tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74690338393691360902024-03-21T09:14:22.872-07:00 Growing Up NebekerMalenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-63343266841373924082015-09-03T17:34:00.000-07:002015-09-03T18:27:28.110-07:00I Can't Call My Son By His Name<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Back when we were deciding on names, I told Zach that I wanted to use his middle name, Tyler. He didn't like that idea at all so I let it go. My mom found out what his middle name was and immediately started calling the baby, "Tyler". I remember once she told me, "I don't care what his name is, I'm calling him Tyler!" haha! Of course, she was joking but hearing it so often made Zach finally agree to let me use it! I tell you what...I jumped on that and held on for dear life. No way was I not having Tyler in my son's name now. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We hadn't really found a name that we could agree on. His favorite name was Owen...I HATED that name. However, he let me use his middle name so after a few months of trying my hardest to find a different name, I conceded and we decided on Owen Tyler. I figured that it was a fair trade and that I would get used to the name eventually. It would grow on me, right? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Fast forward to the day he was born. The minute I looked at him, I knew that he wasn't supposed to be Owen. The exact second I thought that, Zach said, "Yeah, he is definitely Owen." Well, crap. Now I don't have a choice...his name is Owen. I sat there while Zach told the nurses his name, I filled out the birth certificate form, it was my fault that I didn't speak up earlier. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After we brought him home, I tried Owen and couldn't do it. So, I tried Tyler. It worked for a couple of days but eventually I couldn't do that anymore either. I ended up calling him pet names for weeks instead of his own name. When anyone would call him either Owen or Tyler I would cringe. It's his name! What else are they supposed to call him, you psycho?? I felt like such a bad mom!! How can I not be comfortable calling my son by his name?! I felt like I was such a failure. Eventually, it got to the point where I had a full blown panic attack (this was also one of my pretty bad postpartum depression days). I told Zach that I wanted to change his name because it felt like I was having an identity crisis. He told me that he would start calling him Tyler and see if it was just that I didn't like the name Owen</span><span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">(Have I mentioned lately what an amazing husband I have???)</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">That went on for a couple more weeks until one night I couldn't take it anymore. Again, I felt like the worst mom in the entire world. I told Zach about my problems and all he said was, "Ok, let's start looking for a new name." That night, I sat there nursing the baby and for 20 minutes straight just prayed the same words over and over again, "Please help me name my child". I searched so many databases until 4 am (he was sick so sleep was not on his agenda and therefore, was not on mine) when I finally went to sleep. The next morning, I woke up and had this feeling like I needed to search Scottish name databases. The second website I visited was a top 100 site. Kian was #100. I saw the name, looked at him, and knew that there wasn't anything else that I could call him. I played with a few spellings and narrowed it down to the original "Kian" and "Keyan". I wanted to find something that people wouldn't pronounce "Cayenne" like the pepper. I sent them to Zach (he was on orders for the week with the military) and didn't hear back. Shoot! He's probably angry at me.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">He was actually just driving home. When we all got home, he told me that he really liked the name and agreed that that could be his new name. I felt like I had taken Zach's name away (he insists that I didn't and that he really likes Kian) so I told him that he gets to choose the spelling. It took about 3 days to pick but on Monday, August 31, we had Owen's name legally changed to Kian Tyler Nebeker.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Ladies and gentlemen, if you have ever regretted your child's name, YOU. ARE. NOT. A. BAD. PARENT!!! Don't you dare feel like you are! Changing a birth name is actually more common than you would think, it just isn't talked about. I cannot express to you the relief and peace I have felt this week since we changed his name. It's taking some getting used to (we had been calling him something else for over a month) but I am completely in love. Kian fits. If you are in a similar boat as mine, talk to your spouse. It is absolutely worth it, even if you end up keeping the original name. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My biggest piece of advice?? Pray about the name FIRST and don't be afraid to voice your concerns before you get it put on the birth certificate. It will save so much anxiety and self-loathing as a new parent.</span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-33751537883937946072015-09-03T14:29:00.001-07:002015-09-03T14:29:28.368-07:005 Weeks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day we came home from the hospital vs today</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We don't need to roll up newborn pants anymore!!</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;">Hi, my name is Kian and I am 5 weeks old today! I love snuggling, kisses from my puppy, and telling stories whenever I am awake. I cry real tears now which breaks my mommy's heart. My favorite thing is when daddy comes home from work and plays with me! I am VERY ticklish but haven't decided if I like it or not yet. I am growing like a weed and can FINALLY fit into Newborn clothes! I am definitely the most loved man-child in the history of ever </span><i class="_4-k1 img sp_UkKp2mjPS47 sx_fb6824" style="background-color: white; background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yp/r/aeO1ik7i7-T.png); background-position: 0px -3876px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; color: #141823; display: inline-block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: 16px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">💙</u></i><i class="_4-k1 img sp_UkKp2mjPS47 sx_fb6824" style="background-color: white; background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yp/r/aeO1ik7i7-T.png); background-position: 0px -3876px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; color: #141823; display: inline-block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: 16px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"><u style="left: -999999px; position: absolute;">💙</u></i></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-21635732848433613352015-08-05T12:32:00.000-07:002015-09-03T18:28:18.209-07:00Owen's Story (It's A Long One) Malena's Version!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Owen Tyler Nebeker</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Due: August 24,2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Born: July 30,2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class=""><span class="">This little boy has been a miracle from conception to birth. 5 years ago, today, I married my very best friend who has been my rock and my saving grace every single minute. When we were told that we could never get pregnant, it felt like my world had ended. When we lost our first angel baby, I didn't know how I was going to make it. However, that experience showed me that the doctors were wrong and I clung to that for years of trying.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class=""><span class="">In November of 2014, after months of infertility treatments, I got another negative (I actually got 3 negative tests that week). It shouldn't have been a big deal, I had been getting them every month for years. However, I completely broke down because I felt like it HAD TO BE THIS MONTH! I couldn't explain why that feeling was so strong. I called my doctor who, for what felt like the millionth time, prescribed my pills that would start my period. I waited for 2 weeks before picking them up because I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't supposed to take them. After two days of taking them, I remember thinking, "You have to stop! What are you doing??". So, out of desperation I went and bought more pregnancy tests and on day 51 of my cycle...got a positive! That day at work, I told my boss who let me do an hcg test (tells you exactly how much pregnancy hormone you have) and my numbers were so high! It wasn't a fluke or a faulty stick. I. Was. FINALLY. Pregnant!! If I had done what my doctor had told me to do, I would have lost my angel. I never would have known that I was pregnant. That nagging feeling of the spirit saved his life and, in turn, saved mine.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="">Skip forward to the third trimester. Until now, I had had a pretty normal pregnancy. Morning sickness, aches and pains, mucho amounts of swelling...the works. The only thing that wasn't normal was that my doctor didn't care! Every time I told him I was concerned with something he would do one of three things, "You're fine." Talk over me and say, "You're fine." or ignore me altogether. My longest appointment was about 5 minutes long with all of my questions being ignored. I knew something was wrong but he brushed it all off. I ended up in the hospital for the first time in June because I was bleeding with cramping and contractions (which I had been having since week 18), and I hadn't felt him move in 24 hours. He gave me medicine that stopped my contractions but that was the end of his caring. Week 32, I got so sick of it that I actually changed doctors. Best. Decision. Ever.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="">I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and we couldn't get it under control. We tried everything we could think of with no luck. My old doctor told me that that was my diabetic specialists job and he wasn't getting involved. Dr. Crouch got involved the very first day and never stopped. I went to him with concerns of having Preeclampsia and he went above and beyond to ensure that if I had Preeclampsia, I would be safe. I was checking my blood pressure 5+ times per day, I was on modified bedrest, I was on a strict diet in a futile attempt to control my sugars...it was kind of getting intense. In 4 weeks I went to the doctor 8 times, one being to a specialist to get permission to induce me pre-term. There wasn't one visit where I felt like I wasn't his main priority. Around week 30, I started having horrible nightmares about dying during delivery. I would wake up shaking and crying. They got more and more intense the closer my due date got and I was terrified!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="">July 30, midnight30 I woke up feeling like I needed Depends! Wtf, I was leaking! As I stood up to go to the bathroom it all gushed out. Let me tell you, if Zach had been awake, I would have been mortified. I was cleaning it up but it didn't look or smell like urine...it didn't have a smell or color at all. That's odd...urine always smells, at least a little. I went back to bed, did some research (all while trying to keep the light from my phone from waking Zach up)and decided that I was probably just losing bladder control or my sac had ripped a little bit. I felt like I should call the hospital but I was SO TIRED! I didn't want to have to walk allllll the way to the next room to make a phone call. So, I did what any logical person would do--I went back to sleep. I woke up with the gushing sensation a few more times throughout the night but was still in denial. When 7 o'clock rolled around I told Zach I was going to the hospital but that it was nothing so I was totally fine with him going to work. Of course I would call him if anything was wrong. In fact, I insisted on it because I wanted him to save his time off for the end of August when baby came. On the way to the hospital, I called my supervisor and told her I would be a couple hours late (hahaha) but that I was going to be there as soon as I could.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">It was quite the busy day for the hospital! Almost every delivery room was full and most of the doctors were there (including my old doctor...so awkward). My nurse came in and took a swab sample to send to the lab to see if my water had broken. While we were waiting for the results, Dr. Crouch came in to check up on me (he came in several times that day because his office is just down the hall)and told me that if I don't deliver today, he wants to induce me on the 5th of August. The specialist I had to go see told him the sooner I'm induced the better (of course, he didn't tell me that!)so it was a good thing I was coming in today, I guess.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">30 minutes later nurse Krista came in and said, "You're not leaving pregnant! Call your husband!" Hallelujah, it was finally happening!! For the first time in 6 weeks I finally felt peace. For the first time in 6 weeks, I knew that I was going to be ok. She continued to explain to me that everyone is really worried about how early he is and I may not get to hold him right away. She warned me that there would be several specialists there and an emergency team because he would most likely need help breathing on his own. Hey, as long as he is safe, I will sacrifice getting to hold him for a while.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class="">I called both sets of parents to let them know...mine wanted to end their vacation early (I feel HORRIBLE!) and Zach's mom told me, "If you want me to come down, I will drop everything and come." It was so sweet. I told her that I would love to have her there but it would still be a LONG time. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's go time!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span class=""> Around 11:30 Nurse Krista started my Pitocin because in almost 12 hours I hadn't had a serious contraction. We needed to get this started! It took 3 hours for it to kick in! They kept upping my dose trying to start something...ANYTHING but it didn't work. Finally, the second time Dr. Crouch came to check on me, he decided to put a monitor on Owen's head. THERE WAS THE CONTRACTION! I wanted to kick him in the face! I was just fine not having any pain...jerk. After 3 contractions I decided that I needed my epidural STAT. I hadn't cried yet but they were only going to get worse from there. Pitocin contractions are a lot stronger than normal contractions so that kind of threw my 5 second desire of going natural out the window. 3 contractions later (I was the fifth epidural that morning) the anesthesiologist and his student came in. Weren't they a sight for sore eyes!? It took a couple of tries to get the epidural in because of all the contractions but after it was I was in heaven! It is truly a blessing that they came when they did. The entire day we had been monitoring my blood pressure (which had slowly gone higher and higher). By the time they started the epidural I was almost at 180/110 and climbing FAST!! As soon as they got the medicine on, I dropped to 128/80 and only went higher than that 3 times over the next two days.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My contractions came more regularly and soon it was time to push! Some time around 5, Nurse Krista introduced Nurse SueAnn who would be taking over for her at the end of her shift. They were both incredibly caring nurses and made me feel so safe. The epidural was doing such a good job that the 4 of us were watching TV and missed the entire thing!! I wanted him out so I just stared at the contraction screen the rest of the time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Dr. Crouch came in around 7 to check up on me again and said he would be back right after he grabbed some dinner (suuuuure, rub it in!). As soon as he came back things went so quickly!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last few minutes of being pregnant!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The second to last push, SueAnn had me reach down and feel his head...that's when I cried. It was really happening. I was about to finally get my dream of becoming a mommy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"I'm going to have to push one more time then stop in the middle. It's going to feel weird but I need you to do it." Uhh...ok? One more big push and.... "Look down, Mom"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">He grabbed Owen's arm, made him wave and said "Hi, Mom!!" I couldn't help but laugh. I was so excited and relieved and...quite frankly, exhausted! </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I ended up ripping (2nd degree midline?) "exactly where [I] needed to". It is still tender 5 weeks later (I am post dating this one to when I actually meant to write it) but it could have been worse.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Owen Tyler Nebeker joined the world on July 30, 2015 at 20:18. 6 lbs 6 oz, 18 in long. He sounded just like a screamer firework! So much for those lungs not working, huh? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Everyone thought he would be spending days, if not weeks, in the NICU and he didn't need it. His respirations were a little low, his left ear took a few times to pass the hearing test but we got him back </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">right away. He stayed with us as long as we wanted him and got to go home on August 1st.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hi, Mom!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first time we held hands</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Before he left, Dr. Crouch finally let on how worried they all were about me. "I am so glad he decided to come today. You were headed for a really bad place." I guess I don't remember how bad my pregnancy was or maybe I was oblivious because I was living it. Either way, it's a miracle that things ended up how they did and that both mama and baby are safe and healthy.</span></div>
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***I cannot remember most of what happened that day (It makes me want to cry) so there will be another blog post made by my husband with his side of the story!***</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First family photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One proud papa</td></tr>
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Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-50261094226483178242013-12-10T12:21:00.000-07:002013-12-10T12:21:05.608-07:00My first 5k!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">While Zach was gone, I had been running with his dad several times a week. SOMEHOW, I convinced him to run my first 5k with me...I am THAT sneaky. We decided on the midnight 5k down in St. George on May 24/25 (it started around 11:30 pm so it was both days)Zach's mom was so excited about it that she rented a condo for us for an entire week! I convinced my parents and two of my sisters (my brother was deployed at the time so he couldn't make it but his family did!) to run it with us! Unfortunately, my parents had to bail at the last minute but it was still a lot of fun.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After Zach got home we all continued to train together and then the big day came! Race day! The three of us played ping pong and played in the pool for most of the day and then we had a fantastic steak dinner that Zach's dad prepared. It was SO delicious. We were almost late except I insisted on showing up early for sign in. They said it was starting at 11:59 pm so we thought we had plenty of time...WRONG! However, we made it! Everyone was in glow sticks and dressed in costumes which made it even more fun.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I left my phone in the car so we couldn't find Tiff, the kids, and Ta'Mera until after the race. Ta'Mera wasn't supposed to race but she decided to walk to track with Kyle (4) and Allie (MAYBE 2??) What a trooper! We all beat our goal times and Kaden even took first place in the under 10 males category!!! I have never seen a bigger smile on his face :D I'm a bad aunt, though. As they were reading off the awards his hopes were sky high and I didn't want him to get hurt. I tried to brace him for the chance that he might not win...shows how much I know! We heard his name and he was in shock so I had to push him and tell him that he won before it sunk in! I will never doubt again...I'm a believer<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fuller side of the race! BAM!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The awesome Nebekers. Corey was having issues with Zach being taller</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaden and his 1st place medal!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta'Mera, Allie, and Kaden. </td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Everyone had so much fun that we(the Nebeker trio) have already planned to do the race next year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-84481773924279560432013-12-10T11:18:00.002-07:002013-12-10T11:51:10.786-07:00Reunited and It Feels SO Dang Good!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's almost been a year since I last posted and SO much has happened! I have had a lot of my readers asking for this particular post for about 8 months so here it is</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">APRIL 25, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">0400: I'm wide awake because my excitement is just too much! I really did try to sleep longer than that but I couldn't contain it. Off to the shower I go to get dressed and ready for the biggest thing that has probably ever happened to me. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">0530: Out the door as fast as I can so that I can beat the huge traffic jam that is sure to ensue. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">0600: Show up at the Air Guard Airport anxiously awaiting the text that's going to tell me that his plane has FINALLY left Texas!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">If you can't already tell, today is the day that the love of my life comes home from a deployment that has allowed me to see him for all of two weeks in the last YEAR! I ran into some of my dear Army Wife friends and others who I never got to meet in person but who I came to love so much. For me, it felt like being in a marathon and seeing your entire support group there with you, cheering you on to the end. Yes, there were times when we didn't want to be around each other but they became sisters to me. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Just a few of the women who got me through every, agonizing, day</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My family showed up in time to keep me from going insane! My parents, Zach's parents, my oldest sister, and his younger brother, and his paternal grandparents showed up to see him get off of the plane. I was so grateful that they took time out of their busy schedules to make it! (I lost a lot of my pictures but I'm posting the ones I've got left)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma, Jordan, and Dad</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhg8FtQEXSRSRWHyyJvdBoxpk3X81c0XT4MXMBZJcZRAx_388ciyX73n8bFYAkJDzzmgh5h0vWHOaMA1BOzIAAEunHmFHWpWswXK-fFpAJdnzNuMXLzTsrj80s9pGV6OT32OVpwrqfgR0/s1600/zach+comes+home+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhg8FtQEXSRSRWHyyJvdBoxpk3X81c0XT4MXMBZJcZRAx_388ciyX73n8bFYAkJDzzmgh5h0vWHOaMA1BOzIAAEunHmFHWpWswXK-fFpAJdnzNuMXLzTsrj80s9pGV6OT32OVpwrqfgR0/s320/zach+comes+home+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parental units</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2PdghTpr6YyCQemK5smsX5GRVibKgEtr_3jML6UvuWPO-Upa7P4WO9wK9ScRA9CyapnNB0UYQWt6vb7KiUaNuzwW1S-Zp8eQuJhMsLbJLgsvA6r8ZZ-LosDGJZa1ktQZex5st2eoKYxJ/s1600/zach+comes+home+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2PdghTpr6YyCQemK5smsX5GRVibKgEtr_3jML6UvuWPO-Upa7P4WO9wK9ScRA9CyapnNB0UYQWt6vb7KiUaNuzwW1S-Zp8eQuJhMsLbJLgsvA6r8ZZ-LosDGJZa1ktQZex5st2eoKYxJ/s320/zach+comes+home+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qgKuN2Q3Ih4zL3xYSMCPaLPn1QbCtUYDt3dLmfyVV0sAXYKHVpNT5EdKLuPMkPd-IwInHv4VkbRWed_1ifZsuNXIeGeaDGhjUqMSewMQqBrRvwR0spevjoHb2LwVOOKt088iO88zPdSh/s1600/zach+comes+home+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qgKuN2Q3Ih4zL3xYSMCPaLPn1QbCtUYDt3dLmfyVV0sAXYKHVpNT5EdKLuPMkPd-IwInHv4VkbRWed_1ifZsuNXIeGeaDGhjUqMSewMQqBrRvwR0spevjoHb2LwVOOKt088iO88zPdSh/s320/zach+comes+home+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPMn1-eU9_3R_sD9Qmc5WM-yqukKrlFInHmgn37WwCMMuvT76gIJf-TSqbasszn4zDswWJZw9cTe9lZr4sahaaghtZkMY7pDc8NsR56ccCsFvdJ4vs63Ew9dFiJpREmQIuVNtEHja8pVS/s1600/182801_10151631616675081_982015725_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPMn1-eU9_3R_sD9Qmc5WM-yqukKrlFInHmgn37WwCMMuvT76gIJf-TSqbasszn4zDswWJZw9cTe9lZr4sahaaghtZkMY7pDc8NsR56ccCsFvdJ4vs63Ew9dFiJpREmQIuVNtEHja8pVS/s320/182801_10151631616675081_982015725_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj-o-rT7qy9kqxjNU2gEoPbe-te1KL6CRLqrmIZGEypdbibJlMxbv72iij-M81ps-3xmSeyMF3KaZWVpJuo78W27W1mGDdvkhhfuVXhDgcaCAt5i7ov_ylS1dg5l6m7a6-ksmUVj9LIRE/s1600/248344_10151631616470081_252547755_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRj-o-rT7qy9kqxjNU2gEoPbe-te1KL6CRLqrmIZGEypdbibJlMxbv72iij-M81ps-3xmSeyMF3KaZWVpJuo78W27W1mGDdvkhhfuVXhDgcaCAt5i7ov_ylS1dg5l6m7a6-ksmUVj9LIRE/s320/248344_10151631616470081_252547755_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the plane with Mahauni and Jordan!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNK79auYMtQXshXvEF-FAu_SUEshqHIe4gX4gQZlq3x85O9D2lEP_B3Sua63hyphenhyphen0UwtC9kzQZUrPxtnbnB9CdjqHgyJrabmvcpILbCrSS9u5m_7uX1GmxBQFtQjBR3jdDig7QiWnBU8dNZg/s1600/258790_10151631615595081_179975691_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNK79auYMtQXshXvEF-FAu_SUEshqHIe4gX4gQZlq3x85O9D2lEP_B3Sua63hyphenhyphen0UwtC9kzQZUrPxtnbnB9CdjqHgyJrabmvcpILbCrSS9u5m_7uX1GmxBQFtQjBR3jdDig7QiWnBU8dNZg/s320/258790_10151631615595081_179975691_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sign. He makes for such a good model. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuyLiR6GMkGpQq8NKeJjVLzeTddk08C6L5VHdpXn3_-Tf56tv-DKFEsDXKl3hFFG2s-dVuLSHsvXhuqpsezGexL8ItYTp_dosDbjvr8a-rUcSnQGeiAo9qAfB_hPDHIP7ZSyctUY1R1LW/s1600/946494_10151631615325081_511458710_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKuyLiR6GMkGpQq8NKeJjVLzeTddk08C6L5VHdpXn3_-Tf56tv-DKFEsDXKl3hFFG2s-dVuLSHsvXhuqpsezGexL8ItYTp_dosDbjvr8a-rUcSnQGeiAo9qAfB_hPDHIP7ZSyctUY1R1LW/s320/946494_10151631615325081_511458710_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my daddy :)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FhXjHWhYx5S0AB1Qd4vneUOS-D6wCVMFSK2L3sxFQmuuuWeOZdZLLGNomwRG91ZlDQcYrpIDParMxmiuK96Ip9dD_-R_IotK56Sg5t7LtxwRysKjFRfI1RxlOctWQLLRJnW-05bTrNGu/s1600/966040_10151631615455081_596603198_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FhXjHWhYx5S0AB1Qd4vneUOS-D6wCVMFSK2L3sxFQmuuuWeOZdZLLGNomwRG91ZlDQcYrpIDParMxmiuK96Ip9dD_-R_IotK56Sg5t7LtxwRysKjFRfI1RxlOctWQLLRJnW-05bTrNGu/s320/966040_10151631615455081_596603198_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sign the Rear D (the part of the company that stays home for support) made for them.<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">It took a FOREVER for all the seconds to pass. Luckily I had lots of family to help me pass the time. Then it happened. One second there was nothing withing miles and the next...HIS PLANE WAS ROLLING IT!!!! I was, literally, shaking because I was so excited. Then it hit me just how nervous I was. "What if he doesn't like me anymore?" "What if 8 months at Crossfit wasn't enough?" "What if I've changed too much?" "Ahh!! I don't think I can go up there!" I was a basket case of emotions.<br /><br />The soldiers started piling out of the plane, running to their loved ones and all I could do was let my craziness take over me. Just when I thought I was going to explode, there he was. HE WAS REALLY HOME!!!!! The second I saw his face I started to cry, then I began tapping Jordan on the shoulder saying, "He's here! He's here! There he is!!" I couldn't move though. I wanted to go look for him but I just stood on my chair. Later, Zach told me that his mom found him and "It was nice to see her but you were the only one I was looking for. I couldn't even focus on saying hi to her because I was looking for you." My mom finally snapped me out of it and pulled me off of my chair. I found him and I have never felt more complete. All my fear went away. My soldier was safe. At home. With me.</span><br /></span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDlj8tl4UFhJXPbW4TMl3bfRASCkClFYqyEh-vpsjyCw9btJzXd73N609oL92meWhToMRyBPih497K_VB3LsfOBYGJn-iYCKk8XfgmIRbfpDR1PDNU4mm_IM7I1g2LFj5zKd6Vo2TA6LO/s1600/zach+comes+home+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDlj8tl4UFhJXPbW4TMl3bfRASCkClFYqyEh-vpsjyCw9btJzXd73N609oL92meWhToMRyBPih497K_VB3LsfOBYGJn-iYCKk8XfgmIRbfpDR1PDNU4mm_IM7I1g2LFj5zKd6Vo2TA6LO/s320/zach+comes+home+019.jpg" width="320" /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2Kf-XIkahGaAOQ-SL8PD2gzyxc9dOHiGPIeh_JJL9UtweESRYCE3rGRKOst01zOrvfg5DWCvZhz5pl61q0zOyUlNF4ffWw6olDtylVVXkmGXnnaBGdNqw3ZpzvS6XVuCFbPsjsf8UjOV/s1600/zach+comes+home+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2Kf-XIkahGaAOQ-SL8PD2gzyxc9dOHiGPIeh_JJL9UtweESRYCE3rGRKOst01zOrvfg5DWCvZhz5pl61q0zOyUlNF4ffWw6olDtylVVXkmGXnnaBGdNqw3ZpzvS6XVuCFbPsjsf8UjOV/s320/zach+comes+home+017.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1NQfjz-NVujwQG0H2kGYkr6rNYwhZta4TQEokzqN9GG0tuExm-JR68qzbqER0olSJi5dBJE_8hO5smniNCkbb9Vaq37WWSiz_afwMMaW89EQL9LyGf1Q7HuY4K9pK8yhosmcqjsGaN8L/s1600/zach+comes+home+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1NQfjz-NVujwQG0H2kGYkr6rNYwhZta4TQEokzqN9GG0tuExm-JR68qzbqER0olSJi5dBJE_8hO5smniNCkbb9Vaq37WWSiz_afwMMaW89EQL9LyGf1Q7HuY4K9pK8yhosmcqjsGaN8L/s320/zach+comes+home+014.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His plane!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWGFBM7wetb-CYgbNhAFjkg2GxqFwgYoS9mqqRSz8zk0c2qa04Im5QIksfJ_EC4cibx4eluHMlihXOtR7b2TBIrac-MW0L3EfmEJDSfLpNL0uRy8Wyy2zSKy8SbA5mf9DbMqWDVmCf9wS/s1600/966693_10151631616385081_955966085_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWGFBM7wetb-CYgbNhAFjkg2GxqFwgYoS9mqqRSz8zk0c2qa04Im5QIksfJ_EC4cibx4eluHMlihXOtR7b2TBIrac-MW0L3EfmEJDSfLpNL0uRy8Wyy2zSKy8SbA5mf9DbMqWDVmCf9wS/s320/966693_10151631616385081_955966085_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I saw him get off the plane</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-oxbDYK_f778JLi2qVhaXv-_YqAUZssTOy0ql7IbzbylMGY91ujuBbeEFceyigZna0NvAbNcHX3BvjseRqizwRHpEgX7TtNd43sUHuBWHlGwx_iwnGw898sqj80CtACN9Dc0TE8kCvXX/s1600/977095_10151631616585081_973419172_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0-oxbDYK_f778JLi2qVhaXv-_YqAUZssTOy0ql7IbzbylMGY91ujuBbeEFceyigZna0NvAbNcHX3BvjseRqizwRHpEgX7TtNd43sUHuBWHlGwx_iwnGw898sqj80CtACN9Dc0TE8kCvXX/s320/977095_10151631616585081_973419172_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39P_i8MI8BzEer80XTAWqFSLq3qQleZKWEWxxwsj3DPREXcZrZqCp7-gs8NWbJc7DutmT9XGqCcTd7B_etipuaDl89g3PqHXbqGoxlurlI7lgJxN_vezeITd0drg3PrJeurJXGs7vsPwX/s1600/zach+comes+home+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39P_i8MI8BzEer80XTAWqFSLq3qQleZKWEWxxwsj3DPREXcZrZqCp7-gs8NWbJc7DutmT9XGqCcTd7B_etipuaDl89g3PqHXbqGoxlurlI7lgJxN_vezeITd0drg3PrJeurJXGs7vsPwX/s320/zach+comes+home+020.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First picture of his back on Utah soil</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRgRhQGQKP7e8g13uzE0tmMo_QJdRWMX7aA_2FjZA95L2MdG0LyAjU3bq3my_F-la9V-DgYkmVLPlRNhz1NR6C9XUNsCu63EhhUpW_O2_nyWl_NMzPX63XIcVLG3H1DTD050ZZ5sx1ijh/s1600/zach+comes+home+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXRgRhQGQKP7e8g13uzE0tmMo_QJdRWMX7aA_2FjZA95L2MdG0LyAjU3bq3my_F-la9V-DgYkmVLPlRNhz1NR6C9XUNsCu63EhhUpW_O2_nyWl_NMzPX63XIcVLG3H1DTD050ZZ5sx1ijh/s320/zach+comes+home+021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He was looking for me</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeQqqsAE3ly_ShzTskQFRW3z5_fZytDH-iJOKvSqa3lbg7hsT8PjDUOA8BkVEWBwg4VJsY8fl4cYZlJsR9ZDimfCpAe_nE7oDxGRSVyGkezeogbi3Az0YrR5BzZE14wmbO6JEsw8G11Is/s1600/zach+comes+home+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeQqqsAE3ly_ShzTskQFRW3z5_fZytDH-iJOKvSqa3lbg7hsT8PjDUOA8BkVEWBwg4VJsY8fl4cYZlJsR9ZDimfCpAe_nE7oDxGRSVyGkezeogbi3Az0YrR5BzZE14wmbO6JEsw8G11Is/s320/zach+comes+home+022.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaaaand...he found me</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">P.S. My fears were completely out of place. He was so excited to be home and our marriage has never been stronger!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-50807957367572798842013-02-27T17:48:00.001-07:002013-02-27T19:29:53.358-07:00Here's to the Heroes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/h27x7Bc9hfY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Here's to the Heroes Tribute</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I know it's been a while. Today WAS going to be all about how I'm changing my career...then I found this song and decided to change topics.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I need all of my readers to know how much I LOVE the U.S.A. Yes, we are having problems right now but there is no other country that I would rather live in. I was blessed to be born here and to be born to parents who taught me to have an extreme respect for Old Glory, our national anthem, the men and women who serve every single day, and for those who make the ultimate sacrifice. There are very few things that I will not tolerate in this world and one of them is bashing the country I love and those who choose to serve her. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">12 years ago, our nation was attacked by cowards. So many people died trying to save those who couldn't escape. No, I didn't know anyone personally but I will forever be grateful for their sacrifice. I believe that they have earned themselves a choice place in heaven. The firemen, police officers, soldiers, and people off of the street gave everything so that others could live.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Just this week, 3 police officers were killed in the line of duty. Two Santa Cruz officers and one Correctional Facility officer. My heart goes out to their families because I could never imagine losing a loved one that way.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">These brave men and women aren't the only heroes. Their families are put through more worry in one day than anyone should have to endure in a lifetime but they put on their brave faces and support their family. The kids who are too young to understand why mom or dad aren't coming home anymore, the spouse who is suddenly left alone, the family members who wake up screaming because they just had a nightmare about their hero. THESE people are heroes in my eyes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">So, here's to the heroes. Here's to the brave men and women who fight, every single day, to keep our beloved country free. Here's to the families who stand behind them no matter what. Here's to keeping America free and protecting her people from all enemies foreign and domestic.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">My soldier's unit praying together before a mission</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my lifelong promise to him."~ Anonymous</span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-4527909052931624022013-01-06T23:31:00.001-07:002013-01-07T00:06:46.673-07:00She Did WHAT!?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">As you read in my New Year's post, one of my Revolutions is to run 3 5k's this year. I told Soldier that I didn't want to run one without him and he was pretty excited about racing with me. I found the race that would give me a chance to learn to run (I have exercise induced asthma so it had to be far enough away that I could train slowly) and would be after he got home from deployment. I have decided on the Midnight 5k in St. George, UT. I figure that midnight is a good time for my first race because then I won't be dying from heat and hating the choice I made to step out of my comfort zone. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Well, some exciting news, tonight at family dinner with my in-laws I mentioned that we were going to do this race. My FIL (father-in-law) started asking some questions and then said that he wanted to run with us! I am so excited! This made me think about making it a huge family ordeal. So, I called my parents who agreed to race, my sister-in-law who said she'd race, a couple of my other sisters said they would as well, and I'm just waiting to hear back from one of my brothers-in-law. I think this will be such a blast! My, sweetheart, MIL got us a condo for a week so that we could take a little vacation the week after the race. Love her!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I HATE running with a passion that burns deep within my soul but I found this new app that is supposed to help you train in such a way that you learn to love it. I want to start Tuesday and use it Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. My last day on the program will be March 9th and then I can just keep up running 3x's a week. I can still do Crossfit twice/week as my crosstraining. Overkill? Possibly. Worth it? I sure hope so...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">*sidenote: I just realized that I can take my dog running with me and get his exercise for the day in. He used to run with Zach every single day...then we moved to SL County. He was bred for energy and this will be so good for him as well :) BAM! Another Revolution accomplished!*</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My box (Crossfit gym) is wanting to start a running clinic with some expert runner. I didn't want to do it before but now I'm really inspired to go and learn all that I can. I want to finish my training program and then go and see how I can improve. I have 9 weeks to get to the point where I can run 3 miles. After that, I will have about 11 weeks until the race to drastically improve my time. I'm thinking about having my FIL go running with me once I can keep up with him so that we can both motivate each other to work harder. He is really nervous that he's going to get left behind...I don't think he understands that I am no good at cardio exercise because of my lungs.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Wow...that was quite the ramble...basically, I'm really excited. I'm pretty sure that I'm addicted to getting fit. I want new challenges. I LOVE the way it feels to accomplish something I didn't think I could do. I crave the endorphins that come from a hard workout. Hopefully, it stays this good once I don't have to distract myself all the time :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I'm so grateful for a family who is so willing to jump at the chance to help me realize my goals. I was definitely blessed to be born into my family and to marry into Soldier's family.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-63404682961388230452013-01-06T22:48:00.000-07:002013-01-06T22:49:16.913-07:00A Lost Blessing<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I left my scriptures in Italy. ("You went to Italy?? It's not blogged about!" I know. When I get the pictures off my camera, I will write a blog/blogs about the trip) When I first discovered this, I. Was. Devastated. It was all I could do to stop myself from bawling. Those scriptures had EVERYTHING in them! I have had them since I was 13-years-old. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I left them in Italy because I don't know how to keep track of my own things. I'm dumb. For all I know, they ended up in the trash somewhere...but I can pray that I left them so that they could bless the life of some unsuspecting soul. It had all my quotes and highlights and thoughts from seminary. My cross-references. My testimony. They were my lifeline for such a long time, and I hope that they can provide comfort for someone else. The Lord knows what is best for His children.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I am still pretty upset about it so I can't bring myself to buy new ones. Because of that, my goal to read the scriptures every day failed. I am supposed to be past Omni and I was at the beginning of 2 Nephi. Two days ago I decided that I have the Gospel Library App on all of my electronic devices so I really didn't have an excuse as to why I wasn't reading. Since that discovery, I am almost caught up to where I need to be. I listen while I'm on my way to work every day and it feels awesome! I'm probably not getting as much out of it as I could, but it makes me feel better :) It makes me feel like, no matter how hard the day gets, I have the Savior lifting me up and holding me when I can't walk anymore. So, really, by me losing my scriptures I have been blessed because it brought me closer to my Father in Heaven. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-88444222056698704652013-01-03T23:48:00.001-07:002013-01-04T21:35:52.465-07:00You Say You Want a Revolution...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">It's that time of year again! New Year's Resolutions!! Woohoo...not. No. I don't make resolutions. I never, ever, ever keep them. I always lose motivation. This year, I'm revolting against resolutions and against my old, lazy me. This year, I'm making New Year's Revolutions. This list will probably change as I think of more things but here it is so far (in no specific order)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">1: Do something that scares me every month.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br />2: Run 3 5k's throughout the year.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br />3: Reach 150 lbs by April 13, 2013 and maintain or lose until December 31, 2013.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br />4: Go on a new adventure every month.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br />5: Crossfit and Krav Maga twice/week or more.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br />6: Any grade less than 90% is unacceptable.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">7: Learn how to swim!!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">8: Get my Concealed Carry Permit by my 22nd birthday.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">9: Finish the BOM with husband the day he gets home from deployment.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">10: No sugar (other than found naturally) until April 13, 2013</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">11: Attend some sorts of women's retreat event thingy...</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">12: Get organized! Plan out my "busy" life so that I am not wasting so much time anymore. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">13: Jax gets 30 minutes of exercise every day.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(red writing is the updated stuff)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">14: I will be 100% debt free by December 31, 2013</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">~Specifics I want to do this year~</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Paintballing</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Skydiving</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Kayaking</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Rock Climbing</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Survival Course</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Make Christmas Cards (finally)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">I'm sure that I will add more onto it later but that will do for now. I want to change my habits and really grow this year. I want to push my limits and not let my fears control me anymore. I'm tired of PTSD controlling everything I do and it's time to take back my life.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/AqC_Gma221M/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AqC_Gma221M&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AqC_Gma221M&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></span></div>
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"Revolution"--The Beatles</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Ok, this video is because I have been trying to write this post for about 2 weeks now. Every time I start to write it, this song gets stuck in my head. Gotta love The Beatles.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
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Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-84772446885473241192012-12-30T14:59:00.004-07:002012-12-30T15:04:29.871-07:00Anxious For Summer<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Lately, I've been in a mood. I have been aching for nature. I NEED to be outdoors. If I could find a job that would allow me to just go camping/hiking whenever I wanted, I would be in heaven. Now, there are a few reasons that I am stoked out of my mind for Spring/Summer 2013. Ready?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1: Soldier comes home!!!!!! <3 <3 <3</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">2: Cruise to Alaska with my cute husband</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">3: Running away to Moab for a week</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">4: Testing out my new hiking/outdoors gear</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">5: Random camping trips</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">6: Basically, anything and everything that deals with finally being together again.</span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hikinglady.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Merrell-Moab-Mid-Hiking-Boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://hikinglady.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Merrell-Moab-Mid-Hiking-Boots.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas present from Soldier! I'm so excited to try them out.<br />
Merrell Moab GTX</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.camelbak.com/store/ProductImages/details/1005_chili_pepper_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://shop.camelbak.com/store/ProductImages/details/1005_chili_pepper_l.jpg" width="235" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MULE NV Hydration Pack. Eventually going to be my early birthday present.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4s-VkcecXu2n1HXssHuHV5Hlw-9qBoFiLQEPs8jrZJqfKXeGtiVcVWuTtNZfkUoapB2Jz1QTydrpDVFmyHhf7htZefV4vZTiBE6aJbubPeW11t_UKVAKadCZvUEepT90uu8sZLcjSA40z/s1600/DSC07670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4s-VkcecXu2n1HXssHuHV5Hlw-9qBoFiLQEPs8jrZJqfKXeGtiVcVWuTtNZfkUoapB2Jz1QTydrpDVFmyHhf7htZefV4vZTiBE6aJbubPeW11t_UKVAKadCZvUEepT90uu8sZLcjSA40z/s320/DSC07670.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underneath Delicate Arch for our pre-deployment Anniversary trip.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVGV52U2_OlhzvlHqqm19wKnYtEF3OYBBj5H5jr2mOBDUO4BJxj8EWBY4cPLjjgcq7UbMSy_zvOLC_iMXH2TaylFK4T3js-HqdREHCPTmHC4RlCyX4aZYKK7iShsi-qTab_4sum6aZr52/s1600/DSC07654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVGV52U2_OlhzvlHqqm19wKnYtEF3OYBBj5H5jr2mOBDUO4BJxj8EWBY4cPLjjgcq7UbMSy_zvOLC_iMXH2TaylFK4T3js-HqdREHCPTmHC4RlCyX4aZYKK7iShsi-qTab_4sum6aZr52/s320/DSC07654.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-deployment Anniversary trip. Cannot wait to go back in May! </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuPLon9eYP6faFbJQFGP0RYjCt50FQRhodwip1zvaHG8WAA3pEFXp1S5qfP49MUolZ0b070LDPWl12VUAoCRs43_krNHCbW9_Ly52gmg0VLJJvFJuVIxPYsIctK6f6njBmOpF2YKk2CU/s1600/Alaskan+Cruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuPLon9eYP6faFbJQFGP0RYjCt50FQRhodwip1zvaHG8WAA3pEFXp1S5qfP49MUolZ0b070LDPWl12VUAoCRs43_krNHCbW9_Ly52gmg0VLJJvFJuVIxPYsIctK6f6njBmOpF2YKk2CU/s320/Alaskan+Cruise.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cruise to Alaska. Kayaking. Hiking. Shaking with excitement!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Come on, sunshine and summertime, get here faster!!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-37417953184575265522012-12-14T09:42:00.002-07:002012-12-14T09:47:48.889-07:00A Healthy Celebration of Veteran: Emily Walsh<!--StartFragment-->
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hello, everyone!! This post is pretty special because I didn't write it. Emily asked me if she could write something for my blog to inform people about little known disorders and diseases that are effecting our beloved military veterans. I was more than honored to have it on here. Please take a moment and read her research. It is very informative and I have already learned a lot that I didn't know before. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you, Emily, for striving to bring attention to the health of our veterans!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">As we
celebrate our veterans, we remember those who have served in our armed forces
to secure our freedom. We honor their sacrifices for our country. We also
desire them to live a life as healthy as possible since retiring from active
duty. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Despite the
desire of the military to reduce the short and long term health risks from
military service, veterans provide the medical world with some unique symptoms
and diseases. It is important for veterans to follow up on all of their medical
appointments, as they are more prone to infectious diseases even with all of
the vaccinations that they received during active military service. Chronic
muscle pain and injuries especially to the neck and back are common among
veterans. The symptoms can be reduced by regular physical exercise to avoid
disability. A healthy diet low in saturated fat and salt will also help
veterans and their families to stay healthy. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Military
servicemen exposed to </span></span><a href="http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/intheworkplace/agent-orange-and-cancer"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Agent
Orange</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War from 1962-1971 are
at risk for a variety of symptoms and diseases. These chemical agents can cause
fatigue, kidney stones, loss of concentration, Parkinson's, liver dysfunction,
cancer, heart disease and shortness of breath. It is challenging dealing with
the effects of Agent Orange. The Veterans Health Care system continues to
provide benefits to former service men and women. The VA department has a
comprehensive program for those with service related symptoms and medical
conditions from Agent Orange including disability compensation, health care
services, scientific research, outreach and education.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001923/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Post-traumatic
stress disorder</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> (PTSD) often occurs following a life-threatening event such
as military service. It takes time and good psychiatric care to recover from
the emotional and psychological effects of war. Stress management, suicide
prevention, alcohol and substance abuse are all a concern to the military. The
support of family and friends is crucial to cope with recovery and adjusting to
a life after military service. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">An especially
devastating injury to both military personnel and their family is <u>traumatic
brain injury (TBI)</u> caused by a jolt or blow to the head bringing on disrupted
brain function, headaches and memory loss. This injury and leg or arm
amputations involve a lot of rehabilitation for the veteran to cope with and
return to living as much of a normal life as possible. Advancements in medical
prosthesis have been made in recent years that provide for improved functioning
and mobility. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Exposure to asbestos in the 1930s to 1970s
has put veterans at risk for </span></span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8W0sprj6PRU&noredirect=1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">mesothelioma
cancer</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. As the asbestos fibers build up in the body, it triggers
physiological changes that can lead to mesothelioma that is a tumor in tissue
covering the lung or the lining of the abdominal cavities. There are VA
benefits for </span></span></span><a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/veterans/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">veterans diagnosed
with mesothelioma</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The American spirit lives on in our veterans
and military families. Their patriotism inspires us to hope for a better future
for our country. </span></span></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></span><!--EndFragment--></span><br />
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Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-41837525888077222472012-12-10T22:25:00.000-07:002012-12-11T10:02:55.300-07:00Drumroll please...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />On August 9th, I started going to Crossfit Fanatics in West Jordan. I have lost 15 lbs since July 13th WOOHOO! Because of this, several of my friends asked me to post before and after photos onto Facebook. Yeah right. Even though this blog is 100% public, I feel like it will be seen less this way so, without further ado, I give you my before and "so far" shots. Please ignore the garbage in the bathroom.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The end of August 2012 </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">December 5, 2012</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZeBGXbs5UXiNPfK3fCq1uQHX9ajjzpnPR_GOarOkx4bgnb3uOHPwWHNVYKkN4VK_EXIzK2M5-Mb4GUYb6iYPxIVRvXSCAk5pqR66qqOta9P9vFmx_WUqsSF3Xx7g_x7WPyBR1Eq1Yy-x/s1600/RSCN0679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisZeBGXbs5UXiNPfK3fCq1uQHX9ajjzpnPR_GOarOkx4bgnb3uOHPwWHNVYKkN4VK_EXIzK2M5-Mb4GUYb6iYPxIVRvXSCAk5pqR66qqOta9P9vFmx_WUqsSF3Xx7g_x7WPyBR1Eq1Yy-x/s320/RSCN0679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The end of August 2012 </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">There you have it. As of December 5th, I weigh 170 lbs. My legs are a lot thinner, I'm toning up (you can see my ribs in the after shots), I feel great! I also didn't realize, until I saw these photos, that I naturally stand a lot straighter now. This is after 4 months at Crossfit and I have 4 more months to reach my goal! You will have another update in April. I'm going to be going back on my GF/AF/SF diet so that my insides will stop hating me. That will definitely help me continue to tone up.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">One thing that I am proud of and am continuing to improve is my strength. When I'm not having asthma, I can dead lift 150lbs. When I first started, I could only dead lift 105lbs! My endurance is increasing and I am loving the opportunity to challenge myself to go further than the time before.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-40806849038714127562012-12-07T11:30:00.001-07:002012-12-12T14:47:58.059-07:00You know you're an adult when...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Why hello! I haven't seen your face in a while. Lots has been going on in my world the last few weeks but the most recent just happens to be that I discovered what it's like to be an adult this morning.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">For a long time I have had a dream about opening up an equine therapy camp for veterans with PTSD. It was going to be huge. There was so much going to go into it that I would have to write a whole different post in order to tell you. Today, it hit me that this was a selfish dream. Yes, it could help SO many soldiers and I am so passionate about it but...it would put my marriage and family at risk. All of our time would be spent on the business and my family would have to come second to it. I'm not willing to do that so I decided, for the sake of my current and future family, that dream needs to come to an abrupt end. It would have been amazing to help all of those selfless vets but military life is stressful enough on a family without adding "try to keep a business alive" on top of it</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">That was my moment today. Now, I'm back at square one trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I might just finish my AS this semester and then continue to advance as a phlebotomist. It's really not a bad career path and I have loved doing it the last year. We shall see...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">***UPDATE***</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;">I know...I'm bipolar or something. I'm still wondering what to do but I don't want to end my dream. My family will always come first but these veterans need someone who will fight for them. They need someone who is going to help them overcome such a hard disorder. I'm not ending my dream, it's just on hold for a little while.</span> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-80256732079717865722012-12-04T12:08:00.002-07:002012-12-04T12:08:52.526-07:00Inspirational: From Lyndsay's Letter<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"James 1:5 is almost at the end of the Bible. Joseph Smith had to read all the way til there to find his answer--but it came! Likewise, sometimes we have to wait and search and wait some more--but the answers always come. Trust in the Lord that He will fulfill His promises--in His due time :)"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I love her. This is what I needed to read today. Just because I don't have an answer yet, does not mean that it isn't coming. I just have to be patient and wait for the time when the Lord knows that I am ready for the answer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
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Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-68202331399431578682012-10-21T20:27:00.000-07:002012-10-21T20:27:30.581-07:00Photo time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">"Straight is the Gate" by Robert A. Boyd</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Today, I lost my volunteer shirt so I couldn't go volunteer. My "boss" only works M-F so I couldn't just ask for a new one either. I decided to go to choir practice instead (which we all found out was cancelled 20 minutes after it was supposed to start). My ward choir meets in the institute building that is in the church parking lot. In the classroom there was this photo and I couldn't take my eyes off of it. I fell in love with it right away. I searched the interwebs and finally found it. It is among my favorite pictures of the SLC temple that I have ever seen. I'm debating on saving up my pennies and buying it for my home for Christmas. Ordering it on canvas...that would put such a beautiful spirit into the house.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-30365193960370281572012-10-21T15:56:00.000-07:002012-10-21T15:56:18.860-07:00Progress<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">At the beginning of October, I got a phone call from my Angel. It was a really short one but we got to pray together...it was amazing. I felt so much peace that I hadn't felt in weeks. Before we prayed, we decided that we were going to read one chapter in the Book of Mormon every day until he got home. That way, it would be like we were reading it together and we would feel closer to each other. We would also be growing in the ways that matter most. We are going to save the last chapter for the day he gets home and read it together. After we are completely finished, we'll follow Moroni's advice and pray about it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm keeping a chart on my bedroom wall so that I can keep track of where we need to be. He has been great with reading everyday. I, on the other hand, have sucked it up. I thought I only missed a day or two but it turns out that I am a week behind him. I'm working on it lol. I'm catching up to him. He is so...much better than I am but I'm trying.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The first week that we started that was amazing! Everything that would have normally driven me mad just rolled off my back like the duck that I am(that's a story for a completely different time). The gospel of Jesus Christ is such a blessing to have in my life. No matter what is going on in my life, there is a huge sense of peace when I follow the commandments. Having someone who shares this love with me? The best blessing I could have asked for.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status, it's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span>Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-80027774009712743142012-10-21T15:46:00.000-07:002012-10-21T15:46:45.243-07:00I'm...not sure<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Well, I am not sure what to write today. I have had this nagging in the back of my head for a while now...I just feel like I need to write. Whether or not I actually publish this is an entirely different matter.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The last week or two has been difficult and when I find myself getting down I have to stop whatever I'm doing, take a deep breath, and count. No, not 1...2...3... I'm counting months. It has been almost 27 months (next week) since my soldier and I got married. It has been 17 months since we moved to SLC from Logan. In 3 weeks, I will have been at my current job for a year and we will have had our dog, Jax for 2 years. I have been living in our current house for almost 6 months. I graduated from high school 3 1/2 years ago. Time does pass. It is always moving and it is, most definitely, not stopped right now. Yes, it feels like I'm stuck in time but then I remember things that happened a while ago. It helps me remember that, soon, the deployment will be on my list of "so many months ago...Soulmate was deployed."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I have this problem and I've known about it for a really long time. Today, in Sunday School, one of the verses of scripture we read was Matthew 7:3-5. It talks about how we are hypocrites because we view the mote in our brother's eye but cannot see the beam that is in our own. Now, I have been trying and trying to not judge others because it is not my place. Being human, I fail on a constant basis but this lesson...this lesson today really hit me hard. I have more flaws than I would ever care to admit and I have no room to do anything but show love for all of God's children. I wish that I could be more Christlike and I'm trying.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The last thing about this post that I think is important is:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I don't know how I won the heart of such an amazing man. Zach is everything that I'm not. He is everything that I need. Even from 7338 miles away, he knows exactly what to say to make everything ok. He knows when I'm upset even when I think I'm doing an awesome job at hiding it. He knows every little thing about me and loves me anyways. My flaws and oddities don't scare him away...he says that they make him love me even more. Every day that he is gone, my love for him grows more than I knew possible. How can such a tiny muscle in your body, hold so much? How can it be constantly expanding to hold more and, yet, remain the same size? This man...Oh, this man. He is my rock. He gives me strength when I don't think that I can go on. He has always encouraged me in everything that I do. He has always seen the beauty that is within me, even when I can't see anything. He keeps me in check when I'm about to go too far...he pushes me when I don't go far enough. I love him. I can honestly say that I am terrified of who I would be if he had never come into my life. Before I met him, I was in such a bad place. Then along came this amazing, wonderful stranger who made me fall head-over-heels in love with him. I will forever be grateful to my Father in Heaven for sending him to me. I know that when he made Zach he was thinking about how he was going to save me one day. If you're, somehow, reading this...I will love you until the end of Eternity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status, it's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-70318411538166573952012-10-02T11:24:00.003-07:002012-10-02T11:25:51.727-07:00Quotable: Pooh and Piglet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"What day is it?"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"My favorite day," said Pooh.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I love this quote so much! After reading it, I decided that I would never let one day pass that wasn't my favorite day. Even if EVERYTHING goes wrong, I can always find something to be grateful for that will make it my favorite day yet. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Today is my favorite day because Zach called me. I was in a really crappy service zone so he couldn't hear me, but I got to hear him. He told me that he loves me. That is all that I need to make it through today.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's a life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-56466108615501907922012-08-30T10:37:00.003-07:002012-08-30T10:43:34.176-07:00Secrets, secrets are...so. much. fun.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Wanna know a secret? It's a juicy one.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*****************************************************************</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I. Love. My. Body.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">*gasp* "She said what??" I know! We are programed to HATE ourselves! At least, that's what I thought for YEARS! I hated everything about me. I couldn't see why Husband would love me so much. He thought that I was perfect. Yes, he would encourage me to exercise with him but he always made sure that I knew, "I love you no matter what. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met!" Psh....yeah right ;)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Well, since he deployed I've made it a goal to get back down to my DS College weight (DS was my first college away from home. I weighed 140) and get tone! I have never been tone. I know, that's EVERY Deployed Wife's goal! "Ooooh, I'm gonna get fit for the husband" and then they never do it! I was one of them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">On August 9th, I kicked it into gear. A few weeks before, I had learned about this thing called Crossfit...it looked so scary! August 9th was the day I tried it out for the first time. I also started going back on my diet (see my post about the diet. Should be around October 2011). Because of this awesomeness I have gone from 180.3 on Aug. 9th, to 170.0 today! Less than a month later!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The love of my body started 4 days after starting Crossfit. I noticed a tiny change and that was awesome. This morning I looked in the mirror at my much skinnier self, ran downstairs to the scale, almost passed out from pure shock, and got dressed for another awesome work out!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I forgot to get my inches measurement today but I know that I have lost at least 1 inch because my pants don't fit...even with a belt on.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This has been SUCH an inspiring experience for me! I hate exercising more than any person I know and if I can do it, so can you! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I will probably post a few of the quotes that have helped keep me going at a later date. Until then, here is the one that helped me go today. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">"Never quit. Because when you see someone fight that hard, it makes life seem pretty easy. The more you give, the more you realize how easy life really is. Pain is temporary, but quitting lasts forever."<br />- U.S. Navy SEAL Unknown</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;">"Army Wife: It's not my status; it's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></span></div>
Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-40085288207180465722012-07-29T22:09:00.001-07:002012-10-02T11:32:06.122-07:00Putting It Into Perspective<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Here is a song that my sweet friend, Sabrina, posted. So far, on this deployment journey I have: completely broken down in front of my math teacher, gotten about 4 hours of sleep every night, am []this close to failing my classes this semester because I can't focus, I have pasted that fake smile for the world to see while I'm at work, I deal with the "Oh, I totally understand! I've seen Army Wives!" and the "Oh. THAT'S his job? He's safe." people, and, through the Lord, have become stronger than I ever knew possible. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">However, through this whole experience (other than praying for their safety) I have been so selfish! I thought that this experience wasn't hard on the soldiers "because they trained for it". I thought that I was the only one hurting. I know that it is hard for them, but I was only thinking of myself. After Sabrina posted this song, my view on this did a complete 180. I need the rest of you military wives/girlfriends/husbands/families out there to see that it isn't easy on them either. They didn't want to leave us...they had to. This song made me love my soldier so much more than I did before. It made me see how hard it was for him to say goodbye again...but he did it because it was asked of him. He is among the most selfless men I have ever met and I am so grateful that we have this life together. Yes, it's hard, but I wouldn't change one second of what we have together. </span></span></div>
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Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-35175030106455250952012-07-20T23:11:00.000-07:002012-07-20T23:11:58.790-07:00Stand in Holy Places<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">Tonight, I am half a world away from the man I love. I hurt in places I never knew existed...all because we are apart. Tonight, I didn't pray for comfort like I should have but the Lord knew exactly what I needed. He took pity on me and gave me His comfort and love even when I did not deserve it. Tonight, I am at peace. I know that everything will be ok. I know that my angel will come home to me. Tonight, the Lord heard my heart crying out to Him and answered me.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I thought I understood what people were talking about when they would say, "He hears and answers every prayer." But, until now, I had no idea. EVERY prayer. The one that I didn't say...the one that I didn't even know that my heart was screaming out. He answered me. He knows me. He loves me. Heavenly Father knew what I needed tonight and came to my rescue. His arms wrapped around me and my tears ceased, my fears subsided, and my heart was no longer troubled. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I cannot express how grateful I am to Him for calming me down tonight. There are people around me that I can complain to but I don't, 90% of the time. They don't need to be burdened with my pain. And, honestly, I feel like they don't understand. Even the wives who are going through it with me. We are all experiencing the same deployment and a completely different deployment all at the same time. They don't know EXACTLY how I am feeling so I choose not to complain to them most the time. They have their own pain. However, HE knows my pain. He knows, right down to the last little ache. He knows exactly what I am going through right now. I love the Lord with all my heart. ...it just took me a little while to remember that He is always there if I only cry out to Him.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">During all of this, I found an old song that I haven't heard in years. It brought me so much peace that I need to share it for those who need peace as well. Like the song says, "I stand in holy places, and I will not move until the Captain comes and says well done. He is the hope I hold on to." I will get through this deployment because I am holding onto Him the entire way. He gives me peace when I have none. He gives me the strength to get out of bed each day. He sends Zach's love to me when I need it most.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Tonight...I stand in holy places. I will hold on until He comes and tells me that I've done well. I will hold on until Zach comes back to me safely.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">In a sea shifting values<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Tossed on every wave<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />While the winds wail around me<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I will not be afraid<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />To call out for my captain<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />To calm the waves in me<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />When I stand a little taller<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Its only then I finally see<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I stand in holy places<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Protected from the storm<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Anchored safe in harbor<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Though my sails are ripped and worn<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I stand in holy places<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And I will not move<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Until the Captain comes<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And says Well done<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />He is the hope I hold on to<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In holy places<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />There is a harbor in His holy house<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />An anchor in His grace<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />That steadies in the waves of doubt<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And in every holy place<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />No matter where I travel<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />His spirits guiding me<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />With the Lord as my captain<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />There is a peaceful port in me<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I stand in holy places<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Protected from the storm<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Anchored safe in harbor<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Though my sails are ripped and worn<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I stand in holy places<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And I will not move<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Until the Lord has come<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And says well done<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />He is the hope I hold on to<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I stand in holy places<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Protected from the storm<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Anchored safe in harbor<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Though my sails are ripped and worn<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I stand in holy places<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And I will not move<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Until the Lord has come <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />And says well done<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />He is the hope I hold on to<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In holy places<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Holy places</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status. It's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></span></div>Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-83292383233088304832012-06-17T23:03:00.000-07:002012-06-17T23:09:11.508-07:00Oh, How I Love the Wives<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I've got insomnia. I tried to sleep but I couldn't without posting this. It kept nagging and nagging until I turned my computer back on. Because of how tired I am, it will just be short.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When we first heard about the deployment, I thought I could get through it alone. I thought that I would be strong enough to not need anyone else.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">**I have never been more wrong**</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Because of this deployment, there was a group made on Facebook for the spouses and families of the deploying soldiers. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Best. Idea. Ever. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It originally started out as a bunch of strangers with a similar hurdle to jump. Then, the admin shared her story which got everyone else to share as well. As more people began sharing, I noticed that we all started talking more and planning to see each other more. The people in Logan found each other, Idaho found each other, etc. and we became each others support. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Over the last few weeks these amazing women have gone from being complete strangers to me, to being sisters. When I've had a bad day, they make me laugh until I want to pee my pants. When I'm missing my husband, they're there to let me cry. When I need someone to stop me from buying too much for my husband's birthday, they are there to encourage me to buy more! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I am grateful for this deployment for so many reasons...but today, it's because it brought us together. If it wasn't for the deployment, I wouldn't know these women and I wouldn't have their strength rubbing off on me each day. The days when I feel weak they pick me up and help me keep going.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I love these ladies more every time I get on the computer. They are all so strong and so brave. They help me know that no matter what, we are sisters and nothing will change that. I don't think I will be able to repay them for what they have done for me so far (not to mention what I know they will do for me over the next year). MK was absolutely right. I am completely still in debt to her! ;) as well as the rest of them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status. It's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-83854679402960723832012-06-13T18:07:00.003-07:002012-06-13T18:24:15.581-07:00Embrace the Suck<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Today....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Today straight up sucked.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Yes, marrying a soldier you know what you're getting into; but does that make it hurt any less? Nope. I think it makes it worse because it's constantly in the back of your mind. Knowing that one day, the man you love more than life itself is going to be called up by his country, for God only knows how long, to a country that you've only heard stories about. They prepare for this from day one. THIS is why they joined the military in the first place! They're trained for this!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">****We're not****</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We're not trained for what to do at home while he's off fighting a war. But we deal...and we stay "Army Strong" because we love them. We take it one day at a time and hope that the next day we get a little stronger. At least, that's what I think--that's what I hope. "You never know how strong you are until you don't have any other choice." Status: True. Today, I start my journey to find out just how strong I really am. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Today is the official day 1 for me. I woke up at 5:18 and couldn't get back to sleep. That's ok with me, though. It gave me 20 minutes to just watch him sleep. Out the door at 6:30...that's the Army for ya...hurry up and wait. I'm glad we got that extra hour before things got crowded. It was nice to have that time, relatively, alone. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOfYZzgGROwQTJkYKJV0ETSur6tPHDUJW-yHrNYfjzD582-Y4lOf3OfuXdm0NDB8CRz2xE8avAov11yL-1s3G5Bj4sIx2I06-zull6vIiRPPLsXz5NroP0Rp9mYkJYf9NrmpDfbM0GVeq/s1600/DSCN0582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUOfYZzgGROwQTJkYKJV0ETSur6tPHDUJW-yHrNYfjzD582-Y4lOf3OfuXdm0NDB8CRz2xE8avAov11yL-1s3G5Bj4sIx2I06-zull6vIiRPPLsXz5NroP0Rp9mYkJYf9NrmpDfbM0GVeq/s320/DSCN0582.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I didn't think that anyone in our family was going to be able to make it but my two wonderful sisters, Tawna and Ta'Mera, and their families drove for over an hour just to see him off. It meant so much to him to have that support. I am so grateful that they sacrificed so much to make it this morning. I don't think I could have gotten through it without them there.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Phoenix and Maddox LOVED looking at the planes. Maddox thought it was so cool that there were so many soldiers around. I got a text from Ta'Mera later saying, "Wow! Uncle Zach is an Army guy!"~Maddox. Apparently he didn't know. But they sure love their Uncle Zach...they also love the cookies and donuts that they got when they walked into the hangar. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Listening to the commanders talk to the troops and families. One soldier proposed to his girlfriend! So bittersweet. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzYkdhRFivU8QTWrqN-Yp-bNBDMTrKPB5lyTD-rXJ4GgoaC9c3125TmA34qGEB7y6ofyDWTIg4Rb8i7e5wTxkqIzyvdJD1dFB_F5vVUB84jPw9nCSARLHsbMP7aG2vgxo9xpTy_WSjZuY/s1600/DSCN0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzYkdhRFivU8QTWrqN-Yp-bNBDMTrKPB5lyTD-rXJ4GgoaC9c3125TmA34qGEB7y6ofyDWTIg4Rb8i7e5wTxkqIzyvdJD1dFB_F5vVUB84jPw9nCSARLHsbMP7aG2vgxo9xpTy_WSjZuY/s320/DSCN0618.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Lennox stopped crying for all of two seconds JUST for this photo! I felt so lucky. The poor baby just wanted to eat not get his picture taken!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyIlhVFefh3uox20_jHORSdKbHY-JSdZDN4t4N7_yzwDqGT54mHZknEsNYdLB0v9rScjlauEmrZoKBXedq4phF4eVTy-YJrcr8q3Gp5ohACPnlPliovNFdnYT9_ME8w21yW0hZJ1cyoWI/s1600/DSCN0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyIlhVFefh3uox20_jHORSdKbHY-JSdZDN4t4N7_yzwDqGT54mHZknEsNYdLB0v9rScjlauEmrZoKBXedq4phF4eVTy-YJrcr8q3Gp5ohACPnlPliovNFdnYT9_ME8w21yW0hZJ1cyoWI/s320/DSCN0619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Zach picked up Phoenix and she latched onto him like it was life or death. They stayed like this for several minutes. The only thing that got her to let go of him was Maddox grabbing her leg and pulling as hard as he could :)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Last goodbye. This is when I knew that it was finally hitting Zach too. He grabbed me and wouldn't let go. It wasn't a normal hug...it was an "I'm going to miss you so much" hug. I hated this moment...I didn't want to let go. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">:'( This is it...the last time I get to see his face. This was a lot louder than the video shows...it was a really cool second. So...hard to handle. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">:'( There he goes. I love you, Zach! Oh, so many tears.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a_O13iHMWjcfis37ymForOSltQi7McYA41zj2yzuIgNqDPL8mps2UKG8xlcQe4GR82zdylhW6uKeNb9xpI_R1mBSX-R5sUiCzQyPevie4hNJc6piwIeWFsSDpOLDh314cSPIGTejU4jM/s1600/DSCN0648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a_O13iHMWjcfis37ymForOSltQi7McYA41zj2yzuIgNqDPL8mps2UKG8xlcQe4GR82zdylhW6uKeNb9xpI_R1mBSX-R5sUiCzQyPevie4hNJc6piwIeWFsSDpOLDh314cSPIGTejU4jM/s320/DSCN0648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I am so proud of my soldier...so proud of the entire 624th! Stay safe and return with honor, soldiers. You make us all so proud to be Army Families.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not my status. It's my life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-89277378958269936212012-06-11T08:03:00.003-07:002012-06-11T08:04:24.659-07:00"A Soldier's Song"--Jessica Frech<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I just want to share this song with everyone. It's such a beautiful tribute to our troops. It's a little long because she talks at the beginning and the end but it's worth it. If you want, the lyrics are below. </span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ESqD5l0bAUs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">T</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">hey walked through the door and onto the plane waving Goodbye with their hands</span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">They spent the last year coping with fear that their children Would understand</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">And as one looked around</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">He swallowed his pride down</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">This is why we're here</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">We'll all leave below a blue sky traveling side by side</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">We'll all leave with our heads held high we know the road that lies</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">We'll go and serve</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">And with honor we'll return</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">They lost quite a few along the way but brought them together the same</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">From assignment to assignment and mission to mission this is why they came</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">And as one looked around</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">He made it to solid ground</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">This is why we're here</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">We'll all leave below a blue sky traveling side by side</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">We'll all leave with our heads held high we know the road that lies</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">We'll go and serve</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">And with honor we'll return</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">We'll all leave with our heads held high we know the road that lies</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">We'll all leave below a blue sky traveling side by side</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">We'll all leave with our heads held high we know the road that lies</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">We'll go and serve</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">And with honor we'll return</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">"Army Wife: It's not a status. It's a life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>
</span></span></span>Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7469033839369136090.post-81812676258270294872012-06-07T09:18:00.000-07:002012-06-07T09:18:03.539-07:00Lovin' on this man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The last time we were at his parents house for family dinner, he was late. He walked in in his ACU's and our niece, Kodie (2 1/2 years old), looked up from her dinner and said, "*gasp* There's my super hero!" She had never done anything like that before. Zach still wishes that someone had taped her saying it because he thought that she didn't like him. The rest of the day, she dragged him around the house showing him "monsters" in Jordan's room and playing with the laser pen she found. She climbed on his lap when it was time for dessert and wouldn't leave his side. It was the most adorable thing I have ever seen. <3</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Not only is he her super hero...he is my hero too. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A while back we had family pictures taken, here are a few.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBb2yLT6PnBut2nnJqkLOg7mSHVrfiF8FxKQX3augLSNozIe8BI5Xw2904_LLGDIUMA_sPVnaikGUQQ7bj7KVKUmeCYBV-S2DDAswoQLH3MXcr5XCRdyQ0-WneG4aTjVWv2Z9OYbWEg3K/s1600/2012-11633-86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBb2yLT6PnBut2nnJqkLOg7mSHVrfiF8FxKQX3augLSNozIe8BI5Xw2904_LLGDIUMA_sPVnaikGUQQ7bj7KVKUmeCYBV-S2DDAswoQLH3MXcr5XCRdyQ0-WneG4aTjVWv2Z9OYbWEg3K/s320/2012-11633-86.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDjtTs77_OhJ1zQm5KGCO-H2ZspaRueBKnRuRW5Y315n8EW4lSim9Qgw2OqwfgyUgtpR4OeHG3xVrvb1MoV6WRfk8IEYdtaqzAF94_MQjXC9iinpKHFCUdA46fBPMD0gvv4U1SknHp6RW/s1600/2012-11633-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDjtTs77_OhJ1zQm5KGCO-H2ZspaRueBKnRuRW5Y315n8EW4lSim9Qgw2OqwfgyUgtpR4OeHG3xVrvb1MoV6WRfk8IEYdtaqzAF94_MQjXC9iinpKHFCUdA46fBPMD0gvv4U1SknHp6RW/s320/2012-11633-49.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9037ohzUm1jM1EdC-3RvmJ36_WrvVFJM-3u0emyI-6SxX0bEJdTi1CkpMmeyP4-wd5bJvohy7jXdR0lNLctfprpBwyRU1JANopM_tCLVs4IrDp6DHcM6aStFvsx8ULhAB6drov6YbbFn/s1600/2012-11633-60.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9037ohzUm1jM1EdC-3RvmJ36_WrvVFJM-3u0emyI-6SxX0bEJdTi1CkpMmeyP4-wd5bJvohy7jXdR0lNLctfprpBwyRU1JANopM_tCLVs4IrDp6DHcM6aStFvsx8ULhAB6drov6YbbFn/s320/2012-11633-60.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I know this is corny, but he really is the rock that gets me through the hard times. I don't know who I would be without him and his never-ending love for me. I am so grateful for his willingness to sacrifice everything he has and is to go fight for a people that he doesn't know. All he knows is that they are God's children and they need help. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It's moments like this where I can't even describe how proud of him I am.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Army Wife: It's not a status. It's a life-long promise to him." ~Anonymous</span></div>Malenahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03184021267738377594noreply@blogger.com0