6.27.11 Collecting

I haven't blogged much in the last couple weeks mainly because I feel like if I write about IT, it makes IT more real. You all know what IT is... the days are rapidly counting down before Brandon and Alicia leave for their deployment. I was ok last week but now I'm feeling it much more - they leave to go back to post on Saturday and then to Kuwait and on to Iraq the next week.

So I'm collecting memories! Lots of Starbucks visits, being in church together, family get-togethers, running around, hugs, and talks. Yesterday we had a few friends and family over for a "Welcome home... 'Happy deployment?' " picnic. The love and support of family and friends means so much to me and to them... more appreciated than ever!

(How do you like the "broken" flag on the cake? I know it's probably meant to look like it's waving, but I think it looks broken. Very lame decorating job, Tops! They've already offered me my money back for it being so poorly done and not what I'd asked for.)

Brandon chose all his favorite traditional picnic foods.

Loved the chance for family and friends to meet Alicia and get to know her a little bit.

I had Brandon draw a chart of the structure of the military divisions... battalion, brigade, unit, etc... so confusing to figure how where he fits in and what he'll be doing in Iraq. The next picture shows the spectator gallery for the horseshoe match. :)

Lots of photos with family and friends...

We're awfully proud of them... thank you for your encouragement and prayers for us all this week!

Comments

[Larell Strickland]

Bless your heart Debby. I know what you are going through from, at least, a wife's point of view. My hubby was in the U.S. Navy for 20 years and we were married 11 of it. Ask them to put you on the Commanding Officers email list or newsletter list. At least we have those in the Navy...helps keep the commands/units in contact with the families at home. So glad nowadays you at least have email and facebook to communicate through. When "we" were in, it would be 3-4 months before I would even receive a letter. LOL....I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts and will pray for their safety also!!!!!

[Tiesha]

Debby you have a beautiful family. You all will continue to be in my prayers! I already can't wait to see the "Welcome Home" party pictures you'll post this time next year! Brandon and Alicia are already heroes for volunteering to serve this great nation of ours! Hugs!

[deb mitchell]

thinking of you guys and thanking Brandon and Alicia for their service!

[Deb J]

I have put you all on the prayer chain at church. I know that this is a hard time. We are by Luke AFB so we have people from church coming and going all the time.

[cathy L]

Let there be peace on Earth.

[Leslie]

So glad you got this time with your son and daughter in law. You are all in my prayers.

[Cindy McCool]

Deb, such nice pictures. My friend just got back from Iraq, her 3rd tour. I'm helping her scrap her thousands of pictures. Finding Desert colors of camo paper is hard! I'm sure you have Skype and will use it often. We did and it helped! Love you, Cindy

[Jennifer Rogers]

Hello, Debby, from Johannesburg-- Every time I see something Military on the dreaded TV, I think of you & your family. Wishing you all strength & safety and looking forward to your class in September(We knew you would be back!)

[JanSC]

Enjoy this special visit with your soldiers. My thanks to them for serving their country and my thanks to their families for raising outstanding citizens. God bless them both.

[Roberta Meyers-Edmisten]

Hi Debby, I am totally new to your blog, and I found this wonderful post about your children and family! I am one who greatly appreciates our men and women in the military! I am stopping right now to pray for their safety and health in all areas!

Roberta @ The Papercrafting League
http://thepapercraftingleague.blogspot.com

[Clint Rowley]

Awesome cake, way to show your support. It looks like quite the party!