As this deployment came to an end eight days ago, I started reflecting the week before on what all has happened and what all I have learned this past year.
We made 5 trips to Tallahassee and I can't count how many to east Tennessee.
Suprised the kids with a trip to Disney World with my mom, aunt, and sister.
Went snow skiing in West Virginia with Papaw and Nana's church.
I put over 25,000 miles on my new car.
John had his first sleepover at someone's house as well as had his first friend sleepover at our house.
John learned to ride his bike without training wheels.
John is learning to snowboard.
We attended four FSU football games, two FSU baseball games, and the FSU Circus.
Attended one UT football game.
Got to go out on the field with Chief Osceola and Renegade thanks to Uncle Jack.
John turned 5 years old.
Clara was potty-trained.
I have been able to have two girl weekends - one to Deeper Still in Birmingham and one with my friends Kim, Lavonda, and Mary in Columbus.
Clara started ballet and tap class.
Clara gave up her paci.
Clara started sleeping in a big girl bed.
Clara turned 3 years old.
Clara had her first friend birthday party.
Went to Callaway Gardens.
John started karate and participated in his first organized sport - t-ball.
John went to his first camps - cowboy camp, soccer camp, and karate camp.
Spent four days with Aunt Jill, Uncle Andy, Cousins Lily and Baylor.
Clara attended her first camps - dance camp and preschool camp.
John graduated preschool.
John started Kindergarten.
Mommy had three bouts of the stomach bug and a case of poison ivy.
My in-laws are the best!!
Realized I was stronger than I thought I was to be able to "handle it all."
Lost 15 lbs.
Celebrated our 10 year anniversary a world away from one another.
I ran my first one-mile race.
Realized how quickly your Army friends become your family.
It is ok to ask for help and accept it when it is offered.
Girlfriends are lifesavers for your emotional wellbeing.
God can and will carry you through everything thrown in your path.
The prayers and encouragment have been such a blessing and extremely felt among us.
Good babysitters are gold!
Have become accustom to not hearing my husband voice for 10-14 days and that is normal.
Family and friends have really stepped up in helping the kids feel so special since daddy has been gone with quality time.
I have learn to deal with things and fix problems myself.
My kids are so resilent and are truly Army strong.
Became so proud of my husband for the soldier, husband, and doctor he is and has become.
Realized how much more in love with my husband I am today than when he left on August 23, 2010.
Clara and Katy during the game. Clara listening to Justin Bieber.
Huddle with the Coach.
Katy and Clara
John and Daddy sitting on the bench, waiting for J to go in.
Ready to go, I think!!
Playing some defense!
Organized Chaos!!
The Red Eagles 
John's face is so intense here.
Pumping his fist!
Going after a flag
and any flag would do for the boys. ha!
Clara being sprayed off with water.
Running 
I think I have two happy boys being able to bond over some football.
Making faces at me.
One of those funny faces
Two -
Three -
My favorite!!
Daddy trying to get his flags.
He got 'em.
John playing some defense.
Goofing off with his sister as practice was winding down.
Walking into school
In her class
She really loves her big brother!
Playing with play-doh.
Clara's skirt started falling off once it got wet.
So Clara took her skirt off - -
Love daddy/son bonding time over football.
