Happy New Year!

I have great expectations for 2010! And one of them is that the Mr.'s arrival is just around the corner ;).
We went bowling at the Air Force Base on New Year's Eve and then home for a movie and popcorn. In the middle of the movie, Goosie lost her first tooth!!!!! How exciting!
Happy New Year to all my followers, friends, family and blog stalkers ;).
Much love to all!
May the New Year be the best!

Letters from Iraq

I've been so very blessed lately to receive quite a few letters/cards from the Mr.
I have had some struggles these past few days with the fact that I have become selfish out of self-preservation. My selfishness is not to hurt anyone or done maliciously... I'm exhausted. I'm very tired and dealing with what seems to be weekly "flare-ups." I have had to start realizing that I need to step back and take care of myself and the little people that rely on me daily.

I received a letter today that had special meaning for me... because... it said this:
"I miss you and I'm glad this is almost over. As a test, I feel like we passed with flying colors. All this did was reaffirm my love and dedication for you. Yes, it is miserable being away from you and the kids, but it has proven that we are strong. Strong than ever."

I hope the Mr. doesn't mind my sharing this. It meant so much to me to read those words because this is exactly how I feel about us.

sidenote:
I have some wonderful news that the bone is regrowing in my cervical spine fusing to the surgery site! That is amazing since there were some doubts at the last doctor's appointment. Now, I get to battle for two referrals... one a renewal to the neurosurgeon and one to a rheumatologist. I hope these are easily won! As of today, if the military moves as scheduled... I'm looking at hugging the Mr. in 49 days!

Merry Christmas to All!

Merry Christmas from the Rondeau Crew!

simple

I. Miss. Him.
I. Miss. Us.

soon...

What 100 days has taught me...

I have learned quite a bit during these first 100 days of deployment.
One thing I have had to do is step away from my blog. I had to make the decision to leave the laptop and just simply go to bed. I'm the only one to take care of the kids and they need me fresh and ready.
And here are some of the other things I have learned:

1. I know exactly who my friends are and I don't need a ton of friends in my life. I have had to do some "friend weeding" this year and less drama = peaceful living.

2. There is soooo much truth to the phrase... deployment makes a strong marriage stronger and a weak marriage weaker. I feel like our marriage is even stronger than before!

3. You really know who will be there and who won't. Even if it's a phone call or a letter in the mail, it means so very much.

4. Just when you think you can't handle anymore... there is one more test!

5. Kids are resilient but they really need a team of support. Any extra phone calls, cards, etc. help them so much.

6. Drive-thru post office windows would be all the rage for deployed spouses... until you have pushed a stroller and lugged two or more boxes in the rain only to get to the post office that has no handicap door.... you could never truly understand!!!!

7. My neighborhood Rotary Club ROCKS! They provide two free boxes a month to deployed families! THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have only paid to ship one box during this 100 days!!!!!!

8. I am so fortunate to have my kids with me... Leo goes to sleep each night in a bunk with no one to kiss him and say, "I love you." Every morning of our marriage that he has been home I have said, "Be safe." He replies, "ALWAYS ;)" I miss saying that to him.

9. Daddy Dolls... they are expensive. Looking for a place to give a donation... try www.hugahero.com. This has helped our kids so much and they carry them everywhere.

10. Take a deep breath, let the small stuff go... it will ALWAYS be there tomorrow!