Sunday, October 17, 2010

SUCCESS

Totally pulled it off and surprised the three youngest kids. Anna, a friend, met us at the airport and then went to Sunday School to take photos. When I get them I'll share photos and more details of the homecoming.  Here is a video that Arielle took when they realized Mike was in the room.


After surprising the kids we came HOME. I had put a roast in the oven last night.....we enjoyed that. During lunch the neighbor kids dropped by. Jared had hung a big vinyl banner on our carport. They told her they'd like to know what her Dad looked like. Then they invited her to play outside. I told them we were planning to go somewhere and Stacia added, "Yes, we have to go show off dad." LOL

Michael wanted to go to the ocean....of course we did. 

Where we relaxed....

Played Pooh Shells....

And found a RED piece of sea glass.

Michael was totally surprised by Death by Chocolate. 


And we enjoyed surprises from Michael as well. We're trying to decide if we should wear them to chapel next week. 






Ah, it's unbearably sweet. We've played games, watched a movie, walked, talked.....Michael will spend the next couple of days in-processing and then we'll have two weeks of RECON. Yes, yes, yes.  We're so serious about this that I plan to take the time off teaching Bible Studies....something I didn't even do after the birth of children....but it's time. Viva la family. 


Choosing Joy!
©2010 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~

Living all of life before the face of God...

17 comments:

Kristine said...

Oh, I've been waiting for this post this morning, and now I'm typing through my tears of watching that video, and then showing it to Robert.

LOL, it looks like Mike is ready to duel Death by Chocolate.

Praising God with you, friend.

Yvonne said...

So happy with you, De'Etta!!

Deja said...

LOVED the video. Stacia running to her Daddy made me cry! ENJOY your TWO WEEKS.

Liz said...

Loving to see your big smiles all around! And tears here too (maybe it will drain out my sinuses ).
Hallelujah - praise the Lord!

RZ said...

YEAAAAAA Welcome Home Mike

Linda said...

I'm with Kristine, weeping tears of joy for all of you! Welcome home, Mike, and thank you all for your service!

Jen said...

I watched through happy tears too. So happy for you all. Thank you all for serving God and our country as a family.

Stephanie said...

I'm crying too!! I am so happy for your family! You are such an inspiration to me De'Etta. Thank you for sharing your journey :)

Janette said...

Welcome Home!

Tears of joy are rolling down my cheeks:>)

Herding Grasshoppers said...

Reading and watching with tears in my eyes... enjoy your two weeks OFF! Precious family time :D

Hallelujah, he is safely home.

Julie

Debbie said...

So, so happy for all of you. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

berrypatch said...

So happy for you all! Mere words doesn't cut it. Enjoy your time reconnecting. ;-)

Laura said...

I am so happy for you I could cry!! What a magnificent reunion!! Enjoy. :)

Laura said...

Okay...
just watched the video. Now I am sobbing. So happy and precious!!

Anonymous said...

It is so good to see him back with you guys....the video made me cry.

I'm so happy he is home.
Bre G

Lois said...

Welcome back, Mike!

Kim said...

That video has me crying! Praise GOD he's home!!!!! And I'm so proud of YOU for taking 2 weeks off too! Be loyal to your promise and soak in your family!!! I'm so so happy for you and can only think how to say it in Japanese - otsukarasamadeshita! Do you know this? Poorly translated, "good job! You did it!" Not to the surprise but to the many many many months! Love you! Kim