Deployment Ceremony & Bowling!!!

"While reading a story with me 3rd graders today, the word deployed came up. We talked about what it meant and one of my students said, "like your husband, right"? I said yes, he will be deployed to Afghanistan. The little boy responded and said, "Afghanistan? We will pray that he doesn't die Ms. Martin". .. It took everything I had not to cry. I ♥ my 3rd graders."


This was Sarah's FB status a few days ago and it just gave me chills as I sat there reading it over and over. I remember for both of our deployments the feeling days before Gabe left. Heck weeks and months before, It felt like there was someone ripping something out of my stomach. I know just the heart ache she is going through right now. However it is different seeing's her husband is going to Afghanistan and both our deployments were to Iraq.


It breaks my heart to see her having to go through this. She is not alone because I along with a few other close friends will be here with her. I can slowly start to see the end in sight to our current deployment which only makes S's even that much closer. There are days were she will tell me that she just wants it to hurry up and get here to get it started and get it over with. I can totally understand that comment but at the same time, I know in the pit of her stomach she is not ready.


B is her everything and when they aren't together she is not complete as are Gabe & I. Over the past few weeks the four of us have been getting together & hanging out doing what normal couples do. Which has been fabulous. B's deployment ceremony was today and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. Even with it being R&R for us Gabe knew how important it was for me that I was there for Sarah as Crystal was there for me.

You can never be ready for a deployment, there aren't enough books to read. There aren't enough websites to look through or questions to ask. Every one's story and journey is different and I am so happy to have Sarah apart of mine journey and I look forward to being apart of hers
US ARMY SPOUSES HAVE TO STICK TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!



Later that evening the four of us got together along with our friend Nancy aka Mistress for some Cosmic bowling on post. I would say we have gone a few times over the last couple months and its been fun. I can't even remember the last time before Hawaii that I went bowling. This evening no different, we got there put our names on the list got a drink and next thing we new we were ready to bowl.
Now my dad has this famous saying "I never claimed to be the smartest man in the world". Well ya know I never claimed to be the best bowler in the world let alone in our little group. I might suck but i have a ton of fun in the process. B & G are freaking fantastic bowlers and Sarah well she is pretty good herself. Now N & I we are slacking just alittle but hey its all in good fun right.


GO BABY GO!!!!!!!!!

I'm so glad that the friends I have made over this deployment are finally getting to meet Gabe and see who he really is. Sure I talk about him ALL THE TIME, but that doesn't really help them on getting to know him. I knew that everyone would mesh just fine and they have. My family is complete with Gabe and the friends I now call family here in Hawaii as well as in Ft. Lost in the Woods. (I miss my Woodsides so much) I couldn't be more smitten if I asked!!!!!!!!!

Deployment Ceremony

With a million things going on today both at home & work to through in the mix was the ever so dreadful Deployment Ceremony for 2nd Brigade. It wasn't dreadful at all, just gave me chills and reminded me of what the men and women do for our country. They, my husband included lay their life out on the line so we the families & others can sleep peacefully at home. I don't know so much about the peaceful part. Having my husband at war in harms way it the worst feeling ever. No one in the world can say they know what we as Military Wives go through unless they truly have been in our shoes before. It is a honor to be married to such an amazing man who is willing to put his country first. He is truly not only the love of my life, my best friend but my hero in so many more ways than one.


I was so blessed to have my bestie Crystal & her fam. there to show their support as well. They have truly been a God sent in our life & we are blessed with a life long friendship that will only grow from here and I'm so excited to see what the future holds for our families together.


From the Opening Music played by the band, The Formation of the Troop, Presentation of the Colors, Honors to the Nation, Retiring of the Colors I have to say it was a very touching Ceremony.
The Host of the event was Colonel Malcolm B. Frost whom I have had the chance to prior meet both him and his wife Mrs. Col. Frost. They are a very sweet down to earth couple. He is the Commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.


~My love standing in Formation~

~All of 2nd Brigade~

~PRAYER~

~Retiring of the Colors~

~The weather was perfect, not a cloud in sight~

~<3 My Solider & I <3~