Andy is gone for his Annual Training for the National Guard, and we are halfway through the two-week absence. We can’t wait to have him home in another week!

People ask me all the time if it’s hard when he’s gone. The answer is: it is – but we’ve come through so many of these times apart that it’s not too bad. It’s no longer a year apart. It’s no longer his crazy schedule in New Hampshire, where he was gone almost half the time. Two weeks in one year? Yep, we can handle that.

Here’s how I survive:

Parents. My parents are awesome and they are the first to step in and take the boys so I can have a break, or give me hugs when I’m all emotional. They are the best.

Pouting. Day One is always the hardest, and I find that if I just allow myself a time to pout and be grumpy about missing Andy, then I’m able to wipe my face and get on with life.

Projects. I’m working on some home improvement projects right now, and it gives me a great focus for my time, and my mind. And when Andy comes home, he’ll have the awesome surprise of seeing a few things on his to do list – already done.

People. Without Andy, there’s more room in my schedule to put other friends and family in. It’s a nice shift to have on occasion, and one of the upsides to a separation.

I didn’t mean for those to all be “p” words, but it sure looks pretty! So is it hard? Yep. But we get by, and make the most of it. One more week!!