I having hard time deciding what is the best course of action for my family for my husband to come home for 15 days yes only 15 in July or just do the whole year and then he is home for good no crying for me and my babies. he is offically done Dec 2010 he is thinking he will be home for good around Dec 15th so he will be home in time for Annette's BIG 10TH BIRTHDAY. We have not decided yet on what we want to do I am just thinking now of what to do so we can make good clear choice for our family the girls had huge problem and this was the first time Emily has cried when her daddy has left

Awww Lisa I can't imagine what you'll are going through, poor Emily, i can't imagine, you and your dh need to discuss the pros and cons, yes it'll be horribly sad for him to leave but u know it'll be the last time and you'll will get 15 wonderful days together, a year is a very long time to not see your children and spouse. But I am not in your shoes so i don't know what is best for your family, whatever you'll decide will be the best decision, good luck!

thanks Shelly I did whole year when he was in Iraq but he did not have choice to come home half way through and we had Annette who was 3 at the time

I can't imagine either. Personally I'd want to see my husband those 15 days. Even though it would be sooo hard to let him go back, I'd know it was the last time. I just like to think any time is better than none. Good luck with whatever you decide!

i would want the 15 days too...sorry you guys have to go through this

Id want the 15 too BUT since its so hard on the girls could you go back like you did this time? Or maybe all of you go there so he doesnt loose the 2 weeks of work if thats the issue. The girls would be out of school. Or could yall go for the summer maybe?

just cost $$$$$ for all of us to go that would be 4 tickets and we are trying to save money for back taxes at the moment.

What a tough situation. I would want him for the 15 days but the toll it is taking on the girls it might not be worth. I pray that what ever decision that you make will be the best for your family.

i didn't realize you guys would have to go to him...instead of him coming to you guys. can you set up a webcam to see him more often via computer?

I think I would want to see him the 15 days as well. I would just prep the girls ahead of time that he wont be home for a real long time but that means only XX amount of months or days until he is home for good and there will be no more goodbyes. I cant imagine how hard that is for you and him to see the girls so upset though. ((hugs))

I agree with April, I would really involve the girls in the decision also, well at least Annette, and really ask her what she wants too, at 10 her ability to make that kind of choice is pretty good.I personally would have to have my hubby home for the 15 days, it would to me make the time go by fast because I have something to look forward to and then after July the count down really begins! I am so sorry you girls have to go through all this and him too!