So it begins

..the year of deployment. 364ish more days. OK, I definitely can't think of it like that or it will drive me crazy. Smaller increments are better than thinking about the entire year. Yesterday was definitely a day of roller coaster emotions. A group of us had breakfast with Drew before I dropped him off at the armory.

I did well most of the day. It was the quite moments alone and when I said goodbye that was the hardest. Exhaustion was probably part of it. We've been on the go for so long and trying to wrap up a bunch of lose ends before the big day.

Kisses for daddy

I really think Lexi picked up on something happening. Not that she is bad by any means, but she has been exceptionally great over the last week. Today, she seems a little down, and has kept her eye on the front door and window. And yes, she dragged that blanket out there all on her own.A big THANK YOU to everyone who called, sent a text, email, facebook message, etc. I really appreciate knowing that there are people out there thinking of Drew, Lexi and me - and of course, willing to listen or talk.

A fun Bengals post to come..

What a Week

And it has been a busy one at that.

It started last week with Drew's aunt, uncle and two cousins coming in for his going away party. All of us met at the armory to go out for lunch and then Drew gave Thomas an indepth tour of the armory. Armed with lots of questions for Drew, Thomas got a peek inside some of the armored vehicles.
Then it was time to gather with friends and family. Drew's other aunt and uncle graciously offered up their home and hosted a wonderful party. His sister and family friend made these wonderful party favors for everyone to take home. A candle to help "light his way home" and a prayer card to hang on their refrigerator. Wonderful, simple gifts to remind everyone to keep Drew and his soldiers in their thoughts and prayers. A family friend -and priest (the same man who will marry us) - came and gave both Drew and another soldier a special blessing.Of course, there was more laughter than sadness that night. And with any family party - lots of jello! It really was nice to see so many people come out and see Drew off.My cupcakes in honor of Drew and the BengalsThe next day my parents held a cookout with my mom's family to celebrate our engagement. More food and family - can't complain. It had also been awhile since I'd seen some of them and the first time they'd met Drew.

gluten-free cakemmm I love Betty Crocker's wheat free cookie mix - thank you Kelli!

Then Wednesday there was a special ceremony for the soldiers. It was held to recognize their call to duty. It was very emotional - but a very humbling experience too.
That's him right there in the middle (between the two shoulders) entering the ceremonyI've never been as proud of Drew as I was at that moment, seeing him and hearing how much he's accomplished and will accomplish in the months to come. Afterwards, my mom, Drew's sisters and cousin all went out to lunch. So, the countdown is near the end. Drew leaves for Oklahoma Monday and it seems like there is still tons to do. I've started moving my stuff into his house, but I know I'll go continuing moving things for at least a month. The good news.. I'll be able to see his face every night....And that night, the soldiers were given tickets to the Reds game to spend time both together and with their families. I was a bit slap happy having been up more than 24 hrs without a nap!The Reds won - which I am taking as a good sign.

God Bless America

It's hard to believe it's been 9 years since the terror attacks. At work, we got a press about one of the high schools around her planning some different types of discussions with their students for Friday. Then it mentioned how this year's freshmen were in kindergarten the year our country was attacked. That really made me stop and think - has it really been that long? No way! It's easy to say it's been 9 years, but when I think about that day, it seems like only a couple of years ago, when in reality I was a sophomore in high school. Reading the press release really put the time span into perspective. One thing for sure... a couple of years, or 9 years, the images from that day are clear in my mind. I just hope the rest of the country never forgets...

I hope it can help serve as a reminder, for me, as Drew leaves. It's hard to believe his deployment is so close. For so long it seemed like something far into the future; something I could ignore for some time. Now, it's only 9 days away. Tonight, his family is holding a party for him. And tomorrow my mom's family is getting together for a grill-out to celebrate our engagement. I will do my best to post some pictures sooner rather than later - but I have a feeling it's going to be a busy next nine days.

Country Lovin'

A week and a half ago Drew took me to my first country concert (Toby Keith) and boy was it an experience. Now, I have been to a handful of concerts, but I think this one takes the cake in terms of bringing out a WIDE spectrum of people.

Yes, it was required that you dress up. So, with a denim jumper, boots, a cowboy hat and pig-tail braids I was ready to go. But, from the looks of it, I think I fit in pretty well :)Now, I have to admit, I don't know a lot of Toby Keith songs so I couldn't sing along too much, but I still had a good time. The weather was great and it was nice to get out of the house and enjoy a fun evening with friends. Unfortunately, it had to come to a rather sad end, as I had to go to work that night/morning!

At last...

Some of my favorites over the last couple of weeks. Lexi sure is getting big... but still a puppy (7 months) at heart.

After moving the oven to sweep, Lexi would not go back into the kitchen. It must have made some noise that spooked her. She refused to leave the other side of the house and as soon as Drew was in there, she was on his lap, so afraid of the "boogie monster oven".These are the most recent. Just last week miss Lexi decided she wanted to be more like her parents.. Drew told her to sit, and, well, she did, just not on the floor... I promise to get some more things on here soon. It's been a bit crazy here, getting back to my overnight work schedule, prepping for my new 4:25 am show (yes, that says A.M), and getting some wedding decisions made - all before Drew leaves in about 2 weeks. Needless to say, I haven't made blogging a top priority, but I will try to keep it on my list as the events I just listed are a big part of what's going on in my life.

Keep checking back!!