And so begins a new adventure

He's gone.

And I'm so dang tired I can hardly stand it.

The girls are napping and it's quiet. And the house feels empty.

How is that possible?

I have such hope for the next year.

So much I want to learn, do, become.

I will become a better person because of this...

stronger, wiser, more faithful.

I'm not really in the talking mood right now,

so I thought I'd leave you with some photos I took this morning.

Love to you all and thank you, thank you, thank you

for your kindness, love, and prayers.

xoxo

s

Comments

[angie]

aww i am crying...sweet photos. I will say a prayer for you! (((HUGS)))

[kelly]

hey there...

your online friends will be there for you! hugs to you and the girls. just remember to keep smiling.. even when it hurts.

[Katie]

Ahhhhhhhh Steph......The first few weeks are the hardest. Then the last few weeks are pretty hard too.... Just pace yourself. Keep focused on what you NEED to do and not what you wish you were doing or should be doing. So often I live in that world...and have to force myself to come back to this world. It's easy to do when you have no partner that comes home to you every night. You will make it...You WILL! Thinking of you....~K

[monica gonzalez]

oh steph, i dont even have words. those photos are priceless. I've been thinking of you and your family all week--and will continue to keep all of you in my prayers.
(hugs)

[Victoria]

I wish you were my neighbor. I would come over and give you a big ol' hug.

BTW, where in Texas are you?
I live south of Houston in Angleton.

Victoria

[Susan Beth Breuner]

So glad you can call it an adventure. It will have it's ups and downs, but you will be a different person, a better person, and yet the same. Being a wife has new meaning in these circumstances. Wonder around the house, touch all the surfaces he touched, caress his pillow next to yours. Do whatever to feel his presence! He will be there for you!

[Ami D.]

Stephanie, although we have never met, you are heavy on my mind today. My prayers are with you for strength and with Jimmy, for a safe tour and speedy return to you all. Thank you for your sacrifice. God Bless your family and especially your hubby. Thank you.

[Deb Wisker]

Godspeed Jimmy, Godspeed!

[Shella]

I don't have any words (and that's a first). Please know how much you are in our hearts and how grateful we are for his service and your sacrifice.

[Jen]

aww,sweetie...i can see from these pics why you don't feel like talking. they are beautiful, you and your family are beautiful.
i will keep you and your little family in my prayers.
take care, dear one.
XO

[Stephanie P]

sweet pictures. He looks as proud of you and the girls as you are him. I will say a prayer for a quick and safe return.

[katie]

Stephanie~

How can my heart hurt so much for you even though I've never even met you? I will be praying for your husband and for you and your precious girls.

Katie

[Tiffany]

Aww Steph, these pictures made me cry dangit. And I am at work too! Praying for you love. But at the same time I can't wait to see you grow through this and how you become a better woman, wife and mommy in the process! xoxo

[Stacey M. Curry]

We don't know each other and I can't say that I have know what you are going thrugh. I just wanted to know that I think you and you husand are both incredibly brave. Very inspiring! I will say lots of prayers for you and your family - for anything that you need. Hugs to you and yours...

[Dana]

I can't imagine. I teared up looking at the pictures and reading your brave words. Once again, I'll be praying for you all!

[dana]

steph, you and your family has def been in my thoughts today. i cannot even fathom how hard it must be. i will be thinking only positive thought for you family.

i love the pictures, sadie is getting so big and i love harper's dress....so cute!

thanks for posting an update!

[Ashley Schultz]

You have such a beautiful family Stephanie. Hang in there.

[Jessica Ozburn]

I love to read your blog, and I'm pretty much just a lurker...but your post today brought me to tears. I'm so sad for you, but I know it will make you stronger. I just want you to know how thankful I am for your husband and his service. And thank you for the sacrifices that you make so he can serve. I'll remember your family in my prayers.

[sarah]

I have such tears in my eyes right now. I will be thinking and praying for you, jimmy and the girls every day.

xx.

[Heather M.]

Such precious photos, Stephanie. You are an amazing woman. I'll be praying for you and your family during this time.

[Barb @ getupandplay]

Hugs. You can do this. I will pray for you, for Jimmy and for your girls.

[jen]

Awww Stephanie, my heart aches for you. What precious photos you have ... sending (((HUGS))) and strength your way.

[Linda J]

Holding you all in prayer -

[Abigail D.]

Tonight I weep with you. Stay strong and hug those girls tight.

[nicole eshelman]

oh boy...i don't know what to say. i am so emotional for you, i can not even begin to fathom how you must feel. sending you hugs and prayers, Steph.

[Jill H]

these are just beautiful pictures :) i pray your girls will keep you busy and give you strength too!

[Jill]

I really feel for you, Stephanie, but I also know that you are stronger than you think, and you're going to pull through this. We're all here for you, rooting for you, and praying for you. Take care!

[Cass]

Praying for you as you start your new adventure. *hugs*

[Kim FAucher]

That second picture of Harper and him serious... choked me up... seriously....

prayers for you to find strength.. I know you will get through okay... don't be afraid to rely on your online buds...
we are here for you!

go do soemthing for you and the girls special.... get an ice cream, play in the sprinkler... begin to enjoy and carry your journal everywhere.... writing things down is very therapeutic!

Kim FAucher

[Jennifer]

I've only been reading you're blog for about a week but I've been thinking about what you're going through. It's strange that I've never met you and never will and that I'm on the opposite side of the world to you yet my heart just breaks for you. But I'm also full of hope because I know you will be strong.

[Ally0005]

I've been thinking of you all day.
We are all here for you. Hugs to you girl.

[veronica]

i've been a total lurker for some time now. please know that even those who never leave comments (like myself... ha!) are keeping you, jimmy and your sweet little girls in our thoughts.

[Amy]

seriously you know how to get me to cry. He is always in my prayers. and I am so thankful for him and all the men and women who are going and are there.

[Barb N.]

I've been both waiting for and dreading this post all day.

I can't imagine what your day was like.

[Crafterbeth]

Oh Steph I don't have the words. I do however have tears in my eyes. Beautiful photos of your beautiful family. I know there will be hard times but I know you are strong. Who knows, my boys are teens, I might hop on a plane and visit Texas!

[Amy]

There are no words to express the feelings those picture evokes.
I'll be praying hard for you in the coming weeks.

[Amy]

Clearly, I cannot type. The above comment should state: 'the feelings those pictures evoke.'
Sorry.

[Sarah L]

Your in my thoughts...I hope you and your girls have a restful evening and wake up to a brighter day and remember tomorrow is one less day until he is back :-)

[Kelly]

oh steph - jimmy's face in that B&W holding H just puts a lump in my throat. Prayers and blessings for all of you. Hang in there :)

[Michelle]

Such adorable photos! I will certainly be praying for you and your family over the next year :)

[Michelle]

Such adorable photos! I will certainly be praying for you and your family over the next year :)

[Rachel]

Such pretty pictures of such a sweet family!! Hang in there and keep that chin up!!

[Bethany Engstrom]

God bless J for Serving our country...and you for letting him go. Thinking of you and praying for all 4 of you. If anyone can do this...you can! :) :)

[laura]

Hugs and kisses, sweet girl.

[Jennifer]

Love you, friend. I just cried for you all and showed your photos to my husband and Noah. We are going to pray for him and all of you in the days to come.

I look forward to keeping you busy a few times while he's away. Big huge hugs.

Jen

[Maryangella]

If I could have 1 wish come true today, I would pray for world peace so that no man or woman would ever have to feel what you felt today. I will pray for J to be kept safe and for you to have the strength you will need in this new chapter of your life. God bless!

[Wendy Antenucci]

I can't even begin to imagine what you must be feeling; you are an amazing woman! God bless you and your family.

[Sasha Farina]

oh babe... i don't know what to say. I teared at "he's gone" and bawled at " So much I want to learn, do, become" I can't imagine what it is like but my heart, my prayers, my positive vibes and wishes for all the sweetness in life, are with all of you.
*hugs* You know where to find me if you need me, right?

[Krista]

God Bless you, your girls and your brave dear husband. Thank you.

[Stephanie Jedlicka]

Stephanie, I have no idea what you're going through, but I wanted to thank you. I wanted to thank you and your family for everything you do to keep my family safe. You are a fabulously strong woman and your husband is a very lucky man and your daughters very lucky little girls. **hugs**

[Vanessa]

Stephanie, these photos are priceless. You are such a beautiful family and you can just see the love in Jimmy's eyes. I obviously don't know you, but I am crying as a type because I feel your sadness and I don't have any words to ease the pain. I can't imagine, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls, as well as with Jimmy and I know that he will be back in your arms very soon... Thx for opening up your heart and soul to us. I visit your blog almost every day and I am inspired by your ability to put things in perspective and by your strength. God bless you.

[Amy]

oh sweet girl be strong!!! That second photo breaks my heart! We are all here for you anytime!!
xoxo!

[amy]

Precious, oh so precious. Take care these next days, Steph. So glad you have those precious girlies.

[tara pollard pakosta]

awwww stephanie, you not in the talking mood? that's unheard of! girl, those photos are PRICELESS and i mean sooooooo perfectly precious and adorable! esp the 3rd and 4th ones..oh my gosh. hugs to you and i hope you do all the stuff you have planned to make the time go by FAST. will be thinking of you .
tara

[laura]

hugs stephanie. i'm praying for you.

[AnnaMarie]

Those pics are so incredibly touching, they make me both smile and tear up. I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and sending hugs your way Stephanie.

[Veronica]

aww. these pics make my heart melt!
If you need anything let me know...I'm an email away!

hugs

[Kimber-Leigh]

thinking of you, steph :) that second picture tugs at my heart...

you will be able to do it. lean on Lord...allow those around you to help you in what you need...and know that you are uplifted in prayer.

hugs to your little girlies tonight!

[danielle C.]

beautiful photos Stephanie. What a brave soldier you have there. That photo of him resting his head on Harper's. I just wonder what is going through his mind at that moment. You are in my prayers. Big hugs.

[danielle C.]

beautiful photos Stephanie. What a brave soldier you have there. That photo of him resting his head on Harper's. I just wonder what is going through his mind at that moment. You are in my prayers. Big hugs.

[Sara]

I feel for you. Be brave. Be Strong.

{{{Hugs}}}

[heather]

such sweet photos!

my thoughts and prayers go out to you & your family today.

[kim Strother]

You have the right idea, keep busy and try and keep you mind focused on anything any everything else to make time go by faster. No words, even all the nice, wonderful and sweet things that have been written here, as nice as they are, cannot make time move faster. But still, may the peace of God be with you each and every day!

[aja]

aww...you're such a strong lady.
i know we've not met in person, but i'd like to say that i'm "here" for you. know that what you are doing for your girls is amazing, honestly. teaching them strength and honor...what a great mama.

[Stacey]

Thinking of you Stephanie! Your pictures are beautiful (as always!). Your husband looks so handsome in his uniform, and your children are so cute! The family picture is wonderful.

[Stacey]

Stephanie, this may be a repeat post, I had problem posting to your blog.

Thinking about you and your family. The pictures are so beautiful. What treasures. Harper looks so much like Jimmy, that seeing her must feel like you still have Jimmy at home with you. I hope the days get better for all of you. Best wishes for you.

[Michelle]

I'm not even going to pretend to know what you are going through, but I wanted to wish you and your family all the best for the upcoming year.

[Samantha Seholm]

Those are great photos I am thinking of you and your family.

[Rita]

Consider yourself hugged!!! I think of you often and always say a prayer for your beautiful family. Just remember you're a Texas Woman!!! We can handle anything:-) Rita(just south of Houston)

[nicole]

i'm the happy 70th post!
prayers to ALL of you. may God give you the strength you need. and then some. ;-)

[stacey fike]

if i could hug you through the internet i would.

[tammygraves]

Very sweet photos....I will be keeping your husband in my thoughts and prayers in this next year. And you and the girls as well. Bless him for serving our country and bless you for being a strong wife, woman and mommy in these difficult times...I'm praying for you.

[lia]

ohhhh Stephanie .... *hugs* to you dear!

[michele lee]

stephanie, hugs and prayers for you across the ocean (i think it's the atlantic) and some seas. hang in there!!!

[Sophie]

I'm keeping you and your girls in my thoughts... that must be really hard, but I know you'll be stronger after that

hugs from France

Sophie

[Kirsty]

(((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))

Cheesy, but not much else I can do or say.

You and your beautiful family are in my prayers

[manon]

awww. These pictures are so cute. I love the one where they hug. Cute.

[Meghan E]

I know you can do it :) Hope you got some sleep last night and are feeling refreshed today.

[Carrie D,]

Sweetheart, my heart goes out to you! Take the time you need. You will be such a stronger person after this, even though 15 months is a lengthy stretch. The photos you captured are wonderful! Hugs to you & your girls. Prayers for Jimmy's safety. xoxo

[Melina {gingerkitty}]

Breathe

[Lindley]

couldn't read through it w/o hurting with you (and crying, of course). I know the Lord has great plans for y'all during this time. You are the strongest woman I know! I am so proud of you and how much you have grown and the example you set for your girls!! I love you!

[Winks]

Steph,
Isn't it strange when you feel like you know someone only through some words and pictures on a screen?
That being said, my heart breaks for you like someone I have known in my "real" life.
I hope these days are filled with nothing but sweet times with your precious girls and the time flies by, until your "soldier in the sky" returns home to you.
God bless,
Jody

[Chris Dodaj]

I've got you all in my thoughts and prayers! Remember if you need anything......I'm here.
big hugs,
Chris

[Debbi T]

Such beautiful photos, Stephanie. Big hugs to you.

[Valerie]

I was thinking about you and your family all day yesterday. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

[Dawn (rn4jchrist)]

((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))
I'm so sad for you... My prayers are with you & the girls during this time apart, may it go by very quickly, you are such a strong woman, God has blessed you with the strength to withstand this separation. I wish I lived closer, but know I think of you & your family often.

[ashley]

thinking of you Steph

[Jamie ~ Alabama]

Sweet photos! I hope your days get easier.

[sharron]

Perfectly poignant.

[Rebecca]

Stephanie, I know we don't know each other, but I just had to tell you how much you've been in my thoughts for the last couple of days. I've been reading your blog for a while, and I just had to comment today to let you know how brave and strong I think you all are. Thank you so much - to Jimmy, to you, to your girls - for your service and your sacrifice. It is noticed and very much appreciated. You are all in my prayers.

[lindsay k.]

thinking of you this morning. wanted you to know that you, your hubby, and your little girls are in my daily thoughts and prayers.

[mandi]

Your pictures are beautiful, they made me cry! Partly because I know what you are going through, my husband is in the Air Force, even thought I have only been through one 30 day deployment. My daughter is 2 and I know he will probably have to go next year. Anyway, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Stay positive and busy! I hope the time goes by fast for you! **Hugs**

[MelissaS]

I'm usually a lurker here, but those photos make my heart heavy. I just have to come out from the shadows to wish you the best for the next year+. I have great respect for military wives who go through so many emotional roller coasters. Take care!

[lauren]

lots of love...in the photos, in your smiles and eyes, and from all of your friends!! :)
*

[erika]

i was just talking about you last night with colin....we are thinking about you, and keeping you in our prayers. hugs and love. xxe

[Melanie]

Stephanie, I feel for you!!! I will be thinking about you and your DH. Stay strong.

[Terri]

I am so grateful for the work Jimmy is doing and am sorry for your sacrifice. I thank you both for the unselfish service you give to the country. You have some lovely pics to scrap for quite a while too..... hugs -TJ

[Susan Kopp]

I haven't read any of the comments I just wanted to say that I am sitting here with tears in my eyes for someone I don't know IRL but that I feel a connection to. Stay strong and when you don't feel strong look at those 2 precious girls and know that we are here to lift you up and to send good thoughts and wishes to Jimmy and all of you.

[Heather H.]

Gosh look how big Sadie is! They grow so fast, don't they?

Stay strong! Time will fly by and he'll be back in your arms :)

[greta adams]

steph i am so sorry that he is not with you physically but mentally and spiratually he is.

{{{{big hugs}}}}
and you are strong strong strong woman