alaska, which wasn't much. I read and re-read them all cover to cover. I followed each tip and do and don't to. the. letter. I scoured the internet and signed myself up for the WebMD pregnant chat rooms so I could "talk" to other pregos to see if I was doing it all right. I mean, no child of mine was gonna have 4 arms and 2 heads. I swore if I even walked through a puff of cigarette smoke, my baby would have some sort of awful birth defect. Let me also say that my housekeeping was thorough. Everything had it's own place and it was usually labeled. I made the bed the VERY first thing after I got up, before even going to the bathroom. The blanket made to look so effortlessly draped on the couch had to lay the right way with so many folds and across this cushion and not that one. (OCD? maybe, but I just think I didn't have anything else to do.) My sheets, towels, rugs were all washed a minimum of every week. I would have challenged you to find a spec of dust anywhere. I took my stay at home job very seriously. My job was to cook and clean, period. So, ok, here comes baby #1! Baby comes, our birth plan was on file and of course it didn't go as planned. If you had your baby according to your birth plan- good for you. You must have a perfect child. Mine isn't. Brought the baby home and did not have a clue about what to do. Thank God my in-laws were there and my parents came soon after! I soon found my living room taken over with baby swings, baby vibrating chairs, baby toys, this baby, that baby, everything baby and not any energy to do anything about it until she got a little older and I snapped back to my old self. Piece of cake. I also nursed her for a full year before weaning just like all the books said to do at the time. I thought if she had one drop of formula she would die on the spot. The stuff was poison! OMG, did you see that poor baby with a bottle? At this time, the Hubs deployed overseas for 16 months. I chose to stay in Alaska with the baby. I made friends and had them there, but being a little bored I thought we could have another baby. Afterall, we wanted our kids close in age. On his Rest and Relaxation (R&R) he came home for 2 weeks. Before that two weeks was up, I tested positive for baby #2! Yeah, we're fertile. The plan was he would get back before baby was born. About 2 weeks before they were supposed to be home I got a call at 4am from a friend of mine whose husband was deployed too, through sobbing she tells me the guys have been extended and nobody knew for how long. Um, that threw a little wrench in my plans. It was such a big deal, Donald Rumsfeld flew up to little ole Ft. Wainwright, Alaska and met with all the spouses and basically told us it was for our country. Yeah, ok dude. Turns out they were extended for 4 more months. FOUR MONTHS?? Baby was due way before then! So, always to the rescue, family made the long trip up to help me out. I had baby #2 7 weeks before Hubs came home. (In fact, that's the pic on my profile over there --->) "Welcome home honey! Meet our baby!" So, my first born and baby were exactly 2 years apart. This baby got a bottle at the hospital from the nurses because she was just sleeping and not eating and they forced her to eat. I was too tired to care. I trusted them. The baby only nursed a few times before going full time on formula. However, we bought the BEST formula money could buy. Man, that stuff is Puh-Ricey! Having 2 kids was a little tougher and busier, but I still maintained my house pretty good. Not as perfect as before, but very good. My parenting style with this baby was a bit more relaxed. Six months later, I was preggers again. Yeah, six months, kids! So, let's stop and recap- 2 kids, one is 2 and a half, one is 6 months, and I'm pregnant again. Got it? Ok. This third baby would be born only 14 months apart from baby #2. This is where I can pinpoint my sanity leaving me. I felt so guilty about having a baby when my baby was just learning how to walk. How was I gonna do THAT?! Oh, and let's not forget about potty training when you are newly prego and sick- awesome. My house was a disaster zone! It was like Babies R Us exploded in our house. We went through countless car seats and strollers and baby swings and batteries. We had a toy section in the living room. Our house was loud, chaotic and it was very hard to relax. If I had to take them anywhere we would only go real fast and come straight home. No leisurely walks around the mall or spontaneity at all. I actually hired a maid to come every other Friday. We could only afford it for a couple of months. This is how I know my husband loves me because he stayed with me through all this chaos. This time around, there was no reading of baby books or internet sites. No baby scrapbook or milestone book was bought and so thoughtfully written in. What did the baby eat? Did I nurse? No. Formula? Heck yeah! Expensive brand? Um, no- we had three kids to feed! We bought the good ole Costco brand formula. I felt very good about this decision because it was actually the lactation consultant that told us that it's the same as the name brand kind. Sold! Poor third child, always the last to get something if at all. We tell people we're doing an experiment to see who turns out to be the smart one, if nursing really is best or if name brand formula works better than Costco brand. I'll keep you posted.

Anyway, enter the preschool years. I don't know about you, but I've always been a little competitive. Even if other women were pregnant too, I would win in my mind if I was due ahead of them- silly, I know. But, I do have to say here that I try not to brag about my children to other people. There are parents out there that all they do is talk about their kids and what they did at age 2 that my child can't do at age 4. Well, that's great little Johnny can tie his shoes and he's only 2. I don't really wanna hear it. There are moms who are so judgemental about how you parent your children. OMG! Did you see her give her child a time out instead of spanking? Or spanking instead of a time out? You can't win with people. There are so many ways to parent we could be here all night. (no thanks) You find out real quickly who has the same parenting techniques as you when your child gets in school. I tend to be drawn to the ones who are "real" and don't worry about the details. As long as the child has good manners, can follow directions, be safe, not hurt anyone, and is on target (or above) at school, it's all good. I don't have to hover over my children every second of the day and interfere with their development. I believe children need to explore in order to learn. Play=learning. I don't want to offend anyone here, just my little ole point of view. I don't judge you, you don't judge me, m'kay? Anyway, I know my kids are loud. There are 5 people in our house, if you aren't louder than the other people, you don't get heard. We have a sign up that says "Welcome to the Chaos". Yeah. I just hate it when people who have kids are so rude to us. I usually don't notice, bc I'm usually telling #3 to stop screaming, but people can be awful! Example; we were at the pool last weekend and swimming happily in the baby pool with some other kids. One family goes to the big pool with their kids, moves their stuff and all. Well, about an hour later we move over to the big pool. My sister-in-law actually caught them looking at us and saying to each other "Oh great, here they come" and rolling their eyes. Who says that?! You are at a pool. With kids. It's ok for them to be loud. Nobody wants to play with you anyway you meanie-head. Today at Chick-Fil-A, I took the girls to lunch and we were meeting a friend. There's a playground there, it's noon, you pretty much can bet there will be kids there being loud. A woman at the table behind us, who was there with her own 5 year old girl, kept giving us the dirty look as if to say "Wow, your kids are screaming, you are such an awful parent to such an obnoxious kid." Um, excuse me? When I asked her daughter how old she was and she told me she was five, my first thought was "why aren't you in school?" And when I told her I liked her hair wrap she said "I know, I'm pretty, everyone tells me that!" Wow, lady, your truant daughter is so perfect! Ok, people, let's all play nice. Parents need to be an example to their kids, right? Let's all remember the golden rule.


*Whew! That was a lot to get off my chest!*

My BFF's First Day of Kindergarten!

"Oh! Back to school, back to school. I got my lunch packed up, my shoes tied tight. I hope I don't get in a fight. Ooooh! Back to school, back to school!" (Billy Madison)

So, this is where I'm supposed to write a very heartfelt and mushy letter to Avery on this, her first day of kindergarten. Not feeling it, folks. Do I love my first born child with every fiber of my being? Yes. She is my best friend and I'm so proud of her. She's growing up very fast (she says OMG! and looks longingly at Sephora magazines), but she's still my little girl.

She was so excited for today that we picked out her outfit yesterday with the help of Aunt Camille, and set it out at bedtime, accessories and all. This morning she woke up happy and after breakfast put on her special outfit and new big girl watch and stood before me a kindergartner. Where's my baby Avery? *sigh* As she was just about to walk out the door, before snapping more pics than necessary (in her mind), we drew hearts in each others hands and kissed them, promising to hold on to our love all day. Tonight, our hearts are still there.

She wanted to make a special video for Daddy. (and stupid me for not being able to turn it right side up- sorry.)

Aunt Mille's Visit

We were so lucky to be able to have my sister-in-law, Camille, here for 4 and a half days. The girls and I enjoyed every second of it. We had so much fun shopping, swimming (in the big pool!), and her and I going to a Redskins game last night. I hope she's able to come back soon, and so do the girls! We miss you Aunt Mille! Thank you!

*On the down side, I missed the SoldierMan's phone call yesterday :(. Love you babe. Look both ways before you cross the street!

OMG, is it Wednesday again?!

Wow, ok, I guess it is Wedneday yet again. With that, I give you Wordless Wednesday...Aunt Camille edition! (In honor of her coming to save us today! Yay!)

Photo Credit- Pedro Alicea, www.PedroAlicea.com

Pictures of Dining Room

Before

Chair Rail

Premade frames= awesomeness!

Painting

Almost finished product

Dining Room Re-Do

Ok, I know I've been MIA for a few days, but I've been just a little busy. My dad came up, as you may already know, and helped keep me sane. Apparently that wasn't enough for me because before he even arrived I wrote up a list of things I wanted done around the house. He hung a mirror in my bedroom, hung new blinds in the girls' rooms, hung curtain rods in Avery's room, hung shelves and hooks and a picture in her room as well, also he's a computer nerd so he helped me clean up my desktop and he actually gave me a laptop! Whew! He did all this on top of playing with the girls, cooking some meals and providing me some conversation from someone who doesn't call me Mama. The biggest project though was inspired by blogs I read. I found a few that have done this project or their version of it, but the one that really made me think I could do it was here at Décor Chick on How To: Fake Wainscoting. After reading this and thinking on it, I decided to go for it in our little dining room. Oh, the Hubs doesn't know I did this yet- hee hee…hope you like it honey!

I'm still not done with it. I still need to paint another coat and put the ladder shelf up and change out the dark electrical outlet for a white one, but that'll be it! I think it looks so amazing! Don't you? What do you think babe?

*The pictures are not cooperating for me ARGH!!! See next post for pics...

Oh the Projects that Will Happen!

So, there have been some projects I've been thinking about doing and since my dad is here, I thought what better time, right? Ranging from small things 'to-do' to transformational projects, there are projects in the works, people! The hubs doesn't even know yet! (Don't worry babe, it's all good.) Tomorrow is the work day for all projects and I'll take pics. Check back tomorrow night!

Thankful Thursday

I have so many blessings in my life. Today I am thankful for:

1. My Papa! After a mini-freak out a couple of weeks ago and talking to my mom and papa, they offered to have papa come up and help me not freak out. I gladly accepted and just knowing there was a plan and a plane ticket for him to come helped me calm down. Having parents willing to take time out from their busy schedules, take time off work and spend time apart just so I can be somewhat sane is amazing. Now he's here finally! Just in time for some projects around the house...;) (I'll fill you in later.) Thank you Papa and Nana, I love you so much!

2. Teachers. I have had the first day of school on my calendar since the last day of school in June. They go back to work here on Monday and thanks to Athienna over at http://www.supermomseatsandneats.blogspot.com/ they will be getting cookie treat bags from us to welcome them back. I thought this was also a great way to meet her teachers before the orientation where everyone would by vying for attention. And it never hurts to get off on the right foot and make a good first impression. Check out her awesome idea!

3. Coffee. Without this beautiful bean I would walk around like a zombie trying to eat my children. I know caffeine is a "drug" but it's my vice, what can I say. You have three kids so close in age together at home with you all day long, then you can judge me, mmmkay?

Alrighty my peeps, I'm tired and going to hit the hay. Hope you can stop and remember what you are thankful for today. Till tomorrow...

Today, I Join the Ranks as a Soccer Mom.

Tonight was a little bitter sweet. The Hubs was really looking forward to seeing the girls play soccer and tonight was their first practice. They had a blast through the 100 degree heat. Note to Granny and Nana- yes, they drank water and plenty of it- 2 big bottles each, and had a couple of snacks.

Wordless Wednesday- Waaaay Back Edition

In honor of my Papa coming to visit tomorrow (YAY!!) here's a picture of him holding a 5 hour old Ella Grace.

Seems like forever ago...

Avery and Mama Date

So, today was Avery's turn to have a date with me. It's a little weird to date your children I have to say. Anyway, it's tax free week up here, so I thought it would be perfect time to do all her back to school shopping. Taking the list from the school with us, we found all of it at the PX on post. Check. Then, off to the mall armed with some coupons and the hope that I still have a child who will let me pick the clothes. Turns out, yes and no. Sigh. We, of course had to stop at 'Candy World' for her treat of 3 pieces of candy and along the way we had to stop at the kiddie rides.

After all this excitement we made our way to Daddy's favorite store, Bass Pro, to see the fish tank and the moose. Notice the candy pop thing-a-ma-jig she has.

It was fun, we got stuff done and Avery and I got to hang out. Love my girl!

I Hate “Army Wives”

TV's "Army Wives" makes me want to vomit is a horrible portrayal of what real military families go through. Last night after channel surfing a bit I landed on this God-awful show. I just so happened to click over on the precise moment Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden was on. She was there as herself having a meeting with some wives on "Fort Marshall" and their Family Readiness Group (FRG). I'm sorry, when did the WHOLE post have just ONE FRG? That's one BIG FRG, except on the show there were just a handful of wives. Anywho, despite the deplorable acting skills, Dr. Biden goes on to open the floor for discussion on how hard it is to have a family member deployed. (My ears perked up; maybe she had the magic answers?) One spouse says something like "It's stressful when the soldier is deployed, what to tell the kids, when to tell them…" Biden comes back and says she knows exactly how that is because after all, her son did a tour in Iraq. Well, well, then apparently you know EXACTLY how that feels! Having a son deploy is no doubt stressful, but having a husband deploy is very different. When a husband deploys, the wife takes on double work with raising the kids and dealing with daily household issues, etc. Please, proceed Dr. Biden… "Realize that you are not alone, and when you need help say so. What else?" OMG! She's right; when your soldier is deployed there are others with him and so other families without their soldier. We are not alone. And as far as, "when you need help, say so." Yes, ok, but that's so much easier said than done. What if I need help changing a diaper? Or can somebody go to the store for an onion? Can somebody just give Cams a bath? Can somebody tell my children "We do not hit!" When I'm at my boiling point? I really don't want help from my friends with these things; I just want my husband back to do it. I guess my main problem with how this was portrayed, is the matter of fact and dismissal attitude of Dr. Biden and all the wives issues. This is so not a cut and dry issue that can be solved with a sit down session with the post's FRG and the Vice Presidents wife. That's a fairytale and I guess I shouldn't expect anything different from TV land. Don't even get me started on all the wives getting along and accepting one another, officer and enlisted. When/where does this happen? Send us there Army!

 

*I intended not to post about anything Army related today. I promise to post something on a different subject tomorrow.

BTW- thanks for all the comments on The Hubs post yesterday. You detecting sarcasm yet? Good, cause I'm laying it on pretty thick. Just click on comments people, and tell him how I'm making you leave him some feedback. I know, I'm so mean. I guess I wouldn't fit in with those perfect Army Wives. Tear.

Second Installment From The SoldierMan

Welcome to our second post from our favorite soldier. Warning- while reading this you may experience mixed emotions. Please feel free to express said emotions in the comment portion, just click on 'Comments ' below the post. I know the Hubs would enjoy hearing feedback.

 

Isaiah 6:8: And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me."

 
 

I joined the Army during peacetime.  There was nothing going on in Iraq and few Americans could even find Afghanistan on a map.  I simply never expected to go to war.  It was something I would listen to my father and uncles talk about in wow and wonder.  It is anything but.  I have the utmost admiration for those young Americans who joined the military in the post 9/11 world.  They joined knowing they would be going off to war.  After 9/11 someone asked me why I do what I do.  They were inquiring into why a sane person would volunteer to leave their country, leave behind the ones they love, and risk their lives.  At the time I really didn't have a good answer.  I merely ignored the question and changed the subject.  Since then I have had a lot of time to think about it.  Why do I volunteer to go into the most dangerous places in the world and risk my life? 

 
 

I fight to honor those who have come before me.  The ones who paid for our country's freedom with their sweat and blood.   They should be placed upon a pedestal and honored until the end of time.

 
 

I fight so that my children won't have to.  I pray my little girls never have to sit idly by while their husbands go off to war.  I hope they never experience the worry of not knowing.  I pray their children, my grandchildren, never have to leave their loved ones to fight.  I want my children to grow up in a world free of war and violence.  I know this is impossible, and merely a dream, but it is a dream which I am willing to fight for.  

 
 

I fight for the guy to my left and my right.  Regardless if I have known him for two days, two months, or two years.  I fight so he may return home to his family; he fights so I may return home to mine.

 
 

I fight for those who can't fight for themselves.  When I say this, I mean for those who are either physically or mentally incapable of fighting for themselves.  There are those who are willing to fight and protect their family whether it be against enemies in foreign lands or against the thief in the middle of the night.  As for those who find nothing more important than their own safety, I steal a partial quote from John Stuart Mill: ".......The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself".

 
 

I don't want to come off as a bloodthirsty barbarian.  I am quite the opposite.  I have seen things, as have so many others, that will haunt me the rest of my life.  I have attended too many memorial services for men one hundred times braver than me, and have shed too many tears to speak of.  As any good Soldier, I detest war.  I pray we never have to send our Soldiers to another one.  

USO Back to School Event

This morning I packed up the girls and took us all over to post where they had a USO Back to School event. The premise was when you signed in you got a "report card" then you were to go around to the different "subjects" stations in the gym. There was reading, math, art, geography, science, P.E. and even lunch (mmmm, free pizza). At each station you had to complete the task, some easy, some not so much (like math and geography). When you completed the station you got a stamp on your report card. After you passed all your subjects, you received a free backpack loaded with school supplies! Campbell basically just followed her sisters around and colored where she could. The P.E. station was our favorite. They had the Baltimore Orioles there and a couple of players were playing baseball with the kids. All the girls got a chance at bat and they all got a hit! (with help- no major leagues for us yet) The mascot was there too signing autographs. "Wow! A bird's autograph?" You say? Oh, yes. Be jealous. We even got 4 of them. Anyway, they were also giving tickets out to a game in September. So we got tickets for us and a few for our friends. After all was said and done the girls all got a backpack with lots of stuff in it and had a great time. Just another reason I LOVE the USO!

Mama-Ella Date

I took Ella, the ever so classic middle child, on a mama-Ella date on Wednesday. The other girls went to the Child Development Center on post. We only had a couple of hours and it was during lunch time. I wanted to do something together that Ella would love and the girl loves her food. So I took her to TGI Fridays. Ok, I'm NOT a TGI Fridays girl, but I knew it was just lunch and it was about the most fun place that we could sit down at that was close to post. I was not going to Chic-Fil-A or McD's if I could help it. I can't remember the last time we were at a restaurant. It's bad y'all. And I know it's bad cause when we walked in, she says to me "What's this place, mama?" Oh, my dear! Overlooking the bad service that took WAY too long, I mean we both got salads and one hamburger- why did it take 30 minutes? Can't you see this child is hungry and can't sit still?!?! Anyway, she had a great time waiting playing "I Spy" with all the stuff on the walls and also she put on a little dance show for the two Army dudes next to us. "Hello Sgt. Major Dude, please watch my daughter dance, thanks." For dessert, which was her very favorite part she had the "dirt cup" which is just chocolate pudding topped with crumbled oreos with gummy worms on top. She thought that was so funny. She saved the worms as her pets and I think ended up eating them in the car. ::sigh::

Will You Help?

So, I want, no scratch that, I NEED a new blog title, design, etc. I want to come up with an amazing "brand" that when people stumble onto the blog they will remark to themselves how amazing it all is. "Wow! Did you see her blog? It's AMAZING!!" So, I've stayed up at nights googling and brainstorming and researching. UGH. You wouldn't believe how many articles there are over how to name your blog. Funny blogs, creative blogs, cool blogs, silly blogs...you get the picture. I've started twittering about it and actually have a blog designer helping me brainstorm. And by the off chance she reads this- Thanks, Katie! (BTW- her blog is AMAZING! check it out www.takeoffwithkatie.com) I've got my sister, brother-in-law, the Hubs, my FB friends (shout out Aubrie and Erica!) all helping out. So, now comes your turn. Will you come up with the new name to this blog? There are rules though- I'd like to stay away from using Brown, if it is used it must be AMAZING. Also- it's got to reflect who I am and what I blog about; the girls, the fam, Army life, a little crafting from here to there. Maybe when we get some good names we can all vote? Ok, now go think of a name and leave it in the comments section down there....

Wordless Wednesday Part 2

This is what happens when you flee the country with the wrong crowd. Love you babe.

Wordless Wednesday

This was taken last week when the girls had a friend over and Ella thought hiding in the toy chest was a good place. It was! We didn't find her for awhile! That pretty much sums her up.

Children's Choir Concert

This past Sunday, The Avs had a Children's Choir Concert at our church. Something must have clicked for her because she was constantly singing them at home, in the car, and wherever we were. Ells and Cams aren't apart of the choir, but we all knew the songs- well, bits and pieces and apparently the wrong melodies and words, but we didn't know that at the time. We happily sang them all wrong. She even told me she loves to sing and wants to be on TV. (Oh no!) She also has said she wants to be a "weather news girl on TV". We shall have to wait and see. Anyway, as an aspiring good mom, I rushed everyone through breakfast and had everyone out in time for her to get to practice before the first service was to start at 9:45. They have told us parents every week for three Sundays now that they were going to sing for both services, 9:45 and 11:00. Ok. So, we get there, and no, there were only two girls that showed up. Being in a church I held my tongue and just smiled as if I didn't just skip breakfast and run out of the house without half my clothes or makeup on. Would I mind if she could stay and practice until the 11:00 service? What was I supposed to say? Uh- sure. So, I got to hear the service twice. One contemporary and one traditional. Both had the same message. I could have almost been up there with the Pastor the second time. I have to say- I'm not sure what you believe or your preference, but I don't know what to think of the band with a drummer, two guitars and a lead singer. The way they have it set up it's like a rock concert. I just am a little more traditional I guess. Anywho, finally the time came for them to get on stage. They did three songs and Av really rocked the house! She did great! Maybe she's on to something!

I tried to take a video, my computer's acting up a bit, so I'm not really sure if there's sound or not. Let me know if you hear it.

Our Story

Waaaaay back in 1995 I met a boy. He was 17 and I was 16. Little did I know then I met my future husband and father to my babies. We, like most people, had our goods and bads, but we weathered the storms together. Two years into the relationship he made the choice to follow his father and uncles and join the U.S. Army. We vowed to stay together and we did (for the most part). Throughout the next 6 years it was a long distance relationship. There were deployments to Kosovo and Honduras and TDY's just about everywhere else. I went to college and got my degree. We broke up from time to time, but I think we always knew we would end up together. Besides, those other boys were not him. After I graduated, we finally knew it was time to get married. There wasn't even a formal proposal, just a "here's your ring we got". (Unless you count the time when he did ask after the first summer- but we were so young, so maybe it doesn't count.) We finally tied the knot in a modest ceremony and reception and made our way to a little honeymoon borrowed mostly on credit cards. He was finally The Hubs! We've come such a long way from 16 and 17. We are now full fledged adults with a mortgage, three beautiful girls, a minivan, a dog and bedtimes. Uncle Sam stills asks The Hubs to move and travel a lot. We have moved a total of 6 times in 8 years and to 5 different Posts. Yeah. We were so lucky to have finally bought our current house in an awesome neighborhood with great neighbors and schools. I get to paint the walls whatever color I want! No more looking at white walls. I get to finally plant flowers and trees and a garden in the ground! (don't look now but I have a weed garden growing right now- but they are MY weeds!) Our kids finally get to settle down someplace and actually make friends they will remember. All of this is so special to me. The Hubs is special to me. Our life is special to me. Being an Army family means a lot of things. It means sacrificing our time together as a family so the soldier can go overseas. There are birthdays, anniversaries, doctor's appointments, first days of school, holidays, first steps or words, even births of new babies that have been missed. The whole family sacrifices for this country. I am incredibly proud to be supporting my husband as he fights, literally, for our freedom. I am proud to be the daddy and mama when he is gone, no matter how hard it is. I hope you are proud too for the ones who guard our freedom. Please take time out and pray for my husband tonight and all the soldiers who can't be with their loved ones. Pray for the ones still at home waiting for their return, the spouses and children, the parents of the soldiers and friends. I pray that we'll be together soon.