We also have a world map and globe where we have painted black dots in each place Dad has been. We read about the places he is going and the kids ask him to take pictures of things they would like to see. For us the loneliness of separations is the most difficult part. Being totally responsible for our finances and home and kids, never being able to totally relax when he is gone is the most difficult part for me. He has missed all those things with at least two of each of our kids.
Reunions are the most joyous part of military life.
If you are smart, each deployment reminds you why you married your spouse. We would never have meet them if my husband was not in the military. Day to day life has changed as we have had more children. When we were young marrieds, I worked 60-70 hours a week to fill the time. My social life was through work.