Merry Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Eve to you all!
I have been off of work this past week, so I have been preparing for Paul's homecoming...doctor appointments, dentist, salon visits, shopping and more. Trying to keep myself busy as much as possible to make my days go by faster.
Still do not know when exactly Paul is coming home. We are hoping it is before the New Year, but we are just extremely happy that he is coming home to STAY!
Today was just me and my parents. We enjoyed our Christmas meal today because my mom has to work tomorrow. The dogs got to enjoy a nice Turkey meal as well! Christmas Eve service was beautiful as usual,  just truly missed Paul.

 Mom and dad before Christmas Eve Service

 My Christmas Eve outfit

 These dogs love each other so much! Baxton is mine and Paul's (left) and Bazi is my brother's dog (right). She has been staying with us since Thanksgiving because Josh and Kari were traveling a lot. They absolutely are best friends and are going to miss each other so much when they have to say good bye.

Wishing Paul was here...

Tomorrow, my dad and I are spending Christmas on our own, just relaxing, eating leftovers and watching Christmas movies. Then, on Monday, my sister Erinn and brother-in-law Dustin are coming in to town. We head to Omaha on Wednesday. I had bought a ticket to fly home the 31st, but with Paul coming home early, I have to decide what to do now. I'm thinking that I might have to drive there in my car and then that way I can drive back whenever I need to. Any other good ideas? Can't change my flight because I already did that once and had to pay double the price I had already paid...not doing that again.

Paul's spending Christmas in Afghanistan. Talked to him not too long ago and he is starting his celebrating by watching ELF with friends. :)

Paul and his buddy, Davis, in their truck. There is SUCH little room that Paul decided to build a hammock so that he had more space to sleep. Oh the fun of Afghanistan!

BEST Christmas gift EVER...

Paul and I were planning on celebrating his R&R the first 2 weeks of January. We were planning on spending the first week at home relaxing, going out to dinner and hanging out with family. The second week we were planning on staying in Breckenridge at my parent's timeshare and going skiing/snow boarding. I had it all planned out...

On Saturday morning, Paul called me and told me he had some news. He started the conversation by telling me he is no longer coming home for R&R in January. Of course, I got sad and upset. Then he says, "Because they are sending ME HOME! FOR GOOOOOOOOD!!!!!" I didn't believe him at first, but it is true.

They are trying to reduce the numbers in Afghanistan so they chose 80 guys to send home early and Paul was one that was chosen!!!! What an amazing gift from God! He is supposed to be home in January and not EVER have to go back!

Please continue to keep Paul and his men in your prayers for those who prepare to come home and for those that have to stay. I will keep you updated. Here is a picture of what is to come in a few weeks...

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS MOMENT TO COME!!!!

Where Has the Time Gone...

So...I realize that I have been SLACKING on updating our blog. I actually kind of forgot that we had created one, but I am going to try and do better now.

Well, it has been just about 4 months since Paul has been deployed. I have just been working and staying busy with Baxton. Paul has been doing AMAZING and is really enjoying experiencing the different culture over there. Here are a few pictures from the past few months of us...

 Baxton's first trip to Estes Park

 I got to play in my College's Alumni volleyball game when I went to Austin to see Naomi.

 Rockin my volleyball gear again...

 On our way to 6th street.

 Welcome Audrey Brianna Jahnke on November 16 at 12:49pm. Our newest niece!

 Happy 1st birthday to the best pup ever!!!!

 Turned 25 this year...making pumping pies.

 We are missing daddy...

 Happy first Thanksgiving to Audrey!

 She was smiling and saying hi to Paul.

 Bath time for little man, Aiden.

 2/3 of our nieces/nephew on Thanksgiving.

 Put up the Christmas tree.

 Baxton's first Christmas with us! He loved helping decorate.

 Paul's vehicle that he drives over in Afghanistan.

 My AMAZINGLY handsome soldier!!!

 Paul got to enjoy having lunch with some of the natives over there. He really enjoyed this experience.

 Paul's area...He decorated and everything.

 He "had" to grow the "deployment stache" hahaha

 We got to SKYPE! Doesn't he look cute all bundled up in his new blanket?

 Of course, Paul is still being goofy. I love that about him.

 Paul with some of his guys.

 Paul and Gutierrez.

 Some camels and people traveling along side of their vehicles on a mission.

 They got to play soccer for P.T.

 Paul had to shave his head because he missed "haircut day" when he was sick. Still looking good though.

Merry Christmas!!!

4 Weeks Later...

So, it has officially been 4 weeks from today since Paul left for his deployment to Afghanistan. It has been hard at times, but we are doing fantastic! We are getting to talk to each other quite a bit on the phone, Facebook chat, and Skype. We are taking FULL advantage of it while we have the opportunity.
I have just been working and trying stay busy to keep my mind off of the fact that I am away from my hubby.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers because we know that they are powerful and we appreciate them greatly!



















Remembering 9/11/01...10 years ago today. Had to wear my ARMY shirt in honor of my husband.















My incredibly handsome husband working in the desert.

That's my goof ball of a husband! I love that he is in another country and still knows how to have a good time!!!

Our last few days together

Knowing that Paul had to leave, we tried to do as much together as possible. We just wanted to spend every second together!!!

At the church picnic.

 At Paul's going away ceremony.

 Our last morning together :(

Cherishing every moment together.

 We love Colorado!

 Not ready to say goodbye.

 Trying to laugh and smile before the tears started.

 That's my soldier!

Getting ready to load onto the bus...saddest time! :(

We are going to be aunt/uncle again!

Yay for Laura and Jason having a baby in November/December!!! We are so excited for them and that we get another niece in the family. Unfortunately, Paul will not be here when she arrives, but he is so excited to love on his niece when he returns.

When Paul and I went to New York, we saw the cutest onsie and decided it would be PERFECT for little Miss Audrey. Laura loved it! Her very first outfit!!!!

Military Ball

Paul and I had the opportunity to go to his military ball. It was at the Antler's Hotel, so we decided to rent a room for the night and just enjoy ourselves. :)