Coming Home

Kaden is coming home friends! The last time I saw him I stood there in the Meridian, MS airport in a daze. I left the airport, turned my shoulder one last time to see Kaden and his friends boarding the plane bound for Afghanistan. I drove 3 hours home, stopping first in Tuscaloosa to get a Wendy's chocolate frosty to somewhat help me from not crying. As I drove, Kaden texted me one last time saying what a trooper I was back in the airport. Driving home, I had no clue what this deployment would bring me, him, or us but I had faith in myself that I could stick it out through the sleepless nights and trying times. I kept telling myself, "You can DO this, Catherine," since my brother and many good friends have been deployed 3-5 times.

The following months consisted of phone calls from the USO (where I could actually hear Kaden clearly), Skype dates, and writing him a letter every single day. Other days brought me frustration where I didn't hear from Kaden for nearly a week because his internet went out and he was too lazy to walk to the USO to tell me he was ok. (Sorry honey :)

The Post Office started to see me every other week, wondering what in the world I was sending him next. Such things included:

Care packages wrapped in Alabama Crimson Tide duct tape, neon duct tape care packages, a message in a bottle that included 30 things I loved about him- one for each day of the month. The best package was by far the Blown Up Beach Ball I sent him as I asked everyone who came in contact with it to sign it. 4 or 5 postal workers signed it along the way and when it arrived in Afghanistan 6 DAYS later (inflated and all), someone came up to Kaden and said, "Uhh, man, you have something waiting for you in the mail room, your girlfriend just outdid herself."

It took 14 days for the first batch of letters to arrive in Afghanistan, and when they finally arrived he received 14 in one day. He said I broke the record for the most letters in one day! Bam!

I tried my hardest to be a supportive and loving girlfriend because Kaden deserved to hear a happy and upbeat voice on the other end of the line. Sometimes I would be so frustrated with the internet connection (because I couldn't hear a single word he was saying) that I would take it out on him. I give Kaden props for putting up with all of my sassy-ness and know-it-all moments. As I reflect back today, I can finally say "WE MADE IT." We made it through laughs, tears, long conversations, and the adversity of a deployment. While it's definitely not an easy thing, it is doable.

Sorry for the ranting and raving readers, I'm nearly done :)

If I had one thing to say to anyone who asked about my experience and what it taught me, I would tell you

ENJOY THE TIME WITH THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE

We all know life can get in a routine that may be monotonous at times, but if you have someone special or even your family, Enjoy them at all times. I just spent nearly 180 days without going out to dinner or even just having a face to face conversation. Saying that, 180 days is usually short when dealing with a deployment because other branches may sometimes go a year.

The other night at work, (Buffalo Wild Wings), I was closely watching this couple on a date. It was clear to me they weren't just "brother and sister" and as I observed, I noticed myself getting jealous. They were sitting there at dinner, less than 2 feet away from one another, texting away on their dang cell phones. She was texting and he was texting, and they were paying NO attention to one another. They were on those stupid things for nearly the whole entire time they waited and it took every single thing in me to hold back from saying something to them. Jokingly of course, I would have said "Do you know what I would give to be in your shoes right now?" That's merely just one example of spending your time efficiently.

So my fellow blog readers :) it's my time. Time to go on a date and time to hold my boyfriends hand again. To all of you out there, thank you so much for listening to my stories and being an uplifting friend to me. Thank you for all the persistent prayers throughout this time. It's been a journey and we are finally near the end!

And Kaden, THANK YOU for being one of the most amazing men I know. You have made me laugh countless times, made me cry just a few times ha, and assured me that we were going to make it. Babydoll, we made it! I love you with all of my heart and I'm so ready to not say, "What was that?" "Huh" "Baby, I can't hear you." :)

SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!!!

Happy Labor Day!

NO LUCK! Someone in 1998 won 6.2 Million Dollars at this Hole-in-the-Wall

Half in Georgia/Half in Alabama

It's been about a month since my last post and a lot has happened.

1. I graduated from The University of Alabama.

2. I've done a lot of cooking since moving back home.

3. I re-finished my first piece of furniture.

4. I sent Kaden a beach ball to Afghanistan and it didn't pop!

5. I got a job at Lonestar in Trussville to make some money and pass the time.

6. I am completely addicted to Pinterest. Ready to start making things!

7. I bought a vintage Iron Table and 2 Chairs at an Estate Sale for $17.

8. It's been 3 months since Kaden's been gone....Getting Closer.

9. On September 9, I mail out Letter #100 to Kaden.

10. I sent him an Alabama care package wrapped in Bama duck tape.

11. Dad and I went riding bicycles on the Chief Ladiga-Silver Comet trail. 30 Miles of riding bikes.

12. I bought $15 worth of lottery tickets and won absolutely nothing.

I hope everyone is having a great Labor Day in this rain! If you need me, I'll be on Pinterest trying to find my next project!

Cheerful

I'm currently sitting on my bed, listening to my fan shoot back and forth as I breathe in the scent of my favorite tea-light candle. Thank you Bed Bath & Beyond for making those cute little things for my enjoyment. My room is COMPLETELY cleaned & organized, with every thing I own in a particular spot. Many of you may know that I love to keep stuff and I'll keep it for as long as I can (until my Mom makes me give it away or throw it away) For the past few weeks, I've been tackling my room. I never wanted to start it because I knew somewhere under my bed I would have to get rid of something that brought a smile to my face. Before I moved home, I started with baby steps. Igot rid of 7 bags of clothes....Go ahead, say it.... "You go girl!" But anyways, I've tried to make more room for everything because in all reality, I don't need my pencil pouch from the 6th grade or all of my sparkly little picture frames that held all of the hilarious pictures of my friends and I.

I officially did it. I did keep my pencil pouch to save all of the other little knick-nacks I just couldn't get rid of. Most of them are very important to me, like all of my seashells from the beaches I've been to, or the bookmark that my sweet baby brother made for me that says "Merry Christmas" with the most ridiculous looking Elf on it. I just can't bring myself to do it. However, I did suck it up and donate tons of stuff to the Thrift Store. I'm definitely a regular there now, don't worry. It's been fun sorting through all of my memorabilia!

On a different note, I've kinda-sorta...okay you caught me...Got addicted to something. Pinterest.com is the coolest website I've come across so far. It is just a board where people pin stuff they think is cool. For example, recipes, DIY projects, wedding ideas, photography, and travel. I love it and I have come up with some pretty ideas. Well, I actually stole them from someone.. :) I found an idea called "52 Things I love about You."

First, I made a list of 52 things I love about Kaden. Second, I typed them out and glued them on a playing card. I used a whole deck of cards (52). I punched holes in it, put rings around it, and made a cute cover for it! BAM, that's it people. Just call me Crafty Catherine. Here is the final product:

I thought it turned out so great! Kaden absolutely loved it. I also sent him a "Christmas in July" care package because who doesn't like getting Christmas twice a year! I individually wrapped every thing I bought him! He opened it on Skype and his facial expressions will forever be burned in my mind!

Sorry for all the transitions, but I graduate from The University of Alabama on August 6th, then off to my friend Katie's wedding!

What an exciting day! I'm excited for graduation and remembering the April Tornado. Tuscaloosa will always have a very special place in my heart!

Also, our family minus Zach took a camping/hiking trip to Cade's Cove Tennessee last week! We didn't fully rough and tough it, but we didn't have a shower for a week. Calm down, I'm only kidding! National parks do not have showers so we had to pay 5 bucks to take one. I took 2 showers, thank you! We hike 2 trails...Abram's Falls (5 miles) and Mt.

Leconte (10 miles & Tennessee's 3rd highest point.) Of course the Page family cannot go any where without having a good time. We saw a black bear, ate at the Pancake Pantry, bought our dog an Alabama jersey, grilled hot dogs, listened to the crickets, scared Dad a time or two, slept good in a tent. I will always forever be grateful for my parents taking us on trips. I've been to some pretty interesting places with my friends and

family! Next stop....Kentucky!! Another state I can mark off!! #23 Woop!

Well, thanks for reading (if you read this far!) I'm continuing to catch up with all of my friends.. MISS you guys!

Deployment

For the last five years, I've spent a huge part of my time sending letters and care packages to my brother, friends, and complete strangers.

For most people, it's not a matter of life but for me the military has become my life. My older brother has gone on 2 deployments, both lasting 4-6 months. Saying that, my emotions have sky rocketed from really high to sometimes quite low. Whether it's watching interviews on TV, or seeing pictures of Military homecomings, I always see it somewhere.

Kaden has officially been gone a month. Thankfully, we have had the opportunity to talk every single day (besides 1 day). He calls me when he can and when I see the long number on my phone, my face lights up! It's a very reassuring feeling the very moment I talk to him, see him on Skype, or receive an email. Nearly 37 letters and 4 care packages later, we are officially 1 MONTH down on this journey. A journey that sometimes seems to fly by, yet other times drag on. The summer always gives me an opportunity to relax but I must say I'm ready to get back into the swing of a routine. I'll be subbing this school year as I look for another part time job. I fully believe the Lord will guide me wherever I need to be.

Thank you to all of you who have faithfully prayed. As I sit here blogging, I'm reminded of the verse, "Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you." How comforting!!

I hope that everyone is having a fantastic summer in this Alabama heat, whew! And if you ever want to make a day, send Kaden a letter :)

A1C Goodell, Kaden S

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First phone call

Today was a great day! I received my first phone call from Kaden! He called right when I walked in the door. I saw an unfamiliar phone number and I knew it was him. We talked for about 2o minutes or so. He sounded very tired but happy to be off the airplane! The time difference is so different. It was 2:30 p.m. here and 1:30 a.m there.

I missed his skype call tonight and I feel terrible. I think I'm just going to always stay logged in now. Last night was a rough night for me because I barely talked to him any yesterday. I lost a lot of sleep last night worrying about him. However, I did get to take a 3-4 nap today so I'll probably be up all night.

Please continue to pray for us. I'm hanging in there! 1 week down....only 9 more months to go.

Thankful

Well, well, well. Let me first apologize to the few followers I have for being a slacker! 2011 has brought me some unexpected happiness. I graduated from The University of Alabama in May but I still haven't walked across the stage. When the tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa on April 27, 2011, they decided to postpone the ceremony until August.

Anyways, my life has been non-stop since then. I've been in Mississippi with Kaden the past few weeks enjoying our last days together before he deployed. On Tuesday, I drove to the Meridian airport knowing that would be the last time I saw him for nearly 9 months. I held up much better than I thought. I just have to keep my head up and remember that God has a plan for my life! For those of you who want to write Kaden, here is his address.....(he would love a letter or card from anyone!!

A1C Goodell, Kaden S

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Hannah's wedding was absolutely perfect and she couldn't have looked more stunning on her wedding day! She went to Mexico for her honeymoon and by looking at her pictures it looked like they had a fantastic trip! Hannah's wedding was so special to me because she is one of my very best friends. She constantly encourages and prays for me. Who wouldn't want that as a best friend? I admire her and Tyler's God-centered relationship and I pray for the same for myself one day.

I've missed all of my friends and for those of you who read this, I'm sorry I've been such a sketch the last few months! Hopefully you'll understand the circumstances with Kaden! Without you guys, I don't know what I would do!!

Hope everyone is doing great and I can't wait to see you soon! Please keep Kaden and I in your prayers while he is in Afghanistan.

Time Flies

It's been nearly a month since I have blogged! Where has the time gone?

I'm finishing up on my last two weeks in Kindergarten and I must say that I absolutely love the little kids! They make me laugh harder than I ever thought. I'm teaching a unit on animals and I've taught some fun activities to spark their interest. Since we were learning about Pandas, I brought in Bamboo for the children. They can't wait to take it home!

On a different note, my life has changed a lot in the past month. I met an amazing guy, Kaden, who truly lights up my life. We met about a month ago in a random situation, ended up talking for the rest of the night, and I've talked to him every day since then. He respects me and who I am and values our time together. He's in the Air Force so he doesn't have too much longer in the United States before he's deployed :( I believe this time apart will help us grow closer to God and ourselves. I can honestly say I'm really happy with life right now.

Last weekend, we went to the RODEO in Auburn, AL and boy what a weekend! I have never seen so many crazy people in my life! We had a fun time and Blake Shelton put on a fantastic show :)

Last night, the Sugarland concert was cancelled due to Tornadoes in Tuscaloosa. I was really upset because the girls from work,(LT, Madeline, and Kelly) were all off for the concert! We had it all planned out. We ended up going out on the town and it amazes me how God can put the perfect people in your life. The girls from work, or the CORE 4 as I would say......have meant the world to me my last semester of college. We constantly encourage one another and without them, my days wouldn't be so bright!

Today is A-DAY, but I have to work!! Hope everyone has a great weekend!