He's Leaving on a Jet Plane...

Frank flew out late this afternoon for the first leg of his journey back to Iraq. It will be almost 4 days before he arrives back in camp. As they always do, these past weeks of R&R went by so fast! Whenever he heads back overseas my prayers for his safety begin anew. I try to focus on all the blessings that we experienced during his time home - for instance, he was able to spend the first few days with Matthew, which was much needed reunion time for both of them. They, along with Frank's brothers and dad and their "Louisiana Hunting Buddies" enjoyed duck hunting together and eating some good home-cooked American food! The next blessing was, of course, when both Frank and Matthew then drove home and I was able to have both my guys here. The biggest blessing of all was when the three of us made the trip to Arkansas to welcome baby Liam. And before we knew it, the days had flown and it was time to get Frank ready for the trip back. Our hope is that his next R&R can be scheduled for May when our sister-in-law has invited us to join her for a family get-together at the beach in Gulf Shores. That, and the fact that May 19 will be our 25th wedding anniversary, would make the timing perfect! So I'm really going to think positive and hope that works out. For now, will settle back with a cup of tea and prepare my mind to go back to the office tomorrow. Matthew won't be in until later so I may just fix a "rough and ready" supper and spend a few hours checking the blogs of my Kindred Spirits - that will lift MY spirits for sure!