Adios November...

November is already over? This month flew by and this girl is not complaining one bit!! We have almost made it half way through this dreaded deployment and quite frankly I’m over it. I’m ready to have my love back in my arms, or at least a little closer than 7 thousand miles away. I’m happy time is passing quickly, but the holiday season is proving to be a little harder to get through. It’s hard to ignore the fact that a huge part of my life is missing, no matter how many people I am surrounded by and no matter how hard they try to make it easier. Don’t get me wrong, I have an amazing support system and they truly do make things easier and keep me laughing constantly, but it still doesn't quite fill the gap in my heart. The only thing to do is be thankful that one day I will get to be with Aaron again and rest in the comforting arms of my Savior.

Aaron is doing well. He told me that they served them a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with pretty much anything you could imagine, which made me feel a tad bit better. We get to talk at least once or twice a week and if we can get a decent connection we try to Skype. Technology is wonderful when it works, but when it stops working mid-conversation it can leave you with a huge knot in your stomach. Yesterday we were messaging back and forth and five minutes into it I stopped receiving messages. It happens all the time, but I doubt I will ever get used to it because in the back of my mind I just pray it was a connection loss and pray it isn't days before I hear from him again. If you know me well, you know I can be a little worry wart sometimes, but I work on it everyday. He is extremely exhausted. I can see it all over his face and hear it in his voice. Each time he looks a little more worn out and the dark circles around his eyes are bigger and darker. I love talking to him, but sometimes I would just rather him get some sleep. I hate seeing him like that, knowing that he will only get about 4 to 5 hours of sleep before he is back up and at it again. But, it’s just one more thing I have to trust God about. That He will keep Aaron alert and at his best every day. Aaron says he already has so many stories to tell me. He does not really tell me anything that happens while they are on missions. He knows it will only make me worry more, so he says he will tell me when he gets home. I don’t know if it really helps, not telling me and all. I mean, I know something happens when he says he will tell me later, but I understand he only wants to protect me. Like I don’t already worry? No, not me!! He tells me all the time he is just on a super long camp out and he will be home soon. It really does help me that he is always at peace about everything. He knows what he is doing. He knows why he is there. He knows that no matter what God is still in control and always will be. Sometimes I feel bad because I feel like he has to support me when I fail to be strong. Shouldn't I be the strong one? I honestly have no idea how people make it through this without complete faith and trust in Christ, one of the strongest Soldiers there is, and the most amazing support systems ever. It just makes it a little easier to get through. Please continue to pray for him. When you are surrounded by family this Christmas, take a minute to stop and pray for all the men and women who can't be with their families. 

Be on the lookout for the next blog, it may contain a little bit of information I know a lot of people have been waiting to hear. Until then, stop letting your worries rob you of your joy.

“Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength.” 

                                                                                 –Charles Spurgeon 

“ ⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

                                                                                    –Philippians 4:6&7

I'm glad you were born!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR AARON, HAPPPPPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!

My handsome man turns 23 today. Yes, he is a whole year and a month younger than me, say what you want : ) We have each celebrated three birthdays since we started dating, yet we have only spent one of them together. He was in boot camp during the first and now in Afghanistan for the third. I told him I am slowly figuring out his master plan. Not together on birthdays=no present buying. I’m only kidding, he did send me a Lifeproof case for my phone, because I tend to drop my phone is toilets!! Without wanting to sound all mushy, I say this with an honest heart…as hard as it is to spend Birthdays and Holidays apart, I would spend them all alone if it meant having to share them with someone else. I know I joked about the presents, but these days, and every day, isn't about the gifts and what not. It is about being with the ones you love. Celebrating life and the gifts God has so graciously given to us. I know the next few months of holiday celebrations will be hard because of the void I have in my heart. But, I constantly reminding myself that I am blessed enough to get him back in several months. Besides, he isn't “mine” to begin with. He is the Lord’s and I’m so thankful he has a heart that will follow Him anywhere He leads.

Putting together care packages has become the only thing I enjoy about this deployment. I was so excited to start putting things together for his birthday box, but I wasn't really sure what to send him. One day when we were talking he mentioned that he had picked up a little kettle thing that boiled water and later was talking about how he missed his coffee. So, being the wonderful girlfriend I am, I picked up a coffee press at Ross and some of his favorite coffee. Then I filled the box with a few of his favorites: green apple chapstick, oreos, beef jerky, noodles, slim jims, pop-tarts, playing cards, and of course some peanut better!!  I also picked up some hand and toe warmers and wool socks to keep his little hands and feet warm. My wonderful parents always contribute to the boxes because these little things can get expensive. But, it’s worth every penny when he gets them and loves everything in it. He was especially surprised by the coffee press and hand warmers. He told me he asked his parents for some the day before, but little did he know I do my research and had already sent him some : ) Okay, I’ll stop bragging on myself now!! He also received packages from his parents, which contained a cake and other goodies and his winter gear finally arrived from the States. I’d say he has had a good week of gifts!! I think between me, his parents, his Aunt Pat, and other friends, he will be one spoiled boy while he is away. But, he deserves it. They all do!!

Until next time…have you thanked a Veteran today? Because you should!!

Melt downs.Funny Faces.Pride.

I was going to write this blog on Tuesday, but I have been a bit of an emotional basket case the past few days so I decided it would be best to wait. I have tried so hard to hide my tears from everyone, especially Aaron. I guess I'm scared that if anyone sees me cry or have a weak moment, then they will question if I'm strong enough to handle this or not. Everyone always tells me that I have to be strong for Aaron and I can never let him see me cry or break down. Yes, I understand this logic and the last thing I want is for him to see me struggle and cry when there is nothing he can do to fix it at the moment. I know it is just as hard, if not harder, on him and I know he wishes more than anything that he could be here. But, on Tuesday I failed at being able to hide my built up emotions from him. And let me tell you, I was quickly reminded of why I love that boy so much. He didn't get mad at me for crying. He didn't get on to me and tell me it wasn't fair for me to break down in front of him and he didn't tell me that I HAVE to be strong all the time. Instead, he told me it was okay to cry, to let it all out, and he sat there in silence for a few minutes and let me have my cry baby moment. Over the past three years he has become the person I have turned to for comfort and support through tough times. After all, that’s a huge part of a relationship, right? So, to have people constantly telling me that I can’t turn to him or let him know when I’m struggling hasn't made much sense to me. We are in this together. We support each other, on the best of days and on the worst of days. I’m thankful that he lets me cry to him and takes time out of his busy day to talk to me and comfort me. I know he is under so much stress and I want his focus to stay on his job and not to worry about me, but I'm amazed at his strength to be able to do all of that and still be able to handle my weak moments. I’m thankful his heart belongs to the Lord; I know we could not make it through this without Him. My melt down was soon followed by a series of funny faces and jokes to cheer me up, which always works!!

Now, on to happier things. A promotion. A very well deserved promotion. My man works very hard at his job, a job most men couldn't handle. If you haven’t been able to tell, my heart overflows with pride for my Soldier. I feel like I can probably be that annoying proud girlfriend that is constantly bragging on how amazing her boyfriend is. Well, I guess I probably am. Sorry I’m not sorry. But, he is someone worth bragging about. (And I’m not used to having one of those : ) Any women who isn't overwhelmed with pride, support and love for her Soldier, doesn't deserve him. I just wish everyone else would get their priorities straight and realize who America’s real heroes are. Anyways, that is a rant for a different day : )  

SPC. BRANNON

I'm really not sure if I am supposed to steal, well "barrow", these pictures or not. But, I wan't to share them. His buddies take pictures all the time, which I love. Aaron told me a few weeks ago that he ordered a hammock off Amazon and would hook it up under his truck to sleep at night.I guess it is much better than having to sleep on those rocks, but of course I would prefer him to be in his warm, safe bed at home. I stuck a few things in his last package that will hopefully help keep him warm. Maybe I should send him some fuzzy ear muffs? I think I may..haha : )

 Until next time, be intentional, not only in your witness, but in general concern for others. You know, when you ask someone how they are, do you really care or is it just something you think you have to say after “hey”? Maybe take a minute and really find out how someone is and if there is anything you could pray for them about. You may shock someone for really caring what they have to say. Don’t get too busy and miss out on a being a blessing in someone’s life.  

catching up...

Good morning! It is time for the usual apology for being such a blogging slacker. I can't believe it has been over a month since I last wrote. This month has absolutely flown by and I am not complaining one bit!! I started my job three weeks ago and have been going non-stop since. Yes, it makes my days go by so much quicker, but I'm happy to finally have a day off and catch up on the things I have been neglecting. So, today shall be full of blogging, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping and, of course, writing my Soldier. I have already spent most of my morning on the back porch drinking my coffee, watching Chandler run around like a crazy women, and enjoying this beautiful fall weather. I am hoping this cool weather is here for good, but it is Florida so there is no need to get my hopes up. Aaron says it is already getting cold over in Afghanistan, which may be the only thing I'm jealous of. Speaking of Aaron, I wish I could properly put into words how much I miss that boy. I miss his smile, his hugs, his goofiness, the way he can always make me laugh even when I'm trying so hard to be mad at him. Grocery shopping is no longer fun without his crazy self. I miss all the annoying things (which I'm sure won't last long after he gets back). I miss cuddling and watching movies together and getting yelled at for moving around and talking to much : ) My hand also misses holding his hand. Anyways, you get the point!  

The past few weeks have been hard. I stay away from the news, like I literally know nothing that is going on in the world. Regardless of how hard I try to stay oblivious to the events that are taking place overseas and around the world, I still hear about things. I know it's hard for my parents to explain to me what's going on when I come to them with questioning eyes. During the craziness of the current events overseas, there was a period of time where Aaron was unable to have any contact with us. My stomach was in knots for days in a row and I couldn't concentrate on much. It was really the first time I had allowed this deployment to get to me. Then I got that sweet message saying, "good morning beautiful, I'm okay.." and I was overwhelmed with relief.  I'm starting to get used to going days without talking to him and never taking a second for granted that I do get to talk to him. Our Skype dates are never long enough and most of the time is spent calling each other back because his internet is beyond amazing : ) Facebook messenger has become my new best friend. I have also become a pro at packing care packages. And, by the way, "large" flat rate boxes really aren't that large. But, I can pack that little booger up, filling every bit of space, and the post office lady is always eager to see how much my package weighs each time...she's always impressed!!

Despite being stressed and tired most of the time, Aaron seems to be doing well. I honestly don't think he would tell me otherwise, he tries to protect me anyway he can. I do know that when they go on long missions he goes days without a shower. So you know I send that stank boy wipes in every box : ) I can't wait to start on his "Birthday Box", filled with all his favorites (minus me)!! He says things are not too bad where he is, which is good to hear. But, I would just feel better if he was here with me. I'm just selfish that way!! They go on missions for days at time, sleep outside, don't shower and don't get three meals a day. Beside the not eating part, I'd say he's living every little boys dream. No, but seriously, I get mad at him when he tells me these things and he thinks it's kinda of cool. I hope this next month flies by just as fast and then we will only be 8 months away from seeing each other again. I need my best friend back!!

It was hard for this Dawg to make this FSU box!! I promise there is healthy snacks under all the junk and candy : )

Until next time, take some time to reflect on the things you have, not the things you want. Make time to spend with the ones that love you and support you. Never take a single second for granted. Never take anyone in your life for granted. Don't be selfish. Figure out ways to help others and stop complaining about the things others don't do for you. Live every second for the One who gave you this life and never forget it can be taken away at any moment. Love God. Love people. Get over yourself!!

pjs and what ifs...

Ever have one of those days where you just want to stay in your pj's and do absolutely nothing? Welcome to my life the past couple of days!! I NEED A JOB ASAP!! I have been searching and patiently waiting for a phone call that would spark a bit of hope inside of me. Yesterday, I finally got that call. I have an interview on Monday with a bank not far from my house. My biggest worry and question I constantly asked myself in going into this whole deployment was “what do I do with my life at this point?” My family wanted me to move back home while Aaron was away, and he strongly encouraged it. Trust me; it wasn’t on my top list of things to do. Not because of my family, I love being with and around them, I just knew after being on my own for four years it would make it difficult moving back home. The first few weeks I struggled with feeling like I had lost my independence that I worked so hard to gain. I had formed my own little routine in life. Now, everything about that life was changing. Going to school was all I had known my whole life, now it was over. My best friend was gone and no longer a phone call away. I had no idea what I was going to do. The more people asked, the more confused I became. I was constantly fighting an inward battle, but I refused to let anyone see me fail. I knew I could do this. I knew I could pick up the pieces and move on. I knew God would help me figure it all out. When it came to finding a job, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I struggled with “do I just find something to keep me occupied for a year and half until Aaron gets home” or “do I find a career that expects me to be around for a long time”?  My head was constantly going back and forth. I knew the plans Aaron and I talked about, but those were a year away. When would we get married?  Where would we end up living? What if I find a job here and love it? What if, what if, what if…….

 This morning, lying on my floor crying like a little baby, I realized that I have been wasting my life on “what ifs” and uncertainties!! I still don’t know all the answers to my questions, and I probably won’t until Aaron comes home, and some I will never know. But, I can’t sit around and put my life on hold while he is away. I have to go about my life and know it will all fit perfectly together when he gets home. My phone will always be glued to my hand. My computer will never be far away. But, I have an overflowing amount of peace in my heart from the Lord and He has been so gracious and patient with me through this transition. He gave me this lifestyle because He knew I could handle it, only with his help. God has such a sense of humor sometimes.

I couldn’t have been blessed with a better soldier to go through this for. Sometimes, when I fail to be supportive because I’m too busy throwing a pity party for myself, he knows just what to say to bring me back to my feet. And he does it with grace. I tell him all the time, I would never do this for anyone else. We make a good team. I could go on and on about all the reasons I love that boy, but you may all fall in love with him too : ) But, the biggest and most important reason I fell in love with him was his heart. It’s golden. And, it’s the Lord's. I know I come second in his heart and life, and I’m okay with that! I may still have my moments and days where I just want to stay in my pj’s, but my eyes and head are a little clearer now. I will work hard at whatever I do and know, in the end, it will all work out just the way God planned it. 

from the west coast, to the beach, to the desert.

Well, I have a lot of catching up to do. The past few weeks have been full of adventures and travels to sadness and readjustments. I will never get used to having my best friend so far away from me and just in case anyone is wondering, time does not fly by when he is away. So, please stop telling me it will : ) Only kidding, but seriously that statement is the biggest joke ever!

                So, at the end of July I spent a few days in California with my handsome Uncle Jack. His graduation present to me was a trip to see him and the great sunny California. Upon my arrival it was raining and humid, which never happens. Of course, this Floridian was blamed for bringing the bad weather. It only lasted a day and then I was wearing sweaters every day. I was so envious of their gorgeous weather, wish I could have brought that back with me. It was four days packed full of good food, good company and beautiful sights. Our adventures consisted of:  walking down the Santa Monica pier, strolling down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, fighting the crazies down Hollywood Blvd, relaxing on the beaches of Malibu, driving through the valley and hanging out in the hills of Hollywood. And, of course he took me to a restricted area to get close to the Hollywood sign. But, my favorite part of the trip was getting to spend time with my uncle. He has always lived far away, visiting on holidays. So, it was nice to have good quality time with him and getting to know him more. I also got to spend time with his long time friend Sally and her dog, Duddly. It was defiantly and unforgettable trip! 

Beautiful Malibu

At the Hollywood sign : )

Capitol Records building 

Grauman's Chinese Theater

Then, it was home to unpack, do laundry, and pack again for a week at the beach with my Uncle Jeffrey, Aunt Angela and little cousins, Allison and Amy. It was a good time of relaxing and keeping my mind off Aaron being away.

                I try to stay as busy as possible, but not much keeps my mind of Aaron. I was doing okay while he was in Texas; it just felt like another trip to train and then he would be back. But, one phone call changed all of that. I am convinced there is absolutely nothing that could have prepared me for that phone call saying “we leave tonight”. I knew it probably wouldn’t hit me until he left for Afghanistan, but I wasn’t prepared to get hit with a ton of bricks. It’s hard to explain the feelings that went through me the next few days after he told me they were leaving. I took a few days to stop feeling anxious and a simple phone call from my soldier made it better. They made it there safely and for the first couple of days we were able to FaceTime and text via our iPad and iPod. Then they moved locations and our relationship turned into a high school Facebook messaging relationship...haha. I finally got a wakeup call this morning that started my day off perfectly. It was just what I needed; to hear his voice. This whole process isn’t easy at all, but, having someone so wonderful to wait for, makes it a little more tolerable. Life will not be so easy for the next several months without my best friend just a phone call away, but I have never experienced a peace inside my heart about anything like I feel right now. I know he is right where God wants him to be. I know he is doing what he knows in his heart is the right thing to do. I know he is coming home.

This is why I love him so much. I guess it is always good to have a gas mask on hand when you are surrounded by a bunch of me!

                Continue to keep him and his unit in your prayers. They will be doing some training for a few weeks before moving to their FOB. I guess that is when they will start getting into what they went there to do. I’m sure at that point I will experience a whole new set of emotions…bring it on!!

another week down.

Well, It goes without saying that I am obviously not good at this blogging thing! I forgot to post last weeks blog, so it's a 2 for 1 deal this week! Aaron's doing so much better, thank goodness. His fever finally broke, but he still has a nasty cough. Things are finally settling in for me that I won't get to see him in a few weeks or hug him for a year. I have become so used to being away from him for weeks and months at a time, that the reality of him being gone for a year didn't really hit me when he left. But, each week is just one week closer to holding him in my arms again. 3 weeks down, 49 or so more to go!! Pray for him this week as they really start doing things they will do overseas and that he continues to get better. Be looking out for the next blog, it will be all about my trip to the West Coast : ) Until then, maybe take some time out of your busy schedule and to love on someone who is hurting. Or, find a family with a deployed spouse/parent and see if there is anything you can do for them. You will be amazed what a simple phone call or card can do for someone going through a tough time <3

Short and sweet

I know I promised at least one post a week and I’m sorry for letting you all down. I know you sit by your computers anxiously waiting to read my super interesting blog : ) I had all four wisdom teeth cut out last Monday, so my days were spent lying in my recliner high as a kite while my wonderful mother took the best care of me. Her only mistake, giving me a bell, which I only rang when she posted my chipmunk picture of Facebook or when I needed more grits! But, I couldn’t be mad at her for the picture, she truly went above and beyond caring for me and taking care of my sweet (crazy) puppy, Chandler. My dad was great too, when he wasn’t trying to make me laugh, which was never because he thought it was funny to watch me hold my cheeks and try not to laugh because it hurt so badly. He really does love me, I promise! My Poppa made me a few of his famous chocolate milkshakes which are always wonderful and my grandmamma, well she just always makes everything better. It’s what grandmas do. Aaron always got to see me at my best. He is a couple hours behind me, so by the time we were able to facetime my drugs were in full swing, which made for some interesting conversations, much of which I don’t really remember. I was swollen and sore for several days, but things finally seem to be almost back to normal, thank goodness!!

                Now, for what really matters, my soldier. He is doing well. They are still in states training before they head over. It is extremely hot, so several have passed out during field trainings. Aaron had to have a small pox vaccination and the side effects are not necessarily convenient for things he has to do on a daily basis. He hasn’t felt well the past few weeks and the heat gives him pretty bad headaches. He isn’t able to take time off obviously and get the rest he really needs, so he rests when he can. It kills me not to be able to take care of him and I get angry with the Army for not giving him the time he needs to get better, but it is part of the job. Soldiers don’t get days off! So, please continue to keep him in your prayers and pray for healing so he can get the best training possible before he leaves. 

Off he goes...

I think this may be a very obvious statement, but this weekend was by far one of the hardest and most emotional few days I have ever experienced. I wrote in the first post how it seemed like there was nothing I could do to prepare myself for Aaron’s deployment, no matter how hard I tried. It’s kind of like taking your first test in a really hard class, with no study guide.  No matter how hard you study, you have no idea what to expect. The few days before we left for Crestview my nerves got the best of me. I was constantly sick to my stomach and my nights were sleepless. On Friday I wasn’t really sure how to feel. I was overly excited to see Aaron, but I knew what Saturday had in store for us. I thought maybe if I refused to pack then I couldn’t go, which meant he couldn’t leave, right? Or maybe we could just run away. It all sounded good to me…it sounded more like going to jail for him. So, once again the Army won. Aaron was released shortly after we arrived on Friday afternoon so we were able to spend the rest of the day together. He has always had this awesome way of making me laugh and smile even when I didn’t feel like it and this weekend was no exception. Friday night was also no exception to my sleepless nights, I think I racked up maybe three hours of sleep.

The day had finally come. The one day I had been dreading for the past year was here and there was nothing I could do to stop it. As I was lying in bed I started to think about the past two years of our relationship. It started off great, got pretty rocky and has been more than I could wish for the past several months. It took us both realizing what was up ahead. We decided that we didn’t have time to argue over the stupid stuff or focus on the negative. Instead we focused all of our attention on the love we had for each other and keeping our relationship centered on Christ. Of course we had our arguments over the major issues and at times I probably pouted more than I should have. If anyone ever tells me they have the perfect relationship with no arguments I tend to giggle…sounds like a boring relationship to me and they are probably in for a rude awakening when they get married. But hey, that isn’t my business. Anyway, I couldn’t even begin to think about not having my man around and being able to jump in my car and drive to Starke to see him. Honestly, I still haven’t let myself think too much about that, and I haven’t figured out if that is a good or bad thing. I finally forced myself out of the bed and got ready and headed off to the departing ceremony. The day was such an emotional rollercoaster. One minute I was crying then, the next, Aaron had me dying laughing. Every second I could be attached to him, I was. I decided not to pay attention to the time; I didn’t want to know the hours were counting down.  But, against my will, the time came.  It was time to say goodbye.  He said his goodbyes to his family and we walked to the door.  I didn’t really know how to feel. I have become so used to saying goodbye for weeks and a few months at a time, but this was different. I knew in my heart that it would be a year before I got to hug him again, but I didn’t want to accept it and I still don’t. I knew I had to let him go. I looked up at those big green eyes full of tears (don’t tell him I told), told him how much I loved him and simply asked for him to please come home. He promised, gave me one more kiss and then he was gone. I just stood there taking in all that was going on around me. I looked to my left were another girlfriend wouldn’t let go of her soldier as they both stood there crying. Beside them was a little girl screaming for her daddy. Little boys were being peeled off their daddy’s legs. Others were giving their final kisses. Mother’s were fighting back tears and staying strong as they had to hold back their children from running after their daddy. Parents and grandparents were holding on as long as they could. Grown men, the strongest men I have ever seen, were wiping tears from their eyes as they turned and walked away from their families. The next few minutes were a blur. We walked to the side of the road waving our flags as I watched his bus drive away. I just wanted to chase after him and beg him not to leave, but I know he is finally getting to do what he has always wanted to do and I would never ask him not to do something he is so passionate about. So I just ran to the Jeep, buried my head in my arms and cried like a little baby. I have had my moments, but I have tried to keep my thoughts positive and stay strong for Aaron, because I can't even imagine what he is going through right now!

Things Aaron said not to do while he was away:

1.       Do NOT cut your hair!

2.       Don’t die it weird colors or paint your nails black.

3.       Don’t get skin cancer from lying out too much.

I simply requested that he just come home! I guess I am trusted with everything except my hair and skin…haha!

I couldn’t have made it through this weekend without my wonderful mother.  She was right by my side every second.  She, Melissa and Mrs. Lisa even joined me in drowning my sorrows with ice cream!  It didn’t really help. I was overwhelmed by the love and support people have shown us through text and Facebook. You all will never know how much that means to me. Of course my father and family have done an amazing job keeping me happy. I have been able to facetime with Aaron the past few nights, but, we won’t know until next week if we can talk while he is training in the dessert before they go overseas. So, right now I just take it one day at a time. It’s one day closer to him being home. Until next time, keep God first, remember to always tell the ones around you that you love them, stop fighting about petty things, and don’t let the sun set on your troubles. 

Here goes nothin'

Well hi!! I have never been much of a blogger, but I am determined to stick with it this time. Well, at least for a year until my soldier gets home : ) Please don’t expect anything super interesting or humorous. My life it quite simple, some would probably think it’s beyond BORING…but I don’t mind it all!! My main purpose for starting this blog is to document the journey of the ups and downs of Aaron’s first deployment (I have a feeling there will probably be more downs). I had mentioned to him briefly in a conversation about possibly blogging while he was away and he loved the idea. It will be great for him to be able to get on and read how things are going on this side of the world when we aren’t able to talk.  Reality is that we won’t be able to skype everyday and sometimes even days at a time while he is on missions. A few people also suggested blogging so people could get an inside look at what it is like to be a military girlfriend. I am fully aware that what I am about to experience does not come close to what wives and mothers experience while their husbands are away. I am very thankful that I get to experience a deployment first before my children do, maybe it will be a little easier when that day comes, but I doubt it!! Enough of my rambling, I guess I should give a little background story of me and my soldier and answer the infamous question everyone wants to know…

Our Story

                It all started sometime in September of 2009. It seemed as if more people wanted Aaron and me to date then Aaron and April wanted to date. My girlfriends so sweetly reminded me daily that I need to “go after” the “Greek god” as they called him! But, I wasn’t much for chasing after boys, especially not at that point in my life. I don’t really know at what point things turned around for me, I guess it was that shaggy blonde hair, big green eyes and contagious smile : ) It had to be brought to my attention that he started coming around more and seemed to show up and my football and volleyball games. Of course, I just thought it was because he liked someone else. Being the shy folks we both seemed to be it took a while for things to start rolling, but with a little help from some wonderful friends our friendship started to grow stronger and stronger and at some point I started falling for the boy. On October 21^st he finally worked up the nerve to ask me out. I’m convinced there is no non-corny way for a boy to ask a girl to be his girlfriend, but it was cute and I couldn’t resist. Things were going great……until I got a call saying “hey, I joined the Army. I’m going to MEPS in two weeks!” WHAT? I knew from the beginning that the Army was a possibility; I just didn’t expect it to happen four months after we started dating. Right in the midst of one of the most important times of a growing relationship, he made one of the biggest commitments of his life, one that I had to decide to make with him or go on with my life. The next few months were the hardest of our relationship and by the time he left for boot camp we were hanging on by a thread. Boy, I am more thankful for boot camp a little more every day. One of the joys of the military and boot camp is letters! I wish people wrote letters more. Letters forced us to communicate, something we had become terrible at. I got to know Aaron in a completely different way in three months than I did in the 10 months we were together before he left. I think every couple, whether dating or married, should write and send letters to each other!! During that time God helped me realize that even though I had no idea what the future had in store for Aaron and me, I was ready to take this journey with him. I would be lying if I said it has been perfect since that point, but it has been a little easier. It’s hard having to share him with the Army, most of the time the Army wins!! But, one of the things that made me fall in love with him was his selflessness. No one forced him to sign up to serve in the Army, he knows full well what could happen to him, yet he still did it. That’s a man! Don’t get me wrong, not everyone is called to be in the military, and that makes them no less of a man or woman in my eyes. And not everyone is meant to be a military girlfriend or wife, trust me it isn’t the easiest thing I have ever done; to love a man who leaves for a months at a time! Our relationship is not perfect, we argue over the stupidest stuff and drive each other up the wall most of the time, but I would not trade Aaron for anyone in the world, even if it meant no more long distance relationship and no more Army. Through the loving grace of God and his perfect example of love, I have fallen completely in love with this boy!!

The Infamous Question

                Some people sweetly ask “When are you two love birds going to get married?” Others ask “Why don’t you have a ring on your finger?” like it is a bad thing we aren’t engaged or married yet. Yes, I know we have been together for over two and a half years and I do appreciate everyone’s opinions on when they think we should get engaged or married, but the only opinions that matter are ours :) I wish I could say this has always been my mindset and that I haven’t caused Aaron a little grief about the subject, but he has successful drawn me to be on the same page as him. Yes, we love each other. Yes, we talk about getting married and our future family. Yes, we plan on spending the rest of our lives with each other, Lord willing. No, neither will happen before he leaves. Sorry to disappoint you : ) There is so much more that goes into a marriage than just loving each other and being together for a long time. I am so thankful that I have been blessed with an amazing man that uses his head and will not marry me until he knows he can take care of me financially and emotionally. Girls, we are usually ready before they are, so give them time and be patient, they have a much bigger responsibility on their hands. to take care of us. than we realize.

                I have one simple request from all who would like to join us in our journey. PLEASE, please, please keep us in your prayers, Aaron more specifically. My biggest fear that I constantly have to surrender to the Lord is that I may never get to see his face again, feel his arms wrap around me or laugh at his stupid jokes…things I constantly take for granted. Pray for his safety and the safety of his unit. For peace of mind and solid, never faltering strength in his faith in Christ. For his family’s peace of mind.  And, for me. I’m scared, there seems to be nothingwe can do to prepare ourselves for this. But, I know we both have the most important and only thing that will get us through this…God!!