Homecoming

Honestly, he won't care what you give him, as long as you and the baby are there. It's scuttlebutt that they want you to be all dressed up, the house clean and everything perfect. They just want to see you. My hubby will be home in a month and I did the same thing until he told me not to waste money, he just wanted to see us. I think anything you get him to say "welcome home" he will love.

S.,
That's a fantastic idea! Having red, white & blue flowers will only appear to be patriotic but you and your husband will know the true meaning. Including the yellow is a sweet symbol of his absence. It's also a logistically manageable gift (size, weight, ease of transport . . .).

Enjoy your reunion!
D.

Hi, I defer to those of you who are closer to the experience than I, but what came to my mind was (depending on whether you own your home and how long you be there...) that I would have the family plant a magnolia tree in yard. They are lovely. The family could dig the hole, plant the tree, and water it daily until it established it's roots. It would be a milestone marker (his return) that grows into the future for everyone to enjoy and remember all that you gave and have together.

S.:

First off - thank you and your husband for your service and sacrifices to our country! VERY MUCH APPRECIATED!!

When my husband (then boyfriend) got back from his deployment (we were living in Germany at the time, I was a GS). I met him at the tarmac at Ramstein then had a basket of wine and fruit at his apartment and we had a "picnic" at his/our place. Granted, we didn't have kids but it was still a great way to let him know he was missed! We sat on the floor and caught up - it was best on him because we weren't around a lot of people and he could relax.

Are you going to be able to meet him at Andrews? (I'm assuming that's where you are). I would give him time as a family then one-on-one time with you and let him have some time with his son too!

Keep me informed! I'm glad he's coming home safe! I hope you have a GREAT reunion! Again, thanks for your service and sacrifices!

Hey S., how about you wearing/carrying a yellow rose, and giving him either a white rose/white magnolia. It could be one to hold, which may be hard if he's carrying a lot of stuff, or to pin on his lapel, which may be frowned on because of uniform regs. But you having a flower would make it more meaningful, this is something to share.

And, here's a super cheer for your husband for his service to our country and for you for keeping the home fires burning so he can serve. That goes for any other service men or women and their spouses that may read this. Thanks from the heart!

First Congradulations on his homecoming.
Second you could put a flower in all his favorite places in the house. Put some in a buble bath and play some nice soft music. You know his first day home he is really not going to want to see a whole lot of people except you and your child. Plan a surprise party and everyone bring him a flower since those ar his favorites.
You could take him on the spirit of washington since the wether is so nice now, or fr you and your child cook him his favorite foods and just have a quiet evening at home. Hope this helps.

I think that's sweet (and none of the other guys will even notice the flowers 'cause they'll be so busy looking for their own families). My husband was gone when my son was two, and we made a sign together and put little flags all the way up the sidewalk leading to our house. We put out a few red, white, and blue pinwheels as well- which my son loved, and wore patriotic leis and hats. We got really goofy-which 2 year olds love. My husband appreciated it, but wouldn't have really cared either way. He was just happy to be home. I say to do whatever you and your son want to do, and your husband will appreciate the love behind it no matter what it is!

PS- Best wishes for you and your family during this homecoming! (and getting out) My husband is gearing up for one more deployment with the National Guard before he's eligible to get out. Congrats for making it so far-for your service and sacrifices!

Hi!
First, I am so glad your family is about to be reunited!!!!

Second regarding a white magnolia...if it feels right, DO IT! He'll love it!

So happy for you!
Pam

Hi S.,

Great Idea.

Get some new sheets for the bed and candles and lace table cloth for the table.

Enjoy. D.

Thank you and your husband for your service!!
I went through the same thing three years. I was so busy trying to get something unique and special that I forgot to go to the grocery store and we had to go through an Arby's drive-thru on the way home from the airport. So my advice is keep it simple. He is going to love anything and everything so whatever you do, make it about him and your family and you can't go wrong.

Take good care and God bless you!!

Z. B.

I like the ideas of the flowers when you first greet him. You could also plant a magnolia tree in the yard... Of course that might depend on whether this will be your home "port" or if you are going to be stationed someplace else. Just a thought.