Half Way Home!!

Just a small note, because I wanted to recognize this milestone in the deployment...

This past week we reached the best estimated half-way point of the deployment! Notice I said "estimated" because while we're expecting Chris's battalion to return during the first week of November, this will probably change at least three more times before he actually steps on US soil. But, even so, it's something to celebrate! :)

Along with celebrating, Chris and I also want to thank everyone who has been praying for us and all of the troops overseas and to ask for your continued prayers. I can't express how much they truly have been felt by both of us over these past months. God has blessed us in so many ways throughout this deployment. Actually, "blessed" doesn't even seem to justly describe it. Besides getting to talk to Chris via email on an almost daily basis (except for communication blackouts) and talking to him on the phone a few times every week, the absolute peace that God has placed on my heart is truly amazing and is a testament to the comfort only our God can provide. I can't describe it, and I can't explain it, but it's there, and I am so grateful. One particular scripture has been very powerful to me: "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10 ) Whenever I start to feel sad, lonely, or worried, this reminds me that God and only God is in absolute control. He holds both Chris and I in the palm of His hand, and He will never give us anything that we cannot handle. And in this moment of realization, my heart finds that indescribable peace. God is so good!

The "half-way point" is also notoriously hard for the servicemen and women overseas. They have now been there for over three months and while "half-way" is something to be happy about, it also comes with the realization that they still have as much time as they've already been there to go before they come home. So I hope you'll join me in praying for peace and patience in their hearts during this time, as well.

Yay for Half Way!!! :)

"Yeah Mon"

I've really been a blogging-slacker, and as a result, this post is more than a month late...but nevertheless here it is! In mid June my aunt Debra, cousin Kelley, mom, and I took a trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica to celebrate Kelley's 21st birthday (a few years late, she's turning 23 tomorrow). After a rough start including a forgotten bag, forgotten driver's liscense, and a six hour layover in the Atlanta airport, we had a wonderful time, relaxing on the beautiful beaches, just soaking up the sun! It was a great trip, and I've got pictures to prove it! ;)

Mom and I, finally on the plane to Jamaica!

Kelley and I on the beach, the water was crystal clear and so warm!

Have I mentioned the relaxing part??

I couldn't resist...love you, babe!

Day at the beach, drinks in hand...

One of the days we went on a trip inland to zipline through the jungle, and tube down a river. It was so much fun...I definitely want to do this again!

Getting in the harness...

All of us ready to go!

Can you tell we're excited?

Getting hooked up to the line...

And I'm off...

Can you believe how big the bamboo is? I look so tiny next to it!

Me and mom on our last night. We ate at an Italian themed restaurant at the resort, and we all agreed it was by far the best food of the whole trip!

Sad to be leaving :(

Thank you so much, Debra and Kelley, for inviting us to go with you! It was such a great trip and we had so much fun with you! :)

Emily Update

My parents and I recently returned from a trip to Houston to visit Ben, Andrea, and Emily! We took lots of pictures while we were there, so I thought I'd share a few. Little Emmy has grown SO much! She is such a precious, happy baby, and we love getting to be around her! (Oh, and Ben and Andrea, too! ;) )

Pretty in Brown

Whoa, what was that?!?

I love her many facial expressions!

This girl is destined to be an Aggie...already giving the Gig 'Em!

Just so content with her Mem..

Happy girl

Nap time! I love that she sleeps like this...

Emily loves her bath time too...

One day she will really not like me for this, but I can't resist....

after the bath...

Mom (Mem) and Emmy B!

Of course we couldn't visit Houston without eating some good south Texas Mexican food!

Thanks for letting us visit...we had a great time with all of you!