the man of the house and his great return.

it's true! he has made his way through the dark days of school and is done (for the most part). i was explaining to him last night that i kind of felt like a single mommy for three months. i know that many of you have had your husbands physically gone for too long and this poses more challenges than i could fathom. but it was true all the same to have him "gone" emotionally and in the supportive sense. it was a bit much to try and make decisions on the whim if i knew he couldn't be bugged. it was challenging to do every single errand known to man on my own. many to which i tried to do at night while he was studying and the girls were in bed. there was a bonus to this 'stage' of our lives, however. jessa and i felt like we got lots of mommy and me time in. there were several occasions that i took her along with me to the craft store at night or to target for popcorn and a stroll down toy aisles. we both benefited from this special time. but there is nothing like having the man of the house 'checked out' for awhile. things are definitely not the same.

i've already noticed a change in his attitude. jacob is the type that does not get easily upset or stressed out. and even while studying full time and working overtime, he held it together better than anyone i've known. but this morning, he called with a pep in his voice that i haven't heard in a long time. he eagerly said, "good morning! how are you? i just wanted to call and say 'i love you'!" before, it was the same message, but with the sound of a lack of sleep and a wee bit of a stressed tone. i told him that he sounded a million times better and he replied, "it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders." we've already planned a special stay-at-home family night tonight with pizza and a movie. finally, he can come home and relax. something that home and family are meant for.