I cry then I smile...

I cried watching him pack his things yesterday.

I cried while falling asleep in his arms last night.

I cried while driving to the airport this morning.

I cried watching him kiss Evan goodbye.

I cried while I watched him disappear through the gate door I could no longer see him. 

I cried while driving home, knowing he wasn't by my side.

I cried when I realized he wouldn't be coming home from work this evening.

I cried when I put Evan to bed by myself tonight.

I'm crying now, knowing I will not kiss him good night.

Right before boarding the plane.

(Evan had just fallen asleep)

But,

I smile thinking of his return.

I smile knowing he will do an amazing job.

I smile when I see his hand writing on my Mother's Day Card.

I smile when I walk into our bathroom and I can still smell his soap from his shower this morning.

I smile when I look at Evan.

I smile when I think about his first phone call home.

I smile because I am married to an amazing man who happens to also be my best friend.

I smile because my husband is a true hero and I am so proud of him.

I think we dream so that we do not have to be apart so long.  If we are in each other's dreams, we can play together all night.

~ Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobes

Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day.

This post is to honor all Military Spouses.

Past, present, and future.

To me, there is nothing more honorable, proud, and scary than being a military spouse.  I just hope I am doing the job well :) 

I am going to take moment to honor a very special military spouse.  My Mom.  In my eyes, she is the most amazing military spouse the world has seen.  She was by my Dad's side, holding his hand,  through his whole military career.  Moving overseas, not once, but twice.  Watching her husband board a plane every Monday and then picking him up at the same airstrip every Thursday for four years.  The whole time not knowing where he was going or what he was doing.  Just trusting he was safe because she had too.  Holding the house together while my dad depolyed to Saudi Arabia for countless months.  Packing up a whole house, husband, three girls, and two cats a total of 12 times (it could me more...that's all I can remember!).  She was, and is, so brave.  Everything I have learned about being military spouse and living the military way, I owe to her.     

I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens.

But, I am in the military.  In the ranks that are rarely seen.

I have no rank upon my shoulders.

Salutes, I do not give.

But, the military world is the place where I live.

I am not in the chain of command.  Orders I do not get.

But, my husband does.  This I can not forget.

I am not the one who fires the weapon,

who puts my life on the line.

But, my job is just as tough.  I am the one that is left behind.

My husband is a patriot, a brave, and pride filled man.

And the call to serve his country not all understands.

Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free.

My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.

I love the man I married.  Soldiering is his life.

But, I stand among the silent ranks known as the

Military Wife. 

~ Author Unknown

The Things We Learn to Do....

Evan started doing this about two weeks ago.

Yay!

He is so happy that he can sit up all on his own.  And, I didn't realize how much easier MY life would be now that he can sit up!  He can sit in a shopping cart seat and I no longer have to carry him around either in his infant seat or in our carrier.  My back is very grateful for this.  He likes it much better as well....there is so much more to see while sitting up! 

But, it looks like sitting wont be the only thing he will be doing for very much longer....

Better start baby-proofing soon!

xoxo

This...

So, I'm obsessed with Darius Rucker's album, Darius Rucker Charleston, SC, right now.  I think it's because everytime I hear his voice it reminds me of high school and the days of Hootie and the Blowfish.  (Yes, I was a Hootie fan!)  And, that in turn, makes me feel young...who doesn't like that?!?  The song This is my favorite, and I love the video.  I'm sure everyone can relate to the song in some way.  All I know, is that it puts a big smile on my face!!

xoxo

A Visit from PawPaw and Grandmother

Evan had so much fun hanging out with his PawPaw and Grandmother during their visit.  It was great to be able to spend so much time with them.  I'm so happy that they were able to make it out to visit us and spend time with Evan to see Jimmy before he leaves.  Since they stayed with us for week we were able to fit in a lot of fun activites...We had a blast together!  We went to the San Antonio Zoo, attended a San Antonio Missions baseball game, and celebrated Easter together.  Here are some pictures from their visit!

San Antonio Zoo Visit
It was SO hot and humid this day.  It was 92 degrees by the time we left!

At the Zoo together

Pictures with the Komodo Dragon statue.  This was Jimmy's favorite part of the whole zoo.  We were actually able to see the keepers feed the Komodo Dragon this visit.  Jimmy was thrilled!

Trying to get a picture of Evan with he baby Lion cub!

San Antonio Missions Baseball Game

 Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Evan and Me with Henry the Taco...One of the Missions mascots!

Evan and Me with Ballapeno...the official San Antonio Mission Mascot :)

 Ronnie as a Missions player!

Evan was EXHAUSTED by the end of the night! 

This is one of my favorite pictures I've ever taken of Jimmy and Evan together.

Hanging out with PawPaw and Grandmother



We love you PawPaw and Grandmother and cannot wait to see you again!!

xoxo