Merry Christmas

I started writing this blog about my depressing Christmas Eve. How I was sick, tired and missing Bobby terribly. But as I was writing it, I realized my breakdown was from doing just that. Thinking about all he was missing out on and dwelling on how much I wished he were here. So instead, I'm going to stop myself from going back down that road and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I hope your day was as great as mine was. I woke up thinking I wouldn't hear from Bobby, but at 9:20 he called me and we got to talk for about 15 minutes. It was the best present I could have asked for. On top of that, Bobby got his Christmas package that I had sent him a month ago. I was so happy that it got to him on time. Right on time. Those things combined made my day absolutely amazing. 


Brylie and I had a blast at my Grandma and Grandpa Culp's house, and later at my Dad and Dede's. We both were blessed with some amazing gifts. Brylie's favorite is her Dance Star Mickey. She smiles so big watching him "shake that tail." Next holiday up is New Years. I can't believe 2011 is already here! Merry Christmas!

In with the new

Whenever I'm going through a stressful time in my life, I tend to change my appearance. I'm not sure why this is my coping mechanism of choice, but it works... for a while at least. Today I spent six hours in the salon, putting platinum highlights all throughout my 20"+ long hair. I also got bangs! Which is something I've only had a couple times before. I wanted to share my end result :)

 Does anyone else do this when they are going through a rough time?

Day by day

Nothing too exciting to report. It’s been almost 6 days since I’ve heard from my hubby. I just try not to think about it. I try not to think about how long he’s been gone, or how long we have left, and I try to stay as busy as I possibly can. I can't even allow myself to sit and relax for one day. I tried, and I made it until around 3 when I said, "Ok, I have to go do something." 


My best friend Kate came to visit me from Thursday to Sunday and that definitely helped take my mind off the deployment and the lack of emails from Bobby. Brylie and I got a few early Christmas presents. Brylie got a couple new outfits (which are absolutely adorable) and I got what else, but MAC makeup. Thanks Kate! Love! 


Last night, we all went over to my Grandparents house and played Skip-Bo and ate pizza, little weenies, homemade ice cream, cookies, pie, cheese, crackers, salsa, guacamole, what else am I missing here? Martinelli's, soda, coffee, etc. It was a blast! My Aunt Amy, Uncle Jon and two cousins Brooklyn and Travis were over as well. Having children around just makes everything 10x more fun! 


Tonight I am enjoying watching cartoons with Brylie. We just finished Alvin and the Chipmunks and now I'm going to start on the classic Christmas movies. Now to decide on which one. Well, B is waking up from her little nap. Happy Monday :) Tomorrow it will have been 3 whole weeks since Bobby left. One more and I can finally shout, "ONE MONTH DOWN!"

The worst feeling in the world

is missing your husbands phone calls.

If it weren't for Kate and Brylie I would have totally lost it.

Stay strong, stay strong...

:(  

The Soldiers' Night Before Christmas

Today my sister and her 2 boys, Vaden (4) and Dexter (2 mo.) went with Brylie and I to Barnes and Noble. I wanted to find Brylie a book to read to her every night before bed. At first, I looked for Pooh Bear for sentimental reasons, but the pictures weren't vibrant enough. So I went over to the featured Christmas books. This is what I found...

 It's perfect! I'm so happy I was able to find something like this for her. What a great book she will cherish for the rest of her life.

Also, today's deployment song is "When I Look To The Sky" by Train. You can listen to it here. Sweet dreams everyone!

Brylie and the bird

Brylie was perfect on our trip yesterday. We woke up at 8:30am and had to be at the airport at 9:30am. When I woke up and realized I only had 30 minutes to get ready, I started rushing around my mother-in-laws trying to get myself decent looking. 


It all went smoothly, and we arrived at the airport in plenty of time. I used the Southwest ticket counter outside to check-in at. After I got my ticket, we went inside and walked down 2  hallways to get to our security check point. By the way, Brylie was in the Baby Bjorn the whole time. At the security check point, the woman who checked my ID and ticket told me I had to take Brylie out and run the carrier through the x-ray. She then asked me if I needed any help. I just told her I had to figure out how to get Brylie out of the carrier. I have to take the carrier off over my head, which is a little hard to do with a baby in your arms. Unfortunately, they're not allowed to touch any of the babies so thankfully an incredibly generous man behind me offered to hold her while I took the carrier off. He smiled at her and said,"I don't have any kids." I think he may want some now ;) Seriously, how can you resist Baby B? 


Once through security we had to walk over to a separate area to have the bottles examined. They held a strip over the bottle to see if any vapors were rising off the water. I was surprised to hear the man say, "Alright, good to go. We figure if one bottle is good the rest are too." Alright, whatever you say. It was smooth sailing from there. 


We boarded with the family boarding section and B was a little fussy when we first sat down because she was ready for a bottle. So I made her 4 ounces, which she sucked right down and immediately passed out. About 5 minutes later I fell asleep too. The next thing I know, I'm being tapped on the shoulder to put my seat back in the up-right position. Which now reminds me of a Weird Al song... thanks babe :) 


Furthermore, Brylie slept pretty much all the way in the car on our final stretch to Redding. So now here we are! All settled and watching Ellen. My sister is coming over at 2 to show off her new baby boy Dexter. So excited :)

So in love

I never would have thought that I could love my husband any more than I already do. But that's exactly what has happened. As every day goes by I fall more deeply in love with him. A quote echoes through my head now every day, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder." Funny how that works, isn't it? He's truly my best friend. I write him several emails a day and when I get a reply it's one of the greatest feelings in the world. Today I was driving in the car and my mind started to wander to him reading Pooh Bear to Brylie. I couldn't help but start cracking up. We just have so much fun together, I couldn't have asked for anyone better. I love you baby :)

Today's deployment song is "Stay" by Miley Cyrus. You can listen to it here.