That picture... that whole layout pretty sums up how I've been feeling lately. I haven't blogged in, oh, about 3 weeks now. I just haven't had it in me.
For the most part, I consider myself a pretty strong woman. I get through deployment after deployment... and all the little things that go along with that. I rarely cry about it. I don't whine constantly about wanting my husband to come home. I married an army man... I knew what went along with that when he slipped the ring on my finger. You just have to pull on your big girl panties, suck it up, and carry on. After all, what does crying really do to solve anything? Not much, in my experience.
But, then you have a month where... Your stove breaks. Your heater clunks out. Your 5 year old is cutting molars, which makes her an incredibly difficult little girl to deal with. The military shorts your paycheck $250 (at Christmas-time no less). Your kids catch the flu... twice. You end up in the emergency room with one child whose temperature you can't get under 102. You get sick yourself. You have a frightening health scare which, after all, turns out to be nothing.
You can't help but want to throw in the towel, and call it quits. You don't feel particularly creative. You force yourself to make SOMETHING for your deadlines anyway. It feels like the perfect time to throw a pity party. And, I did just that. But, then, like every other time... you get over it. You pull yourself up by the boot straps, so to speak. You start to feel a little bit better. You remind yourself for all the things you are grateful for in your life, and you get on.
So, this is me... getting on. I'm determined to make the most of this Christmas. To help my children enjoy it... even with their dad thousands of miles away. I'm gettin' my mojo back. The lovely new "Letterbox" line from American Crafts helps a lot in that department. You can't help but make beautiful things with such beautiful product...
It's all availble on 2Peas now. So, head on over and grab some up!
As for me, I'm diving head-long into the holiday joy... I'll be back to spread some around here over the next few weeks. Can you believe it's already DECEMBER?!?
31 comments:
I can't imagine having to go through that holly.. Kudos and hugs to you! Thank you and your dh for doing this for our country!
Btw, love the layout!! Yumm..
That line IS very beautiful and so is your layout.
I so hope "the blues" get better! And I know you will make an amazing Christmas for the kiddos.
you're in my prayers, gorgeous!
B
beautiful,
hang in there girl... you can do it,
Have great Christmas.
girl i am right along with ya! My husband is here but that is the plm he is here...no job...for 2 years! My 4 kids all have been sick this year 4 times and now me and hubs. WTF! I swear i just keep hoping these years will get better but some how they get worse. AGH but like u said we have to count our blessings and get on with life. Just know u got a friend in me and this friend sure can relate to how u feel lol! Big hugs my luv.
Thinking of you Holly. (((HUGS))) to all of you.
Oh Holly...you are a strong wife and Momma!!! I also agree with the other ladies....I cannot imagine how tough this must be!!!
I am so happy to see you back...I have missed you!!1 Wish we lived right next door.....but how about a {{{{Hug}}}} from MD!!!!
Your LO is stunning...what a fabulous line and I have to go check it out!!!
Thank you and your Husband for the gift that you give to all of us year round!!!! God Bless, sweet friend!!!
Holly, this is a gorgeous layout! Amazing! I'm sorry you are having a tough time, my best friend's husband was in the army from the time we graduated until just a few years ago. I've been thru it with her and yet I still can't imagine being in your place. Thank you for your sacrfice. Seriously girl, I love you for it! My friend's husband was let out due to a medical discharge, for over 6 months now the army has owed him $30,000 in back pay for reasons I won't get into ... they have 3 kids and just finally got half of the money. Still shaking my head at this. For what your husband does for this country, the sacrifices you both make for it, there is no way in hell he should ever be shorted any amount of money! That just makes me sick!
I hope you start to feel better! Hugs.
So sorry what you are going thru this month, I am hoping that God wanted to get life's sometimes inconveniences out of the way at the beginning of the month so that you can truly appreciate the holiays with your children fully instead of with these worries also attached.
Blessing.
Suzzi
sending big HUGS to you!! sounds like you have had a rough month or so! I hope your December is wonderful!
Hi Holly, I still read you blog (via bloglines) even though I don't comment much. I just wanted you to know I was thinking of you and sending you and your dear family hugs! We're a military family too, and as much as I don't like to complain about the deployments, every now and then, you have too and you are entitled to! Sounds like you got it out of your system, enjoy the holidays the best you can,I am sure those adorable kids will make it magical. Much love from Germany!
PS-My daughters Daisy troop is doing cookie drops for soldiers down range, I would love to submit your hubby's name, email me :)
I've been reading a book about an army wife, and it reflects your life in so many ways. But it is an honourable thing that you do, and we're just happy to see your blog posts when you can do them. There is actually a lot of sunshine radiating from your blog out into the cyber world, and we appreciate it!! Wendy xxx
{{hugs}} for all you've been through. And you know, I'm a big believer that it's OK to feel sorry for yourself every now and then. It's cleansing. And I love your lo!
You are doing great Holly. I hope that the days leading to Christmas are brighter. Your creativity inspires us all. We'll be thinkin' of ya!
Keep on keeping on.......Your page is gorgeous!
Holly, I love you. Oh-my heart breaks over this stuff. I get it, I understand it and I feel for you so much right now.
Call me sometime when you want to. I am always, always here.
Wow, definitely sounds like some trying times. You are a strong woman. I know that you will make this Christmas wonderful for your children. YOur new page is gorgeous as always. <3 Keeping you in my prayers.
I love this new collection and I love how you used it for this layout.
Sorry Christmas is off to a bad start! Hang in there friend!
Holly,
Hang in there. You can do it. I was a Navy wife for 2 years and about your age, my hubby went on a 6 month deployment while my girls were 5 months and 23 months. I know if I was scrpping then, it would have been a big help to get me through. Your work is great and you can do it!! You have the most important job in the Army right now- taking care of the kids and home.
love the layout - and good luck with christmas - i'm sure your doing a great job!
I'm happy to hear you are back to blogging, and it's good to see your quiet strength shining through once again. Sending you lots of hugs and prayers!
I just found your blog. I really like your pages, so inspirational!
And I thought my life was hard lately. Keep truckin' hon, I'm sure you'll be alright
Hello! So i bookmarked your post with the wreath awhile back and today I was looking at it again. I decided to poke more around your blog and see that you are an Army wife. My BF is in the Army and stationed in NC - which i saw that you are there now. :) It was just nice to stumble across someone going through something similar - though I'm sure yours is more extreme than mine.
Anyways, I just wanted to send you a note :) Your blog made me smile and i love this LO.
Your page is beautiful my dear! Happy Holidays to you and the kiddos. I was away from my family during the holidays last year, so I know exactly what you're going thru. I hope you're able to find some sanity and peace in the hobby you love so much! Your hubby and the rest of our guys are in my prayers.
I can't say I know what you're going through, I dealt with the deployment but not the kids on top of that. Glad you're feeling better and the kids are feeling better.
Your layout is gorgeous!
o sweetie.
you are an amazing & strong & gifted & wonderful woman, mama, wife, everything.
i couldn't do what you have been doing.
know we're all here sending our love & support.
{{{hugs}}}
xoxo
you are amazing Holly as is this LO. I know how you feel honey bear and I all I can say is KEEP YOUR HEAD UP .. and you know what bump that if you gotta cry cry .. but I feel you ..
hugs and love .. and I am a phone and email away.
Aw Holly...you are allowed 100 pity parties. Girl, you inspire and you are so strong.
Hugs to you and your little ones!
honey... I won't say I understand how you're feeling, but pls know I'm here shd you need listening ears? yes?
I'm grateful for people like you and your family Holly. Thank you.
aww, im so sorry about all the difficulties in your lie lately! I hope everything gets nothing but better for you from now on, i really do!
that lo is too fabulous for words though!
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