A Day in the Life...

Five Years Later

2008-03-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Maybe its because my grandfather fought for this country generations ago. Or maybe its because I've committed my life to a man who has willingly sacrificed his own freedom for a freedom that is craved by so many. Or maybe it's simply because I'm an American.

Whatever the reason, the five years of this war have changed me. I have seen the faces of the men and women who pray at night, not for a million dollars or a shiny new car—but for one more day. They pray to God they will make it home to marry their high school sweetheart. They pray to God they will get to kiss the face of their firstborn child. These service members know that waking up is a blessing; going to sleep a luxury. I’m learning now, too, that each day is a gift.

They don’t fight for their own life, but for mine and yours, and for those who can only dream of what Democracy means. I have had to say goodbye to loved ones who never questioned their role in this war. They were given a mission, and while politics has tarnished the objective, they achieved the goals set before them. They fight because it’s a job and because they are proud to do it. If they don’t, who will? In five years I have learned that not all men are created equal. Some have honor and courage that cannot be measured—honor and courage that serves as the very foundation of this country.

Our soil is stained with the blood of men who died for the birth of ideas. Today, America’s children continue to breathe life into those ideas of freedom, prosperity, and security. They do it by bidding farewell to mothers and fathers, hugging children one last time, blowing kisses through the windows of a bus. Some will make it back for the homecoming parade and ice cold beers—others will not.

On the fifth anniversary of this war, I'm spending it reflecting on what it truly means to be an American, and remembering those soldiers, children and families whose lives have been eternally changed.

2008-02-06T18:15:00.001-08:00

Appreciate, esteem, prize, value imply holding something in high regard. To appreciate is to exercise wise judgment, delicate perception, and keen insight in realizing the worth of something. To esteem is to feel respect combined with a warm, kindly feeling. To value is to attach importance to a thing because of its worth (material or otherwise). To prize is to value highly and cherish

First Day of preschool

2007-09-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

Cori's Birthday Party

2007-09-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Hey Cousin Zach!!!
Cori and Mommy
Bop, Cori, and Madison What is it Cori??
Yaya and Boo gave her a leotard.
Army Princess birthday cake!
Cori and Nana
Cori and Ellie
All the kids
Can we eat cake yet???

Dance!

2007-09-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

Cori loves dance so much baby. She talks about it all the time. She says you gave her the best birthday present ever!!!

Happy 3rd Birthday Cori!

2007-09-22T18:55:00.000-07:00

This is Cori's first birthday cake at her "small party".
She dressed as a princess for the whole day-even at Kanpai!

Now I'm painting my ballerina at Flying Saucers.
Yummy! Yummy! in my Tummy!

Go Panthers!

2007-09-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for some football?!?!?!?!
Mommy's shoulders got REALLY tired!!
The end of a long day!

Pushing My Boundaries to Make Me Whole

2007-09-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

Wow. Where to start?

So much has happened since I last updated, seems like yesterday, seems like forever. I have been blessed with the opportunity to talk to you almost every day. It's been amazing. We've grown closer and even stronger than we were even a month and a half ago. I've told you this before....but the past seven months have been life changing for me. A huge part of who I am left when you left. I do not feel complete right now, but I do not feel broken anymore either. I have learned so much about myself and who I really want to be. Before you left, I was scared. I was terrified, not just of terrorists, but people in general. You know what I mean. I'm not gonna explain that anymore....but all that has changed. The other day me and you crossed a huge stepping stone. You pushed me to do something that I'd been terrified of for soooo long. Almost 24 years to be exact. I am sorry I didn't listen and blew you off the 500 other times you tried to show me, but I am thankful you were so persistant. You've always known how important that is....and I've come around to realize that. You are a WONDERFUL teacher, and I'm so lucky to have you in my life. You pushed my boundaries and helped me grow, and I can only hope I do that for you sometimes too. That's what strong marriages are all about babe. That's what we remember about Pa and Gaga, and about Rose and Earl. They pushed each other and made them become better people, and even stronger couples.
Tomorrow I start teaching my new class. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I know I will make mistakes and will have bad days. But you know what? Every time I hear one of them call me Mrs. Dees...I will be comforted and have a smile on my face. No matter what the drama with the teachers is or how bad the kids are acting up that day...no matter how upset I get....I will not be alone. I have you. My Best Friend. My Husband. My Everything.

Thank you for loving me so unconditionally and so completely.

I love you!
Mrs. Sarah Dees

:) I'll NEVER get bored saying that!! :)

My Life, My Soldier, My Best Friend....

2007-07-20T05:48:00.000-07:00

Alone tonight I beg,
For the strength to make it through.
I'll admit I haven't prayed in years,
But what else can I do?
The order came just days ago,
It's come your time to leave.

Alone tonight it's killing me,
But this I cannot let you see.
I have until morning to find a way,
To smother all my tears.
I lost you once years ago,
Now it seems I am reliving all my fears.

I know tomorrow you'll stand tall,
Like you've been taught to do.
You'll hold your head up high and proud,
Like none of this bothers you.
Inside I know you're scared to death,
Of all the things to come.

But never will you question why,
For it's something that must be done.
So tomorrow when the time finally comes,
For us to say goodbye.

I'll stand just as proud as all the rest,
Not one tear will touch my eye.
Instead I'll kiss you one last time,
God knows when I'll get the chance again,
Until that time I'll be waiting for you patiently,
My Life, My Soldier, My Best Friend.

Love is....

2007-07-19T20:31:00.000-07:00

Love is
being happy for the other person
when they are happy
being sad for the other person when they are sad
being together in good times
and being together in bad times
Love is the source of strength

Love is
being honest with yourself at all times
being honest with the other person at all times
telling, listening, respecting the truth
and never pretending
Love is the source of reality

Love is
an understanding that is so complete that
you feel as if you are a part of the other person
accepting the other person just the way they are
and not trying to change them to be something else
Love is the source of unity

Love is
the freedom to pursue your own desires
while sharing your experiences with the other person
the growth of one individual alongside of
and together with the growth of another individual
Love is the source of success

Love is
the excitement of planning things together
the excitement of doing things together
Love is the source of the future

Love is
the fury of the storm
the calm of the rainbow
Love is the source of passion

Love is
giving and taking in a daily situation
being patient with each other's needs and desires
Love is the source of sharing

Love is
knowing that the other person
will always be with you regardless of what happens
missing the other person when they are away
but remaining near in heart at all times
Love is the source of security

Love is the
source of life

2007-07-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

2007-07-15T08:45:00.001-07:00

2007-07-15T08:45:00.000-07:00

2007-07-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

2007-07-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

2007-07-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

2007-07-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

2007-07-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

2007-07-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

Found these on my parents' computer...

2007-07-05T17:35:00.000-07:00

Look how sweet!
Pat, Ansley, Mrs. Studer and Cori....look how small she was!
"Sissy Co", Me, and Cori
Going to the chapel and we're gonna get married....

Tyler Thomas and Friends

2007-07-02T20:42:00.000-07:00

This is Thomas before he was all the way done. These trains are about 4" tall each. I had to stand on a step ladder to reach them. haha

Tyler is excited because we are FINALLY working on his Thomas room!
Smiling with the faces.....But what about the trains, Mrs. Sarah?!?!?! The artist at work.

We had to gather ourselves for a moment and examine the progress!This is Percy. (No, Richard, I did not paint a train crooked on the wall. Thank you.)

These are a couple of the murals I have been painting in Tyler's bedroom. I am finishing up the last train and last few details tonight and then I will take a picture of the final product. Although my ADD is really kicking in, because I have been working on this for 4 days now, its really been fun to actually take time to paint again. Tyler decided he was going to make "art" and paint on top of my paintings and drive his trains all over them, which made things a little stressful, but overall it has been a lot of fun!

Fievel goes...............in Leah's bedroom

2007-06-28T12:14:00.000-07:00

This is me all covered in pillows on the couch talking to you about Fievel. There is no way I was walking around on the floor until that thing was caught.

Mema doing her mouse poses. She is really insane. She was talking about how the mouse was having a birthday party or picnic in Leah's bedroom and how she wanted to boil it when it came out. "Come to Grandmother you MFing mouse" HAHAHA.

This is Mallory standing guard ready to push it out with a mop when Mema catches it. She's a brave girl. Made Leah and I look like fools. Haha...oh well!
Fievel........what can I say. There's never a dull moment at the Miller household. This tiny little creature turned out to be about 48 hours of entertainment for us. I was trying to check my email in the office when all the sudden "Fievel" comes running right at my feet. I jumped up in my chair as fast as I could and all I could do was scream like a little girl. It stared at me for a second and then ran out into the den. At this point, Leah still has no idea why I'm screaming. So it gets away for a while...We rush out and buy traps. Wait until the kids go to sleep to set them. Still nothing in the morning. So then Mema comes over to help us....because apparently she is an expert with these sort of adventures. Well, about 3 hours after she has comes we catch Fievel. Leah and I have an absolute screaming match at each other over who is going to sweep up the little pet and dispose of him. I got up all the courage I could to hold the box while she swept him in. Sounds like no big deal.....but it was awful. Never want to go through that again.

Swimming with the Cousins

2007-06-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

This is Madison, Ballenger, and Cori's first swimming adventure together this summer. They had a blast. Cori love following her cousins around. By the time we left she was swimming with just her swimmies. I am so proud of her and know you are too! We love you!

'Corona" goes bowling and to "Roosters"

2007-06-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

"Hey mommy, that coke bottle has my name on it." I told you about that right???

So, what exactly do we do with this big ball? Roll it at people right?!?!?!?

No explanation needed.
Have to do everything just like Mallory. Notice the clothes???
Ice Cream at "Roosters" aka Brusters. Think she could have been any messier???

Orange, orange, or......orange?
Lovin' the shoes. She didn't want to take them off.
hmmm....that's right Mrs. Leah. Mommy did beat you!!!!
Ready, Set, GO BALL!

Looks like a strike to me!!!

No More Sugars for Tyler

2007-06-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

Cori was just cracking up when you were telling her no more sugars for Tyler. I've NEVER heard her laugh like she did then. Leah snapped a quick picture so you could see her. Will she still laugh like that when she's 35 and the only guy she's allowed to kiss is you???

Yaya, Baby Jesus and John the Baptist

2007-06-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

Opening a present from Yaya.....
How do I look in this???
Baby Jesus.......and John the Baptist....Thanks yaya and boo.

Game Day Central....

2007-06-28T07:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I know you weren't thrilled with the whole Baptist Bible School situation....but they really did have a lot of fun!!! Cori and Mallory chowing down on friend chicken, pasta salad, and baked beans.
Are you ready for some Bible School? They had a sports themed week. The whole sanctuary was decorated like a football stadium. It was so cute. Never went to anything like it at Trinity. haha.
Cori shouting her cheers..."Run, Run, Run the Race. Keep, Keep, Keep the Pace. Keep your eyes on JESUS!!!"
This picture is really hard to see, but this is there little commencement at the end of the week.

Game Day Central....Where Heroes are Made

Lunch at Ashley's and Jesse's...

2007-06-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Look's like two little girls are up to no good.
Cori and Madison tackling each other. WWF better watch out!!!
Cori with Nana. They are two peas in a pod. Double Trouble.
Ballenger posing for her picture for "Cousin Zach". She even had to go change clothes and put on this shirt for you. Remember me and the girls making them for your birthday party last year? She has been wearing it a lot!
Cori teaching my grandmother all about Thomas and all the trains. Tyler's rubbing off on her.

Union...

2007-06-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

We love you!!!!

Leah taking Cori down the inflatible slide. She wouldn't go with me.

Eating with our "Army Friends"

Mema

2007-06-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

Sierra's Birthday

2007-06-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

What Keeps Me Going...

2007-06-23T04:57:00.000-07:00

Every night I go to bed dreaming of the moment i get to see you again; the moment when months without you are erased by a single kiss. The moment when all my tears are dried by a single smile, the moment when hearing the sound of your voice means seeing you at the same time. Knowing that the moment I dream of will eventually become reality is what keeps me going."

Looking backwards and forwards at the same time...

2007-06-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

I spent tonight looking back through a lot of our emails from the beginning....

You wrote this to me in an email on Dec. 6, 2005...

"You are the love of my life, and the place that i was meant to me is with you. Wherever that takes us is no problem. Hand in hand we can walk across the world. I will do everything in my power to give to you everything that is good and beautiful, and to protect you from all that is bad."

...never heard more sincere and comforting words than these. I loved you then, but love you even more than that now. There's a lot more I want to say....but I think I'll save it for a letter.

I leave tonight with a quote I found....

"When you miss me...just look at your hand. See the spaces in between your fingers? That's where I belong."

All my love,

Sarah

Gaga...

2007-06-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

...will finish this soon! Don't be scared Zach....I won't post her pics of her in the Hillary '08 shirt or quote her on Cuba or Wars or Ozone or anything. haha. The world is not read to read that.

Baby Jesus....

2007-06-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

Cori has been going to Vacation Bible School...aka "Bubble School" since Sunday. She absolutely loves it. She's constantly singing the songs and doing the little hand motions and everything. Every time we get in the car she asks if its time to go to Bible School. When I pick her up and ask the usual, "What'd you learn today?" she usually replies we learned that we have to be nice to other people and we learned about Baby Jesus. I'll ask her what did you learn about baby Jesus....and she just screams BABY JESUS! BABY JESUS! BABY JESUS!!! It's so funny....

Well, this morning I was trying to get her out to the car to take her to preschool and she was being really difficult. (Imagine that.) So I was finally like, "CORI! IT'S TIME TO GO. HURRY UP AND GET IN THE CAR." She starts screaming holding her baby doll, saying "Mommy, I have bring Baby Jesus with me wherever I go". It was all I could do to keep from laughing hysterically in her face. So. Guess what. Baby Jesus rode to preschool with us today.

Reflections...

2007-06-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

I keep thinking this will get easier with time. That I will get used to this.....but that is not the case. This has been the most trying week yet since all this began. But I also feel like this week has made me stronger. Everyday is an accomplishment. Everyday is one day closer to a new chapter in our lives. As much as I wish we could just fast forward through this to the next year, I am greatful for every day and every challenge we've overcome. There are days when I literally hate this to the point I feel sick to my stomach. There are days when I want to just pick up the phone and tell you something silly Cori did or just hear you laugh. There are days when I would watch Dukes of Hazard and Walker, Texas Ranger for 24 hour marathons if it meant you could be home with me. But when I have those days, I think about how much we have grown both individually and together through all of this. I've done things I never imagined I would ever do. I've met wonderful people I never would have met if we hadn't gone through this. I've learned to stand up for things I believe in and not just wait on things to change themselves. I've learned what commitment and devotion truly means on a totally different level than most people will ever experience. I've learned how to be patient (although Leah may disagree). I've always believed that everything happens in our lives for a reason. I've always believed we are faced with challenges and obstacles, so that we will learn about ourselves and truly grow from our experiences. This deployment has been the most challenging experience of my life, but has also been the most meaningful experience too. No matter how tough things become, I will keep in mind that this is a blessing. An opportunity. Our love has grown so much already, and I know tomorrow we will be even closer and stronger than today. Thank you for loving me the way you do.
Sarah

2007-06-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

Let's see. Nothing really exciting going on this week. I've been busy getting the Fourth of July bags and boxes together. I really hope y'all enjoy them and you don't think they are too dorky. I think I'm finally getting the hang of having to prepare things ahead of time for holidays to send to you. I hope your Father's Day stuff gets there soon. Speaking of Father's Day.... I just want to take a quick moment to say what a blessing you have been to Cori and I. Our lives have changed tremendously over the past 2 years. You've gone above and beyond all my expectations and what I thought our lives would be like. You are the hardest working person I know. You are always willing to do whatever it takes to keep our family strong. Cori is so proud of you. She talks about you all the time and how she wants to be an army soldier just like her Daddy Zach. I can't thank you enough for loving her like she is your own. You are truly amazing. In my daddy's words...."A miracle." We love you very much. Happy Father's Day!

Humbled...

2007-06-06T23:45:00.000-07:00

Our new ARMY FRIENDS at Italian Pie!

Tonight has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life. Leah and I took the kids to dinner at Italian Pie. The guy in the pic (the owner) greeted us as we walked in and asked if Cori and Tyler were cousins. They said nope, they were "army friends". Well a few minutes later he came to our table and asked if our husbands were deployed. We said yes not really thinking much else about it. After we ordered and everything he came back to our table. He said the gentlemen at another booth had overheard our conversation and bought our dinner and told us thank you. He left before we could say anything to him. However, we were both really taken back. Tears filled our eyes as we sat there and talked about what just happened.

You know there are days when I would give anything to just go back and be "normal" To have you home again. But days like today and experiences like that make me realize you are really where you need to be right now. You are there for more than just me and our family. You are there for our country and the rest of the world. It is nice to know that people really do appreciate the sacrifices you are making. Although the very kind man was not able to directly thank you for your service, it humbled me to know that complete strangers will do things like that. Although I am not a soldier and not serving our country, I am so proud to be a small part in all of this. I could not be prouder to be your wife. I will continue to do whatever I can to support you throughout your journey. Although that man could not tell you, and I don't know how to express it perfectly in words, you are appreciated.

You make us all proud and thankful to be Americans.

Love always,
Sarah

PS....anyone reading this PLEASE go to Italian Pie. They were some of the nicest and most generous people I've met in a really long time. The world needs more people like them!!

Squeeze Me

2007-06-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

Matt said tell you hey and he misses you. Go Braves!
This is Cori trying to hide with Yaya from Boo and Matt. She is in a "I don't like boys" phase. She didn't want to give Boo any sugars because he is a boy. The only boys who can get her sugars are "Daddy Zach and Tyler". You should feel special darling! HAHA!
This is her going on the "big girl potty" at school. You have to "squeeze" her ...otherwise "it's not working". She sure is a trip. You are potty training all the rest of our future kids. A little too much fun for me.
This is what she did when I was tryin to get her dressed for school today. She wanted to go to school with her shirt like this. Haha....what do you think babe? Could she fit in over there??
Boo continuously wiping Cori's mouth eating ice cream.

Today was definitely one of the most intresting of the summer so far. Cori woke up in a crazy mood and it got progressively crazier throughout the day. We met Yaya, Boo, and "Map" for ice cream at Brusters. It was a lot of fun....but Cori really made a mess. Imagine that. She was sitting in your mom's lap and Cori's ice cream got all over your mom's pants.

I love you and your family so much. Y'all are wonderful!

S.T.

Say Cheese....Don't Run Away!!!

2007-06-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

This picture was one of my favorites of all I took at the beach. I was trying so hard to get her to stay still and smile so I could take her picture. But, you know how much she loves being still. Haha. She kept running away from me. I think it turned out beautiful though. I will send you one that is really clear.

The Beach...Part 2

2007-05-31T05:04:00.000-07:00

You will think this is funny. She has a watering can. She said mommy, I'm watering your pants. Haha. I guess dumping water on my chair would be watering my wants. Maybe you need to teach her a thing or two about gardening.

Catchin' some rays.

I'm a little teapot short and stout.

Katie, Lee, and Cori- She didn't want to sit with me. She had to sit with the "cool kids".

Struttin her stuff. Haha. She insisted on wearing a bow with her "Baby Soup".

We are still having fun at beach, although it really stinks that you are not here. Cori doesn't like the ocean, but she loves the tidal pools. She would stay and play in them all day if we would let her. I love you and miss you.

Sar

Memorial Day...

2007-05-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

I had written out a whole post about Memorial Day, but decided it would be better left unposted. All I will say is I have an infinite amount of respect for what the day means and for those it is meant for. I think everyday should be a memorial and a celebration to soldiers and all of their sacrifices.

The beach....

2007-05-28T05:21:00.000-07:00

Train, Balloons, and Fireworks.....

2007-05-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

Good night!

Had to go test out the portajohns.

This was their favorite!!! Wonder why??

"I wub you Mrs. Sarah. You're my girlfriend." Are you jealous???

Figured this would be your favorite!!

Up, up, and away they go!

We were sitting waiting on the balloons to start inflating.

Balloon Fight!!!

This was the balloon in front of the army booth. Tyler loved it. He was saying "That's my daddy" haha. Cori was scared to death of it.

This is us riding the train. Cori was shouting chugga, chugga choo-choo the whole time!

Just another day in paradise....

2007-05-24T18:46:00.000-07:00

Today we went and ate lunch at my dad's restaurant. Then we went to mom's school and loaded up about 3 cars full of stuff. Who knew you could collect that much stuff in a few years. It was fun to see everybody I used to teach with there though. They were all asking about you. We came back to my parents and Cori played outside with the neighbors again. Mom bought her a "bubble fan" that blows out tons of bubbles. She loved playing with it. Tonight we ate at Frontera. Came back to watch the braves some.....trying unsuccessfully to get Cori to bed.

Oh well.

Lots of Love!

Sarah

Nana and Bop's House!!!

2007-05-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

This is her friend Hannah. They are only 5 days apart in age.

Still likes to run over anything and everything with her Dora bike! Watch out!!

So we made it to Nana's house fine. Lots of traffic....it took us FOREVER to get there...but we made it. The first the Cori wanted to do was run across the street and get her friends to play outside with her. They are so cute together. I can't wait for us to have a big back yard where she can play.

Love you!

Cori and Mallory...

2007-05-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures we took at the gardens the other day. Doesn't she look beautiful? She is really growing up fast. I can't wait until you and I can take her back there one day.

Dora, Dora, Dora the Explorer!

2007-05-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

Doesn't she look like such a big girl sitting up and eating an ice cream cone?

No wonder she was a little scared of Dora at first....look at her!!!

She had more fun playing on the playground than seeing Dora

I have a bruise on my neck from where she was squeezing me so tight!! haha

I can't believe its Tuesday already. We did not go on a picnic today. We got too busy doing other things. Leah and I took the kids to the gardens and took their pictures. Then we went and saw Dora at Chic-fil-A. I didn't know how Cori would react, since she has been so scared of other characters in the past. She was all excited about it, but then when Dora came out she had a death grip on me. After a while, she warmed up enough to let us a take a picture but only if I was holding her. It is still cute though. We are heading to Atlanta tomorrow for a few days. Mom wants me to help her move everything out of her old school. Should be interesting, since there's about 8 years of stuff packed in there. We were supposed to leave for the beach on Saturday, but I think we will come back to home first. I really want to take Cori to the Memorial Day festivites and let her see all the hot air balloons. I remember my parents taking me to do that as a kid and I LOVED it. We will probably drive down to the beach on Sunday I guess. Katie's boyfriend, Lee is coming with us for part of the time. Wish you were here......love you!!!

Cheeseburgers and a Braves Game

2007-05-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

Well babe, it definitely wasn't a fun as the first time we ate cheeseburgers and watched a braves game together, but it was fun nonetheless. Gaga and Cori had lots of fun reading the "Peekaboo Mouse" book together. She and Kate-Kate had fun "shopping" with the barbie cash register.

Today we both went a got haircuts. Mine is pretty short. Cori's just got trimmed. She sat up the seat like a big girl. She was so brave and so proud of herself. It was really sweet. Tomorrow we are going on a picnic. Hopefully the weather will be nice. The potty training is still coming along. Well, be safe and have fun. We love you!

4 down. 14 to go....almost.

2007-05-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

So its been almost 4 months. Wow. Sometimes it seems like yesterday. Sometimes it seems like a year already. Everytime I feel like I'm getting used to this, something changes. There's so much I want to share with you. It is hard to think of everything in the 9 minutes and 30 seconds we get to talk. I will update this as much as possible. Hopefully, this will keep you more connected to everything going on with us. We love you and miss you!!!!