Wednesday, May 17, 2006

AN OOMPA REUNION

The waiting is over... finally!  In fact it would have been over sooner if we had checked the updated flight status because his flight landed early and Gabe was already at the baggage claim area when we got to the airport.  What a sight for sore eyes!  All the stress and fears I have felt since the start of his deployment instantly fell away.  My boy is home!

And oh the stories he has.  I suppose I was staring a lot but I still can't believe he's home with us.  He has an accent.  He's from Colorado.  We don't have accents here.  I guess the diversity of the military is starting to rub off on to him.  But my goodness, what a potty mouth!  At last count he owed Rocky over $40 for the Cuss & Fuss Fund.

All the hugs we've been saving up over the past months were redeemed today.  I kept the Oompas home from school so they were all waiting at the door when we drove up.  I can't remember when I last saw such unanimous joy on all of the kids faces, all at the same time! 

We had to regroup as far as Little Zachary goes.  I was totally devastated last night.  Poor Gabe was hoping that we were kidding and half expected to see his little son waiting for him at the airport.  Now we are making arrangements to fly Zachary and Kayle out here next week.  We are bound and determined to get them out here one way or the other.  Keep your fingers crossed for us that this plan works out.

Gabe spent the entire day at home with the family.  Later in the evening some friends came over to visit for a while before they kidnapped him and took him out to celebrate.  Its good to see him laughing and having a good time.  Its so funny listening to him talk.  Little things we take for granted... like fresh air, he marvels at.  Every time he walks past the fish tank he says hello to Henry the homicidal goldfish he gave the kids when he left for boot camp almost 2 years ago. 

Well, its been a very long day and I'm completely drained.  I have to go and recharge so I candish out more mama-fussings tomorrow. 


The Oompas and Mama looking at pictures on Gabe's laptop.  This is the closest they have been in ages without trying to inflict bodily harm upon each other. 

28 comments:

Anonymous said...

It amazes me Dorn, but I can see first hand something they say happens...

He left a boy and came back a man!!!!!!!!

Welcome home Gabe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Awww.... the pics are great!  I am so so so happy!  I couldn't sleep and I have been playing some silly games and praying that I would see an alert from you all night!  I am so happy for all of you...

I pray that Kayle and the baby get there soon!

Enjoy every second with your baby.... you all look great!!!

be well,
Dawn

Anonymous said...

YAY!  Finally home safe and sound!  That's one good looking boy you've got there.  Wonderful pictures!!

Nicole

Anonymous said...

Welcome home Soldier.  You have Grandpa's permission to indulge in...................................................................................................................................................................................................... or such.

Anonymous said...

Happy dancing over here.......welcome home GABE we are so proud of you!!!!!! Thank You Soldier!!!!! ok, now I need a tissue!!!!!!! Dorn, nothing feels better than knowing all your lil ones are safe and sound at home.

Anonymous said...

Welcome Home Gabe:)

Deb

Anonymous said...

how exciting, what wonderful pictures. I'm sure hope you can get the other ones here. That would make it complete.  Well have a great time. What a lovely family you have.

Anonymous said...

Welcome home Gage and thank you.   Dorn -- so happy for you all!

Anonymous said...

Dorn!  I can't believe you would waste one moment with Gabe to even write in the journal!!  But glad you did! lol  you sure have one great looking family!!

Welcome home Gabe!!   Glad you finally got home!  Your mama was turning blue holding her breath!!..

Anonymous said...

(standing up & cheering) TOUCH DOWN!!! THE HOME TEAM SCORES!!!! Sooo happy for you & yours. And the pictures are great. The pic where all of you are together, is so nice. That's one memory that will stick for a life time.


Butterflies, Bunnies, & Balloons......Brenda

Anonymous said...

Wow, Dickidoo Jr!
I'm glad Gabe is home. I hope the time will come very soon when he can be home, and not have to go back "over there."
-Paul
http://journals.aol.ca/plittle/AuroraWalkingVacation/

Anonymous said...

Dorn, I am so choked up over here.  I am so glad that he is home safe & sound.
THANK YOU GABE, for protecting our country! Thank you, thank you, thank you!  And thank you Dorn for having such an amazing son! :)  Welcome home, Gabe, welcome home!
:)
ox.

Anonymous said...

God bless him. God bless them all!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy he made it home safely. Enjoy your time together, I really hope Gabe is able to see his son while he is home.
Michelle :)

Anonymous said...

You are so sweet to share all of this with all of us!! I am sooooo happy for you all. You have a wonderful family and the love you share is there for everyone to see. Hope Gabe enjoys his visit....and that the baby makes it out there!

Hugs,
Carol

Anonymous said...

I managed to grab a moment on the internet while I'm here at the old apartment moving things.... I sooo miss my internet <whiiiiiiine>, and I had to check in and see if Gabe had made it...

YEAH!!!!!! He looks so good! Enjoy your time with him. I'm so happy for you all that he has made it home even quicker than you thought. Give him a hug and a Thank YOu from me.

Anonymous said...

Dorn, so happy for you all. Give Gabe a hand shake and a thanks from me. Have fun and enjoy his stay. God Bless you all.
Bill




Anonymous said...

OMG Gabe, you looka like a man!!!!!!!!!!  HI KIDS ! !  HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS ... plenty for everyone!
Love Aunty

Anonymous said...

YIPPEE!  I'm so glad he made it home safe and sound!  I hope you get that grandbaby out there soon too!!

Let the partying begin!!!!!

Jeanne

Anonymous said...

awwww it must be sooo wonderful to have him back home.. I can feel the joy in your words!

I just stopped by to say thank you for visiting me this past week.  Many blessings to you and your family.

Much Love,
Mary

Anonymous said...

Welcome home Soldier!

A fellow Vet...

Gifdude

Anonymous said...

WOO HOO, Im so happy for you and the family.  I hope you can get the baby and his mom out that would make it perfect.  Gabe looks good.  
Take Care,  Tabatha

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad he's home. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Enjoy your son.
Hugs, R.C.

Anonymous said...

I am so very glad your son is safe and home.  And what a handsome young man he is.  You have such a beautiful family, and they have such a terrific mom.  God bless you all.  Gabe, you are a hero!!

Anonymous said...

Dorn, I'm so happy for your family that he is home! It's been a long haul but now you have him in hugging distance, hope you get your quota in!  Sandi

Anonymous said...

Glad he's home safe and sound!
Lori

Anonymous said...

lololololol wow finally a pic of Jo

lol all these times its been you behind the camera

about time we get to see a pic of you ALL NATUR-AL!

hehehehe


Anonymous said...

I started crying when I read this....even though I know how everything turned out...I wish so much that you all could have been together...but I am glad that he came home safely.

Your whole family is in our prayers.

He looks so much like Steve it is scary.