Chapter 42: A Montgomery Christmas [+video]

"I found the one my heart loves."
—Songs of Solomon 3:4 NIV

Above is the inscription on the inside of the "Mr & Mrs" mugs that I bought for my husband as a Christmas present [as seen in the video]. I also like the other bible translation, "I have found the one whom my soul loves". Whichever translation you prefer, the point of the verse is about having found "the one," & I feel blessed to be able to say that I have.

My husband & I were lucky enough to celebrate Christmas together for the third year in a row. That's pretty rare if you're married to a sailor on sea duty, so we definitely made every moment count! We had our big celebration on Christmas Eve since my husband had duty on Christmas day, but I did get to visit him on the ship for lunch on Christmas!

We had yet another unforgettable Christmas celebration. As always, my husband is just full of surprises, & I definitely didn't see this one coming! He surprised me with a new SLR camera! I didn't think I'd get a new camera for a few years, & he even got me a better model than the one I wanted. I was so shocked at his thoughtfulness, that at one point I didn't feel like I could accept such a big gift. I didn't feel I was deserving of it, but oh was I excited about it! With that said, my husband won, "The Best Surprise Gifter," award :P I had my eye on the Canon EOS Rebel T5i, & he did one better by getting me a Canon EOS 70D. I can't wait to take my photography ventures to another level!

Those who know me well know that I'm big on "documenting" moments through photos, videos, blogging, journaling, etc... Documenting moments is especially important to me now, with my husband's 9+ month deployment coming up. These are the things I look back on to help me get through the lonely & difficult times. We have a limited number of days left together, so I intend to make the most of our time together & to document our life as best as I can! I was so excited to try out my new camera & start getting our Christmas shenanigans filmed, so most of the footage in this little home video I made is shot with my new Canon. I'm amazed at the quality of the footage, especially when viewed in HD. I definitely recommend the camera to anyone who is considering buying it! 

Here is a little 2 1/2 minute glimpse into our Christmas shenanigans...

Click the 'HD' button to watch in high definition!

We had a wonderful Christmas celebration together! I pray that all of our family & friends can say the same! 

Chapter 41: We Can Do It! [encouragement for military wives, fianceés, & girlfriends]

2011 Pin-Up Photoshoot
By MikaD Photography

Sometimes we need this reminder. I know I needed it today....
I woke up in tears this morning from a bad dream I had. Then I cried even more after I reached for my husband & he wasn't there.  The only time I wake up in tears is if I dream of him or a family member dying. When it does happen, my husband kisses me, holds me tighter, tells me he loves me, reassures me that it was just a bad dream, that he's there, & that he's ok. All I had this morning was his sweatshirt to hug & a laptop to write him an email... I had to dig deep for some strength this morning as I gained my composure & headed off to work.

To quote a song lyric from one of my favorite bands, Safetysuit: "These times will try hard to define me, but I will hold my head up high... these times are hard, but they will pass..."

Stay strong, ladies! ♥

Chapter 40: Can I have this dance? [Navy style]

After a wonderful night of dancing, mingling with friends, & making memories in a beautiful crystal chandelier ballroom—who would've guessed that we'd also walk away with an iPod shuffle & travel mug with my husband's ship's emblem on it as a party favor, & that my husband would win his very first raffle? :) Not to mention my mini meltdown trying to fix my hair & being almost an hour late to the party! EEK!

Me: *gasps* Oh no! I can't flush the toilet...
My husband: *looks confused* Why not?
Me: Because a bobby pin just fell in it.
My husband: *laughs* We'll worry about that later when we get home

:P Let me explain everything...

A little over a week ago my husband took me to his Fall Ball/Ship Party, & boy did they do right by their sailors! The party was held in the beautiful ballroom of a hotel downtown. Not only were their party favors pretty awesome, but they also raffled off well over $3,000 worth of items [including a MacBook Pro] & there were MANY chances to win. Even sailors who were stuck on the ship on duty were put into the drawing & received party favors as well. I guess I should be thanking his ship MWR, because my husband ended up giving me his iPod shuffle [it was pink after all] & travel mug :) PERFECT! Since we've started to become coffee drinkers :P Thanks honey!

The moments leading up to the party were hectic! We were late to the party because of a combination of not getting ready in time, my mini hair meltdown, & my husband forgetting his wallet & having to turn around to go back home to get it :P I was getting frustrated as I tried to figure out what to do with my hair. I youtube'd like crazy! I had a moment of anxiety when my hair wasn't doing what I wanted it to do, but luckily I have a husband who knows how to calm me down. My hair didn't turn out exactly the way it was supposed to, but I was still pretty proud of it & I felt a lot better about it when people complimented it. I just kept thinking to myself, "Phew! It doesn't look like a train wreck after all!" I just had to be mindful of the bobby pins that would keep trying to pop out during the course of the night :P At least I saved money by not going to a salon to get it done! The only time I've ever paid to get my hair done was for my wedding! Speaking of wedding... if you look at the picture below, that comb I put in my hair was what I actually wore on my wedding day ♥

This photo was taken after midnight when we got home
from the party,so it looked much better than this when it was
freshly done! Not so bad, right?

Despite the crazy start we had getting ready for the party, overall we had a lovely night :) I enjoyed getting all dolled up & going out with my husband. Another great memory for the books! I'm sort of stealing my husband's Facebook status post from that night & changing it to say that I was lucky enough to have the most handsome man in the room ♥

The last time my husband & I were able to attend one of these events together was when we went to the Navy Ball back in 2009 while he was stationed in Monterey, CA. That was such an amazing night too. We exchanged promise rings & enjoyed our weekend together before I had to leave & fly back for my junior year in college. 

THEN
2009

NOW
2013

October 19, 2009 [excerpt from Facebook]:
"Later that night after we left the Ball, I realized we didn't get to have our slow dance. Robert was playing music on his iPhone & then took my hand to slow dance with me on the sidewalk. He even dipped me for a kiss. I love him. ♥"

While we were in the car driving home, I realized that once again, the DJ this time around didn't play any slow songs either! I turned to my husband & said, "I guess no one likes to slow dance at Navy events?". Lol. We were pretty bummed about this realization, but you don't need a ballroom for a chance to slow dance. Your home is all the dance floor that you need :)

More pictures from the night...

I love him.

Photo courtesy of my husband 

Comparing their pocket watches :P

Look at those strapping young men!

Because her husband's photobomb was too
funny not to post!

Pictures by the photographer at the party...

♥

LOL! She cracks me up :P

Love this girl!

Bahaha!

We're all getting delirious!

;)

Chapter 39: L I F E.

Instagram username @withlovedarlene

What. A. Day.
To sum it all up...
-->At work I saved a child in my classroom from choking.
[It was quite the scare & put me in such a funk for the rest of the day! Thank God for my CPR/First Aid classes & certification!]
-->I'm getting sick.
[I never fully got over being sick in August & I was just treated for bronchitis last month :/ Boo]
-->My husband is on duty.
[I always miss him when he's away, even if it's only for a day]

After today's choking scare, it was yet another reminder of how precious  L I F E  is. How precious our T I ME  is. How precious our  L O V E D  O N E S  are. && how  L I F E  can change in a split second. So hold close those who are special to you & don't waste your life away by living in such a way that doesn't feed & nourish your soul. Spend your time wisely & do all things with a heart full of love.

I've had quite a day... Now I'm ready for some hot tea, a lit candle, an early dinner, & to snuggle up with my latest book purchase on my kindle paperwhite, as I wait for my husband to call me before heading to bed ♥

Chapter 38: The day he proposed & the day I said YES!

Today is a special day for me & my husband. Why?! Because it's the day he asked me to marry him, 3 years ago ♥ It was one of the happiest days of my life. Being the hopeless romantic sap that I am... I'm guilty of reminiscing about that very memorable day/trip. I'll never forget it.....

♥The Proposal Story♥

I later found out he spent over a year
searching for the perfect ring for me ♥

I flew to Florida the last weekend before my senior year in college to visit Robert for the first time since he got stationed there. I was only visiting for a few days but it was a trip we would never forget! We went out to dinner, the movies, the beach, & just enjoyed being able to spend time together. On Saturday [September 18th 2010] Robert took me some shopping before taking me to a nice Italian restaurant for dinner.

After dinner we got back to the hotel to pick up blankets so we could lay out on the beach. Before leaving we realized we didn't take very many pictures that day, so Robert decided to set the timer on our camera & balance it on top of the microwave. After taking 2 shots Robert said, "lets take more pictures". During the 3rd shot I got ready to pose for the camera while Robert got down on one knee & asked me to marry him [but not before calling my parents & asking for their blessing]!!! As soon as he pulled out the black box containing my engagement ring, I quickly covered my mouth in shock!  I kept saying, "Oh my gosh!", "Really?, "Did you really just ask me to marry you?", "Are you sure?!" It took a little while before Robert said, "Yes! Well....?". My reply was, "Oh my gosh! I'm sorry! Yes! Yes! Of course, yes!". After I took off my promise ring, Robert put the engagement ring on my finger & grabbed a teddy bear that he had bought for me. Still in shock, I used the teddy bear to cover my face as we stood there holding each other. When I said, "I think I'm going to start crying", Robert replied with, "Honey... you already are." After many kisses & hugs, we finally made it to the beach to lay out under stars.

Us at the beach & newly engaged! The nice thing about Florida
weather is that it's still warm in September!

The next day, happy & newly engaged, we spent the morning taking pictures on the beach before I had to leave. That trip was the only time I said goodbye without crying because I was too happy to be sad about leaving. I went to Florida on a Thursday & came back to California on Sunday ENGAGED to my best friend, soulmate, & love of my life! I started my senior year in college the next day with a big smile on my face & a new beautiful diamond ring on my finger ♥ [Our proposal story & love story is also posted in the 'Mr♥Mrs' section of my blog]

Chapter 37: The Importance of Documenting Memories [+video]

In my opinion, you can never have too many pictures or videos. Why? Because we're humans, not elephants. You may ask, "What the heck is that supposed to mean?" Face it. We don't have the best memory. There are so many special moments in your life that you remember so clearly shortly after it happens, but as the years pass, you may start to forget little bits & pieces of it. Yet, those little bits & pieces of a memory makes all the difference. I take so many pictures & videos, & I post so much on Facebook, Instagram, my blog, etc... so that I can remember. It's another reason I've been writing in a journal/diary [whatever you want to call it] since I was about 6 years old. I know that I won't be able to hold every single detail of every special memory as the years pass, but that doesn't mean that those memories have to be lost forever. I can't stress it enough... document everything. You'll thank yourself for it later & I'm sure others [including your loved ones now & future generations] will thank you for it as well.

I had to go through my photos/videos & delete stuff, because my iPhone kept notifying me that my storage was 'almost full'. While doing this, I found a video in my phone that I recorded the day I bought my wedding dress. It put a big smile on my face & had me crying happy tears to 'discover' this forgotten about video, so I posted it on my Instagram [@withlovedarlene]. Why did I get so emotional? Maybe it's because my wedding day was one of the happiest days of my life. Maybe it's because I'm on 'that time of the month', so my hormones are all over the place [TMI?]. Maybe it's because my husband is on another long underway & I miss him so much... Ok, it's probably ALL of the above.

Weekends are the hardest on me, because after a long week of work, all I want to do is enjoy my weekend by spending some quality time with that one special person who means the most to me. My husband. However, my husband is a sailor in the U.S. Navy, so I don't get to see him every night. This is where pictures & videos become even more important & special to me. To keep my heart happy [& keep myself sane] I often re-watch video clips from our wedding, home videos, look at our wedding photos, other photos of us, look through my many scrapbooks, etc... This is why my iPhone's storage is always on the verge of becoming 'full', because I don't like deleting anything. It's hard for me to do. This is also why I post so many pictures on my social networks. When I can't keep everything on my phone, at least I'm able to log onto my sites & use them as my own personal mobile scrapbook/photo album! :) It doesn't take up any space on my phone because it's all online. Winning! ;) Lol. So call me sappy, mushy, cheesy, or what have you! I know that doing all of this is what helps me get through the loneliness that comes with being a military wife.

Maybe you don't have the problem of missing loved ones because you're blessed to have them all in close proximity of you. Therefore, you don't take that many pictures or videos since you see them all the time. Am I right? Be careful with thinking in this mindset, because this can be your downfall. How? Well, we never know how long we have here on Earth. God forbid you don't wake up tomorrow... What then? Your family would be sad if they didn't have many pictures of you because perhaps you always shy away from the camera. Or God forbid a loved one passes away, leaving you wishing that you took more pictures with them or got them on video... Unfortunately, these are the sort of tragic events that happen before people wake up & realize just how short life is. Don't just live life to the fullest. DOCUMENT it. Have proof of it. Freeze the memory in a photo. Capture it in video. Once again... you'll be happy you did. You'll thank yourself for it later ♥

So go LIVE.

Go ENJOY.

&& make sure you document it all...

Here's a really cute article about just how good a elephant's memory is :)
http://www.elefantasia.org/spip.php?breve165

Chapter 36: Singing a tune about LOVE [+video]

"Distance is just a test to see how far love can travel" —Unknown

Last month was me & my husband's birthday month [shout out to all you August babies!]. He turned 25 [that special quarter of a century birthday!] & I haven't spent a birthday with him since he turned 21. He missed my birthday too & last year was his FIRST time celebrating my birthday with me. That's Navy life for ya, right?! I wanted to do something special for him even though we couldn't be together due to him being underway, so I decided to record & upload my 1st YouTube video in over a year [video is posted below]. He loves when I sing to him, so I thought it would be a good gift. I also emailed him a lot & sent him a 15sec. video of some of my co-workers wishing him a happy birthday. Lol. Any way.... I sang the boy version of "The Girl" By City and Colour. We love this song & enjoy singing/playing it on guitar together. Music was my first love [sorry, honey! Lol] & I think this world would be so boring without it. I sing to my husband whenever he asks me to [everyone loves to be serenaded, right?], because as the saying goes, "If music be the food of love, play on..."—William Shakespeare

Maybe it's just me, but I find it very easy to spend a good chunk of time listening to music, sitting on the couch [or lying in bed], & just staring at the wall [or ceiling]. I catch myself doing this quite often. I can become so consumed in my thoughts & emotions that it can take me a while to snap back to reality & get up to do something productive. In my opinion, I would describe this type of behavior as typical for a Milso [military significant other] or person in a LDR [long distance relationship]. When your love isn't home to spend time with, you involuntarily daydream about spending time together again in the future OR reminiscing about times you've spent together. For couples who spend a lot of time apart due to different circumstances [military, school, work, etc...], this song goes out to you. I hope you enjoy it ♥

My YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/withlovedarlene

My original post on Facebook:

I just uploaded my 1st YouTube video in over a year...

This song is dedicated to my handsome, loving, & hard working husband while he is out at sea....

[NOTE: I'm sure all of you Navy wives can relate to this song. This goes out to all of you ladies too] 

Happy 25th Birthday, baby ♥ Since [once again] we can't be together to celebrate your birthday today, here is my gift to you. Incase you ever had any doubts about my love & faithfulness [though you have no reason to] this song says it all. I love you with every fiber of my being, every ounce of my soul, & every inch of my heart. We have to make a lot of sacrifices in this military life of ours, but I wouldn't want my life any other way if you weren't in it. Whether we're inches apart, miles apart, or oceans apart—I'll always stand by you, stay true to you, support you, & love you. Take care of yourself & come home safely to me. I love you, Robert. Miss you ♥ 

*   *   *   *   * 

To all you Milsos & LDR couples:

♥ Stay strong & stay beautiful!

*Keep smiling & keep singing...