Josh Turner-The Longer the Waiting

The Longer the Waiting, The Sweeter the Kiss
Josh Turner

Oh, the longer the waiting, the sweeter the kiss
It's better my darling, I promise you this
The next time I hold you, I'm not letting go
Will you wait for me darling, I need to know

Well, you know I'm a sailor and tomorrow we sail
It's a hard way of living but I know it well
And if I surrender my life to the sea
You can marry another it's alright with me

Though we won't be together again 'til the spring
Just imagine the treasures I'll bring

Come lay with me, stay with me, soon I'll be gone
I will remember you all winter long
And when I return to the one that I miss
Oh, the longer the waiting, the sweeter the kiss
The sweeter the kiss

When the mornings are warm and the valleys are green
I'll come back from wherever I've been

Oh, the longer the waiting, the sweeter the kiss
It's better my darling, I promise you this
the next time I hold you, I'm not letting go
I will give up the ocean forever, I know
Forever I know

Oh, the longer the waiting, the sweeter the kiss
It's better my darling, I promise you this
the next time I hold you, I'm not letting go
I will give up the ocean forever, I know
Forever, I know

This song is one that really hits home... another MilSpouse & Navy Wife shared this on facebook a couple months ago when her husband deployed and it really hit home. I never thought that I would be jealous of my friends whose husbands were deploying, especially because we were on Shore Duty the first 2 years & blessed that Matt was never gone longer than 3 or 4 weeks at a time... but alot of the women I met in Lemoore sent their husbands off last month and I was jealous... jealous that they have gotten to be with them these last 5 months and jealous that they should be home in 6-9 months instead of in 20... Of course the Negative Nancy in me was only here for a couple days & I was able to be happy for them that they will not be going thru the same separation that we've been cursed with :) I am surprised at all the crazy emotions I get sometimes, haha. buuuuut at the end of the day I can not say it enough, I am proud to be my husbands wife & proud of all the women I know standing behind their men during deployments and time apart!

2 more months...

Its been almost 2 months since I last updated... The holidays were awesome... of course, Matt wasn't here to open presents with us Christmas morning or to kiss me at midnight on New Years, but of course I was thinkin' about him! We are almost 5 months down... I can't believe it. Time just keeps movin' along and we're getting closer and closer to being together again :) We have been able to skype and text regularly, so that helps close the distance a little bit, too.

One piece of REALLY EXCITING NEWS... Matt and I are buying our first house... we close at the end of the month & will move shortly after... and we couldn't be happier. It is out in Rainbow up against the Estrella Mountains on an acre and a quarter... perfect for us! We have big dreams of a fence, covered parking, a huge shop & garage, a built in fire pit, and a wrap around porch... and all these things are possible with just a little more time and money... I can't wait! AND it's close to my parents, Matt's mama & sister and our nieces and nephews! JC will be moving with me again when the time comes.... thank goodness, I won't be living alone while Matty's gone!

...and it's the 15th again...

Not only does the 15th of each month mean that we're getting paid again, but it means that Matt has been gone another month :) Of course I'm not happy that he's been away so long, but we're that much closer to being done with these orders, and THAT makes me REALLY happy. From an outsiders point of view looking in, I would think that most people would assume that a distance like this would push us apart, but I honestly feel like its bringing us closer and closer each day that passes...Since Matty left, I've had some extra time on my hands and decided to start reading...

BOOK REPORT

Since the Harry Potter series, I haven't really been much of a reader, but since Matt left I've found myself lost in a couple books. First, I reread Chicken Soup for the Military Wife's Soul... I cried a dozen times over the many happy and sad moments the writers overcame during and after their lives as military wives. Reading about ppl's experiences made me grateful that I haven't had to deal with anything like that... and it made the pride that I have in my husband grow with each page that I turned.
Second, I read Love & Respect. This book describes a theory and lifestyle based on the way that God intended for marriage to be, based on his commands to husbands and wives; men are to unconditionally show love to their wives, and women are to unconditionally show respect to their husbands... I most definitely recommend this book to any married couple, it made me feel like I understand both Matt & myself better... and who doesn't want to live the way God intends for us to, especially in their marriage.

Lastly, I read the Twilight saga. When the books were first a huge hit, I REFUSED to jump on the bandwagon... I was a Harry Potter nerd, and I was okay with that... I didn't need to add vampires and werewolves to the mix. I watched the first movie when it came out on DVD, but that was the extent of my relationship with the saga... until last week. On Monday I visited my mom at work, and noticed that Twilight, Eclipse, & New Moon were on the used book sale shelf for a quarter a piece, so I bought them and started reading Twilight right away, I was HOOKED & couldn't stop... when I finished the third book, I drove to Wal-Mart and bought Breaking Dawn so I could start it that night... in 8 days I finished all 4 books, and am now a true Twilight fan. I understand the craze & am proud to admit that I am now an addict, and will probably reread the series again very soon :)

I haven't been up to much, as you can tell by the fact that I had enough time on my hands to read so much in the last week... but things are going good, and I am happy to say that time is going by quickly and smoothly. I am sad to have to spend the holidays away from Matt, but hopefully this will be the only Christmas we spend away from each other for the rest of our lives, and I can live with that.

Being Thankful

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.

-- Oprah Winfrey

In honor of Thanksgiving I would like to post a list of the many things I have to be thankful for. My life has been blessed in so many ways.

My husband... he gives me unconditional love and support, and even from 8000 miles away, I feel emotionally connected to him.

My friends and family... for supporting me through what SHOULD be a difficult time... they have made the adjustment back to "life in AZ" easy and exciting.

My home... there is truly NO PLACE LIKE HOME... comfy, cozy, and mine.

Cable TV... for keeping me sane and occupied... Reality TV is a guilty pleasure of mine!

REDBULL... another guilty pleasure of mine!

Today's Technology... The internet, Facebook, skype, cellphones, texting... all these things make it possible for Matt and I to stay in contact.

Scentsy... for makin' the house smell amazing :)

Fast food... it keeps me fed and is more practical than cookin' a full meal for just one person sometimes.

AZ Sun... because you can actually feel it heat your skin, and that is something that I really missed when I lived in Lemoore.

Luke AFB... because I still get to hear the jets flying over, even though I am living a fairly civilian life... and because it grants me access to the Exchange & Commissary, two things that I wouldn't have if the base wasn't so close.

Irrigation... because it means that I get to have grass in the yard.

FPW. Front Porch Wisdom. 'nuff said.

Country Music, Cold Beer, Good Company... the three things that can brighten any day... especially when the three are combined.

The US Navy... because all of the separation from Matt, I have learned to appreciate him and our relationship more and more... and because it allowed us to move away from home and depend 100% on nothing but each other.

My Kitties, Dolly & Fonzie... because they're my fur babies and keep me company when everyone else is too busy.

Pictures... for capturing moments that no one would want to ever forget.

God... for granting me all of these things to be thankful for.

This list is not complete... there are so many things that I am thankful for & yes, I know I'm a couple weeks late for Thanksgiving, but I started this list before and didn't ever have a chance to finish and post it, so I figured better late than never :)

Heros

In honor of Veterans Day, I would like to send a shout out to all the brave men and women out there protecting my freedoms. It is because of these heros that we are all able to live freely and safely. I got to start my day today, talking to my most favorite vet :) Matt and I are able to skype almost every day now which makes the distance not seem as bad. Monday will mark 2 months since Matt left to serve in Japan, I can't believe it!

I feel very blessed to live in the beautiful United States of America and can't beleive that there are so many people out there willing to put their lives on hold and on the line to protect the rights of the people!

God Bless America

Thank you, Veterans, for everything you and your families do!

Small Tribute

Tomorrow marks 2 weeks since Matt left. It hasn't been too bad, so far. Of course, I miss him like crazy, and our schedules are almost exactly the opposite, but we get to chat online every night, at about midnight our time (4pm his time, the next day). I've been staying busy with the family, and our friends... everyone has been super supportive. I am SO lucky to be surrounded by such loving people.

I can't believe that it has already been 2 weeks, I hope time keeps flying, I can't wait to see him again!

One thing that I have learned so far, is how the military has also blessed us with friends... friends all over the country & even around the world. I now have friends scattered everywhere... California, Arizona, Colorado, Arkansas, Texas, West Virginia, and many more states (I'm sure) and even in Atsugi, Japan. It blows my mind that I met these girls 2 years ago, and it feels like we've been friends for a lifetime. It is amazing that after just two years, we have effected each other's lives and taken care of each other in so many ways. We've been hands to hold, ears to listen, shoulders to cry on, and each others only support when we were far away from our families. It's something that other people just don't understand, but the Sorority of Military wives IS a family away from home and the friendship is so much deeper than JUST being friends. Here is a tribute to my military wifey friends... You are all so strong and beautiful, and I'm glad that we got to be together in Lemoore, and even though most of us were not happy there, and have moved away, we were able to have some fun, laugh some laughs, cry some crys and drink some drinks together.

^Me, Alisha & Tami, Alisha's Birthday in 2008 (I think) :)

^Toooo many of us to name, but Girls night at Sonya's

Steph (Currently in Arkansas), Amanda (I'm not sure where she is now...), Me (Currently in AZ), Crystal (currently in TX), Sonya & Alisha (Both currently stationed in Whidbey, Washington), Kassi (Currently in WV) & Anna (still in Lemoore).

This was my FIRST Friday in Lemoore, First Ladies Night @ Kassi's. Kass, Dess, Me, Kristina, Alisha & Crystal.

My BFF in Lemoore, Mrs. Emma Knauss. Couldn't have made it with out her... and she's pretty, too! :)

Sonya's 27th B-day party at my place... Kass, Me, Sonya, Anna & Alisha
Anna, Me, & Chels... They were helping me hide my HIDEOUS bangs... Chelsea's going away party before she left for Atsugi, Japan.

Kassi & Anna's Bday party at Anna's. Anna, Me, Sonya & Kass.

There ya have it, memories that will last a life time :) I am SO thankful for these girls that welcomed me to Lemoore and very quickly became VERY close friends. Love you, Ladies!

Goodbye.

Yesterday was probably one of the hardest days in my life so far... I took Matt to the airport, so he could fly to Japan: where he will be for the next 25 months. Saying goodbye was devastating, and I can't imagine how in the world the next two years are going to be. It has only been about 36 hours since I saw him last, and I already miss him like crazy. This entire experience is VERY overwhelming, intimidating, and a tad bit scary. I love him and am PROUD to say that he is my husband, but these two years are going to be very hard and very trying... I'm lucky enough to know already though, that Matt and I are GOOD at long distance. We did long distance for 10 months before we got married, and that is VERY reassuring to me. AAAND now I have an excuse to travel to Japan, and for decent prices if I take a military flight, too! We have friends from Lemoore, which we both adored, that live in base housing there, and I can't wait to see them and their son again, either. Oh man, so many different emotions at one time...

Anyways... To break it down, he will be home in:
25 months... or 106 weeks... or 759 days... or 18227 hours... or 1093640 minutes... OR 65618434 seconds, LOL! I think I prefer to count in days :) Side note: I did not figure these out on my own, I used an online countdown calculator!

Hobbies, I need them! I am going to unpack my sewing machine and get back to practicing my straight lines again :) Maybe I can start organizing the bedroom... or painting or something, too? Wish me luck... maybe I'll even blog more regularly!

BTW: I finally heard from Matt, he is in Japan... safe and sound... just a little jet-lagged and feelin' a little tired and goofy :) Keep him in your prayers while he adjusts and acclimates to all these changes!

Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary, Babe! :)

Yesterday was Matt and I's second anniversary... and I HAVE to say, I am so lucky to be able to call him my husband... He is my best friend, and I can ALWAYS count on him for anything that I need. Granted, its not always easy, I know that we can make it through anything. The last two years has been life changing for both of us, and I love it! :) We have been able to depend on each other, need each other, want each other, and simply enjoy each other without the distraction of our old friends or family, we have learned to lived together and to appreciate each other for the people that we have grown to be. It is very exciting that Matt and I FIRST dated a little over 6 years ago, and even after all this time, we STILL love each other and can grow together.

I can't wait for Matt to come home from Japan, but for now I'm just enjoying him... he's still here right now, he was supposed to leave a couple days ago, but he extended his leave until Sept. 15 so we get an extra 3 weeks!

Ah, this last 2 years flew by, and I hope the next two do, too. When Matt comes home we will be married for FOUR years, COLY COW :)

I love you, Matthew! Thanks for bein' the best!

And last but not least, my favorite wedding picture... just for the sake of posting it!

Hmph...

2010 has brought in a whole handful of surprises for us... We found out that Matt is being stationed in Atsugi, Japan for a little over two years... And I can't go with him. His orders are unaccompanied, meaning no dependents can go, we decided that it would be best if I moved back to Buckeye, to try to make this journey a little bit easier on me. I loved my job in Hanford, and had a lot of friends, but nothing compares to being close to the people that I grew up with, and I can't stand being away from my family.

I moved home a couple weeks ago, I got here on July 22nd. I am living downtown, and absolutely love it. The house is tiny, just 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom... perfect for our situation. JC is going to school and will live in the 2nd bedroom, when he isn't on campus, which has been awesome so far because he's always there to keep me company!

I thought that the transition to living back at home would be very easy and exciting... but I've noticed that because Matt is not here yet that it feels lonely, and even though my best friend and my family is here, I long to be near him. I've even found myself feeling slightly jealous that he is still in Lemoore, and then I find myself almost jealous of Emma and Richie because they've been able to spend the last two weeks with him (that is where Matt has been staying) and I haven't. I never thought that I would be anything but HAPPY to be home, but its been kind of an emotional roller coaster, with extreme happy feelings, and extreme sad feelings. I love being here, but I with that Matt was with me, and I wish I didn't have to face him leaving. Two years is a really REALLY long time, and we don't know when or IF he'll even be able to come home during this time. I am hoping that I will be able to travel to Japan and visit him while he is on shore, but who knows when that will be...

Matt is going to be here tomorrow... and I am so excited... He is my best friend, and I love spending time with him... I'm happy to know that we have the next month to do whatever our little hearts desire! I know that this set of orders is going to make our marriage even stronger than it already is and I am so excited for Oct. 2012 to be here so we can settle down and be a "normal" family again. I love the military lifestyle and it has been very good to us so far, but I will be happy to be civilians again. I have learned to appreciate my family and friends, and have most definitely learned who really cares... I have learned to appreciate this beautiful country that we live in and all the freedoms that we have... and most of all the work that these men and women serving in the military give up to do their job. I mean, look at us, we're giving up two years together for Matt's service and I feel like we've got it easier than other families.

All in all, life is good... not easy, but very good. I am blessed to be surrounded by people that love me and a husband that is so faithful... let the journey begin!

Hopefully the blogging will get to be more active and I will have a way to vent over the next couple years! :)

Nada New

There really isn't a whole lot going on with us... we've both been working like crazy... and because of our hours we hardly ever see each other- so that is very trying at times...

We got to spend Thanksgiving in Buckeye, and that was so nice! I love being able to spend time with our families... NOTHING is better than that!

Matt is in El Centro right now (for 2 wks) and a couple wks ago he was in New Orleans, which he LOVED by the way! We really haven't been able to spend any time together, and I miss him like crazy when he's gone... ah- the joys of being a military wife...

Work is going great, I love my job...

BIG NEWS: I am officially a college student again, my classes started last monday! I am doing the Business program thru University of Phoenix- Axia College online... I'm so excited and should have my bachelors degree within months of Matt getting outta the NAVY! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!