I shared some exciting news with Annie about Josh Downs and his homecoming last night which sent her into a sqealing, jumping, singing frenzy.
About 15 minutes later, she was standing in front of my desk with her head hung low and tears streaming down her eyes.
When I asked what was wrong, she said that it had just been too long since she had seen her daddy.
I just sat and held her for awhile, realizing that I had been doing the exact same thing for weeks now; butterflies and excitement one minute, followed by tears the next because it just feels like it's been too long.
Coley came in to see what all the estrogen was about and then he picked Annie up out of my arms and carried her away.
A few minutes later, I walked down the hallway and found him reading to her...
And then it was her turn to read to him.
Eventually, an 11 year old grows tired of being read to by a 6 year old though.
And telling that 11 year old that he has to sit through rest of the book to encourage the 6 year old doesn't help.
He's just like his mom...the love runs deep...but the patience wears thin.
Later in the evening, Josh called and I said, "I don't know what's up with Annie and I, but one minute we're happy and excited and the next minute we're in tears?" to which he replied, "I know what's up...you're girls."
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...Thanks for loving your girls just the way we are.
OH man~ that is so sweet!!! What a great big brother : ) Here's to many more happy thoughts than tears!
Posted by: Rachelle S | February 21, 2012 at 09:28 AM
OMGoodness I love these photos. That Coley is a sweetheart.
Posted by: Mary Ann Jenkins | February 21, 2012 at 09:29 AM
You have raised some pretty amazing kids! I had a hard time reading the rest of the blog, due to the sobbing I was doing.
Posted by: Kelli | February 21, 2012 at 09:47 AM
That first shot....good grief!! I would no doubt frame that little gem. The dangling hearts just seal the deal. What a sweet boy you are having compassion on your lil sis Cole! Im sure you make your Mamma awful proud!
Posted by: Melinda~ | February 21, 2012 at 10:12 AM
Wow. Your son is a good little man.
Posted by: Miranda | February 21, 2012 at 10:19 AM
I love, love, love these shots! You have one very sweet family. Congrats to you and Josh for a job well done!
Posted by: Deb | February 21, 2012 at 10:23 AM
Wow, this totally gave me goosebumps! What a wonderful young man you are raising. He's amazing!!
Posted by: Amy Coose | February 21, 2012 at 10:36 AM
That's how God made us unpredictable and full of emotion!!! I'm so excited for you :)
Posted by: Nicole Prather | February 21, 2012 at 10:41 AM
I LOVE your family!!
Posted by: stacy | February 21, 2012 at 10:44 AM
I don't know about you, but it is a big deal for me when I see glimpses of the kind of man and father my son will be. Cole is going to be a good one. What a sweet moment.
Posted by: Cyndi | February 21, 2012 at 10:52 AM
I think that this is the sweetest post that I've ever read on your blog.
and when you realize that your love runs deep and your patience runs thin with your children, read this again and again...
You're doing something amazing Karen Russell and Josh Downs, you've got some amazing and loving kids in your family. Wonder where they learned that?
Posted by: Juli P | February 21, 2012 at 10:59 AM
Coley is a genius. Or open to God's leading. It's both.
Posted by: nancy boothe | February 21, 2012 at 11:03 AM
That is. So lovely Karen and the photos are gorgeous.
Ps I love all the hearts hanging from the ceiling.
Posted by: Leonie | February 21, 2012 at 11:08 AM
this just brought me to tears.
that son of yours is one amazing kid.
seriously, he's so YOU!
tara
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | February 21, 2012 at 12:05 PM
That Coley sure is a sweet boy. Praying that you'll all be together soon and the only tears that will be shed are happy ones.
Posted by: Sally Davidson | February 21, 2012 at 12:57 PM
I love the relationship that your kids have with each other. That a big brother who could be off doing his own thing cares enough about his six year old sister when she is hurting is very sweet. What a blessing they must be in your life.
Every time I check your blog I hold my breath waiting for the exciting news that Josh Downs is home! I am so excited for you and your family!
Posted by: Stephanie | February 21, 2012 at 12:57 PM
You go Coley! Pray you never lose that tender awareness of recognising when someone needs a hug. Bless you guys xxx
Posted by: young nanny | February 21, 2012 at 01:13 PM
My word, Karen. I came over here a few days ago because someone raved about your workshop which I can't take right now, but...it is like a little slice of heaven over here. Heaven and real life mixed together. Thanks for letting us peek in. You're a blessing.
Posted by: Tracy P. | February 21, 2012 at 01:37 PM
This makes my heart sing and cry all at once! Soon Josh will be home!!!!!
Posted by: Nichole Czajkowski | February 21, 2012 at 01:56 PM
This and your last post (the shirt) made me cry! I can't wait for your post telling us Josh is home! Also, can you tell us more about her heart mobile? I love it and want one in my baby girl's room.
Posted by: Lacey | February 21, 2012 at 02:05 PM
This is a priceless moment. So happy for you that Josh Downs will be home soon!
Posted by: Amy | February 21, 2012 at 02:52 PM
I am thinking about you and checking in every day just WAITING for that picture of Josh hugging you guys and finally HOME!!! You have some very sweet kids! I love reading your blog! :) Thank you for all the inspiration! You ROCK! :)
Posted by: Desiree | February 21, 2012 at 02:54 PM
Stop making me cry Karen Russell! hehe. Can't wait to see photos of his homecoming!! yay, so excited for y'all! My hubby has been away all month and I miss him terribly! He isn't off doing nearly as brave as your hubby but I do miss him and I know sometimes work has to come first. Thanks again to your family and to Josh Downs for all that he is doing for our great country! Hugs from Conroe, TX
Posted by: Nancy Wyatt | February 21, 2012 at 03:21 PM
I'm pretty sure Coley is the sweetest boy alive.
Posted by: Jaimie | February 21, 2012 at 03:28 PM
Awww, you can't teach that....Cole is a sweet kid! Love the pics--her little mouth reading is priceless!! :o
Posted by: kat-in-texas | February 21, 2012 at 03:44 PM
Can I have Cole? Please?
Posted by: K | February 21, 2012 at 04:18 PM
You and Josh Downs are raising an amazing man,
Posted by: Jessica | February 21, 2012 at 04:32 PM
These are the sweetest, sweetest photos! And I know I don't know you, but somehow I have goosebumps for you....and a lump in my throat. I have been to the homecoming of a friends husband from Iraq and about 3 bus loads more and it was one of the most emotional days of my life. I felt deep emotions for people I didn't even know, it was a glorious day!
Posted by: Kim Stevens | February 21, 2012 at 04:59 PM
I hope it's really soon that Josh comes home, because I find myself holding my breath every time I go to your blog. I wonder "will there be homecoming pictures today?". If I am feeling this anxious and I don't even know you, then I can only imagine how anxious all of you must be feeling! I hope it's soon...for YOUR sake.
Posted by: Laura | February 21, 2012 at 05:28 PM
What a great big brother! And what a great moment you captured between them.
love it!
Posted by: Gayle S | February 21, 2012 at 07:07 PM
This is the sweetest post. I just love it.
Posted by: Maxly | February 21, 2012 at 08:06 PM
That boy of yours is such a sweetie. Can't wait to read that post that says Josh Downs is finally home. Will be praying for a safe return.
Posted by: Laura M. | February 21, 2012 at 08:07 PM
Every so often I want to fill my husband in on your life, and I start to tell him about a blog post. He says "wait, who is this?" and I say, the blogger I read who's husband is now in Afghanistan...? and she ends every post with 'and if you're reading this Josh Downs...? Remember?" And he says, 'oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, go on..." and I read him your post. Right now he's watching Biggest Loser, but next commercial...you can be sure I'm sharing this post with him. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I pray for your family.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Atkins | February 21, 2012 at 08:54 PM
P.S. I read your post to my hubby at the next commercial and then I said, he must be coming home soon. He said 'I hope so'. We are strangers to you, but please know we are praying for your family.
Posted by: Linda Atkins | February 21, 2012 at 08:58 PM
What an thoughtful, loving big brother Coley is! Can't wait to see the "He's HOME!" posts! Thanks for sharing the journey with us. You have an amazing family, Ms. Karen.
Posted by: Lisa Valente | February 22, 2012 at 02:43 AM
Love the love that's shared in your family! You and Josh Downs are doing a great job! I can't wait for all of you to be together again!
Posted by: Corrine | February 22, 2012 at 05:06 AM
I so cannot WAIT for the homecoming photos! Such sweet, loving kids you are raising. Love your stories, Karen!
Posted by: Katie J | February 22, 2012 at 06:27 AM
oh, will you just hurry home Josh?? :) I keep checking for the homecoming photos.
this post makes me teary and happy at the same time. Coley carried her away? oh my goodness. Could you be any prouder, Karen? Amazing kids and an amazing mama.
Posted by: Kim S. | February 22, 2012 at 06:31 AM
This post shows exactly what being raised by a wonderful, loving momma is all about. Karen every time you feel unsure of your parenting skills look back on this post (and several others are good examples too) and know that you are raising good kids. Coley is going to grow up to be a fine young man like Josh and Ross. You are so blessed! Have a wonderful day chica!
Posted by: Dolly | February 22, 2012 at 07:00 AM
Now THAT, Karen, is what big brothers are for. Cole is an amazing young man :)
Posted by: Kelly Goree | February 22, 2012 at 08:14 AM
It's totally a girl thing.
I'm looking forward to that joyful post when Josh Downs returns!
Posted by: Nikol | February 22, 2012 at 08:16 AM
Thank you for raising a compassionate boy who will one day become a compassionate man :)
Posted by: Debbi G. | February 22, 2012 at 09:41 AM
You have the sweetest kids!! So, I am secretly waiting for that one homecoming picture to tell us Josh Downs is safe and sound in your arms with your message that you will be ditching your loyal blog stalkers to hang out with your family!! We are all so grateful to you, your family, and Josh Downs for your whole family's sacrifices for our country.
Posted by: Kelly B. | February 22, 2012 at 09:42 PM
tears, ms. russell. tears. always.
Posted by: Tess Smith | February 23, 2012 at 05:26 AM
What a sweetie that Cole is!!! I am also a lil teary reading this, I guess it's because I am a girl :) most likely though because I am a wife and a mother and I can't immagine what you guys are going through.
Posted by: Misty | February 23, 2012 at 12:46 PM
I'm so happy for you all that Josh's homecoming is getting closer. What a beautiful soul Coley has. I wish I could give him a big ol' hug for looking out for you and Annie so well. Continuing to keep your family in my prayers.
Posted by: Ann S | February 24, 2012 at 05:49 PM
I know you often post little tidbits that show you're pretty hard on yourself as a mom, but when I see a post like this, it shows that you're doing a fine job! I don't have kids yet but I pick up little tips from reading your blog that I think I'd like to implement someday. We'll see, but I do think that from what you've show here on your blog, you're a good example! And I really hope that one day, my kids will love and respect one another and their parents, as much as it comes through that yours do.
Posted by: Alicia | February 26, 2012 at 12:08 PM
Dear Cole,
You are one terrific kid and one terrific big brother!
You Rock!
Posted by: denise | February 27, 2012 at 06:39 AM
I love that boy of yours.
Posted by: Alissa H. | March 06, 2012 at 04:36 PM
Ya, got a little choked up my self when I saw this picture, as family is everything. So happy for you and your family that you made it back to them safe and sound Josh. May God continue to bless you all. Big hug coming to you all from Canada, enjoy each other always.
Linda
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summertime means it's pouring with rain.That's the UK for you!My new camera and lens were stolen from a burglary at my house this week.It took lots of camera envy during your workshop to buy it,and now I'm back to a point and shoot,again.Just as I'm off to Paris and a holiday with fab light in Spain.
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