Santa's Red-Eye...

It has been two months since my last post, and it seems like no time at all. We had a fantastic Christmas with our families. Jason, Lisa and the kids flew in from New Jersey--so Joshua and MacKenzie got to see all of their cousins over the holidays.

Prior to Christmas, we had an abnormally huge amount of snow. So the kids got an "extended" vacation, and our annual Christmas Homeless events were even crazier than usual. On the day after Christmas, I got a text message from Santa, who accidently left one of the kids' presents on his sleigh.

At about 6am on the 27th, Joshua woke up and went out to the living room to watch cartoons. I got up and gave him a hug--at which point, he asked where his surprise from Santa was. I looked at the couch, and asked "Josh, what is that you are sitting on?"

He looked down and said, "that's just Daddy's uniform."

Then he then did a double take, gasped, and said "Daddy's uniform?" He got up and raced back to our bedroom, flipped on the light and hopped into our bed. Joshua gave Sean an enormous bear hug and exclaimed "you are so much better than rollerblades!"

MacKenzie learned about Sean's homecoming much differently. At 3 am she woke up, and crawled into bed with me. Only this time, she had to squish between two of us. As she put her head on the pillow, Sean quietly said "I love you MacKenzie." She went completely still, and we heard a quiet, little intake of breath. When Sean got up to go to the bathroom a few minutes later, I asked him to put Zee in her bed on his way back.

As soon as Sean had cleared the doorway, MacKenzie shot out of our bed and ran back into her room. She didn't want some strange man carrying her anywhere!

Sean went into her room, and turned on the light so she could see him. She rolled over, said "I love you Dad," and fell back to sleep smiling.

We hadn't told Sean's family about his leave either. Sean called his parents using Skype (international line) from our car in front of their house. About that time, I went to the front door, and rang the doorbell--asking his parents to help me get the kids into the house.

Sean's parents rushed outside to my aid, only to find Sean standing in the driveway.

For two weeks, we relaxed with both our extended family, and with just the kids. It was easier for Joshua and MacKenzie when Sean left the second time around. However, it was harder for the two of us. This time, both Sean and I understood the realities of being separated for so long.

Now, it is February. The kids are back in school, and both Sean and I are busy at work. Sean is training the "second" crew of soldiers from his unit (several members finished up their 6 month rotation, and came home this weekend). He and his new roommate are planting a garden, even though the temperatures are beginning to rise again.

This past week, I went to Washington D.C. for work. Next week, the kids and I will fly to Hawaii in celebration of my Dad's birthday--although Zee believes the only reason we are going is to learn the Hula.

Once again, we thank everyone for the support, encouragement and patience. There are some days when we feel like barely hanging on, and the unconditional friendship of loved ones always gives both Sean and I strength.

By the way. If anyone knows how to get animals out of walls, I would be much obliged. Our critter friend still appreciates this particular spot between our bathroom and dining room as a place to come in from the cold...