Its the most wonderful time of the year

We've had a fantastic December and hope everyone else has too. Its been so nice to have a lot of time to spend together. Lindsay, Russell, Calvin, and Mason came to visit from Ohio. We took them to the 1st Cav Museum on post (AKA Little Boy Heaven). The boys couldn't get enough of the tanks and helicopters. Lindsay and Russell watched the boys overnight so we could continue our Christmas Steak Dinner Tradition. We had a great get-a-way to Austin, thanks for making it possible, Lindz and Russ! Christmas was wonderful and we hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did.

3 Cute boys by a tank.

Not sure if Ezra's pointing his sword, gun, arrow or other weapon of choice. Whatever it is, you can be sure he learned it from Max.

The boys didn't want to miss a thing.

Our pre-dinner photo shoot. Another fantastic Christmas Steak dinner, thank you Ruth's Chris!

Winking Ezra and Grinning Mason.

Thanks for coming to visit Roberts Family!!

Miracle of miracles, it snowed here (sort of) on Christmas Eve.

Here's Ezra saying "EYE!" after snow got in it. He wasn't pleased.

Here are the boys in their costumes for the Christmas Eve Pageant. With only 4 people (and only 3 who can say their lines) we each had lots of parts but we had a great time.

The boys posing by the treats and note they left Santa (as you can see, Max is sampling them.)

Hurray for Buzz Lightyear Jammies from Grandma Lillie and Grandpa Cory! We love them!

The Christmas Morning Scene.

If you've never heard Ezra's horse impression, you're missing out. He squealed with delight when he saw his horse.

The 2 buckaroos.

Max's new castle. His favorite part is putting people in the dungeon.

Ezra got the hang of his remote control train and had a great time. All three boys were busy playing all day long.

Homecoming

Well, Ephraim came home! When the 1st CAV soldiers come home they have a ceremony at the parade grounds with horses and everything. While we were waiting for the soldiers to arrive from the airfield, they let the kids go up and pet the horses. Ezra would have nothing to do with them. He just stared with this look on his face:

The soldiers pulled up on white buses and got into formation behind the buses and then the buses drove away, revealing the soldiers Extreme Makeover style. Then, they marched up and stood at attention for a really quick speech

Then the families were told to charge the field......

and we found him. Hurray!!!

So glad to have him back!

Sunday Morning Thoughts

Max has been practicing his letters so he helped me make this sign for Ephraim's homecoming. I can't describe how surreal it is that this deployment is actually coming to an end. Its hard to focus on anything besides the fact that in a few weeks I'll have my husband back.

In the 11 months since Ephraim left for Iraq, I've felt so much support and love from family and friends. I really need to say thank you. Thank you for sacrificing to come visit us, for opening your homes to us, for prayers, letters, calls, emails, boxes of treats, and blog comments letting us know that you're thinking about us. Thank you to everyone who listened when I needed to vent about my kids, my calling, or my dirty house or just when I was feeling lonely.

I also have to express gratitude to my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. I've felt the hand of the Lord in my life and seen His tender mercies. I'm grateful for the influence of the Spirit that's brought me peace and motivation. I'm grateful Ephraim has been protected.

This last year has taught me that I can do hard things. I can't do everything or please everyone but I can do my best and that's enough.

I'm overwhelmed with how much I love these boys. Even on the craziest days, I'm so happy to be their mother. I'm grateful they're healthy, happy, and that they love each other. The other day Max hugged Ezra and said "Best brothers forever!"

We're so proud of Ephraim and all those that serve our country. Even from a distance, Ephraim has been a wonderful dad and husband. We're thrilled to have our little family together again soon!!

And to thank everybody who made it through this lengthy and mushy post, here are some bonus pictures of the boys. Ephraim sent them an inflatable super suit with big muscles. Enjoy!

Toy Story Tribute

Yes, I'm biased but I thought Max and Ezra made a pretty cute Buzz and Woody. Ezra got the hang of trick-or-treating really quick and wanted to eat each treat immediately. They both had a blast emptying their loot and I had a good time confiscating the good stuff.

Carving Action

The boys and I enjoyed carving scary faces on our pumpkins. I'm more excited about the toasted seeds myself. I thought the boys would love the squishy pumpkin guts but Max informed me they don't like getting dirty (I don't buy that one).

Virginia

The boys and I had a fantastic time visiting Ephraim's family in Virginia (the 35 pictures below are evidence). The boys loved every minute with Grandpa and Grandma, Aunt Hayley, Uncle Adam, Uncle Jake, cousin Ellie, and all the dogs. The trampoline, the Smithsonian Zoo, and the beach area in Grandma and Grandpa's neighborhood were also big hits. We were so glad we had the chance to celebrate cousin Ellie's first birthday and spend time with Uncle Jake before he headed off to El Salvador on his mission. Thanks for a great vacation! Can't wait to see you guys again!

P.S. I was blessed on the drive home with angelic boys. In a 10-hour stretch we only had to stop once. The whole trip was a miracle straight from heaven.

P.P.S. 5 (ish) more weeks until Ephraim comes home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!