Coming home

Lee returns home tomorrow. The kids are excited and showing signs of "relief".

Liam came down with the swine flu last weekend and has been home with me all week. Hazel and I have avoided catching the flu thus far. Crossing our fingers.

I am a bit speechless. It feels like a wave of strange feelings with Lee coming home. I am so happy to have him on safe soil. His life is still very different from ours. He continues to have huge amount of time to hang out and work out as he goes through the demobilization process. The good thing is that he has had a few days to get his time clock adjusted. It will feel very strange to have him at home and to figure out where his place is in the current family routine. Tread lightly.....I say. It will be very nice to have some where to tuck my cold feet at night.

So...the menu for the return..includes a Leg of Lamb...sides...or course....and Chimey. The idea of cooking as a family is one of my favorite thoughts. We have eaten very simply with Lee gone and welcome his influence!

Friday, Lee's parents leave for a long Holiday in Africa and England. Fortunately, they will have the opportunity to see him return on Thursday -- as parents that should settle their heart and mind to have him home safe and happy. I can not say enough about the absolute saint that Lee's Mom has been during this year. She has been the second parent. The kids have fared so well this year and a huge part of that is the stability and support of Lee's Mom. Now it is her turn to travel and live a little free.

I welcome the next season for all of us.