Fast forward a year and 8 months! We've been living here at Riley since June of 2011. I've actually enjoy just about everything here. I haven't hated it as some let it be known. Kids like it and have adjusted. It is so cool to have Troy in middle school with me! I can keep an eye on him, but better, that teachers see how smart of a kid he is---guess he just shows it more at school :)
Hannah has gotten big and still loves school, especially now that she goes to Seitz---a brand new school!
Funny how we were so worried about a deployment almost 2 years ago, and now we are anxiously awaiting the end to our first one. It hasn't been terrible, but I definitely don't wish for another one right away! I just want to lay in Jeff's arms on the couch and have his hand run through my hair, Just give me a "Jeffy hug" as my mom would say, because his hugs are some of the greatest.
Short blog, but I just am so thankful it has been as smooth as it has been...Thank the Lord!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Friday, April 22, 2011
What the Army Motto Should Be...
Don't really believe anything you hear at first, because it's gonna change.
Jeff did get switched to 4th Brigade and with with the 1-4 Cav. They are hardcore on PT, so he's like "geez" but I'm sure he will do fine.
We're all set for housing. We are scheduled to get our keys June 13th to our house in Forsyth, which is awesome, because it's brand new housing and our house is about 1700 sq. ft. Don't know what I will do with all that space! I am excited to get up there! Because Jeff is with a new unit that means he won't be deploying for about another year or so, which I am stoked about, but that also means that he will probably be deploying to Afghanistan.
Guess you can't choose what you want from the Army...you have to take what's being given you. But we'll manage.
In other news, I'm trying to get our house ready to rent by June 1st. Guess I'll be quite busy for the next month. I did get home today after a few days at my parents and wouldn't you know, the air isn't working right. It was 89 degrees in the house. I'm hoping after I keep it off for a while, it will begin working right. But I will have to get it checked out anyways. Lots to get done in about a month, but I'll take it :)
God's blessings to you all this Easter! Remember the best gift we've all been given and praise God for all the things we've been blessed with!
Jeff did get switched to 4th Brigade and with with the 1-4 Cav. They are hardcore on PT, so he's like "geez" but I'm sure he will do fine.
We're all set for housing. We are scheduled to get our keys June 13th to our house in Forsyth, which is awesome, because it's brand new housing and our house is about 1700 sq. ft. Don't know what I will do with all that space! I am excited to get up there! Because Jeff is with a new unit that means he won't be deploying for about another year or so, which I am stoked about, but that also means that he will probably be deploying to Afghanistan.
Guess you can't choose what you want from the Army...you have to take what's being given you. But we'll manage.
In other news, I'm trying to get our house ready to rent by June 1st. Guess I'll be quite busy for the next month. I did get home today after a few days at my parents and wouldn't you know, the air isn't working right. It was 89 degrees in the house. I'm hoping after I keep it off for a while, it will begin working right. But I will have to get it checked out anyways. Lots to get done in about a month, but I'll take it :)
God's blessings to you all this Easter! Remember the best gift we've all been given and praise God for all the things we've been blessed with!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
He's Coming Home...
So, my last post was about switching units to 4th brigade. Apparently Jeff made such a great impression to the men that were above him in rank in the unit he was originally assigned to that they "went to bat" for him and got him switched again...so we're back to deployment. While I'm sad, I'm dealing with it, and trying to find out how to make this next year something positive for the kids!
First off...since it's Easter weekend, Jeff does have a four day, so he is planning to try and come home..and hopefully add a day or so to it. They kids don't know, so it will be a surprise, but also, this is when we're going to sit down and break the news to them. The past week have been an emotional one for us all. My heart has been breaking almost every night lately, because both Hannah and Troy are struggling lately with dad being away. I am sad he is having to go already, but after talking with my mom, she made me realize something. It might be better for him to deploy now, while the kids are "used" to him being away. It would be much harder if they were spending everyday with him again and then he had to go (at least I believe it would be).
Troy's really been struggling with some boys in his class name-calling. He told me that he is having a problem "controlling his anger" and he told my mother in law that he's done trusting friends, because all of them have let him down, and that he has to "fight" his way to be respected. I know it's been really hard on him not having Jeff around. They are SO close! I cherish every moment I have with Troy when he opens up to me, which is something he doesn't do with many people.
Hannah is doing awesome, but has her moments. She really just wants to hug him.
Worse off is I hate what it does to Jeff when they really let loose on the phone with him. It absolutely tears him up, and he's not one to really show his emotion by crying, but I told him its okay. The longest he ever went without seeing them was their month visit to PA this past summer to their grandparents. Before that it was only a few days. I know he really misses seeing their changes from this past year, and I know it will be hard on him doing this another year.
Add in my frustrations and then having to "hold it together" and we're talking about a time bomb. The spouses really have it harder than I thought with playing both parents role, but then having to keep their own emotions in check, especially around the kids. It's something I struggle with everyday. When the kids breakdown, usually I really want to be right there with them crying, letting them know they are not alone, but tonight, like every night, it was "Daddy needs us to be strong because he needs to know that we are ok at home and he doesn't have to worry about us" and all that good stuff.
I guess that's enough babbling for now...I'll keep you posted on the visit...hopefully it will happen!
First off...since it's Easter weekend, Jeff does have a four day, so he is planning to try and come home..and hopefully add a day or so to it. They kids don't know, so it will be a surprise, but also, this is when we're going to sit down and break the news to them. The past week have been an emotional one for us all. My heart has been breaking almost every night lately, because both Hannah and Troy are struggling lately with dad being away. I am sad he is having to go already, but after talking with my mom, she made me realize something. It might be better for him to deploy now, while the kids are "used" to him being away. It would be much harder if they were spending everyday with him again and then he had to go (at least I believe it would be).
Troy's really been struggling with some boys in his class name-calling. He told me that he is having a problem "controlling his anger" and he told my mother in law that he's done trusting friends, because all of them have let him down, and that he has to "fight" his way to be respected. I know it's been really hard on him not having Jeff around. They are SO close! I cherish every moment I have with Troy when he opens up to me, which is something he doesn't do with many people.
Hannah is doing awesome, but has her moments. She really just wants to hug him.
Worse off is I hate what it does to Jeff when they really let loose on the phone with him. It absolutely tears him up, and he's not one to really show his emotion by crying, but I told him its okay. The longest he ever went without seeing them was their month visit to PA this past summer to their grandparents. Before that it was only a few days. I know he really misses seeing their changes from this past year, and I know it will be hard on him doing this another year.
Add in my frustrations and then having to "hold it together" and we're talking about a time bomb. The spouses really have it harder than I thought with playing both parents role, but then having to keep their own emotions in check, especially around the kids. It's something I struggle with everyday. When the kids breakdown, usually I really want to be right there with them crying, letting them know they are not alone, but tonight, like every night, it was "Daddy needs us to be strong because he needs to know that we are ok at home and he doesn't have to worry about us" and all that good stuff.
I guess that's enough babbling for now...I'll keep you posted on the visit...hopefully it will happen!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Answered Prayers
So, who says God doesn't answer prayers?
Even though I had made peace with Jeff being deployed, he's been switched to a different unit. Now, he doesn't really know what unit, but he does know it's in 4th Brigade and apparently, they are not deploying. While Jeff and I were excited about being able to bank some money, not getting deployed brings another set of frustrations, etc...but you know what? As frustrating as it is...I'm just happy that my husband will be in the states for a while and we will get to be together for a while before he is deployed.
Now we have to worry about when we really will be moving, because word is, Ft. Riley is wanting the families to move ASAP and if not, he will have to rent a place off base until this summer. Bad thing is, we're only going to be getting BAH for Kansas and that will certainly not cover our mortgage and rent for an apartment up there. We're not keen on pulling the kids out a month and a half from the end of the year, but I guess once we find out what actual unit he is in, we'll worry about all of that. For right now, we'll focus on the positives!
Whoever believe military life is an easy one, they are certainly mistaken. I'm not saying non-military families have it easy either. We've definitely had our ups and downs before being "military". Heck, the whole reason Jeff re-enlisted was truly because of the "job security" he would have and the training he would get for a job that could transfer into the civilian world, even though he's not really planning to get out. There is just another set of issues and frustrations to deal with. It's definitely a "what the military wants, the military gets", even if that means your sanity :)
Even though I had made peace with Jeff being deployed, he's been switched to a different unit. Now, he doesn't really know what unit, but he does know it's in 4th Brigade and apparently, they are not deploying. While Jeff and I were excited about being able to bank some money, not getting deployed brings another set of frustrations, etc...but you know what? As frustrating as it is...I'm just happy that my husband will be in the states for a while and we will get to be together for a while before he is deployed.
Now we have to worry about when we really will be moving, because word is, Ft. Riley is wanting the families to move ASAP and if not, he will have to rent a place off base until this summer. Bad thing is, we're only going to be getting BAH for Kansas and that will certainly not cover our mortgage and rent for an apartment up there. We're not keen on pulling the kids out a month and a half from the end of the year, but I guess once we find out what actual unit he is in, we'll worry about all of that. For right now, we'll focus on the positives!
Whoever believe military life is an easy one, they are certainly mistaken. I'm not saying non-military families have it easy either. We've definitely had our ups and downs before being "military". Heck, the whole reason Jeff re-enlisted was truly because of the "job security" he would have and the training he would get for a job that could transfer into the civilian world, even though he's not really planning to get out. There is just another set of issues and frustrations to deal with. It's definitely a "what the military wants, the military gets", even if that means your sanity :)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Closing Time...
Apparently my brain hasn't gotten that message yet.
One thing that has settled me down in the last few hours has been searching scripture for some peace and comfort. I have so much to be thankful for, so why do I dwell on the negatives? I guess everyone in the position of a military spouse has their breaking point...I just can't believe mine is coming so soon. Of course, I never really expected that deployment was going to happen so soon either.
I guess, I really should keep re-reading and focusing on at least these verses...among many. I hope that these can bring some comfort and peace to you, in whatever you all may be battling.
"I lift my eyes to the hills--
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip--
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you--
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm--
he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore." Psalm 121
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
And finally, this is a song that was written and arranged by some professors from my alma mater, Concordia University, Seward, NE...I put a video at the bottom to hear a HS choir singing the song to get the full affect...
I AM Forever Who I AM
One thing that has settled me down in the last few hours has been searching scripture for some peace and comfort. I have so much to be thankful for, so why do I dwell on the negatives? I guess everyone in the position of a military spouse has their breaking point...I just can't believe mine is coming so soon. Of course, I never really expected that deployment was going to happen so soon either.
I guess, I really should keep re-reading and focusing on at least these verses...among many. I hope that these can bring some comfort and peace to you, in whatever you all may be battling.
"I lift my eyes to the hills--
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip--
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The LORD watches over you--
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The LORD will keep you from all harm--
he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore." Psalm 121
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
And finally, this is a song that was written and arranged by some professors from my alma mater, Concordia University, Seward, NE...I put a video at the bottom to hear a HS choir singing the song to get the full affect...
I AM Forever Who I AM
Though mountains slide into the sea, and waters rush where fields should be,
Though monuments and nations fall, Your Holy City stands through all.
When nothing seems to stay the same, You teach us Your Eternal Name.
I Am forever who I Am,
Above you, beneath you, around you and within you.
Be still and know that I AM GOD
We buy and sell, we lose or gain; our fortunes shift like sun and rain.
Sustain our lives, reward our toil with bread and honey, wine and oil.
Save us and others from our greed; You always give us what we need.
I Am forever who I Am,
Above you, beneath you, around you and within you.
Be still and know that I AM GOD
Our lust for power, wealth and land diminishes the earth You planned.
Prevent our crimes and futile wars; convince us that all things are yours.
We rage and burn and kill and steal, but You redeem, restore and heal.
I Am forever who I Am,
Above you, beneath you, around you and within you.
Be still and know that I AM GOD
Like shepherds watching for the light, aware of dangers in the night,
We hear the angel: “Do not fear, the Savior of the world is near.”
We run, we see, we touch, we laugh. You come to earth on our behalf.
I Am forever who I Am,
Above you, beneath you, around you and within you.
Be still and know that I AM GOD
Each generation looks for truth, and doubt can trouble age or youth.
If other gods would take Your place, remember us with love and grace.
Reclaim us if we go astray; You are the Truth, the Life, the Way.
I Am forever who I Am,
Above you, beneath you, around you and within you.
Be still and know that I AM GOD
Some days seem long, though life is brief, and death is waiting like a thief.
When vision fades and dreams go dry, we will on Unseen things rely.
Our stories take but a page, but Yours goes on from age to age.
I Am forever who I Am,
Above you, beneath you, around you and within you.
Be still and know that I AM GOD
Thinking positively...
I'm going to try and think more positively about things. I know I often lose sight of what is important and our world is so full of horrible/negative news that I really don't want to add to it. Of course I know that not everything is going to run smoothly, but, I also know that life is what you make of it.
Jeff seems to be doing well. He's always been good at talking and getting to know people. I'm sure everyone who knows him, know how great he is at talking...if you get my drift...
He's really hoping that he'll get his promotion to Corporal. He's been making friends with his corporal and talking with the SSG, and trying to get more information. Today is a deployment briefing, so maybe he'll find out more.
I'm liking having the freedom to do certain things, since I'm not working, but on the days that the kids are at Melissa's and with Jeff being gone, I get so incredibly bored. This is one reason why I do want to move (even if Jeff was to deploy). At least I can do some work maybe with the FRG, tutor, watch other kids. Of course when we move, the kids won't be at Melissa's a couple days a week, so the little reprieve I have in laundry, etc, won't be there so I know that will keep me busy.
Honestly, it's crazy how I miss just the little things about having Jeff around. The security, the little hugs...I found it funny that while he was home, the kids still came to me to ask about doing things like staying the night at a friends house, going outside and playing, going somewhere else, playing a certain game, rather than asking Jeff first...I also miss just having someone other than the dog breathe (snore) next to me in bed, and odd as it sounds, Jeff's smell. Haha.
Troy said something on the way to the airport when we picked Jeff up for his time back home. He said, "You know one good thing about having a dad in the army, mom?" I said, "What?" His answer was, "You learn not to take him for granted." I starting tearing up driving! It amazed me how this 10 year old figured this out at that age...something I didn't "get" until I left for college at 18! This is something that I really am happy about with being a military family...I do believe our kids will have a maturity that most don't get until later in life.
Anyways, I haven't heard from Samantha in a while. I'm sure she's doing fine over there in Afghanistan...I guess no news is good news? Jonathan is doing alright at Ft. Lewis also, but he's definitely ready to get home for a bit.
Ok, signing out now...just blabbering. God's peace to everyone.
Jeff seems to be doing well. He's always been good at talking and getting to know people. I'm sure everyone who knows him, know how great he is at talking...if you get my drift...
He's really hoping that he'll get his promotion to Corporal. He's been making friends with his corporal and talking with the SSG, and trying to get more information. Today is a deployment briefing, so maybe he'll find out more.
I'm liking having the freedom to do certain things, since I'm not working, but on the days that the kids are at Melissa's and with Jeff being gone, I get so incredibly bored. This is one reason why I do want to move (even if Jeff was to deploy). At least I can do some work maybe with the FRG, tutor, watch other kids. Of course when we move, the kids won't be at Melissa's a couple days a week, so the little reprieve I have in laundry, etc, won't be there so I know that will keep me busy.
Honestly, it's crazy how I miss just the little things about having Jeff around. The security, the little hugs...I found it funny that while he was home, the kids still came to me to ask about doing things like staying the night at a friends house, going outside and playing, going somewhere else, playing a certain game, rather than asking Jeff first...I also miss just having someone other than the dog breathe (snore) next to me in bed, and odd as it sounds, Jeff's smell. Haha.
Troy said something on the way to the airport when we picked Jeff up for his time back home. He said, "You know one good thing about having a dad in the army, mom?" I said, "What?" His answer was, "You learn not to take him for granted." I starting tearing up driving! It amazed me how this 10 year old figured this out at that age...something I didn't "get" until I left for college at 18! This is something that I really am happy about with being a military family...I do believe our kids will have a maturity that most don't get until later in life.
Anyways, I haven't heard from Samantha in a while. I'm sure she's doing fine over there in Afghanistan...I guess no news is good news? Jonathan is doing alright at Ft. Lewis also, but he's definitely ready to get home for a bit.
Ok, signing out now...just blabbering. God's peace to everyone.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Beginning of "The Rest of our Lives"
So Jeff finally finished all his training for his switch from USMC to the Army as a medic. Our first duty station is Ft. Riley, Kansas, which really doesn't bother me so much. I've lived in the midwest and it's really an awesome place for a family, but does suck to leave friends and family behind.
Well, after getting last night's news, it sounds like the kids and I will be staying put for at least another year here in good ol' Apopka, FL. When Jeff arrived at the replacement company on base, he found out he was joining the 1st BN (battalion) 5th FA (field artillery). Apparently, they are due to deploy sometime in the very near future...we're talking a month or two. Don't get me wrong, I knew what "we" were signing up for...Lord knows I have enough family in the military to realize what could happen, but I really didn't want a deployment to happen so soon.
The kids have done so well, but they miss their daddy and seeing him everyday. I know it kills him too. I am more than ready to start the "true" Army lifestyle and be immersed in the "family" you have on base, even though I know it's not all roses. Just to be in a place where there are hundreds of other families going through the exact same thing would be nice, but I also know I don't want the kids to have to adjust to a new school, new home, new friends, all while dealing with knowing Daddy had to deploy in the same year. We all could use the family support system we have here in Florida. I just know that him being away probably (at least it seemed like it) wasn't handled as well by me compared to how the kids handled it. I was going crazy just with him being out of contact from us for the two weeks he was in FTX at the end of AIT..I sometimes wonder how I will handle a year long deployment where we more than likely won't be able to talk to him everyday.
In other news, Samantha seems to be doing well in Afghanistan. I'm so proud at how much she seems to have thrived in the military, even though she seems fed up with things a lot at times, I know that's to be expected. Jonathan is at Ft. Lewis and I know he's ready to be home and start school when he's done with his active duty time. I just hope he plans to get back in as an officer...same as Samantha when she gets done with her active time. They both need to realize the Army is completely different for an enlisted soldier than for an officer.
Either way, please continue your prayers for my family members who are servicemembers as well as all those people who are serving our country that I don't know. God Blessings to everyone!
Well, after getting last night's news, it sounds like the kids and I will be staying put for at least another year here in good ol' Apopka, FL. When Jeff arrived at the replacement company on base, he found out he was joining the 1st BN (battalion) 5th FA (field artillery). Apparently, they are due to deploy sometime in the very near future...we're talking a month or two. Don't get me wrong, I knew what "we" were signing up for...Lord knows I have enough family in the military to realize what could happen, but I really didn't want a deployment to happen so soon.
The kids have done so well, but they miss their daddy and seeing him everyday. I know it kills him too. I am more than ready to start the "true" Army lifestyle and be immersed in the "family" you have on base, even though I know it's not all roses. Just to be in a place where there are hundreds of other families going through the exact same thing would be nice, but I also know I don't want the kids to have to adjust to a new school, new home, new friends, all while dealing with knowing Daddy had to deploy in the same year. We all could use the family support system we have here in Florida. I just know that him being away probably (at least it seemed like it) wasn't handled as well by me compared to how the kids handled it. I was going crazy just with him being out of contact from us for the two weeks he was in FTX at the end of AIT..I sometimes wonder how I will handle a year long deployment where we more than likely won't be able to talk to him everyday.
In other news, Samantha seems to be doing well in Afghanistan. I'm so proud at how much she seems to have thrived in the military, even though she seems fed up with things a lot at times, I know that's to be expected. Jonathan is at Ft. Lewis and I know he's ready to be home and start school when he's done with his active duty time. I just hope he plans to get back in as an officer...same as Samantha when she gets done with her active time. They both need to realize the Army is completely different for an enlisted soldier than for an officer.
Either way, please continue your prayers for my family members who are servicemembers as well as all those people who are serving our country that I don't know. God Blessings to everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)