Pretty in Pink

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Being pregnant is not easy. Or at least that's what I would imagine, not having ever been pregnant myself. There's doctor visits (and endless bills), the buying of diapers and nursery furniture. There's the smiling at every gift given and the endless talks revolving around naming the little one. I'm sure it's all exciting, but like most relationships, you have the honeymoon stage and then reality hits. And the sudden whirlwind excitement becomes panic and everyone's left wondering "what now?" Normally you go through that together, husband and wife, hand in hand. Unfortunately, for expecting mothers of deployed soldiers, the panic comes sooner and the tears are fought back long before they begin packing. You smile because you have to. You smile because you know their life and yours depend on knowing you'll be okay. You can do this.


For one mother, this is nothing new. As she does her best to take care of her fast growing little girl, the house, and everyday chores, she's also left caring for the little baby she's yet to meet. And she's doing this alone- sort of. Although her husband is off serving our country and he's not able to help with the day-to-day stuff, she's surrounded by friends and family who offer the support she needs. Unfortunately, although there are many who have offered and are willing to help, she hardly ever asks for it. She takes pride in knowing that she can fix things around the house, complete the chores, pay bills, and still have time to play dress up with her daughter; all with a smile on her face. And her free time? She calls to make sure other wives are doing okay, offers her advice, and lends an ear. She sends e-mails, cards, letters. She's a modern day Wonder Woman; an inspiration.


Not long after the website was established, I received an e-mail from a friend of this mother. She wrote asking if I'd be interested in helping spread a little more sunshine and love to this expecting mother. Today I am proud to announce the completion of the Pretty in Pink basket for this mother, her little girl, and her baby girl to be. It will be sent to a place I've never been with hope that although she may somewhere inside feel alone, know that she's not. She is surrounded by everyday Americans who appreciate all that she does for our country. I hope they enjoy opening everything as much as I enjoyed shopping for them. It was an honor.

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More Than the Distance...

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Somehow, he still manages to reach out and touch my heart when I need him most. Today he wrote: "...but that's okay, because I love you more than the distance that separates us." Trust me, that's a lot of love.
This kid... he doesn't mess around.
I love you too.

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God Bless the American Soldier

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The night before the burial of her husband’s body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of ‘Cat,’ and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. “I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,” she said. “I think that’s what he would have wanted.” - Todd Heisler- The Rocky Mountain News

This is such a sad photo. The caption doesn't say it, but she's pregnant in this photo too. I read the story a few months ago and it seemed fitting to share on Memorial Day.

I know, I know. I said I would be positive in this blog but I think it is important to acknowledge the very real, very sad realities of wars. After saying my prayer for this woman and her baby, I felt so lucky that everyone I love are still in my arms.

The months leading up to this, triple reinforced that time is too precious to waste waiting for "the right time" to say something or to be prideful about showing someone how you feel. It's too short to hestitate until it feels like "the perfect time" to do something. We just aren't given enough breath to stay angry, be crabby, or sullen or get mad over inconsequential things. Even if we are not a soldier, we can all disappear from the earth in an unexpected flash of time. We don't have enough opportunity to show people how much we love them or to tell them how nice it is to do such a simple thing as to sleep next to them at night.

What am I learning from this?

That life is still in my arms. Life on this earth is to be embraced with BOTH arms for every precious, tender moment that it offers us back. Every breath of life and every moment we have to breathe it, is worth diamonds. God bless the American soldiers who have given so much and the families that stand behind them!

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It's Nothing Personal...Except That It Is

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He hasn't called. It's funny, when I was in high school, those words were normally followed with dramatic tears and the words: "he doesn't like me". Of course, now is different. He hasn't called because he can't. And quite honestly, he won't- not that he doesn't want to pick up the phone, but unfortunately, that is not something he is able to do.

I think people tend to underestimate what limited communication would feel like if they were in a similar situation. I mean, you figure that something inside of you would click and the need to talk to him as often would subside, but it doesn't. You like to believe that you would be rational and understand that he's busy and you won't notice if his emails are short (if there's been one at all). You'd think that you'd be so consumed with staying busy, you wouldn't have time to think about the last time you heard his voice- but you do! In fact, I've called his voicemail three times in the past two days, just to hear his voice.

I want to be positive in this blog, but I also want to be honest. And the truth is, some days I'm actually human. Some days, I'm just a woman who misses being able to share everything, even the mundane. Some days, I want to come home to a card or a letter, even when I know they are practically impossible to receive at this point. And yes, selfish or not, I want this knowing he has little downtime and knowing that the time he does have, needs to be spent sleeping or planning. I know. I know and I still want it.

However, I am mature enough to recognize these moments and know that these are simply moments I will have to grow through. I also realize that it works both ways--he misses these comforts as well. I'm really the fortunate one who misses these moments in the comfort of my home or surrounded by family and friends. The truth is, some people are able to accept change in their day-to-day life. Obviously, I am not one of those people. At least, not yet.

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Operation Prayer Bear

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Several weeks ago a volunteer at my school slipped in to my classroom with a special gift; a prayer bear. Made with love and small enough to travel, Mrs. B packed the bear with plenty of prayers and well-wishes. I asked G to take it with him or at the least to pack it away for our future (as in so far in the future you can barely even catch a glimpse) children. Never did I expect him to actually take the bear and certainly if he did, never to bring it out of his bag. Always full of surprises, he not only took the bear, but has also begun to snap pictures of the bear in action.











Just one of the guys...





Keeping watch.

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First Mission Underway

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Apparently Gerrid has already received orders to complete his first mission... Operation Magnum PI. It seems to be a serious mission, with much concentration on the growing of a mustache. I'm a little worried, but Ben&Jerry are going to comfort me tonight. Oh how will I every survive these next few months?!

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You've Got Mail

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Whatever happened to the "You've Got Mail"? Remember the excitement of connecting and hearing those words? I think now it should say, "You've Got Junk". Nine times out of ten, when I open my e-mail, that's exactly what it is. Of course, when it's not someone trying to sell me something through their "last chance" sale, you can bet it's the Captain. It's funny how the same thing that brought us together all those years ago is the same thing keeping us together now. Thousands of miles and countless hours and just one click and suddenly the only thing keeping us apart is the computer screen.

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