Preparing for Deployment Homecoming
I can finally say… WE MADE IT!!!! Our deployment has come to an end and we have our man back. THANK YOU, LORD!!!
I would be lying to say that I wasn’t stressed or anxious about the big day. I was of course very excited and happy also! It was a whole mix of emotions!!
I know lots of other get the same feelings, so I wanted to share some things I did to prepare my house and my family, and to occupy my time as I waited. Maybe it can be helpful to someone else as well!
And although Jesse (my husband) didn’t expect anything or need anything to be a specific way, I wanted everything ready anyway!! With the military, things often change. Including return home dates!!! So other than the obvious things, like cleaning the house and stocking the pantry and refrigerator… I prepared the things I could and the small things that were important to me!
Coming Home Outfits
I’m pretty sure this goes through everyone’s mind! We want to look cute!!! And who doesn’t love putting together cute outfits with little girls! When planning family outfits, I always start with one person/outfit, and then build on that outfit.
In this case, and probably in most cases, I started with my outfit. [Mama’s are typically the hardest to dress!] Once I found what I wanted to wear, I found outfits for the girls in a different color that coordinated with mine, and that still looked patriotic. It was also important to me to find something that we could ALL rewear again! I love shopping… but I am also on a budget!
These are the outfits I put together:
Girl’s Printed Set // Women’s Dress // Girl’s Flutter Dress
Sign Making!!
This part was special!! No one else really cared about the outfits, other than me. But making signs allowed my girls to get involved. And really make something special for their Dad! It may have gotten thrown on the ground a time or two once we actually saw him, but it made the kids feel included in the process! And my husband did really love them!
Coming Home Decorations
I didn’t go all out for decorations. However, I did want to have some fun decorative things up when he walked into the house. Definitely not a necessity! But it made the house feel a little more warm and welcoming!! We hung up red, white and blue balloons, a Welcome Home banner, and then the cutest Daddy is my Hero banner from Hunny Prints. If you haven’t heard of Hunny Prints before, you need to check them out!! They have some of the curtest banners for all occasions. And you can reuse them!!
Photography
This one may not seem important or necessary, but having some pictures or videos will be a treasure in the future!! Whether it be a professional photographer or a friend with an iPhone… Be sure you get some sweet pictures of your soldier seeing you and your family for the first time. And don’t forget to plan it out ahead of time! You won’t regret it!!!
Day of entertainment for kids
And then lastly, I bought little flags for the girls to hold the day of, and enough to pass out to other kids and families! It brought great entertainment while we waiting until we finally got to wave Daddy in with our flags!
Oh and also…. SNACKS!! Bring lots and lots of snacks. You may not need them, but bring them anyways!
Thankfully there is no right or wrong way to welcome home your soldier. Do as little or as much as you want! And it will be special and perfect either way! 🖤
I’m so happy you’re here! I’m a military wife and a mom of two. I love coffee, wine, and Jesus! If you’re looking for creativity and affordable style, then you’re in the right place. I hope to bring you a little bit of joy and laughter as you follow along!