- Children with Anxiety -

     I am currently studying Early Childhood Education and one of my assignments this week was to write an informative article on a current event. I have the lovely honor of experiencing the ups and downs of Anxiety, it's something I deal with on a daily bases and makes normal situations like grocery shopping and traveling stressful. I basically become difficult and a pain in the ass at times, but I'm lucky to have a Husband with amazing patience.

     I was a little shocked with the statistics I found when it comes to Children with Anxiety. Thought I would share the article I wrote for my class with all of you. Anxiety is more common with Americans than you probably think! Unless you have Anxiety yourself you will never fully understand how much it can hinder someones life. I also found that children can develop deployment related Anxiety. Knowledge is bliss people! So, here you go....

Children with Anxiety

     In the United States alone there are forty million people who suffer from some type of Anxiety disorder – that’s nearly 18 percent of the population. To help put this in perspective, if you were to pass a hundred people on the street, about fifteen of them will have suffer from some type of Anxiety disorder.  You most likely brush shoulders with Anxiety sufferer’s everyday without even realizing it; Anxiety is often a disorder that people suffer with alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, twenty five percent of Anxiety sufferers are children – that’s one in eight children who are affected. 

     Every child goes through phases of Anxiety because it is a normal part of childhood. Phases are temporary and usually harmless but children who suffer from an Anxiety disorder will experience fear, shyness, and nervousness and will start to avoid people, places and activities. This disorder often co-occurs with depression, stress, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sleeping disorders, and eating disorders. Research has shown that children with Anxiety, who go untreated, are more likely to engage in substance abuse, perform poorly in school and are afraid to participate in social experiences.

     Anxiety is caused by thinking distortions that tend to cause unnecessary worry, fear and panic in children. Though treatment for disorders is individualized, standard approaches like, therapy and medication, have been proven to be effective. Helping your child recognizing some of the thinking distortions can help them eliminate some Anxiety. Here are a few of the most common thinking distortions children have:

• Jumping to Conclusions: This is when a child makes an assumption based on little or no evidence. For example, if a child is afraid of dogs and he/she sees one tied up outside of a store or house, they may assume it will bite them even though there is no sign of the dog being vicious. 

•  Highlighting the Negative: This is when a child only sees the negative in his or her situation and ignores the positive things completely. For example, a child may only focus on the shots they missed, while playing baseball, even though their team won the game.

• Extreme Thinking: This is when a child uses the words “never,” “always” and “forever”. The child thinks their situation is permanent, that the outcome of the situation will be bad, scary or stressful. This can increase a child’s Anxiety.

     There are many ways a parent or caregiver can help manage a child’s Anxiety. You should pay attention to the child’s feelings and remain calm when the child becomes anxious in situations. Praise and recognize all the child’s small accomplishments and do not punish their lack of progress! Try to be flexible and keep a normal routine but make sure to allow extra time when needed for more difficult situations. According to Lynn Siqueland, PhD - who has specialized in treating children with Anxiety disorders for 15 years - it is okay to let your child experience some Anxiety. Your child needs to know that Anxiety is not dangerous but something they can cope with.

Work Cited

1. Nicoletti, Chris. "Anxiety in Children Causes 5 Common Thinking Distortions." Positive Psychology. Mental Health News Organization, 30 Aug. 2012. Web. 05 Sept. 2012. <http://mentalhealthnews.org/anxiety-in-children-causes-5-common-thinking-distortions/842395/>.
2. "Facts & Statistics | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA." Facts & Statistics | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Sept. 2012. <http://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics>.
3. "Parenting Tips for Anxious Kids." Parenting Tips for Anxious Kids. The Children's Center for OCD and Anxiety, 2008. Web. 05 Sept. 2012. <http://www.worrywisekids.org/parents/parenting_child.html>

 

- Wish Someone Would've Told Me Earlier! -

    Like every other young girl, I grew up dreaming of my Prince Charming. That he would someday show up, riding on his beautiful white horse and take me away to an enormous Castle to live "Happily Ever After". I guess I could thank Disney for that unrealistic expectation. Lucky for me though, I definitely got my Prince Charming! Except, he came dressed in Digi Camo and floats around on a Naval Destroyer. I never would of imagined that I would be apart of the "roller coaster" life of a Military Spouse. 

     You constantly hear the Military Spouse stories, read their blogs and may even be friends with one, but you will never truly know how hectic, unpredictable, lonely and stressful it is until you have the honor of becoming one. Despite the constant heartache and indecisiveness that comes with the Military Lifestyle, its been the most rewarding journey filled with unconditional love, the gain of life long friends and the self discovery of how strong you truly are. I just wish it would have came with a hand book titled, "What to expect when you marry the Military" or maybe even "Now that you have vowed to leave your home, family, friends and promise to take care of EVERYTHING during deployment and move across the country at a moment's notice.... Here's what you can expect". But in all reality, no one can ever prepare you for what's about to come. All we can do is warn you. So, with that said, here are a few things I wish someone would've told me earlier about marrying a Sailor and the horrific wonderful experience of Deployment.

     Before I continue, let me just say that the Military life is not for the faint of heart. It involves incredible patience, the acceptance of change, being able to adapt anywhere, tremendous strength and one hell of a funny bone! In order to deal with it all, I usually turn to humor. So, before I receive lots of hate mail, let me just warn you that I can be pretty witty and sarcastic! Honestly, my Family, Friends and fellow Military Spouses play a huge role in me being able to keep my sanity. But, its just so hard not to poke fun at them sometimes!

 

Now, lets begin....

•      Fight the urge on wanting to punch people in the face. Be prepared for family, friends and even strangers to repeatedly ask the same questions...on a daily basis. Or the awkward moment's when people ask "where is your Husband?" when you are at social functions and then, of course, the pity look you get from them when you explain. Oh, and the famous "My Husband going away on a business trip is just like your Husband going away on deployment". Of course, my Husband floating around on a ship on the other side of the world for months at a time - putting himself in danger - is just like your Husband going away for a few days somewhere in our continent for a Conference Meeting. I totally see how you can relate to my pain.... Hah! Now, that's just silly. I mean, I know everyone has different tolerance levels but, come on! 

• People will say some pretty stupid things. It's weird, since marrying my Husband I have this weird ability now to make people put their foot in their mouths when they speak to me. It's extremely entertaining. My most recent and favorite conversation was with someone trying to convince me that what my Husband is currently doing is wrong by saying, "Don't you resent him for making you go through all this? I can't believe all those people would put their family through this". All this what? Please, don't insult me by pretending to know what I'm actually going through.... My response, "Well, I know this is a totally crazy way to think, but with out those people joining the Military, sacrificing their life, withstanding horrid weather conditions, working longer days than what any of us could possibly tolerate and retaining an overload of important information, our Country would be S.O.L. - I think the least we can do is suffer the heartache of them being gone, hold up the Flag at home and give them a reason to do deeds of bravery in order to insure our Freedom". Well, Mr. Stranger (who is standing next to my car and started this whole conversation because I have "Proud Navy Wife" displayed on my license plate frame) I'm sorry if my Patriotism for our Country and Service members offends you, but your lack of spine, common sense and respect offends me.

•       Always write on your calendar in Pencil. It isn't a matter of if it will change; it is when it will change. There's nothing like becoming a basket-case because you received a homecoming date just to watch it change, multiple times. Or to RSVP to a wedding with a +1 just to end up going alone. Actually, that experience wasn't too bad...I ended up with two plates of delicious food and two glasses of champagne to toast with. Awesome.

•      Your cell phone becomes your best friend. I recommend changing your data plan to an unlimited one. Your cell phone will sleep with you, shower with you and eat with you during the entire Deployment. I can't tell you how many times I almost broke a body part trying to fight my way through the shower curtain to answer my cell phone when my Husband calls. I've also increased my ninja skills and can successfully jump over the couch if necessary to get to my phone when an email is received. It's totally worth the risk of injury when the email is from him.

•      Google-ing just to understand him! Holy Jesus. I was completely lost with the terminology I was forced to learn. Definitely had to Google Military Lingo just to understand and relate to my Husband when he would come home from work and tell me about his day. The benefit, you'll be able to notice flaws in Military movies and TV shows like a bad ass. With that said - Rihanna, hunny, the CIWZ and 5" Gun are controlled by two separate consoles, not one. Learning his environment was important though, it helped me connect with him. Knowing what he does, how he does it and the way this whole Military thing works, helped me not take the demands of his job personally.

•      Becoming Emotionally Disorganized. Here's the painful truth: You wont be able to avoid unwelcome tears. I sometimes wake up in the morning not sure how I should feel. Sometimes I feel happy, sad, angry and content all in one day. Depression and the desire to withdraw from the world do occur. I constantly feel overwhelmed by responsibility and the need to be/do everything all by myself. You may experience this too, but cheer up cupcake! You have to put yourself out there in order to ease the Deployment Blues. Your family and friends may be miles away from you but the Military is apart of your family now. The military community has an amazing group of spouses that will always be there when you need help. They are the most supportive and loving people I have the honor of calling my true friends. Setting up monthly goals and going back to school have been beneficial in making this Deployment pass by. I encourage you to take part in organizations and events on Base. It gives you the opportunity to get out, be social and meet other Spouses. Spouses who will totally not judge you for drinking an entire bottle of wine to yourself while sulking during River City.

     Overall, this Deployment has done nothing but make my Marriage stronger. I've realized that every second I spend with my Husband, when he is finally home, needs to be cherished! I've learned to appreciate and love every flaw he has, even the extremely annoying ones. The appreciation and respect between me and my Husband has blossomed. We now know the roles we need to play in order to have a successful marriage and to comfort each other through this Deployment. I had no clue I would be able to fall more in love with him! While he's been gone, I have received such lovely and compassionate emails that absolutely make my heart flutter and reminds me why I would do anything for him. I admire him, his strength, Faith and what he is doing, right now, for our country and for our future. 

     Deployment is a blessing in disguise, seriously. There are many ups and downs, your patience, tolerance, love and strength will be tested. The distance sucks and the sleepless nights unfortunately don't go away. But, through learning independence and to spoon my pillow like a boss, I have been able to cope and relieve some of the anxiety and other effects of Deployment. All the heartache, stress, loneliness and distance will ALL be worth it when I see his face splitting grin on the day of his Homecoming. Besides, everything about Deployment is not too terrible - being able to wear yoga pants and t-shirts every day and not having to shave my legs often is an awesome perk.

In the end, I did get my "Happily Ever After".

- Worst Nightmare -

 

     Yup. This is pretty much my life until Spring next year.... *sigh*

“Be anxious about nothing but in everything, with prayer and petition make your requests known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7 

- Friendly Reminder -

 

Word of advice to all friends and family members that send care packages!

     Make sure when filling out the address on the box (and on your customs form) that you put the ENTIRE 9 digit zip code (example: 96661-1283). The zip code helps determine the name of the Ship its being sent to. For example, all US ships that start with the letter "B" have zip codes starting with 96661. So, if you only put the first five numbers it will eventually get there but will take twice as long since they have to figure out which Ship you are talking about. And of course, include the Department/Division, this help the Ships crew to pass the care package to your Sailor. Just a friendly reminder.

Hope this answers a few questions that I've been asked :)

     Also, if you need help filling out a "customs form" let me know, I'll be glad to help. I can a post on "how to" as well.

Stay strong!

- Mason Jar Baking!

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A very “trial and error” process. This might call for some extra patience :)

      After attempting to bake home made bread recipes I decided to try a boxed Betty Crocker version of, Banana Nut Bread. I badly wanted to send my Husband home made Banana Nut Bread but everything seemed to come out too moist to send him. Probably from using real Banana’s. So, unfortunately I had to use the fake boxed stuff. Still turned out delicious and was the perfect balance of moisture, just not very “personal” in my opinion. But, I’m sure he’ll love it!

     Again, this is a trial and error process. What I will share with you is just what so happened to have worked for me! I used Betty Crocker Banana Nut Bread mix from Target ($3) and used 2 pint size Mason Jars, also from Target (pack of 4 for $16). Make sure to get WIDE Mason Jars, they are much easier/less of a mess to fill.

• Sterilize Mason Jars first! I just bought brand new ones so I ran mine through the dishwasher. If you have old ones you would like to use, boiling them before making in them. Make sure that the lids and seals are new though so you can get a good seal.
• Spray Mason Jars with cooking pray first to avoid the bread from sticking to the jar. I then filled my jars 1/4 full with batter. This took me a few attempts to know how much batter to put in the jar, I had a couple batter eruptions ;) But of course, this may be different for you.
• I followed the baking instructions on the Betty Crocker box for temperature/time. I placed both jars on a cookie sheet and put in the oven at 425 degrees for 20min. Then, I let them cool for only ONE minute and immediately placed the lids on and sealed them.
• You will hear some popping sounds, that’s just the cans sealing (its a good sign). You will also see the cake come off of the jar while it cools down (another good sign).
• Wait until jars are completely cool, then decorate!

 

- Salt Dough Footprint -

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     Hey everyone! I came across this Salt Dough project last week and made it for my Sister-in-law, her Birthday was on Monday. I thought maybe some of you might like to do this as well! I think its perfect to send to a Sailor who’s deployed and has children back home they are missing. Just make sure to use bubble rap when shipping ;)

     Its BEYOND simple, hardest part was just getting a good print. My niece is 8 months old and wanted to be a wiggle worm that day, took about 10 attempts before I got the perfect print! Here’s how to do it:

        Salt dough recipe:

1. 1 cup salt
2. 1 cup plain flour
3. Half a cup of water

     Mix together into a large bowl and knead it until smooth and stretchy. This last part is important otherwise the dough remains sticky and quite granular from the salt. If it is still too sticky add a bit more flour, if too dry and crumbly then add a tiny touch more water. Once dough is at the right consistency, form into the shape you’d like and then make your print (hand or foot)! If it gets messed up, the great thing is that you can reform it and try again! You can get creative and use a toothpick to carve in a Name or date, like I did.

     Place in the oven for 3 hours at 200 degrees F. It needs to be placed on baking parchment or greaseproof paper so that they don’t stick. It needs to be on a very low heat for a length of time to thoroughly dry out and harden. If the oven is too hot it will rise and “cook”. The thinner the dough and the lower the temperature, the better this will turn out! If its still doughy in the center after 3 hours then turn it over and put it back in for another 2 hours.

     Let it cool over night and then have fun painting! I thought about letting my 8 month old Niece finger paint it herself…then I re-thought it and it didn’t seem like a good idea anymore, lol. But, definitely a good idea for toddlers to do their own painting! Adds that personal touch. I painted mine using pearlised acrylic paint from JoAnn’s ($3) and also bought a mini display stand ($2). Let it dry over night and then tadaaaa!!! A cute, personal, and inexpensive gift :)

- Loose lips sink Ships -

{Illustration by U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander McClelland Barclay, part of the Navy’s “Loose Lips Sink Ships” WWII campaign, to remind those with “war jobs” not to discuss the nature of their work. Courtesy Navy Art Collection, Naval Historical Center}

  

     Hey everyone! A unfortunate event happened earlier this week where a spouse (whose sailor is on my Husbands ship) publicly passed on confidential information via Facebook. Their sailor emailed them some information that was not approved to be passed on by the Captain. So, unfortunately…they are both at fault. It is SO important for us to keep any information that we are given, by our Sailors, “hush hush”. Careers can be ruined and lives jeopardized!

     I want to share with you some “words of wisdom” that my Ombudsmen emailed us, due to this event:

• “Chances are, if I have not put anything out yet, then the command has not authorized the sailors to share that news with the families yet.” - So VERY true, always keep information guarded in your heart until a confirmation has been given out by the Ombudsmen. The Ombudsmen is our “life line” when it comes to giving/receiving information and confirming it.

• “Posting anything about such information in a public forum (such as Facebook… it does not matter what kind of security you think you have, its a public website) is absolutely NOT permitted and it is a violation of OPSEC.” - Knowing OPSEC is extremely important. It keeps our Military Men & Women safe. I have provided it below. Pass along to Family and Friends. It’s important that we practice OPSEC.

OPSEC

1. Do not post exact deployment dates or redeployment dates
2. Do not reveal camp locations, including nearby cities. After the deployment is officially announced by Military officials, you may discuss locations that have been released, normally on the Country level.
3. Do not discuss convoy routes (“we traveled through Takrit on our way to X”)
4. Detailed information on the mission, capabilities or morale of a unit
5. Specific names or actual nicknames
6. Personnel transactions that occur in large numbers (Example: pay information, powers of attorney, wills, etc)
7. Details concerning security procedures, response times, tactics
8. Don’t discuss equipment or lack thereof, to include training equipment
9. Don’t speculate about future operations
10. If posting pictures, don’t post anything that could be misconstrued or used for propaganda purposes. A good rule of thumb is to look at your picture without your caption or explanation and consider if it could be re-captioned to reflect poorly on coalition forces. For example, your image might show your soldier rescuing a child from a blast site, but could be re-captioned to insinuate that the child being captured or harmed. (it’s happened!)
11. Avoid the use of count-up or count-down tickers for the same reason as rule #1
12. Be very careful if posting pictures of your loved one. Avoid images that show significant landmarks near their base of operations, and black out last names and unit affiliations
13. Do not, ever, post information about casualties (coalition or enemy) before the official release of the information.
14. Do not pass on rumors (“I heard they’re coming home early”, etc)

- Double check! -

 

     I remember the day Jordan’s ships Ombudsmen (who frickin’ rocks) passed out a Deployment Checklist to us during a pre-deployment meeting. I remember thinking, “I’m sure I don’t need help with this. Its simple, My Husband packs his Sea bag and I sit back at home and patiently wait for his homecoming”. So, I humored her by glancing over the list. I was shocked! And was left a bit overwhelmed and feeling like a total idiot for thinking I was actually prepared. I decided to share this list with all of you. Its unfortunate, but I know of a few ships who have an Ombudsmen that’s not very involved or informative. I’m beyond blessed to have the Ombudsmen that I do and happy to now be able to call her a friend. This list was intended for a Married Sailor, but the things listed I think a Single Sailor will also be able to relate to. PLEASE pass this on to anyone you may know that can benefit from it!

I know when you start to read over this list that some of it might seem a bit extreme and ridiculous…. But, Morphy’s Law applies to EVERY situation. Especially deployments!!!

Family Members:

• Are ID cards current? Will they expire during deployment?
• Do family members know what to do if their ID is lost or stolen?
• Does each family member carry some form of identification with YOUR full name, rate/rank, SSN, and complete mailing address?
• Is DEERS enrollment current?
• Have you recently updated your Page 2 and your will?
• Have you updated your SGLI?
• Does your spouse have a valid power-of-attorney? Do you need a “general” or “special” one (for car, household goods, bank, emergency, etc.)?
• Have you discussed child care and discipline concerns?
• Does your family have the name and phone number for your command’s Ombudsmen?
• Does your Ombudsmen have your family on the roaster for newsletters and information?
• Does you family have the phone numbers of your local Fleet & Family Support Center for information, referrals, and support?
• Does your family have the phone number for the base Chaplains Office?
• Have you discussed communicating during the deployment (how often you’ll email or write one another, and record and send audio/video clips)?
• If you have children, are you familiar with United Through Reading?
• Do you need a Family Care Plan? If you already have one, do you need to update it?
• Does your family know hot to care for any pets you have?

Medical and Dental Emergencies:

• Does your family know how to access military medical care (TRICARE)?
• Does your family know how to access dental care?
• Does your family know who to contact for emergencies?
• Does your family know how to get YOU home for an emergency situation?
• Do they have the number for the American Red Cross (877-272-7337)?
• Does your family have a support system to assist them in an emergency?

Home:

• Is the house or apartment in good repair? Are the furnace and air conditioner cleaned and in good working order?
• Does your spouse know where the fuse box is located and how to reset circuit breakers?
• Is there a spare key to leave with a relative, friend or neighbor?
• Check the following to ensure they are working properly:

___hot water heater  ___washer  ___refrigerator  ___dryer  ___stove  ___television

• Are phone numbers listed for:

___landlord  ___appliance repair  ___plumbing service  ___gas & electricity companies/emergencies  ___home owners insurance

• Are there adequate security measures (window and door locks)?

Automobile:

• Are you leaving a set of car keys with your spouse?
• Is the registration current? Is the base decal valid?
• Is the insurance current? Does your spouse have the name and phone number for the insurance agent?
• Did you check hoses, fluid levels, battery, tire pressure, etc? Does your spouse know how to?
• Does your spouse know how to change a tire? Or know the number to roadside assistance?

Finances:

• Is a household budget established?
• Do you and your spouse agree on how to pay the bills?
• Do you have two ATM cars or checkbooks for one account? (Be sure to discuss who uses what and when)
• Discuss what money will be spent during port visits.
• Are you signed up for Split Pay? Does your spouse have access to your bank account? If not, do you have an allotment set up?
• Have you budgeted for phone calls during the deployment?
• Does you spouse know how to contact the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society for emergencies?
• Did you sign a pre-deployment authorization form for assistance from the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in case on an emergency?

Personal Needs:

• Do you have all necessary uniforms items? Will you be making rank while deployed? If so, will you need new patches/ribbons/pins etc. for your uniform?
• Have you updated your address book lately?
• Do you have the dates for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions?
• If you plan on buying gifts, do you know sizes and preferences?
• Did you pack civilian clothes appropriate to locations and weather of liberty ports?
• Are you taking some reminders (pictures and souvenirs) of favorite people, laces and things?
• Do you have a passport?

Hope you all found this as helpful as I did. There were a few things on this list I never would of thought to take care of before my Husband left.

- Kicking this Deployments tush! -

     Wow! I’ve been so busy that I didn’t realize that one month ago today, my Husband left for his 8 month Deployment. I can’t believe it! It feels like it took forever to get to this point. But, now being at this point and looking back on his departure, I feel like he just left. Well, I’ll take that as a sign that I am totally kicking this Deployments tush! One month down, seven more to go!!!!

     Jordan, the longer you are gone the more I realize I depend on you for many things. For strength, confidence, love, support and comfort. You do more for me than you will ever know! I pray for you and your entire ships safety. Stay strong, baby. I know your work hours are long and that your days disappear…. Just know its all going to be worth it in the end!

Miss you. Love you.

 

- Alli! That's hello in Palau, I think.... -

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     Yup, my Husbands second port was, Palau. It's an Island Country in the Western Pacific. Palau is most famous for, Jellyfish Lake. It's a freshwater lake containing millions of stingless freshwater jellyfish that have lost the ability to sting due to having no natural predators. Each day, the jellyfish rise to the top of the lake to take in the sunlight. The jellyfish swim to the surface by the millions and you’re able to swim with them. Jordan was extremely excited to do this! So glad he got the opportunity to do so :)

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     Parrotfish are extremely common in Palau. So, its normal for the locals to eat this fish...WHOLE. Deep fried. I'm am in NO way a fan of ANY type of sea food! So, this was extremely gross to me. My husband wanted to try it, ate the whole thing - scales and all! Then decided to take a goofy picture pretending to go for the head. Thanks Babe, hated loved opening up that email!

- Aloha from Hawaii! -

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     First stop on my Husbands Deployment, Hawaii! They anchored there about 2 weeks ago (for security reasons I wont mention what ports he's in currently until they leave). They were only in port for 1 1/2 days though. Unfortunately, Jordan had duty. Poor baby! He did get about 3hrs where he was able to go out into port and get a Hamburger and a GoPro Camera. I told him his crappy iPhone pictures were not cutting it! He said it was a pretty odd scene while in Hawaii. It was RIMPAC week (it's the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise). So, he was watching a bunch of Japanese Ships pull in and dock into Pearl Harbor.... If watching Japanese Ships pull into Pearl Harbor, passing Submarines their country sunk 71 years ago isn't confusing/emotional...I don't know what is!

- Fresh Water Washdown -

       CMC Snyder (Command Master Chief) on Jordan's ship is really good about posting pictures of the current activities aboard the Benfold to the Benfold Facebook page. I realized this the last time Jordan was out to Sea so he now makes a effort to get his picture taken, lol. It's almost a comforting feeling to see current pictures of him and the whole crew. Best part, CMC Snyder likes to write silly captures to the pictures! These two pictures were taken on June 18th. They were in the middle of a Fresh Water Washdown. Notice how BEAUTIFUL and blue that ocean looks! They are on their way to their first port, Hawaii.

First picture, Jordan is the sweeper on the Left. Second, Jordan is in the Middle. Miss that face!

- June 15th, 2012. At 1300. Departure Day -

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     Yes, “Departure Day” came and passed. Jordan left June 15th, 2012 at 1300 for his 8 month Deployment. Probably one of the hardest things I had to deal with. I did pretty well with the whole situation until the ship actually started to pull away from the pier…. That's when I started to panic a little. But, once everything was over and Jordan's ship started to disappear into the horizon, I felt better about everything. I'd have to say, I am so PROUD of Jordan and the outlook he has on this deployment. He has a strong idea and knows what he needs to get done while out at sea. So, that when he gets home we can start our life together! Finally be able to buy our own place, get a dog, etc. Distance makes the heart grow fonder; this Deployment will do nothing but make our marriage even more stronger! I'm excited about the adventures he will come across, the hard work he’s going to put into his Naval career and of course, for that Homecoming!

     Jordan and I would both like to thank my Dad (PH3 – Photographers Mate – Veteran) for joining us for the Departure. He took amazing pictures to document that day for us and our Family. But, most definitely I appreciate him for accompanying me on the 2hr car ride home. Not sure if I could have done that by myself.

     I miss you so much already babe! Come home safe, have amazing adventures and work hard. You are absolutely my everything, I adore you! There are no words I could type or speak that could even come close to describing how much I love you! All I can say is, I am BLESSED to have you as my Husband. Forever and ever, Amen.