It’s been four months since we first learned my husband would likely be deploying for a year, but the waiting game is over. My husband leaves a week from today for a 365 Day assignment “downrange” – aka, the desert. (For obvious reasons, I’m not able to say the exact base he’ll call home for the next year.)
Clearly it’s not ideal, but as a military family this is a known risk and I feel like it’s our turn. The last time he “deployed” we were able to join him while he spent four months working at a stateside base – seriously lucky! We have friends who are on their fourth deployment, one couple who learned they were expecting a child the day before the husband left for a one year deployment, and another friend who witnessed his daughter’s birth on Skype. So, I truly believe it when I say it could be worse.
After lots of back and forth and drama (renter bailing, finding a new renter at the last possible moment), the kids and I are able to move to Ohio to be near my family. I know there are parts of Florida I’ll miss (like the weather in the winter), but it doesn’t compare to the support and comfort of family for the next year. Moving was really a no-brainer for me and I’m so thankful that it is working out. The movers should finish packing up Tuesday and we will start the drive to Ohio on Wednesday. And, the only downer to the move working out is that we had to cancel our trip to Disney. I’m pretty sure it will still be there next year so we’ll go again soon.
It was my hope that with the help of the awesome contributors on The Shopping Mama, the blog would continue business as usual. But unfortunately, I’ve really fallen behind my own editorial schedule and know that I won’t be able to catch up until after my husband leaves and we find a new normal in Ohio. I really owe an apology to some sponsors who are being patient and understanding. Until we get back into the swing of things, we’ll try our best to keep sharing great finds, helpful reviews and fun giveaways.
clenna
October 18, 2010Good luck and remember ‘family first’ – we all understand.
Rachel C
October 18, 2010Our prayers are with all the soldiers and their families. My brother was just deployed last week – it’s not easy! I’m so glad for you that you have family to support you.
Mary Williams
October 18, 2010I just wanted to say thank you to your husband for keeping us safe and thank you to you and your family for the sacrifices that you make for us.
I live in Ohio!
Alyssa M
October 18, 2010My hubby is a veteran, but I’ve never had to, and never will have to, experience deployment. I can’t imagine what it must be like. I hope you and your husband know how much it means to have men and women (and families) willing to make the sacrifice.
hippie4ever
October 18, 2010Thank your husband for me, for the awesome contribution he makes. And Thank You! It take incredible fortitude to be a spouse of a member of the armed forces especially during times of conflict. We would not be safe except for all that you do! Take time to be with your husband, children and family, we will all be here when you get back
Nicole Feliciano
October 18, 2010Hang in there. If I can help let me know.
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting
October 18, 2010Kate, if I can do anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know, okay? *hugs*
Jana
October 19, 2010Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you. We appreciate all the sacrifices that your family is making for all of us. Wish you were moving closer to NJ so we could spend a weekend taking your mind off all this and our kids could go crazy together
Safe travels to all four of you!
Caryn Bailey
October 25, 2010Kate…I’m thinking about you….praying for a quick year….