date night

High heels

a dress

actually wearing makeup and perfume

and blow-drying my hair.

sea bass

a whole bottle of French wine

beignets for dessert

ADULT conversation

no interruptions

holding hands

not talking about the babies quite

as much as we thought we would

inside jokes

giggling...

having him tell me 

how proud of me he is,

and how much he loves me

and only having to sneak

off to the bathroom so i could cry

once. (which has to be a record for me, 

usually it would be ten times or so,hehe)

treasuring this last day together,

memorizing the way he looks, smell and sounds...

please note the puffy face and squinty eyes

from lack of sleep (thanks sadie) and crying.

but i did my hair and makeup and that's what counts yay!!

knowing in a little over 24 hours 

i'll be missing him terribly.

Comments

[karen]

how sweet are you 2?!!! enjoy this last day...i used to sit in my hubby's jacket while he was gone just to be able to smell him...crazy, i know but thought you could relate. Godspeed to J. He will be in my prayers for a safe return. i'm here if you need to talk....sometimes it helps to have someone who knows just what you are going through. take care....

xoxo

[Chris Dodaj]

and out come the tissues again!
You guys looked beautiful, and I hope you treasure today!

You'll be in my thoughts and prayers and your happy box will be in the mail today!

Hang in there Steph!

[Sasha Farina]

*hugs* girl... you're in my thoughts. if there is anything that I could help you with, please, let me know.

[Carrie D,]

You guys look gorgeous together! So glad you were able to go out before he leaves. Hold you head up sweetie! Your family & friends will get you through this. And make sure you have lots of scrap goodness around you! ;) xo

[AnnaMarie]

Oh sweetie, your entry made ME have swollen eyes LOL! I know you are treasuring these remaining hours....you are a beautiful couple and have a beautiful family, and I know it must be so emotionally conflicting to be so proud and yet wanting to be so selfish. HUGS Stephanie!

[Chanel]

You both look so happy...We'll be thinking about you both and sending you lots of {{hugs}}! Cherish these last moments and take lots of pictures...But I'm sure you don't need ME to tell YOU that!

[Abigail D.]

Thinking of you today. Cherish your last few hours together.

[melissa deakin]

love what you wrote, stephanie.
it is just beautiful.
my heart is breaking for you, but you are so strong.
please know you are in my thoughts and prayers...

[Steph H]

Starting my morning crying for you my friend. Know that their are people all over the country, all over the world even, who are praying for you every day.

[aja]

your post title should be: "warning, must have tissue handy..."

what a sweet thing that you got to have some special time before he leaves.

hugs to you and the girls.

[laura]

Thinking of you guys, Steph. You look beautiful.

[Joanna]

Oh, Stephanie, how hard for you! But sooooo sweet, what you wrote and what he said! Love that. Thinking of you!

[Susan Beth Breuner]

You have a gift for expressing the experience in a way others can suddenly feel a little of the reality. Probably barely anything of your full experience, but enough to know that you and J are courageous people. Lifting you both up in prayer daily!

[liz]

i love reading that. so very touching. so glad that you were able to spend time together, just the two of you. you will both be in my prayers.

[Dana]

Stephanie, you inspire us! And Jimmy, we'll be praying for your safe return. Thanks for serving your country.

[Lisa Dickinson]

oh you two are the cutest. you are both amazing....and i am keeping you in my thoughts today.

[lindsay k.]

so glad that you two got to get away together. please tell your husband thank you so much for fighting for our freedom. i have the utmost respect for him and your family. god bless.

[Jana Eubank]

Oh, my heart aches for you. I'm glad you were able to have a nice night out together . . . you are such a stunning couple! Hugs to you!!!

[nicole eshelman]

you two are a gorgeous couple. :) keeping you all in my thoughts...big hugs, my friend!!!

[Rachel]

So glad you two had a nice last night together!! You looked beautiful in your new dress!!

[erika]

i'm thinking about you steph..xxe

[Traci]

I'm thinking of you today and praying for you- praying for you to be strong and praying for him to be safe. Thank you both for serving our country.

[lauren]

you look beautiful, steph, and you and jimmy have a love that is a treasure. i don't need to tell you that, but i do need to thank you for sharing your memories, stories, thoughts and secrets with us.
we're right here through your journeys and your hard-times.
rely on us if you need to.
i'll be thinking of you, jimmy and the babies today.
*

[Lauren]

So sweet..you made me sad...

But, your hair is so pretty..
will pray for you and your family.

[kristii]

Aww....Bless your heart!! Such a beautiful post and what a beautiful pictures!! Thinking of you and your girlies today!

[jill s]

ok. you don't even know me + i had tears rolling down my cheeks reading your post. my heart goes out to you. as a momma of 2 little ones myself i cannot even imagine how you do it. you are amazing. sending hugs your way.

xx
jill

[katrina h]

I can't even imagine how hard this must be for you. What a great photo.

[Cyndi]

I just found you again. Loved the new hairdo. And will be keeping your hubby in my prayers

[danielle C.]

What a beautiful night that you will treasure for a lifetime. You 2 are too cute!!! Enjoy these 24 hours.

[kristina]

Thinking of you, Steph! You two look so cute together and you look beautiful! So glad you had a nice date! BIG hugs! I'm only an e-mail away if you need to talk, ok? More hugs!

[Meghan E]

*hugs* enjoy your day together!

[NicCarro]

This completely brought me to tears. God bless you and your family, I'll keep you all in my prayers. I'm glad you got to enjoy these last couple of days before he leaves.

[sharron]

Sweet picture of you two.
Blessings Prayers & Strength Today Tomorrow and Always.

[Jamie ~ Alabama]

New to your site... Just wanted to say hi and let you know that I will be thinking about you this week. Thanks so much for sacrifice that your family makes for mine.

[Ally0005]

What a great picture!
I'll be praying for you and your family during this time.

[Victoria]

My heart breaks for you and your family. Please know that our shoulders are here for you if you need us.

[Kimber-Leigh]

so glad that you two had a special evening together...you four are in my thoughts and prayers today and tomorrow...and will continue to be so.

and you two look lovely together in that picture.

[Mandy]

Stephanie, Please thank your hubby for his service. And thank you to you for being so open and honest. I love your blog, your work, your writing...I have had you and your sweet family in my prayers and thoughts for a while now. They will stay there. Keep your chin up.
Love,
Mandy

[kdgirl]

That made me cry!! It actually made my heart hurt. You have a gift with your words, I feel them. I feel for you and your family. Thank God for date night and I will keep you all in my prayers.

[Anne Washington]

Dear sweet lady,
I can't tell you how many times I've back spaced, wanting to find just the right words. There are none. Just know we are all praying for Jimmy and his entire company's safe return. May the angels shield all from harm. Know that we all are here if you need a shoulder and find the joy in your babes, for it is there.
hugs,
anne aka anniescraps

[Delaney Gates]

So glad you were able to have some alone time with him. My heart goes out to you dear. You have brought so many people sunshine through your blog. Now all of those people, all over this entire big world, are going to be praying for you, your precious girls, but most importantly, for the safe return of your handsome husband. I know I will be, every single day.

[Terri]

Heavenly Father please hold this family in your comforting arms as they approach this time of being apart. Please Bless them with your Love, Strength & guidance during this time. Please father, hold Stephanie close and lift her up when needed. Keep her strong and focused on those precious girls. Finally Lord, We know your work is divine and your will be done. In JC name....
KEEP STRONG GIRL - THIS WASHINGTON GF HAS YOUR BACK IN PRAYER. HANG IN THERE-

[Nili]

brave you! I dont know how you do it with him away...and the new dress looks very cute on you.

[Sangeeta]

I dont comment often on yr blog. But I do admire you and your work a lot. You are one strong lady. Hang in there. Yr DH will be in my prayers everyday till he returns back safely.

[Becky Trump]

that is an AWESOME photo of you two!!! So cute and you are stylin, girl! :0)
Sounds like you had a lovely time.

[greta adams]

okay stephanie you have me teary!!
{{{{{big hugs}}}}}}

[Samantha Seholm]

You guys are adorable. I hope you enjoy your day together. I am thinking of you.

[amy]

Beautiful photo, Steph. Thank you for sharing all the moments you do of your life. It always puts things in perspective for me.

[jill]

you guys look so happy. congrats on the date night. tell jimmy that we are all proud of what he does for our great country. and thanks to you too for all of your sacrifices. that is a huge committment. thank you jimmy!

[Ashley Schultz]

Cute picture. You guys are such a cute couple.

[Holly Terra]

You guys are so cute...
and so brave...
and EVERYTHING will be just fine.
Thinking of you and sending love and prayers your way.
XOXOX
Holly

[Susan Kopp]

Blessings on your family in this trying time. Jimmy will be in my thoughts and prayers as will you and the girls. Hold strong and know that there are people out here holding you all up with our good wishes.

[Amy]

so glad you two got that time together, but my heart just aches for you!!! Wish we lived closer, and sweetie you look gorgeous no matter what!!!!
xoxo!!!

[Christie Wildes]

I think the worst part of being an Army wife is the agonizing days leading up to their departure. Sometimes I wonder if it wouldn't be better to have him whisked away...no days and weeks of crying and begging God to spare your husband.

I can relate honey!! Please, please, please feel free to email me anytime. I can so understand what you are feeling right now.

Jimmy is in my thoughts and prayers. As are you and your girlies.

Big ((((hugs)))).

XO

[Diana (moonlightgrrl)]

oh steph... this is so sweet. just remember that one of the best things about missing someone is when you get to see him again. i'll be thinking of you!

[Amy]

Beautiful picture of the two of you. I'm glad y'all got to go on a date night.

(BTW, tell him I said thank you....and thank you to you, too, for the sacrifices you all make.)

[Jennifer]

You are such a sweet couple. Thinking of you so much..

Love and hugs,
jen

[Layle]

What a cute couple you guys are, Stephanie. I admire you for what you're doing. And what he's doing. I'll be praying for you guys.

[Stephanie P]

you two look great.
It must be a hard time for both of you, but, you will get through it and it will make you stronger.

send you my thoughts from France

Stephanie

[lisa truesdell]

sending hugs.... thinking of you lots as you settle in to a temporarily adjusted life....

[Stephanie P]

Sending a HUGE hug and lots of prayers.

Stephanie P

[Hilary]

Dear friend...you're in my prayers especially right now. Thank you, Jimmy, Steph, Harper and Sadie!

[Danielle (vtpuggirl)]

This is so hard for me to see, because I've been there myself. Everything is so familiar. It's hard for me to go there sometimes. My heart breaks for you, but he will be ok. I'm thinking of you. Hugs.

[Tiffany]

(((Hugs))) I am thinking of you today. So glad you two got a date night in. Praying for you and the girls and Jimmy in a big way.

[Lori]

Oh Stephanie...this must be so very, very difficult for you. You two look so *perfect* together in that picture. I'll be thinking of all of you and saying prayers for a quick return for Jimmy. Take care of yourself!

[Heather H.]

Aww

You two look so cute together. And you are one strong lady, Stephanie! I would never be able to handle my husband going away, but we all know that you'll be just fine :)

[Joy]

Ugh. I don't even know how you do it, but I don't envy you. Just reading this brings tears to my eyes.

[Helen]

OK, FIRST...loving the new dress you're sporting, looks fabulous. SECOND...I have no idea how you do it. I can't imagine my hubby being gone for so long. I hope you both know how much we appreciate his service and your sacrifice.

[Kirsty]

Big old cheesy cyber ((((hugs))))

You both look like such an adorable couple!

(I used to use dh's pillow and cuddle his jammies when he was away)
Saying prayers for you and your family

[veronica]

Oh boy. You are just as brave as he is.

xoxo girl...you are in my thoughts and prayers. I will keep your family in payers.

Thanks J!! God bless you for your hard work and courage!

[Susan D.]

good luck and god bless...

save a t-shirt or two that he's worn...without washing. last time dh deployed each of my kids had one and i had one (that NOBODY touched and was on his pillow at night-so i could roll over at smell it when i felt the need) that i didn't wash until he returned safely home to me.

[Rita]

You never cease to amaze me. Such a beautiful post and pic of you two. Glad you had that time together before he leaves. Take care, and know you have many people out here thinking of you.

[Jill]

I'm thinking of you and your family today. You're all in my prayers!

[Katherine Goodwins]

Wow you both look so beautiful together. I don't know what else to say that's not already been said, but know that we are all with you on this part of your journey, counting down the days until he returns. Katherine x England

[daniella]

May the Lord bless you and your family, and from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU, for your husbands service to our country and yours. May the Lord be with you and your girls, and keep you safe as your husband is out there fighting for all of us.

[MamaJayne]

I have tears for you. But I know you are strong. Been there, done that for 22 years. Good Positive thoughts for you all!

:J

[Lisa]

Hi Stephanie,
I wanted to come out of lurkdom to tell you my prayers are with you and your family. Please tell Jimmy that my family says thank you for all that he does for us and our country.

I've read you blog for a while and love it. You do beautiful work! You are a very strong lady. Your girls will keep you busy as well as your new house and I'm sure we will see some AMAZING lo's in the upcoming months.

Take care!

Lisa
New Orleans, LA

[doris]

stay strong. and cry all you want to. hugs.

[Melissa]

My heart is with you little girl! There is no way I could be as strong as you are. Big hugs---you should be proud of yourself too. You look beautiful.
Melissa

[Kelly]

I don't know how military wives, do it, but I'm convinced they are the strongest women I know - and you're no exception. Thinking of you and praying for you both.

XOXO

[Angie]

Oh, you look absolutely beautiful! You and your family will be heavy in my heart and prayers. Hugs to you.

[Maryangella]

How my heart aches for you. What a sweet post. As always I will keep you and your family in my prayers. You are such a strong and beautiful soul. God bless!

[Crafterbeth]

Steph, tell Jimmy we are thinking of him and will take good care of you while he is away.

[Dawn]

How SWEET are you 2?!! Glad you had a special date night! :-)

[Jill H]

i'm in awe of you guys. i'm praying for your family, for you all to have strength. take care.

[Dawn]

Though I am typically a lurker of your blog I just have to say you SO DESERVE date night. My heart aches for you and what your family will be going through. Stay strong for your husband for your girls and for yourself. I am so appreciative of what your husband and other brave souls are doing for our country. Cry when you have to cry, scream when you have to scream but always walk with your chin up and be proud of your husband and your family and the tremendous sacrifices you are all making. Thank You.

[Nora]

Just found your Blog really like it and can't wait to have the time to read it all. I have been a Air Force wife for 28 years and have 4 sons in the military right now, 1 Marines, 2 Air Force and 1 Army, so I know how your feeling right now. Praying for you...

[elise]

oh my dear -
i am thinking of you.
and here i am feeling like what i am going through right now is hard --

you are so brave.

[Adrienne]

I was thinking about you and your family today... beautiful picture of you two... sending you hugs...

[Brandin]

Hey there...you are really loved Stephanie...by so many that never even met you! xo btw....cuuuuute dress!

[stacey fike]

hello lovely!
i'll be keeping you in my thoughts.
thank that sweet man of yours for me, okay?
xoxo

[Natalie]

A previous comment said that you send sunshine to people all around the world through your blog...and you do!!! That same sunshine will be with your husband whilst he isn't by your side and bring him home to you!!! Your are an amazingly strong woman!
Hugs.

[bluemoon]

You look so sweet together, and I'm glad you got some very special time together. Stephanie, stay strong, we're all here for you, and to your dh Jimmy, a safe and early return. Thank you for everything you do... Hugs to you both.

[Katie Watson]

Ahhhh Steph.....My heart aches for you today. My hubby is gone too....It's 4am my time..and I woke up in bed with the lights on, the tv still blaring, a girl on each side of me and a cat on my legs....and thought of YOU. I did....I laid there and thought of you. So I got up and came downstairs...and went to your blog to tell you that you are not alone. That you WILL do this....maybe kicking and screaming and alot of crying along the way....but you have no choice and you love your husband so you will do this...and you will make it. But along the way, lean on those who support you. Sometimes that may be few and far between but you'll find that little spark of strength inside yourself and trust me it will grow to a big flame...this comes from a girl still trying to light that flame......I'm just feeling my little spark...and so I know first hand!
Thinking of you my dear on this day.....and hoping that you get through it!

[Breanne Crawford]

oh steph... my heart breaks for you. sending you all the love and hugs possible.... i can't imagine. thank you to you and your hubby.

[Angie]

I'm praying for you today. I've been through it and I know how difficult it is.

[Tracey]

Stopped by today to let you know I'm thinking of you and your family and praying for you all. It'll be rough, I'm sure, but lean on your friends here when you need to...you know they'll hold you up. :)

[Kari Follett]

*hugs* girlie. I totally understand but you are one tough cookie and you will get through this. You're in my thoughts today..

[angie (AMR: craftyscrapr)]

great picture....sounds like a wonderful evening!...all of you will be in my thoughts & prayers...
;) angie/AMR: craftyscrapr

[Melanie Wilkerson]

thinking of you today.....