Malu's R&R from Iraq

Hello! In case anyone forgot who I am since I haven't blogged in AGES, let me re-introduce myself. My name is Michelle and.....ha ha ha! Seriously, it has been forever since I've mustered the energy to blog. It's mostly been my job...okay, it's only been my job, and I just haven't had the time. Or maybe i just didn't make time. Whatever. Since I've missed blogging so much, I've decided that I'm going to post at least one blog a week until I deploy at the end of the year. In fact, I promise to do so. So my fellow bloggers, please help me keep this promise and send me a message anytime you see me starting to slack again!

Anyway, for the past two weeks, my sweet love, Malu, was here for his R&R from Iraq. Not knowing exactly when he would arrive in El Paso, we didn't make any big plans--only to visit family in Utah and Colorado, since we are big-time home bodies anyway. It was all so wonderful! I'm sad to say that he left this morning and I've been a wreck since he left the airport. I'm just wondering where all the time went, and even more so, when all these good-byes are going to get easier. Probably never.

Just taking a stroll down our R&R memory lane...when Malu showed up at the airport, I picked him up in our brand new Jeep Commander. The only thing is, Malu didn't even know that we (or I, rather) had purchased it the week before. So it was a complete surprise to him too. He wasn't all too upset, but quickly warmed up to his new ride. A few days later, we packed our bags, loaded the Jeep, and head out to Utah to see Malu's family.

This was my second trip to Utah to see Malu's family. My first visit had been in July 2006, so it was a long time coming and it was so great to see everyone--Malu's grandparents, his aunt and uncle, his cousins and even his sister, Lulu, flew out from California to be with us. Here is a picture of the gang at a local buffet in Ogden, Utah. The food was absolutely marvelous there--and even better at Grandma's house! We spent the majority of our time with the kids and sharing memories and laughs with Malu's grandparents. We were so sad we had to leave...but happy that we still had more family to see in Colorado.

Our first stop in Colorado? A Flores de Mayo celebration for the Fil-Am Community. We literally arrived on a Saturday afternoon, dropped off our bags at my parents' house, took showers, and head over to this party. Typical. But it was so nice to see the entire community, who have given Malu and I so much support over the years. Here, we're taking a picture with my brother and some of our close friends.

Besides seeing my family, Malu and I were able to spend time with our baby girl, Lucy. Back in March, I drove up to Colorado from Texas to drop Lucy off with my parents. I'd become accustomed to working 12-15 hour days (I know, ludicrous!) and I didn't feel it right for Lucy to be neglected like that. So, I thought it best that I leave her with mom and dad, where she has the company of my entire extended family as well as their dogs, Rusty and Misty. Here's our little fur-baby with her daddy! They're about to go for a long walk.

A few days before we left, mom and dad threw a huge party for us at the house. I don't have a picture here, but you would not believe how much food and how many people came. It was ridiculous! I swear, in total, I gained five pounds the entire weekend!

Another cool thing...Malu and I were able to meet our first (and only--so far) godson--Joshua James Tajuna--son to our closest friends (practically family), Charisse and Jacques. He was born, I believe, on May 8th and is a precious bundle of joy! Malu and I can't wait to see him grow and even more so, to give him a little playmate. But that's way down the road!

After visiting with family, we ended up spending Malu's last few days here in El Paso, just doing what we do best--lounging around, laughing, being silly, talking and getting reconnected. It's funny, despite how long we've been separated (and how often) we always seem to fall right back to where we left off. How comforting is that? It's also so makes our relationship that much more exciting. Absence really and truly does make the heart grow fonder.

Well, everytime Malu leaves, I always make it a point to take a picture of him getting ready to go. Here he is with that million-dollar smile early this morning. As always, he was a good sport, offering me encouraging words and doing his best to remain composed as I was falling apart at the seams, crying sporadically even up to a few days before his departure. I thank God for giving me a patient, understanding, and caring husband.

Not sure what the months ahead look like, other than the fact that I will deploy by the end of the year. Malu is trying to extend in Iraq so that he can be with me during my tour. If not, he will redeploy in September and attempt to re-mobilize for another deployment to Afghanistan. These are such busy times! Please keep us both in your prayers!

I just spoke to Malu a few minutes ago and he was about to board his flight to Kuwait. Baby, I love you and miss you so much. Thanks for a wonderful two weeks! Have a safe trip back and be safe on all your missions and travels.