So ... our soldier girl has been home for the past two weeks.  It was supposed to be "Hometown Recruiting" duty, but they failed to inform her that she would need her own transportation.  (Something about that doesn't compute.  Army business - my car??? But that's another story.) 

Anyway ... it mutated into leave.  As an observant parent, I enjoy watching the interaction between my kids - I always have.  Now that they are all adults, it has changed, but it still fascinating.  I mean, the first born is still the first born, ya know?  lol  And the Boy-child is still the Boy-child, and of course, the baby will always be the baby.  While the girls were growing up, they were continuously at each others' throats (6 yrs between them), but finally they have become friends ... although they still push each others' buttons from time to time.   

I have enjoyed their interactions and wrestlings this past two weeks.  I have to go on record, though, and say that I abhor the first week or so after soldier-baby leaves home.  It is sooooo dreary & quiet!  She's the glue ... the silly putty of our family ... and it doesn't get easier to let her go ...

Last night (and probably tonight) all of us pile into my big bed along with the two cats and spotted dog to watch American Idol.  Whatever one might think of the show, it has become a "family" thing for us.  Even with our soldier-baby flying out at ... uh-um, at 0630 tomorrow (We'll have to leave the house between 0430 - 0500! Lord, have mercy!) , every time it is on, we'll be thinking of her - and she will watch when she can ... and text or call back & forth etc.  A family time ...   Ain't family GREAT!!! 

~ B