It's a good life.

It Comes In 3's

So about a month ago my Granddad passed away. I got a phone call from my mom Tuesday morning to tell me that a close family friend was killed in his apartment. He was like an older brother to me. He used to change my diaper when I was a baby. His younger brother, who is about 9 months younger than me, and I are much closer... and I just wish I was back home for him. They are pretty sure they got the guy who did it. It's looking like this guy just randomly was firing shots off from his gun, and one went through his window... and that was it. I guess it makes it better knowing that someone didn't have the intention to kill him, but still stinks. He was taken before his time. I will miss him and I know others will too. So then my Grandma's best friend, who was like a psuedo-grandma to me after she passed away, passed away yesterday morning.

Getting closer!

I looked at my countdown to the end of this deployment and it's amazing how close we are getting to the end. We've still got a while to go, but when I look back at how far we've come... it makes it look that much closer. I've been through A LOT this deployment...

I have:

• Experienced my first REAL winter with LOTS of snow (having to shovel it all while being hugely pregnant)
• Given birth to my second daughter naturally (not how I planned!) without my husband.
• Raised my two wonderful daughters on my own.
• My grandfather (who we truly both love and adore) passed away somewhat unexpectedly, and am still dealing with my grief... by myself.
• Had my own struggles with some personal issues.
• Lots of sleepless nights and worrisome days due to my husband being at war.
• Met some wonderful (and some not so great as well) women who know what it's like to go through a deployment.
• Found who really is and who is not your true friend.
• Gotten my certificate in Medical Billing.

I'm sure there might be more to add to that list, but right now that is just about all I can think of. I love my husband more and more each day. I can not wait to see him walk through that door into the homecoming ceremony and hand our girls over to him to hug and kiss... and then get my own hug and kiss. I need time to speed up just a tiny bit, ok? Thanks.

When a Soldier is away...one remembers details about them that on any other day with them, the little things they would pay mind to. The appreciation grows deeper and the longing stronger for the moment they are together again. These feelings go both ways...as where the Soldier stands strong, proud and ready to serve, there lies a soft spot in their heart for those they leave behind. Always remember, your simple words of thanks and even an endearing smile will warm that soft spot with love ♥

B-I-N-G-O

Last night was my first night out with the girls without my girls here in our backwards state while R's been deployed... my neighbor's mom is in town for a couple of weeks and volunteered to watch our kids while we went to BINGO! Yes, you read right... BINGO! I was hesitant because this was the first time I was leaving A with a new person, but I took it all in stride, pumped some milk for her (even though she doesn't drink a bottle), packed up their pj's, and away we went!

I had so much fun, I think those old ladies who go to Bingo all the time know what's going on! I bought a nifty blue Elvis dobber and away I went playing. :) I came close a couple of times but never got to win. We still had fun going out without the kids. We got back and the girls did great! I foresee many more trips to the Bingo hall - which is conveniently right down the street from our house. Oh and when my sister comes to visit in 34 days, we will be making a bingo trip! Woohoo!

My heart's a radio... it beats for you so listen close