Can you Believe....

The time is getting close, our little boy is soon going to be turning 1 year old!!! Where has the time gone, it seems just yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital... He has done so much growing, Maddox is working on his 4th tooth and took his first steps yesterday!!! Sure, they may have been very wobbly steps, but I am still counting them!

We took a trip to the Nashville Zoo yesterday, besides the temperature we all had a great time! Maddox got to see elephants, giraffes, tigers, alligators, a bunch of funny looking birds and the monkeys! We got some awesome photos, I can't wait to show everyone...

Maddox is know drinking from a straw, he's not a huge fan of the sippy cup, but yesterday at the zoo he didn't mind it because it had nice cold water in it!! He is starting to eat more kinds of foods, I just can't get over how fast they grow up!

I do have to say, this girl above (Heather J.) has got to be one of the greatest friends someone could ask for! They say in the Army you don't make friends (usually) you make family, that is so true in this case. Her and her husband have been nothing but amazing, caring, grateful friends since the moment we got to Fort Campbell! Definitely, life long friends! Thanks girl, for always being there...

Letters From Home

My Dear Son, it is almost June,
I hope this letter catches up to you, and finds you well.
Its been dry but they’re calling for rain,
And everything's the same ol’ same in Johnsonville.
Your stubborn 'ol Daddy ain’t said too much,
But I’m sure you know he sends his love,
And she goes on,
In a letter from home.

I hold it up and show my buddies,
Like we ain’t scared and our boots ain’t muddy, and they all laugh,
Like there’s something funny bout’ the way I talk,
When I say: "Mama sends her best y’all."
I fold it up an' put it in my shirt,
Pick up my gun an' get back to work.
An' it keeps me driving me on,
Waiting on letters from home.

My Dearest Love, its almost dawn.
I’ve been lying here all night long wondering where you might be.
I saw your Mama and I showed her the ring.
Man on the television said something so I couldn’t sleep.
But I’ll be all right, I’m just missing you.
An' this is me kissing you:
XX’s and OO’s,
In a letter from home.

I hold it up and show my buddies,
Like we ain’t scared and our boots ain’t muddy, and they all laugh,
'Cause she calls me "Honey", but they take it hard,
'Cause I don’t read the good parts.
I fold it up an' put it in my shirt,
Pick up my gun an' get back to work.
An' it keeps me driving me on,
Waiting on letters from home.

Dear Son, I know I ain’t written,
But sittin' here tonight, alone in the kitchen, it occurs to me,
I might not have said, so I’ll say it now:
Son, you make me proud.

I hold it up and show my buddies,
Like we ain’t scared and our boots ain’t muddy, but no one laughs,
'Cause there ain’t nothing funny when a soldier cries.
An' I just wipe me eyes.
I fold it up an' put it in my shirt,
Pick up my gun an' get back to work.
An' it keeps me driving me on,
Waiting on letters from home.

~John Michael Montgomery

How Times Have Changed

GOOD WIFE’S GUIDE The Good Wife’s Guide Housekeeping
Monthly - May 13, 1955

-Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospect of a good meal (especially his favourite dish) is part of the warm welcome needed. -Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you’ll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. -Be a little gay and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it. -Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables. -Over the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction. -Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet. -Be happy to see him.
Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him. -Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours. -Make the evening his. Never complain if he comes home late or goes out to dinner or other places of entertainment without you. Instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure and his very real need to be at home and relax. -Your goal: To try and make sure your home is a place of peace, order, and tranquillity where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit. Don’t greet him with complaints and problems. -Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or have him lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice. -Don’t ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.

A good wife always knows her place.

I Spy.....

Come on, this could be fun! The point of the game is to find or spy the one thing in the picture that is
out of place, not right, wrong, etc.
Ready, Set.... GO!!!

Did anyone find it...?!?

New Addition...

Meet Miss Bella B. Nelson
(the newest member of the Nelson Family)

She was born on April 1st 2008
Maddox and I are both in love with her,
she is the sweetest thing ever!
she is a purebred Shar Pei, she has wrinkles like an old man, snores and farts just as bad as Mitchell, and loves to play outside!

Today is....

Two Years and Counting....
Happy Anniversary Baby, I love you!!!

Not directed to anyone...

Things NOT to say to an Army Wife

1. “Aren’t you afraid that he’ll be killed?”
(This one ranks in at number one on the “duh” list. Of course we’re afraid. We’re terrified. The thought always lingers at the backs of our minds —but thanks brilliant, you just brought it back to the front. Maybe next you can go ask someone with cancer if they’re scared of dying.)

2. “I don’t know how you manage. I don’t think I could do it.”
(This is intended to be a compliment. Though, its just a little annoying. Here’s why: it’s not like all of us military wives have been dreaming since childhood of the day we’d get to be anxious single moms who carry cell phones with us to the bathroom and in the shower. We’re not made of some mysterious matter that makes us more capable, we just got asked to take on a challenging job. So we rose to the challenge and found the strength to make sacrifices.)

3. “At least he’s not in Iraq.”
(This is the number one most annoying comment for those whose husbands are in Afghanistan. What do they think is happening in Afghanistan? An international game of golf? Guys are fighting and dying over there.)

4. “Do you think he’ll get to come home for Christmas/anniversary/birthday/birth of a child/wedding/family reunion, etc?”
(Don’t you watch the news? No! They don’t get to come home for any of these things. Please don’t ask again.)

5. “What are you going to do to keep yourself busy while he’s gone?”
(Short answer: Try to keep my sanity. Maybe there’s a military wife out there who gets bored when her husband leaves, but I have yet to meet her. For the rest of us, those with and without children, we find ourselves having to be two people. That keeps us plenty busy. We do get lonely, but we don’t get bored, and drinking massive amounts of wine always helps keep me busy.)

6. “How much longer does he have until he can get out?”
(This one is annoying to many of us whether our husbands are deployed or not. Many of our husbands aren’t counting down the days until they “can” get out. Many of them keep signing back up again and again because they actually love what they do or they VOLUNTEER AGAIN and AGAIN to go back to Iraq b/c there is work that needs to be done.)

7. “This deployment shouldn’t be so bad, now that you’re used to it.”
(Sure, we do learn coping skills and its true the more deployments you’ve gone through, the easier dealing with it becomes. And we figure out ways to make life go smoother while the guys are gone. But it never gets “easy” and the bullets and bombs don’t skip over our guys just because they’ve been there before. The worry never goes away.)

8. “My husband had to go to Europe for business once for three weeks. I totally know what you’re going through.”
(This one is similar to number two. Do not equate your husband’s three week trip to London/Omaha/Tokyo/etc. with a 12-15 month or more deployment to a war zone. Aside from the obvious time difference, nobody shot at your husband or tried to blow him up with an I.E.D., your husband could call home pretty much any time he wanted to, he flew comfortably on a commercial plane, slept between crisp white sheets and ate well, paying for everything with an expense account. There is no comparison. We do not feel bonded to you in the slightest because of this comment and, if anything, we probably resent you a bit for it. Comparing a 12 month combat deployment to a few weeks business trip is like comparing a shitty ford taurus with mercedes convertible.)

9. “Wow you must miss him?”
(This one also gets antoher big “duh”. Of course we miss our men. There are some wives who do not and they’re now divorced.)

10. “Where is he exactly? Where is that?”
(I don’t expect non-military folks to be able to find Anbar Province on a map, but they should know by now that it’s in Iraq. Likewise, know that Kabul and Kandahar are in Afghanistan. Know that Muqtada al Sadr is the insurgent leader of the Mahdi Army in Iraq and that Sadr City is his home area. Know that Iran is a major threat to our country and that it is located between Afghanistan and Iraq. Our country has been at war in Afghanistan for seven years and at war in Iraq for five years. These basic facts are not secrets, they’re on the news every night and in the papers every day —and on maps everywhere.)

11. “Well, he signed up for it, so it’s his own fault whatever happens over there."
(Yes, ignorant, he did sign up. Each and every day he protects your right to make stupid comments like that. He didn’t sign up and ask to be hit by anything, he signed up to protect his country. Oh, and by the way, he asked me to tell you that “You’re welcome.” He’s still fighting for your freedom.)

12. “Don’t you miss sex! I couldn’t do it!”
(hmmm, no i don’t miss sex. i’m a robot. seriously…military spouses learn quickly that our relationships must be founded on something greater than sex. We learn to appreciate the important things, like simply hearing their voices, seeing their faces, being able to have dinner together every night. And the hard truth is, most relationships probably couldn’t withstand 12 months of sex deprivation.)

13. “Well in my opinion…..”
(Stop right there. Yo, I didn’t ask for you your personal political opinions. Hey, I love a heated political debate, but not in the grocery store, not in Jamba Juice, not at Nordstrom, not in a restaurant when I’m out with my girls trying to forget the war, and CERTAINLY NOT AT WORK. We tell co-workers about deployments so when we have to spend lunch hours running our asses off doing errands and taking care of the house, dog, and kids, they have an understanding. We do not tell co-workers and colleagues because we are giving an invitation to ramble about politics or because we so eagerly want to hear how much they hate the President, esp. while we’re trying to heat up our lean cuisines in the crappy office microwaves.)

last but not least….

14. “OH, that’s horrible…I’m so sorry!”
(He’s doing his job and he’s tough. Don’t be sorry. Be appreciative and please take a moment out of your comfortable American lives to realize that our soldiers fight the wars abroad so those wars stay abroad.)

If you want to say anything, say thank you. After all, we are sexually deprived for your freedom

Proud

Well, ladies and gentlemen.... this is Mitch, in Iraq! He used his webcam to take the picture. I sent him a disposable camera so I should soon be getting a bunch more! He got my first package pretty quick, about 4 days I think. Don't forget about the customs form!!! You can actually go onto the usps.com and order shipping supplies for free!
Anyway, I found someone to mow our lawn... now I don't have to bust my ass, and my wrist once a week! And, I even talked the guy down to $10 every time he mows!!! YAY~GO ME!!! Lets see, what else is new...? Really not too much, Mitch is doing good, besides his ankle bothering him he is great! He does feel dirty ALL the time, you can kinda see it in the picture.... He can't wait to start getting more letters and packages, so get it on top of that!!
Oh, here is a picture of Maddox on his first day of Day Care!!!

A change is in the air... Can you smell it?

Today was Maddox's first time in day care, and let me tell you I was more nervous than he was! I dropped him off at 9am and cried a little as I drove away. It's amazing how fast they grow, He is becoming such a big boy... and I can't do a thing to stop it! So, I spent my day in the doctors office, for them to tell me I have tendanidous in my wrist after injuring it doing... of all things... mowing the lawn!!! Now, I am fitted with the most fashionable brace and taking anti-inflammatory drugs twice a day! How cool am I?!? (please don't answer that) So, after my exciting day of visiting the hospital and not to mention the fabulous Post Office I was off to pick up my little boy, who I was sure would be crying in a corner somewhere because he missed his mommy so much!! And much to my surprise, he was ok... he survived his first day, as did I. The sitter said he was wonderful... and for the first time in a week or so, Maddox and I spent a stress free night together! It was awesome, seriously, I have the most amazing little boy in the world!
I hate to be the bearer of what some might find as "bad news" but Mitch is thinking about re-enlisting in the Army while he is in Iraq. What that means for us... an income, a place to live, amazing friends, a chance to travel, a way to see the world in a whole new way. What that means for our family and friends, I'm sorry to say... and I mean no disrespect to anyone in anyway... but Mitch, Maddox and I are our own family now. Yes, we love all of you back home, but we need to do what is best for our family and not what the family thinks is best for us. Sure, we may have tough times and get homesick... but we need to start our own life, not relying on other people or their opinions. Of course we will listen to your fears and reservations, but at the end of the day... it will be a decision that will be made by Mitch and I, and only Mitch and I. We will do whatever it takes to make the best life for our little boy, not all may like or even agree in any decision we make, but let us make it for ourselves. (side note: nothing is set in stone, I just though everyone would like to be kept up to date)

We love you all ♥

Live while you can, Laugh while you can, Love while you can

Yes, that is a picture of a ton of bricks. Over the last week one would hit me every now and then... but tonight, the rest fell... and they fell hard! I'm coming back to life, that is, out of my zombie state of mind and I have to say... it's hard, I almost wish i could go back. I think it was watching the season two premier of Army Wives that really flicked the switch. The tears have been rolling since 9:00pm and they haven't let up. Mitchell is away, he is far away, for an undetermined amount of time... And I won't know when/if I'll see him again (sorry to be so brutal to other family members, but it's a hard part of this life we chose, and I have to realistic). The Army always says "Plan for the worst and hope for the best", that's what I have to do... that's what we all have to do.

It's hard talking to people about what I'm going through and how I am feeling, because most of you will never understand. I'm not the same person I was only a few short months ago... I have a new life, new friends, new family, new routine. My main goal right now is to be the best mother to Maddox and take care of myself the best way I can. And for those of you who know my past, you know stress and I don't get along very well, it's like oil and water. That brings me to another thing... if I hear anyone say anything along the lines of "Well, this is the life you picked" or "You knew what you were getting yourself into.." seriously, call 911 because you will have a size 8 1/2 foot stuck up your ass! Yes, I know what the Army life means and what it brings... the heartache, the worrying, the sleepless nights, separations, but it also brings happiness, pride, reunions, love and a very close family that honestly I would never find in the "outside world". Again... you can't understand what I and all other Army spouses are going through, so don't compare our lives, don't say "Oh, I know exactly how you feel, my husband/wife/etc. was gone for 3 weeks..." I'm sorry if I seem brutal, but I'm putting the facts out there... I don't mean to be rude or self centered or any other words you may be thinking while reading this. I am being honest, speaking from the heart.

I have also come to realize a major fault of mine, I am a giver... by nature, it's the person I am. But one human being can only give so much. I was once told that when you give, you will receive back tenfold... right now I am having a very difficult time believing in that. It's a nasty game of tug of war and my toes are right over the mud pit! I'm tired of always being the one that will drop everything to listen to a friends problems, to give anything extra I have to a friend in need... but when the time comes, and I need someone, something... no one is around, no one has time. Maybe moving to another state 700+ miles away was a really good way of finding my true friends, even if that meant losing some along the way.

I can't be that person anymore, I feel as though I have nothing left to give... my advise and listening went out the window, along with the shirt off my back and my money I had in savings.... and for what?!? No one has shown me that caring is a two way street in a very long time. So, until someone hands me my ears and heart back... not to mention my shirt and money, I am closed for business... I know I say that now... but deep in my heart, I can't change who I am and I will always be there for whoever needs me, just know that each and every time I give... I give a little bit of myself... and I know (at least here on earth) You need pretty much an entire body and mind to operate...

Heart of a Sceaming Eagle

Today I was at the post office, sending off Mitchell's first care package. As I was standing in line, big box in one arm, Maddox in the other, I couldn't help but notice the screaming little girl standing one person behind us. She was about 4 or 5 and crying as loud as she could! The soldier behind me turned to her and asked her what was wrong... She pulled up her pant leg to show she had a very small scrape on her knee. Sure to us adults it was small, but to that little girl it was the end of the world! The soldier asked if she wanted it to feel better.... through sobs and gasps of air she quietly said yes. He bent down, and kissed her knee... she immediately stopped crying. She said thank you, and he got back up and took his place in line again. It brought tears to my eyes then and is doing the same now as I am thinking about it. To add to his kindheartedness, he held my box until we got to the counter...

I am so full of pride for my country and all the men and women that serve everyday, either over seas or here at the home front... even if it just means giving a little girl a kiss on the knee...

Down Range...

Mitchell made it to the other side of the world safely. Right now he is in Kuwait, but soon leaves for Iraq. There's not much I can tell you about his where abouts or what he is doing... There is a lot of "Don't ask, Don't tell, Don't show, Don't share", so I haven't even gotten any pictures yet. What I can tell you is that he is safe and he is in good spirits, and can't wait to come home on R&R!! I sent out an email with his address and email address in it, if you didn't receive it that's because I don't have your email address so send it to me asap!

I've been doing ok with holding things together, I still have yet to sleep in our bed... it's been empty for 6 days now. It looks just like it did the morning he left. I'm sure eventually I will get back in there, but for now the couch is suiting me just fine. Maddox has shown some signs of Daddy not being around... he is more fussy than usual... and those of you who know my son, know he is not a very fussy baby! But, he did get his 3rd tooth in! YAY, and this one is on the top!!!

I haven't talked to many people from back home yet, partly because they won't and never will understand what we are going through and how tough it is. I guess it's true what they say, We now have two families... Our real family and Our Army family. I have to say, I think some of the best friendships I am going to find are going to be behind these gates in this Army world. I don't want my friends from back home to take offense. There is room in my heart for everyone, it's something you wouldn't understand unless you were going through it.
I love you all, no less than I had before! ♥

The Plan...

Robin Williams, wearing a shirt that says

'I love New York ' in Arabic.

You gotta love Robin Williams......Even if he's nuts! Leave it to Robin Williams to come up with the perfect plan. What we need now is for our UN Ambassador to stand up and repeat this message.




Robin Williams' plan...(Hard to argue with this logic!)

"I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here's one plan.



1) 'The US will apologize to the world for our 'interference' in their affairs, past & present.
You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Tojo, Noriega, Milosevic, Hussein,
and the rest of those 'good 'ole' boys', we will never 'interfere' again.




2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany , South Korea , the Middle East , and the Philippines . They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one allowed sneaking through holes in the fence.



3) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of whom or where they are. They're illegal!!! France will welcome them.




4) All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit!!!! No one from a terrorist nation will be allowed in. If you don't like it there,
change it yourself and don't hide here Asylum would never be available to anyone.
We don't need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers.



5) No foreign 'students' over age 21. The older ones are the bombers.
If they don't attend classes, they get a 'D' and it's back home baby.




6) The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness.

The caribou will have to cope for a while


7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go someplace else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production.
(About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.)



8) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not 'interfere.' They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.



9) Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island someplace. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here. Besides, the building would make a good
homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.



10) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us 'Ugly Americans' any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH..learn it...or LEAVE...
Now, isn't that a winner of a plan?

'The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.


She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, 'you want a piece of me?'"

Living Dead...

Well, today was the day...

Mitch left for Iraq this morning in a hurried rush. We spent most of the night laying awake in bed, and at 4am when the alarm went off, he kept hitting the snooze button. I don't know if it was just his sub conscience, not wanting to leave, or just the lack of sleep. Needless to say, he arrived at his company late, with no time for a good "see you later". As I watched him walk into the building, I could actually feel my heart breaking a little. Maddox and I sat in the car for about a half hour, I just stared at the doors... I guess hoping to see him again. But that was it, he was gone. Right now, I am in a dazed state of mind. Lack of sleep and not wanting it to be true has left me feeling like a zombie. I'm told this is normal, one day... not too far from now... It will hit me like a semi truck and I'll breakdown, but I'll pick up the pieces and hold them in a safe place until he comes home to Maddox and I.

I would say the hardest part so far today, being around Maddox. He has no idea what is going on, and he reminds me so much of Mitch... Maddox standing up looking at the pictures and saying "DaDa"... I swear he won't forget that amazing man, and when Mitch comes home Maddox will stretch out his arms and say "Daddy". Sorry, to be so depressing... typing helps, it puts things into perspective.

On a lighter note, we spent the best night together as a family last night. Maddox got some extra loving... he even discovered his "bird" in the bathtub, which was the cutest thing ever! Mitch and I sat out on the patio and talked.... talked for hours... He called a few people to say goodbye and then we just sat there, really no need for words at that point. I love that man with all I have to give, and I can't wait for the day when he will be in our arms again!

A little bit more...

New Pictures!

Angry Mom!

Mitch and I had to attend a "pre-deployment" briefing today at 9am. They offered free child care since it was about a 2 hour briefing. Needless to say I was very worried about leaving Maddox with people I have never met and don't know the slightest with about! Mitch reassured me that everything would be fine and they were all certified caregivers.

After the briefing, we went back to the day care room to pick Maddox up... and there was a note on the door that read "Parents, we are outside". So, we go the the playground, no Maddox, we look out front, no Maddox, we looked around the building for about 10 minutes until we finally found all the kids outside playing on the hot tennis court (temp. today is in the mid 80's) some with NO shoes or socks on! My blood is starting to boil. We head back to the day care room to get his diaper bag and other items. We found his bag, and we found his bottle sitting by a sink, completely FULL!!! (it was now past 11:30) We specifically told the ladies to feed him at 10am! Now I am super pissed!!! And to add the icing on the cake, Maddox was NOT changed at all for the entire time he was there! Now, needless to say I am livid, about ready to punch someone in the head! I ask the lady, that took down our information when we first dropped him off, who I could complain to. She gave us the number to the lady who was in charge of CYS (children youth services). Although she was not there that day, she was the lady who was in charge and thankfully we got a hold her her right away. She apologized and told us she would get on top of the issue right away.

Maddox is home now, safe, and with a full belly... but I am still mad, hands shaking, head pounding, blood boiling mad!!! The lady in charge also said that we should have gotten a paper when we picked him up stating when he was changed, fed, etc. And of course, we never received that paper! She is supposed to be calling us back either today or Tuesday (due to the holiday weekend) to tell us how things were handled and what went so horribly wrong.

Letting other people babysit Maddox has always been a tough issue with me, and this just verified all my fears!

Long time Gone...

Wow, where has the time gone? It seems like one day just runs into the next, with Mitch's deployment approaching we have been pretty busy trying to get things in order. We still have yet to find out an exact date of when he is leaving, but we are planning for the end of this month. Which in all reality is only about 2 weeks away. I'm not sure if it has hit me yet that he will be gone for 12+ months, I've heard that this is also normal, and it won't really sink in until the day after.

Mitch has been spending lots of time with Maddox, trying to get in all the loving he can before he leaves. Obviously nothing will make up for the time we lose while he is away, but I will do everything in my power to make sure Maddox never forgets his daddy. Mitch and I haven't been fighting as often, which is a major plus, gives up more time to spend enjoying each others company.

I had a pretty "exciting" time getting used to the hospital here on post. I was there for some things which should have only taken about a 1/2 hour but was actually there for about two!! People kept sending me to the wrong place, I bet I visited about 4 different offices before I found the records office! Well, I guess the best way to learn your way around is to get lost, right? Getting around on post is a little easier, I know how to get to all the important places!

Mitch and I have made some great friends! Johnson and Heather (which I will refer to as Heather J. as not to confuse anyone with the famous Heather Barnhart) They got married on the 10th and both Mitch and I were asked to be the best man and maid/matron of honor. It was a beautiful wedding and I am so glad we got to be apart of it. Johnson and Heather J. will no doubt be lifelong friends. They are two of the nicest people we have ever met. It's funny how now, that we are a part of the Army life, it's like we live in two different worlds...
My friends back home will always be important to me and will always be a part of my life but they won't and can't understand certain things I'll be going through. As much as they try, it just won't happen. But, I love them for that... I am overjoyed that I have made some "Army Wife" friends, they will be the ones who can understand not getting that phone call or letter, or how truly hard it is to be away from your spouse.
Mitch isn't going on a business trip, he won't be home in a few weeks. He is not going on vacation, he is going to Iraq. A war zone, where people die everyday. He won't be safe, maybe safer than others, but still not safe. He will miss his son's first birthday, and Christmas and his own birthday... but this is what it takes. Him losing all this is what it takes for us to be free, free to do as we please, to speak our minds, even to bad mouth the troops and the war. "It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to go into battle." That's what Mitch is, a hero... along with every other member of the military.

"A soldier does not fight because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him"

Please, keep Mitch and all the other soldiers in your hearts and prayers.

P.S.
While Mitch is deployed, no one is to show up unannounced, or ring the door bell. That sound strikes fear into every military spouses heart.

Not enough hours in a day!

I promise I will update soon, life has been a little hectic lately!

Our friends got married on the 10th, Mitch was the Best Man and I was the Maid (matron) of Honor! We had a blast, and they are some of the nicest people we have ever met!

I appreciate you all...

Since 1984 it proclaimed the Friday before Mother's Day of each year to be Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

Today is our day. A day to recognize and appreciate that we serve too, we may not wear the rank, uniform, carry a weapon, or go along on deployments, field trainings, etc. But we are the ones at the root of it all, supporting and loving our military men. We somehow keep it all together when all we want to do is fall apart. We play mother and father to our children at times, endure countless nights of crying ourselves to sleep and awakening to roll over to his side of the bed to realize it was only a dream and his side is empty. We have eaten many meals alone, waited in numerous never ending lines at the post office just to mail off a simple care package to give our loved one a little taste of home. We have had to watch our men walk away from us for months, and years at a time, not knowing if we will ever see them again. We have all had our hearts jump into our throats every time the door bell rang, in fear of men in green suits and a chaplain possibly on the other side. We have all lived for phone calls and emails, because it meant they are ok and it helped to calm our fears for a few moments. We have all tripped over our husbands boots in the middle of the night and while we may want to throw them at them for leaving them in the middle of the floor again, we simply push them aside and thank god that the boots are on the floor to be tripped over, because it simply means he is home and we never know when those boots will leave again. And while many people may ask "how do you do it" we can not give an answer, other than "we just do" it is our way of life, and we adapt, we have no choice. We don't expect our family and non military friends to understand, and god bless them all for trying to, we love them for it, we are thankful for their love and support. We also know they can not fully understand unless they live this crazy life we do. Being a military spouse brings so many feelings and emotions. Things are constantly changing in our lives from day to day. I am proud to be a military spouse, I am honored to stand along side a true American hero. So today I honor all military spouses, I am thankful to each and every one of you for doing what you do, not only today, but every day, and I thank you for being a part of our military family!

Garden of Hell

Sorry it's been so long since my last post. A lot has gone on since then.

I went home over this past weekend to visit with family and friends. Weird how in just a month everything and ever one can change. Now, I'm not talking huge changes, just little ones... but big enough to make me feel like an outsider already. I decided to cut my visit short and I came home a day earlier than I had originally planned. A bonus from my trip is I got to fly in a plane, first time since I was 1 year old so it was kinda a big deal to me. Flying at night was beautiful! All the lights from the cities, took your breath away.

Our friends had been staying with us the last few days. They bought a house and didn't have closing yet so instead of making them stay in a hotel we offered our futon. Sure it's not the most comfortable thing but it gets the job done. It was nice having them here, they are two of the nicest people I have ever met, and I think we'll be life long friends. Now, it almost seems empty not having them here...

We all went out to eat on Tuesday night. We thought a nice dinner at Olive Garden would be a fun idea, boy were we wrong!! First it took us 35 minutes to get our food, then none of the noodles were completely cooked (you could still see the uncooked part) Mitch's veggies were cold, it was horrible! We were pissed, for lack of a better word! We finally got a manager over to the table and after a "not so funny" joke she decided to take care of our entire bill. That was the only good part of the dinner! So, we left Olive Garden with empty stomaches but full wallets... it was just a waste of time. I've renamed it "The Garden of Hell"! Seriously, Mitch and I have the worst luck in going to "new" restaurants!

It feels like I have been in overdrive since I got home. So much stuff needs done before Mitch deploys and I don't even know where to start. Not to mention the constant bickering between us which I hear is normal right before a deployment... hey, if people are considering us normal, I'll take it! We've been trying to purchase a lot of the stuff I'll need to survive comfortably while he is away, but of course that causes more headaches and bickering than good. I think I'll have some pretty good friends down here while he is away... everything will work out.

Maddox is still in Pa visiting all the family. He'll be flying down with Amy, Brett and Zac on Saturday. They are coming down to visit and say good bye before Mitch leaves. It's going to be a busy weekend. We have our friends wedding to go to on Saturday and then with his family being here, you might just find little me rocking in a corner losing my mind!

Well, I guess that's all for today... miss you guys!

Sorry It's Been So Long...

Hey everyone! Sorry it's been a while since I made a post on here. We've been going through a lot trying to get the house finished and getting ready for Mitch's deployment.

Speaking of, he has a tentative date of May 29th, but that could be pushed back due to training delays. We found out it is a 15 month deployment. (BOOOO)

I've been trying to stay strong for the family and also for myself, but I do have my days. Meeting friends is probably one of the tougher things for me. I'm sure as time passes and when the FRG finally calls me things will get better!

Maddox had his 9 month check-up yesterday and is doing great! He's eating like a pig and sleeping like a lamb! He also has one more tooth, total of 2!

We finally got the web cam hooked up and running so if anyone has one, we are using windows live messenger, you can download it for free! Let me know so we can set times up to talk, Maddox really enjoys seeing everyones face and hearing them talk, now if he could only figure out how to get them out of that darn computer!!!!

That's all for tonight, promise to update more often. Let me know how many people are actually reading this by leaving me a quick comment.... keeps me motivated!

Love you Guys!!!!

A Day in The Life....

So, here is a run down of what an Army Wife (like myself) does on a normal day. Not everyday is the same but here is what I have done so far today...

I woke up at 8:30am, had a bowl of cereal, watched about 1/2 of cartoons with Maddox. Feed him his bottle and put him down for the first of two naps.

I did my 1 hour workout while he was napping, yes, I'm working out!!! After that I started picking up around the house. Maddox woke up around 10:45am and he watched as I first vacuumed , then swiffered the floors and then mopped then.

Just as I started folding the laundry Mitch came home for his lunch break and he fed Maddox while I cleaned the kitchen (I mean really cleaned), did the dishes and started another load of laundry.

Notice, I haven't showered yet....

Mitch left around 12:30pm and Maddox and I played on the floor, he got another bottle and I just put him down for his second nap about 15 minutes ago. Mitch just got home, and I'm afraid his big old boots are going to make my nice clean floors very very dirty!

It's now 2:10pm and I still have to wash the windows, switch the laundry over (and then fold it), clean up the rest of the office area and clean up our bedroom. Plus I have to fit in my daily walk. Not to mention I need to shower at some point.

So, even though I don't have a "job" and drive to work... I do plenty. Finally I have a little time to breathe before the little one wakes up and it's back to "work"!

Love you guys, hope this entertained you for a little while =)

Standing out in the crowd

Yes everyone, it's true! Maddox is sporting his latest haircut... the mohawk! Although his is not bright red (like in the picture) he looks darn cute. Don't worry we haven't spiked it up, yet... there is a lack of "baby hair gel" on post! HaHaHa I have to say I'm pretty proud of myself. With very little help I was able to give a very very fussy baby his first hairstyle. ::pats self on back:: And it looks like he's going to turn back into a dark haired baby too, a lot of his hair is dark real close to the roots. That's a weight off my shoulders... how in the world could we make a blond hair, blue eyed baby?!? Speaking of the little devil, his second tooth popped through yesterday, in the car, on our way home from Best Buy. Let me tell you, a 30 minute car ride with a SCREAMING baby is not that much fun! The guard at the gate had a little laugh when we pulled up... I'm glad someone found it amusing! He is doing much better today, back to his "normal" self.

Maddox's personality is really starting to show, and I hate to say it but he's a lot like me! If that little boy doesn't get his way he throws his head back, kicks his feet, throws his hands around and screams bloody murder!!! I'm not saying I do that when I don't get my way, but momma likes when things go her way and isn't too happy when it goes the other. It's like he is going through his "terrible 2's" one year and three months early! You just have to trust me, everyone who thinks he is such a sweet easy going baby, world watch out!!!

I finally got a new camera today, so I will be able to post pictures of our new life here in Fort Campbell (including the above mentioned hair style)! So, keep your eyes peeled for new stuff! We took a little family stroll today, despite the 90 degree weather!! (yeah, we're crazy) But, it was very nice to get out the three of us and it NOT be in the car! Maddox loves watching the birds and the trees, everything gets his attention.

That's all for tonight, we love you guys and god bless!

A Letter Home

Dear Uncle Tim,

I just wanted to say hi and thanks for taking me to swim lessons. I had a really good time! Maybe next time mommy can be there too. Mommy said she talked to you on the phone last night, and you could hear me farting! I do that a lot, but between me and you... it was more than just air! (heeheehee) I can't wait for you and Aunt Jen to come visit me and mommy at our new house. My room is so cool, and I got a new crib too. I think I have the coolest pad for a 9 month old. This morning before my nap I was really practicing my tongue trick you taught me! I'm going to be better at it than you! Oh, did mom and dad tell you I'm getting my second tooth in!!! It hurt real bad when it popped through but dad came to my rescue and put that gross cherry stuff in my mouth... it made it stop hurting though. When you come to visit, I know what we can do! They have a water park here... we can go do that, or swing at the playground and then get some ice cream! MMMMmmmm, boy do I love ice cream! Well, I better get back to playing with my toys. Please don't miss me too much, and don't be sad... You can see me as soon as you get that darn web camera figured out! I love you so much Uncle Tim!

Love,
Maddox

one more year older

Well, my first birthday away from family wasn't too bad. (thank you to everyone who called or sent me a message) Mitch surprised me with a massage at the Spa here on post. It was very relaxing. Then we went to the mall in Clarksville, did a little shopping and came home. I got to relax a little more while Mitch cooked dinner and took care of Maddox. We watched Juno (which I must say is quite a good movie). Nothing spectacular but I couldn't ask for anything more than to spend the day with my two favorite men!

Maddox is doing a lot of growing theses days. His second tooth is about to pop through and he is as fussy as ever. He loves to help me fold (then unfold) the laundry and thinks it's the coolest thing to crawl under the end table in the living room! He is still a little nervous about pulling himself up onto things that are higher than his head, but at least he "looks before he leaps"!

I met two other army wives on Wednesday, they are very nice and make me feel right at home. Too bad the one girl is leaving in June. (Her husband is getting his duty station changed) The other is here to stay, her husband teaches on post. Hopefully I'll get to meet more women as time goes on, it does tend to get a bit lonely down here.

That's all for today, hope everyone is doing well back home and I can't wait to see you guys!!

enough said

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!!

Hello World

Just wanted to take a few moments to thank everyone who has been so supportive of Mitch and I during these times. Things will be tough over the next ____ amount of months, but we will get through it with the love and support of our friends and family. Remember we are always a phone call away!

Am I on another planet?!?

The other day Mitch and I went to Subway to get some dinner. I ordered a seafood sub (yes, I know... but they are so yummy!) We got to the end and he asked "Would you like anything else on your sub?" I replied "Lettuce and Old Bay, please." And then I couldn't believe my ears! "What? What's old bay???" Are you kidding me, you don't have old bay!!! The guy has never heard of putting old bay on a seafood sub and they don't even keep it in the subway restaurants down here! I was blown away, thought I was on another planet for a minute. Then Mitch reminded me that we were far from any ocean and seafood/old bay is not huge in the south.

No crab shacks? What am I going to do??? I'm thinking of carrying old spice in my purse from now on, who knows when the craving for those delicious subway seafood subs might hit!

I have to be the Glue

Yes, it's there... you have to look close! I think another one might soon be coming in. He was the fussiest little thing today, nothing made him happy. Poor guy, went to sleep with no problem what so ever then about an hour later woke up screaming! And boy do I mean SCREAMING! Mitch and I both went in, I tried rocking him for a little but when Mitch went to walk out of the room, Maddox started crying again and reached out for him. It hit me hard and took all I had to hold back the tears.

I am so glad that even with Mitch being gone so much of Maddox's life so far, that little boy still needs and wants his daddy! I'm not going to lie, it's going to be tough with Mitch leaving again... but I am the strong one in the family, who else will hold everything together...?



P.S.
What is up with the weather in Kentucky?? Yesterday it was beautiful, today it was freezing!!!! I didn't even leave the house! (BBBRRRRR)

It's Not Over, Til' it's Over

We got word the other day that Mitch will be leaving for Iraq towards the end of May. His unit is actually leaving next week, but because he just arrived he will be held here a few more weeks longer to get some things together. As of now we aren't sure how long his deployment will be, the rumor mill is 11-13 months. (I won't be holding my breath) Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as well as all the other soldiers who are serving our country. I will post more news as I get it, but because of the Army some things won't be posted. If you have any questions/comments you can always write me an email or give us a call.







Thank you for all the love and support you have shown to me and my family over the past few months... it is greatly appreciated!

Keeping Busy

The dust is starting to settle and the image of getting my Lia Sophia business back up and running is in the front of my mind. I found out yesterday that I was ranked #4 in sales for my region! Which is a huge accomplishment considering everything else I was doing to get ready for the move. That news really got my excited about starting things up again. I'm trying to think of ways to get my name out down here, with not knowing too many people I'm sure it won't be easy at first. But, I'll have a lot of free time on my hands so what better way to spend my time than making some dough!!!

Just a little reminder to everyone back home, you can still place orders with me, and they can be sent directly to your home. (every little bit helps ::wink-wink::) You can check out the jewelry at www.liasophia.com and shoot me an email if anything strikes your fancy!

I guess that is enough "pitching" for one night.
I hope everyone had a fantastic day!!

Beautiful Day!

Just thought I would let everyone know back in Pa how beautiful

the weather is today.

Sunny with a high of 74! (can't beat that)

Blue Stickers EVERYWHERE!

The movers have came and gone, and they left us with tiny blue stickers on every piece of furniture we have! I swear I will be picking them off for the next few years!! We are mostly settled in, I think only two more boxes to unpack so I am very proud! Our home looks awesome, better than I could have imagined. We have a dishwasher and central air, that's kinda a big deal for me... it's been a while since we have had the "finer" things of life. HaHa

The base is becoming a little more familiar to me, each day it gets a little better. It's hard adjusting but I'm sure as soon as I can meet some other wives things will start falling in place. I'm having some trouble accepting the fact that some friendships won't be strong enough to survive the miles, but I guess there is always a reason why people stay in your past and don't make it to the future.

I do have all our new contact info. (phone numbers, address, etc.) so write me an email so I can get those out to everyone. That's all for now... We love you all!