Here we go again....

Well, I'm back. Andrew's second deployment started yesterday and now I am just trying to adjust to life with him gone. I have decided to return to the blogging world while Andrew is away because I found it to be so therapeutic over the course of the last deployment.

Things are a little bit different for us this time around, so there will be a lot of adjusting in the coming weeks. First (and most importantly), this is the first time we are facing a deployment as a married couple. We all know how much I hated the word "fiance" while we were engaged, but now the fact that I have to say the words "my husband is deployed" makes it sting just a little bit more. Also being a soldier's wife comes with more communication and information from the FRG (Family Readiness Group) at Fort Knox. Because of where we live, it is hard for me to be too involved with the FRG events going on on post, but it is nice to have the option to be a part of that support group.

Speaking of living arrangements, I have made the decision to say in Kentucky for the course of this deployment. I loved having the amazing Dolan support system last time Andrew was gone, and it's going to be so hard to go through this one without being able to share a glass of wine with Mom Dolan on a particularly taxing day, but it just feels like Kentucky is our home now. I have a great job here, which I love and amazing friends to keep me busy and I love returning to our home each night after work... It definitely makes me feel like a part of Andrew is still here with me.

Perhaps the biggest difference with this deployment is the timeline. At this point in his career, Andrew is considered a "Senior Lieutenant" and he will be up for Captain within the next couple of months. We received some amazing news a couple of weeks ago that Andrew has been given the chance to go to Special Forces Assessment and Selection(SFAS, or also simply called "Selection"), a three week course in Fort Bragg, NC. If he gets picked up for selection, we will be moving to Fort Bragg for about 2 years where he will be training for Special Forces in the Q Course. We are excited about the next phase of our lives and his career, and even more excited that because of the spot he is at in his career, he will most likely be returning home from the deployment earlier than we had originally thought! Waiting until after the full deployment to go to Selection could push his timeline back so far that it more than likely would effect his chances of getting picked up for the Q Course.

Yesterday was a tough day, and for the first time I realized that no matter how many deployments we go through, X Day will always be miserable. There are so many emotions and your mind just goes to all the places you really really don't want it to go. We spent about 3 hours waiting around for the busses, and said our "see ya laters" about a million times before it was finally time to go. I tried not to cry while he was still there, but who was I kidding... I was sending my best friend off to war for the second time in 3 years (and to make it hurt just a little bit more- he left exactly 17 months after his last homecoming) but thankfully I held the sobbing in until I was alone in the car.

I was lucky to have good friends spend the night at our place last night to keep me busy and happy. We ordered junk food and drank wine and watched friends, which was EXACTLY what I needed!

So the countdown is officially on. In the meantime, f you have any extra prayers to give be sure to send them our way!

Deployment Positive Thursday- Week 50

I'll be honest. I'm a blogging planner.

I've had this plan that towards the end of deployment I would blog about how prepared I am, how I've been packed for weeks on end, and how all I need is that call and I'd be ready to hit the road to Kentucky.

The problem: no matter how excited I am for something, I just can't motivate myself to pack. I hate it! I hate it, so much! (One time my dad asked me which I hated more: packing or terrorists. And I actually had to think about it) I really, truly believed that I would have been so excited for Andrew's return that I would have just been packed.

Nope. Nope. Nope.

I am, however, getting prepared to pack, which I guess is a step in the right direction. I have lists and lists and list of things I need to remember to bring down. Andrew's stuff, my stuff, our stuff... big things, little things, new songs and audio books on my iPhone. Everything has been accounted for, I've even printed out several different versions of directions for my drive to Louisville. But in regards to actually packing, nothing has been done. It's somewhat pathetic, but apparently I am the only one who is actually surprised by this, everyone else I've mentioned this to says "no, kidding, you HATE packing!"

I know it's not exactly the best picture I've ever taken, but here is my list. 2' X 3' ... and still being added to! (aslo check out my sweet mapquest directions, just incase my GPS decides to crap-out on me)

I think it's safe to say that I'm pretty excited for Andrew to come home. We still don't have a firm grasp on when he is expected to be stateside again, but I know it is soon. Each day is a step closer. Unfortunately, at this point in the deployment though, time       

                                                                      is

                                                                                dragging.............................................

Deployment Positive Thursday- Week 49

I think this time of year it is reasonably normal for one to do a lot of reflecting. As we enter into the heart of the Holiday Season, everyone seems to be focused on Christmas and New Years which is right around the corner.

"What a year it's been" and "can you believe that XYZ happened this year" along with tv specials, news articles and blogs (my own included) are seen and heard everywhere reminding us of everything that has happened in the world in the past (almost) 365 days.

I have to say, it's pretty neat to book-end this deployment with New Years Celebrations. It shows me how far I've come, how much has changed around me, and exactly how many celebrities and political figures have completely lost their minds since Andrew has been deployed. Especially for me, the absolute freak about numbers and dates, it's beet a pretty cool way to wind down this deployment.

For example, Charlie Sheen was somewhat sane on X-Day. Nobody outside the state of New York had ever heard of Anthony Weiner, Kim Kardashian had only been on a few dates with her now ex-husband, and oh yeah... Osama bin Laden was still creepin' around. It's just been cool to see all the re-caps going on lately and realize that although I sometimes feel like life and the world around me has been on a stand-still this year, that is in fact, not the case.

Keeping with the Holiday theme, I'd like to share with you all what I asked for for Christmas this year. The only thing I want is for Andrew to call home on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Nothing could replace hearing his voice actually talking to him!

But my soldier had other plans for my Christmas gift this year, and forgive me but I have to brag a little bit about how absolutely amazing this guy is! Waiting for me under the Dolan Family Christmas Tree tonight (my last night in Etown before heading home to New Hampshire) was a very small box with a beautiful white ribbon, and inside were the most gorgeous pair of diamond and sapphire earrings I have ever seen!

I was absolutely overwhelmed (and even teared up a bit) as Dad said "AJ really wanted to make sure you opened this before you left". I really miss Andrew (understatement of the year) and opening that gift that I was in no way expecting just absolutely warmed my heart. I can't wait to have that boy back home soon and give him his Christmas present!

That is one of the very few benefits of spending the holidays apart... making other days into holidays! We had Christmas today when I opened my earrings, Christmas will happen for the world on Sunday, and we'll have Christmas again when Andrew is home! Not too shabby for a couple-weeks' span!

Winding Down, But Not Done Yet

Recently, I've been getting a lot of questions like "how does it feel" and "how much longer" in regards to my fiance's impending return from that nasty war zone he has called home for the past year.

Yeah, a year... but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Honestly, it feels down right amazing to know that we are nearing the end of our very first deployment. I have learned so much over the course of this year, and I know that Andrew and I have both grown individually, as well as in our relationship. It's interesting, because I felt a very similar sensation after Ranger School, and I have often expressed how military separations really do have a way of weeding out the weak couples, while building strong foundations for the strong.

Even though it does feel great that we will be reaching our last huge milestone on Friday (the 11 month mark), but there is always the ever-present thought that this deployment is not over, Andrew is not out of harms way until his boots are on the ground in front of me, and just because we are this close to the end does not make this part of the deployment any easier than any other part of deployment.

Andrew and I talked about this very briefly the other day. His attitude is perfect (for a soldier; I'm not so sure it works as well on the homefront though). I don't think Andrew thinks a whole lot about coming home yet. He says, "gotta play hard til the end, baby", and he is right. The Taliban aren't going to stop planting IEDs just because he is coming home to his gung-ho, pro-American wife-to-be in a couple of weeks. (I have to squeal a little when I say weeks, because we just can't count the months anymore!)

I guess my whole outlook on life lately has been a lot like this post, because this is taking an entirely different direction than I had planned. I feel unorganized, all over the place, and generally lost. Only recently have I realized that other peoples' lives have not stood still for the past year. Others had an entirely normal 2011 with promotions, birthdays, moves, new cars, additions to the family and kids moving on in school. Think about it: there are babies - real human beings - who exist today, who weren't even a gleam in their parents' eye yet when Andrew left last January. That is absolutely crazy!!!

I've just been very nostalgic lately, I think. I deeply miss my best friend. I miss staying up late, saying "let's just watch one more episode" of whatever show we happen to be bingeing on that week, I miss waking up to the smell of Chocolate Chip Pancakes, riding around in the truck and on the motorcycle, datenights, and generally just spending time together.

But what I am really missing lately is being complete goofballs together. We have a hard time taking anything too seriously, and it's one of my favorite parts about our relationship, we really do just like having fun with one another.

(This was one of our favorite pastimes in our early days.. PhotoBooth on Andrew's Mac. I think this was taken in the winter of 2007)

Deployment Positive Thursday- Week 46

(slightly delayed due to the craziest work-day ever yesterday)

Well lookie there....

Its finally that time of year where it's socially acceptable to countdown to something!

I've been waiting since MAY to hang this sucker (can you guess where I got it? Hint: It's the happiest place on earth!)

And, as I hung the first ornament on my wonderful advent calendar, I also did a small victory dance for having started our last full month of this deployment. Yep, you heard that right: Andrew will be home next month. I think I'm more excited for this advent calendar to be over than for any other countdown ever in my life. We are so close, 2011 is almost over and then just a few more wake-ups until I see my soldier!



Where are you, Christmas?

With Thanksgiving officially behind us, it's time to roll out the Santa carpets, put up the tree, string the lights, and generally make the house look Christmasy. Woo! My favorite time of year.

But it just doesn't feel right this year.

For the past 316 days (not that anyone is counting), I have been looking forward to the Christmas Season. It was a sign that the last month of deployment is coming and this whole year will eventually end.

But now that the "Christmas Season" is actually here, something is just not right. It doesn't seem like Christmas. At all.

It could have something to do with the fact that (other than that freak Halloween Snow Storm) we haven't seen any snow, or temperatures even remotely resembling "cold", but I'm not entirely convinced that's it. Being a New Englander, we almost always have snow accumulated on or before Turkey Day (and that snow will basically cover the ground until March or April), so not even a threat of snow at this point feels a little weird to me. At least if it was cold, I might feel a little more Christmasy, but it was sixty degrees today! Do you know how funny Christmas Wreaths and ribbons on shopping plazas look when you wear capris and a short sleeve blouse to work? Absolutely ridiculous! This isn't Florida, people... last time I checked Pennsylvania is still a part of the North East! Let's see some snow!

I guess I always pictured this part of the year snow covered and blistering cold, like it was when Andrew left. To me, when the weather got back to where it was when he left, it would mean he was returning to me soon. Two nights before X Day, we rode the motorcycle to the Sushi Restaurant down the street. A ten minute drive in 27 degree weather, even with millions of layers on, will absolutely chill any human being to their very core. Where is that blistering cold weather? I want it now... give me a sign that my soldier is coming home soon!

So yes, I'm disappointed that I'm not freezing my tooshie off right now, but part of this lack of Christmas feeling, is my heart feeling so wrong about celebrating Christmas without Andrew. Thanksgiving, Easter, Veterans' Day, Fourth of July all felt a little empty, but Christmas is Christmas. You're supposed to be with the ones you love. Getting excited about not spending Christmas with Andrew feels like getting excited to ride a roller coaster alone, or go on vacation alone, or play Monopoly Deal alone... It's just not right.

I'm working on it though. I decided I don't want to be like Charlie Brown this year.

So I asked myself, how did Charlie Brown get out of his Christmas funk? He asked "Isn't there anybody who can tell me what Christmas is all about?" and Linus and his blanket told him the story of Christmas.

Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about. 

Lights, please.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'

 That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. 

I can hear exactly how Linus says it. 

So, I decided to enrich myself this holiday season. If the story of Christmas can make Charlie Brown feel better, surely it can help me. I found a Bible reading plan app on my iPhone that tells me key passages in The Bible to read each night. The one I chose picks passages about the prophesy of the Messiah coming as well as the birth and life of Jesus Christ. I'm on day two, and I can feel myself relaxing as I read my passages each night. It's almost like I can feel a peace passing over me. So I know, that slowly but surely, I will come to celebrate this joyous season. 

And one of the most calm feelings I got was last night, when I turned to the inside cover of my bible and read :

To Kristina, Love Mom Dolan

January 16, 2010

Mom gave me this bible exactly 365 days before Andrew deployed. If that doesn't give me peace, I don't know what will.

Giving Thanks

I saw this posted online today and wanted to share it in lieu of my DPT this week just incase I don't get around to posting on Turkey Day.

Dear deployed service member:

Last night, I packed my suitcase for a trip to see my family. The last time you packed your bags, it was for a yearlong trip away from yours.

We’ll soon crowd into our car and head to my parents’ house at the shore. You’ll step into a Humvee and convoy through a combat zone.

Tomorrow I’ll sit down for a Thanksgiving feast at a table surrounded by my loved ones. You’ll join your battle buddies in a dining facility.

At night, I’ll lay my son down in his bed for the night. You’ll lay down your rifle to catch some sleep in between missions.

I’ll check on my children one last time before I head to bed. You’ll blow a kiss to yours through a computer screen.

This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for your service. For being among the 1 percent of Americans willing to part from your family for up to a year and put yourself in harm’s way for me and my family.

Even though you’re thousands of miles away, rest assured your sacrifices don’t go unnoticed. It’s my family’s tradition to say what we’re thankful for at our holiday dinner. This year, I’ll be sure to say how thankful I am for you.

Enjoy the holiday, everyone! And please don't take for granted the gift of spending this All-American day with those closest to you.

I miss you, Andrew. Only a few weeks til we are together again and can start traditions of our own. A few. More. Weeks. Wow!

Deployment Positive Thursday- Week 44

This week has been absolutely fantastic. I have the best friends and family in the entire world, hands down, but more on that later.

Yesterday marked ten months of deployment gone boy. SCORE!

Today, our unit welcomed home our very first soldiers from Afghanistan! These are the times I wish more than anything that I was living down at Fort Knox, I can't even imagine the joy on those families' faces when their soldiers returned home to them. It was just a small group, but the wave has started, and will continue over the next two and a half to three months.

Our FRG (Family Readiness Group- the wives of the soldiers in the unit) is sending out more emails than ever lately, all with new messages about homecoming and block leave and returning to "normal life" once the brigade returns home. It's oddly comforting to know that there really is a light at the end of this seemingly never-ending tunnel, it's not just me imagining it's there. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in a moment in time, and I forgot that this deployment will eventually end. It's almost our turn!

Now, onto the most amazing weekend EVER!

On Saturday morning, Mom Dolan and I set off for a Scrapbooking day at Dottie's (her best friend who lives a few towns away) house. I had my huge scrapbooking box with me (decoupaged with newspaper clippings from the Sox 04 World Series Run- one of my favorite home-made projects ever!) and as we walked in the door I was slapped in the face with the sound of "SURPRISE!!!!!" by what seemed like a million women.

I'll admit, the three seconds before I realized what was going on felt like they lasted for-ev-er. I walked into the room, and put my box down, just as I realized "oh, is this all happening for me?" and as I put my sunglasses on my head, I saw them. My girls. My roommates from college, and my best friend since the first grade. Not to mention the countless family (Em, that includes you!)

It's one of the strangest feelings in the world, and I'll never quite be able to describe it, but seeing people I cared so deeply about, here in an environment that I had never seen them before (nor did I ever think I would see them before our wedding) absolutely blew me away. Thank you thank you thank you girls for coming down and making me feel so loved. I am so very very blessed to have you all in my life.

The last time we (my seven roommates and I) were all together was our graduation from Stonehill in May 2009. I was a wreck. We all were. We had just spent the 4 best years of our lives with some of our greatest friends (and senior year with a couple of legitimately crazy boys living down the hall who loved to put fireplaces in our stairwell) and none of us could accept the fact that that chapter in our lives had come to a close. We huddled. There was nothing else to do, we didn't want to let go of that moment.

So what do you think we did the moment we were all 8 together again for the first time in nearly two and a half years (after I got over my initial shock, of course)? Yup! We huddled!

My Bridal Shower was nothing short of phenomenal! I can't describe the joy I felt that day! I really wish I could post a video of my reaction, but I'm having technology issues at the moment, hopefully I'll figure it out someday.

Thank you so very much to everybody who made this day happen! I feel so blessed to be loved by my family, my friends and to be coming into a family who is so loving as well. Saturday was probably one of my favorite deployment days, and I can't help but smile when I think of myself walking into that room and being completely bombarded with love!

Here I am with my Lexa Lou and my rehearsal bouquet! She did an awesome job!

Deployment Positive Thursday- Week 39

Another thursday has come and (almost) gone and still no Andrew. He is coming soon but I have no earthly idea when, and it is getting a little frustrating to be quite frank with you.

I think Gavin said it best tonight: "Aunt Tina, dod you know that Uncle AJ better hurry up and come home because I don't think I can wait much longer. I am too excited!"

The brightest part of my never-ending week was a super awesome package Andrew sent home from Afghanistan last month. It was a complete surprise (which is the best, cause anyone who knows me knows I don't exactly have much patience waiting for surprises) and absolutely brightened my whole week. He sent lots of afghan items he bought from local vendors as well as stuff he wanted to have at home at the end of deployment. Let me say that again incase you missed it... The end of deployment! We are actually talking about this whole crazy long year being over!

Also in the box was my birthday box I sent him in June (because he "could bare to throw it away") along with all the birthday cards our amazing family and friends sent him.





So yeah, that boy sure does know how to make me smile and get excited to see him again. Fact of the matter is though that all I really want to do is ride shotgun in his truck flying down some backroad and listening to country music. And yeah, okay, also kind of looking forward to having a real conversation without fear or the taliban listening or our skype signal dying. And as many hugs and kisses as humanly possible. And dinner dates. And eukre. And monopoly deal. And catching up on lots of archer. And drinking. Oh yeah! And we are going on vacation.

Okay, wow I'm officially pumped! Hey US Army! Can you send my soldier home to me now?! I've been waiting a really long time to see him!!!

OPSEC and Ham

I saw this on facebook last night and thought of what perfectly appropriate timing it was. Even if I did know when Andrew was coming home (super dooper soon!) it's safer to keep it to myself. It's nothing personal, but my soldier's safety is absolutely, positively my number one priority.

I am Sam.
Sam I am.
Do you like OPSEC and ham? I do not get it, Sam I am.
I do not get OPSEC and ham.

 We must use it here and there.
We must use it everywhere.
You CAN share it in a car.
But you CANNOT in a bar.
You CANNOT share it in a text.
You CANNOT share it at the NEX.
You CAN say it in your house.
But should NOT tell a random spouse.
You CAN say it in the shower.
But do NOT go sharing at happy hour.
DON'T make the Ombudsman sweat.
DON'T post it on the internet.
You CANNOT share it in a tweet.
That would not be very sweet.
Beware of Facebook and Myspace too.
It's tempting to let your feelings through.
You CANNOT tell it to a friend.
NOT even at the very end.
It is a privilege to know a date.
DON'T tell ANYONE or they may be late!
Oh, I get it, Sam I am.
Now I get OPSEC and ham!
I will not tell anyone.

I will keep hushed until they're done!
I will not tell him or her.

I will not tell my dog with fur.
I will not tell my child's teacher.

 I will not tell any creature.
Thank you, THANK YOU, Sam I am.
Thank you for clearing up OPSEC and Ham!!!

But the fact of the matter is that nobody on God's green earth knows exactly when Andrew will be home. I suppose it is better that way, but it's driving me stark-raving mad knowing that soon my favorite person in the whole wide world will be mine, all mine for two full weeks!

Deployment Positive Thursday- Week 38

Well I'm finally back home after a long week in Philadelphia for a work event. Events always drag every last bit of energy out of me so I am really really looking forward to this weekend. I am slowly recovering from my recent baseball heartbreak, but I don't know that I will ever completely get over that one.

This week I received an email from our unit's FRG (family readiness group) that filled my heart with joy. I was at a bar with coworkers and some of our exhibitors from the event when I realized a had gotten an email. I don't know what made me check it right then, but I started tearing up almost immediately. It may seem little to some people, but to me it is the very first step in the homecoming process. Not R&R, homecoming. This small, seemingly meaningless step just reassures me that this WILL eventually come to an end. I WILL see that boy again soon. And things WILL return to normal. Our new normal, and we can finally start our lives together.

So, what is this step? Our do-not-mail date! I can't believe it!! We have an actual, physical date that I can (and did) mark on my calendar that I can no longer send packages to Afghanistan any more! I cannot express the emotion that came with that email. This has been such a long road, and it has been challenging at times, but my God, the end is finally in sight.

As you may know, posting specific dates for anything regarding troop movement or redeployment (aka coming home) strictly violates OPSEC. Soldiers' safety is always the number one priority, but I'd be more than happy to tell anyone who asks/emails/texts me!!

So as I head to bed (early for once) I will leave you with this picture of my favorite soldier:


 

Andrew emailed me this picture this afternoon of his day today. "Training today....I like this picture, cause I think it shows us doing what we should be doing, preparing the Afghan Army to take over security in the country."

Look at that face. I don't know anyone on this planet who loves their job as much as he does.

... And I get to see that face in real life in front of my very eyes in a matter of DAYS. I really really really can't wait!

Deployment Positive Thursday- Week 35

I think I have intentionally been avoiding my blog lately. It would have been easy to have a huge long post about the significance of September 11th and what it means to all of us each and every day, but by now my opinions are pretty clear to those of you reading my blog. It was an emotional day, and for some reason I just didn't feel quite right bringing it to the blogosphere.

I will say that I was touched to see our country once again come together and show the unity we once had. I wish it could be like that every day, not just on certain dates we mark on our calendars, but I suppose we are taking a collective 'baby step' in the right direction.

The weekend of September 11th was also spent celebrating my birthday! Yup!! The big 2-5!! It's hard to believe that little old me is really that... Old... But I guess I'm getting used to it. I had a great weekend down in dc with my brother and his girlfriend (who, if I havent previously mentioned, I LOVE!) and we went to the Toby Keith concert on Saturday which was my actual birthday. He is amazing live, I highly recommend going to see him if you have the opportunity, but being that it was the "eve of September 11th" as he said so many times, it was particularly emotional and special for me. He is probably the most patriotic country singer who has ever lived and watching him pull soldiers onto the stage and sing songs like "American Soldier", "Courtesy of the red white and blue" and "Made in America" brought tears to my eyes. Hearing Toby say "thank god for all our heros fighting out there every day so that we can be here and have some fun tonight" gave me chills. It was a tough moment, and it made me miss Andrew almost more than I had at any other time this year.

Missing a soldier is hard to explain to people who don't live our life. It's not like when your husband goes on a business trip for a week or when your daughter studies abroad for a few months. Yes, there is an element of worry, but you have to put that out of your mind to a certain extent. Going a whole year without Andrew can sometimes be easier than just a week or two. It's hard to explain, but since it is such a long time, you just go through the motions without him here, almost like droning. You become numb to the "pain" of missing him simply because your body won't let you feel that way for months on end.

But there are moments in these long separations that my mind kicks me right back to the "I need him here now" mentality and I hate it so much. That concert was one of those moments. I didn't want to wait another second. Another was when we lost a solider in the community a few months ago. Or when one of the kids says something particularly cute about how proud they are of their ranger. I guess I go into emotion overload and that barrier I've been keeping up for so long gets torn down.

So yes, I did shed a tear or two at that concert, not only because I missed Andrew, but also for the devastation our country going through ten years ago. (andrew will give me a hard time about that for sure, but it's the truth so whatcha gonna do?) Here are some of the highlights from the weekend:














Life for me other than that lately has been busy Great and busy. I'm looking forward to a few days of relaxing with my mom in town this weekend, then gearing up for a big Yankees Red Sox weekend in New York before we kick off another event for work. I'm looking forward to the event being over, not only for the post-stress relief I will feel, but also because it means I am that much closer to seeing my soldier.

Oh yeah, that soldier of mine. Remember him? He's busy too, just loving life and kicking bad-guy butt! Leave got moved AGAIN, but this time because we asked for it, and the army actually granted it, which is pretty out of character. Leave will happen a few weeks later in the month, but it allows us more flexibility (and I was worried about crossover between leave and our conference for work) and by the time Andrew goes back to the sandbox, it will be november! Huge mental milestone!!

Deployment Positive Thursday- Week 33

Remember my Deployment Countdown Calendar?

I got to flip the page again today, which means for the first time this year I can officially say that I get to see my soldier NEXT MONTH! I can't express how happy this makes me, but if you know me, you know that it's basically all I've been taking about since the moment Andrew left seven and a half months ago.

I even caught myself earlier this week (still in August) postponing a call for two days just so that I could say truthfully "my fiance will be home from Afghanistan next month". It is such a different feeling than saying "October", and I love it.

We still really don't have a clear idea on when Andrew will actually be home, but that's just how things are with the military. It's all up in the air at this point, but chances are it will be at some point in October. It is going to be such a great feeling to be in his arms once again and just sit and talk and catch up on everything that we have forgotten to tell each other in emails for the past 8-9 months. It's also good to know that we will have the longest part of this behind us for this deployment and for future separations. The army has recently announced that they are moving to 9 month deployments from here on out. This is a huge mental victory for anyone who has ever been through a 12, 15 or 18 month deployment from the home front. I'm not sure how the soldiers are feeling about it, but for the most part, I think it is definitely a welcomed change.

Deployment Positive Thursday- Week 32

Usually I hate blogs that are just a long laundry list of updates, but you gotta break a few rules every now and then dontcha? Plus I have a Harry Potter book calling my name that I won't let myself dive into until I am done with this post, so this just makes life a little bit easier! (I think I just heard the collective "hooray!" of my roommates from college for finally giving into the HP cult. I know I'm a little late, but I left off halfway through the 5th book years and years ago so I decided to start completely over. I'm almost done with book 1 now and I'm hoping to have the entire series complete by homecoming. Is that too ambitious? Only time will tell I guess!)

So I'm trying something new this week. 5 positives in 5 words or less:

1. "Survived" first earthquake- total joke
2. Met with Minister about Wedding 
3. Beat Personal Bowling Record- 154!!
4. Fantasy Football Draft on Tuesday
5. R&R: Counting weeks, not months

That was horrible. I mean it probably wasn't all peaching and cream for you to read, but for me to write so few words was basically torture. I should know myself better than that, but at least I got 5 positives this week instead of searching for just one!

So with that I am off to bed with my big warm woobie and snuggling up with a little witchcraft and wizardry to keep me cozy! Sounds like a great start to the weekend to me!

My Marching Aunts!

I know I've written a lot about how amazing and supportive Andrew's entire family has always been, and not just during deployment and Ranger School, but all the time, but I just have to brag a little bit more about my soon-to-be in-laws. After all, what's the point of being spoiled if you can't share your joy with others, right?

On Friday after a long week of work, I came home to a bright red gift bag on the kitchen table. I didn't think much of it until mom said that it was a special gift just for me. I knew it would be a good one when she wouldn't let me open it until she got her phone to take a picture!

I waited patiently (something nearly impossible for me to do when I know that something exciting is about to happen. also why I know the last month of deployment is going to drag on for-ev-er) for her to get the phone then first opened the paper rolled up and taped together with American Flag stickers.

The aunts go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah!

The aunts go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah!

The aunts go marching one by one,

They stopped to make the countdown fun

And they all go marching around and around....

Still slightly confused, I opened the other wrapped portion of the gift and started tearing up almost immediately. My favorite picture of Andrew out on a patrol a few months ago looking as happy as I had ever seen him before, in a frame that said "My Hero".

Thank you so much, Aunt Mary, Aunt Kathy and Aunt Lori! You guys are the greatest, I am so lucky to have you as family members, bowling teammates and friends!

Moral of the story: my in-laws are better than yours. And I'm not sorry!

Deployment Positive Thursday- Week 29

Well what do you know, I'm still slacking on my blogging. No excuse except a good clean fun all-American summer. Last week we were at Stone Harbor, New Jersey (although I only went for the last few days because I had to work) with the whole extended Dolan family. Unfortunately we forgot cardboard Andrew here... It would have been way more fun to have the real guy with us though. Instead we decided to pay tribute to our favorite soldier by dubbing our set up at the beach FOB Dolan:




Pretty sweet, right?!? Plus we thought that with eleven children under the age of 10, this would be a great way for any of our little wanderers to find their way back to the family! Plus it made me beam with pride every SINGLE time that flag caught my eye!

When we returned home life returned to normal. I was thankful to have the family home (being home alone is DEFINITELY not as much fun as Macully Culkin (spelling is totally off, but you get the idea) makes it out to be) and also so excited to flip the page on yet another month of this horrid 2011. August is finally here and I couldn't be happier!!






Today is probably my favorite day since Andrew has left. Not only does it mark the 200th day of deployment, but August 4th will forever be a special day for us. On this day 366 days from now (2012 is a leap year, the irony is not lost on me. Remind me to thank the universe for that extra little reminder that I'm not in control of anything in my life) Andrew and I will be married. I am absolutely overjoyed that I finally am within a year of our wedding date and that now the real countdown can begin. Some people might not think a pre-versary is worthy of celebration, but ummmm hello?!? I'll take any excuse to celebrate the days going by at this point, plus it's SUPER EXCITING!!!!

To celebrate, a few of us went to look for wedding gowns today! It was so fun and something about wedding dress shopping can turn any day around! I am one lucky girl. I feel so blessed to have so many wonderful things to look forward to in the next year and so many more in the future. I have a man who loves me very much and even though I don't get to see him as often as I would like, I know that he is living his dream, and I am so proud of him for that.

I can't wait to marry my best friend, my true love and my hero one year from today! Nothing (except possibly his safe return home to me this winter) could make me happier.

NWY

Deployment Positive Thursday- Weeks 25 & 26

So we meet again. Things have been slightly busy around here the past two weeks to say the lest. Between a Trans-Atlantic vacation, getting caught up at work, and trying to get back into my routine, some things (eh hem, my blog) have seemed to fallen by the wayside. As we begin to gear up for the second half of this deployment (YUP, this is really happening!) I find myself getting more and more excited for the fall! The poor kids must be so sick of me asking them how excited they are to start school up again, but what's a girl to do? I've got to have things to look forward to.

Maybe it's foolish, but as we hit the 6 month mark, I keep having to remind myself that it's not over yet. I guess this is the beauty of having midtour leave late in a deployment. Not only that, but I have been planning lots of smaller milestone trips as well with friends and family. Plus with the Holidays seemingly right after midtour is over, it'll be 2012 before we know it. And I couldn't be happier.

I also wanted to share some of my favorite pictures from my visit to Germany. We crammed a lot of fun (and food and beer) into 5 short days, but it was great to see family again. These are mostly in random order, but I tried to just pick my favorites. Hope you enjoy:



Cemeteries in Europe are a lot different than in the states. There is something so beautiful about families owning a plot and taking care of their loved ones and making it their own.




My Omama and Opapa Hilsbos & Opa Jakob





Creative "Tombstone"... this was one of my favorites.





The house my mom grew up in just outside Dusseldorf




My "single" hotel room. 




Gut Hahn for lunch





At Gut Hahn with my Oma and Dad




Ein Pills, Bitte




Empty Beer





My favorite meal; Filet mit Pfefferlinger und Rosti







German Countryside




Kaffee und kuchen





My Oma and Opa on their wedding day in December 1943




A rainbow on our last afternoon




And a beautiful sunset walking back to the hotel