Weddings

My beautiful best friend (aka my wife) got married last weekend. It worked out that both my husband and I could be there together, and I am so glad we got to be a part of my friends' big day. Everything was perfect, including the weather, for their intimate outdoor ceremony and reception. My favorite part of the day was hearing them read each other their vows. I cried the whole time. Plus, one of my other best friends was officiating the ceremony. It was super emotional and beautiful. I am so happy for Mr. and Mrs. Jones!

While we were home my husband and I also did some planning for our renewal of vows ceremony and reception coming up in October. It still seemed like some far-off wedding fantasy until we actually sat down with the pastor and wedding planner at church and planned out the order or ceremony, music, and things like that. It finally feels real and I am getting really excited to finally wear my dress and pledge our love to each other in front of our family and friends. The first time around we were in a court house across the hall from a bunch of prisoners in orange jumpsuits with random legal assistant people as our witnesses. If we had known that would be our only "wedding" for the first year and a half of our marriage, we would have thought it out a little more and at least brought our own witnesses and have someone take photos.

So our turn is coming up in just a few short weeks now. Just keep your fingers crossed that we can get enough leave approved so that we can go on a honeymoon too!

Home :)

My love is home! It was a great day getting to see my husband walk off the plane and get to hug him and know that he is ok. I am so thankful that the whole unit came home safely. 

It was a strange feeling when we were united because although this year has been the longest year of my life, once we were together again it felt like we were never apart. I didn't cry like I thought I would, but I was so so happy to get my husband back. It feels so normal and right to be together now, so it's hard to believe that we spent so much time apart. It's when I see his pictures and the company slideshow and things like that that make me realize how much happened this year and remember how much I worried, and that makes me emotional. I'm trying to focus on the present now and just enjoy every moment. No more worries for now.

It's great to have Will in our new house. After all the short visits we've had with each other over the past two years, it's amazing to have a home that is OURS and know that we are not on a time limit. We can enjoy each day and actually share normal life with one another. He is such a blessing in my life and I could not be any happier or feel more loved. I am one lucky girl.

Waiting (not so) Patiently...Again

This deployment is finally almost over! This has definitely been a long and difficult year. I have had my share of stress and tears. I did not enjoy it, but I know it has made me a stronger person. It has strengthened my faith, given me time to spend with my family and see the birth of my best friend's first child, and has solidified even more my feelings for my husband. Our relationship began based on communication, and that has really helped us get through this year apart. Even being thousands of miles apart, I still love him more each day and am so thankful for having him in my life. I cannot tell you how happy I am that he is coming home safe (just one minor injury from last fall), and that we can finally start our life together as a married couple.

However, I think I have become a little spoiled having this whole house to myself and no responsibility. I'll have to get used to only sleeping on half of the bed, doing dishes more often than every 3-4 days, doing stinky boy laundry, and watching things other than HGTV and Bravo all day long. Since we have never lived together, it will be an adjustment for sure. But I'm still looking forward to all the normal, everyday things that come along - good or bad.

Most of all, I can't wait to kiss this face!!


Just a few more days... :)