If You're Reading This

This past weekend Marine and I were cleaning and going through the million and one boxes he brought home with him from base. I mean you can only label so many boxes USMC stuff. We decided to go through and organize them better and to unpack the things he wanted.

One of the boxes was his deployment box. I start pulling things out touched, that he had kept all the letters I had sent him. I didn't realize just how many letters that was until you see them all stacked up together.

Now maybe I should say that we are out in the drive way with all this stuff strewn about. The sun was shining and it was a gorgeous day! Marine tells me he's going to go inside and get us something to drink. I reply "Ok," never looking up from the box I'm sorting.

I pull out his informational cards -- the cards that military members have to carry in their pocket in case something were to happen. These cards tell their blood type, religion, etc. In with these cards is a small plastic bag carefully folded with a piece of paper inside. It says my name.

I just stare at it.

I know what it is.

I glance toward the door and then back to the small bag in my hand.

'Do I ask to read it or just read it' flashes across my mind.

I glance at the door again.

No Marine.

Well it's easier to ask for permission than forgiveness.

I carefully pull open the bag and take out the letter.

You guessed it. It's was the "if you're reading this......" letter.

It was one lone page filled to the brim.

I read it the first time quickly, tears sliding down my cheeks. And then go back and read it more slowly.

I bow my head and say a prayer of thanks before sliding the letter back in the bag and placing it once again among the cards.

I place them within the box with the all the letters.

I dry my eyes as I hear Marine come back outside and slide my sunglasses back down.

He hands me a glass of water, "Sorry took so long Roommate called and I stood in the kitchen talking to him."

I just smile up at him as I take the water, "No problem. Thank you."

Then I stand up and hug him telling him again how much I love him and how nice it is to have him home.

----------------------------------------------------

Have you ever written an "in case letter"?"

Afterward this reminded me of the "How I Met Your Mother" episode in which Lily and Marshall write each other "in case" letters.

Who would you write to?

What would you say?

The letter struck a cord with me and made me realize for the hundredth time how lucky we are. I could not imagine reading that letter under other circumstances. But as I read it thats what it made me feel. Could I have done the things Marine asked of me? Would I have been strong enough?

I'm so thankful I will never know.

If you're reading this, my momma's sitting there

Looks like I only got a one-way ticket over here

I sure wish I could give you one more kiss

And war was just a game we played when we were kids

Well I'm laying down with my gun, I'm hanging up my boots

I'm up here with God and we're both watching over you

So lay me down 

In that open field out on the edge of town

And know my soul

Is where my momma always prayed that it would go

If you're reading this I'm already home

~ Tim McGraw ~

Whirlwind Weekend

Whew what a whirlwind of a weekend!

Friday night I went to diner with Red, Hollywood and Hollywood's BF. I hadn't gotten to hang out with Hollywood much lately so it was great to see her! And her new Beau is great! {well maybe not new they've been together nearing a year now I think}.

Red cracks me up. I keep telling her she needs to write a book, even if its only one liners. We have another friend that works with Red who is mid-30's and has a daughter who is about 10. After receiving a text from mutual friend Friday night Red says, "You know your social life has hit an all time low when your sitting in a church parking lot with two ten year olds cause the coupon meeting was to full for you to get in."

I start laughing historically.

Red, "I'm sorry if thats cruel but it's the truth!"

***************

Saturday morning I awoke early to head to the gym.

Yes you read that right. I got up at 8 a.m. to go to the gym!

Giggles has been bugging me encouraging me all week to go to Zubma with her. It was a new class the gym was starting and Giggles was convinced we needed to be a part of it.

I myself wasn't as convinced. I mean I workout everyday at the barn. Kinda, sorta. I mean carrying hay bales and cleaning stalls is really a good upper body workout.

But cardio?? My normal thought would be "oh I'm in good shape I mean I ran Cross Country and Track in high school...." But reality hit a few weeks ago and I now realize that with high school being ten years ago I may not be in as good of shade as my mind would think me to be.

Zumba kicked my booty. BIG time.

Somewhere during the dance to My Elevator I look at Giggles and gasp, "I love you!"

She starts laughing as we sway side to side swinging our arms, "What?"

"Just thought I should tell you in case I die in here!!!"

Lesson learned: Just cause your skinny does not mean your in shape.

***************

Sunday I worked on several projects I have going on (projects meaning website jobs). And then I headed to the basement to start cleaning. It's crunch time people! Marine will be home Sunday and I need to have everything out so that he can start painting and laying down the new flooring. 

I stumble upon a box of pictures that I need to transfer from the old box they are in into a new plastic storage container. 

I get distracted easily......

Very easily.......

Which means I had to sit down and look thru all pictures as I transfered them.

Think of it as self-discovery.

Did you buy that? Yeah Marine didn't either....

Let me introduce you to little E.....

I was stylish even at an early age. Knowing the importance of sunglasses and taking your best friend with you EVERYWHERE. I mean the one accessory that never goes out of style is friends. Except maybe in this case....

And I may or may not have had an attitude:

And I was a book nerd even at an early age.... Proof I've always enjoyed a good read. 

Despite my little trip down memory lane I did get a bunch done.

*************

That was the high point of the weekend. The low point came when Marine called Saturday while I was at lunch with Giggles (yes after Zumba a grilled chick-fil-a sandwich seemed perfectly necessary). He called to say his unit was being recalled. Recalled. I froze.

"What?"

"The unit is getting recalled."

That's right the guys have been home just a little over 90 days and they're already being recalled. Marine explains that he's safe. He's already turned in his gear thank goodness and the majority of his papers have been signed. I could tell he was a little torn between wanting to come home and wanting to go with his guys. 

I understood. 

 (I know I'm vague and that doesn't explain much but can't say more at this time). 

I feel so sorry for the guys and their families. I mean I know thats what they signed up for but still. One wife commented, 'Three and a half years and three deployments. I spend more time missing you than seeing you."

Reading that broke my heart. You just never realize how lucky you are. So many things we take for granted and times spent with loved ones. Think of those that make sacrifices. Not just military families, but police families, firefighter families, etc. All these people make sacrifices for the rest of us. And what do they ask of us in return? Nothing. 

I know I ramble, but this is just something near and dear to my heart. 

Semper Fi

Deployment Surviver ~ My Story

Amber over at Goodnight Moon! posted this awhile back and asked that everybody write a post about being a deployment survivor. I started this post back in September but really didn't know what to say. How could I explain myself so that others could understand. I didn't want to offend anybody or sound to self absorbed. I just didn't know how to put all the feelings into words. This is long overdue. This is the honest, write what comes to mind, unedited post. This is my story.

I've heard some compare deployment to being to pregnant. Perhaps they are right. Me? I don't know yet seeing as I've never been pregnant.

Looking back now I can tell you that during those 7 months my life was completely different. I don't want to say I put my life on hold..... but in a way I did. There were things I didn't do because I wanted to wait till Marine was home and we could do them together. Sometimes going out and having fun I would feel guilty. How could I go out and have fun and smile while Marine was on the front line? Patrolling for hours on end in the 115+ desert heat. Going without cold water because their refrigerator was broke. Sleeping on a cot in a small tent with 9 other guys. Going days if not weeks without a shower. And never once did he complain.

I know I shouldn't have felt guilty, but how could I not? Marine was making sacrifices and I felt that I should be to. I know it may sound silly but that was how I felt; a feeling that Marine and I have since talked about. He always wanted me to be out doing fun things and encouraged that while he was gone. But it was a feeling I couldn't explain.

Every time my phone rang with a 1111111111 number I knew it was the family readiness officer and each time I said a silent prayer before answering.

I walked on eggshells and my phone never left my sight. Each phone call was a heart soaring thing. No matter if they were 2 minutes or 20. Each minute was precious and cherished.

Letters were the same way. Every letter I would read a 100 times at least.

Some days I cried for no reason. Some days I just wanted to alone. Some days I wished I had someone to talk to that could relate and at those moments I was so thankful for my fellow military girlfriend/wives/fiancée friends.

Surprisingly during this time I was fairly laid back when it came to anything else. I learned to look at the "big" picture and not sweat the small stuff so much. When friends would call with relationship drama I had to remind myself that even though to me it seemed small, to them it was a big deal.

During this time I apologize cause I was highly self-absorbed and my focus was really only on one thing - Marine's safety.

Deployment begins with you looking forlornly after a bus as it leaves with your Marine. The tears fall and it takes everything you have not to chase after that bus. All the days in between become a blur and then that day you never thought would arrive finally does. The best part about deployment is homecoming. That first sight. That first hug. That first kiss. There is truly nothing like it.

I am a deployment surviver. There are millions out there just like me. Girls that fell in love with a military man. One's that spent nights praying for our man as well as other men we had never met. Girls that slept with the telephone right next to them. One's that feared any knock on the door. We are all the same. We are all different. We all have a story.

Homecoming ~ The Final Chapter

So I came back to the real world and out of my "homecoming bliss bubble" this past Wednesday.

But before I can tell you more I got to finish telling you about the trip.

To sum it up it was fantastic!!! But you already knew that.

Tropical Storm Nicole - Google Images

I had booked us a place on base to stay. Right on the beach. Same place we stayed during his deployment week.

But remember that awful tropical storm Nicole? Yeah she had other plans for us.

The roads to the lodge were damaged by the flood waters caused by Nicole. We find this out Friday evening when we go to check in. Upon calling we are told that the roads will be open the next day after 10am.

It's just one night so Marine and I decide to stay in his barracks room since no one is there anyway.

So we spent that night snuggled close in the twin bed.

The next morning we wake up and throw what few items we had brought up into the back of the 4Runner. It's exactly 10am so we decide to give them a little more time just in case. We run to Dunkin Doughnuts and grab a quick breakfast then make our way to the side of the base the lodge is.

All roads closed. Still.

Oh well. We return to the barracks, shower and head out to enjoy the day.

It was Saturday, the day we enjoyed the Seafood Festival.

On the way back from the festival Marine calls the lodge check-in.

Roads are still closed.

Ok......

One more night in the barracks. Could be worse. At least we're together.

Sunday we awake and once again try to make it out to the lodge. Roads closed. We are told of a back way to get there.

I wish I could tell you it worked......

And it may have except Marine had to report for work at 8:30 the next morning and this "detour" would mean that he would have to leave around 6 to be there in time and to beat traffic.

He politely asked if we could cancel our reservation. Luckily the lady was in a gracious mood and canceled our reservation and credited us back the money we had already paid for the week.

So now what?

We both can't help but laugh. True to form our luck is still the same as it was before he left.

We get ready at the barracks before meeting his family to eat brunch at Cracker Barrel before they left to go back home.

After which Marine and I are driving along and agree will check into the first hotel we come to.

Bad Idea.

The first hotel we came to was a My Hotel (which I'd never heard of) and the sign advertised standard rooms for $59 a night.

Not to bad and the outside looks decent so Marine pulls into the parking lot.

We get out and hand in hand walk into the lobby.

I can immediately tell this is not going to be good.

I squeeze Marine's hand in a 'lets turn and run' gesture which he must confuse as a 'I can't wait to get up to the room' gesture.

Before I can backpedal Marine is at the front desk and booking a room for three nights.

I sigh and turn to go get the bags.

I reenter the hotel with our suitcase and my computer bag just as the clerk is handing Marine a key.

We proceed to the elevator and ride it to the 2nd floor.

"You missed the heath score didn't you?" I ask.

"What was it?"

"83."

"Well the outside looked nice..... as long as the rooms clean it'll be ok," he replies obviously not getting what the health score means.

He unlocks the door to our room and pushes it open for me to enter first. Except we both just stand there in the doorway staring.

Now I've stayed in some less than stellar hotels over the years, I've slept in a horse trailer, we go camping, and Marine has spent the past 7 months sleeping on a cot in the desert---- our standards aren't real high.

Hesitantly we both enter and I keep a hold of my stuff reluctant to set it down.

"It could be worse," I say trying to sound positive.

The room is about 90 degrees, Marine walks around the bed and flips on the AC. A cloud of dust comes billowing out and a smell that can only be described as awful.

I see the romantic images I had pictured in my mind slowly drifting away.

I go to turn down the comforter on the bed thinking I'd rather sit on the clean sheet than the probably not so clean comforter.

"UGH!" I gasp/groan/screech.

The bed is far from clean. We'll just leave it at that.

"We're not staying here," Marine states.

"Thank god!" I hug him in relief.

I replace the comforter on the bed, Marine switches the AC off and we exit the room.

I head for the car and leave Marine to explain why we are checking out not 5 minutes after we checked in.

Sometime later he climbs in the driver-seat and in response to my unspoken question, "The guy didn't know how to refund us. He said he would have to charge us for at least one night but a girl came up and said she knew how to do it so they gave us a refund."

Huge sigh of relief, "I'm sorry, you know I'm not high maintenance and I would have stayed there if we had to but..."

"I know," Marine laughs and pats my leg, "But that was pretty bad."

We went the safe route and headed for the hotel we had stayed at the first night. The standard room was more expensive but totally worth it!!!

Monday morning Marine reported for his day of classes and I spent some time hanging out.

When he got off work we traveled a little way up the coast to eat lunch at a quaint little restaurant on the water and afterward we walked a few blocks to our favorite coffee shop/pub and ordered desert and a beer. The desert was chocolate decadence --- which is to die for --- hot brownie with a crispy crust and soft center that has hot fudge in it and this is topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Its wonderful!!

After that we took a few picture on the pier and again I'm sure Marine questioned as to why he had ever given me a tri-pod.

If it ever shows up missing I will know who to blame.

Stuffed we decide to walk the streets and admire some of the beautiful seaside homes.

I LOVED this front door

It was a great day and Marine and I enjoyed some time to ourselves.

Tuesday while he was at work I met up with NorthernGirl - she is a fellow Marine spouse and we became friends during deployment since Marine and her Marine were together.

We ate breakfast while the guys were at work and then drove down to the beach. We walked and talked as we soaked up the sunshine, looking for neat shells and sharks teeth.

From the storms the beach was littered everywhere with shells. More shells than perhaps I had ever seen.

We found several beautiful ones along with a sharks tooth and part of a sand-dollar.

We also found a victim of the storm.... a poor octopus that had been washed a shore. Having never seen one outside of an aquarium I admit I was saddened but also amazed. And I did stand and study it for maybe a moment longer than I should have.

After work Marine and I ran errands taking care of things he needed to get while I was there and he had a car to use. That night we stayed in at the hotel and just relaxed and enjoyed a lazy night of watching TV.

The next morning (Wednesday) I dropped Marine off at base and then begin my drive home.

It sucked leaving but the days have passed quickly and I am about to leave now to go pick him up from the airport! 2 weeks of post-deployment leave begin today!!!

And needless to say I'm looking forward to it! :)

Outsmarting a Combo Lock ~ Harder Than It Sounds

So I get this in the mail.

A 48 pound box/locker that has come all the way from Afghanistan.


And on it is this little dandy.

Marine tells me that the locker is full of his books, some clothes, and some of his gear. He gives me the combo and asks if I will wash the clothes so he can take them back to base with him {note: he is not home yet for leave}.

Being the loving better-half that I am of course I tell him I will.

Marine, "Oh and my journal's in there please don't read it."

{Back-story: Before Marine left for deployment I talked him into getting a journal to take with him and write in.}

Me in complete surprise, "What?! I can't read it?"

"Please don't read it. It's stupid and doesn't make any sense....." He pauses, "Besides I didn't really write in it that much. But you were right sometimes it was nice to write and get it out."

"You sound surprised. You should realize by now that I'm always right."

"Yeah, yeah." He laughs, "Still don't read it."

I sigh, "Ok.... Ok!"

"Promise."

Dang him. I cross my fingers, "Promise."

So last night I didn't open the trunk for fear I'd give into temptation. I mean telling me not to read the journal made my desire to read it multiply.

It really all boils down to the fact I don't like thinking I can't do something. (I know that made no sense, but let's pretend it did).

As I get ready for work this morning I walk past the trunk numerous times and each time it piratically begs me to open it.

I can't take it anymore.

I find the piece of paper I had scribbled the combo on and fiddle with the lock.

Nothing.

I try again..... "Left 24...."

Nothing.

"AAAHHHH" I let out a frustrated grumble.

With no more time to waste I give the locker a little kick as I hurry to get out the door so I won't be late for work.

I tell Marine that I am a combo lock dummy.

But I am not ready to admit defeat just yet.

I return home tonight and there it is taunting me. I respect Marine's privacy and it is no longer about the journal. I mean this is my online journal and would I want him to have total access to it?? Probably not.

But while he was deployed I did send some of my posts. So technically he has read my journal.

It's not about the journal anymore. Its me and the locker. And the fact it is now MOCKING me.

I bring in re-enforcements.

"Mom would you see if you can get this combo lock to work?" I ask as my mother enters the house.

Yep who better to be my partner in crime than good 'ol sweet mom.

"Sure." She takes a seat beside me on the floor, "Why don't you just let Marine open it when he gets home?"

"Because I'm going to wash clothes tonight and I figured I'll go ahead and wash his stuff......"

She's sweet and innocent and buys it.

"Also Marine's journal's in there and he made me promise not to read it." ---- I never was good at lying.

She bursts into laughter.

"I'm not going to read it though. I promised him I wouldn't."

"Does he know you had your fingers crossed?"

Damn she's good.

"I'm really not going to read it."

She fiddles with the lock.

"Ok maybe the first page."

She fiddles more with the lock.

I pace back and forth. "No I can't read it...... but I could do a quick flip just to see how much he wrote..... you know just out of curiosity............. No I can't read it. I promised. And I don't break promises."

"You sure he gave you the right combination?"

About ten minutes has passed and she has had no luck either.

"It's a sign. God is helping me to keep my promise by not letting me into the trunk."



------> After writing this post I got the dang lock open. 
And no I didn't read the journal........ 

Chandler: "My diary! My diary, that's brilliant. I should have told her it was my diary. She never would have made me read her my diary."

Monica: "You know, that's true. You'd be a great person to have around the day after an emergency."

~ Friends ~

That Magic Moment When The World Stopped

The moment Marine took me in his arms was nothing short of magical.

I cannot begin to put into words all the emotions I felt.

211 days had passed since our last embrace but nothing had changed. Any doubts or fears about that had all been erased when I first caught glimpse of his blue eyes and cute smile.  

Funny I had been so worried about not spotting him at homecoming, a common fear many have, but my being so short had added to my worry. As soon as he stepped foot in the door we locked eyes. I'm not sure how he found me so fast or how I spotted him so quickly but once I spotted him I couldn't take my eyes off him. 

Me, Marine, Marine-Sis, Marine-Mom

After grabbing his bags we were off to the hotel. It was nearly 4:30 am by the time we made it to the beautiful room I had booked for this special night. Needless to say the champagne went untouched. 

The night wasn't really what you'd expect..... don't get me wrong there was passion..... but it was more than that. We lay in bed for hours just holding each other close and talking. Catching up on all the things the other had missed. 

It almost didn't seem real. I couldn't believe that he was actually there and part of me didn't want to go to sleep for fear I'd wake up and realize it had all been a dream. 

We did manage to get a few hours sleep before we got up and prepared to start the day. We were meeting the family and Roommate and his family at Red Robin. That had been both the guys request as their first meal back. And it did not disappoint!

Roommates-Wife and I had long since made friends but it was nice to meet the rest of their family and for Marine-Mom and Roommate-Mom to finally meet.

[In case your new: Roommate is Marine's roommate at the barracks and they have been together for over three years now. They deployed to Iraq together and now Afghanistan --- basically their BFF]

The rest of the day passed in a blur; going here and there trying to spend time with his family while they were up.

Marine1's unit arrived in late Friday night (early Saturday morning). His mom had rode up with Marine-Mom so Saturday we all spent the day together along with Roommate and Roommate-Wife. We traveled up the coast to what we thought was a small seafood festival but which turned out to be THE Seafood Festival.

A street along the water with tents as far as the eye could see.

Tents were filled with wonderful seafood and others filled with artwork and other crafts. 

We passed a riverfront bar where the sounds of a live band tempted us to enter. 

The mom's continued from tent to tent while we took a break and a had a drink.

Marine, Me, Roommate-Wife, Roommate, & Marine1

Of course while at the festival we had to sample some of the yummy food. BEST SHRIMP I HAVE EVER EATEN. Hands down. 

Marine went with Shrimp Tacos which were also delicious!

It was a great way to spend a Saturday with the family.

I won't lie though at this point Marine and I were both looking forward to some us time. At this point we had had very little.

Saturday night we went to diner at the restaurant of Marine1's choosing. Of course he chose Japannesse, which was to be expected.  

Yes, it seemed like all we had done was eat at this point.....

The rain had finally ceased but the flood water damage had not -- so Marine and I had some dilemma when it came to where we were staying.....

Sometimes if it weren't for bad luck we'd have no luck {but that story will come later}. 

But that was fine by us as long as we were back together. 

“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”

~ Unknown ~

Homecoming ~ Deployment is OVER!

The days leading up to homecoming were a roller coaster.

He's coming home.

No he's not.

He's coming home.

No he's not.

Within a 24 hour time span the arrangements changed so many times it made my head spin.

Why, you ask? In case you missed the weather channel this past week the east coast was taking a hit from some major storms. All of which could have had an affect on the flight schedules.

The first call I received was that Marine's flight would be delayed due to the storms. So instead of them being on base by 7:30pm they were now scheduled for 10:30pm. Just a few hours no big deal.

Then I hear word that if the storms don't let up the flight will be canceled completely and that they wouldn't fly in till Saturday. 

Hearing that was kinda like taking a blow to the stomach. I mean the excitement has built up. It's been 7 months. It was disappointing news to hear. But the realistic side of me knew (and understood); I'd have rather them flown in on Saturday if the storms were bad instead of them trying to make it home and the plane crashing or something crazy. 

I awake Thursday praying the entire time the storms will let up so that the guys can make it home. 

Flights are still a go but I wait all day on pins and needles knowing that in the Marine Corps no plan is ever definite. 

Marine's family and I try to pass the time by going and watching a movie ~ we saw You Again. Very funny! I'd definitely recommend it. During the movie my phone rings and a number I don't know flashes across my screen. I quickly hit the answer button and flee the theater. 

It's Marine. They've landed in Maine. HUGE sigh of relief!! He says that so far things look good and that they should be home as planned. 

A few hours later I hear word that they are back at Cherry Point. Which is the base they land at. Just a few more hours and I'll get to see Marine. I'm beside myself excited at this point. 

Marine-Sis accompanies me to check into the hotel Marine and I will staying his first night back. Marine's one requirement was a garden tub so in order to get that I had to book the Presidential Suite. 

Main Room (Fireplace is in the corner & Marine-Sis is in the chair watching TV)

The Bedroom

And of course I brought Champagne to celebrate

Marine-Sis takes one look at the room and says, "You better come home pregnant."

No joke that is really what she said. Of course I tell her no way not happening! 

We proceed to get ready in which I drive her crazy..... 

E: Does my make up look ok? 

Marine-Sis: Yes.

E: How bout these jeans?

Marine-Sis: Yes.

E: What about the shirt? You sure this looks ok?

Marine-Sis: Yes.

E: How bout the belt?

Marine-Sis turns and walks out of the room.......

That night Marine's family and I meet up with some of Marines-Roommates Family and a few others for diner. Over diner one of the girl's receives a call saying that the gate to base has closed and no one is allowed on base or off base due to flooding. 

She goes into a fit that can only be described as panic. 

Surprisingly I remain calm. It's still early we have plenty of time for the water to drain before we are to arrive at base for homecoming. 

Rumors start to run rampant (another thing the military is known for thanks to gossipy wives). Thru the grapevine we hear that if the roads remain closed we won't be allowed to meet the guys till the following morning. 

I still think positive having learned this rumor game early on. Until you receive official word all things are still go.

Marine-Roommates wife and I head to base and are allowed on easily. Yes we had to detour due to some roads being closed but we made it. I took back roads till I found the base stables and then used it as my marker to find where we needed to go. 

It was pointed out that only me would know where the base stables is and that only me would be able to find Marine's barracks from it. Sometimes being a horse girl pays off :)

We arrive at the gym a little after 9.....

and we wait.

and we wait some more.

and we wait some more.

The entire time I stare at the door. Just waiting for him to magically appear thru it. 

Midnight rolls around and still nothing. 


I drink a Coke and try to stay awake. At this point my butt has long since gone numb and all of us are looking a little tired. 


Finally at around 1:30am we are told they are on the buses and heading our way.


It's like everybody gets a second round of energy and excitement.


And then we wait some more.


And some more.


Finally around 3am it is announced the buses are pulling in.


I rise and hurry, along with my small group of family and friends, to line up. We have to wait for formation and them to be dismissed. So I stand at the edge of the line waiting as patiently as I can for that first glimpse.


My eyes are still staring at the door. 


Then I see them coming thru door, a mass of camo and faces.  


And then I spot my Marine and my heart leaps as we lock eyes.....

To be continued......

Another Mile Another Memory ~ Another Day Closer To Marine

As you read this I am in the 4Runner road-tripping the 8 hour drive to base.

And as you read this Marine is somewhere in the U.S. waiting for his final flight. The one that will bring him home.

Needless to say this has been written in advance along with several other posts that shall occur over the next few days while I am MIA {for real time updates follow me on Twitter}.

Today is not the actual day I will be reunited with Marine.

BUT TOMORROW IS!!!

After all the waiting. All the care packages. All the days of not knowing. All the phone calls that end with "Babe my times up". All the I Love You's and I Miss You's. All the sleepless nights.

It's finally come to an end. I'm so proud of Marine for so many reasons; the obvious one and the less obvious ones.

Post It Note Tuesday ~ Dear Tuesday

**HELP ~ Perfect Outfit Required**

I need help.

Once again I've procrastinated {surprise, surprise} but in my defense things have been super SUPER hectic. As in can't even begin to tell you how busy, hectic.

Please tell me what I should wear when I see Marine for the 1st time in 7 months.

Originally I had the intentions of posting this weeks ago.

That didn't happen.

End result is me running around like a chicken with my head cut off taking pics against my bathroom door. Which is NOT a good background.

This would be the time my camera also decides to not cooperate and blur EVERYTHING. So please keep in mind all these are actually cute outfits despite what the pictures may say.

Look 1: 

To see what dress really looks like please visit Express 

Look #7

Ok so now I need YOUR help!! Please vote and let me know what you think I should wear!

Keep in mind also that rain is predicted for homecoming day { boo :( }.