Dreaming of brown paper bags.......

I hope every had a great weekend! And remembered to say thanks to our current and past Veterans. I don't even think I could begin to say just how grateful I am to our vets. I suppose being a military wife, it allows me to have a bigger glimpse as to what they have gone through or will go through.

On Veterans Day, I was stuffing brown paper bags. The bags were being stuffed full of goodies to send to my husband brigade. 701 bags! Most of them were decorated by local schools. I couldn't help but admire some of the artwork the children drew. Some were very touching, they were all good though. A few of them even made me tear up.

The bags just sort of reminded me that the holidays are fast approaching. It scares me, for lack of a better word. This will be the first Thanksgiving and Christmas that Rob hasn't been home for. After almost 6 years of marriage, and this year my best friend won't be here. There are parts of me that just want to "cancel" Christmas. But in reality, I can't do that to the boys'.

I have some great friends that will help me get through this hard time, most of which are going through this deployment with me. My family wants me to go "home" for Christmas, but honestly, I just can't do that. I'm already home. Not to mention that since we have been married, we don't travel on Christmas.

When Rob was growing up he was drug from one house to the next on Christmas, thus never allowing him to really enjoy being with his family or enjoy the presents he was given. I, on the other hand, was raised totally different. My parents never would take my sister or I out on Christmas. When we lived close to family we would go to their houses on Christmas Eve and exchange presents.

Shortly after we were married, we made the decision to not drag the boys around, but allow them to stay home, and just play until they passed out. I just hope my family understands that even though Rob isn't here, I can't and won't change the rules. Not to mention the fact that I've been in Washington for almost 3 years, and the only person who has visited was my sister, but thats a whole other topic.

Here's a picture of Rob, just wanted to share with everyone, he was writing me a letter. Have a great day!