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