Good News From The Sandbox...

David's homecoming celebration just got moved up 3 days!!!! I sure hope it doesn't change (again!)!

We are both so ready for this deployment to be over. I am a true believer in absence makes the heart grow fonder... We always joke about the fact that we get to have a "honeymoon" period every couple of years and it certainly keeps our relationship new. Of course, I would rather not have to be separated because of war, but nonetheless, we are really-really- r.e.a.l.l.y ready for this to be over.

Can't wait for my Marine to be home!!!

H & S Company Commander Message

Families and Friends,

We have entered our last full month in Iraq. The Marines are motivated and excited to be nearing the end of our time here. With time running out, the men are still focused on mission first as the battalion is still actively engaged in our mission. It won’t be too much longer until the advance party for the unit relieving us is on deck and for our advance party to get things ready in the states for our redeployment and demobilization.

By the time you all receive the letter, our relief’s advance party will be a mere days away from arriving. As it is an exciting time for us to train our replacements, it is also an exciting time for your anticipation of your Marine or Sailor returning. I would like to reemphasize upon our arrival back in the United States that the Marines will be actively employed preparing to demobilize and return to the Chicago area or other parts of the country from where they came. It is not a good idea for any family member to come to 29 Palms and visit their Marine. We will only be there for 7-10 days and there will be a plethora of tasks to be accomplished. The Marines will not get a weekend or a day off upon their return to the US. Please save your money and spend it on the Marine/Sailor upon their return to you at home. See you next month!
Semper Fidelis

LtCol Donal Porter

**I only posted some of it. There were a ton of Marines that were promoted and a couple of pictures from the promotions. David is in the promotions ceremonies, but I couldn't get the pictures to copy.

Milestone Pics

I took Dayden to have her 2 year pictures made this past Sunday. Here are some of my favorites...

Fimmin' Pool Time

Mom! We need to test the water to make sure it's not too cold for Dayden...

Yep..it's good!

I can do it too!! Watch Mommy!!!

Swim Instructor

Lifeguard (he takes this stuff very seriously!)

Dinner Update

So David got to spend about 3 hours with Gary. He chaperoned his tour of the base and while Gary gave out signed copies of CSI:New York Season 3 DVD's.

For those of you who know David...he was in true David form when visiting with Gary. He mentioned the "magic legs" and "Lt. Dan" which Gary was nice enough to entertain. Gary is a true supporter of the military and also has a charity known as Operation Iraqi Children. He currently plays/performs in a band while he isn't filming and invited David out to Southlake for a listen when he returns. Maybe we will go check him out...

While I was researching his bio I came across this quote that made me think of myself (and David too):

""Wherever I go for the military, they always call me Lt. Dan. They just can't help it."

Dinner in New York??

Okay, not really...

David got to meet and have dinner with Gary Sinise about a week ago. He hasn't told me the "story" yet, but sent the picture to show proof! David and I are both fans of CSI:New York. But, all I ever think about when I see him is his character as Lt. Dan in Forest Gump. No-seriously, every time I watch CSI I say outloud...(gasp) "There's Lt.Dan!" in my best Forest Gump voice!!

I wonder if that's all David could think about-seriously-I say it every time!

Hopefully he got some of his own pictures. It appears he was getting the camera ready...

A WIFE'S PRAYER FOR HER MARINE

Dear Heavenly Father,

Now the evening shadows gather, the lonely night is here.
This day which has been so empty is almost gone.
Oh Dear God, be with my husband who is so far from home.
Help him when the thoughts of his loved ones bring the awful heartache on.
Lord, let him know that with Your ever-lasting love, You are right beside himWith Your loving mercy from above.
Help him with his heartache, with the closeness of a friend, a smile of understanding.It will lift the burden from his heart.
Let him also be a blessing to one who needs him.
Let him feel the prayers of his loved ones whose thoughts are always with him.
And, Dear God, when the tide has turned against him,
His whole world seems upside down,
Let him see things more clearly.Show him how to love Thee more dearly.
Let his faith in Thee stay unbroken.
Inspire him with new courage every day so that he will soon be with us.
Make him strong to run the race.
Amen

Anticipatory Grief

Okay, for those of us who have family members who serve, we all know that there are those dreaded moments where we envision the "what ifs?". For some of us, it's just a passing moment that we quickly shoo out of our heads and move on. For others, we use it as a reminder to say what we want others to know. We give all of ourselves, all of the time, so that if something awful does happen we can rest easy our loved one knew exactly what they meant to us.

For some, though, the thoughts can be overwhelming and even debilitating. The thoughts can consume you to the point that you can't drive in front of your own house because your afraid an unmarked military car will be parked outside. You can't answer the door if you aren't expecting anyone because you have played this moment over and over in your head and the outcome is always the same. Then, when you regain your composure, you realize that everything is fine and all the worry and anxiety was over nothing and then you question your sanity.

For me, it's a mixture of all these. I pride myself on being a strong military wife. But, I gotta tell ya. Some days it's pure hell. I go through the motions. I make it through okay and realize that I did make it through another day which means we are another day closer to having David home. But still, the thoughts are there and they are valid...

So, if anyone reading this has these types of experiences, check out this link. It's an honest to goodness condition called Anticipatory Grief. I don't think it's specific to military families, because I know myself that I suffer from this occasionally when thinking of my children, my parents, my siblings, and my husband even when he's right down the road at work. There are also families of police officers, firefighters and a whole slew of occupations that are equally as dangerous.


Well, enough of that now. Many of you ask me how I do it and how I stay so strong. To that I say...I give it all to the Lord. I know that He has a purpose for each and every one of us, and I am just lucky to have the incredible husband and family that He has provided me...

Another outfit for Daddy

Dayden's daycare provider is so crafty and talented. Here is one of her latest creations...

If you can't tell what is on the fabric...it's the USMC insignia...of course!!

Thanks Ganny! (Granny)

Dayden turns 2!!

Dayden turned two this weekend and she had lots and lots of fun. We celebrated at my parents house and we had a blast. Daylee, Dacie, Bailey, Ashlyn and cousin Cade O'Band Aid (O'Banon) were there and everyone had a GREAT TIME! My dad made the best hot dogs and wings and we topped it off with cake and ice cream. As you will see, she LOVES Dura (Dora the Explorer ). Hopefully Daddy will be here to celebrate next year...

Picture Perfect for Daddy!

Have Ticket Will Travel

The tickets have been purchased!! Not much longer..although it still feels like light years away most of the time. My heart and mind will not rest until I know David is safely in the states. Just to hear my phone ring with his personalized ringer will be music to my ears. I cannot wait for that moment when I can rest easy he is no longer in a war zone. Most of all, I cannot wait to throw my arms around him and our little girl and know that Daddy is safe and sound in our arms and we are safe and sound in his...

Weekend Update

I thoroughly enjoyed the long weekend. Wish I could have more of those! Here are some pictures of our July 4th weekend. We spent Friday with my friend Helen. She and her family are incredible. They welcomed us with open arms! You would have thought we grew up together!! Then Saturday we went to PawPaw Dyess' house for good food and good fun.

Bailey and Ashlyn were with their dad out of state visiting family/friends and enjoying their SECOND airplane trip of the summer. They think they are such pros at flying now. We certainly missed them, but we know they had tons of fun.

HAPPY...

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday.
Please take a minute to remember our men and women in the armed forces fighting to protect this wonderful nation. (Say a lil prayer for David while your at it!)

**Buckle Up and Don't Drink and Drive**

Thursday Thirteen

THIRTEEN PLACES I WOULD LIKE TO VISIT:

1.) Hawaii - for obvious reasons. I love, love, love anything tropical.

2.) Germany

3.) Italy

4.) Bahamas

5.) San Diego Zoo

6.) Disney (either would be fine at this point-I've always wanted to go)

7.) France

8.) Hollywood

9.) The Oprah Show

10.) Ireland

11.) Alcatraz

12.) New Orleans at Mardi Gras

13.) Any of the states I haven't been to, which unfortunately, is most of them.