Lessons Learned

So, I thought I would record some of the things I have learned over Aaron's deployment.  This is more for me, but they might help someone else. 

• Friends are not required to be close to help.  I could feel the prayers and support from thousands of miles.  It lifted me when I was weak and comforted me when I was sad.

• Friends that live close to me became my lifelines.  They physically lifted me when I was down.  They were here to dry my tears.  They took my kids so I could go to the grocery store without 4 kids and smiled and listened when I needed it.  Without them, I would have survived this, but I would be in a padded room right now.

• The Lord knows what we need when we need it!  There were several times I got some pretty emotional news.  A man down the street was shot and killed at the airport 20 miles from where Aaron was and the announcement of the death of Bin Lauden.  Those are just a few.  When all of these happened (or I found out about it), I wasn't alone.  I had someone hear to dry my tears and lift me up.

• There were times that I could literally feel the arms of the Savior around me.  I felt protected, loved and validated.  Knowing that he knew my sufferings, my emotions, my feelings and my pains was so comforting.  He became my lifeline. 

• Not all things are about me.  I came to the conclusion that this deployment was not about me.  I was not supposed to learn some big lesson.  Sometimes in our lives, we are given trials just to endure them and do it well.  (D&C 121:7-9).  When I read this, I felt a huge wave of relief.  I wasn't being punished.  I was blessed the entire time Aaron was gone.  I earned every blessing that I received.  I know that.

• I didn't realize how many people struggled with Aaron's deployment.  (Again, not all about me.)  Just because they didn't live with him or smell his morning breath didn't mean that they didn't miss him or worry about him. 

• I take my husband for granted.  In all aspects.  I missed him so much.  Not just the big things.  The little things.  Taking out the garbage.  Holding my hand while we watched a movie.  I don't ever want to do that again.  I feel so much closer to him and our relationship is stronger. 

That is just a few.  I will add more as the days go by, but I want to remember how I feel now.

Cars Carmel Corn!

For our treat tonight, we celebrated the release of Cars 2.  The kids all want to see it.  I thought I would share the recipe!

Cars Carmel Corn

Ingredients:

2 bags of (light or no butter) popcorn (or air popped)
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
100-120 cars marshmallows (or 20-24 large plain), divided

Step 1: Make popcorn.  Set aside.  Put butter, brown sugar, 50-60 cars marshmallows (or 10-12 large plain) in a microwavable bowl.  Microwave on high for 1 minute.  Stir until marshmallows are melted and combined.

Step 2: Add remaining 50-60 marshmallows (or 10-12 large plain) and microwave on high 1 minute.  Stir until mostly combined.  (The kids thought it was super fun to have different color streaks in the popcorn, so we didn't stir until all marshmallows were mixed in.)

Step 3:

Step 4:  Pour over popcorn and stir.  Enjoy!  Make sure you have paper towels or napkins.  Fingers get sticky.  Depending on how gooey you want your popcorn you can make more of the carmel topping.  We like it gooey so we make another 1/2-whole batch.  We use air popped popcorn.  We don't like the butter on the popcorn for carmel corn.  The moves...totally different story.  ENJOY!!

In the 2nd picture of the finished product, you can see blue streaks.  The kids had SO much fun!  We can't wait to see the movie.

Linking here, here, here, here and here.

Thunderbird Falls

We went on Friday and did the Thunderbird Falls hike with Sassy's parents and Luke.  The kids did pretty good although they were getting tired when we were headed back.  Here are a few of the picture.

It was absolutely stunning.  It's hard to be in a place as beautiful as this and believe that there are people that don't believe in God.  We are so thankful for the opportunity we had to be here!

Aaron's home!! It's over! -- Kind - of

Aaron made it back from Afghanistan late last night.  To say that it was a whirlwind is an understatement.  I'll post more details (or have him do it) in a few days.  While we are getting settled, here's his coming home video.