A couple of my readers had issues with yesterday's entry. I didn't give credit to a few of you who have been very supportive to me during these especially rough days. First there is my awesome Ma (sorry Jason, you're not the only awesome person in my life), who was the first person I called after parting ways with Jerry. I guess I didn't mention her specifically because it's just a given that she's the first person I go to with just about anything. She's my best friend and my strongest supporter (most of the time). So, of course, I've been leaning pretty heavily upon her. Scooter has also been very busy keeping me company and making sure I have lots of snuggle time. I tried to take a picture of us getting our snuggle on, but he yawned while I was taking the photo:

How funny is that?! I love this picture...it makes me laugh every time I look at it! So he's not only good for snuggles, but also for smiles! He's been keeping me and the flannel sheets and the body pillow company at night. I think that he kinda likes being the man of the house! It means way more time snuggling and practicing his loudest snores!! Sorry that I failed to mention Ma and Scooter yesterday!

Tonight I went to a tree lighting ceremony on post. It was pretty cool, an event sponsored by the German American Partnership Counsel. So the whole thing was in English and German. There were carols and mulled wine and gingerbread and, of course, a newly lit tree:

I'm guessing that many of you realize that going to a tree lighting ceremony was not the brightest decision for someone who just saw her loved one off to Iraq. And you are right! It certainly got the tears flowing, especially when they played a recording of White Christmas. White Christmas is one of my favorite movies and makes me think of home. And Jerry insisted we watch it together a few days before he left. But despite the tears and despite the freezing rain, the ceremony was very nice and I'm glad that I went.

Today was the day that I noticed and got sad about stupid little things. I put away the last of Jerry's clothes that I had washed. I unloaded the dishwasher and thought that the big forks will be getting a yearlong vacation since I only use the little ones. I threw out his toothbrush because I think that it would be pretty gross for him to use that same one when he returns. As each little thing gets put away, Jerry has less of a presence in the house and that's a little sad for me.

But I got to talk to him today!! And I got to see him, thanks to our laptops with webcams! The connection wasn't that great but it was enough to be able to see him and hear his voice, even if it was a little choppy. So I'm feeling a little encouraged about our communication during this time. Right now, he's only in a temporary place but next week he should be arriving in a more permanent location. Once he gets there, we'll have a better idea of how easy it will be to communicate and how clear the connections will be.

Before I sign off for the night, I thought I'd share a picture of one of the rooms in our now-furnished house! We had ordered this table in October and it arrived just in time for Thanksgiving!

Finally, I'd like to thank all of you who have taken the time to e-mail, call or write. Many of you have said that you know that you can't make things better for me, but that we're in your thoughts and prayers. Well, you're wrong. You do make things better. Of course, this is all very difficult, but every time I hear from the people who love me, I do feel a little bit better. So thank you for your support...it goes a long way!