Daddy Doll

We love our Daddy Doll! This one was Brayden's. I've been waiting to get a current picture and a voice recorder for G. I also realized he could use the smaller one. They are a must for any military child! www.daddydolls.com is their site!

Next Stop

AJ has arrived at his next stop for training. It is a spot in CA for their desert training and Verizon doesn't seem to work well there. I am going to go through withdrawal not being able to text him or call. I guess it is good preparation for the real thing, but it doesn't make it easier. Funny how we take texting and calling for granted. If you can text your husband today, please do it and remember when you are doing it those that wish they could, but can't.

AJ Is Off

We said our good bye. We tried to make it as quick and painless as possible. I started crying as soon as I got out of the shower. So much for painless. AJ ran around and got last minute house projects done, then we joined him at our local Mexican restaurant for lunch. It was a long quiet ride to the airport. I of course cried the whole way. It was so windy and was actually snowing, we just dropped him off at the curb. The boys did very well. I am very proud of them. They both have had there weepy moments today. Aj actually got to see a little of what I see. We decided against running errands after and everyone is doing their own thing. G has been walking around saying "Dada Dada". Poor baby. It is so weird how different the house feels. I had to run something into the house before we left and just walked around for a minute. I thought for a moment that if I just protested getting in the car, I wouldn't have to take him. To bad that didn't work. =( Our countdown to Spring begins.

Catching Up - AJ's Time Home

AJ has been home for a few days and time is going so fast. Today was the first "normal" day. No Christmas activities. It was really getting exhausting! We woke up (early) today and just enjoyed the morning. I got to take down a few Christmas stuff and play around organizing some gifts. AJ wanted to go to breakfast, so we scooped up everyone and headed into town. We got Graycen's first shoes, Brayden shoes, and AJ treated himself to a new coat. It was nice just to get out! Today we are looking forward to taking the big boys on a date. Love our little Monkey, but it is much needed. He and puppy Miley get to go play with Mamaw.

Having AJ home has been nice. He has not let me do laundry, sorted the socks,  and has taken care of the dishes. The dishwasher started leaking a few days before he got home, so we had to call a repair man. So nice when he is here to wait for the repair man! The boys are trying to get used to having two parents again. They ask me, then they ask AJ. Honestly, I usually say "yes" and he is in to saying "no". So , we have struggled with that. He has had a few moments where he forgets we are not Marines. It has to be hard to shut it off. I finally told him " You are not the boss of me.". =) He had a good friend die Christmas Eve, so he is attending the visitation today. Hoping the rest of the week includes more fun and relaxation. I have enjoyed a bath, and a daily nap this week. Not to mention, I sleep very hard when he is home. Graycen has been doing better. Not last night, but I am sure he is on overload like we all are!

400 Days and counting

Today is activation day. For the non military person, AJ is officially on active duty for the next 400 days. He will be with us for a few more weeks then will leave to start his training in CA. We are blessed to have him home for Christmas then two more weeks in February before he heads overseas. We have enjoyed having him home the past month working at the drill center and we will continue to enjoy him for a few more weeks. Time is going fast, but I am ready to get things rolling. We have been busily working on Vow Renewal plans and we will do that this weekend with a family blessing. We then will have Thanksgiving for my family in our new house this year. AJ is very excited to do this and can't wait. We just are enjoying having some "normalcy" this month before the storm hits again. I am falling into my new role of being at home more. It has been harder then I thought, but I am so glad that I can be more available for the boys. They sure keep me hopping.

Veteran's Day

It was such an honor for my family to be asked to speak at the Princeville Veteran's Day program. Keegan stole the show and left many with wet eyes. I am so proud of this boy! 

Ball Weekend

We just returned from our deployment brief/ ball weekend. It was nice to be with others going through the same emotions, but it certainly made it real. I was doing completely fine until I sat in the room and saw those faces and was reminded of all my feelings from other deployments. I met some amazing women and was able to share my story in order to help new girlfriends, wives, etc. It felt good to have the courage to tell them after 6 deployments, I am still anxious and overwhelmed.

My deployment diet has started. My stomach has been in knots all weekend. Food sounds good, but quickly makes me nauseous. I think that once I get AJ out the door, and get into a routine I will feel less anxious.

In less then 12 hours our journey begins. AJ is in the garage packing and cleaning. I know that leaving us, even for the couple initial weeks, is going to be hard on him. I packed a card in his hygiene bag from Gracyen. I know he is going to miss us all, but especially his little monkey.

I hope to post ball picture soon!

Letter To Employer

I know the deployment is approaching. In the back of my mind,  I wish I could make it disappear. We have had such a great few weeks. Today AJ had to bring his letter to bring to his civilian job that he would be activated for 13 months. * punch in the stomach * Yes. It is really coming. What is it about seeing it in writing?