Oh, the Joys of this Life!

Having a puppy has been so much more aware of the challenges of being a parent.  Now, of course, it is a given that children will be even more work and pressure to raise than a puppy, but I have to say this pup is teaching me so much about myself, my consistency, and being responsible for someone other than myself that I love almost more than life!  We've had to transition into "crating" during the day, after a few disasters, like putting holes in walls and ripping up carpet.  Although I really dreaded the whole idea of crating, I've found that she's very happy (and safe).  We are spending less time cleaning up messes, and more time getting to play at my parents' backyard or taking long walks together.

Nutmeg has been going on quite a few adventures, including venturing more in my parents' huge backyard.  She's learned so many new "tricks" and vocabulary!  I cannot believe our little pip-squeak is now more like a dog, rather than such a puppy.  She is doing great with her commands, and even knows what her "ball" and "cow" are.  She loves riding in the backseat of the car, and feeling the wind in her "hair".  I'm so thankful for her during NJ's deployment -- she's been one of the best investment I've ever made (other than marrying my handsome hunk).

 exploring the backyard

  picking up anything like a stick

  her favorite spot in the house

As for the deployment, we are both doing really great!  He is focusing on his grad classes while working 12 hour shifts everyday!  He is such a trooper to have not had a day off at all while he's been there!  He's not loving anything much over there, other than the contacts and experience.  The food isn't great at all, so he's so thankful for all the care packages our families have so graciously sent!  I'm working on his birthday package right now, and am so excited about his surprise inside (and so thankful to everyone who helped).  He's such an awesome husband, and sends me reminders of his love (like unexpected flowers at work).  We talk electronically at least twice a day, and are able to Skype or FaceTime on the weekends.  I am so thankful for technology!  It's been really interesting to tackle parenting our pup by myself -- she definitely misses her daddy, but has adapted SO well!  There are some days when I feel like it's just more on my plate to take her out for her walk, but I come to the conclusion by the end of the walk that it's therapy for me as well.  Just being out in nature helps relax me when I'm stressed, and seeing her so happy makes me smile (and laugh a lot).

I'm looking forward to saying "adios" to my sweet third graders in 4 days and enjoying over 7 days of "spring break"!  I've got some projects up my sleeve for the week, not to mention will be spending time with my sister, family, and best friend -- but also celebrating my mama's birthday!  These are only a couple ideas that are floating through my head for that week (not to mention a sweet massage):

sewing adventures

DIY jewelry holder

I'm definitely missing my girlfriends, and do find that sometimes its challenging to be at this spot in my life, just because all my girlfriends are married or have families!  It's hard to find your spot in the world around you when it feels like everyone else's life is progressing and yours is at a standstill.  Sometimes even when I'm in a room (or grocery store) full of people, I find myself feeling like everyone is moving so quickly through life, and I'm just focused on my thoughts.  Although I'm pretty strong and independent, I find that when I'm with my husband I'm even more strong and confident.  When he is with me, I'm on fire, blossoming, and budding with everything within me -- without him, I'm happy and content, but sometimes not as "on fire" or "full of bloom".  I suppose that's true love -- and that makes me all the more excited for him to be home and back in my arms.  I can't describe a deployment and how it makes you feel when you're that separated (not by choice) from the one you love.  It's hard to explain how you feel too to people who have never been there, because it's more than just not having someone there when you come home -- there's the time when you cannot communicate with them, or when you can't just call them up when you're frustrated.  There are times I've had to learn that I cannot always share my stress with him when he's already stressed with grad classes and work -- it's a true balance of selflessness, compromise, and understanding where each of you are.  It's about leaning on each other's strengths and knowing (always knowing, and never forgetting) the amazing things you love and appreciate about that person.  I know that this deployment has not only strengthened both of us individually, but it has made our relationship blossom with even better trust, communication, and understanding.  I'm so thankful I was lucky enough to marry such an amazing man, and I cannot wait for our happily ever after to continue!