Army Family Day

Today was the Army Family Day for the reserve unit that Jason is in. To be honest, I had not decided until yesterday if we would even attend it or not. Most of reasons were selfish, but I decided that it was important to attend and show just how much we appreciated Jason, how much we love him, how much we miss him, and how very proud of him that we are. I convinced my friend Kim and her kids to go with us since Kim's husband is deployed as well. (Thank you Kim for letting me talk you into it!) It was not as hard as I thought it was going to be...except for the fact that only a few people even spoke to us. It was really awkward. People were basically staring holes through us. I kept thinking I had something on me with the way we were being looked at. I felt like we were being avoided like the plague...just an FYI...just because my husband is deployed does not mean something is wrong with me, talk to me...I need friends and conversation. Secondly, just because you talk to me does not mean that your husband will be sent "over there". Ok I will get off my soap box now. :)
The kids had a great time playing on the inflatable slide and jumping castle. My brother Jeremy was there as well (he and Jason are in the same reserve unit) so it was great to spend some time with him (and to have someone to talk to).

Jackson and me ~ Jackson did not want to stop sliding to take this picture :)

Lil Miss Madeline ~ she climbed up the slide and came down all by herself (this kid keeps me busy)

Can you tell that the kids really did not want to stop playing for another picture? :)

The Crow and Wade families

My little brother Jeremy

Uncle Jeremy with Jackson and Madeline

I know I have blogged before about my conversations with Jackson and how much he truly is a source of joy in my life (especially on difficult days) Last night I had to have the dreaded conversation with him about where we were going today. I needed to explain to him that we were going to an Army family day, but that daddy would not be there even though other soldiers would be. Here is the conversation...

Me: Jackson, when you get up in the morning we are going to an Army Family Day

Jackson: "0k mommy, will I get to play?"

Me: Yes you will buddy. Jackson there will be soldiers there and some may even wear a uniform like daddy does, but daddy will not be there. Do you understand?

Jackson: "yes mommy, daddy will not be there"

Me: Do you know where daddy is Jack?

Jackson: "yes mommy" (and he proceeded to tell me where his daddy is)

Me: Do you know why daddy is over there?

Jackson: "yes mommy, he is protecting our country"...Mommy

Me: yes Jack

Jackson: "I love my daddy a lot"

Ok I am crying again just replaying the conversation in my mind.

Jason ~ we love you so much and I am so glad that we were able to attend the family day today in your honor to let everyone know how very much we love you and how very proud of you that we are!