while. we. were. waiting.

Deployment is within 48 hours.

So while we were waiting for this....

nate was packing and looking hot doing this....

I was doing this...

and this....

two rooms almost done - only 6 more to go

Nate is heading to that purple country in the map above - only 5 more months to go

August 12, 2012

Things to Do Checklist

_____ Get Elizabeth high school backpack or whatever a high schooler carries
_____ Help Nate unpack his deployment bag - put the camo away with a smile
_____ Water tomato plants the kids planted
_____ Crazy celebrate my doctorate with friends and family
_____ Look for new house with the hubs
_____ find Chance a WV map, since 4th grade is WV studies
_____ pick up E fromSt Francis where she is volunteering
_____ Get Jake new school jeans because he has grown so much over the summer
_____ pack up the rental we are in since we sold our house so fast in April
_____ remind the kids to wear sun screen
_____ iron the Elevator shirts because Nate is back on the job
_____ finish my syllabi for the fall semester
_____ camp gear ready for our first summer camp out
_____ love first, ask questions later

action at the hood

Coffee and a California Sunset magaine - both delivered right to my bed!

Just as described

Nate and I meet... wait for it.... ONLINE in October of 2008.

I used to be embarrassed that I had to 'resort' to online dating - but now, both Nate and I are comfortable with the fact that our busy careers, kids, life in general made meeting new people difficult.

So online dating it became.

After rereading our early correspondences recently, I see that Nate described himself exactly as he was and the man that he knew he was becoming.

Nathan from St. Albans described himself as a person that loved his job, his kids and his family. He even mentioned in an early email that he was never late for work and never late to pick up his boys. That may have sealed the deal. Who knew that Nathan from St. Albans would also grow to love Elizabeth as his own and to teach me more about kindness and committment than I have ever known.

He is also quite the handy man. Bonus Points.

week of 'last time' for a while #3

We are on a countdown now of not months or weeks - but days.

Jake and Chance came home with us last night and it was so fun because it being so unexpected.

Monopoly. Jumping in Leaves. Chalkwriting. Cat chasing.

Then as an even bigger surprise, the boys got to spend the night.

Books with flashlights. Pajamas that hug their cute little bods. Hugs with us all.

Nate's recent Food Revolution has brought about changes with the boy's food too.

He is focusing on life long food choices that will begin to expose them to new foods, healthier whole foods, and as many plant based decisions that can be squeezed onto one plate.

Nate and the boys actually ate breakfast at home, a wholesome balance of yummy and nutrious, instead of them going to school and eating simple sugars with extra carbohydrates on the side, to become a sugar. I am very proud of the choices that our family are making - as a family.

So, in the remaining days full of XOXOXOX - always in private,

I look forward, always forward to August.

week of 'last time' for a while #2

Another last today for awhile - church as a family.

We attended Unity today with all of Nate's family and my mom. The church wanted to offer Nate and the family a blessing of love and safety - it was beautiful. Of course I got a bit emotional (nothing new about that) and took in every word of the blessing. The song was, "I behold the Christ in you" and that song is always so reassuring about a perfect love that is in us and is reflected to the world.

After the church service, we were honored with a vegetarian Potluck! Go figure, what church goes to such lengths to ensure that everyone is satisfied in a healthy way. I felt particularly special thanks to our church family.

Of course we taught Sunday School today and made Tibetian prayer flags, that with each movement of the wispy layers, a prayer is sent out. Jakes prayer included: the biggest burrito in the world, a scorpian ... I prompted him to offer a prayer for his Dad while he was away... so he included a picture of himself, Nate and Chance. Elizabeth and Rachel stayed with the little ones in the Nursery. The whole morning was wonderful - a wonderful way to send Nate off with a prayer for protection and a hug of kindness.

week of 'last time' for a while

Well, we are down to a week plus a few days.

Nate will be leaving for Afganistan in 10 days -and- I didn't even know how to spell Afganistan until today.

As time goes by faster than I can keep up, I feel the need to document a few 'last time' for a while.

This morning, all is quiet, no one has pattered down the 96 year old wooden steps to find a couch, warm blanket and a TV full of cartoons and still no one has asked, "What are we doing today?" and not tried to negotiate for better plan.

Instead we will do what we do on other weekends. Life still as normal.

We are taking the boys to the capital for an indoor picnic.

Elizabeth is finishing up a poster project for her literature class.

All of us are going ice skating, though Jake will be done with it all in 10 minutes, so I will take him to Target.

Nate will probably do some handy manning around the house and I will continue on with organizing the new house and laundry, always laundry.

So, the week of 'last time' feels like a 'normal time' and thats a good feeling.