So many things, so little time

So this will be one huge post. There has been and still is so many things going on. Lindsay has now been gone a little over a month (seems like years!) and we have three weeks left until he comes home from his deployment. I cannot wait! Some people tell me that I am a strong woman for being able to deal with him being gone often with short trips and then of course his deployments (he goes for two months more often than other services like the army), but I really admire the families who handle the year plus long deployments. I know Lindsay has gone many more times, but I think it is easier to have him home in between. Hopefully in the next few years this war will settle, but until my man is a soldier and I back him firmly.

It's been funny how when we got together I automatically felt more patriotic and had more voice about issues surrounding the troops. I am not one to voice my political opinion but I will surely stand up for any soldier or any member of their family when it comes to protecting on the homefront or over in the middle east. These men and women are amazing and have gone through tremendous things. And often times the families left behind are not given the proper recognition for everything they do for the soldiers. They are the backbone keeping these military members going.

All right I will get off my high horse but I did need to give my little shout out. It is very similar to the whole infertility or adoption scenario. You come across someone who has been touched by adoption and there is a natural and immediate bond. It's the same thing in the military, now matter where you go if I am talking to a spouse who is new to our squadron or someone who has been here years like we have......we can ALWAYS relate!

The adoption process is going. I met with our new social worker this last week so that I could actually put a name to a face (I am very visual) and he told me the time it takes for placement around here is two plus years. YIKES! I was not wanting to hear that. Hopefully our journey however long will go smoothly and pleasantly. And hopefully our prayers will be answered sooner than later, can you tell I am impatient? I am half kidding, We really looking forward to having our family grow, but we have joy in this journey. We have created a bond together that some couples may never have the opportunity to get, we have learned quickly the best way for us to communicate. We have learned to appreciate each other and learn how to help each other when we are hurting. Lindsay is my best friend, he is my confidant, he is my everything. I know that totally sounds cheesy but it's true....he totally makes my world go round.

When I see him with children....happiness just wells up inside my heart. He is amazing, he knows how to make them giggle and play. With older children he is just as stellar, with people in general he makes it really easy to feel comfortable and relaxed around. You can talk to him without feeling like he is judging you and always seems interested in what is being said, the young men in our church adore him. Although I dont think they would use that word. He has been the male role models that have been missing from their lives. I am so proud of him.

My thanksgiving was rockin' awesome! I got to hang out with my family and both of my brothers were home which was great. Ryan came in from Hawaii for the week after being in Iraq for 7 months with the Marines. Nathan and his wife Wendy and the beautiful baby girl also came from Pullman. Ahnna like I have said before looks just like me when I was a baby so she holds a special place in my heart. I am sure that she would anyways, but i just like to make that known. I am thankful for both of my brothers and the emples they have set for me. Each in different ways. Ryan knows how to live life to fullest and smell the roses every step of the way. Nathan knows how to make a plan and stick to it. He is very smart and knows how to organize things to make them last as long as possible ( you might call him a penny pincher, but hey it works!)

Over the holiday we all had fun talking, watching movies, and my new favorite.....Guitar Hero! I love that game, we had two guitars going on Thanksgiving day and man oh man, I am not great but I had a blast regardless.

And last but not least I am thankful for my dogs. Boomer we have had since he was a pup and he is our baby. We just got Lola and she is a spunky little miss. I love her but man she is fiery sometimes. At times she makes me chuckle even when she is doing something she is not supposed to because she is so darn cute. I picked her up just a few days after Linds had left for the middle east so he has only seen pics via email. I cant wait for them to meet in person.

So I have put some pictures on this post to show you what I have been doing the past few weeks and then some that Lindsay sent me of what He has been doing while gone. I hope you all enjoy. And I promise that I will try to be better about posting more often. And thanks everyone for the support while Lindsay has been gone it has been much appreciated!