Well, today is the day! Dee is coming home! YOOHOO! It's been a long three weeks, especially because of all the crap the Army has put us through. But it looks like all those problems are being straightened out. It's a shame he had to go to the Inspector General, but even his Captain suggested it. He couldn't find out any information from Louisiana. They had no phones or internet connections. Ridiculous. We still have to wait a few more days for his paycheck, but we know it'll hit on 3/4...Praise God! And its a nice check since it's basically for the entire month.
Dee leaves the base at 11:30 am (Louisiana Time) and then their flight takes off (charter) at 4 pm. (5pm our time) I am dropping the girls off at church for AWANA GAME practice and hope to be on the base by 7 pm to pick him up!
I literally didn't sleep any last night. I think I cat napped between 6 pm and 8 pm, off and on. Think it was a combination of pure excitement and that I had a steroid shot early in the day yesterday. I didn't know it would keep me awake. I hope I can get a nap. I don't want to be sleepy tonight.
Dee will be home this weekend then his unit leaves Monday morning early, headed for Savannah/Ft. Stewart. At least there, they are sleeping on cots, in a common room. E-5 and up get either private rooms or max 2 people. And they have wi-fi most of the time during the week, so we can communicate. I think that's been the hardest part about LA. No communications. Dee would have to go sit on the burm for 20 minutes sometimes to "catch" a cell signal. He was very faithful in at least trying. I think only a few days went by that I didn't get at least a text or talk to him. Thank you Baby!
The girls are very excited too. They painted the driveway to welcome Daddy home. You can see the pictures on my Facebook. Dee has requested Meat Loaf, squash and onions, blackeyed peas, and mashed potatoes. So I'm planning that meal tomorrow night. It'll be too late tonight. And maybe we can all have a lazy morning tomorrow. Dee has been getting up at 4:30 am or 5 am every morning since he's been gone, and most nights, working until at least 9, but sometimes until 11 pm. His feet are literally cracked up and bleeding. So he needs some R&R this weekend. We will pamper him for sure!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Update since the weekend
Yesterday was an amazing day. I felt that God really had a word for me during the sermon, but I was scheduled to work in the preschool. A sweet friend from Sunday school offered to work for me. That was the beginning of the blessings. Then the girls got up on time and got ready, and we made it to church on time! Doesn't sound like much, but that's a big accomplishment! Then another friend came out of the choir to come sit with me and pray! I am so blessed! The sermon was about Faith in God, studying Abraham. Wow...what faith. I felt so inadequate, but God showed me that he is teaching me patience and faith. Then I get to S.S. and the love I felt from everyone was amazing. Then my S.S. teacher and dear friend Rhonda, stopped class just to pray for Dee and I, and the girls. Praying for the meeting with the Inspector General. Dee was supposed to meet with him/her yesterday. The prayer really blessed me too! I felt such a peace.
Then John and Rhonda took us out for lunch and I enjoyed time with them. So last night, I was so at peace about things. I know God is going to take care of things. I just have to wait on HIS timing!
I spoke to Dee last night and they had been on the range all day, and he had not even seen his 1st Sgt. to see if he could schedule a meeting. So he met with him this morning and the 1st Sgt. confirmed that the Capt. was totally behind this decision to see the IG. This is huge. It's like tattling on the Army. But we have no choice. It's not like we haven't done everything we could.
So this afternoon when I talked to Dee, he said the 1st Sgt. couldnt even get in to get an appointment with her. (The IG) She had been in meetings all day today and yesterday. So we are still stuck! NO way to even talk to the IG right now. We just have to wait. So I was really frustrated.
I was blessed yesterday when someone gave me some grocery money, but I was torn on how I should use it. I had 1/16 of a tank of gas, and we had no groceries. Then today, someone else blessed me with bags of groceries and three cooked meals! So I didn't even have to come home and cook tonight. God is so good and my friends are amazing!
THEN I gave Dee the mortgage company's phone number and he made a call. I don't know what he told them, except he explained the situation. I guess God blessed us with a Customer Service agent that was understanding. She agreed to take the partial payment, which we were told they wouldn't. So I was able to Western Union and wire the money to keep the house out of collections! Praise God.
For those that don't know, Dee was out of work for 4 months this past summer. The Army took him on fulltime in October. The Army messed up his pay then too. We finally got it straightened out in November. We were able to use the money to catch up the utilities, the car, and other bills. We've been saving up some money for the mortgage to pay the entire amount that they required. This check was the check we were going to be able to pay the total amount. THEN no check! So..........the mortgage company took the partial payment! So that's awesome.
Then today, Dee was on the base which allowed him to have a phone signal. SO I've been able to text him and talk to him several times today. He got to talk to both girls as well.
So God heard my prayers of frustration and allowed blessings to flow through, in spite of the other mess. Having friends that text me, email me, call me...telling me they are praying is so amazing. God is so good to provide these ladies to me in my life.
I am so glad I was obedient months ago. I was in a couples S.S. class, but when I knew Dee was going to leaving, I felt I needed to be in a Ladie's class. PLUS, I felt God wanted me to be a mentor to other young ladies. SO I gave up alot......friendships, Sunday school class, changed services....in response to God's tug on my heart to do so. So for being obedient, I am reaping more benefits than I could ever give! WOW!
So if you are one of those ladies, know you bless me every day!
Then John and Rhonda took us out for lunch and I enjoyed time with them. So last night, I was so at peace about things. I know God is going to take care of things. I just have to wait on HIS timing!
I spoke to Dee last night and they had been on the range all day, and he had not even seen his 1st Sgt. to see if he could schedule a meeting. So he met with him this morning and the 1st Sgt. confirmed that the Capt. was totally behind this decision to see the IG. This is huge. It's like tattling on the Army. But we have no choice. It's not like we haven't done everything we could.
So this afternoon when I talked to Dee, he said the 1st Sgt. couldnt even get in to get an appointment with her. (The IG) She had been in meetings all day today and yesterday. So we are still stuck! NO way to even talk to the IG right now. We just have to wait. So I was really frustrated.
I was blessed yesterday when someone gave me some grocery money, but I was torn on how I should use it. I had 1/16 of a tank of gas, and we had no groceries. Then today, someone else blessed me with bags of groceries and three cooked meals! So I didn't even have to come home and cook tonight. God is so good and my friends are amazing!
THEN I gave Dee the mortgage company's phone number and he made a call. I don't know what he told them, except he explained the situation. I guess God blessed us with a Customer Service agent that was understanding. She agreed to take the partial payment, which we were told they wouldn't. So I was able to Western Union and wire the money to keep the house out of collections! Praise God.
For those that don't know, Dee was out of work for 4 months this past summer. The Army took him on fulltime in October. The Army messed up his pay then too. We finally got it straightened out in November. We were able to use the money to catch up the utilities, the car, and other bills. We've been saving up some money for the mortgage to pay the entire amount that they required. This check was the check we were going to be able to pay the total amount. THEN no check! So..........the mortgage company took the partial payment! So that's awesome.
Then today, Dee was on the base which allowed him to have a phone signal. SO I've been able to text him and talk to him several times today. He got to talk to both girls as well.
So God heard my prayers of frustration and allowed blessings to flow through, in spite of the other mess. Having friends that text me, email me, call me...telling me they are praying is so amazing. God is so good to provide these ladies to me in my life.
I am so glad I was obedient months ago. I was in a couples S.S. class, but when I knew Dee was going to leaving, I felt I needed to be in a Ladie's class. PLUS, I felt God wanted me to be a mentor to other young ladies. SO I gave up alot......friendships, Sunday school class, changed services....in response to God's tug on my heart to do so. So for being obedient, I am reaping more benefits than I could ever give! WOW!
So if you are one of those ladies, know you bless me every day!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Army up to it's tricks again!
Dee called last night and the time we thought we had this weekend, they changed it...of course! He was supposed to come in Friday night and have the weekend off, then work Monday and Tuesday on the base to give families a few more nights together. But now, they leave early Monday morning, headed to Ft. Stewart.
Still no orders in sight, still no paycheck. They haven't gotten anything right and I've never heard Dee so mad. He's tried to be patient but he's furious.
Keep praying that the pay situation gets fixed soon.
So IF, and that's a big IF, the plan remains the same, we'll have a total of 16 days with Dee before he deploys. That scares me. Sometimes I find it hard to even take a breath when I think about that. But I keep leaning on the Lord and He keeps reminding me I have to be strong for the girls.
Still no orders in sight, still no paycheck. They haven't gotten anything right and I've never heard Dee so mad. He's tried to be patient but he's furious.
Keep praying that the pay situation gets fixed soon.
So IF, and that's a big IF, the plan remains the same, we'll have a total of 16 days with Dee before he deploys. That scares me. Sometimes I find it hard to even take a breath when I think about that. But I keep leaning on the Lord and He keeps reminding me I have to be strong for the girls.
Friday, February 20, 2009
2 weeks down, just 1 to go!
Well, today is Friday. One week from today, Dee will be home! I am starting to get excited instead of being sad. It's been tough but I know this is just a taste of what is to come. If it's this tough for 3 wks, what will it be like for a year? God is my rock and I can only lean on him to make it through. I just pray they have internet access and phone access in Afghanistan. That's what has been so difficult...being so out of touch. Having to wait for him to find a signal to call. When he was in Arizona, we could chat at night on Facebook or google. That hasn't been so while he's been in Louisiana.
We still have not received Dee's pay from the Army. No word on when and if he'll get his money. I was going to call the Pay services at Ft. Gillem today and ask some questions but I've been feeling pretty lousy. I was on new medicine and it really messed me up. I guess I'm allergic to it or something. My pulse has been racing at 124 bpm. Dizzy, weak, just miserable. I didn't take it yesterday and still slept 10 hours and woke up feeling horrible all day. FINALLY, this evening, I think it's finally out of my system. So I didn't make any phone calls.
Dee is working on his end the best he can, to get some info. He is working a shift from 8 pm to 8 am, then he has a class in the morning, then goes back to sleep a few hours. So he left someone a note to check on it today. Just pray we get answers.
I cooked Salmon patties tonight so that tells you we are at the bottom of the barrel as far as food goes. The kids complained but they need to be humbled some. They need to be grateful they have food at all! It was a good lesson.
We need groceries and I'm trusting God will see to it that the money gets here soon. I HAVE FAITH I HAVE FAITH I HAVE FAITH!
Dee is doing well. He's been working night shift with new equipment that he's been trained on. He got to actually train others on its use...and even trained a Major from his battalion. The major really was very complimentary and is in Dee's corner. He wants Dee to be on his "team" so to speak. (To spare you Army terminology of which I'm still learning!) SO Dee was pretty pumped about that. He is doing what he enjoys and excels at it. I'm proud of him.
Tomorrow he is running the range again, calling out commands to soldiers. That's very tiring...all day long, yelling, no breaks, no food.
I can not wait until Sundays. Seems like the weeks really drag on. Sundays I see my friends at church and get to be filled with God's word that gets me through. Wish it wasn't 7 days apart.
This coming Wed. is my last night of work for childcare. SO I will be able to start back in choir. Wednesday nights will once again be a time to see friends in choir and sing. I'm not a solo singer but it's something I enjoy. It is a stress reliever for sure! It helps me feel closer to God too! I love to worship!
Keep praying!
We still have not received Dee's pay from the Army. No word on when and if he'll get his money. I was going to call the Pay services at Ft. Gillem today and ask some questions but I've been feeling pretty lousy. I was on new medicine and it really messed me up. I guess I'm allergic to it or something. My pulse has been racing at 124 bpm. Dizzy, weak, just miserable. I didn't take it yesterday and still slept 10 hours and woke up feeling horrible all day. FINALLY, this evening, I think it's finally out of my system. So I didn't make any phone calls.
Dee is working on his end the best he can, to get some info. He is working a shift from 8 pm to 8 am, then he has a class in the morning, then goes back to sleep a few hours. So he left someone a note to check on it today. Just pray we get answers.
I cooked Salmon patties tonight so that tells you we are at the bottom of the barrel as far as food goes. The kids complained but they need to be humbled some. They need to be grateful they have food at all! It was a good lesson.
We need groceries and I'm trusting God will see to it that the money gets here soon. I HAVE FAITH I HAVE FAITH I HAVE FAITH!
Dee is doing well. He's been working night shift with new equipment that he's been trained on. He got to actually train others on its use...and even trained a Major from his battalion. The major really was very complimentary and is in Dee's corner. He wants Dee to be on his "team" so to speak. (To spare you Army terminology of which I'm still learning!) SO Dee was pretty pumped about that. He is doing what he enjoys and excels at it. I'm proud of him.
Tomorrow he is running the range again, calling out commands to soldiers. That's very tiring...all day long, yelling, no breaks, no food.
I can not wait until Sundays. Seems like the weeks really drag on. Sundays I see my friends at church and get to be filled with God's word that gets me through. Wish it wasn't 7 days apart.
This coming Wed. is my last night of work for childcare. SO I will be able to start back in choir. Wednesday nights will once again be a time to see friends in choir and sing. I'm not a solo singer but it's something I enjoy. It is a stress reliever for sure! It helps me feel closer to God too! I love to worship!
Keep praying!
Monday, February 16, 2009
A good day
Yesterday, was busy. I was supposed to work extended session in the preschool but swapped because I had a visitor come to the church. Dee's good friend Sean...has a good friend from a previous church and he recently moved to Covington. SO I made contact with him and he visited the church yesterday and loved it. So I had a date with a 65 yr old man at church! LOL
Then after I got him situated, I ran upstairs to meet with a young lady from S.S. class that was getting baptized. She didn't have any family here....so I wanted to be there to support her. Then ran back down to be in church with my guest.
After church, Sara Mercer and I ...with the kids...went to IHOP. We all had a good time. Came home for a short time, then had to be back at church at 4:30 for childcare. Sara called and said she'd come get the girls and take them to Chuck E Cheese while I worked. So they loved that...but it was soooo crowded. I met them and we decided to move the "party" to McDonald's on Salem Road so the kids could continue to play. I got home at 8:30 last night. I never had much time to be lonely. Yesterday at church....everyone in S.S. was so sweet in offering their hugs and support....offering to go out and keep me busy! I just love you all for that! I felt like a million bucks after church.....Jesus filled me up and my friends filled me up...then my kids filled me up!
Then for once, I actually got the kids in bed and asleep on time. I had some time by myself to relax and then I was in bed before midnight. HOORAY!
Then after I got him situated, I ran upstairs to meet with a young lady from S.S. class that was getting baptized. She didn't have any family here....so I wanted to be there to support her. Then ran back down to be in church with my guest.
After church, Sara Mercer and I ...with the kids...went to IHOP. We all had a good time. Came home for a short time, then had to be back at church at 4:30 for childcare. Sara called and said she'd come get the girls and take them to Chuck E Cheese while I worked. So they loved that...but it was soooo crowded. I met them and we decided to move the "party" to McDonald's on Salem Road so the kids could continue to play. I got home at 8:30 last night. I never had much time to be lonely. Yesterday at church....everyone in S.S. was so sweet in offering their hugs and support....offering to go out and keep me busy! I just love you all for that! I felt like a million bucks after church.....Jesus filled me up and my friends filled me up...then my kids filled me up!
Then for once, I actually got the kids in bed and asleep on time. I had some time by myself to relax and then I was in bed before midnight. HOORAY!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
Well...this is the first time in 14 years that Dee and I have ever been apart on Valentine's Day. He called last night and his "care package" arrived. The girls each sent him a card, and I sent him two...plus a little hedgehog that says "MISS U". In the package was snacks, such as oreos, pringles, french onion dip, homemade trail mix, bottle of water and energy drink mix packets. We also put in 20 Glow Sticks so the "guys" can act like "kids" out in the middle of nowhere...in the dark. It's our Valentine gift to all his unit. Kinda cheesy...but I thought they'd still have fun.
I thought Dee would be bored but he is either in class, on the range, or in meetings until around 8 or 9 pm...and starts at 5:30 am most days. So they haven't even watched a movie. They don't get the weekend off either. Still going wide open every day.
I am trying to look at today as just another day.....a "commercial" day...created by stores to make money. We don't need a special day to say "I LOVE YOU". Every day should be Valentine's Day if you have someone special in our life. It's not about a grand presentation of love that matters once a year....what matters is the daily little things you do for each other. When Dee gets up early to give me my medicine...he's saying "I love you". When he helps do laundry, he is saying "I love you!" When he goes to pick up the girls from practices because I don't feel good, he's saying "I love you." I am blessed to have him in my life. I hope I show him love on a daily basis as well.
Happy Valentine's Day sweetheart. Wherever you are at the moment...know I'm thinking about you and sending my prayers for your safe return. I love you.
Hope the rest of you enjoy the day. If you are single, rejoice in where you are right now. Don't be depressed. You are where God wants you right now. If he wanted you in a relationship, he would have lead you to that person. Just live for HIM and let Jesus be your Valentine. It's not about us...it's about HIM!
I thought Dee would be bored but he is either in class, on the range, or in meetings until around 8 or 9 pm...and starts at 5:30 am most days. So they haven't even watched a movie. They don't get the weekend off either. Still going wide open every day.
I am trying to look at today as just another day.....a "commercial" day...created by stores to make money. We don't need a special day to say "I LOVE YOU". Every day should be Valentine's Day if you have someone special in our life. It's not about a grand presentation of love that matters once a year....what matters is the daily little things you do for each other. When Dee gets up early to give me my medicine...he's saying "I love you". When he helps do laundry, he is saying "I love you!" When he goes to pick up the girls from practices because I don't feel good, he's saying "I love you." I am blessed to have him in my life. I hope I show him love on a daily basis as well.
Happy Valentine's Day sweetheart. Wherever you are at the moment...know I'm thinking about you and sending my prayers for your safe return. I love you.
Hope the rest of you enjoy the day. If you are single, rejoice in where you are right now. Don't be depressed. You are where God wants you right now. If he wanted you in a relationship, he would have lead you to that person. Just live for HIM and let Jesus be your Valentine. It's not about us...it's about HIM!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Army messed up again! Go figure!
Ok...I just need to vent. I feel like I take one step forward, and then the Army punches me in the gut and I take several steps back. I had a great week....God talked to me and showed me how I should have my focus. I was doing so well...supportive of Dee....strong for the girls....THEN....Dee's paycheck gets deposited and guess what? Once again, they have messed up his pay! UGH! And this time, it's not any extra money from travel. It's his actual paycheck. He got 1/5 of his normal size check. ONE FIFTH! How are we supposed to live on that? That doesn't even pay a car payment...much less buy groceries and gas. I've heard every excuse in the world from the Army, but bottom line is....they haven't gotten ONE SINGLE THING RIGHT since Dee's been in. We've had the pay messed up several times...had his orders messed up....had his Security clearance submitted wrong on 4 occasions! We should all be scared that we have an Army that can't even take care of it's own.
They want me to trust and be happy. Well...kind of hard to do that when they are taking food out of the mouths of your babies! I know alot of Army wives and NONE of them have had the problems we are having. And no one will confess to being the one that messes up the paperwork. It's supposedly at the Batallion level, but who knows!?
It truly is depressing. I keep trying to fight back and have faith and trust God. But they sure don't make it any easier.
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I was really OK with it until tonight. I was already down about this financial situation...then I walk in to Kroger and two friends of mine were in the store buying their wives flowers. It made me sad.
I did talk to Dee tonight and believe it or not...they did get something right. He actually got his mail today! The girls and I mailed him a Valentine's Box two days ago....via UPS 2 day ground. But I thought it would sit in the Army office for days before Dee would get it. But he did receive it! So all our treats, cards, stuffed animal, etc...made it.
Dee made me a CD the night before he left of songs that have meaning to us.....either older songs or new ones that remind him of me. I guess I'll listen to that tomorrow and just be thankful to have a wonderful husband, even though he is away. I have two bags of things for the girls tomorrow, so this will be special for them anyway.
They want me to trust and be happy. Well...kind of hard to do that when they are taking food out of the mouths of your babies! I know alot of Army wives and NONE of them have had the problems we are having. And no one will confess to being the one that messes up the paperwork. It's supposedly at the Batallion level, but who knows!?
It truly is depressing. I keep trying to fight back and have faith and trust God. But they sure don't make it any easier.
Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I was really OK with it until tonight. I was already down about this financial situation...then I walk in to Kroger and two friends of mine were in the store buying their wives flowers. It made me sad.
I did talk to Dee tonight and believe it or not...they did get something right. He actually got his mail today! The girls and I mailed him a Valentine's Box two days ago....via UPS 2 day ground. But I thought it would sit in the Army office for days before Dee would get it. But he did receive it! So all our treats, cards, stuffed animal, etc...made it.
Dee made me a CD the night before he left of songs that have meaning to us.....either older songs or new ones that remind him of me. I guess I'll listen to that tomorrow and just be thankful to have a wonderful husband, even though he is away. I have two bags of things for the girls tomorrow, so this will be special for them anyway.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Time is standing still
WOW...could it really only be 5 days since Dee left? Seems like two weeks already. Why is it that time flies by in some things, but when you are waiting and watching the clock, it stands still?
Yesterday I was a little emotional. I'm not quite sure why because I've been doing so well. I think it's because I got a picture from Dee and put it as my wallpaper on my cellphone. So every time I took out my phone or just saw my phone, there he was. It was a constant reminder. The picture is incredible. He is in full uniform, holding some machine gun! WOW! I LOVE IT! And has that wonderful smile to top it off. He is so handsome!
I sure miss having him hold me. I know it's not even a week, but I do miss him.
The good news is......hopefully......IF the ARMY doesn't change it's mind again....he will have an additional day of leave before heading to Savannah. They return on Friday, Feb 27th and have the weekend off. Then instead of heading for Savannah on Monday, they are leaving Tuesday. It's possible he may have to work on the base Monday, but would still be home that evening. Dee seems to think that the Captain wants to spend time with his family too, so they will have the day off. It's good that his leaders are family men too!
His 1st Sgt. is so nice and he and Dee really get along. 1st Sgt. Marchert really thinks alot of Dee. Dee has done an excellent job being NCO while in Arizona, so for this trip, Dee was assigned NCO again. "Top", as they call him, has really been singing Dee's praises. I know that helps to feel appreciated.
Well....I think sickness is beginning to hit our household. Josh is sick, running a 101.6 fever and I woke up with a bad sore throat, which means a cold is coming. I started on Zicam this morning so maybe I can stop it.
If I can figure out how to get my pictures off my phone, then I'll post them!
Yesterday I was a little emotional. I'm not quite sure why because I've been doing so well. I think it's because I got a picture from Dee and put it as my wallpaper on my cellphone. So every time I took out my phone or just saw my phone, there he was. It was a constant reminder. The picture is incredible. He is in full uniform, holding some machine gun! WOW! I LOVE IT! And has that wonderful smile to top it off. He is so handsome!
I sure miss having him hold me. I know it's not even a week, but I do miss him.
The good news is......hopefully......IF the ARMY doesn't change it's mind again....he will have an additional day of leave before heading to Savannah. They return on Friday, Feb 27th and have the weekend off. Then instead of heading for Savannah on Monday, they are leaving Tuesday. It's possible he may have to work on the base Monday, but would still be home that evening. Dee seems to think that the Captain wants to spend time with his family too, so they will have the day off. It's good that his leaders are family men too!
His 1st Sgt. is so nice and he and Dee really get along. 1st Sgt. Marchert really thinks alot of Dee. Dee has done an excellent job being NCO while in Arizona, so for this trip, Dee was assigned NCO again. "Top", as they call him, has really been singing Dee's praises. I know that helps to feel appreciated.
Well....I think sickness is beginning to hit our household. Josh is sick, running a 101.6 fever and I woke up with a bad sore throat, which means a cold is coming. I started on Zicam this morning so maybe I can stop it.
If I can figure out how to get my pictures off my phone, then I'll post them!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
4 days down, and a bunch to go!
Well...I didn't post last week...and that was on purpose. I was having a horrible week, dealing with so much. Dee was supposed to take off for the entire week so we could have family time, but he felt there was too much work to be done at the base. So he worked Mon-Wed. We had Thursday and Friday and enjoyed being together. We went to see Josh play guitar at the local Coffee house Friday night for about 45 minutes, then finished getting him packed. He made me a CD for Valentine's....since he won't be home.
When we first started dating, Dee made me a "cassette" of love songs that meant something to him and to me. The cassette has always been special to me. So for Valentine's, he updated it. He made me a CD with new songs and even used some of my favorites off the old one. How sweet is that?
Well...I made him a Movie with pictures and music...BUT I made it on my laptop and then sent it to his laptop and I have a newer version of Movie Maker so it wouldn't play! UGH! I was so upset but he can see it when he gets home. I guess I'll have to make another one on PowerPoint or something.
So...Dee has been in Louisiana, in the middle of no man's land.....with no concrete, just dirt. They are staying in these small metal buildings, sleeping side by side on cots. Not very comfortable, but I think they are so tired by the end of the day, they fall in to "bed" and crash.
He will be coming home on February 27th and we may possibly have 3 days with him, but with the ARMY, I don't count on anything. If we get two days, that would be great...if it's three, that'd just be extra icing on the cake.
They are doing classes right now, but will be doing weapons qualification soon. He said the food is decent and they feed them three meals a day. So that's much better than last time. He had to buy his own food last time, in Arizona, so to save money, he went to the store and ended up eating cold Ravioli out of a can, or instant oatmeal in a coffee cup.
Seems like it's been alot longer than just 4 days. UGH! I wish he could come home on the weekends, but that's not going to happen. 17 more days. They sure do drag by when you are watching and waiting for the days to roll by. But I keep telling myself...it's just three weeks. Time to get used to be alone. Then for over two months, he'll only be home on the weekends....then "D DAY" will be here! God is preparing us.
I had a heart to heart with God Sunday and he set me straight on some things. Even though I'm miserable sometimes, it's not about me. It's about Dee. He's the one away from home, away from family. So I need to focus on him and his needs. I had a weak week, but now with God's help, I'm stronger.
I'm sure I'll have my moments. I know holidays will be the worst. But I keep telling myself...it's just a year. In the big scheme of things...that's just a drop in the bucket. And in God's eyes, just a blink.
Keep praying for Dee and the entire Batallion as they prepare to deploy.
When we first started dating, Dee made me a "cassette" of love songs that meant something to him and to me. The cassette has always been special to me. So for Valentine's, he updated it. He made me a CD with new songs and even used some of my favorites off the old one. How sweet is that?
Well...I made him a Movie with pictures and music...BUT I made it on my laptop and then sent it to his laptop and I have a newer version of Movie Maker so it wouldn't play! UGH! I was so upset but he can see it when he gets home. I guess I'll have to make another one on PowerPoint or something.
So...Dee has been in Louisiana, in the middle of no man's land.....with no concrete, just dirt. They are staying in these small metal buildings, sleeping side by side on cots. Not very comfortable, but I think they are so tired by the end of the day, they fall in to "bed" and crash.
He will be coming home on February 27th and we may possibly have 3 days with him, but with the ARMY, I don't count on anything. If we get two days, that would be great...if it's three, that'd just be extra icing on the cake.
They are doing classes right now, but will be doing weapons qualification soon. He said the food is decent and they feed them three meals a day. So that's much better than last time. He had to buy his own food last time, in Arizona, so to save money, he went to the store and ended up eating cold Ravioli out of a can, or instant oatmeal in a coffee cup.
Seems like it's been alot longer than just 4 days. UGH! I wish he could come home on the weekends, but that's not going to happen. 17 more days. They sure do drag by when you are watching and waiting for the days to roll by. But I keep telling myself...it's just three weeks. Time to get used to be alone. Then for over two months, he'll only be home on the weekends....then "D DAY" will be here! God is preparing us.
I had a heart to heart with God Sunday and he set me straight on some things. Even though I'm miserable sometimes, it's not about me. It's about Dee. He's the one away from home, away from family. So I need to focus on him and his needs. I had a weak week, but now with God's help, I'm stronger.
I'm sure I'll have my moments. I know holidays will be the worst. But I keep telling myself...it's just a year. In the big scheme of things...that's just a drop in the bucket. And in God's eyes, just a blink.
Keep praying for Dee and the entire Batallion as they prepare to deploy.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Home Sweet Home
Dee flew in Saturday evening around 6:30 pm. The girls were so excited all day! We counted down the hours, then minutes. American Airlines called my cell phone with updates on the plane so we knew exactly when they landed!
It was so sweet when Jessie and Jolie saw their dad through the glass wall....as he was walking down the hall. Jolie jumped on him like a flea on a dog! Jessie wasn't far behind! And then it was my turn! I couldn't wait to get the biggest hug ever! It's funny, ok, maybe not funny...weird...how your body actually craves hugs! Jolie wouldn't let Dee put her down, even though he had so much to carry. We finally convinced her to hold hands with him as we departed the airport.
I am proud of Dee and the work he did while in Arizona with the Army. He had gotten so many compliments on the quality of his "work", within the ARMY.
I am frustrated with the ARMY and that's no secret. They have really messed us up in so many ways, and if I had my choice, Dee would get out tomorrow. But it's not my choice. This is something I know is important to him. Even though I'm miserable when he is gone, I know it's a worthwhile sacrifice on our end.
I know he will do a wonderful job in Afghanistan. His unit really respects him and I'm glad he feels needed.
Dee leaves Saturday, headed to Louisiana for three weeks. Another test of our faith I suppose.
I had a great week the first week he was gone. Last week, not so great. Today at church, I broke down in Sunday School. I guess what upsets me is I know how hard it was last week without him. The thought of not getting his hugs, his kisses, seeing his smile.....for a year......is overwhelming. Knowing we've got to figure all this out and function without him.....is overwhelming. But I will enjoy the 6 days we have. We'll celebrate Valentine's Day as well, sometime this week. I have a surprise for him!
It was so sweet when Jessie and Jolie saw their dad through the glass wall....as he was walking down the hall. Jolie jumped on him like a flea on a dog! Jessie wasn't far behind! And then it was my turn! I couldn't wait to get the biggest hug ever! It's funny, ok, maybe not funny...weird...how your body actually craves hugs! Jolie wouldn't let Dee put her down, even though he had so much to carry. We finally convinced her to hold hands with him as we departed the airport.
I am proud of Dee and the work he did while in Arizona with the Army. He had gotten so many compliments on the quality of his "work", within the ARMY.
I am frustrated with the ARMY and that's no secret. They have really messed us up in so many ways, and if I had my choice, Dee would get out tomorrow. But it's not my choice. This is something I know is important to him. Even though I'm miserable when he is gone, I know it's a worthwhile sacrifice on our end.
I know he will do a wonderful job in Afghanistan. His unit really respects him and I'm glad he feels needed.
Dee leaves Saturday, headed to Louisiana for three weeks. Another test of our faith I suppose.
I had a great week the first week he was gone. Last week, not so great. Today at church, I broke down in Sunday School. I guess what upsets me is I know how hard it was last week without him. The thought of not getting his hugs, his kisses, seeing his smile.....for a year......is overwhelming. Knowing we've got to figure all this out and function without him.....is overwhelming. But I will enjoy the 6 days we have. We'll celebrate Valentine's Day as well, sometime this week. I have a surprise for him!
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