2011- The countdown begins

Yesterday I came to the realization (even though I've known for a while) that this time next year I will be deployed. It has made me look at this coming year with a whole different perspective. I am a planner by nature and I love to have everything exactly as it should be. Being gone for a year is going to be a huge adjustment for all of us. I know that Jake and I are perfectly capable of getting through this but my main concern is how the kids are going to deal with it. Although they have no concept of how long a year is I have started to talk to them in very short conversations that mommy will have to take a very long trip in a while. I hope that this in some way helps them grasp what is happening when I actually do leave. I am so thankful that I was placed in the unit that I am in. It wasn't easy having to come to the South when I despise the weather down here so much but it has afforded our family so much time to be together. Almost all of my friends from army school's have deployed once an know when they will be leaving again. I on the other hand have been able to spend this entire last year and the majority of 2011 with my family here in the states. So my new year's resolution will be very different this year that it has been in the past. I resolve to make every day count. Opportunities to go to the park or ride bikes around the block will be taken. Messes can be cleaned up so there is no reason to get upset over finger paint or water all over the bathroom. Pictures will be taken at every opportunity along with as many videos as possible. And at no time will random hugs and kisses be taken for granted. I know it is only  a year but I am sad for the things I will miss. The first day of school, learning to read, all their new friends, and the holidays. So I challenge all of you to appreciate family in a new way this year. I know that I will.