I have no idea WHAT Troy is looking at. Or why that Daddy doll’s head looks a bit distorted. But, hey, it’s the best picture out of, like , TEN.
When you hug each doll, he says…
Of course, Merritt’s doll says his name instead of Troy’s
But.
Deep breath
It looks like God is doing something awesome and “See you soon” is going to be sooner than we thought.
Deep breath.
Trying to stay calm here.
As with anything in the Marine Corps, plans can change at literally a moment’s notice.
Obviously. The date for John to leave changed half a zillion times up until two days before he actually left.
But, as of right now, “the plan” is for this deployment to be shortened from 13 months to 7 months.
Did you SEE THAT?? Cut almost in half.
Deep breath.
It could change yet again. There’s always that possibility. But for now, this is “the plan.” And we’re praying, praying, it stays this way.
Deep breath.
I’m trying to suppress the urge to scream. Or squeal. Or something.
So they’ve changed the plan on us again. And this time, we are more–MORE–than willing to acquiesce.
Ha. Understatement of the century right there, peeps.
Mike Golch says:
now that was neet.
[Reply]
May 23rd, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Kelsey Smith says:
Oh my gosh how wonderful so glad he is coming home sooner!
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May 23rd, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Kelli says:
First off, that doll is awesome! I bet they play the heck out of it (and I’m sure you do ,too).
But WOOHOO!!!! on the shorter deployment :) What a HUGE blessing.
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May 23rd, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Mishel says:
Woohoo!! We need to keep praying that the USMC doesn’t change their mind! : )
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May 23rd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Mrs. Butler says:
Ah, that’s really, really super fantastic! I’m so happy for you.
But, the real question is… do you have a Honey Doll? And, what does he say??? :D lol.
Hoping this date sticks and that your love is soon home with you and your boys.
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May 23rd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Ginger says:
I am so excited for you I was talking to my sister Carole on IM when I checked your site and sent your site to her to read your post as well. We are so happy!!! I’ll be praying. Loved the dolls!!!
Ginger
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May 23rd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Elizabeth in Alaska says:
A daddy-doll… what a wonderful idea! :-) I am sure the boys are just thrilled. And I am sure you are more than thrilled at the thought of maybe seeing your beloved much sooner than you thought!!
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May 23rd, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Mrs. C says:
I so hope that the current plan is the one that sticks! I cannot imagine how excited you are at the possibility. Keep hangin’ in there. :)
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May 23rd, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Mod Girl says:
Praying with you that, Lord-willing, John will be home very, very soon. And that He will give each of you the grace you need each day, until that happy, happy day arrives.
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May 23rd, 2008 at 7:02 pm
Pam--in Jerusalem says:
How exciting!!! Yes, with the Corps, you just never know for sure. But just the thought of it is very exciting!
I love the dolls!
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May 23rd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
April says:
eep!
(There’s a mini-squeal for you…feel free to add your own.)
Will be praying for you to have peace while you wait for further word.
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May 23rd, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Danielle says:
Wow that is exciting!!! SO exciting! We will be praying!!!!!!
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May 23rd, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Mrs. Nelson says:
I hope the Marines Corps proves us all wrong and keeps their word for once!
I love the dolls. They are the cutest things I’ve ever seen. It made me cry!
I’m hoping for the best for the regular 7 months. Why is his deployment 13 months? I always thought that was weird. Dave’s were only 7. Maybe that was just tanks though.
Woo Hoo!!!! I hope it stays 7.
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May 23rd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Chantel says:
Oh Ash….! :HUGS: Oh, I just don’t know what to do but add this to my already-to-overflow-with-thankful-heart and just pray that God will bring him home so much sooner.
Are you still a-coming this way, though? Me hopes muchly that you are. :)Have you read my LJ lately? You might want to sometime if not…. ;)
Love ya bunches, dearie
[Reply]
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Sarge Charlie says:
I hope he gets home early, never happened to me, I was in germany during the cuban crisis and was extended three months, made the E7 list on Okinawa and had to cancel my orders and reassign into an E7 slot, I like the dolls, has to be good for the kids.
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May 23rd, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Nicole says:
Oh. my. gosh. Praying, praying, praying that this will be a reality. Keep us posted!
love and hugs,
Nicole
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May 23rd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
abrightnewdawn says:
AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! Major major major scream for you!!!! I’m so excited for you!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! Seriously. I SOOOO feel you. I say all the time that no one now knows me as a deployed spouse, but trust me I KNOW this feeling. I have that in my belly for you tonight!!!! Praying that it happens!!!
Love your daddy dolls. I plan to get those at our next duty stations when we’re going to have to deal with that again!!!
Praying for you sweet girl!!!!
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May 23rd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
C.A. Worcester says:
Do the phrases “Be flexible” and “Hurry up and wait” sound familiar??? My husband STILL uses those phrases here at home….sigh…. :-)
I am SO VERY HAPPY FOR YOU & YOUR HUSBAND! I know you will (are) holding your breath until you see him step off the plane (or bus), but I am rooting for you too!!!
Try to breath…..and then do a couple of back flips!!!! WHOO HOOO!!!!
Still thinking of you all and praying for you.
Cheryl :-)
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May 23rd, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Rebekah says:
Oh Ashleigh, that’s wonderful news!
I’ll be praying that it stays that way. :-)
~Rebekah
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May 23rd, 2008 at 10:35 pm
Anonymous says:
Wow! What wonderful news. Will keep my fingers crossed!
Aloha, J
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May 23rd, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Megan says:
YAY!!!! That is a wonderful news! I will join in prayer- that this plan (or one better) sticks, and that He continues to be your strength and comfort during your separation. *hugs* my sweet friend!
-meg
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May 23rd, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Darcy says:
Wow! Wow! Wow! That is wonderfully exciting news. Praying that the news holds and John will soon be home!
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May 24th, 2008 at 7:42 am
lady jane says:
lOvE the daddy-dolls!
Your little men are just too cute, Ashleigh. How neat that they can have daddy’s voice each time their dolls are hugged.
Coming home early?! What hopeful, incredible and completely wonderful news! I *do* pray it happens but I know how the military works with their timing. Minute to minute possible changes. You have many people storming heaven with prayer…so hopeful!
Let me know (via email) the general plans, ok? I have another box about ready to be shipped. Wouldn’t want it to get there and have no Ashleigh’s hubby to receive it.
Bless you soooo much. :o)
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May 24th, 2008 at 7:49 am
Tiffany says:
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness we are praying praying praying!!! How awesome would that be!!! So awesome that words cant even describe. Oh we want him home this would be so great!!!! Scream its good for you!! :)
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May 24th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Sarge Charlie says:
On this Memorial Day remember my friends who died for your freedom.
Dear Lord, lest I continue in my complacent ways, help me to remember that someone died for me today. And if there be war, help me to remember to ask and to answer “am I worth dying for?”~
Eleanor Roosevelt
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May 24th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Sileena says:
That is such exciting news!!!!! I know how the military gets your hopes up just to dash em so we’ll be praying this sticks!
The daddy doll is absolutely precious! What ingenuity.
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May 24th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Rebekah says:
I am sooooo thankful! We started praising the Lord as soon as you told us!
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May 24th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Becoming Me says:
What a precious doll and I am so glad to learn the good news.
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May 24th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Sara says:
Ok so I feel like I’m going to cry. I’m so happy for you guys. I’ll be praying that it doesn’t change again :)
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Who needs to know why the Marines keep changing their minds..lol
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May 24th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
The Girls says:
Hey Miss Ash, WOW we will def be praying that it will stay at 7 months. Wow the “Daddy Dolls” made us all cry it was sooooo sweet.
Love You Lots!!!!!! The Girls.
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May 24th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
Christine says:
Those dolls look wonderful. I bet the boys love them!
7 months? Wow, praise the Lord! That would be wonderful! I hope it does end up this way!
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May 24th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Pam says:
The dolls are such a great idea. Did you make them?
I’m so happy his deployment seems to be cut in half. I’ll pray too it stays that way. However, I’ll also be praying thst if it changes, you will experience God’s grace to accept itl Love your blog and sense of humor. You remind me so much of my niece!
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May 24th, 2008 at 10:24 pm
Carrie at dumptrucksandteacups says:
I’m standing with you in prayer that they don’t change their minds!!
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May 25th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Heather says:
ASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This has been my prayer since the day he left…that somehow, some way ( safely and unharmed) he would be able to come home early…I got chills when I saw this post…what affirmation of God leading our prayers. Love you!!
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May 26th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
blondevue... says:
Praying for you. :)
I don’t think I could have ’supressed the urge to scream’!
Take care,
Tori
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May 27th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Kimi says:
I found those dolls after my DH left. I tried to find a picture of him I could use, but I couldn’t. I guess my girls will have to wait for the next deployment to get one. I know my oldest would LOVE it.
I hope the plans don’t change again, unless they’re to come home EARLIER, hehe.
Eric doesn’t even know when they’re coming back…4 1/2 months down…
[Reply]
May 28th, 2008 at 10:57 am
lala says:
I read your blog occasionally– and I cried when your husband was deployed– so I just wanted to tell you that I am praying that he will be home with you sooner rather than later. 13 months is so, so long. I can’t even imagine.
[Reply]
June 2nd, 2008 at 7:33 pm