Update

Wow it has been too long since I have posted something. Since Clint has been home we have just taken it easy. We have gone to Disneyland a couple times, once with Clay and Jeannette, and once with Shannon and Thomas. Jeannette and I planned a surprise for the boys. We didn't tell them that they were going to get to spend the weekend with eeach other at Disneyland. When they found out they were so excited..it was such a fun weekend! We also went home to Utah for leave. It was a blast! Clint's sister Jaimi got married, we went camping with my folks, and had a surprise party for Clint. It is always really sad to leave Utah. But come January we are there for good. Clint and I are having so much fun just hanging out with each other and making up for lost time. :)

HOMECOMING!!

HE'S HOME!!!! Wow, what a feeling! It is such a huge relief to have him home. I worried every single day for 7 months, I never have to do that again I can't believe it! We are so incredibly blessed to have him home safely! The Lord most definitely watched over Clint while he was away, and kept me sane :) Kelsea and I got to the Grinder on Camp Pendleton, where we picked Clint up at, at about 2 o'clock. The boys were scheduled to be released at 4. Shane came over around 3. Then we just had to wait. AS we were waiting the Patriot Guard motorcyclists drove in. They were so cool, and so supportive. What an awesome way to spend their spare time, supporting the troops and their families. The closer 4 got the more anxious everyone became. The buses rolled in close to 4. However, they then had to go to the armory to drop off their weapons. So the waiting continued. They were so close but still too far. Then around 5 o'clock they started walking in. We were looking for Clint and all of a sudden Shane was like "I can see him I can see him." So I started looking frantically..and I saw him. He was walking through the croud of people looking around. As soon as I saw him the tears began to well. I ran into his arms the first chance I got. It was so amazing!!! I am so happy to have him home!! And so grateful that Shane and Kelsea were able to be there to welcome him home. Best day ever! :)

Our New Home

I moved into our apartment on the 29th of April. My mom came with me to help me set everything up. Clint hasn't seen it yet, but I am hoping he will be pleasantly surprised. It was SO awesome having my mom here for a week. We had a great time. So here are some pictures of mine and Clint's new home.

2 Little Girls

I know these 2 beautiful little girls. The first little girl is more shy and reserved. Well this wonderful, shy, reserved girl gets to do something this year that may be scary and uncomfortable at first, but is going to be really great in the long run. I worry about her all the time. I dearly hope that some cute girl will take her hand and bring her into her circle of friend. The second little girl, though she makes friends more easily, she doesn't reach much farther than her circle of friends she is comfortable with.
I can't help but think about this girl who is going to need friends, and this other girl who I don't think would be able to recognize another child's need for a friend. I guess the moral of the story is that I hope and pray that someday I am a good enough mother to teach my children that when they see someone at school, or church, or the park, etc..who is sitting alone, or playing alone, or just looks like they need a friend. I hope that Clint and I will be able to teach our children to be the ones to take that child's hand and say, "Hey, come over here and play with us!"

Apartment Hunting

I have found our apartment!! It is awesome!! I have called on it and it is being held for us. It is in such a beautiful area and such a nice apartment. I will move in on the 28th of April, and get everything all ready and set up for when Clint comes home, with a lot of help from my mom and Shane and Kelsea I am sure! And the fact that it is soon enough for me to call and reserve our apartment, means Clint is coming home soon!! I can't even believe it, some days it feels like its been FOREVER, and some days have gone by more quickly. Either way I am so glad this will be the last time I had to say goodbye to him. Only 6 more weeks!!

Freedom Isn't Free

I have always loved America and been very patriotic, but I don't think I ever truly appreciated my freedom until I fully understood the price of it.
There is the ultimate sacrifice...Giving your life for your country.
Some other major sacrifices...losing legs or arms due to I.E.D.'s, bullet wounds, amputations, etc.
And some smaller yet still important sacrifices...lonely nights, awful food, limited communication with loved ones, missing out on holidays and birthdays, no kisses, no hugs, and so many other little things taken for granted on a daily basis.
All of the men and women who are serving in our military, knew each and every one of those sacrifices when they willingly signed up to protect America's freedom.
So many people forget that there are still men and women out there fighting for them. Appreciate your freedom every single day, because it doesn't come for free.
Our warriors are the true heroes of America.

A Day in the Life

A little insight into the day of a military wife, whose husband is deployed. First thing I do when I wake up is check my phone, then check my email, to make sure I haven't missed any contact with Clint. As I start my day my phone is attached to me..ALL DAY LONG. I have a picture of Clint at my station, so while I am at work I stop and stare at his picture multiple times a day.
I think about him all day every day. I wonder what he is doing. How he is sleeping. Is he happy? Did I send him enough food? Is he eating enough? Is he cold, or hot? Is he wet, or dry? How much time left until he comes home? And on those days you are extra worried and stressed you slap on a smile and fake it through the day.
Anytime my phone rings my heart skips a beat, hoping it is him calling. Every phone call is cherished, no matter how long. And every email is saved and savored. Whenever anyone talks about him my heart starts to flutter and I can't help but smile. As the day comes to an end, I have to fall asleep with the T.V. on. I also barricade pillows around me. I can't fall asleep until I reach the point of exhaustion, usually sometime after 1 a.m. Then 90 percent of nights I wake up at least 5 times throughout the night. Only to wake up and do it all again the next day. My world revolves around my husband.
I don't want this to be taken the wrong way. I am not complaining. We signed up for this and I support Clint 110 percent. I just want to remind everyone to remember how lucky you are, and don't take those you love for granted.
My husband is my hero!