Lord, help the mister...

i know i say all of the time... where did the time go? but, man-o-man... where did the time go? i just took the top picture a few days ago, and it reminded me so much of this earlier picture of the girls. maybe it's their cheeks all squished together in that sweet sisterly love. maybe it's their snuggly smiling faces. maybe it's just me... but it feels like yesterday... but in fact, almost five years to the day separate these two precious pictures.

it must be sort of what it feels like to be stan. i know it's only been 7 months since he took off on deployment, but it seems like they just grow up that fast. i've been thinking a lot lately about all of the things that have changed since he left, and trying to imagine what it must be like to take that all in. the girls and i have our trials living without our big brawny man, but everything else around us stays stable. stan lives half a world away, in a tent, with skype and airplanes as his company. he is a very strong hearted man.

just a little something i've been thinking about as we are so close to his homecoming, and the transition back into "normal" family life... the normal'ish part being that we're all in the same country at the same time. :)

along with thinking about and prepping for homecoming, i've been snapping away on my 365 shots. i got this accidental favorite in the rain the other day. i took several shots of emma out in the rain with her umbrella. i got this shot quite by accident, lucky me. 

speaking of photos... if you're looking for some great photography tips & challenges, head over to ella publishing's blog every friday for the next several weeks to get your fill. the fabulous moon ko and i are putting together some fun thoughts, ideas and helpful hints... oh and there just may be some prizes, too! the first challenge is already up here.

and if you happen to be interested in the rest of the rainy day shots, you can see those here.

this past weekend i was blessed to enjoy some time with a few friends i hadn't seen in a long time. it's wonderful to have friends that you can pick up right where you left off with. we're all 15 years older, and lots of kids wiser... we laughed and talked and were thankful for enduring friendships and family.

monday, memorial day, i took the girls to a local cemetery to spend some time reflecting on how thankful we are for all of those who have served our great country, and for those who gave all for her. we shot up a few prayers for the families who have lost those that they love, and for safe returns for those who served... especially for the one nearest to our heart.

thank you so much to those so willing to give so much to keep us safe. God bless you & God bless America!