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

I love my husband.

I've been having a rough couple of days... ok week. Since being down here talking to my husband has been somewhat limited. Talking in a big group of people or people just being nosey really just knocks a lot of what we want/need to talk about out. So I feel like even though I've been able to see his face and hear his voice on Skype that we haven't really been able to "talk". I tell him everything... he is my one person who I confide EVERYTHING to. So seeing as it's been a very rocky couple of days... err week... I really need to vent to him. That can't possibly happen when the subject of my vent is sitting a few feet away. I was on Skype with him when some crazy drama blow up happened, so he got to hear it firsthand for himself. After we got done with our conversation which was pretty piddly (I was upset and he was tired), I shut off my computer. I needed a disconnect from everything. I got a notification on my phone from Facebook that I had a message... from my husband. His small message had all the right words and I cannot wait for him to come home. I love that man more than anything and he just knew how to turn my frown upside down. No matter what drama or crazy stuff may happen... I will always have him. And that is more than I will ever need. ♥

Over It.

I've been back in my hometown for a little over a week now. The funeral was Wednesday and it was short, simple, and sweet. However, I've been having to deal with unnecessary family drama. I guess its bound to happen when people get together (that haven't been for a while) and are stuck together for several days with no reprieve. I've been here WAY longer than I ever wanted to be... and now I'm holed up in a room with both of my girls just to escape that shit storm that awaits right outside of this door. I have two more days until I fly back home. I'm beyond ready for that. I miss my home, I miss my cat, I miss my friends, and I miss my life. There was a reason I moved out when I was 19 and clearly those reasons have not changed.

Goodbye

This morning my Granddad passed away. I flew back home with the girls yesterday... but unfortunately was not able to see him before he passed. I love him dearly and will miss him for the rest of my time on this Earth. I know he is finally at peace and has been reunited with my Grandma up in Heaven. As much as I'm sad he isn't here anymore, I am happy they are together again. He just wasn't the same after she passed away almost 4 years ago.

A New Day Has Come