Amazing Gracie: Pueblo Children's Museum. . .

I was so excited to come home and blog about our trip to the Pueblo Children's Museum today, but that will have to wait. The good news is this is NOT a potty blog, the bad news is that Gracie is really missing Daddy. He is just about finished with Annual Training, which means he's been at Fort Carson for 2 weeks. The first week blew by because our schedule was packed full of new and exciting stuff. The second week has been much more normal and Daddy's absence is extremely noticeable. So today when we arrived back at Gracie's cousin's house we were all playing in their toy room (which you should have to pay admission for a visit!). Uncle Jeremy joined us for a round of Hi-Ho Cheerio and then some rough housing. After a few minutes of watching Alyssa and Jeremy play, her entire demeanor changed. She sat down on one of the chairs that was on the outskirts and just stared at them. It was obvious what was going through her mind. . .she missed her Daddy. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it again. I have NEVER seen this look on her face. . .it was truly heart-breaking. Sweet Uncle Jeremy (yes, you are a strong, brave cop, but you are also very kindhearted) tried to include her but she really did not want any part of it. On the way home I asked her why she was sitting alone and being so quiet, she replied "I just wanted to be playing with MY Daddy." It was so pitiful and there was nothing I could do or say to make it better at that moment. We quickly switched gears to what we would do and say when Daddy gets home, which put her in a much better mood. I guess the pit, that is still in my stomach, is imagining how I'll handle those type of questions when it is a real deployment. . .12 to 18 months out of the country. I try so hard not to allow myself to think about that time, but days like today make it impossible to control that anxiety. For now, I push back down the "what if's" and begin to get excited for his arrival home. Unfortunately, I'd be lying if I said this won't stick with me for a while. I guess I need to spend some time in Psalm 94:19, Psalm 112:7, Isiah 41, Romans 8:15, Philippians 4:6, 1 Peter 5:7, 1 Peter 3:6, and 1 John 4:18. Does anyone else see a theme here? I guess I really need to give up the the anxiety, worry and fear. Funny how I already have a peace after just reviewing these few scriptures. . .God is SO good!
So, back to the original blog. . .the Pueblo Children's Museum. We had a great time with Amy and Alyssa at the "Big Messy Art Adventure" Exhibit. Who new this was the #2 ranked Children's Art Museum in the Country? It was really fantastic. The girls made several pieces of original artwork, played (jumped, kicked, squealed) in the Andy Warhol Experience "Pillow Room", Danced their hearts out on a stage with a reactive background and even built sand ice cream cones in the indoor sandbox. Let's just say that the bedtime routine was REALLY easy tonight. Thanks for the invite, Amy!

The indoor sandbox. . .