black socks

Monkey and I are back home and finally starting to settle back in. True to what I said previously, I did not expect much of myself when I got home. I was more social than planned and really enjoyed getting together with a few friends. I gave myself a break as far as housework was concerned and just focused on being back home and getting Monkey into a routine that works for the two of us. 

Yesterday, started out a bit rocky. Sarge was wonderful and took the time to call me before heading to bed, but I was stressed and didn't get the response from him that I wanted or needed and was quickly frustrated. We talked through it, but as we said our "see you soon's" I was still burdened with being here alone and having to make all the decisions mostly by myself.

I decided it was time to tackle cleaning up a little and since I've been sleeping on my husband's side of the bed, I started with moving his nightstand, the dog kennel and his lamp to really clean up under and behind them. Boy, was that needed! I then began straightening the area toward the end of the bed and lifted up the comforter that usually spends most of its time on the floor after we kick it off because we are too hot. 

There they were. Still in their packaging, a brand new pair of my favorite black socks!

Ok, I know you're sitting there going "big deal, it's a pair of socks!" but seriously? When was the last time you put on a brand spanking new pair of socks? Do you remember how it feels? They are so soft and full of cushion and I just love the way they feel on my feet when they are brand new! I'm not totally crazy, did you know that Robin Williams only wears every pair of his socks once and then donates them to charity? He does!

I love brand new socks! Not long ago, my husband came home from the store with that very package of brand new socks. He was trying to cheer me up and his mission was successful!  Not only did I love the thought when he first gave them to me, but in that moment when I found those socks hiding under the comforter it felt like my husband was right back home with me, where he belongs. My heart smiled and it was as if he was giving me a sign that everything is going to be ok, even if they are stressful and hard right now.

He doesn't always have the words, and that frustrates me. He has always been there for me no matter what in his own little ways though. Last night, it was those socks that reminded me of his love and that I'm not alone, even when he is so far away. I am absolutely the luckiest!

There is only one fitting way to end this entry..

Black socks they never get dirty, the longer you wear them the stronger they get!

Sometimes I think I should wash them but something inside me keeps saying not yet!

Not yet! Not yet! Not yet!

black socks

Monkey and I are back home and finally starting to settle back in. True to what I said previously, I did not expect much of myself when I got home. I was more social than planned and really enjoyed getting together with a few friends. I gave myself a break as far as housework was concerned and just focused on being back home and getting Monkey into a routine that works for the two of us. 

Yesterday, started out a bit rocky. Sarge was wonderful and took the time to call me before heading to bed, but I was stressed and didn't get the response from him that I wanted or needed and was quickly frustrated. We talked through it, but as we said our "see you soon's" I was still burdened with being here alone and having to make all the decisions mostly by myself.

I decided it was time to tackle cleaning up a little and since I've been sleeping on my husband's side of the bed, I started with moving his nightstand, the dog kennel and his lamp to really clean up under and behind them. Boy, was that needed! I then began straightening the area toward the end of the bed and lifted up the comforter that usually spends most of its time on the floor after we kick it off because we are too hot. 

There they were. Still in their packaging, a brand new pair of my favorite black socks!

Ok, I know you're sitting there going "big deal, it's a pair of socks!" but seriously? When was the last time you put on a brand spanking new pair of socks? Do you remember how it feels? They are so soft and full of cushion and I just love the way they feel on my feet when they are brand new! I'm not totally crazy, did you know that Robin Williams only wears every pair of his socks once and then donates them to charity? He does!

I love brand new socks! Not long ago, my husband came home from the store with that very package of brand new socks. He was trying to cheer me up and his mission was successful!  Not only did I love the thought when he first gave them to me, but in that moment when I found those socks hiding under the comforter it felt like my husband was right back home with me, where he belongs. My heart smiled and it was as if he was giving me a sign that everything is going to be ok, even if they are stressful and hard right now.

He doesn't always have the words, and that frustrates me. He has always been there for me no matter what in his own little ways though. Last night, it was those socks that reminded me of his love and that I'm not alone, even when he is so far away. I am absolutely the luckiest!

There is only one fitting way to end this entry..

Black socks they never get dirty, the longer you wear them the stronger they get!

Sometimes I think I should wash them but something inside me keeps saying not yet!

Not yet! Not yet! Not yet!

Deployment Number 1 - Dunzo!

By the time this blog post is published I will probably be nestled in bed with my husband, soaking up every second of him finally being home.  That's right, our first deployment is officially coming to a close.  I'm writing this on my very last night of being alone for what we hope is a very long time.

Due to pregnancy complications, my husband's command decided that it was in the best interest of our family for my husband to return home immediately instead of finishing his tour overseas.  I cannot put into words how much this means to both of us.  We can finally put away the stress of him not being here to hear straight from the doctors what is going on.  I can rest easy, knowing that he is safe and sound and will be coming home to me every night.  I won't have to worry about how I will take care of myself, the house and the dog all by myself while being sick and trying to just stay healthy enough to carry this baby to term.  It's a blessing.

This blessing doesn't come without some guilt, however.  I feel awful that circumstances beyond our control have interfered with my husband's duty and obligation to serve.  I know that perhaps I shouldn't feel this way, but it is hard for me to accept that this is the way it needs to be right now.  I know my husband doesn't hold it against me, and I hope no one else will either.  We surely tried as hard as we could to keep him over there, but there comes a point in time when you have to look at the safety of everyone involved and the fact that it is hard to keep your head in the game when you are worried about the health and safety of your wife and child who are very far away.

Our first deployment may be shorter than expected, but it was definitely not short on challenges or learning experiences.  I think I can honestly say that my husband and I have both grown so much during the last few months...  from learning we are expecting to dealing with the normal challenges of maintaining a long distance marriage.  I have successfully driven across the country, survived a blizzard and learned to put chains on a car in a blizzard.  I've managed to survive 5 months of severe HG with the help of doctors, nurses, neighbors, friends and family and of course the support of my loving husband who never once forgot to check on me every single chance he had.  We've been able to make a huge dent in paying off our debt and have come so much further that I ever imagined we would in a very short period of time.  I'm proud of what we have accomplished and dealt with and how we have grown closer together rather than farther apart.

Dealing with deployment is never easy, but it's worth it.  When you love someone you'd do anything for them and surviving deployment with my head held high is just one example of how I show love to my husband.  I'm sure this won't be our last deployment and I know that life has many more learning experiences coming our way.  I'm just excited that we have handled this challenge so well and have finally come through to the other side.

I'll be sure to post pictures as soon as I get them back from the photographer!

Deployment Number 1 - Dunzo!

By the time this blog post is published I will probably be nestled in bed with my husband, soaking up every second of him finally being home.  That's right, our first deployment is officially coming to a close.  I'm writing this on my very last night of being alone for what we hope is a very long time.

Due to pregnancy complications, my husband's command decided that it was in the best interest of our family for my husband to return home immediately instead of finishing his tour overseas.  I cannot put into words how much this means to both of us.  We can finally put away the stress of him not being here to hear straight from the doctors what is going on.  I can rest easy, knowing that he is safe and sound and will be coming home to me every night.  I won't have to worry about how I will take care of myself, the house and the dog all by myself while being sick and trying to just stay healthy enough to carry this baby to term.  It's a blessing.

This blessing doesn't come without some guilt, however.  I feel awful that circumstances beyond our control have interfered with my husband's duty and obligation to serve.  I know that perhaps I shouldn't feel this way, but it is hard for me to accept that this is the way it needs to be right now.  I know my husband doesn't hold it against me, and I hope no one else will either.  We surely tried as hard as we could to keep him over there, but there comes a point in time when you have to look at the safety of everyone involved and the fact that it is hard to keep your head in the game when you are worried about the health and safety of your wife and child who are very far away.

Our first deployment may be shorter than expected, but it was definitely not short on challenges or learning experiences.  I think I can honestly say that my husband and I have both grown so much during the last few months...  from learning we are expecting to dealing with the normal challenges of maintaining a long distance marriage.  I have successfully driven across the country, survived a blizzard and learned to put chains on a car in a blizzard.  I've managed to survive 5 months of severe HG with the help of doctors, nurses, neighbors, friends and family and of course the support of my loving husband who never once forgot to check on me every single chance he had.  We've been able to make a huge dent in paying off our debt and have come so much further that I ever imagined we would in a very short period of time.  I'm proud of what we have accomplished and dealt with and how we have grown closer together rather than farther apart.

Dealing with deployment is never easy, but it's worth it.  When you love someone you'd do anything for them and surviving deployment with my head held high is just one example of how I show love to my husband.  I'm sure this won't be our last deployment and I know that life has many more learning experiences coming our way.  I'm just excited that we have handled this challenge so well and have finally come through to the other side.

I'll be sure to post pictures as soon as I get them back from the photographer!

Getting Married... Take 1

I love you babe!
I'm so lucky to be your wife!
I know I thought you were being insanely silly when you made this video on the way to our small wedding...
It's perfect though.  Thank you!
From really far away, you're still the best one at putting a smile on my face!

Getting Married - the first time from The Highleys on Vimeo.

Like a lot of military couples, we technically have 2 wedding anniversaries.
Today we celebrate 2 years of legal marriage.
We never really make a big deal out of today, but choose to quietly celebrate the special day.
I plan to do a bigger post about our love story and a look back at the last couple years next month, 

 for our "big" wedding anniversary.

Getting Married... Take 1

I love you babe!
I'm so lucky to be your wife!
I know I thought you were being insanely silly when you made this video on the way to our small wedding...
It's perfect though.  Thank you!
From really far away, you're still the best one at putting a smile on my face!

Getting Married - the first time from The Highleys on Vimeo.

Like a lot of military couples, we technically have 2 wedding anniversaries.
Today we celebrate 2 years of legal marriage.
We never really make a big deal out of today, but choose to quietly celebrate the special day.
I plan to do a bigger post about our love story and a look back at the last couple years next month, 

 for our "big" wedding anniversary.