Washington Bound (almost)

I can't believe I am writing this, but everything has managed to work itself out. Justin signed his 4187, and will be receiving his orders for Fort Lewis, WA. within a few days. I am so, so happy that human resources with the Army was so accommodating and helpful with our unique situation. Justin doesn't have to sign into this installation, but he is permissively (temporarily) signed in (so glad he isn't using up his leave days). He's kind of just in limbo right now. We submitted all the necessary paperwork to close out our DITY from Georgia to Texas and we will be receiving the rest of those funds in just a few weeks. For anyone thinking of doing a DITY move, it is so worth it. I still stick by this, only because we had a headache free experience. With Washington being over 2,000 miles way from us, it looks like we may be doing JPPSO. I'm a bit nervous about this because of all the horror stories I've heard. When we left Washington for Georgia three years ago, we utilized JPPSO... but that was also before we built up our home, and actually had things we'd be upset about losing or breaking. I think it still might be a toss up.. Justin and I have a lot to talk about. It looks like we'll only be in Texas for another month or so, before we end up leaving. There are a few things we'd like to see while we are here, and I'm hoping we get to check out some of the sites. I definitely want to explore Austin. Apparently it's the only "blue" in a "red" state. I've only heard good things, and I've got some family down that way. Christmas has been on my brain a lot today. With my mom not coming, I'm going to have to find a way to make the holiday super special. I know we are taking Ava to see Santa this weekend! So stoked for that! It'll be her first time taking pictures with Santa, and the second time for Justin and I. It's funny because I remember Justin telling me, that he was never taking pictures with Santa again, unless it was for our kids. Crazy to think he said that only 3 years ago. We have been ordering Christmas movies like crazy, since abc family's 25 days of Christmas has been disappointing. I'm sure they run the same movies every year, it just seems like they are skipping a lot of classics.

 I'm excited about this collection! It has the Frosty originals, Rudolph, and a few more. Seven movies are included, and we haven't even made it through two yet. I can't wait to snuggle up to the fire, hot cocoa, and shiny Christmas tree lights, while we watch this. I love our Christmas traditions, and it has been an absolute blessing to have my husband home during my favorite time of year. I'm hoping since we actually own these movies, that we will bust them out each and every year, and hopefully Ava bug will be able to enjoy them as much as Justin and I do. Thinking about all that is Christmas has caused me to have a heavy heart....

Above all of the wonderful things going on right now, I'm just so thankful that my family is together. Even though I don't have a deployed soldier anymore, that doesn't mean that another family doesn't. Thinking back to how I felt last year without Justin... I would never want someone to ever have to experience that. It's lonely and scary, and emotional. So if you are reading this, thank a service member! They dedicate themselves 365 days a year, and without them, our freedoms wouldn't be what they are.

Alright all, it looks like I'm off. It's Friday, and we still have a lot to do in preparation for Christmas. I think i'm going to scout out a ham a bit early this year. I am thinking of making my own glaze, maybe "wow" my husband a bit. It's weird to think that come next year Princess A will actually be able to enjoy her mama's cooking. Still wrapping my head around the fact that I shall soon have a crawling, babbling, seven month old baby. I hope everyone has a safe, and festive weekend! 

 ♥- Leilani