We were thrilled to have Andy come home this past weekend. He came home to bring a lot of his things here, because he is scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan in a short time. Instead of storing everything in Kentucky, he wanted to leave it here. We always love having him come home, and since he won't be back for awhile we saw lots of family this weekend as well.
Here's my sister Terri giving Andy a hug - he appears to be enjoying it, don't you think?~~~
We had an Open House so family could visit with him. Here's some of the goodies we ate!~~~
Our family room was filled!
Laura is thrilled to see my camera out again. :)~~~
Andy has a great sense of humor and when he is home we never know what he might be up to.
So - when he came in the house with this giant icicle we knew he was up to no good!
Yes - he is attacking poor Heather!~~~
Sunday we were blessed during the church service when Andy, and Bob and I went up front and people came and prayed for him and us.
Having people pray for you like this is really emotional, and I tend to be a crier anyway, so this really did me in. It was hard, but such a blessing to have so many people who care and are praying.
~~~
Sunday night we had Laura and Aaron come for supper and a birthday party.
Oliver enjoyed the tissue paper from the gifts.~~~
We packed lots of fun into those few days.
Monday afternoon Andy headed back to Kentucky, leaving a few tearful people here. He'll be going to Afghanistan soon, but we can't share the date.Those good byes are always hard on all of us, but we know we can trust God to take care of him, whether he is here, in Kentucky, or in Afghanistan.
Thanks for your prayers!
Afghanistan! We will be praying for him so keep us up to date as much as you can. I know that he so enjoyed being with his family again.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to beautiful Heather! Happy Valentine to all of you.
Will add Andy to my prayers too. Blessings, SusanD
ReplyDeleteMy nephew returned from Afghanistan a week ago, after being there a year. I'd be honored to keep Andy in my prayers during his deployment.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your photos. Thank goodness for heroes like Andy. Thank you Andy for your service to protect us all.
ReplyDeleteOh Mari, I can only imagine how wonderful and special and touching...and scary...this time is! Bless Andy and all our heroes who are protecting our country! I will pray for his safety.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Kat
So glad you got to spend this time together as a family. Times like this Andy will think back on when he is far from home. And, of course, so will you all.
ReplyDeleteWe will add him to our prayer list of army guys we are praying for.
Be strong and take courage.
The whole week-end must have been a huge mixture of emotion! May the Lord keep Andy safe and give you strength and comfort for each new day. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI'll be thinking of you and your son. It's always hard to have a family overseas and at war ;-(
ReplyDeleteStay strong, he'll be home b4 u know it!
Charlie is going to Afghanistan too, in September, so I feel your pain. It is comforting to know that many people are praying for you and him.
ReplyDeleteI hope your heart is filled to overflowing from the love and joy that comes from family gathering. Those are great pictures, and are reminders for us to keep Andy in prayer. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteOh, Mari, the account from your weekend sounds so warm and wonderful. Andy is richly blessed to have so much support and love to take with him.
ReplyDeleteRay's ship is over in that area too.
What wonderful family time! I will keep both of you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeletelooks like a great time with family.
ReplyDeleteso glad you had such a great weekend!!! And what a wonderful blessing to have your church body pray over him and you!
ReplyDelete(((hugs)))
omygoodness...so sad. I can't imagine how you and your family must feel. So much love to give and 'let go'. You must be so proud of him. Thank you Andy for being one of America's heros. Praying for you and your family!
ReplyDeletePraying for him, Mari!! He is so brave to fight for our freedom. God bless him and y'all!!
ReplyDeletepraying for your family!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a splendid time while Andy was home. Glad you could all have the opportunity to get together and share some laughs and make more memories. Will be praying for all of you as he heads off to Afgahnistan.
ReplyDeletePrayers for your son and for you also.
ReplyDeleteI know what you are going through with the goodbyes to a soldier.
It looks like everyone was having a good time with him.
have a great day.
Andy is is my prayers for a safe deployment and return.
ReplyDeleteAndy is is my prayers for a safe deployment and return.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, what a mixed time you must have all shared but what a blessing for you all to be together. We pray God's protection over Andy.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad he was able to come home again. He's definitely in our prayers!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing to have so many friends and family members praying for him and you. I like that commercial that talks about the loved one that goes off to face the unknown, while the ones at home carry on through the same. It's so true.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be lifting you each up in prayer.
Hugs
So wish I could have been there to pray over you guys, but please know we will be praying anyway!!! Be safe Andy!
ReplyDeleteCan empathize with the emotions when being prayed over!
ReplyDeleteAdding Andy (and you) to our prayer list.
My cousin's son-in-law is also headed there in a short time.
So proud of these young men!
We will pray for him as he leaves, pray for him while he is in Afganistan and pray him back home.
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord fill you with His peace as you wait for Andys return, we are all so greateful for his sacrifice.
Meanwhile..you sure put on a nice spread!
Mari, this picture filled post is really special. As a mother I can also feel how difficult it must be for you. Your faith will see you all through.
ReplyDeletePraying that God will keep Andy safe.
Love
Lidj
I think the icicle is hilarious, and Oliver always makes me laugh. I'm so glad that Andy got to come home again before his deployment. I know how important church family and their prayer and support can be during deployments and other challenging times. I know you will feel their prayers lifting you up. I will be praying for him and your family as well. Keep us posted as much as you can!
ReplyDelete