Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Happy Birthday Soldier!!!

Happy Birthday DADDY!!!   
The Big dirty 30 took place on April 25th. Being in another country I had to be creative to make his birthday special. We sent him the following...Birthday Card from me Birthday card from Dylan, Birthday Card from Mason instead of a sweet message I traced his hands, leaving hand prints. Doesn't get any sweeter then that! We also sent him a package full of his favorite candy, junk food and a surround sound waits his arrival.
     Dylan was upset and didn't understand why his dad didn't get cake, balloons or open presents. So I thought I needed to step it up, not only sending the birthday boy items to make him feel special, and missed, I needed to make it fun on this end as well.  
    I had to put on my thinking cap. At first I thought "Maybe we should get a cake" but then I thought How rude would that be? The birthday boy wasn't even going to have cake on his birthday. So I thought about balloons! How awesome would it be if Dylan thought by letting balloons go they would make their way to his dad in Kuwait? Also Dylan feeling in a way he was helping daddy celebrate. Balloons it was!  
 First stop, flower shop. I told Dylan about the plan he was so excited. He kept saying "Lets not tell daddy!" Followed by his sneaky giggle. Dylan picked out the balloons. Anything that is red, white and blue Dylan calls "Army Colors." So he picked out an "army balloon that said "All American Love" also a blue and one red that said "I love you!"  
       Next stop, pictures. Of course I knew the balloons were not going to make their way to Kuwait but I also thought dad would get a kick out of knowing Dylan did this in honor of his birthday. 
   Last but not least...It was time to let them go! We counted to three and with a big smile, Dylan standing on top of a hill,released them and said "Safe Travels go to my daddy in Kuwait." After letting them go he did what any kid would do, Chase them! After they were out of reach we watched them go over the mountains. Dylan got a little emotional saying with tears in his eyes "I miss my daddy."   
   There they went, balloons thoughtfully picked out topped with  Dylan kisses on each one of them.
     On the way home Dylan had his face on the window watching for the balloons. Coming over the mountain which looked to be an airplane in the distance however, Dylan insisted it was Daddy's balloons. He said "My balloons said  oops wrong way." Then shortly disappeared again.    
 Later that night while Dylan was sound asleep I skyped with the birthday boy and told him all about our adventure. I gave him detailed description about each balloon. I knew when Dylan next talked to dad he would ask a million questions.  
    A few days later...
Dylan "Daddy, Did you see anything in the sky on your birthday?(giggles)
Daddy " I did!!! Did you send me balloons?"
Dylan" (giggles) yup I did!
Daddy " Thanks buddy!"
After getting off the phone Dylan said "I KNEW HE WOULD SEE THEM, I KNEW ITTT!!!"
Happy 30th Birthday Soldier!!!!

What I have learned about a deployment...

* I'm stronger then I thought
* Every deployment story is different
* Technology is AMAZING I get a phone call daily, and we skype twice a day unless on a mission)
* Watching the news is a bad bad bad idea while your soldier is deployed!
* Saying goodbye was a B*tch!
* I understand why army wives move home during deployments, can be lonely at times.
* I CAN do it all!
* I DO have patience...who knew?
* Skype/ and Internet can be a pain in the A$$!
* No sleep, living off of coffee and energy drinks has become normal
* Surrounding yourself with positive army wives instead of Negative Nancy's is important. Staying Positive is what keeps you going!
* My kids sacrifice ALOT
* Its heartbreaking to see your kids sad knowing this was a decision made from My husband and I.
 * My soldier isn't a complainer "It is what it is...it will be over soon"
* Deployment brain (like pregnancy brain DOES exsists!)  Dylan has given me the name "Forgetful Sally!"
* Sending care packages are Expensive
* Sending care packages are IMPORTANT and APPRECIATED!
* I'm one creative momma when my oldest is sad
* My soldier loves his job and is damn good at it
* Weekends are the DEVIL
* We save a ton of money while my soldier is deployed
 * Its okay to cry
* Its okay to be happy and have fun
* keeping busy helps pass time
* Fort Carson post office is SLOW
* Deployment groups for kids are the best invention EVER
* Until deployment my kids didn't know what lunch ables and spaghetti Os were, Its depressing to sit at the dinning table as a family when not all the family is there. The quicker the meal, THE BETTER!
* The people who say "At least its not Afghanistan, or At least its 9 months and not a year" are probably civilians who would be pissed if their husband wasn't home for dinner on time. Shrug it off.
* I feel guilty when Mason does a milestone without dad here
*  Deployment seems to bring out every ones strengths and weaknesses.
* YOU WILL BE CHALLENGED!
* Deployments don't last forever.
 * Everyday that passes is another day closer to seeing your soldier
* Don't attend your own pity parties, everything will be fine
*Hearing the words "packed, loaded" are exciting!
* Receiving unique gifts from another country will be displayed and cherished. They mean more then just a "gift"
* Receiving my soldiers tough box was emotional bc it means we are SO close!
*preparations of a homecoming is Exciting, emotional and Makes time go by faster!
* I'm not alone