Goodbye 2010

This time last year me & hubby were just a few days away from him leaving for his year long deployment to Afghanistan. This year we are a little more than those last year's few days away from hubby being HOME!!! I can only hope that this will be an amazing year, way better than this past one. Which I have to say, I am thankful that I can look back & say I made it through 2010 by myself without my life partner here by my side, I can say I made it through a deployment (which I never would have dreamed of having to do this in my entire life), I can say I've become stronger than I ever thought I could be, and I can say even though millions of miles apart....we made it through 2010 together! He did an awesome job - he made me proud, he stayed safe & sound, he kept his head up through all of the junk & kept me positive as much as I could be, he kept me filled with his love & communicated with me as much as he could every step of the way, he did it!!!! I did it!!! We did it!!! Here's to bringing in the New Year apart still, but very much together in heart! I will see him soon! I love you babe!
Happy New Year everyone!!!!!

Just an ordinary day

Well that soldier hubby of mine is still not home yet...but believe me, you will all know when he is. Today was back to work from the holidays. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, got to spend time with your families, & got everything on your wish list. My Christmas was wonderful even though hubby wasn't here. We still have one, well actually two more Christmas celebrations to go. We still have my dad's side of the family & then mine & hubby's Christmas when he gets home. We are spreading it out this year, which is nice, keeps the festivity going! But, besides celebrating Christmas I have been busy with the rental house, getting all of our stuff out of storage & moving it there & getting the water & electricity turned on. It has kept me busy & hopefully will continue so this time will really fly by until hubby is home. I actually went today & picked up a few decorative pieces for the house, which felt awesome by the way. It has been forever since I have shopped for a home & I loved it. I could probably get carried away, but I will try not to. Sometimes that's not a simple task! Well bloggers that was my day, consisting of work, shopping, & out to dinner for the best friend's 25th birthday which by the way will hopefully be having her baby girl real soon! I'm so excited! Anyway, that's all I got...toodles!

Merry Christmas!!!!

I hope this will not be going against OPSEC, but I can officially say, my husband is no longer in the desert of Afghanistan. He is not home; I have no idea when he will actually be home, but I am ecstatic that he is out of there! And even though he will not make it home for Christmas, he will still be the BEST Christmas present EVER!!!
Anyway, besides that exciting fact...I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Hope you all enjoy your precious time with your families!!!! Merry Christmas!*Christmas 2009*

Well, as you can see I have no title for my blog. I just couldn't think of one. Anyway, I apologize for my last few posts being down in the dumps. But, due to the fact that my husband's leave date keeps getting changed every few days, what do you expect. But, hopefully we are beyond that. Although, they have another formation tomorrow & it seems after every formation there is a new date in mind for leaving - so we shall see. But, as of right now I am happy that he is coming home soon. I'm happy that things have settled down for hubby & right now all he has is time on his hands. He can sit back, relax, & watch movies or do whatever else he wants to do until it's time to load up. I'm also happy that we or I should say I will be able to move into the rental house before he gets home & hopefully have it all set up & decorated so he feels like he is actually coming "home". This little delay will give me the time to do so, so despite my down feelings - that I am thankful for! I hated the fact that as of a few weeks earlier, we were not going to have any place to go once he got home (we were having to wait a couple of weeks) except for a hotel or such, I also hated the fact that I couldn't have cute decorations around "a" house to celebrate his homecoming or put signs in the yard. But, now I think I just might be able to :) Everything works out for the good, even when we don't think so sometimes. So, I've pushed away the unhappiness & now I am happy. I'm happy for it all! Thank you Lord, that the end is in sight!!!!!

Again....

"They" did it again....that's all I have to say! I'm so frustrated, I can't even blog!

Wordless Wednesday

Hope Flushed....

That's just what happened to my only Christmas wish this year...it's just been flushed down the drain. The awesome, keep to your word, loyal Army *sarcasm* has yet done it again. Hubby's leave date has now been pushed out an extra 5 days!!! So, no Christmas together this year after all! Talk about feeling bah hum bug!!! (however you spell it) Please deployment don't get any worse...we just want our soldiers home safe, sound, & soon!!!! This really puts a damper on things especially since I was encouraged just a few weeks ago when I thought this delay had been fixed!!! But, that's how it goes I guess. I'm just ready for this roller coaster ride to end...I'm not a fan! Thanks for listening to me vent even though I know to expect this stuff, it still hurts your feelings!

Flashback Friday

This was our one year dating anniversary. He surprised me & took me to NewBern for a horse & carriage ride & then to dinner in the upstairs balcony of the restaurant with candlelight & a mini piano bar. It was so much fun! I loved it:)

Way too long...

Ok, it's been way too long since I've done a real post & I apologize, but honestly it has been crazy busy around here lately! I have been trying to get last minute details done before hubby comes home, get my Christmas shopping done (which I haven't), & begin packing up my stuff at home to move to the new rental house. We originally were going to purchase a house back in the late summer that was being totally renovated...but things started happening one after the other & needless to say the house is still not done. So, we were obligated to find somewhere to dwell once the hubs makes his arrival! I'm glad we have that under our belts...I was beginning to panic inside not knowing what in the world we were going to do. But, everything always works out! I'm hoping I can get things moved in somewhat before hubby comes home & that way I will have a place to decorate for his homecoming! I have the outfit...I will begin to work on signs...and then I will wait:) He will be home in a matter of weeks & I can hardly contain my excitement! We are both beyond excited! It's hard to believe the end is right around the corner! That is such a wonderful feeling!!!

BUT...with all of the excitement, I would be lying if I didn't admit that I'm a little nervous & concerned. It's crazy...you just never know how your spouse or yourself is likely to change in a years time. Will he be able to adjust right away, Will I be able to adjust right away? Am I going to be everything he remembers? Will I be able to give him the time/space he needs to readjust? Alot of questions have gone through my head lately...I don't know what all he has experienced or seen...he made it a point to not tell me any of those details so I would not worry. In a way, I am thankful for that, but then again I wish I knew. I'm sure he will be fine, he will be glad to be home, & he will adjust just fine.

Anxiously waiting.....

**side note - Just about every other day, I have a new follower...but then the next few days, they disappear - Please stick around, I would love to follow your blog as well:)**

Month 11 in Review

We are very fortunate to be working on our last month of deployment...come on Month 12:)

Month 11 in Review:

- Voted

- Yearly Gyno visit

- My 24th Birthday

- Received birthday flowers from my hubby

- Baby shower for hubby's cousin

- Shopping trip in Raleigh

- New battery for my car:(

- Finished reading "Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks

- Sent hubby care packages & letters for this month

- Bad news about extended homecoming dates...but those have cleared up & everything is still on schedule:)

- Veterans Day

- Ordered photo Christmas cards

- Went to the movies to see "For Colored Girls"

- Judgment House with our church

- Found a place to rent when hubby comes home until we are able to decide where to settle down

- Thanksgiving

- Started reading "Eat, Pray, Love"

- Girl's Night

- Found out highschool friend is prego:)

- Went to the movies to see "Morning Glory"

- Watched "Eat, Pray, Love"

- Received a letter from hubby

I know, I know

I have been such a bad blogger lately, with no new posts. It has been a busy busy busy past few days! But, I promise I have made the time to catch up on reading your blogs:) I will be back soon I promise...after things calm down a bit!!!

But for spectacular news....the Donut of Misery is down to 6.79% :) Wooooooohoooooo!!!!!!!!!!

Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving...a giving of thanks! I love this time of year. It's a time to spend with loved ones, appreciate the fall weather, and reflect on the past year with such a thankful heart. I know some think it's crazy to celebrate one day out of the year for giving thanks & that we should be thankful everyday...and I agree that we should be thankful everyday. But, sometimes a lot of us (I'm just as guilty) take things for granted, but for some reason on this Thanksgiving day every year, it's a time for me personally to take a step back & look at everything, every person that I am thankful for! I hope you too, have an abundant list of things to be thankful for!!! Not to mention all of the wonderfully delicious food we get to partake of:) And especially, this year for Thanksgiving, as many of us have deployed soldiers, we should be so thankful for their service, their sacrifice, & their willingness to do their job. I am especially thankful for my husband as well as all of the soldiers! I hope all of you have a wonderful thanksgiving & those traveling, I hope you have safe travels! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

A list of a few things I'm thankful for:
- I'm thankful for Jesus
- I'm thankful for salvation; God's love, mercy, grace, & protection
- I'm thankful for my loving husband
- I'm thankful for my wonderful family: inlaws as well
- I'm thankful for life
- I'm thankful for my friends
- I'm thankful for a roof over my head - a warm place to call home
- I'm thankful for my health
- I'm thankful for our abundance of food
- I'm thankful for the ability to see, hear, smell, taste, & feel
- I'm thankful for answered & unanswered prayers
- I'm thankful for Charlie (aka dachshund pup) for keeping me company during this deployment
- I'm thankful for my freedom
- I'm thankful for my blogger buddies
...and the list could go on & on
Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!!!!

He makes me *smile*

Hubby: "Hey, I read the other day that red wine helps with menstrual cramps"
Me: "Oh really, where did you read that?"
Hubby: "Cosmopolitan"
:)
He always can bring a smile to my face even when he doesn't try! LOL!

Proposal Story...

I've been seeing a lot of blogs lately talking about relationships, engagements, marriage, & growing old together. It has gotten me in the mood to reminisce...so here is our proposal story! Hubby had just recently finished up his basic training & AIT & had come home. During his time at AIT we had talked about getting married & starting to really get serious about it! All along, I had made him posters of different cut outs of rings that I absolutely loved just in case one day he decided to go ahead & purchase "the ring". So, we also decided it was time to go look at them & try some on. I had picked out 3 that I adored, but told him it was completely his choice. I had been telling him all along that he really needed to sit down & have the talk with my parents so they wouldn't be completely blown away & know that it was coming in the "near" future. Well, about 2 weeks later we had been talking about taking a day trip. I had been wanting to go to Ocracoke, but he wasn't to keen on getting up early & taking the ferry to get there. So, we decided on Wilmington. We arrived around lunch time & did some scenic walking & a little shopping, then decided to eat some lunch. We ended up at "The Union Cafe".








After eating our lunch, we decided to take a boat ride over to the Battleship & tour around.



Once we had ended our fun in downtown Wilmington we headed for the beach. We rode down to Wrightsville, but it was just so crowded. Hubby wanted a quiet place that we could have time to ourselves. So, we ended up riding to Topsail Island. Once we arrived & changed into our bathing suits, we headed down to the beach! We set up our stuff & hubby wanted to go for a walk. We went walking for a while & then headed back to our chairs. Once we got closer, hubby asked me what was under my chair. It looked like something had blown underneath there. So, I looked & there was a "JC Penney" watch box that had duct tape all over it. I opened it up & inside was a folded piece of paper. I unfolded it and in huge letters it said "Marry Me", I turned around in shock & hubby was down on one knee with my ring in hand & he asked me to be his wife!!! I was so shocked....I think I asked "For real?" and he said yes! I hugged & kissed him & said YES!!! Then we heard whistling & clapping. We looked up & a group of people on their deck of their beach house were watching the whole thing & congratulated us! I was so happy & the ring was more than I could ever ask for. It was absolutely gorgeous! *See for yourself* (**While I was getting situated on the beach, hubby had planted the box under my chair**)





*My parents knew about the whole proposal...he had already talked to them & showed them the ring*



Afterwards, we headed back home & stopped by his parents & grandparents to announce the engagement & show off my beautiful ring! Then we headed to my family! It was such an awesome day! And it may not sound very romantic to you or extravagant, but it was exactly how hubby thought it out & I wouldn't have wanted it any other way!





So, we were engaged on June 28, 2008. And we had set the date for our wedding January 10, 2009. Needless to say, I immediately jumped on the wedding planning!!!

I'm so thankful I met & married my best friend!!!

*Now blogger friends....I ask you to blog about your proposal story or a how you met story on your blog...and even if you've already done it, do it again:)*

Check this out...

Thought these were cute...


http://www.survivalstraps.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SB-Ladies%2FKids+Dog+Tag

Thank You

Firs of all I would like to thank all of you blogger friends for my birthday wishes! I had a wonderful day despite hubby being so far away!!!!

Second of all...yesterday was Veterans Day! I just wanted to say a special thank you to all of our past, present, & future servicemen/women for their calling & service to our country! It takes special people like you all to do the duties you are so willing to do. Also, I would like to say a special thank you to all of the families of these service men/women....our soldiers need the encouragement & support you all give to them. You as well make an ultimate sacrifice so that they can do their job & I thank you! Without these strong men, women, & families our country wouldn't be where it is today! Special thank you to all of you!

**And here are the beautiful flowers hubby had sent to me at work on my birthday** :)

Today....

I embrace....
years of life!!!!

Keep those prayers coming...

Hubby called again today......more news of the delaying of the homecoming date:( Boo! No ones happy!!!! But, prayers can change anything:) I am really not a happy person right now...I'm getting in one of those blah moods & I don't wanna!!!!!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

The Good - Hubby did call yesterday:) For some reason, he thought I had to work that morning so he was waiting until I had gotten off lol! Poor thing, can't keep everything straight here as well as there! But, I was so glad to finally hear his voice...He's so sweet!

The Bad - Hubby and his men get no recognition for any of their service over there! Breaks my heart...but he makes me so so so proud!!!!

The Ugly - As close as we are to the finish line Mr. Leader/Army wants to change the leaving date...not for the better of course, for the worse. What in the world....please don't do this to us!!! It's not officially set in stone...but I will not be the happiest if it becomes that way! So, pray hard for us that it stays the way it is!!!!

- Annoyed Wife

I hate this feeling....

Today is Friday (11:44am) & I hate this feeling that I have come across me (so many times during this deployment). And maybe I am the only one who feels this way...but sitting here right now I feel as if my day cannot start until my hubs calls! It's been since Sunday since I've heard his voice & I thought for sure he was going to call yesterday, but he didn't. So, today I am nervously, anxiously, kind of patiently waiting for him to ring my phone! I know he will, he always does when these feelings come over me...but I would like for him to hurry up lol. I just don't like these feelings & wish I could be more productive with my time beforehand, but for some reason I can't. I can't get motivated. So, I decided to blog to waste some time & hopefully he will be ringing up my phone here shortly! Anyways...hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Month 10 in Review

So, yes month 10 has come and gone & now we are venturing into month 11:) So excited...hopefully hubby will be home sometime soon after!!!!

Month 10 in Review:

~ Got a letter from hubby:)

~ Sent hubby a Halloween care package

~Girl's Night

~ Overdue massage w/ the bestie

~ Started packing up summer clothes

~ Unpacked fall/winter clothes (not that we have even needed them yet here in NC)

~Went to see "Life as we Know it"

~Started reading "Safe Haven" - Nicholas Sparks

~Took a Mental Health Day from work

~ MIL's Wedding Shower

~ Mom & Dad's 27th wedding anniversary

~ Watched "License to Wed"

~ Started the search for a dwelling place ;) (more on that to come)

~Went on a Haunted Train Ride & to the Haunted House w/ some friends

~ Accomplished 300 days of deployment

~Hubby packed up a box to send home...stuff he doesn't need any longer ;)

~Brakes for car :(

~ Watched "The Strangers"

~ Halloween

Now, ready for November to start trucking on by!!!!

Welcoming in November:)

Hello, November! I'm so glad you have come to grace us with your presence! Now, just as fast as you have come in, I would be forever grateful if you were that fast to leave us & let December follow in your footsteps! Because, of course I am ready to see my lovely husband soon!!!!

I am so excited November is here...another month closer, my birthday, and Thanksgiving all rolled into one!!!! Can't wait to get this month moving!

Just a hello to some new followers:) Thank you for following my page! Please leave a comment so I can also check out your blog as well!!!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween weekend!!!!

300 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

300....300......300
Woo Hoo!!!!

Today is the day we celebrate 300 days of being done with this deployment! It's bittersweet. It's amazing that I have been away from my husband for almost 300 days (considering he had a 2 week R&R). Well, not amazing in a spectacular/good way. But amazing that we've HAD to do that! But, I'm so thrilled that we are this close to being done! I'm so excited that it is finally coming to an end! I will be a very happy girl when I see that sweet face & he is home with me, but I think I will even be just as happy when I know my hubby's feet are on U.S. soil!!!! Yay for 300 days...and here's to the last of it:)

Award Time - Check to see if you were tagged!

I have been given a blog award from Newlywed and Deployed!
Thank you so much...I love reading your blog & all of your deployment adventures! I was impressed by your 7 interesting facts about yourself!!!!

The rules are:
1. Thank and link back to who gave you the award.
2. Share 7 interesting things about yourself.
3. Pass it along to 7 blogs you've recently discovered and enjoy! *I only did 5*
4. Leave the recipients a note, telling them about the award.

7 things about me:

1. I currently am going through a first time deployment - which hopefully is closer to being over than not.

2. I not only married my best friend, but my soul mate!

3. I love long layered emo hairstyles, but am too chicken to ever try it!!!

4. I could eat chips & salsa everyday

5. My biggest fear is mice

6. I don't like my legs

7. I have had cosmetic surgery

Passing this along to:
Trading Diamonds for Dog Tags
Expat Girl
April Flowers
Standing by Him
Flip Flops and Combat Boots

Wordless Wednesday...Almost

Who all has had the privilege of seeing "this guy"?

Feeling Festive

Feeling festive & wishing the hubs was here!!!!

Mental Health/ Care Packages

Ok, well today I decided to take a Mental Health Day from work. During this deployment so far, I have not taken any time off except for when Hubby was home & if the Dr. has been out. So, today (well actually yesterday) I decided I needed a day from work. I needed a day to clear my head, have some alone time, & just do what I wanted. I did just that. I slept in this morning, got up & headed out to print some pictures off to send to the hubby, came back home, talked to hubby, ate some lunch, sat outside & read, took a nap, finished up hubby's Halloween care package & took it to the post office to be sent out, came back sat outside some more & read, and now I'm catching up on blog world & facebook & getting ready to go enjoy some shows on TV & who knows what else is in store for today. These last few months are starting to stress me & the hubs out. I hate that it is, but we are so anxious for this deployment to be over. Hubby has been putting up with a lot lately & to top it off he's now sick. Poor thing! I feel bad for him, but we both just have to push through just a little longer. He finally was able to get some meds today & hopefully he will start feeling better soon. He was able to take today easy as well & we enjoyed just being able to talk to each other without a time frame (he normally calls me on my lunch break during the work week). Anyways, to help cheer him up & hopefully make him feel better, I let him know he would be getting a little something something in the mail shortly:) So, here's a preview of his Halloween package:

Friday Fill-In

1. What are some things on your bucket list? (from New Girl on Post) ~ to travel to Europe & Africa, become a mom, go parasailing, go on another missions trip, try sushi, and I'm sure the list could go on & on but I'm drawing a blank...
   
2. How long have you been a MilSpouse and where have you been stationed so far? (from Raising Roscoe) ~ I have been a mil-spouse for 2 years, 1 year as a girlfriend - we have never been stationed anywhere because the hubs is a Reservist
   
3. What is a list of songs that sums up your life so far? (from Confessions of a Sailor's Wife) ~ Right now, because I'm sleepy & can't really think of all the fabulous songs that could sum up my life....at this present moment, the only one that comes to mind is "Come Home Soon" by SheDaisy...:/
   
4. What is your favorite kind of pizza? ~ Pepperoni, sausage, & black olives
   
5. What are three good things in your life right now? ~ My precious husband, my job, & my wonderful family
   

Ideas?!??!?!

Ok...yes, hubby's homecoming is still a ways away...but I'm already wanting to look for a super cute outfit to wear for when that day arrives. In the summer, it's easy to find a cute sun dress or summery outfit to meet & greet your lover...but what are some ideas for the winter??? So...blogger world, I'm asking for your advice, pictures, websites, etc.!!!! I want to look super cute for my hubba lubba!!!!

Thank you all in advance!!!!

"I'm Proud of You"

It's nice when people say "I'm proud of you"...but it's even more wonderful when my hubby tells me "I'm proud of you". We were talking the other day about the last 9 months & how far we have come; when hubby decides to tell me how proud he is of me for handling things on my own, being strong & enduring this time of separation. Now grant it, it has not been the easiest thing to deal with, but I have done it & am continuing to do it one day at a time. It makes my heart melt to know my soldier is proud of me, his wife. I always tell hubby how proud I am of him & his service & how much he means to me; but for him to tell his wife who's back home just living her normal life that he's proud, gives me such a warm feeling & I fall in love with him all over again! This man in my life is so wonderful & so thoughtful! As his deployment is slowly coming to an end hopefully, I become more & more proud of my husband...just because of who he is!

Mil-Spouse Friday Fill-In

1. What is the longest road trip you've ever taken? ~ It's not extremely long, but the longest I've traveled somewhere in the car is to Alabama...it's a 9-10 hr. drive.
   
2. Do you collect anything? Tell us a bit about it. ~ I collect magnets of all the places me & hubby have been together as a married couple...
   
3. What is your favorite part about being an adult? ~ That I can have a husband & being able to make your own choices:)
   
4. What song brings a tear to your eye? ~ Not sure of the title, but the song by SheDaisy something like "come home soon"...but alot of love songs bring tears to my eyes
   
5. Describe your first plane ride (how old you were, where you were heading, etc). ~ My very first plane ride was when I was maybe 1 or 2 to Alabama & my mom says I cried the whole time....my very fist plane ride that I remember was when I was 14 to Mexico. Our church went on a mission trip there & I was just really nervous & paranoid that I would get sick, so I made sure I took some medicine to help with that...but now I don't mind flying at all!
   

October....a new month

First of all, I will say, I honestly can't believe it is already October:) I am so excited that we are that much closer to hubby's homecoming! But, I'm really hoping the time doesn't start dragging by...maybe with the upcoming time change & now that it starts to get dark earlier, it will seem like the days are going by faster!

Already though, this month is starting to be a sad one. Yesterday, one of my co-workers received news that her husband's cancer is back & it's also stemming from somewhere else. They won't find out until later next week...but it's just so sad! They are a very young couple with 3 small children. But, the Lord is in control & will have His healing, protecting hand upon them! Today marks the year anniversary (if that's even an appropriate word) of my father in law's death. It doesn't seem like it's been a year already, it seems as if it was yesterday. I can remember that day so well, but at the same time, wish I didn't! This saddens my heart, because hubby is away, as you all know...and I wish I was with him to comfort him if he needs comforting. My hubby is very black & white and holds many of his emotions inside. He doesn't like to talk about things in detail & how he feels about them, he'd rather move on & never look back ...which I wish he would be more open & talk about his feelings...I just hope he's ok. I haven't been able to talk to him today because of him being out of range:(

Apart from all the sadness...sorry:(
I went & pampered myself with a massage!!!! My friend wanted to go have her a pre-natal massage before she left for vacation & wanted me to go with her...so I figured, I couldn't pass up a massage, so I had my own done! We booked them at the place we always go, so we walk in & there's a man & woman waiting on us. The woman takes my friend & the man takes me. Now, some of you think ok...your point???? I've never had a man do my massage...so I was a little caught off guard lol! It ended up being fine, once I got over the slight oh my gosh moment...but turns out, my friend thought I had had him before. But, oh well, it was nice & so relaxing. He did mention to me afterwards, that it felt as if I had alot of stress built up & that I needed to relax more. I wanted to say "Yea, well you trying to relax all of the time while your spouse is deployed", but I felt no need in disturbing the relaxation I was feeling at the moment or make him think I was some crazy person lol! But, in all reality, I always have tightness & my neck & shoulders seem like they hold stress all the time (what it comes from, I have no idea)...so maybe I should look into having a massage done every month - I think it would be helpful:)

Then last night a group of us girls went out for dinner & it was so much fun, as always. So despite the sadness & the bad news (even though my heart goes out to the ones this sadness effects) I enjoyed my first day of October!!!! Hope everyone has a great month!!!

Month 9 in Review

Well, September has come & gone as of midnight tonight! Boy, am I glad to see the beginning of October...another month closer to hubby coming home!!! So, here's my month 9 in review - not too much went on this month...

- Cousin weekend in New Bern

- Labor Day - Beach day

- Girl's weekend in Ocean Isle

- Sep 17th = 5 years of me & the hubby "being together in life"

- Hubby's communication block only lasted 7 days of the 14 we were expecting

- Attended the good ole' Ayden Collard Festival :)

- Girl's Night

- Sent hubby letters & care packages

- Received my bridesmaid dress for MIL's wedding

- Hubby's base finally got wireless internet

- Had several skype dates with hubby

- Read "The Ocean Between Us" by Susan Wiggs

- Watched "Date Night"

- Bought us new living room furniture

- Oil change for the car

- Read "365 Deployment Days - A wife's survival story" by Sarah Dawalt

and that's pretty much it...nothing too spectacular - but I'm starting tomorrow off (Oct 1st) with a bang - pampering myself:)
woo hoo for October!!!!

Girl's Weekend

This past weekend, me & the bestie headed down to Ocean Isle for some girl time. Much needed I might add! We were able to stay at her aunt & uncles house on the sound & enjoyed the awesome view. We were minutes away from the beach - major plus:) We had a blast (as always)...we shopped, laid out on the beach, sat on the dock & read celeb magazines, laughed our heads off & had lots of girl talk! This was one weekend, we could both somewhat relate to not having our husbands around lol! I am very thankful for her friendship & how she has helped me & kept me busy during this deployment time!
She is almost 6 months prego & I was able to feel her sweet little Layla give me a kick the other night! It was such a neat feeling...I can't imagine how she feels when she feels it!
I'm so excited to meet her - and maybe hubby will be home to meet her as well!
It was so nice to enjoy a fun-filled relaxing weekend! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well!

Mil-Spouse Friday Fill - In

1. What characteristic about yourself has either been strengthened or weakened due to your experience as a Military Spouse? (from The Albrecht Squad)

-My independence has strengthened, I’ve had to learn to do a lot of things on my own…& my confidence has weakened in the area of having a looming fear – which I’m sure everyone shares that has a spouse overseas, but I try not to let it overtake me!

2.What is your favorite vacation spot and why? (from 'Tis the Life of the Army Wife)

-Any beach – it’s so refreshing & cleansing. I love the peacefulness!

3. If you could have any fast-food restaurant in the food court on base/post what would you pick? (from The Only Pink in a House of Blue)

-I don’t live on a base/post but if I did I would request a Chick Fil A

4. Where did you go on your honeymoon? (from Pennies from Heaven)

-We went to St. Lucia – it was awesome!!!

5. If you could have any job in the world regardless of money, degree or experience, which job would you have and why? (from Proud to Be a Navy Family and The Calm Before The Storm)

-I would be a photographer because I love pictures & capturing life’s moments

Blog Award

Well, I have been awarded this wonderful blog award by Newlywed & Deployed - Thank You so much...I enjoy reading your blog & your adventures of deployment:)
She is new to blog world & her husband is also deployed, so go check out her page & show her some love!!!!

On to the rules for accepting this award...

1. Accept the award. Post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2. Pay it forward to 5 other bloggers that you have newly discovered.

3. Contact those blog owners and let them know they've been chosen

Here are the 5 other bloggers that I would like to share this award with: (If you'd like to start following there pages, you can get there from my page:) )

1. A Blog A Day While You're Away

2. A Personal Look into My Life as GI Joe's Wife

3. Head in the game. Heart in the sand.

4. The Year After

5. Cause I don't know how it gets better than this

5 years ago...that's where it all started!

5 years ago as of yesterday I met my best friend & we decided to start our journey together. It doesn't seem like we have been together that long, but we have & it has been an amazing 5 year journey. We have had good times & bad times, happy times & sad times...but during all of those times we have shared a love that no one else is able to comprehend! I am so thrilled to have my best friend as my husband now (almost 2 years)! Life with him makes perfect sense! And here's to many more :)

Friday Fill-In

*sorry if these are short & sweet...I've had a long day & ready to hit the bed*

1. How do you spend your deployment money, do you save, pay off bills or enjoy the extra money while it is there to buy the things you do not normally have?
- This deployment (our first) we decided to save & just use my money in order to buy a house & maybe a new truck for hubby

2. If you could relive one occasion or moment, what would it be?
- Our 1 yr anniversary...not because it was spectacular, but because we weren't together then because of deployment, so I wish we could go back & enjoy it together!!! ( we did celebrate before he left though)

3. What's the worst job you ever had & if it was so bad why did you take it?
- This is my 2nd job ever & I have to say both of my jobs have been pretty awesome

4. If you could play any character on TV, who would you be?
- Roxy off of Army Wives, she's such a care-free genuine person who has a heart of gold

5. If you could become the world's expert in something what would it be?
- A cure for cancer

*Have a great weekend:)*

Back in action

So, hubby's little adventure of silence only ended up lasting 7 days instead of the expected! (Long enough for me) I was so happy to hear his voice yesterday, it was music to my ears... AND not only did I hear his sweet voice, we got to skype for a few minutes (*sigh*)...how you might ask since the last time me & hubby skyped was on his way home for R&R in another country?!?!?! Because, after almost 9 full months of deployment, hubby's base decides to get wireless internet!!! No complaining here, even though it has taken a little while... I'm happy for it! So, we have been chatting, skyping, & talking on the phone! I'm so ready for that man to be home! We don't have too much longer, but it's long enough!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!!!

*Cheers to 100 posts*

Oops!!!

*I forgot to do this yesterday, but here are the questions & my answers*

1. Do you set goals for yourself during deployment?
- Yes & No...I have only set a few, i.e. stay busy as I can, read several books, & get some bills paid off - I should have made it a priority to learn something new this year, but I didn't! I wish I would have now!

2. What would you say to someone dating a military guy or gal?
- I would say...From my part-time experience, as anything in life the Military has it's pros & cons, you have to take it as it comes & be able to deal. It's not the easiest of lifestyles at times, but you do reap the benefits! And, it teaches you how to be a STRONGER person! But, even as much as you "know what you're getting into" it's still hard to be away from the one you love!

3. If you have children, how do you prepare them to move to a new place?
- I don't have children & if the time comes I will look for the advice as well

4. Name one hobby that gets you through the alone time?
- Reading, blogging & journaling (yes more than one)

5. What's the one food you don't ever get tired of?
- (2) Italian or Mexican:)

Always Remember.....

On this day, let us remember the lives that were taken & the families who lost! As Americans we should never forget!
In Memory of 9/11

Hello....

*Just wanted to say "Hello" to all of my new followers! I love having my numbers increase as I am fairly new to the blog world! I hope all of you enjoy blogging as much as I do, even though I don't get the time everyday! But, I love reading all of your's!!! - Thanks for following!!!*

Hope everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! I did, I started mine out by getting together with my 2 favorite & only girl cousins for some much needed girl time & shopping! We have such a fabulous time together with all the catching up & laughing that we do. Thinking about it now, this time was a special cousin weekend...this past weekend will probably be the last time for a while that we 3 get together again, as my cousin April is a new wife of the Military & her and her hubby will be PCSing to Hawaii! But, maybe we will just have to have a cousin reunion there at her place on the beautiful Hawaiian island!!! Sounds like an idea:) But, it was so much fun as always! I love those girls!!!
Then Labor Day, me & the family spent the day at the beach!!! It was wonderful! I enjoyed my weekend, but of course it would have been more awesome if hubby was home. Hubby is out of contact with me for quite some time, so please remember him in your thoughts as well as me as we go through this time...after I bragged on Friday in my Mil-Spouse fill in about him being the best communicator, well the Army just had to test him lol. But, we'll get through it!!!
Anyway, I'll leave you with a pic of my & my bestest cuz's!!!!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

1. What is a weird/funny superstition that you have?
Don't open an umbrella inside, it brings bad luck...

2. What are your hopes & dreams for the years AFTER the military? After all, we aren't in it forever!
Settle down & raise our babies & travel the world

3. Since [this] month is National Apple Month (no really!), I'd probably ask: What is your yummiest apple recipe?
I've never made my own recipe of it, but my grandmother made some awesome apple turnovers

4. How long have you gone as a military spouse without talking to your husband/wife during service?
Well, I will have to say my hubby is pretty awesome at communication...if there is a way, he will find it:) So, the longest we have gone is 4-5 days!!! *I love that about him*

5. I occasionally watch "When I was 17" ...on MTV. So, what was something that was significant about your 17th year of your life?
I finally broke up with a very controlling boyfriend & started enjoying my life again hanging out with all my friends...I'm so glad they were still there for me!!!

I Want It Wednesday....

To be together again!!!! *I know this deployment is getting shorter & shorter, but I'm ready for him to be home already*

Month 8 in Review

August is now finished & we are heading into September...look at the time fly. Praying that it keeps flying by:)

Month 8 in Review:

- Read "A Time to Embrace" - Karen Kingsbury

- Got new highlights to make my hair blonder

- Took care of getting hubby's Jeep inspected/tags

- Celebrated Dad's 50th Birthday

- Friend had her baby 8-14-2010 *Baby Lauren*

- Had several girl's nights

- Started a new devotional by Beth Moore

- Started reading "The Ocean Between Us" - Susan Wiggs

- Hubby's week of no communication only turned into 4 days:)

- Best friend found out she is having a GIRL!!!!

- Decided to come off birth control

- Made goal to have 2 extra bills paid off before hubby comes home

- Found out my cuz & her hubby are PCSing to Hawaii:) *Vacation = near future;)*

- Sent hubby several letters/care packages

- Grandad went into hospital for heart surgery

- Season Finale of Army Wives

- Watched several movies: "Valentines Day", "Switch", "Bond of Silence" & "The Perfect Murder"

- Met a new Army wife & her family

- MIL got engaged

- House hunting

- Donut of Misery is down to 32.94% - now if only that will come true:) Of course, we never know......

Bring on September...I'm ready for the Fall!!!!

Mil Spouse Friday Fill-In

1. What secret indulgence do you act on while your spouse is away? - Watching reality TV shows & Lifetime movies that he normally wouldn't watch with me

2. If you were a spice, what would you be? - Cinnamon....sweet & savoury:)

3. Where do you go for support when your significant other is deployed? - I would have to say I get the most support from my blog world, it's a little difficult with hubby being Reserve & all to have in touch support with others - plus this deployment is new to a lot of us & most of my bloggers have great experience & advice! If it wasn't for the blogs that I follow, it would be harder for me to get through this! *So thank you*

4. What is the oldest thing you own? - Probably my grandmother's wedding rings!!

5. How did you vision your future pre-military? - Me & hubby were just talking about this the other day...I always dreamed of getting married right out of high school & having babies soon after & being a stay at home mom. That's all I wanted, I was never career minded. All I wanted was a husband & children...that would be my life! But, that didn't happen. I met hubby a year after I graduated & we dated for 3 years before marriage was even in sight for us. Hubby had always talked about the military life. His plan was to go Air Force to be a pilot, then it changed to Coast Guard, and the next thing I know he called me up & told me he had met with an Army Reserve Recruiter. A few weeks later he had signed & was headed to Basic Training in the following 2 months. Now, I was really naive about it all & honestly thought we would get his time done & out deployment free. But, I was very wrong:( Looking back, I would never imagine myself going through this or being able to deal with this - But, I've had to & yes at times it's been the hardest thing I've had to deal with. Thankfully it was early on in our marriage & we didn't have children just yet. But, I can tell I've become stronger from it & it has taught me a lot about myself. I have a new, deeper love for my husband & I'm ready to have him back in my everyday life!!!

Babies, Babies, Babies...Everywhere!!!

All around me there are babies or pregnancies!!! So many friends that have had babies, having babies, & trying for babies!!! *Makes me have the baby fever* :( But, my best friend found out today she is having a ...................................... GIRL!!!!! Oh how sweet:) No matter what she says, I WILL be Aunt Jessi!!!! I'm so excited for her & her husband! And can't wait to help spoil her!!!! Can't wait to meet her bundle of joy!!!!!!!!



Now, if I could just get my hubby back home for a little bit, then maybe we can start making our own plans to start our little family!!! We shall see;)

Blog Award Time

Thank you to Jen over at Mr. and Mrs. Boots for this lovely award. She's new to the blog world & is currently going through a deployment, so check out her page & give her some words of encouragement!!! Ok...so the rules....
1. Thank the person from whom the award came
2. Name 7 interesting things about yourself
3. Pass on to 9 bloggers
4. Let the bloggers know they have an award from you

So, here goes 7 interesting facts:

1. I have the most fun/loving/stubborn dachshund named Charlie

2. I'm married to my best friend

3. I've moved 13 times in my life & I'm not even a military brat (will be 14 once hubby gets back home)

4. I own over 40 pairs of shoes

5. I'm secretly in love w/Ashton Kutcher

6. I want to be a photographer one day

7. I do not like sushi

Now for the tagging part....

*I'm gonna leave this one up to you guys...if you would like to join in...do so....the blog award is yours:)

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

1.If you could be a fugitive from the law for whatever reason, what would your crime be?

Robbing a bank...it seems like no one ever gets caught!!!

2.How long do you think you will be a military family?

Unless plans drastically change, until hubby's 6 years end.

3.What’s your favorite recipe?

Chicken Rotel and Shrimp & Grits

4.What would you want your last five words to be when you leave this life?

Thank God, I'm nearing heaven!

5.Where do you hope to retire?

Some exotic secluded island, where it's always warm:)

I want it Wenesday...

This pool to go behind....
This house, with this...
In the driveway....lol!!!!

**P.S. Hubby called today - he got back early...yay!!! *that was my last want - and I GOT it:)*

130 days...

Until Christmas...WOW!!! How crazy is that...Christmas will be here before we know it & not too long after for several of us Mil spouses, our hubby's will be back from their deployments! Hallelujah!!!

I've started reading "The Ocean Between Us" & I am thoroughly enjoying it so far:)

I've made it 4 out of the 7 days so far w/ no communication from hubby & will hopefully hear from him again in 3:)

I don't know what it is these days, but I've come upon a blog block....for some reason I can't think of anything to blog about right now...so yes it's random & probably boring.

Anyway....can't wait for next week's season finale of Army Wives - it looks very intense!!!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend...I must go take care of a sick dog (again):(

Really??? I have to do that???

Yes, it's true...I HAVE to go through next week with absolutely no communication from my husband! Do you know how bad that is going to suck!!!! I don't even want to think about it. But, it will all be ok...I'll just keep myself busy & pray for his safety! I already feel a tad bit out of sync with my husband being that he's so far away & now I'm really going to be out of touch for a while. I know, some of you think a week...wow that's not so hard. But, well to me it is! Thankfully I have never had to go that long without some form of communication this whole deployment & I guess that's why I'm freaking out just a little. I mean, ok Army you can take my husband away for a whole year (if you must), but PLEASE don't take our communication away!!! I mean...HELLO!!!! Anyway, enough about that....I will make it I'm sure...I'm just throwing my own pity party!!!!

Now, for Mil Spouse Friday Fill In:

1. What is ONE thing you'd like civilians to understand about being a military family?
- Deployments & how hard they are at times...it's no comparison to a trip/vacation away from your spouse for a week to a month. And it's A LOT of sacrifice!!!!

2. What is your favorite mistake?
- I am at a loss for this one...I don't know!

3. What indulgence could you give up for a year?
- Well, being that I already gave up my husband not by choice...let's see....soft drinks!!

4. If you could be a winged animal, what would you be?
- An eagle...despite all of it's glory...they stay with there one mate til death!

5. What is one question you would like to see asked in a future MFF?
- Where is the worst place you've ever been stationed at?

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is my wonderful dad's 50th birthday! What a milestone! My dad is such a wonderful, loving man whom I love so much! I am so proud & thankful to call him "my dad". He's always there to help me out, give me advice, & love me unconditionally! Over this past year of me being back at home I have found we have grown closer & I love that! Of course, I would rather my husband be home & we have our life back together again, but considering the circumstances...I wouldn't change that closeness to my dad for anything! I love the person he is & what he stands for! And I am so blessed to have him in my life! I love you, Daddy! Happy Birthday...hope to celebrate many more!

MilSpouse Friday Fill-In

1.What is something you wished you’d learned to do earlier in life?
To Cook. Now, that I'm married I am learning as we go & though it's not been bad experiments at all, I just wish I took the time to learn before hand so I would know what I cook is going to be delicious rather than hoping. lol

2.What is your biggest pet peeve with the military?
The indefinite & not knowing of the Army & the always ever changing details!!!

3.What tourist attraction near you have you never seen?
The Biltmore House! I've always wanted to go at Christmas time!

4.What are you avoiding doing right now?
Cleaning:(

5.Wine, beer or liquor?
None of the above....I'm not a drinker. But if I wanted any...I would choose wine!

Dear Army,

I really wish you would allow some things to stay the way they are for more than 24 hrs.! The end!
Thanks,
Frustrated Wife

Month 7 in Review

Today is the final day of Month #7 - crazy to believe...but so happy:)

Month 7 in review:

- Took a Wilmington/Beach trip w/ hubby

- Celebrated July 4th

- Finally finished reading Twilight

- Hubby & I looked at a future house while he was home (will see if everything falls into place)

- Date night w/ hubby (ie. Olive Garden/Movie "The Grownups")

- Hubby left to go back to Afghan land

- Had a girl's night

- Jason Crabb Concert

- Read "A Time to Dance" - Karen Kingsbury

- Celebrated the accomplishment of 200 days of deployment

- Family Reunion weekend in Alabama

- Started reading "A Time to Embrace" - Karen Kingsbury

- Had to take Charlie to the vet due to a yucky stomach bug

- Girl's day (lunch & shopping)

-*Now relaxing on this last day of month 7, waiting for hubby to call*