We May Not Have It All Together, But Together We Have It All.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Happy Birthday.....

Some of the most unexpected things can bring happiness to your life in ways you didn’t expect. 

Syd had her birthday this week and it was our first real family tradition event that we had without Ry.  In anticipation for her birthday I thought there might be a grey cloud hanging over the day because of Ry’s absence but instead we focused on the fun and happiness and our day was great. 

Of course, there was some sadness about Ry not being able to be there for his baby girl’s birthday and as a military spouse, I found myself having fleeting thoughts of wanting time to just “wait” for Ry to come home so he could share this day.  However, I knew that I was faced with yet another choice in my journey.  I could feel sad all day about Ry missing her birthday and let that overshadow the wonderful day, or I could accept life for what it is and make it a fun and happy day. 

Just like many situations in life…..Life doesn’t stand still for any of us and wishing to change things is just silly. The biggest gift I can give myself and my children is to keep moving along because it reminds us that a positive outlook will take you far and keep you healthy and happy. 
Syd has talked about her tenth birthday many times with Ry because she feels that since it is double digits it is monumental for her.  Syd told me the other day that “my 10 year, 16, and 20 year birthdays will be the most important birthdays of my life.”…..ahhh to be young again. 


Syd began her big day with the wonderful surprise of hearing and seeing Ry when he called to wish her a happy birthday. 
We had a great day and I hope you do too!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Cookie rewards......

Let me first start this blog by warning you about Ry’s mustache you will see in the following pictures.  As you read this blog you will be exposed to something horrible and all I can do is apologize for it.  The mustache!!  HA.  Ry and his unit, in attempts to make their time move faster, have decided that in the spirit of March Madness, they will have March Mustache month.  So all the guys in the unit are growing mustaches.  Not sure why this is fun for them, but it is. 

Our cookie circle is complete.  The kids were really excited when they actually saw the pictures of their daddy and some of the Afghan military personnel eating their cookies.
The cookies were well received and the Col. from Afghanistan told Ry that he will  pray for Syd and Brock to have long, happy lives.  Brock responded to this by saying…”I just love that mom.”
The kids really felt happy when they looked at the pictures.  I could tell they had that wonderful feeling of giving and helping.  I couldn’t be prouder of them. 

Something else happened...Sydney said “it was so cool, it was like we all got a cookie.”  I asked her what she meant and she said…cookies make everyone happy….and daddy was happy so I was happy….so it was like I just ate a cookie.  I think that was one great big cookie of a statement. 

Brock has started making a list of what he wants to do with his daddy when Ry has his two week leave.  So far, Brock would like to go to Washington DC, New York, and Colorado during those two weeks…..hmmmmm. 

I hope that from now on when I eat a cookie I will always think about what is sweet and delish in my life…..and I hope you can too!


Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Finding the pause button......

I feel like there isn't much to write about this week. At first I thought it has been a relatively boring week.....but really it has been so busy that I haven't had a lot of time to think about it......but now I am searching for a pause button.

I worked extra hard and finished up the last of my lit. review papers for class so I wouldn't have to think about them the rest of the week....I am trying to relish my last few days at home. I start working (for free=internship) on Monday.

I'm so excited to begin doing something that I truly believe in and love, but I have to admit, I am feeling a little sad. I'm certain it is because I just got used to our "new normal" and now I will be starting another normal. It's all about change. Change is hard for everyone but change is good. Change challenges us and allows us to face fears, which in turn makes us grow so tall.

I'm looking forward to this new chapter in our life. Spring will be starting, the kids will be in full swing of soccer and softball and I will begin my work with Veterans. The kids and I were talking yesterday about next week's changes and we watched a video of children and families being reunited with their soldiers (thanks Amy!). I knew Brock would probably cry, and he did, but when I went to hug him, he wiped his tears and said...."Mom, I'm so excited for that to be our day. I cant wait for our hello."

I realized how much my positive reflections are important to him. A month ago, that would have devastated him but now he is looking forward. I will continue to do the same. Even though there are days I really want to give in, I will continue to urge positive thoughts in myself and kids because I see the difference it makes.

I hate starting all these new things without Ry. My deepest wish is that I could have him home again and at night I could tell him all about our days and we could laugh and make dinner together. But as a military wife.......we must improvise.......so, I will keep my little notebook close, like I always do, and write down all the funny and interesting things that I want to remember to tell him. Maybe that notebook is my pause button.....yea, it is!