I got the call I have been waiting on for the last fourteen months yesterday morning at 4:30 to inform me that Keith was on his way home from Iraq. The phone call was to let me know that the plane was “wheels up” and I would get another call when they were “wheels down” and to let me know what time to be at the gym for the welcome home ceremony.
Of course, I didn’t go back to sleep after that.
I got up started getting ready for the big day.
The girls woke up promply at 6 am and immediately got a bath. Will followed suit at 6:30….as soon as I was finished with the girls.
Because we got such an early start, we were able to take our time getting ready for Keith’s homecoming and celebrating Will’s birthday, too.
I invited my friend, Jordan, and her baby over for a birthday breakfast for Will. We had chocolate chip pancakes together. She brought over a huge dump truck for Will….he loves it!!
Jordan was such a huge help throughout the day. She helped clean the kitchen after breakfast while I got the kids and myself dressed. She was also my personal photographer for the morning….she took all the pictures you’ll see! THANK YOU SO MUCH, JORDAN!!!!
I got the “wheels down” call right before breakfast and we decided on when to head over to the gym to wait for the soldiers to arrive.
This is us right before leaving….EA was in a little mood and didn’t want to get in the pictures and Will has a new pose, wiht his head cocked to the side…classic, huh?
We went to the gym about an hour before the designated time and the parking lot was already packed. The kids were able to run around and get some energy out while we waited. In fact Will was completely worn out by the start of the ceremony.
All of my “RAM Diva” friends had husbands coming home this weekend. Two right along with Keith, and one came home today. It was fun to share this experience with good friends.
After waiting, and waiting, finally we were told to get seated because the ceremony was about to start.
And then the doors opened and the soldiers started marching in. This was the best sight to see!!! There was lots of cheering, screaming, and yelling…it was a huge CELEBRATION as we all watched our soldiers march in.
MC became competely overwhelmed because among all the other daddies, she could not find HER DADDY! She cried thoughout the entire prayer and the national anthem. She kept saying, “I don’t see MY DADDY!! I can’t find his face!!!”
I tried to comfort her by telling her that he was there and he would find us.
And he did…..
When we got home MC told Keith, “Daddy, you’re home!!! We can be a family again.” It brought tears to my eyes to think that this really registers with her….now that Daddy is home our family is complete.
Grace @ Sandier Pastures says
What a happy reunion!! I’m so happy for you and your family. I didn’t realize that your hubby was away for 14 months!! That is sooo long.
Enjoy your family time!
Bridget says
Beautiful…in many, many ways!
Bridget’s last blog post..If you know these things about me and still want to be my friend, then we’re friends for life.
Jordan says
Monica,
The pictures came out so good!! I didn’t get to see any of them yesterday since they were on your camera! I was hoping I did OK! I’m so glad that Keith is home and you are once again a family! Talk to you soon…you call me when you get a chance. I don’t want to interrupt your time together!
Jordan’s last blog post..WELCOME HOME!!!
Andrea says
Ahhhh. Beautiful. Enjoy your reunion time together!
Stephanie says
Nothing drops me to tears faster than seeing a soldier come home to his family! I am so glad your husband is home safely and so thankful for what he does for our country. May God bless your sweet family!
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Uma says
Welcome home, Keith! I hated it so much that I missed the guys’ homecoming, but there will be a big bar-b-q to make up for it! Enjoy your much needed family time. I’m so thrilled for all of you.
P.S. AWESOME pictures, Jordan! They really made me cry like a baby.
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Suzanne says
Eyes are tearing up reading this. I am so happy for you that Keith is reunited with your family! I’ve been praying for you all during this deployment… and I won’t stop now – as I’m sure the adjustment takes some time!
Hope you have a blessed week!
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Emily Porter says
Absolutely beautiful! My heart rejoices with you! Tell Keith how very thankful we are for his service to our country!
Pat says
These were awesome photos! Thank you so much for sharing. It actually brought tears to my eyes. I’m so glad he is home safely and y’all are back together again.
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Mindy says
These are the most wonderful pictures! Each photo speaks a volume of words! We are so happy for you guys!! There is nothing like knowing the deployment is over and being completely together again. It’s the best ever! We are praising God for his safe keeping, peace, grace and mercy over your entire family during this deployment. God is good!
Welcome home!!!
Love and miss you guys!
Min and the boys =)
LifeAtTheCircus says
I am so excited that he is home!!! The looks on all of your faces is priceless. What a beautiful family you are! BTW you look amazing… I know you were choosing between a few outfits… Nice choice…you look fabulous!!
Enjoy this sweet, sweet time!!!
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Kristi_runwatch says
Thank you so much for letting us peek into this wonderful day for your family! Praise the Lord that he is home safe – the pictures of him reuniting with all of you were amazing!
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kristi_runwatch’s last blog post..The battle begins
Stephanie says
Thank you for sharing such an important time for your family.
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Rachel C says
Welcome home, Keith!!! We just returned tonight from Italy…I just now checked to see if you got in. Monica, you look beautiful! They kids looked PRECIOUS! We miss you all. We call soon to chat. I am so glad you all are a big happy family again. We love you all. Franklin, Rachel, and Caroline
homegrownstrawberries says
Yay! What a wonderful answer to prayer he is home and safe! I am so happy for you!
homegrownstrawberries’s last blog post..Weekend Thoughts: Memorial Day
Maggie says
Oh my gosh, Monica. I cried through this entire post. I cannot begin to imagine the emotion of this day. I can barely contain myself and it’s not even any one in my family. But, I do know that every one of those soldiers were there for me personally… protecting MY freedoms. And, I cannot thank you, your kids, Keith and every one of them for what they’ve given — I know it’s so much… SO MUCH sacrificed — for me and my kids. Thank you all!
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erin says
Monica,
These pictures make me cry! So glad that Keith is home! I’m so grateful to him and all servicemen for all they do for us! God bless your family!!
Much love,
Erin
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Stacy Owings says
Monica,
I am so happy for you! Thank you for sharing your special moment with us!
Love, Stacy
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Sarah says
Monica – first of all you look fabulous – love the curly hair. I love feeling your emotions of the days and I too thank Jordan for capturing the moment so we could share in it too. MC & EA look small in Keith’s arms and it made me cry to see MC in distress over not seeing her daddy. God Bless you all and have fun being back together.
Sarah says
The best part of these photos were the photos at the end of all five of you together again!!!! ♥
Bonnie says
Monica, thank you so much for sharing this special moment. How wonderful! I am so happy for you. Love the pics! They capture so much emotion by everyone.
Margaret says
That Jordan is a gifted photographer. Good job. Agree with all comments saying the “reunited” photos are the best. Yaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy for all of you!
Jennifer Scruggs says
SO happy for you!!! Thanks for sharing the WONDERFUL pictures! Like others, I just balled looking at them all!!! I also want to THANK YOU for the sacrifices your famly has made for us all!! May God Bless you richly!!! Love you!
Jenn
Jo says
Thank you for sharing these pictures of your wonderful family they are so beautiful. On this day one day past Memorial Day I want to tell you thank you to your husband and to your entire family. Our Country is a great Country because of the service and sacrifice of families like yours. I wish you so many blessings as you gather around each other being a real family again! My brother just returned from Iraq 2 weeks ago he is a Chaplain in the Air Force. He was deployed for 4 1/2 months and that was much too long. 14 months? Bless you!
Jo’s last blog post..Time to Rejoice
Julie From Inmates says
Okay, it’s 7:23am and I’m sitting here crying. The picture with the flag behind the troops as they marched in. Beautiful. Just beautiful! I know the last 14 months have not been easy, but I appreciate your husband and his sacrifice. So thankful he is home safe!!!!!
Julie From Inmates’s last blog post..Dear Deployment
Luke Holzmann says
Woo-hoo! Yay!
~Luke
Julie says
Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your reunion, and thank YOU for the sacrifice you have made for so many others.
Julie’s last blog post..Plan to be refreshed!