Time for a really big update...

“Fear less, hope more; Eat less, chew more; Whine less, breathe more; Talk less, say more; Love more, and all good things will be yours" ~Swedish Proverb

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." ~Winston Churchhill

I am striving to live my life by those quotes.  I have them written down in several locations to remind myself of it when I tend to become negative with the cirucumstances thrown our way.    That is my goal for the New Year! 

Can you believe how 2010 has FLOWN by?  So many wondeful things have happened this year. 
Brief re-cap:

• We moved to Tampa in March (Though I might not always see that as a positive...lol)
• We've spent a ton of time with friends and family
• We've made new friends.  Some that have become family almost overnight, it seems.
• We moved into a beautiful home and finally finished decorating, lol.
• Cason learned to crawl, walk, run (kind of) and he talks up a STORM.
• Cason had an amazing almost one party(Hubby was here for that!), actual birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Though his Daddy was not able to be here for the majority of them, he saw all of the events through pictures and on Christmas he was able to watch Cason open his gifts on webcam.  It was truly a blessing.  Not only did Cason recieve a ton of gifts but it was the fact that everyone cares about him so much that made it that special. 

It has really been a busy year.  Next year is even more so.  We are patiently awaiting Hubby's return and are planning a wonderful family vacation.  I will be in school, Taekwondo and thanks to Linds, the gym full time.  I have many goals set for this coming year. 
I hope everyone has had a terrific Thanksgiving and Christmas. 
God Bless and God Speed for those deployed.

For those with a deployed spouse/signifigant other.

I know this entire season is hard having a deployed spouse or boyfriend. It seems like everything is based on couples and entire families. I find myself getting sad at the drop of a hat. Watching families shop for gifts together, holding hands while looking at Christmas lights, making dinner together, it is all rather depressing. Even when you have wonderful friends and families who are gracious enough to have you for the festivities, there is still something missing.



But, remember this: We are truly blessed. We have strong, kind, amazing, hard working men who are willing to give up their time with their families so that others may have it. They sacrifice for people they do not know and will never meet. When you feel alone think of that welcome home hug and kiss, the overwhelming sense of joy that we will feel, that first night back in their arms. Think of the look in their eyes knowing that you have supported them through their career, the ups and the downs the hard aspects and the ones that came easily. Think of your kids seeing their Daddy for the first time in ages. How thrilled they will be. Think of how he is their hero in all aspects .



Also, don't forget your friends and family. Those who understand where you are, why you feel the way you do, even those that don’t and just make the attempt to grasp the situation. Thank them for their ongoing support during this trying time and total emotional rollercoaster called a deployment. Remember, they are a shoulder to lean on. Utilize that.



For those who don't understand, for the ones who compare this to a weeklong business trip, for those who think that we are just being "downers" when we are upset or missing them, remember this: they do not understand. It is not their fault; they just have not and most likely, will not, experience this life style. Having patience during those conversations is hard. But pride yourself on keeping your cool. Remember we all cope differently.



I wish you all a Merry Christmas. I pray that all of our men are safe, warm, well fed and will come home soon. I love you all. Thank you for everything you do for me and my family.



~Alyie