2009...

So as 2009 comes to a close I thought it might be good to have a post as a kind of year in review. This past year was an experience and I learned alot. I usually make a scrapbook year in review but I figure a post with a few highlights might be good too.

So in review....2009

January.

That was rough month. That was the month that Jack left for deployment. Here is our last picture for a long time.

January continued to be hard, but I was blessed when Jack surprised me and came to visit during a 96. It was amazing to get a little more time with him.

February.

February was block leave for deployment. I loved being able to be with Jack but it was hard to again say goodbye again. This time I knew that the goodbye would be for a while. It was hard and I won't say that I didn't cry, cause I did alot. But I made it through. And the house went on the market that month too.

March.

My first full month without him. It was hard but I survived. Also packed up the house and moved in with Jack's parents.

April.

I survived. I can't really say much else about that month because it wasn't to eventful.

May.

We celebrated 2 years married, even though we were on two different sides of the world. It was also a time to meet new friends for me and for Jack to start school.

June.

Jack continued with school and I worked. Things were going well for Jack in deployment. I had the oppurtunity to see the traveling Vietnam War Memorial. It was incredibly touching.

July.

Helped Jaden celebrate his first fourth of July and started looking for an apartment. We did find one and got the paperwork all done. Jack's friend also came to visit which distracted me from the deployment. We were asked to be godparents to his new baby and were delighted to say yes.

August.

Went back to work full time and moved into the new apartment on my own. It was the first time I had really lived by myself. It was interesting, but I did it.

September.

Homecoming!!!!!! The best part of the year. I met Jack in NC and then got to pick him up in FL. It still amazes me how much I had butterflies in my stomach when I saw the bus that was bringing my heart back. It was such an accomplishment.

October.

I turned 27. Old I know. haha. And we settled back into things. We were making up for the year we had spent apart.

November.

Thanksgiving and the Marine Corps Ball. Our goddaughter was born and is gorgeous.

December.

Where we are now. Getting ready to celebrate Christmas. We also made a huge decision this month. We made the decision to go active reserve and a package was submitted. Craziness I know. So we should know by March or so where we are moving. Hopefully I will remember to blog more in the new year.

I learned a lot about myself and other people this year. I learned that I can do things that I thought I couldn't. I learned our relationship is stronger than any deployment. I learned that good friends come from all places. I also learned those you thought were your good friends may not be there when you really need them. I learned that some people will be there for you no matter what. And I learned that seeing him after 7 months is an amazing feeling and makes you fall in love all over again.

2009 was a challenging year for us, but one that brought successes for us.

We are looking forward to 2010 and all the things that will come with it.

Hope all is well with everyone. And I promise to blog more.

JMS- ilu

XoXo
Amanda