I have a personal story for today…
My husband left to work in Northern Arizona today. He is a fish biologist working a seasonal job while I stay here with the kids to keep things stable.
Oh how I miss him.
Did I tell you we are both from Arizona? We met, dated, and got married there. Although I am not sure we will go back, I cherish the memories we made there. So, I made this canvas to remind me of them.
It’s patterned off that super popular state art found on etsy. The shop seller, q.a. design, just made her prints free for download too! Check it out here. (update on 5/15/2013: it seems she has closed her blog and shop to the public. I apologize for the inconvenience.)
I painted mine right before she did that…bummer. Still, it worked out because I got to pick my colors and where I wanted to put my heart (for the Utah art).
I just used old recycled canvases, hence why the canvas has little imperfections on them…They’re actually from distressed canvas projects that didn’t work out.
Speaking of…You could also download a print, reverse it, and apply to a canvas using the distressed canvas tutorial.
I also made one of where we live now, but I hope you understand why I’m not going to show you where the heart on that one is. 😉
So while I play single mom, I’ll be sporadic around here. I might post more because I need a sanity break, or less because I’m swamped.
Either way…thanks for reading. I really appreciate it. 🙂
Josh_n_Connie says
Awwww… So sorry he’s gone. I hate it when my hubs is gone. Get lots of snuggle time with your kids. Hope the boys behave for you and baby girl sleeps good at night! 🙂
SaffaKate says
I cannot even imagine! 🙁 You have your beautiful kiddies with you, so just keep your chin up. Lots of hugs for you.
Courtney says
Oh, so sorry. My husband has to travel during the week for work, but at least we have our weekends together. It has gotten easier, physically, as my little guys have gotten older, but it does get lonely! The blogs and online community definitely helps!
Stephanie Rose says
You are strong :). Just remember, this is not forever, just for now. Take care!
LeeAnne says
I’m sorry 🙁 Yay for finding a job in his field, but sad that it’s so far away! But it’s only for a while… it’s only for a while… Hang in there. We’re working on adjusting to a similar setup, and it is a comfort to know that it’s temporary. We love Skype- it definitely helps!
PS- Your slouch tees are cute 🙂
clara says
So sorry! I understand what you mean and I have only a child! It’s hard but you’re great, don’t worry!
I like this work and its meaning!
A big hug!
atouchofdomesticity says
Oh goodness, I can only imagine how hard that would be. I am a mum of 3 and my husband works shifts, but that doesn’t even come close. I’ve read some lovely, helpful posts on the Smile & Wave blog about how she (Rachel) has managed looking after two young children while her husband is in the army. You might find it useful? Don’t ask too much of yourself. Make ‘to do’ lists, but have one thing on it per day that’s just a ‘want’ and just for you. Spend time with friends – they are human prozac! Good luck.
mich says
Oh, Delia! No fun at all! God bless you and your family. We’ll pray for you.
Christine Shaha says
Sorry to hear…I totally know what you are going through, my husband was deployed for a year and after a few months at home he had to leave again, but to southern AZ. for a border mission…he just got back last night and we spent the whole time laughing…it was nice to have my eternal best friend back…just look forward for that day…it will get you far picturing the future and talking/focusing on the day you get to reunite…also, this trial is a blessing too because for me i learned how to sympathize more with single mothers and not take my husband for grant…we cherish every minute together.
p.s. Love you blog…you’re awesome 🙂
Michelle says
I’m so sorry to hear that. 🙁 My husband is military and we went through a couple of deployments before we had kids. We’ve been fortunate to only have one since becoming parents. It certainly is a different experience once there are little ones around.
I hope the time passes quickly and you’re able to see each other as much as possible.
Anonymous says
My heart goes out to you. My husband was deployed a month to the day after our first baby was born for 15 months and then again for just over a year after our second baby turned a year old. And now he travels a lot for work. It is hard sometimes, but you can do it. Stay strong and always remember you’re never alone – God can and will get you through anything! You will be amazed at how strong you and your husband both are and how much you will learn to do on your own.
I hope things turn around quickly for you both so you can be together as a family again soon. Keep your chins up and remember, “this too shall pass.” 🙂 Good luck!
Ariana says
Aw man, that sucks!!
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeToday says
Cute art! Sorry to hear you and your hubby have to live apart for a while. My husband’s military (apparently half your readership is!) and I know that can be really really hard. I have “Chin up, buttercup!” art in my kitchen to keep me going. You can do it, you’re brave!
Anneliese says
Oh bummer. That is going to be rough. I’m sorry about the separation. I hope employment and home are brought back together soon!
Amanda says
Awe! So rough! 🙁 The economy forced my husband to find a new line a work entirely, so now he is in an intense schooling program and still working full-time. It’s been rough… but we are making it 🙂 I am pressing into God and learning to lean on Him… and just stopping and finding all the things I can be grateful for truly helps (also friends and family, they are awesome… especially for sanity breaks from my LO’s) Wishing you courage and peace on your journey! Side note: cute art work 🙂
Anna says
oh that’s too bad, we’ve got a lot of fish stuff up here in WI if you ever want to move this way. 🙂
EHC says
Sigh. It’s a sad day when *just* a master’s degree won’t get you where you need to be and WANT to be. I worked long and hard for my master’s degree, but it’s in the healthcare field so there are luckily jobs a plenty to return to when my kids are old enough. Best of luck to your family as you make the most of a difficult situation. At least you don’t to feel guilty about staying up late crafting now if your hubby is gone! 🙂
Mrs. Brittany says
Sorry to hear that your hubby is away. 🙁 You’re being a great mommy. Stay cheerful as always. 🙂 You’re good at that!!! :):):) We’ll be praying for you all the way over form CA, where we are! -Brittany
Danielle says
My husband and I are in a similar situation right now. He just got his CDL and started driving a semi over the road. He was gone for six weeks of training, came home for a week, and then left again. Now he’s on a three weeks out, three days home cycle. We have a three year old and a nine month old. It’s tough on both of us. He misses us and we miss him. However, we are doing it because we have to right now. It’s a means to an end. We’re hoping to move in the next year so that he can get a regional job and be home at least every weekend. In the meantime, we stay strong for each other and for the kids. When it gets hard, just remind yourself that it’s temporary and it’s for the best in the long run.
Christie says
Hi Delia!
I am so sorry to hear that you are without your hubby! I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you! I hope you guys will be able to at least see each other a few times while he is working. If there is anything I can do (even tend those cute kiddos for a few hours) let me know! I would love to drive up and see you!
Christie says
Wow, that's so hard with your new one! You will do great because you are such a great mom and know what is most important!
Love your top (thanks for linking back to me). You look so cute in it!
And I love your earth day pictures!
Sorry for combining my comments! I just think you are great!
The Hunter's Prize says
Sorry to hear that he's had to leave for work, I know how that goes, although we only had one kid at the time. Hopefully everything works out for you!
Danielle says
Awwww…Delia, I am so sorry to hear this! I have a BS in Fisheries & Wildlife (focus on Fisheries), have very little experience and have yet to find a job. I am blessed that my hubby makes enough so I can stay at home with the kids, though it would nice to actually use my degree. Unfortunately, with this degree, you have to be willing to go where the jobs are. I will be praying for you!
Kaylyn says
that can be really tough. I know them job market is really hard and I am glad he has something even though it is not together. Your a great mommy and you'll do great. If you want to have a play date sometime let me know, we are pretty flexable with times.
dana says
ah man. I hate this. But I know you can do it! You'll make it through and it will be such a happy reunion. We're always here for you online! 🙂
Krysta and Jan-Michael says
I love this!!!! I also do not want to move back to AZ- but you can help but still love it. I'm really sorry your hubby is not going to be with you for a few months =( SAD!
kate the great says
do you know another link to get the state art templates? I can't link to her blog due to privacy and I can't find her on etsy. thanks!
Delia says
I am so sorry. I think she has closed herself to the public. I apologize for the inconvenience Kate. I don't know of another link for her.