Semper Gumby

I'm having a Semper Gumby moment.  Or two.  If you're a Marine Corps family member you already know what I'm talking about.  But for those who aren't, Semper Gumby is our way of saying, always flexible!  It is the motto we Marine wives live by.  (And a cute play on words for Semper Fi.)  You never know what adventure or challenge lies around the corner so flexibility is key!

A few days ago my Marine called and told me he was coming home early.  While I love those words, they are normally loaded.  And so it is that this morning he left for a training exercise only two months after he got home from deployment.  How's that for timing?

When I found out I worried about our oldest, as he is really at an age where he needs dad.  He sets his alarm early each morning so he can hang out with him.  He's started working out so he and dad can have male bonding time and has even put forth the effort to do it on his own to "impress his dad".  He wants him to shuttle him to football practice.  So how can it not break my heart that dad has to leave again when they're cultivating this new, different, more grown up almost relationship?

And then there's the fussbucket.  I know he doesn't know what's going on.  What I do know is that he runs to the front room and points out the window saying "da da" when he comes home.  That he rides on daddy's, and only daddy's, shoulders.  That da da tosses him in the air and gives him his bath.  So those moments that he loves are gone for a while.  Their budding relationship has to take a break so soon after being reacquainted. 

Being the supermom that I attempt, and coincidentally frequently fail, at being I try to have some fun things to do with the kids and focus on the positives.  So here goes...the top five reasons I'm glad my husband is gone!

5.  I have the bed all to myself!

4.  The sarcastic harassment will be kept to a minimum, if any, since our contact will be limited.

3.  I am the sole person in charge.  Yippee...

2.  No more cooking!  It's back to the frozen dinner diet!

1.  I have the remote all to myself!  Time to get caught back up on all my girly shows!

So, here's to TV dinners in front of the TV and having my kids undying love and attention...right???  Or at least to having that fabulous "first" kiss again soon.  Semper Gumby!