Our top five. . .

As our second deployment has come to an end, Matt and I have been reflecting on just WHY it is so great that he is home (besides the obvious reasons, family togetherness, being alive, etc etc.). So for all of those wondering, here are a few things we are grateful for. . .

top 5 reasons Matt is grateful to be home (in no particular order of importance)

1. Showers without shoes. In Iraq they are required to wear 'shower shoes', aka flip-flops, while they shower. Apparently it's annoying to wear shoes in the shower.

2. A pillowtop mattress. No springs in the ribs while sleeping is a definite bonus!

3. The commissary with an endless supply of food and possibilities. Food is a way to this man's heart.

4. Civilian clothes. It makes him feel like a person! He can decide to wear the polo with the stripes, or the ugly flourescent yellow t-shirt he's had since High School, either way...he gets to choose.

5. No sand storms!

Top 5 reasons it is nice to have a husband again

1. There is someone to watch the kids while I _____ (insert anything here---go to the gym, get a pedicure, get my haircut, go to the dentist, take a nap, attend enrichment night, any verb phrase will do!)

2. Because I now can say "Go ask your dad" to any question, demand, or request that my kids come up with.

3. Not having to brave the commissary alone with three kids in tow (or carry armfuls of groceries into the house, while all three simultaneously have a meltdown from the torturous task of grocery shopping). I can just go by myself (gasp!), or send Matt, or we can make it an FHE event and all go together!

4. Sundays period.

-I don't have to sit alone during sacrament meeting, there is someone to help entertain the kids, take them potty, escort them to the water fountain, color with, etc etc etc. If the baby is hungry, I can leave to go feed her, and I dont have to take her sisters with!

-I don't have to watch football alone! (assuming I indulge in a little post-church football--Go Giants!)

-And there is someone else to eat my Sunday pot roasts (and/or other delicious Sunday dinners)

5. Being able to breathe again. Anyone who has ever lived without their significant other for any amount of time knows the heavy feeling that comes over you when they leave. The burden of doing everything alone, while supporting someone you love who is fighting overseas, can be overwhelming and down-right impossible some days. Having him here I can finally breathe , and there is someone to help lighten the load of everyday life again. Matt was only gone a total of 10 months (instead of the regular 12). We were fortunate enough to have him home for the very end of my pregnancy and for the birth of our 3rd daughter.

All laughter and joking aside, of course the best part about having Matt home is this:

Being together as a family!