Day 172: Homeward bound

After 172 long, long, long days, I'm thrilled to report that Dan is officially out of Afghanistan and on his way home! He left this morning and now begins working his way back to California via stops in Manas, Germany and Baltimore. Words cannot begin to describe our immense relief that Dan is safe, healthy and in good spirits. Our prayers have officially been answered!!!!

Day 171: Rainy days

We're officially taking a stand against these on again/off again rainstorms. We're going to go to the beach to play regardless of the weather forecast!

Day 170: 'Scream time

One of our favorite LG traditions is ice cream at the Dairy Ripple. We've been going since we were little and now we take the kids every summer. In true Wisconsin tradition, the "kiddie cone" is the size on an adult small. It took awhile to eat but that's okay because we're operating on lake time these days!

Day 169: The little things

In all the hustle and bustle and crazy of the past few weeks I sometimes forget to stop and say thank you for the little things. I'm busy trying to take care of the house, the kids, the car, the bills, the laundry, the shopping - the list goes on and on as any parent knows. And playing the role of single parent for the past eight months has definitely driven this point home. But once in a while I catch myself pausing, breathing, observing and remembering that all of this beautiful chaos is a gift. What would my life be without two crazy towheads? Absolutely nothing. Perspective - it's one of the best gifts this gal has ever received. And I am one blessed and lucky, lucky, lucky Mama.

Day 168: Unhappy surprises

It's been raining like crazy all night in Chicago and I woke up at 4:30 this morning to a very unpleasant noise - the sound of the sump pump alarm in my parent's basement. I woke up my Dad who quickly ran downstairs to find their entire basement flooded. And I'm not talking a little puddle - I'm talking boxes floating away on a river of nastiness. Turns out there's flooding all over the region and even the trains to the city are shut down. Looks like we'll finally be cleaning all the junk out of the basement that my Mom has been bugging us about for years!

Day 167: Happy surprises

I got a note from Dan last night with some amazing news...he's going to be home a week earlier than expected!!!! I don't know what magic my husband was able to work but he'll now be back the day after we get home!!!! Now we're really counting the days - 13 to be exact!

Day 166: Hawks win!

Okay, total truth: I am not a hockey fan (aside from the fact that I actually really enjoy watching the games.) I am officially a bandwagon fan guilty of pinning my hopes and dreams for the Cubs onto any other Chicago sporting organization that seems mildly successful. I am thrilled for Chicago and for Chicago sports fans everywhere that the Blackhawks have now pulled off another championship. Cubs please take note: It's still possible to actually win games in this great city! Forget the goat! Focus, people, focus!!!