Where Did the Time Go?

This past few months has been a blur of adventures, visits, field trips, and puppy play dates. Labor Day weekend is upon us and the first day of school is just hours away... where did the time go? I am part of a wonderful team of teachers and am really looking forward to this new school year. Hopefully, Fall will be lovely and the snow will take some time to find us. Right now, my priority is spending time with my growing family and enjoying every moment to the fullest extent possible. I may or may not have time to write, but I assure you that I am happy.

Where did the time go? Oh, I just spent it on little things... the best kind of little things.

Summer Days

Oh, how I love the summertime! It is finally warm in the North Country and the pups can spend plenty of time outdoors enjoying our new backyard. The new puppy, Gaius, is learning all the tricks of the trade from Tyberious and we couldn't be more pleased. At this moment, we are also taking care of Charlie and Lucy so our house is very full or puppy playtime and excitement. Definitely a blast this long weekend!

I have taken the opportunity this summer to spend time around the house with my husband getting things settled and turning this house into a home. We have made some decor decisions:  furniture has been rearranged; artwork has found a home on the wall; items are being sorted and organized... progress, friends, it is so delightful. We are completing projects around the house and I am confident that by the end of summer our home will be complete.

My most recent project was to create a personalized chalkboard for the kitchen. We purchased the chalkboard spray paint, a wooden Y, a small dowel, and a nifty plank with the bark still on the sides. I taped the board so the bark wouldn't get paint on it and spray painted the rest of the plank with the chalkboard spray. While that was drying, my husband cut the dowel to make a little ledge for the chalk to sit on and I sanded painted it and the Y white. Once all the paint was dry, I hot glued the Y and ledge onto the chalk board and fastened a saw toothed hanger to the back. The little chalkboard fits wonderfully in our kitchen and is a nifty accent to our evolving decor. I am proud of my little craft project and have also begun to work on homemade french memo boards. Hopefully this bit of inspiration lasts for a while and we can really feel at home.

For now, we are just enjoying summer days.

Happy Independence Day, friends! Take time to celebrate and remember; have fun and be safe.

Memorial Day

Today is a day of opportunity to honor those brave men and women who have defended our freedoms and made the ultimate sacrifice. Many will host cookouts and gatherings with family and friends to celebrate, yet let's be sure to remember the reason for this holiday and offer a moment of silence for those lost. Enjoy the day off and offer a prayer for all those who have died in the defense of our freedoms that we experience today.

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." - John F. Kennedy

Missed the Stillness

So much has happened since my last post; however, let's suffice it to write that we have been busy and things will stay busy for quite a bit longer. I have missed the stillness, and I have decided to dedicate time for myself in stillness... even if I don't blog about it. I hope to someday catch up and write about all my recent adventures. But, that, my friends, it another time.

All Settled In

It seems as though months have passed since I took the time to sit and write. The first weeks after my husband got home seem to be precious and worthy of uninterrupted evenings and weekend afternoons. Though I will admit that I have missed my quiet moments in front of the glowing screen to reflect on and think about and record the happenings. Suffice it to say that I am very happy and am eager to welcome spring and summer after such a long and cold winter. We are planning a number of excursions in the coming months and hope to enjoy all the North Country has to offer. To all my diligent fans, keep me accountable... I plan to blog at least once a week. Until next time, enjoy the little things.

Home is Where We Are

Deployment has ended and he has been safely returned to me. All the beautiful little things have started to fill my days and they are incredible. It has been a wonderful homecoming. Excellent food, good wine, phenomenal company. My heart has never smiled wider. We have enjoyed home cooked meals like never before; including flavorful potstickers and curry chicken. The pup is overwhelmed and ecstatic that his daddy is home and he has his most favorite playmate back. I am so happy to have my husband, and best friend home. As we always tell one another, "Home is where we are." Welcome Home.

So Close!

We are down to the wire, folks.

I am a nervous wreck; every minor concern or superficial blemish around the house is now a glaring, ugly, horrible nuisance that must be rectified before my husband gets home. Circumstances that I have lived comfortably with for months now seem to be absolutely unacceptable and in desperate need to readjustment. For instance, during a puppy play session weeks ago, one of the dogs knocked the doors to the entertainment center off the track and broke the latch; it didn't bother me then but I am now frantically trying to contact the manufacturer to order replacement parts. I know my husband probably won't even notice these minor discrepancies but I just can't have him coming home to it. Not on my watch.

To give you an idea of what I have accomplished in anticipation of his homecoming:
Reorganized and cleaned all the closets (with the help of my lovely and talented twin sister)
Picked up all the poop (Thank you, Stinkin' Dawg Waste Disposal!)
Cleaned the carpets (Stanley Steemer took care of that and tossed in a free deodorizer spray)
Oil change for my car
Cleaned out the garage
Reactivated the cell phone
Reactivated car insurance
Coordinating with friends and family for his surprise :)

What still needs to be done:
Scrubbing the kitchen
Swiffer the hardwood
Deal with the clutter
Replace lightbulbs in outside lights
Order replacement parts for entertainment center
Clean the office
Oil change for his car
Serious vacuuming for my car (lots of dog hair)
Decorating for his homecoming

So, if you need to find me anytime in the interim I wish you luck. We are so close!

Counting the Days

We are counting the days, folks. I dare not share specifics but I will share my excitement! This is a very exciting time in my home; as it is our first homecoming experience, I am nervous and excited and overwhelmed and ecstatic and and... you get the idea. Let me suffice it to say that I am ridiculously, incredibly, unyieldingly stoked!

Counting the days has never been such an emotion roller coaster before... bring it on and bring him home!

Love and Support

All we really need is love and support... always.

Families are a tough nut to crack - on the one hand, if you are too delicate then no progress is made, while, on the other hand, if you act rashly then you may shatter the shell and risk damage to the nut. Somewhere in the in-between is a lovely balance where nuts are perfect and families thrive.

So much is lost when we don't take the time to communicate genuinely with one another. Feelings are disregarded, tempers flare, no one is truly satisfied, and, worst of all, the family is left ruptured and torn, beaten down and defeated. This weakened shadow attempts to limp on yet it is only a matter of time before it collapses and is left heartbroken. To accept defeat seems the only viable option and the decision rests on heavy hearts, unwilling to give up but too tired to carry on. It is impossible to imagine that anyone would wish this devastating conclusion upon a family, but sadly it happens all too often. One can only hope that the slightest glimpse of hope persists to tugs at the heartstrings - a willingness to mend the downtrodden and lonesome family.

It isn't fair or appropriate to pass judgment on family. Family is a dynamic, living component of our lives - just damn complicated. Yet, even as complicated as family may be a little love and support always goes a long way. Just a thought.

Adventures in Twindom

My twin sister and I compiled this list our adventures during her visit in late February. What may seem lame or bizarre to others is only natural in the adventures of twindom.

Sushi with a fellow milspouse.
Puppy wake-up calls.
We cleaned like whoa.
Homemade cookies with a mug of milk.
We ate dinner with a drooling canine audience; I guess he is a big fan of pork chops.
My sister experienced a flash micro blizzard... only 10 inches in one morning.
Blueberry pancakes.
Assaulted by a snow plow... get it... we thought it was laugh out loud, hilarious.
Keys to the Miller Museum of Geology at Kingston.

Third Attempt

This post marks the third attempt to blog this week... I have been unable to successfully complete a post - or a sentence, for that matter - due to the rambunctious pack of pups that has overtaken my townhouse. In order to complete this post without interruption, I have sequestered myself in a peaceful, quiet place better known as the kitchen counter.

They run, leap, bark, chew, play, snooze - all in unison. No lie, if one lays down to rest they all join in; likewise, if one hears something in the middle of the night they all join in chorus to alert me to potential danger (I am puzzled as to what awakens the oldest at 0400 every morning...). They really are good pups and they make a great play group. Who needs the dog park when you have three rowdy pups in the vicinity and doggie daycare?

My days are certainly not in short supply of laughter and photo ops. I have camera phone at the ready so I can send a quick snapshot to their parents in daily attempts to boost morale and share the laughter. I take my part in the healing process very seriously. 

After seeing some pictures I posted to Facebook of the pups playing, my father-in-law called and asked if I was selling tickets to the wrestling match! These pups sure know how to have a good time.

And so, to close out this third attempt I leave you with this snapshot of the fun: 

Love and Deployment

Today feels just like any other day during deployment because every day I miss my soldier. All this talk of flowers, candy, and chocolate is ridiculous... all I really want is a hug and kiss from my husband. To feel his warmth would be a delight. The thought of his homecoming is what sustains me. But I know that I am not alone; all over this country there are incredible men and women apart from their beloved because the mission comes first. Barely legible letters, midnight phone calls, bruised care packages - these are the ways we say "I love you". And, I truly believe that these magnificent moments make separation bearable. 


Each day I pray that my husband and all our soldiers return home safely; asking St. Michael to bless them and keep them from harm. I remind myself that love is patient and endures all things; love never fails. I believe love conquers deployment with ease.  


To my friends who are far from their loved ones, hold strong and remain steadfast. Your tears are welcome and embraced, so long as you wipe them from your cheeks and remind yourself of the many blessings in your life.


To my friends who have been reunited with their soldier but wait patiently for full recovery, the circumstances may not be ideal but be thankful you are with him and he will be well soon enough. Your fears are understood, your anxiety understated, your strength inspiring. 


To my friends who are able to touch, smell, and taste their lover - do it! Your happiness is beautiful and should be celebrated. 


Happy Valentine's Day, friends.


"Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, is not pompous, it is not inflates, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Uncelebrations

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Happy 5th mesiversary to me and my husband! That's right, friends, today marks five months of wedded bliss. Well, not quite bliss but at least it is a milestone. I'm sure I would be much more cheerful if my husband was actually present for the occasion - it does, after all, align rather closely with St. Valentine's Day. But, I know that moping over the circumstances of deployment would be fruitless. Instead, I would much rather lavish in the happy thoughts of his safe return from down range. He will be home this year, ya know. Very exciting stuff! As always, the mission comes first.

Also, it is our puppy's 9 month birthday! A most momentous occasion, indeed. It is a pity that he is afflicted with yet another bout of puppy poops on this somewhat special day, but I'm sure he will rise above - he always does. Enjoy this lovely snap shot of my little guy:

I know it seems a bit queer to celebrate these seemingly ordinary occasions; however, I must comment that it is these singularly bland milestones that make my life so stinking wonderful. No really, each day is a gift and should be celebrated in one way or another - even if it means digging deep and remembering hard to conjure up a special, beautiful and terribly ordinary reason to celebrate.

So, happy tenth day of the second month of the beginning of the second decade of the second millennium!

The Great Blizzard (continues)

Saturday, February 5, 2011

No lie, this afternoon it was 38 degrees and slightly overcast; by 1730 we were in the throws of a full out snow storm! The only thing I can compare it to is hurricane rains but snow. In the 90 minute conversation with my mother-in-law over 10 inches accumulated at my back door. Of course, snow fall and the wind work together to achieve such astounding results - but still.

Alas, at least I can be thankful that it is the pretty, fluffy, powdery snow as opposed to the icy, stinging snow. The powder is so much more pleasant to watch as it falls and significantly easier to shovel - a major win, if you ask me!

As a friend, and fellow milspouse, has commented regarding the snow, "Embrace the suck." I baked cookies, took care of my taxes, and finished laundry. Old Man Winter is going to need to be a bit more creative to scare this "seasoned" pro. Throw me in the midst of Snowpocalypse - fine, I shall dance and make snow angels. Face off with the Abominable - alright, let's have a snowball fight. Just, give me warm showers to warm up and recoop and I'll be fine.

Sitting in the Shower

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

We've all done it, or at least we should. I am not ashamed to admit that I often settle my bottom just under the faucet and let good old H2O do its magic. We've seen tearful scenes from Hollywood of a distraught damsel seeking answers and solace - that, friends, is certainly not my reality. Some nights I'm just tired - physical or emotional - and I need that constant cascading shower to pour over my head and replenish my energy. Other nights I just can't seem to warm myself under blankets and I turn to old faithful for encompassing, foolproof warmth. It may occasionally be a necessity to rinse product from my hair following a lovely up-do or to soothe aching muscles after shoveling snow. Even still, whatever the reason, rest assured, sitting in the shower can work wonders on my woes. Give it a go one of these days - trust me, you will feel better.

The Great Blizzard (so far)

For real, friends. I have never seen this much snow in my life - and it just keeps coming. But it sure is pretty.

Today is a perfect day to relax with a good book, clean the bathtub, and take care other household business in preparation for my husband's redeployment home. I better start with the least desirable... bathtub scum. But, alas, it needs to be done and what better time to do it then when I am snowed in, right?

This morning was interesting, indeed. I woke up at 0500 to get ready for work, and by 0530 the post was on a 2 hour delay so I went back to bed. When I awoke the second time at 0730 to feed the dog and again begin to get ready for work I received a call that the post was closed. So, like any self-respecting Army wife I ate breakfast, made a few calls, and took care to ensure the windows and doors were free of snow dunes in the event of an emergency. Still shocked, mind you, that Fort Drum is closed! If it is bad enough that the post is closed then it is definitely a sweatpants and slippers kind of day. So, that is exactly what I intend to do on this wonderfully snowy day.

I would caution those who are experiencing winter storms all over the country... if it isn't an emergency do not leave your home! It isn't worth it, whatever it is. I promise. Simply accept and enjoy the warm, snug, and calm day at home. If your family is home with you, then break out the boardgames and favorite movies. Take the time to get a little bit done around the house. Most importantly, spend quality time with your family and make every moment count. It isn't all that often that the North Country shuts down - so enjoy it!

This first installment of "The Great Blizzard (so far)" will continue as the snow falls.

Little Things

It is the little things, really.

I can't get over how cold it is here in the North Country. That being said, nothing warms my heart like a message from my husband down range. Moments like that may be the only time I allow myself to slow down because I truly treasure our love for one another. It may sound sappy to some, but those of you who know us understand. Little things, people, little things.

Not a moment goes by that I don't miss him, but I have found that if I fill my days with wonderful, happy moments sprinkled with upbeat and positive people and experiences then I don't have time to feel sorry for myself. It really is the little things - you can't deny it.

The day he deployed, I met two other Army wives who's husbands were also heading down range. We have since added another bouncy spouse to the mix, and our little group has blossomed as we continue to invite other military spouses to join in the fun. I still keep in touch with many of the Army wives I have met throughout my journey; the depth of our connection is astounding when one considers the distance and time that separates us. These "battle buddies" have become true friends of mine - I am grateful for having met them. It is wonderful to know that we can share our tears and our joys without concern of rejection or judgment or jealousy. That, friends, is why I will always call these girls my friends and why I will never forget them. Thanks, girls, you know who you are. Our lives are peppered with lovely little things.

Little things are why I am fulfilled and happy and blessed. For each day that passes, I remain thankful for all the little things in my life that make me laugh out loud and smile. Thanks to all the little things!

Tears

Tears.
Beautiful, therapeutic, salty, comforting tears.
Tears pour. They soak. They stream.
They accumulate and the dam breaks.
They leave you feeling hopeless and resilient, all at once.
They wait for that moment - you know the one.
They sting. They blur vision.
They invite dogs to lick your cheeks.
They are brushed away by loved ones.
They are shared, honored, and respected when heartfelt.
They don't care about your schedule or what they are interrupting.
They embarrass. They unite.
They are wonderful and terrible and - unavoidable.
They are necessary.
And, they are welcome when I least expect but need them most.
Tissues, anyone? I think I have something in my eye.

Watching Wheel

Sitting at home this evening, waiting for my sister to log into Skype, I catch myself watching Wheel of Fortune. Lame, I know. But even lamer still is that I can't stop wishing my husband were here to watch it with me. There is something about our equally competitive nature that makes that sort of thing so very fun. And, who doesn't love solving the puzzle?! So, next time you can't quite figure out what to do with your evening you should try channeling surfing for a game show. I promise, if you are anything like me, you won't be the least bit disappointed. Happy solving!

Late Night Calls

Last night I went to bed early, and do I mean early! I laid my head to the pillow at 8:33pm and sweetly dozed through the night. I am nearly positive that my husband called during my slumber and I hazily recall a whispered conversation of kind and loving words. I awoke this morning and was crushed that I had not shaken myself from my deep rest to talk with him. How disappointed he must have felt; to have called from across the world to hear only murmurs and yawns of his comfortably sleeping wife. It is my sincerest hope that he calls each and every night, and hopefully the next time he calls my body and mind will jump to the ready and engage him in conversation. For now, I can only wait for the phone to ring with an indistinguishable caller listed on the Caller ID... and maybe take a nap so I won't be so tired so early.

"Good night." he says as he eats his breakfast.

"Good Morning." I whisper and fall back to sleep.