So a large banging noise followed by footsteps is what I heard last night. Chris and I have hidden weapons in our home for good reason. Between the baseball bat and the large knife I had to pick from, I chose the knife. I wasn't going down without a fight! My boys were sleeping so peacefully upstairs and here I was, scared as hell, about to defend my home, myself and my children. It was all or nothing at this point.
After inspecting the entire downstairs as my heart was pounding, I found nothing. I looked under tables, in the bathrooms and closets. Nothing. No broken windows or unlocked doors. Thank goodness!!
So when I went up to bed I quickly emailed my husband and told him what had happened. Probably shouldn't have since he shouldn't carry anymore stress. I was scared and I really needed him at that moment. The thing is, Chris has been preparing me for his deployment so well. Hidden weapons and how to use them. Safety and how to defend myself. I have to also give props to my previous job...
I was glad to have woken up this morning, as I thought I wouldn't be able to sleep. I was getting ready to have my morning coffee and eat last night's leftovers when someone came knocking at my door. Three hooded individuals at my door!!! I got that little bit of fear in my body once again...I don't open the door unless I can see who is standing on the opposite side. I recognized two of the teens, they were my neighbor's kids. My screen door is locked at all times in case anyone tries to just barge in. I opened the door.
So there he was, my neighbor, telling me that his boys had something to tell me. (In my mind I was hoping that it had something to do with last night)...it sure was. His boys threw eggs at the neighbors house and tomato sauce at mine...no glass or anything. They must have been out there all night because of all the clanking sounds. They apologized and felt so bad. It is freezing outside today, literally frost on everything and their dad is making them pressure wash both houses. Right on dad, teach your sons a lesson. I wasn't upset, I let them know that I thought I had a burglar and I have two small boys. Pranks at my house are not tolerated but that I forgave them. I was quite relieved, it could have been way worse.Thank you for making this year a great one and I can't wait for 2013 when my husband is to return to us. God Bless!

I can not believe it!!! After months and months, his first deployment is finally OVER!!
The whole homecoming experience was amazing, and something I will remember for the rest of my life. Definitely makes the top 3 on my life experiences list.
I'm just thrilled to have him back safe and sound!We got a photographer to come shoot our homecoming, so I'll be sharing those & the story in the next few days! Thank you for all the love on my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as all the texts I've received from friends & family! I am overwhelmed at how many people are so happy for us! More to come soon! 


My favorite season is fall. It always has been! I love the brisk weather, and the pretty orange/yellow sunshine you see in the evening.I LOVE when the leaves change colors.If someone could figure a way to bottle up the smell of burning leaves, I would buy TONS of it. 


YAY FALL!
The thing about deployments is that you want to keep the time apart as normal as possible, especially for the children. Our kids know that daddy is away. They haven't a clue as to how long.The night before Chris left, he and I took the picture above and then we decided to head to the mall in hopes we would find Santa. We wanted a moment the kids could remember where daddy and Santa were both present. Afterwards, we all went out to eat. It was nothing but joyous even knowing what was to come.