I know we have a long road ahead of us before Caleb comes home and I know it's probably a little early to be having hard days already....but there's just some days where I have a really hard time not being able to talk to Caleb.  It's been a long time since I heard him last or even heard what's going on in his life.
On days like today i'm reminded of God's perfect timing.  I got a thinking of you card today and this in my mailbox

Caleb hasn't had access to a computer in awhile.  He arranged ahead of time to have this sent to me.  I'm super thankful!  I know he's always thinking of me and missing me, but little reminders during this time are super sweet.
I'm thankful I have a thoughtful and loving husband to miss <3

boys, boys, boys

I remember when I was pregnant with Casen I thought for sure up until my ultrasound that I was having a little girl.  Don't get me wrong, I love little girls and I have three beautiful nieces!  But I really wanted a little boy.  Watching Casen and Caleb together does something that you only understand when you become a mom.  He's such a beautiful boy inside and out.  He has a huge personality that I absolutely love, especially since I have no idea where he got it from.  He doesn't hide a single emotion, both a blessing and a challenge.

This morning my sweet little angel walked over to me standing on his little tippy toes reaching up for a kiss.  I get the cutest little slobbery kiss....
....and then he proceeds to burp into my mouth

........and I changed my mind about wanting a boy :p

Remember

Remember the war.  Remember the warriors.

So thankful  for and proud of my husband and all that he does

Little Reminders

Not that I ever forget Caleb...ever :), but I love having little reminders of him.

This sweet yellow ribbon bracelet was in my mailbox today and I love it!

And what soon should be in my mailbox is this lovely necklace...of course with Caleb's picture inside that will be perfect for also carrying around his wedding ring, since he got a brand new one for deployment....since they wouldn't do the tattoos we wanted, boo :(

And so it goes...

It's been almost a week since Caleb left.  I'm praying the time flies by for us.  I know that's only possible through God.  Even though we've done it before, right now I just can't imagine our lives apart for such a long period of time.  Most people don't understand what it's like to never be able to even tell your husband about your day or hear how he's doing.  Our lives are so connected I just don't want to live it apart!

However...I have a little boy here at home with me and life can't stop just because I want it to...

I started a project that i'm super excited about, as you can see, involving lots and lots of marpat fabric :)  If it turns out how i'd like it....then i'm pretty excited about some upcoming Christmas presents!

We've been playing lots of legos and snuggling with a bear dada made

We sent out care packages and wrote lots of letters!

And we, of course, stocked up on comfort food and are diligently counting the days until we're all together again!

Please keep Caleb in your prayers!  Especially for his safety and finding comfort in all of this.

We also welcomed a little bundle of a niece into the family!  I can't wait to meet you Makenzie Alyssa!

Mil Spouse Friday Fill In

1. My plans for this weekend include...um not idea...hopefully starting to work on my projects if all the supplies arrive but what I’d really like to do is...be spending the day hiking and at the park with my boys :(

2. I consider the Labor Day holiday The last "summer" holiday

3. My favorite meal for cookouts is This summer i've been loving brats on super yummy whole wheat buns and  homemade mac n cheese....and of course smores for dessert, which Caleb makes pretty good over our stove haha

4. So far, my favorite part of summer has been All the wonderful memories we've made as a family.  Our family unit has been so awesome this summer!  

5. When it comes to deployments, my philosophy is Forget philosophy let's just get them over with!

May the Lord Keep Watch

"May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other."

And off he goes...

This is our third deployment and it's definitely the hardest.  I thought having Casen would make things easier on me because I'd be occupied while Caleb was away...I was wrong.  The relationship those two boys have made is beyond words and it's so hard to imagine them apart for as long as they will be.  Of course i'll miss him too!

We got to discuss a lot where we were in our relationship for his first deployment being engaged, his second deployment just married with a baby on the way, and now his third deployment extremely happily married with an amazing little boy.  We're so much stronger now as a couple and a family, which makes things easier and harder all at the same time. 

I can't wait until he is home again!  Keep him in your prayers.