walking on sunshine, running through rain

I got my first international phone call just after 9 PM tonight! Husband landed in Germany. Called me from cell phone. Bill is probably going to be a nightmare but his voice sounded like a dream. I was so happy to hear from you, baby! Said flight was 9 hours and he watched 3 movies off and on. Star Trek, which we had already seen. State of Play, which I want to see. And Night at the Museum 2, which I attempted to see at the drive in with the kids this summer. Didn't catch most of it from the commotion. But they enjoyed the outing. Ellie and Cici sat on top of the car while I sat inside with all the little ones... Sorry that airplane food gave you a bubbly tummy. Bet you are wishing for an MRE right about now, huh? LOL.
I was so freaking happy! MM sent me a text and told me that you let her hubby use phone to call her. I went to her son's football game today and by the time we got out of the house and made it there, the game was over. Her little girl is so precious. Even cuter than in all the photos I have seen. It was good to see her. She gave me the bracelet her husband made for me to wear til you get home. I think I will wear the one from last deployment on one arm and the new one on the other. Just cause I want you "doubly" home, "doubly" fast, and "doubly" safe. It's really pretty. I like it. Cheerleading with the North Texas Youth Football Association costs 250.00. Can't budget that right now. Will have to keep looking.
I went and bought a webcam and set up a skype account. Just hoping we can do some video chat sometime while you are gone, Mr. D. You would have loved this. We drove by these apartments on the way home today that had a guy dressed up as a CLOWN with a sign that said 99.00 move in special! I laughed! I just know they would've lost your business with that one!
I made pork chops for dinner. Forgot about your bean soup recipe. Will do it tomorrow.
Then, all hell broke loose. My precious titanium ring... I thought I lost it. I took it off when I was getting the kids out of the bath, lotion, soap, etc. And the bruiser got a hold of it since I didn't immediately put it back on. So I just knew it was down the drain. So I pitched a huge fit. Tears and ranting. I was so upset. I knew it was a flood of emotions that I had been bottling up. That was just the catalyst I needed to let that go. So my smiles turned to frowns.
I found it though. Well, Cici and Elliebear found it. Bruiser had taken it into their bedroom along with my deployment bracelets that I had taken off. And I had to explain to them, for the first time what I am really going through. I told them my heart was hurting. I told them that you are going into a dangerous situation. I told them I need them to be strong and it will help me be strong. I explained the importance of the ring to them. I told them I loved them. And I appologized for blowing up. Cici wanted to know why you would join the military anyway. So I told them that you were protecting your country. Cici said "well was he drafted or what?" (I think she was jabbing one in on you there, "old Rusty"...)And at that point I couldn't help but laugh. So she provided a huge ice breaker and I think we are ok now.
I have agreed to watch the Xmen movie with them. We are going to stay up late, have some popcorn, and just be as much of a family as we can in your absence. I love you, wonderful and brave husband of mine. I hope you call again soon to let me know you have made it safely to your destination. I am thinking of you and loving you from home...