After spending the morning driving around, running errands, I found myself in my kitchen, baking cupcakes for our friends down the street. I pawed through my cabinets to find the utensils and ingredients that I needed, and took my KitchenAid mixer (a Christmas gift from Mike) on her maiden voyage. As the mixer quietly hummed in front of me, I looked out my kitchen window to see my husband blissfully weed-whacking along the perimeter of our house. For the first time in a long while, I felt happy and at peace, comfortable in the knowledge that I'm right where I'm supposed to be. This quiet, suburban life is what I want, and although the duffel bags still aren't unpacked and the new television set is still an enigma, I'm right on track.

I've been home for five days and I'm absolutely loving it. Thanks to all those who supported me during this deployment and welcomed me home. And special thanks to my Army buddies across the country, who are hopefully experiencing the same sense of peace and wonder that I am.