I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home, Glad As I Can Be!

Our kids were soooo excited to see their Dad last night. It was so precious. Of course, the flight was delayed out of JFK, but only by about 30 minutes. So we left later than usual for our drive to the airport. I tried to drag out dinner and after dinner activities as long as possible, but the kids were so anxious to pick up Daddy!

At the airport, Brayden decided that he didn't like having to walk around with the crowds of people. He would much rather have hidden in his stroller, but Mommy was trying to be 'adventurous' and didn't bring in the stroller this time. Spencer wasn't very thrilled with this either, because he was in charge of holding Brayden's hand and Brayden likes to use his head as a weapon when he's upset. Luckily, Spencer has a very kind heart and took Brayden for a lap around the baggage carousels while we waited.

So much for being adventurous, Mom. What was I thinking?

The girls were so thrilled to see their dad!! First, Andraia gave a very hearty welcome to Earl's friend, Tim. Andraia loves everyone from Earl's office and had to make sure that Time knew we were there to see them. I'm sure Tim was in a hurry to get home to his own family, but he stopped to chat with her for a minute.

A couple of minutes later, we saw Earl coming down the escalator. Andraia RAN to her Dad. She was so excited!!! I wasn't expecting Chloe to take off as well. She had been insisting on being carried since we entered the crowds of people and acted like she was ready to fall asleep. But as soon as she saw her dad, she jumped out of my arms and RAN as fast as she could to her Daddy.

I think Earl was a bit surprised at the enthusiastic reception. But he really deserves it. We all missed him very much and are very glad that he's home! Even if he did go to New York without us!!

He's On His Way Home!!

Earl's coming home!!! Yipee!!!
Can you tell I've been missing my sweetie? He has been in The Big Apple for just a few days, but we sure have missed him.

I know I eventually got 'used' to him being on the road for about 50% of our lives when he was traveling for work, but I'm so glad we don't have to do that anymore! This three day trip has been very different for us. Chloe doesn't remember what it is like to have Daddy travel, so she doesn't understand that he'll be home, just not right now. Andraia has been looking forward to Tuesday night since Earl left VERY early Sunday morning. She is going to be thrilled to eat dinner tonight because she knows we get to head to the airport shortly after we're done.

Believe me, you've never met 5 people more excited to go to the airport. And we aren't even getting on a plane!!

16 Years

Earl and I celebrated our 16 wedding anniversary tonight. The actual date was yesterday, but when you have to be at a class in SLC from 6-8 on Thursdays, it makes it hard to do much celebrating.

We had some wonderful babysitters tonight who really love our kids like they were their own. Thanks you guys for making us a part of your family! It makes it so much easier to go have fun and know they are all having fun, too!

We had a pretty 'basic' date-night, but since that doesn't happen very often, we really enjoyed it! Dinner at Mimi's, good conversation (still mostly about the kids, but less interruptions!)

It was very nice! Love you sweetie!

15 Years With My Best Friend

Wow! 15 years! Earl and I were married in the Provo Temple 15 years ago. It has been such a wonderful ride! We have been through so much together. And I wouldn't have wanted to share it all with anyone else. Earl has been there for me when times were rough, supported all of my dreams, laughed with me, enjoyed all of the good times with me, and been my true love and best friend through it all. I can't imagine what my life would be like without him!

Our kids are so lucky to have a dad who loves them so much. He truly enjoys being a dad. He is the ultimate provider. He doesn't just bring home the money. He is striving to give them the best emotional and spiritual foundations for their futures.

We are all so lucky!

A Public Thank You

I just wanted to publicly thank my awesome hubby, Earl, for letting me be a stay-at-home mom. I just finished reading an email from a family who has a child with disabilities. This sweet mom lost her job because their daughter's respite care isn't working out. I can't even imagine how frightening that must be.

Earl has always made it a priority that I stay home with our kids. In our early marriage, this was mostly just convenience and trying to follow what we were taught, but now, it is a definite necessity. I don't know how we would ever find a reliable and affordable caregiver for Brayden. Thankfully, I am not in that situation.

Earl...thank you for your hard-work, your willingness to put up with all of the politics at work, and your wonderful attitude about giving me a break at the end of your own long, stessing day.