Martin left on Sunday for a trip to Ohio, where our youth group is attending a big conference with 7,000 other teenagers called "Challenge 2010". The youth have been raising money for this trip for two years straight, and so they are VERY excited to be there right now. Last time he went (which you can read about here), both boys simultaneously got the stomach flu the night before left. This time has been much easier so far, although it's only Day 2 and we have been missing him badly.
Last night Micah got really sad that daddy was gone and cried for awhile after he went to bed. Today we had a playdate ALL day, which helped to keep them occupied. During that playdate, Jaden hit a baseball through the living room window and it shattered. I had to laugh, because Martin has told me over and over, "Just wait; boys break windows with baseballs." :) Tomorrow the window repair man is coming and I will be paying him $125 for that.
But seriously, how could you be mad at this face?!
Anytime my husband leaves on a trip, I suddenly have a whole new respect for single mothers and military wives. It reminds me to be so thankful that my husband IS coming home, and isn't gone for 9 months or longer. I don't know how these women find the strength to keep going in situations like that; they amaze me. I did a photoshoot on Saturday of a family, and the grandmother was there also. We started talking and she asked about my family, and then she said, "You're lucky. Your husband is with you. I have nine children and my husband died when they were 6 months to 12 years old. I had to raise them as a widow." She went on to say that she was a full-time professor of Psychology at a University (in the Philippines at the time). WOW. I asked if she had help, and she said she did have help. But STILL!!! A full-time professor with NINE children? This woman amazed me.
The woman's daughter, a friend of mine, just survived breast cancer. She has had multiple surgeries and went through chemo. She is a mother to two girls, ages 6 and 7. Her husband is in the entertainment industry and works sometimes 60-70 hour weeks, far from home. She went through her battle with breast cancer with strength and patience, taking her kids to school, picking them up, making all of their meals, etc... all while she was in pain. This woman also amazes me.
When I start to feel sorry for myself, I think of my friends: women of strength and patience, some who have waited for their husbands for days or months on end. I realize that 6 days is nothing, and I have nothing at all to complain about.
So, while I miss my husband, I am thankful that we will see him in 5 more days.
WOW. What amazing women! But you know Jaimie, you are amazing as well. Look at everything you do for the ministry and mops, all the while being there for your boys before anything. You achieved so much education to be home with your boys. You are unselfish and very sacrificing, one of the best people I know. Although you didn't battle any disease or without a husband, you are an amazing mom too and you should never ever think anything less. Micah & Jaden are blessed to have you for a mommy! Oh, and by the way - high five Jaden!!! :oD
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