Weather Fighters

Ben said something in one of our conversations a while back that has stayed with me and I roll his words over in my mind from time to time.  He said 'they are weather fighters' meaning they hide out during the winter and only fight when the weather is good. 

I suppose it stuck with me, because it just goes to show what a shining example our American soldiers are.  One of my favorite quotes says it perfectly:

"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated."

My husband is not a summer soldier.

Speaking of my husband...Ben your mom wanted me to tell you that she loves you.  I thought I had better throw that in here in case I forget to tell you she said that...ya know cuz I won't forget to tell you to go read my blog ;)

Let's see what's new with us?  Um I got new black pants, Ben finished his master's class,  the government wasn't going to pay any deployed troops this month.....hmmm it seemed like there was something else.

Haha I just wanted to talk about the government shutdown affecting pay to deployed troops and I wasn't sure how to introduce it.  It's a crime of course.  I finally realized why congress came up with a budget so quickly.  No, it's not because they're afraid of our soldiers...it's because they saw how scary the women standing behind 'em can be when their husbands don't get paid on time.  If you think our soldiers are scary, you should see the women standing behind them.

Seriously we are a scary sight after 8 months of deployment!  I can't remember the last time I shaved my legs, I've given up on perfume and bath & body works lotion...I'll leave the rest to your imagination.

We of course would have been fine if Ben didn't get paid for a while.  Plus I could add it to my list of responsibilities: protector, provider, caller of stuff while Ben is gone...you know the really important things!

I was really looking forward to teasing Ben about being a stay at home husband in Iraq. He could've really used the vacation.  Well maybe in 6 months.

Thanks family for all your prayers and support.  It means a lot to us and we love you for it!