November 18, 2011
Doug comes home tonight after two weeks of traveling and more than three months of working late nights and Saturdays.
This fall’s tax season has been especially brutal for him due to extra traveling, presentations to prepare for, and additional deadlines for the SEC (I really don’t know what I’m talking about when I say Q3s and such – I’m just throwing numbers and letters out there.)
I may not understand the specifics of Doug’s work, but I do know we’ve seen less of him this Autumn than we have as long as he’s been an accountant.
This parody on growing up to be a tax accountant will give you an idea for his life. Our friend, who emailed this to us and is also a tax accountant, said, “I don’t know if I should laugh or cry.”
While Doug’s been out of town Ali had three cavities filled, Gordon fell off the bed and bruised his jaw so he couldn’t chew for a day, Eliza and Ali had their warts burned off leaving Ali with an enormous blister that covers the entire back of her knee – so painful she can’t bend it. Everyone had flu shots, including me, and yesterday we tried for a family photo – I had to have one taken of just the kids because we couldn’t find a time Doug could be there (sad commentary, I know).
Needless to say, we are all leaping for joy at the thought of him coming home.
Despite the fact that Doug’s job has been out-of-control busy and I’m super lonesome for him, I am grateful he has a job. I’m grateful he works hard to provide for us so I can be with our children during these intense years.
That said, I know his heart wants to be with us here at home.
One way he stays connected to us is through a morning text. Here are a few we’ve received over the last two weeks. I don’t trump Doug enough for the way he tries to balance his professional life with our family life and still fit in a busy church calling, exercise, and a rare moment for himself.
Maybe these little blips on my phone will give you a flavor for who he is, how aware he is of our kids, what he wants to teach them, and how often he tells them he loves them.
November 6, 2011
Eliza, Ali, Sami, Spencer, Gordon – I love you all. Please be kind to each other like Jesus is kind. Mommy will need you all to be extra helpful while I’m in Virginia. Please help Mommy clean up the house and be obedient. Also, remember to eat worms for breakfast everyday. 🙂
I found Spencer on the kitchen counter with five pieces of gum in his mouth.
November 8, 2011
Good morning everyone! Today will be a great day. Are you eating your worms? I prayed for all of you and asked Heavenly Father to keep you safe. Ali – how are you feeling today? I prayed for you too. I miss you all. Remember to say your prayers. Also, please ask mommy how you can help her today. Spence and Gordy – let’s play bear chase when I’m home. I love you very much. Daddy
Two weeks of artwork.
November 10, 2011
Cho-un acheem, cho-un acheem, good morning (in Korean). Happy Thursday! Eliza – have a great day at school. Is your snowman still standing outside? Ali – I can’t wait to see your cavity-free smile. Sami – have you done any artwork this week? I love all the cards you and your sisters make for me. Spence – will the weather be nice enough to mow the lawn on Saturday? Gordy – let’s play some Star Wars on Saturday. You, me, and Spence will try to save the galaxy together. I love you all. Mommy – I miss you greatly and look forward to being with you again.
Notes from the girls
November 15, 2011
Good Morning Ali, Sami, Spence and Gordy – sorry we didn’t get to see each other this morning. I love you all and will miss you while I’m gone. Please be Mommy’s great helpers while I’m gone. I’ll look for Mickey and Minnie Mouse while I’m in Orlando and will send you a picture if I see any. Ali – how is your leg this morning? I said a prayer for you and asked Heavenly Father to help you endure the pain and that you will heal quickly. I’m on the plane now and ready to take off. I love you all.
Wound care twice a day has been no picnic for Ali
November 16, 2011
Good Morning Chilluns – I’m just starting my day. It’s very warm here… and humid. It feels like summer and it’s nice to be in a warm place. I have a little free time this afternoon so I’m going to go on a princess and prince hunt at Downtown Disney. If I find any I will take pictures of them and send them to you. Ali and Eliza – how are your blisters today? Everyone – remember to eat turkey feet for lunch. I love you.
Doug missed this doozy of a tantrum. Over a lollipop.
November 18, 2011
It’s Friday! I’m looking forward to seeing all of you tonight. Since my plane lands late tonight you will all be in bed by the time I arrive home. However, I will check on each of you once I’m home. Mommy told me that some of you have not been helpful while I’ve been gone. You have the chance to change that today.
I want each of you to answer this question – what will you do to help mommy today? Once you decide what it is you’ll do, then you need to do it. Be kind to each other. Our best friends in life should be each other in our family. Remember that Jesus taught us to love one another. When we love each other it shows our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus as well. Those are the two things you need to focus on today – serving mommy and loving each other.
Eliza – good luck with your spelling test today. Ali and Sami – dance like princesses at dance class this morning. Spence and Gordy – keep us safe from all the bears.
The pink leaf shows what Sami was grateful for one day last week. Me too, Sam.
Mommy – you are my hero. I am a better husband, father and person because of your influence in my life. The same is true for our children. It may be difficult to see this when the days are so crazy and hectic, but I see it and know your example, love and teaching is blessing their lives. I love you.
I needed that today.
Five hours and counting…
Shells
I love, love, love these. I especially love that in the first text I read it as Doug telling the kids to help YOU be obedient. Separations are no fun, Dave always talks about how he goes into a state of entropy when we are apart. I move into survival mode. These guys are are sources of peace and comfort. Not that you need any encouragement, but give him an extra hug from us.
cristie
i'm with you Cath…so so thankful for daddy's who show up and do the "taxing" thing 😉 xox
Anne Marie
Cath, thanks for sharing these text messages. His fabulous sense of humor and caring come through loud and clear. A man who loves his woman and his kiddos a whole lot…we need many more of those in this world. So, thanks for giving us a little peek into Doug's heart.
I am SO sorry that it's been such a long spell of craziness with Doug's work. Here's to some relaxing days for you guys! xo
ellen
What a nice thing to say: Our best friends in life should be each other in our family.
TheKristencarol
oh wow that tax accountant video does make you want to laugh then cry. I love his sweet and funny texts. I still remember the dreamy, lovey, spiritually enlightening letters he's send you on the mission.
Deb
Sweet! Doug is such a great Dad…and you are such an amazing Mom! Love you guys!
Michelle
my darling friend, what a November you've had! I love you and your darling worm-eating children.
catharvy
Shells – that makes me laugh that you thought he was encouraging the kids to help ME be obedient. Not a bad idea!! And I loved your sweet tribute to Dave and husbands like him. "Dave always talks about how he goes into a state of entropy when we are apart." I understand. It's hard to go for so long living independent of each other. Thanks for your comment. Sure love you Michelle.
Cristie – "the taxing thing" – 😉 you clever girl. When it comes to hubbies, you sure got a good one. Love you both.
Anne Marie – such a thoughtful comment. Thank you friend. Here's hoping for a relaxing holiday week for you too. Happy Thanksgiving to your sweet family! xoxo
Ellen – I agree. And can I say I love that you live in a converted high school?! What a kick! Sounds like you're enjoying Boston. (Who wouldn't!?) Thanks for your comment.
Kristen – his letters… you make me laugh. Those were quite the letters weren't they? I have a vision right now of you sitting in the recliner chair wrapped in an afghan reading your scriptures. That little house on main… we have such good memories don't we?
Deb – we love you too. xo
Michelle – worm-eating.. cute. Thanks for braving the photo session with my five. You're the perfect balance of talent, effort and pragmatism. I love you.
Shirlee
Oh, Cath. I had no idea that Doug had been gone so long. That's the pits! I wish I had a better attitude like yours when Dave leaves for an extended time. Sometimes it's hard to believe it's not fun for them either.
Tonight he is fixing a bookcase that the kids emptied and then tipped over. Sound familiar?
Oh how our lives parallel. Just wish I could do it with your grace. Love you!
LizzyP
Those are so cute. I'm so glad to know that you are all together again. Or maybe I should be worried now that Dad's home to enforce the eating of worms and turkey feet.
pkmilele
Tender. Thanks for sharing. You have something special in that family of yours.
Lynn
Loved the video, and especially the texts. My husband will be traveling a lot over the next few months, so we'll have to start the concept of these great texts to our kids. Especially the parts about helping mommy!
KESLER KREW...Cami
I agree with you, you are thankful they have work but sometimes you miss them just as much as the kids do! I luv your posting of text! When we were in the thick of med school and residency I saved all of the emails (before text!) that Cam would send me to keep me going! We have continued this (more thru text now as well) and it always helps me a bit to hear that ding and see a little message, a little pick me up, to know that your husband is supporting you, thinking of you, and aware of you, even when he can't be around! Props to you Cath!!!
bostonshumways
Cath, I love these texts! I love getting a glimps into all the love you are all getting from doug. It makes me love doug even thiugh indont know him. It's beautiful. Fathers really complete a family, even if they're not physically there all the time.
Elizabeth
Lovely, lovely.
catharvy
Shir – "Sometimes it's hard to believe it's not fun for them either." lol. been there. And the bookcases? Ours are currently turned around so they face the wall. No shelves, no problem. 😉 I know you understand well how it is to go solo. Makes us so grateful for these good men in our lives.
Liz – you make me smile. xo
Bec – And you do too.
Lynn – Oh, sending prayers your way as you go it alone for a few months! How old are you twins now?
Cami – Oh – definitely, we miss them as much as the kids do! How sweet that you saved those emails from Cam. Those kind of notes of encouragement go a long ways. When's our next outing? Maybe something Christmasy in December? xo
Saydi – "Fathers really complete a family" – that is truth for sure! Just knowing they are a part of our circle, even when not home physically, is a real blessing. Wish the four of us could sit around and chat some night. Love you.
Elizabeth – you are a kind soul.