Sometimes you just have to do it

Growing up with the military, it's common sense not to publicly announce any sort of date or location unless told that it's ok. Parker told me the specific people he wanted to know when he was coming home. I shared it with a few close and trustworthy friends who he knows have kept me strong since he's been gone, as well as my family so they can start preparing for the days that he will be spending at my house soon after he gets home.

Of course, his mom was on the list of people he wanted me to tell. No big deal. All my friends and family know not to share this date with anyone and when they talk to me, they don't even mention the day, just that he's coming home soon. Apparently she doesn't know any of that and posted on Facebook a date saying that that is when he is leaving Iraq. Seriously? I laughed when I first saw it because she got the day wrong and I know I told her the correct date but I soon got over it and sent her a message telling her why she needs to take it down. If she thinks I'm rude for telling her to take it down, so be it. This date has not been publicly released and I have been getting an email a day from the FRG since this date was given to the soldiers in Parker's company reminding me about OPSEC.

I really do hope she takes it down soon....

Day of GREAT news!

If anyone else has good news for me, please tell me now! I've received two wonderful pieces of news in less than an hour and I'm as happy as can be right now.

First piece of news: Parker's homecoming date has been moved up!!! Forget having Christmas with me, he'll probably be having Thanksgiving with me now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Second piece of news: I got a call back about a job in Austin! They want me to do an online assessment so that they can decide whether or not to continue with the interview process.

So excited right now!!!

Letter

Ever since Parker left for Iraq in May, the one thing I've wanted is for him to write me letters. I write him every few weeks and I hoped that would push him a little to write me every once in awhile. He sent one letter before R&R and it really made me happy! I read it over and over again, especially when I'm feeling sadder than usual about the deployment.

Well, today I got the second "letter." I'm actually not sure what to even call it...he sent me sticky notes! What a romantic :P I sure know how to pick the romantic guys. But it really is the cutest thing. It's only 7 sticky notes stuck to each other but it's the guy I love that put an effort into putting together little pages of things that would make me laugh and smile so I'm going to cherish this so much!

All in all, it's the thought that counts and he put effort into it and it's still making me smile after flipping through it about 10 times :)

Picture Blog

Finally updated my picture blog! Let's see if I can at least post one picture every week since it's starting to become impossible to do one every single day

A Poem for Army Wives/Girlfriends

Everyone hears of the Army Wife,
Her trials, sacrifices, and devoted life.
She is strong, she is brave, and she is loving indeed,
Standing by her man in his time of need.

But what of others in a similar situation,
Who have made being an Army girlfriend their main occupation?
They suffer many of the same trials and many of the same fears
Without the security of future years.

Will there be peace or will there be war?
You try to be hopeful but it's hard to ignore.
The world seems to be falling apart
When to a soldier you have given your heart.

Your love runs too deep to escape from it now.
You hope to be together somewhere, somehow,
When his duty is over and your life can begin.
You wonder if it will happen but don't question when.

The many heartbreaks and times you did weep
When he made promises the Army couldn't keep.
But you have learned so much together and come so far.
Others warned you not to fall in love but you already are.

His job is ever-changing and takes him far away.
You think of him always and pray every day--
For his safety, his courage, and his love for you
That he may remain steadfast, loyal, and ever true.

Nothing is sure and nothing is set in stone...
Except that he will leave again and you will be alone,
Holding tightly to your dreams of a future together
When you will at last be able to say the word "forever."

Tears have become anything but a stranger.
They fall freely in sadness, loneliness, and anger.
But he will never know because you will never tell.
You've learned to hide your misery only too well.

A few years? That doesn't sound like so long.
The letters and phone calls keep your love going strong,
Even when they are few and far between,
In them, his love for you can clearly be seen.

So keep your chin up and a smile on your face.
He is protecting your freedom and keeping you safe.
His heart is strong and his love is true
And don't ever forget that he is missing you too.

Homecoming

It's amazing what the smallest bit of news, no matter if it isn't set in stone yet, can change your entire attitude.

Parker was able to tell me his homecoming date, the best news any girl can ever get! Of course, things can change quickly but knowing that we really don't have that much longer left makes me so happy!

Looks like it's time to start figuring out what I'm going to wear when I go pick him up :)