Welcome Home, Daddy!

When we first moved here and having Handsome Hero travel was novel and harder than it is now, we began a couple of small traditions to help the kids cope.  First, the kids and I would always make him a big "WELCOME HOME!" sign. 

Second, Handsome Hero would always bring them a book when he came home.  We thought that toys were not such a wise option, but that a new book would be a great way to build their library and give them something to look forward to.  We even bought books in advance and stuck them in his suitcase once he got home so that he didn't have to worry about finding them while he was gone.  He was usually as surprised as the kids by which book they got.

The book thing lasted for a few months, until it became apparent that he was going to be traveling far more than we had thought.  We decided they didn't need a new book every couple of weeks.

The sign thing lasted longer, and we still do it, but it is more sporadic.  There is good and bad to this, but these trips are often kind of old hat by now.  Now, after five days away, I'm likely to say, "Hey, Honey, I'm so glad you landed on time.  Can you pick up some milk on your way home?"

Last week, when Handsome Hero was out of town, the kids were coloring, and I had an idea.

Get ready for it, folks.  This is the only time you will ever see my naked belly. 

I hope.  Man, I do hope.

Then we went outside to play while we waited for him to come home. When he drove in, this is what he got.

They actually remembered to show their signs before doing this. 

And, yes, I showed him mine, but really fast, and then hoped that no neighbors had seen.

Welcome Home, Daddy!

Photo credits:  Elizabeth Ratzlaff

Elizabeth

For the last three weeks, we have had three Elizabeth's living in this house {you know Ella's full name is Elizabeth, right?}. 

Elizabeth is a former voice student from Washington.  We went to the same church, and her mother has given me countless words of wisdom as I raise these kiddos.  Practical stuff that I have passed on to lots of moms and shared on this blog.  Ladies, when you find a Godly woman who is willing to impart to you the things she has learned, listen.  It's invaluable.

Elizabeth's family sets an example we want to emmulate in our family.  When I first had Jack, Julie {Elizabeth's mom} told me to have Handsome Hero leave the front door open on Wednesdays when he left for work.  She would let herself in before I woke up on that day to get Ella up and ready, or rock Jack, so that I could sleep just a bit longer.  When she learned I was pregnant this time, she immediately offered to send Elizabeth, now eighteen, our way.  Not only did she come to us, but she came by way of staying with another family in the same situation.  Seriously, these are people who think of others as more important than themselves.

Elizabeth gave us three weeks of her time, playing with the kids and helping me in general in any way she could.  Jack was sold from the get-go.  You would hear at all hours:  Ellibbebbett!!!!!!  Watch this!!!!

Ella was a tougher nut to crack.  It was surprising, really.  We had to work with her a bit to show the respect and obedience she needed to have for this long visit to work.  When she did begin to soften up, she got to see the reward for her improved attitude.

Lots of tickles and hugs and silliness came their way during this visit.  It was often the kinds of play I have trouble doing right now {being due in two weeks} that she was able to do.  It filled up the tanks of those little vessels, Ella and Jack.

Now, lest you think this was just playtime, it wasn't all fun and games.  I put this girl to work!  She sanded,

She spray painted,

She did all sorts of things she'd never done before.  She had no idea what she was in for.  We don't mess around in these here parts!

Note:  In the next several decorating posts, whenever you see blue fingernails, you will know that Elizabeth was my model.  I'm not brave enough for blue fingernails.

She really dug in with her whole heart and was excited to try new things.  That attitude made it easy for me to feel justified with my hugely nesting self and get all sorts of projects done that I couldn't have done alone.  It also eased Handsome Hero's mind to have someone here when he had to travel, as he did two out of those three weeks.

We were so sad to see this girl-turned-lovely-lady go, but I was left with a sense of peace over the state of my domain and the readiness with which we will greet a new member of this family. 

I also got to introduce her to the Matrix trilogy and the X Men movies and found a kindred spirit.  You won't find any chick flicks in this house, but the Bournes?  The Matrix movies?  Pee Wee's Big Adventure?  Yeah, we go for that stuff.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for easing the transition and giving so fully of yourself.  You {and your nail polish} are missed!