Christmas

We enjoyed Miles' and Matthew's first So. Cal Christmas! Yesterday we drove to Hemet to see some extended family. Today we opened presents at home and went to the neighbors for a big dinner. We missed Brad but today marked a double milestone: Christmas is out of the way and only 3 months left!

Here's some pics from the past few days. You know what I just realized today? I never use my Nikon anymore. Ever since moving to the States and owning an iPhone it's like I lost my passion for pictures. I'm definitely going to try to get back into it with the New Year!

Some interesting videos from Brad

First let me say... HALF WAY DOWN BABY! I've been dying to say these words since he left. 105 days down and 105 days to go!

Here is Brad standing on the roof of some building. Nice little view of Musa Qala.

The walk from his tent, which he shares with several Marines, and the chow hall.

This last video is the 4 P's of the Wag Bags. This new system is actually a lot nicer than what they were having to do. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't as gross as I'd imagined.

Surprise visitors

We had some guests pop over today. So nice to live so close to extended family.

Aunt Jeanne with cousins, Dallas, Brayden, Providence, Selah

Picnicking in the park behind our house.

One day I will get Matt to smile for the camera!

Such extremes!

I was looking through some old photos today and came upon this one. I couldn't believe this was almost 1 year ago exactly!

How polar opposite from today. 85 and sunny and perfect for the beach. These Californians like to complain about the warm weather, but man-oh-man, not me. I am not taking 1 second of it for granted. All I have to do is look at the above pic and I'm cold.

Matthew is getting so big! 5 months and 18 pounds. He is following in his big-brother's footsteps.

This is why I married him...

If it’s any consolation, I hurt too. It’s so hard not seeing you every day. I miss you so much. I can’t even express it. The way I love you is the most amazing thing in the world, but right now it can be the most painful because we are separated.

I love you with a love that is more than love.

Me

SSgt Lowe

Intelligence Chief

2nd Battalion 4th Marines

Musa Qal'eh District Center

Hobbies

Other than counting the days until my husband's return I thought it'd be healthy to throw myself into some hobbies that I enjoy.

I've been getting a kick out of these cupcakes.

Here's my turkey cupcake. Can you guess what it's made of? Caramel and cornflakes!

Snowmen. Made of cookies, orange candies and chocolate chips!

Yesterday was my 4 month anniversary with Jillian Michaels (or her workouts I should say). I'm not saying I look fantastic or anything, but I feel fantastic and that's all that matters! I cut out all sweets (how ironic with my cupcakes), soda and junk food. I've honestly never had more energy or felt healthier in my life!

Here is my mom's new hobby: baby wraps. She does a fantastic job and is now selling them to all these fertile military wives. I am just modeling them for her, haha!

More Halloween festivities

Mario and Luigi

Our great group of neighbors

A huge thanks to my mom for creating this awesome car.

My Halloween treat from Brad.

A little adult fun the night before.

Trunk or Treat

I decided at the last minute (literally) to do Trunk or Treat with Brad's unit. I should say the wives of Brad's unit. I do not get excited about the holidays and I don't know why. But I think having kids is slowly changing me. It was exciting decorating the car and watching Miles' face light up. It was fun having everyone 'ooh' and 'ahh' over our pumpkin patch and thinking Matt was the cutest pumpkin ever. It was especially nice being surrounded by these women who were going through this experience with me.

On another note, it's been 2 months now. Just 5 more to go. I try not think in terms of months we have left but rather 1 more week until we're 1/3 down or 6 more weeks until we're 1/2 down. Haha! I can't wait until the days were we look back at this deployment and think, "that just flew right by" like I can with our other ones. I had some goals for myself and I'm so happy to say I reached one of them! Losing all my baby weight, plus some! Woop woop! Gotta love Jillian Michael's morning workout.

That's about it! Hope to blink my eyes and be on here writing "3 months down." Happy Halloween.

Pumpkin carving

Got a surprise in the mail

It was a thumb-drive from Brad full of pics from where he lives.

Showers. Not private at all!

They call this "the sh*tters". Excuse my French. Gotta love Marine Corps language. They have to burn the poo every night. Brad told me today they are getting a new system in where it won't be as gross.

Chow Hall

'The Easy Day Was Yesterday'

Makeshift gym

Afghani Chicken and Rice. I would not eat this as it looks disgusting but Brad says it's a hit. The only thing is it's not sliced like American chicken. You eat it all, bones included!

Breakfast. Mmmm... too bad nothing is real on this plate.

Brad's bed!

Their new pet bird. He is warming up they say.

Miles is 4!

Miles turned 4 last week and we had a party at Pump It Up. It was such a blast and Miles first real party ever. We split it with a neighbor friend as her daughter's birthday was the same week and we shared so many of the same friends. Here are some pics from Miles' very special day!