Memorial Day

Here's to those who lay their life on the line. 

Here's to the heroes, the fallen and the never forgotten. 

Here's to the ones who continue to do so, every single day. 

Happy Memorial Day.

[Jordan is on the bottom row, second from the left)

The Countdown Continues

Jordan will finally be here in less than two more weeks! Today I put a brand new carton of milk in the fridge.. the expiration date is the same exact day my sweet soldier flies home! That's how you KNOW it's getting close.

The Boys Are Back In Town

It's official: MADDOG Troop safely made it back to Germany, from Afghanistan. Our very first deployment has finally come to an end.

Jordan called me from his room in the barracks, early this morning. He was happy, safe, healthy and enjoying a much deserved frosted beverage. We spent the majority of the day Skyping and catching up- it was fabulous. He's sleeping peacefully tonight, in a bed he can call his own. I have never been more relieved. 

 

[I'm in trouble for this one]

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK, 4/2!

The Countdown Continues

[...or should I say, LESS than three more weeks]
It should also be mentioned that we're finally in the TEEN days.

He'll be home soon, everyone!

Our First Anniversary

One year ago today, we made the best decision of our lives- we vowed to love each other forever. I am so proud of all we've accomplished this year. Although there are thousands of miles between us, we're more in love than ever and still smiling through it all. No matter how rough our days apart have been, we've always had each other to turn to.

Jordan, you truly are my best friend, my rock, my confidant. You are the sun in my day, the wind in my sky, the waves in my ocean, and the beat in my heart. Thank you for choosing me every single day. I love you, I love you, I love you. Here's to many more wonderful years, baby.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

My Handsome Hero

Jordan, using a Handheld Intra-Agency Identity Detection System on an Afghani national.

The HIIDE is a portable identity verification device that performs iris, fingerprint and facial recognition.

But never mind the important work he's doing... look at that smile!  

*swoon*

The Laundromat

This was a great day, last year. While waiting for our laundry to be done cooking, I looked up to find my three most favorite people in the world, all squished together on the couch. I can't wait to get back to this. He's almost home. He's almost home. He's almost HOME.

The Door Mat

The very first thing you see, upon entering a home, is the welcome mat. Therefore, it should be chosen wisely and with great care. I'm glad to say, the hunt for our perfect door mat has finally come to an end, ladies and gents. I've been looking for one that is natural in both color and fiber, simply stated and welcoming. I can't wait to see it on our new doorstep in Ft. Carson, Colorado, this Fall!

The Countdown Continues

In only FOUR more weeks, Jordan will finally be home. The final month is going to be jam packed with happenings and should pass quickly. Stay tuned for big updates!

An Acrostic Poem

I was looking through some old emails today and came across an acrostic poem Jordan wrote for me, almost two years ago. It made me smile, so I thought I would share it.

My Pledge to Play Nice

“Avoid destructive thinking. Improper negative thoughts sink people. A ship can sail around the world many, many times, but just let enough water get into the ship and it will sink. Just so with the human mind. Let enough negative thoughts or improper thoughts get into the human mind and the person sinks just like a ship.”-A. A. Montapert

Lately I've been hyper-aware of my own negativity and judgments, both inner dialogue and outer. When I notice, I do my best to stop, acknowledge the thought and correct myself- out loud, if need be. Sometimes it makes me sound like an idiot. I'd rather be known for contradicting my own negativity than spouting out what has more or less amounted to verbal diarrhea.

This week especially, my goal is to surround myself with positivity. It may mean declining a few invitations, and that's perfectly fine with me. In the end, all we can better is ourselves.  

This is my pledge to play nice. Hold me accountable- let's make a game out of this.

The Countdown Continues

Only FIVE more weeks until he's finally home!

Skype

For the first time in a little over four months, Jordan and I got to Skype. Nothing else on this planet makes me happier than watching that sweet smile crawl across his face.. and those dimples, AH those dimples. I almost forgot how handsome my husband is. Almost...

I'm going to get in trouble for this, but I don't care. 

I'm doing it. It's been done. 

LOOK AT HIM!

My GI Joe

I found this photo while helping my mother in law clean out a spare room in her house. She said Jordan made up his mind very early on that he wanted to be a GI Joe.

Here's to following your dreams.

Glass > Plastic

I've been on the lookout for brightly colored Italian glass bottles for about four months now. I saw them photographed in a magazine and have been dreaming about them ever since. I want to use them for all sorts of things- to keep chilled water in the refrigerator (without the harsh taste of recycled plastic), to hold milk (the tinted glass helps protect against spoilage, as well as keeping milk nice and cold), to keep a single fresh flower in, to contain dish soap, to set in a window sill for the sunlight to shine through... the possibilities are endless!

Here they are, in all their glory! [I bought one in every color.] Aren't they fabulous? THANKS, Uncommon Goods.