Welcome Home!

A few weeks ago I saw a little news clip about President Obama ending the war in Iraq and that all troops would be home by Christmas.  I wasn't sure if it was true or not, so I asked some of my very "up-to-date-on-politics" friends and they all thought it was just a rumor. I'm happy that they were all wrong.  Cassie texted me this morning that President Obama's speech today at Fort Bragg marked the official end of the war in Iraq!!!!! While I support our troops and completely believe in our mission there, I think our time in Iraq is done.  We got the people that attacked us or were a large threat, so our job is complete and successful.  I'm so very excited to hear this news.  It has been 9 long, successful, and difficult years in Iraq and it thrills me to know the troops are coming home!  The best part is that they will all get to be here with their families for Christmas!!

Christmas miracles do happen!


I can only imagine the joy the troops and their families must be feeling right now.  They have all got to be filled with pride, excitement, honor, and pure happiness.  Reunions of soldiers and their families are such a heart-warming thing to watch.  The fact that it's almost Christmas makes it that much better.

So to all the soldiers, Thank you!  Thank you for your bravery, commitment, honor, sacrifice, patriotism, and strength.  Thank you for serving our Country in our time of need to protect those you love.   Thank you for being brave enough to risk your life for our freedom.  Thank you all for your service these last 9 years, the years before, and all the years to come.  Your dedication and efforts do not go unnoticed.  I am so proud to call myself an American. To live in a Country like ours is truly a blessing.  I cannot express my gratitude for your service enough.  I hope all the soldiers coming home have the Merriest Christmas ever.  Hug your loved ones, hold your kids tight, kiss your wife, and make the most of this Holiday season.  Thank you and welcome home!!!


To their families, Thank you! I never fully understood how difficult it must be for military families until a few weeks ago. I know it's hard to say goodbye to your loved ones, but thank you for supporting, loving, and believing in them.  I know from talking to my friends in the service, that their family's support means the world to them and is what gets them through each day.  Thank you for standing beside them, uplifting, supporting, and loving them.  Thank you for your bravery, strength, and sacrifice.  I can only imagine the joy you must be feeling right now.  Go hug your soldier, shower them with love, and enjoy every single moment with them. Laugh together, support one another, do your favorite things together, and above all love one another.  I hope you all enjoy this Christmas season together.

Thank you and welcome home!!  

Soldier Shout Out

I just had one of the best weekends ever.  Three of my best friends from home came to HPU to stay the weekend with me.  I had been telling Kevin about High Point for awhile so it was exciting for him to finally get to come visit.  The best part however, is that Todd's 10 days home from Basic fell during this weekend.  I had hoped he'd be able to be here for this weekend, but never actually expected it to happen.  It was SO much fun getting to catch up with everyone, and hang out with Todd for a few days before he goes back.  Our weekend was filled with lots of laughs, games, story telling, and more laughs.  I love all three of them and have so much fun when we get together.  It was a much needed break from design and a well overdue reunion.  It was my favorite weekend this semester, we had a blast.

Saying goodbye today however was harder than I expected. I've never known anyone in the service or experienced having to say goodbye to a friend for such a long time.  I am so very proud of Todd for what he's doing and support him 1000%, but saying goodbye is not fun. We have all gotten so close and it's weird to think we can't just pick up the phone and talk to him whenever we want now.  Once he gets to California he'll be able to stay in touch, but for the next month or so we won't get to talk to him.  My friends mean the world to me and I love to keep in touch with everyone.  Having to say goodbye for such a long time is a new experience for me. However, our Country would not be what it is today without people like Todd.  I'm so thankful for all the men and women who are willing to serve our Country and put their lives on the line for us.  It's a sacrifice I never fully understood until now, and it makes me SO much more grateful for all the soldiers and their families. I'm blessed and honored to call a Marine one of my best friends. I'm so proud of and thankful for you Todd! We are all going to miss you and I can't wait to hang out again! Please be careful and come home safe! We will all be praying for you!

I truly have the best friends in the entire world!