The Karlik's: December 2011

Saturday, December 24, 2011

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!

Monday, December 12, 2011

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...