The night before Christmas....

Flowers...

I had another one of those melt downs at the end of a very bad day. And this is what Chris sent me to cheer me up...

For my husband...

C H R I S

I want to make you smile as you make me.
I wish you saw my thoughts right through my eyes.
You ask me what I'm thinking. I can't tell you.
You are the stars, and I the empty skies.
In me there is a yearning ever flowing
That needs to reach an end that never comes.
I cannot be myself without you with me.
This is a truth no wisdom ever plumbs.
You laugh, and say that I'm your personal angel,
And this is what I want so much to be.
The beauty of my life is like a passion
That blows right through the person that you see.

Far Away...

This time, This place Misused, Mistakes

Too long too late

Who was I to make you wait

Just one chance

Just one breath

Just in case there's just one left'

Cause you know, you know, you know

I love you

I've loved you all along I miss you

Been far away for far too long

I keep dreaming you'll be with me

And you'll never go

Stop breathing if

I don't see you anymore

On my knees, I'll ask

Last chance for one last dance'

Cause with you, I'd withstand

All of Hell to hold your hand

I'd give it all

I'd give for us

Give anything, but I won't give up'

I forgive you

For being away for far too long

So keep breathing

'Cause I'm not leaving you

Believe it Hold on to me,

and never let me go.

~Nickelback, Far Away

My mountain man...

So, isn't he the cutest Mountain Man ever....

Chris made me cry today...

Yesterday was my birthday. I had a good day for the most part. So many people called to wish me a "Happy Birthday." I was worried that my day wouldn't be that much of a special day, with Chris being gone. I was wrong. I had a lot of family and friends who remembered. Thank you so much!

Well, despite every one's good intentions, yesterday was a very difficult day. My baby girl wasn't feeling well. She pretty much cried the whole day. I finished the last few hours of my special day in insta care, crying, and holding her as close as I could to me. The poor doctor didn't know who he was supposed to see. Me or my baby. Normally, I wouldn't have had a meltdown for something that turned out to be so minor, but I have been battling with sleep apnea and sleep insomnia for so long. So I had one of Emily's classic melt downs. And of course, Chris got to hear about it on the phone.

As a result of last nights meltdown, I received the most beautiful flowers, from Pro Flowers.com. Wow! I could actually hear Sean Hanity saying that as I typed it. Sleep! I need sleep! Or a Dr.Pepper!

Back to the flowers...the arrangement was completed with the most beautiful message from the one person that I love most. Chris made me cry! I love him so much! He knows just what to do to make me feel better. He is always trying to make sure that I am taken care of. Even if he is a world a way from me. Chris, you are the most amazing person I know. And I feel honored to call you my BEST FRIEND!

Today I have been getting in touch with Tricare to see what I can do to resume my treatment. We stopped last year because I found out that I was pregnant. So wish me luck. And if anyone knows any GOOD but PATIENT sleep doctor and a Lung, Nose, and Throat Specialist, please let me know!

My heart stopped today...

Today it rained. It rained very hard. Chris and I always did our grocery shopping together. We both love to shop. So to save us from financial ruin, we settle on getting our weekly thrill off of grocery shopping. Well, like I said it rained today. As I was walking out of the grocery store, I missed Chris so much. I missed him as I covered my daughter with the blanket and braced my self for the down poor. I thought of how he would always leave me in the warmth and protection of the store, to go get the car for me. I started walking on to the parking lot when a lil' white Caviler (the car that Chris use to drive) came around the corner and parked by the grocery store's front doors. My heart stopped! For that small moment in time, I actually thought it was Chris. I realized how far away Chris actually was and that the man in that white Caviler was not Chris. I envied the women getting in the car. I cried a tear and walked into the rain. Oh, the little things I miss...the little things I took for granted.

Dear Chris...

i just wanted to remind you

that i love you alot and

thank GOD everyday for

blessing me with a friend

that is just simply amazing.

So when you think there

is no one who understands or

cares remember that

i love you and try to

S*m*i*l*e!

~Anonymous

(But I wish I wrote it!)

Pictures from Chris...

When I went to Seattle to see Chris he gave me some new pictures. I know he was going to put them up on the blog. However, right now, time will not allow him. So I am going to go ahead and post them for him. Before they get too old.

I love this picture of Chris and the Seattle temple. I love it because it has the flag right next to the temple. It kind of brings home the phrase "for God and Country..."now we just need to get our family in there some where.

One of the days that Chris was in Seattle he got word that they had some vans going to the Seattle Temple. The guys didn't have much time to put themselves together appropriately to go. It was either come now or not at tall. I was on the phone with Chris when this happened. He pretty much said, "Gotta run now..." Which is odd for Chris. He loves to talk to me on the phone and is always the last to say goodbye. Even if they did have time to get them selves appropriately dressed, these guys have nothing to wear but there ACU's. Normally, you go to the temple in best dress, pretty much suit and tie. So imagine the uneasiness these soldiers must have felt, but they went any way. It would be the last time for a long time. Chris called and told me that he had an amazing experience.

Later that week, I was at Chris' mom's house. She told me that she new someone who worked in the Seattle Temple. She went on to say how there was a group of Soldiers that went through and what an amazing feeling the Soldiers left behind. I laughed at the coincidence and told my Mother In law that Chris was part on that group. I am so grateful that Chris had the opportunity to go one last time before he left this country. I think he really needed to feel his Saviors love. Kind of a spiritual power bar to get him through the deployment.

The other two pictures are of Yukama, Washington. This is where Chris spent several days training. I hear it is not the prettiest part of Washington. I am told that it is very barren, like some places in Southern Utah. I guess you should strike off Yukama from any tourist spots you want to visit. The other picture is of a semi trailer. I am told that is where they had to shower. I guess it is nasty inside!!!

I got a phone call from Chris this morning. He is now in Afghanistan. They are about 10 1/2 hours ahead of us. So when ever you are ready to go to bed, just think, its tomorrow for Christopher! He will be at the main base for a couple more days. Chris' Battalion will be dividing into little teams and they will be distributed through out Afghanistan. We will not know exactly where he is at and what he will be doing...for the sake of security. We hear rumors that they will have internet connection. So hopefully he can continue to give updates on our blog. He dose have a AKO mailing address. So those of you that want to send him letters and packages, let me know and I will get the information to you.

Brothers....

This picture was taken at McCord air force base in Washington. This was taken right before they started there long journey east, towards Afghanistan. This is Chris' team. These are the bright young men (and one woman) that he will spend the next year with. These are the guys he will live with, laugh with, cry with, and fight side by side with. These are his brothers and these are his battle buddies. I feel so fortunate that he gets to serve with these people. They have already established life long relationships and I know with out a doubt that they will protect each others back. Did I mention this was the team that got TOP GUN (best of the best) and a perfect score on the Hum-V training? At least if they are going to be out and about on convoys, that thought is a comfort. I am grateful for his team leader. He is a wonderful man with so much experience under his belt. I feel that he would do anything for his team. And I completely trust Chris life, in his hands. Good luck guys! You are always in our thoughts and prayers.

The distance between us...

Chris is slowly making his way to Afghanistan. Today I could feel every mile between us in my heart. What I have with Chris is worth it. It is worth every lonely night, every tear I cry from missing him, and the pain I have from not having him close. It is worth it because he is my one and only. When I picture myself years from now, I see only him. No matter how painful the distance is, not having him in my life would be so much worse.

Expert markmanship...

Chris doesn't like to brag about himself. He doesn't even wear all of his medals on his Class A's. He only wears enough to get by. Well, since he is the most amazing person I know, I will brag for him. He just received another expert marksmanship medal. This time it is for the machine gun. Last time it was for the M16. CONGRATS CHRIS!!!!