Two Years Ago...

It's Christmas time. I can't help but remember the holiday when my hubby was in Iraq. (and no, military people, this does not break OpSec...because several of these photos were PA photos) He specifically requested the Santa suit. He was a leader of a group of about 30+ guys...and he decided to take them gifts (in the back of a truck)...as Santa. Oh gosh. I'm glad he's got a good sense of humor. I wasn't laughing as much when I was alone on Christmas, but then I think of the good. I think of the ministry that the Lord allowed Brandon to do. The unique situations Brandon was in because of this deployment. The ability he has to influence men for the gospel. Reminds me of Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." It might not always work out how I want it. But it works out.
For Example:


If Brandon was busy being Santa and working with the local people...



he was going to miss his best friend's wedding. I don't know if you are aware of the time in 2007 when the deployments were being extended from 12 months to 15 months? Well...that happened to us. What once would be a fun reunion/wedding....turned into a time where he would miss a special occasion. But I couldn't let that stop me. NO way! My sweet, crafty, amazing friend Melinda helped me create a stand up B. It was too expensive to have this made at Kinkos. So I just had him printed to the waist. Then we put spray adhesive on the back of him, mounted him to foam core and painted on his legs (who needs fancy photo paper? All we need is legs..) I think they look great!


He was a hit and people took pictures with him all night. I even danced with him quite a bit. Especially during the slow dances :)


Right now, I brought him downstairs (from the attic) to hang out as a nice, manly (scary) silhouette in my windows. I know, dorky, right? His legs came off, so right now he's just a head and shoulders. He's three years old now! The big army guy comes home Monday...so he can go back to the attic soon!!

Excited to go to bed. The cats (Kentucky Wildcats) just pulled out a win over UCONN! Still undefeated...but by a hair!! :)