Daddy is HOME!!!

Friday we picked up daddy from the airport. What an amazing day it was! Here is the full story (if you care to read). If not, just scroll down and enjoy the pictures and video :)

I received a phone call Friday morning from Rande, who was in Dallas. His flight was scheduled to arrive around 4:30pm. I have to say, Friday was the longest day ever! But after much deliberation and council from my friends, I decided we would leave around 1:30pm. It takes 40 minutes or so to get to SeaTac from here, and being a 3 day weekend, Friday afternoon traffic...I thought I was smart to leave so early.

We get to the airport around 2:20, find a parking spot and head to the customer service counter. All three of us received passes, so we could meet Rande at the gate. We then go through security, and it's not even 3:00 yet! Oi!

Neat little side note story - the lady at security asked if we were picking up our daddy, and Christian said yes. She said, "well your daddy is my hero".

My good friend Tara kept me company via phone as I drank coffee, watched the planes with the kiddos out the window, and ate cookies from Starbucks. What time is it now you ask? 3:30...another Oi!!! So needless to say, we were there super early. But I'm glad we were there early and not late.

Now the good part. Rande had no clue we were going to meet him at the gate. I had told him earlier I'd either pick him up outside or at baggage. So the kids and I arrived at the gate, and I saw 3 other women all dressed up, nervously waiting for the plane too. The plane finally arrived around 5:15ish. We stood there watching all the passengers get off the plane, as I'm taking video of every guys in ACUs, hoping that one would be Rande, I didn't want to miss him. The kids were getting so discouraged, and thought daddy wasn't on the plane (I was beginning to think so myself) when finally, I saw him! He looked at me from a distance with a weird look on his face, like he didn't know who I was. Then he saw the kids, and the video tells the rest. Ashlee cried big crocodile tears and wouldn't let go of daddy. We have been enjoying our time so far, and plan on taking lots of pictures. So keep checking the blog or photo website.

Daddy's plane!

Ashlee's sign

Christian's sign

Big tears for daddy

Happy daddy, and kids

Trying to get a picture with just mommy and daddy, but Ashlee wasn't allowing that :)

I (heart) February

Since 2007 Rande has not been home AT ALL in February. In 2007 He was here at Ft. Lewis, and the kids and I were in Helena trying to sell the house. In 2008, He was in Ranger school, and in 2009 He was at NTC. So it's only fair that he should be home this year right? I actually find it really amusing and I'm not complaining. Next year he will be in ANOC (school for E7s).

We are all SOOOOOOOOOO very excited to see him. It's been a long 7 months! Hopefully next weekend he will be home. Today Ashlee and I purchased "welcome home sign making equipment" - she's my little artist. I will keep you updated so keep checking the blog and/or facebook. I'll post pics (and video) too - so don't forget to check out our photo website.... Henderson Photography - professional isn't it?

One thing, before I conclude. Ashlee has a devotional book we read to her every night. Some nights I feel as if God is really speaking to ME. Well, tonight was yet another wake up call, and here is how it goes:

Take a Rest

Zoe says it's time for a nap (picture of little girl tucking in her stuffed animals). Do you ever get so tired that you just can't stay awake? sometimes we get tired because we need to sleep. People can also get tired when they have a lot of problems. Thinking about problems all day long can make us feel tired and sad. Jesus wants us to talk to him about our problems. he can help us. When we share our problems with Jesus, it's like taking a nap.

Bible Verse:

Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads. I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

My prayer:

Thank you, Jesus, for giving me rest. Talking to you is always the best.