His favorite coffee mug is one he stole from me (and I love that about him).
We haven't seen a whole lot of eachother lately (he's filling in for two weeks out of every month over at Kingsley Field while his boss is deployed in Afghanistan for eight months) and when he is home, his regular job is taking him out of town a lot too.
I don't really feel like I can complain though...he's not in Afghanistan afterall.
When he has been home though, I haven't been the easiest person in the world to get along with (just struggling with a few things and probably kind of ticked off that he's never home which is magnified every single morning and every single night when Annie cries for him).
He just keeps doing what he's always done though; brings home flowers every Friday, calls me and the kids in the morning when he wakes up, when he gets off of work and again before he goes to bed, rubs my shoulders when he knows I'm stressed, packs lunches for all of the kids when he's home, makes me laugh, puts away the dishes, is patient, etc., etc., etc.
My best friend in the whole-wide-world has a husband kind of like that too and when I was single, he always kind of played the male-role in my life (giving me financial advice, researching the safest carseats for me, etc.) I've always joked that he did it because he thinks he is the boss of me...but realistically, I think he did it because he's always known that in order to be Jill's husband, he would have to like me.
Anyhow, Jill's husband knows that I've been blue & cranky and that Jill's been kind of blue & cranky too so he told her that he thought Jill and I should go to the beach together for the weekend. And Josh thought it was a great idea too. (I know that kind of makes it sound like we're the kind of girls who need our husband's permission to go out of town...heck no.)
It's been four years since just the two of us went somewhere for the weekend together.
So we're going to Newport tomorrow (which is exactly where we went four years ago).
And yes, it means that I won't get to see Josh Downs this weekend while he's home. But I need it. I just need some time with no computer and no work and no whining and no one who needs something from me.
Just me and Jill and some thrift shops and some good food.
Back on Monday.
Have a great time Karen-and take lots of pictures!
Sounds like you have a great husband in Josh Downs!!
Posted by: Bobbi in KY | October 09, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Have the best time ever with Jill (your best friend in the whole-wide world) Can't wait to hear your stories, and see the pictures of your weekend!
Posted by: Mary Ann | October 09, 2008 at 10:37 AM
holy crap! what SWEET guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i WISH!
Posted by: michelle evans | October 09, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Good for you, girl! You go and have fun and relax. I can so relate with you (although I have only one little girl to run after). My husband is a firefighter and during fire season,he can be gone A LOT. It's always hard for our little girl (she's 2 1/2) and she is constantly asking "where's Daddy?" My husband leaves on Sunday for 6 weeks of training; he will come home a couple weekends, but otherwise it will be a long stretch. But in two weeks, I am going on a scrapbook retreat weekend and my mom is watching my daughter; so that will be my break from the stress. :)
Posted by: Vicki A | October 09, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Have a wonderful time with Jill! Just have fun, shop and relax.
Can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.
Posted by: fran heupel | October 09, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I love Newport! Your girl's weekend sounds like an excellent idea. Have fun!
You probably already know this but at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse there is a set of stairs leading down to the rocky beach. If the tide is out you can see starfish and all kinds of cool stuff. Usually the designated tide pool area is a dud. Walking up the hill that’s in the same area as the lighthouse is also fun and it has a good view if you want to see far far out. All of this of course is depending on if it's foggy or not.
Posted by: violetkey | October 09, 2008 at 10:56 AM
enjoy the break!
Posted by: kate | October 09, 2008 at 10:56 AM
how super sweet....and you guys both totally deserve it....i am headed to montana soon for the same.exact.thing. great minds think alike hmmm?? i hope you guys have an AMAZING time!! Tell Jill hello! :)
Posted by: Tanya Webster | October 09, 2008 at 10:57 AM
I have a hubby just like yours, we are very lucky, aren't we?! Have a great weekend break!
Posted by: Heather Prins | October 09, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Oh, enjoy!!!!!!!!!! And take lots of yummy pictures so you can show us, okay?! Travel safely!
Posted by: Crystal | October 09, 2008 at 11:09 AM
There is NOTHING like girlfriend time.... fortunatly for me my boss is also my best girlfriend and we are leaving Monday for 3 weeks to Australia/ New Zealand.. She is teaching painting classes but we get some free time to play also.... Can't wait... Have a great time at the coast and take lots of pictures... I hope I can read your blog while I am gone as I am totally addicted... LOL
Posted by: Flo | October 09, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Have a great weekend with Jill! Sometime you just need a weekend with your best gal pal!
Posted by: Dina | October 09, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Good for you! But take pictures and bring back for us so we can be jealous. :-)
Posted by: Amy | October 09, 2008 at 11:43 AM
sounds like heaven.
Posted by: Stephanie Ainsburg | October 09, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Have a fabulous time! Eat drink and be happy enjoy the quiet. Hugs Grace
Posted by: Grace | October 09, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Your hubby sounds like a sweet, caring guy!
Enjoy your weekend away. It sounds lovely!
Posted by: Brenda | October 09, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Have a great weekend! Enjoy your time!
Posted by: Jamie S. | October 09, 2008 at 12:41 PM
I totally get it!! I need time away too, from the latter, someone always needing something from me! I went to dinner with some girlfriends last night and it was so delightful to eat a whole meal that was HOT without having to get up and get something for the kids. How do they always know right after you sat down? My hubby is fabulous and home a ton more than your Josh Downs but girls/mamas still need that down time away from it all! Enjoy yourself and rejuvenate!!
Posted by: angie | October 09, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Have a great girls' weekend!!!!
Posted by: Gina | October 09, 2008 at 01:42 PM
What a great guy. Enjoy your well earned weekend with Jill.
Posted by: Paola Norman | October 09, 2008 at 01:55 PM
How exciting!! Comin' to Cali!! Have a great time and enjoy the weather!! You missed the heatwave.. it's going to cool off for you gals just in time!!
Posted by: Teresa B | October 09, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Sounds like just what the doctor ordered... Think I could use that too, oh yeah I do have that coming up weekend after this is our " Scrapbook Girls Retreat" you know you are invited to that too....
Have a great time
Laura P
Southern OR
Posted by: Laura Plunk | October 09, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Good for you! It's always good to take some time off....and we know you don't need permission, it just takes a lot of preparation and coordination with everyones' schedules to make it happen.
Enjoy yourself!
Posted by: Val in Ohio | October 09, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Everybody needs some time to themselves ... so just enjoy and have a wonderful time.
Posted by: Susan L (lily40au) | October 09, 2008 at 03:31 PM
AMEN, SISTER!!!
Y'all have fun doing whatever YOU want to do!!!
Nobody "PAWING" at you!
YEAH!!!
Posted by: kat-in-texas | October 09, 2008 at 04:43 PM
It's great that you can your girlfriend Jill can take the weekend off. Enjoy it and don't log on to the computer. While you don't need permission from your hubbies, it's wonderful to know that they're aware of your moods and needs.
Posted by: Kim | October 09, 2008 at 05:39 PM
have tons of fun with your best friend in-the-whole-wide-world!
:0)
Posted by: aja | October 09, 2008 at 05:42 PM
I love Newport. I visited my best friend in Eugene (I am in WI) and she took me there to see the walruses and seals. The light house were wonderful...what a view.
Posted by: Sandy | October 09, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Have a blast out at the coast! If you haven't been there before, check out Cafe Stephanie's down in Nye Beach (BEST sandwiches!!) and Local Ocean Seafood down on the bayfront, down towards the end of the pier. Oh, and there's a new Irish Pub down in Nye Beach, Nana's place....the best chicken pot pie I've ever had! ;)
Posted by: Sarah | October 09, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Have a great time! Oh, how I can relate to the need to be away from it all, to have time to recuperate and refocus. I bought a book today: The Love Dare. While my "boys" (husband and younger son) are away in Florida for a marching band competition, I will read and refocus myself--at home.
Posted by: Olivia Fulmer | October 09, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Hey its all about Enjoying the moments! So ENJOY ;) have a great weekend!
Posted by: jenn | October 09, 2008 at 06:30 PM
Have the best time! You deserve some ME time! Can't wait to hear all about it Monday!
:J
Posted by: MamaJayne | October 09, 2008 at 07:32 PM
AW!!! What a sweet guy Josh Downs is!!111 Have an awesome time!!! I know the feeling of needing to just get away!!
Posted by: Katie | October 09, 2008 at 07:37 PM
My husband and I are prior military and spent a great deal of time apart, especially in the first 8 years of our marriage. The hardest separations were the ones that occurred every few weeks over an extended period of time when one or the other of us was on sea duty and doing work-ups with the ship (In two weeks out for two or three weeks for months at a time)that would be followed by a 6-10 month separation. It is incredibly difficult and frustrating, more so than most understand. It really tests a person's emotions and patience all of which seem to hit from out of nowhere, usually making you feel that you are either being crabby all the time or are completely losing your mind. It's hard not to blame the other person even if you know that the only reason you're pissed is because you want them to be there...NOW! My only advice, hang in there and don't be too hard on yourself. I hope you have a great time at the beach and come back nice and refreshed! (((Hugs)))
Posted by: Kelly | October 09, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Have a great time!
Posted by: Sharon | October 09, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Hi there girl Just wanted to say how I love the way you think. Your pic of punkin patch were just wonderful and loved Annies outfit. You probably don't remember me but have taken many of your classes at Scrapbook Connection.
I have been dropping hints like crazy to hubby for a new camera for Christmas {Since you made fun of mine at your photography class} Is the Cannon Rebel a good starter one? Let me know if you read this. Many thanks to you for the smiles you bring to my face. Kathy Carson kmcarson@charter.net
Posted by: | October 09, 2008 at 09:48 PM
Lucky girl! I can't wait til my baby is old enough that I can go away for a while without the kids (sounds horrible, right?) But we mom's NEED breaks. Especially when there are tending to four precious gems. Have a great time!!
Posted by: Denean | October 10, 2008 at 03:25 AM
Hi Karen :)
Married life is evidently working for you both and its so nice to see it through your blog! You are both awesome people, with awesome friends...total blessing thats for sure!!
Enjoy your time away with your friend, as I say to my teenage boys...no situation lasts forever, enjoy the positive of now for now....then move on!
Debs
Posted by: Debs | October 10, 2008 at 04:31 AM
have a wonderful weekend!!!!
Posted by: traci | October 10, 2008 at 06:21 AM
can i come???
Posted by: karla | October 10, 2008 at 06:32 AM
Have a great time with Jill and be careful dancing on the tables ;o) We all need some of that away time.
Posted by: Ann | October 10, 2008 at 07:14 AM
AMEN SISTER! I am having a weekend without the husband as well, and I sooooo need it. He doesn't quite understand why I need it, which is unfortunate, but I am really looking forward to the "recharge".
Posted by: Laurel | October 10, 2008 at 08:00 AM
I sure wish I had a girlfriend to do that with! You are one special lady!
Posted by: Juel | October 10, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Enjoy yourself and have a safe trip. We all need some time for ourselves to just get rejuvenated if nothing else. It helps to make us better moms and wifes.
Posted by: Colleen Barron | October 10, 2008 at 08:14 AM
You and your best friend are very lucky to have great husbands and each other (and of course they are lucky to have you two also) so you go and have the best time ever and your adoring fans will be sending you happy vibes and waiting to hear all about your girls only trip.
Posted by: dragonflydreamer | October 10, 2008 at 11:29 AM
Have a WONDERFUL time! You deserve it. Little trips can be so energizing!
Posted by: Malinda | October 10, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Go and have a great time!!!
Posted by: Lisa | October 10, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Will you be teaching the 6x12 transparent album at the Scrapbook Junkie? She hasn't announced what the 2nd class will be. Please, please. If not, let me know so I can order it. Thanks
Posted by: Sandy Horton | October 10, 2008 at 01:51 PM
I feel your pain. My DH is working out of town and I have a 3 yr. old who is trying to get himself hurt! Drives me nuts!
Have a wonderful and most deserved weekend you lucky woman you.
I also received your stamps and I have to say they were the highlight of my week! (small life right now I know!)
They are just as amazing in person as they looked on the web! They are beautiful!
Posted by: Lisa | October 11, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Yah for you gal friends :)
Bxo
Posted by: Rebecca Vavic | October 13, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Hey, that's a great mug...I think I have one just like it!! Tell Josh we are proud that HE is a Scrapbook Clubhouse Diva also!! Miss you!!
~Jenn
Posted by: Jennifer Wilson | October 14, 2008 at 06:06 PM
Oh my goodness.
He is so adorable.
"ONLY REAL MEN DRINK OUT OF SCRAPBOOK CLUBHOUSE DIVA MUGS"
I love this picture.
It reminds me of all the wonderful times that you were at the Scrapbook Clubhouse in Connecticut.
I loved every time you were there.
Sooooooooooooo
When are you coming back??????????
Posted by: MARIA YARASAVICH | November 29, 2008 at 02:25 AM