Happy New Year!

   Happy 2012! I'm excited about this year because it brings my hubby home for good to the boys and I. This year has had a lot of challenges for this deployment. However, I made some career advancements and I've learned once again I can do these deployments and I'm so grateful to have the relationship I do with Jesus to get me through the good and the bad. I'm also so proud of my hubby for staying strong and doing his job the best he can. The boys have really grown too at school and in just being part of a military family.

   This morning the boys and I went to visit a friend from church when I was growing up and now a military wife herself as well. She and her husband have two little girls and they are going through their first deployment. It was nice to catch up with her and discuss military life. Then this afternoon another friend and her kids came to my parents house to catch up some more. This evening we took it easy and watched the Polar Express. We needed a night to relax after all our visiting the past week. Two more days here in Pa and then we head back home to Ok.

Old Times

   Today was about friendship, specifically my childhood through school days of friendships. This morning I visited a friend that I knew when I was my boys age. We grew up going to each others houses and having sleepovers. We went through a lot in life and life has taken us in different directions but it was neat to get together together and now have our kids playing together.
   This evening I had a mini high school reunion with some girl and guy friends. There was this crew that my sister ran around with more than me and at some point I got included. It always happened that I was a fifth wheel because there were lots of couples and then me. It seems this hasn't changed, in the fact that Adam is usually not with me for one reason or another when we meet up again. Anyways, it was nice to all be together again and relive some memories and discuss the current happenings in our lives. It's amazing where life takes you.
   And the boys got to have a sleepover at their cousins house which they were looking forward to all week. I'm sure they had a lot of fun.

Fun with Family and Friends

   Another day of visiting and fun. This morning we went to visit a friend that we hung out with a lot during our last deployment when we lived in the area. It was nice to have some adult catching up and it was fun for the boys to get to play with her children. Then this afternoon we got together with the boys' cousins and went to a play area. This evening the ladies and I had a time of catching up and dinner. Overall another great day of visiting and relaxing with family and friends.

Cousins

   This evening I'd like to think my Grandma Sauder had a front row seat from heaven to watch some of us girl cousins fellowship, eat, and play spoons. I remember our slumber parties with fondness. It was nice to see my cousins and catch up some. My one cousin was in from North Carolina so we decided to try and meet up. Thankful for fb to keep us up to date these days but it's always nice to have some face to face fellowship. Maybe in another year or two we'll have to do a reunion again.

Visiting :)

   Today my Mom had a drop in "party" for my extended family, church family, and neighbors to stop in and visit with the boys and I. It's been almost three years since I've seen some of the people I got to visit with today. Today's society, my life for sure, is hectic and busy, I barely take time to sit and just prop my feet up, let alone just stop and visit with friends and family. It did my heart good to sit and talk with some of the people from my life growing up. I love listening to people's stories (their God stories and how they've gotten to where they are now). It was also fun listening to stories of when my parents were growing up. I can't put into words exactly how inspiring it was to simply sit, listen, and talk with some of the people that are part of my legacy and childhood and now into my adulthood.

Merry Christmas

   This evening the boys and I enjoyed getting to celebrate Christmas with all of the extended family. We got to talk with Adam through texting and email some too so that was nice. I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Christmas celebrating Jesus birthday.

Merry Christmas Eve

   Merry Christmas Eve! The boys and I went to a Christmas Eve service at the school where I went to K-12. It's weird celebrating Christmas without Adam here this year. This is our first year apart for the Holidays. The boys and I are enjoying being with family here in Pa, looking forward to Christmas with the whole family tomorrow.

Girl's Night Out :)

   This evening my Mom, sister, sister-in-law, and I went out to watch a show at Sight and Sound. The boys stayed with Grandpa and had a boys night. It was nice to get out with the ladies and I enjoyed the show.

Home, Sweet Home

   I really have two homes now. Ours in Oklahoma with my hubby and boys, and then my childhood home where I grew up. I'm excited to be back in Pa for the Holidays with my family and friends. Thankfully, Nathan is feeling better too so today was pretty smooth travels. Tonight I'm just hoping to have a restful night sleep :)

Half Way There

   Today makes me miss having my hubby around to help share the driving. In all honesty when we do road trips together he drives about 75% of the time and I take care of the rest. Today it was purely me and juggling the boys. On top of it Nathan got sick almost immediately when we got on the road. In this case, Adam might be thankful he's missing this traveling experience. Nathan's been a champ about the whole thing but it's hard traveling sick. One more day to tackle tomorrow. Then home for Christmas :)

On the Road Again....

   Getting ready to head home tomorrow, missing my hubby. He makes road trips more fun. Oh well, the boys and I will make the best of it. Ready for some rest relaxation, and a break from the normal routine.

Anniversarvy, Sickness, and Holiday Break

   Well the sickness bug definitely found it's way to our house this weekend. I was perfectly fine on Saturday evening when I went to bed and I woke up on Sunday feeling like a semi had run over me. We still celebrated our Christmas here in OK with my hubby's family. The boys had fun and I did as minimal as possible. I decided on Sunday I would take off on Monday and Tuesday since I was so sick and needed to rest and recuperate for our trip and also prepare for the traveling. This morning my younger son got sick so it's a good thing I wasn't anticipating going to work. He seems to have bounced back.
   In other news, today is my hubby and I's 7th anniversary! I haven't had the chance to talk to him but am thankful to have spent seven years with him and looking forward to where the next seven will take us. This deployment has shown me how balanced Adam keeps me and life really is exciting when walking it together with him and our boys.

Taking a Breather

   Wow, what a busy day. The boys went shopping with the police officers this morning. They had a lot of fun. Then when they came back, we finished wrapping gifts. Afterwards, we made some cookies for us and Santa's early visit tonight. This evening I had a small get together of some army wives at my house. It was so nice to just sit back and relax and talk about military life and what the Holidays are like with without our hubbies around. We are all so different but yet have so much in common. Tomorrow is sure to be another busy day. Now time for some sleep.

Christmas Parties

   The boys and I enjoyed a Christmas party with our church small group this evening. We have another weekend full of Christmas activities and packing to go home to Pa to celebrate Christmas with family and friends there. My goal is to not get stressed out about all the activities and relax and enjoy the socialization and just being together with family and friends. Missing my hubby with all the activities but enjoying this time with the boys, family, and friends.

Christmas Traditions

   Tonight amonst running more errands, Christmas has taken over, the boys and I went To Rhema lights. This is a tradition that we do every year. Last year Adam and I even went on a carriage ride on our sixth anniversary. The boys had a lot of fun and even cooperated for some pictures :)

Busy Day!

   Today was a long and busy day. First work and then the gym. After that, dinner with the boys and errands for Christmas presents and groceries. Now off to bed. It's been a busy week so far and it looks like it's going to continue that way.

Sometimes Simple Things are Complex in this Life of Mine

   So sometimes the simple things are a little hard to explain (and depending on the moment, I don't want to explain). This evening at the gym Jacob got to wrap a small gift for both me and Adam. He was so excited to give me mine and wanted to make sure that I will send Adam his. Anyone that knows me, knows I'm not that great at sending care packages, ask my hubby. Anyways, currently he's kind of in limbo land anyways so I replied to Jacob, "Sure we can send it to Daddy, once we know where he is". The childcare worker just looked at me, most of the workers there know us and know our story a little, however I hadn't seen her before and that was obvious when she just looked at me sadly. I can only imagine what was going through her head. And no I didn't bother to explain......sometimes it's just not worth it. However, Jacob got to Skpye with Daddy this evening and he was so proud to show him what he wrapped for him. Moments like that are precious and make this life we've chosen a little bit more worth it.

Not Every Day but I'll Take What I Can Get

   This morning as I was just getting up and started with my day Adam called and talked with the boys and I. I was already running around trying to get out the door but really getting to hear his voice and talk to him is worth it. Plus, it's always nice when the boys get to talk to him. Then this evening we got to Skype a little bit too. Loving that I got to start and end my day talking to my love. It makes me think these next several months are doable.

Sometimes you just need a lift up.

   Today was just what the boys and I needed. We had a laid back day and got the housework done. I needed a day like today. Now I'm ready for the work week. We have a few Christmas parties and some activities for the week and finish getting ready for our trip back to Pa. I had been a little discouraged but had some help this weekend from some friends and am feeling uplifted and ready for another week. I haven't heard from my Hubby lately and am missing him but am trying to be patient.

Tired!

   Tonight was rough, you would think my boys didn't know how to listen and obey at other people's houses! Can I just say I'm so over this deployment and being a "single Mom". Now, really, all I want for Christmas is my husband home. Hmm.....well that won't happen, so I guess I'll just suck it up, and keep pressing forward! One day, I hope my kiddos appreciate all I've put into them.

Wrapping Gifts and a Night to Myself

   Tonight the boys got to have a fun night with our small group leaders and several other kids. While they did that I got to finish my Christmas shopping and wrap their gifts. Well, I got started wrapping the gifts. I also got to watch a Christmas movie in the quite of my house. I'm not sure the last time I had the house all to myself, it was quite nice.

Taking the Night Off

   This evening the boys and I went out for pizza. Nathan got his book it for last month and this month so we have started our monthly outing for pizzas. He loves reading and always enjoys getting his very own personal pizza. Jacob is already looking forward to getting his own next year. It's nice to take some time to simply enjoy being a family and being together without the housework staring you in the face.

A Different Kind of Quality Time

   This evening my boys and I tackled the unending pile of dishes. I usually don't let them stack up but we had a full pile to do. Nathan and Jacob are into washing the dishes these days. So I let them decide who got to do the dishes first while the other one played the Wii. And believe it or not they both wanted to do the dishes with me first instead of play the Wii :) It makes me smile because they can be very helpful at times but they are just like other kiddos and want to play and not lift a finger at other times. I love my boys and I'm thankful for some helping hands. I figure they get to eat here, they can help do the dishes. They also help cook. Jacob enjoys cooking more but Nathan helps too, especially if he knows he'll get cookies as the end result. Tomorrow on the agenda is putting away the three piles of laundry that are still sitting on my couch and end table in the living room.

Balance

   So I have a sink full of dishes, three loads of  laundry folded and waiting to be put away, and my floor needs vacuumed. For the last hour I sat and watched kids Christmas movies with my boys. Sometimes I just need a break and I really had a productive day I just think I have to much on my plate. I guess it's time to pray and look about where to cut back again. I seem to be doing this a lot these last several months.

Another Work Week

   This weekend was fun and productive. Friday the boys and I ate out and did some errands. Saturday was more errands and some fun Christmas activities and celebrating a birthday. Today was church and then getting the house in order for the week. Overall, a good weekend. Now on to another work week. Only two and a half more weeks until Christmas break :)

Changes, Compromises, and Holidays

   So glad it's the weekend. This week had lots of things going on, it was both busy and a little stressful. Thankful to have the weekend to recuperate and enjoy the festivities with my boys and friends. It's a little stressful dealing with life with the hubby overseas for the Holidays but I'm trying to keep it fun for the boys. In all honesty I think they are handling life the best of the four of us these days :) So much more I could say but I'm a little tired and I don't feel like sharing a ton tonight.