We're learning more & more....

Mike left his car in storage and for those of you who know Mike know his car is his baby, besides me of course! hahahaha Anyway, I promised him I would take it out once a month. So tonight was the night. It was the 2nd time I was at the storage unit since he left, the first time thank god I wasn't planning on taking it for a ride then. There was no way. Tonight though when I opened the garage door, she was sitting there and all I could do was smile. I felt like Mike was there with me. I know this sounds crazy but he loves that car and sitting behind the wheel and driving it, I couldn't help but feel him close to me. Although when it was time to put it back I couldn't help but get teary eyed....it was like I was saying good bye to him all over. But I told myself....1 month down, 11 to go!!!! Actually there's 11 3/4 because his training doesn't count towards his year away.

I am so mad...I wanted to surprise Mike and have a picture of his car on here, but for whatever reason I can't seem to download....so Mike I will have a pic of your babe on here as soon as I can...I sorry :<(

Good Night, I love you babe!!

Another Milestone...

As far as I know Mike will be flying to Iraq tomorrow morning. Each step he takes brings him further and further into danger but yet brings him closer and closer to home. I like the sound of that....Coming Home!!!!

I talked to Mike numerous times today and as usual I loved each & everytime. We both were very emotional. I think a lot of it has to do with it is finally happening... he's going to Iraq! It's still so hard to believe this is happening. He is a sailor, not a solider. Yes at times it is still hard to believe and makes me a little angry. I will always be proud of him, through all of this, I have never seen someone who is so proud to do what has been asked of him. Please keep him and all the servicemen & women in your prayers!

Here is a picture of "Tent City" where Mike has been staying for the past week. He said this is only a very small part. Tent City is HUGE!!
Again I just can't imagine. Look how big the AC units are. I have asked Mike to send me a pic of what one looks like inside so when I get it I will be sure to post it.

I also wanted to post a picture of "The Guys". This is who Mike has been hanging out with. He hopes to be stationed with at least one of them. It's amazing to me, Mike has been gone almost 1 month and he still has no idea who he will be living with for the next year....
The picture was taken just before they took off from Sig headed for Kuwait. When I was at Ft. Jackson, SC, I was able to meet them and they are all really nice guys. Mike is lucky to have them with him.

I received a call from Brady today. He was getting ready to fly back to Cali. He's having a good time. Mike (his boss) (yes another Mike) is teaching him all the ropes. Of course being his mom I asked if he & Mike have decided exactly what Brady was going to be doing for him. I guess they've decided that Brady is going to be his "Business Manager". He will be handling all of Mike's financial issues....pretty scarey to me. I guess they know what they are doing. I mean after all Brady does have a minor in business...so at least for now school is paying off....

Well enough for now....Mike I love you with all my heart. Keep your chin up, baby! We are all here for you!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

First I would like to thank all of our service members who are serving their country today and for those who did in the past and especially those who gave the ultimate sacrafice. Because of all of your scarafices we live in a country of freedom. So once again, THANK YOU!!!!

Another weird day. Not sure why. I've talked to Mike a lot on line today. Instant Messaging is awesome. It's a great way to communicate without it costing anything. He did call once, and yes I liked that even better. It was great to hear his voice although he was exhausted. The temperture was 113 degrees. He says it takes a lot out of you. I can only imagine.

I really don't have much to say today. I'm not feeling that well. I'm thinking it's sinus or something. so until tomorrow...

I LOVE YOU Michael!!!!

It's going to be a great day :>)

I feel really good today. It helped a lot hearing from Mike yesterday. I actually talked to him twice on the phone and then we "chatted" on-line for awhile last night.

Mike sent some pictures of their flight on the C130....Look how cramped they are....I just can't imagine...this is only one side of the plane, the folks on the right have their backs against people on the other side and yes it's the same on that side.... Here's another one of Mike chillin....I am so glad he bought his IPOD...he would have gone nuts without it.... He's so darn cute....

I went to the beach yesterday afternoon, what a beautiful day. I had an ok time. It was hard was seeing all the "couples"....made me miss Mike even more. I ended up going to Chick's Cafe (Laverne's) and sat outside & listened to a band for about an hour. It was very relaxing and as I said I couldn't have asked for a prettier day.

I went to dinner with Melinda last night and had a really nice time. She had invited 2 of her other friends as well. So we had a "girls" night just being silly. We went to a new resturant in Chesapeake called Wild Wings Cafe. After the dinner hour a band comes in and one of the guys in the band I used to work with at Dam Neck. It was really weird. He retired about 1 yr ago and I hadn't seen him since. Small world. We stayed for a while to listen...they weren't bad.

I also received a call from Brady. He is doing good and sounds like he's enjoying life. He was in Florida....Yep flew out to Cali on Monday and then flew to Florida on Friday....He was hanging with Lou Pearlman....he is the producer who found New Kids on the Block, N-SYNC, 98 degrees and others.... Brady also told me he met one of the guys from New Kids on the Block and one from 98 degrees. It seems so weird listening to him talk about it. But I am very proud of him and he sounds like he's doing fine. I knew he would but I am still a mother so I am going to worry...

I'm going to go to the Snyders this afternoon for a cook-out. Should be a good time. So with that said I need to run so I can go to commissary to get stuff to make something to take...

As always....I love & miss you so much Mike!!!!

A GREAT feeling!!!!

Yes I know I already posted today but....

I finally heard from Mike....the sound of his voice is exactly what I needed. He sounded GREAT but exhausted. I hadn't heard from him because they were doing their convoy training, which is what I thought.


I can't say enough how much I love this man. He is wonderful. My love grows deeper & deeper everytime I talk to him.

I LOVE YOU BABY!!!!

Another Day....

This is going to be a weird weekend...but I'm making the most of it.

Getting ready to go to the beach. There's a lot of stuff going on to celebrate Memorial Day. I NEED to be around people and with Mike over in Iraq I NEED/WANT to celebrate this holiday for him and all the other men & women who are serving our country.

I called Penny (Mike's ex-wife) to ask about Adam (his son). Was thinking I could take him but I haven't heard anything. So....

I've realized why this whole experience is so hard. During a "regular" deployment the Navy has a GREAT support system for the families. It is so much easier to be with people who are experiencing the same thing as you are. The Army & Navy have made sure they are giving the "SAILDERS" the training they need but it seems as if they have forgotten about the families. I'm sure part of it is because these guys/gals are coming from all over the country as opposed to being on a ship. So it would be difficult to have a "support" team, but I'm sure something could be done and I think something should be done. Maybe I'll write my congressman.... Alright I'll get off my soapbox now....

I haven't heard from Mike since Wednesday. I really miss that. I knew it would be like this, but it doesn't make it any easier...I miss him so much.

I told Mike I wanted to buy the American Flag so I could fly the "colors"
on my house for him while he was gone, so Mike being the sweetheart he is bought me one. I came home one day & he had hung it up...when I came around the corner I swear it was as if that flag was huge, it was the only thing I saw!!! I was so happy....I bring this up because we ended up having to take it down because of where he hung it....it wasn't sturdy. Anyway to make a long story short...time got away from us and we never hung it back up. So one of my goals was to have the "Colors" flying before Monday. So I'm proud to say, I finally have the flag flying....Thanks Mike for buying it for me and for being you....I love you baby and I am so proud of you!

Until tomorrow.....

TGIF!!!

This has been a VERY long week. Monday is Memorial Day and I am really glad I have a long weekend. The only thing I have planned is going to a cook-out on Sunday @ the Snyders. Should be a good time.

I didn't hear from Mike yesterday (call or email), which was the first day since he left for his training. I know it's to be expected but just like everything, the first time of not having what is normal, makes it tough. He will contact me when he can.

I haven't talked to Brady much since he left. Mostly through text. I guess he's doing ok. I do worry about him but I know he will be fine.

I'm sure you noticed that I was finally able to download some pictures. I've added some through out the blog, so please scroll down...let me know what you think.

I haven't done much for myself yet. I'm still at the point where I'm not sure what to do. I still feel so lost and so alone. All of my friends have their own life & I understand that. I will probably go to the beach this weekend, just to walk around, they always have something going on down there over the holiday.

Well not much to say except.....

As always....I love you Michael Glen Van Haren....Stay safe for me baby ;>)

It's been a long time coming.....

I've been waiting a long time for this day to arrive. The countdown has officially begun.

Mike called last night around 10:30. I was so excited to hear from him. He was letting me know he would be leaving Sig about 500 am (his time). When I woke up this morning, I realized his "feet should be in the sand"the time difference in Kuwait is 7 hours....Of course I didn't know for sure but all I had to go on was his phone call from last night. So I assumed the flight was on schedule....So we have 364 days to go!!!!

When I went to work, everyone made a comment about the smile on my face. They wanted to know what I was up too...hehehehe! When I told them why I was so happy, they were like God I hate to see you when he only had 10 days left....and they are right.

I went home for lunch & I was trying to post pictures to my blog (I'm having a very difficult time) not sure what I'm doing wrong but anyway, Mike called...and yes he confirmed "His feet are in the sand" and the countdown has begun. He was as excited as I am. While I was talking to him about it, I started crying (I know, again) and he was "baby why are you crying?" I told him they are happy tears. We've been waiting for this day since February 15th and now that it 's here it is such a good feeling. I think I made him smile.

We didn't have much time to talk, but it was so good to hear his voice. He sounded good although I could tell he was exhausted. He had already been there for about 4 hours waiting for the plane that had his seabags on it, so he could get them, get settled and get some sleep. He also said that it was 110 degrees when they landed....YIKES!!! He's hoping to find the computer cafe soon so he can send out an email but I'm sure he needed to get some much deserved rest.

Well I'm going to go play with posting photos, again....hopefully I will have one up soon!

I love you Mike!!!!

Another rough day!

I took Brady to the airport for his big move to California. This was another emotional time for me. I had so many mixed emotions....Excitement, sadness, scared and many more. Even though he has been away at college, 31/2 hours is a lot different than 3000 miles....I know Brady will do fine. He is a smart kid and how can I NOT be excited for him....I wish the world could have seen the excitement in his eyes. He has his whole life ahead of him and he is going after it. Gotta be proud of that.

On my way to work, I called Carol (Mike's mother) she was the first person I thought of. I needed to hear a friendly voice and I knew she would understand. She just said goodbye to her son, (yes going to California is not going to Iraq!! but none-the-less it's still saying goodbye to your son) and of course she loves Mike....she to talked to me & I felt so much better. Thanks Carol....I really appreciate it.

I woke-up to 3 emails from Mike. He had a horrible night. The flight was horrible and the BOQ was not expecting them as they were told. When they FINALLY arrived, there were about 60 Airmen checking out, and then Mike's crew checking in (about 50 guys), with one person working the front desk!! Needless to say, tempers were high. After about 31/2 hours of waiting, Mike finally was able to check in and get the key to his room. He was able to get a few hours sleep before he had to get up, check out, and board the plane again. He was able to call me from a DSN phone....for those of you who don't know, that's a military phone line....It’s FREE!!! Mike is so smart!! I never even thought of using DSN...but because I work on a Naval base I have DSN access as well, so he can call my desk.....YEA!!!! He was concerned about me. As soon as I heard his voice I started crying....again....I haven't cried this much in a long time.....Of course that was the last thing I wanted to do, but I just got back to work from dropping Brady off. He knew it was going to be tough for me. After talking to him, I felt so much better. I know everyday will be better. Yes, of course, I'm going to have tough days, but the key is to keep busy. Which I plan on doing...

Enough for now...and as I said I'm sure now that Mike & Brady have left, my blogs will not be as long....

Mike I love you!!! Brady I love you too and I have NEVER been prouder of you. Go get em, son!!!

A rough day :<(

WOW....today was VERY hard.... I will start with my trip to Ft Jackson, NC...What a wonderful time! I am so glad I made the trip! today was tough...We had to get up at 330 am so we could get Mike to the base by 500. Our hotel room was about 1/2 hr away. The ride there was pretty quiet. I kept telling myself I wasn't going to cry....I want Mike to know I AM ok and I WILL be ok. We got there with 10 minutes to spare, so we were able to talk about some last minute things....At one point while we were saying our goodbyes, I told him I had told myself I wasn't going to cry....of course he made me crack up, because he said "why you gonna lie to yourself....?" because at that point I was crying my eyes out......Most of you probably don't get why that cracked me up but it is one of the MANY reasons I love him....his ability to put a smile on my face and to make me laugh.....When he HAD to go, I told him I wasn't going to wait for him to get on the bus but I had to pull myself together before I left...he agreed. I was still there when he came back out to turn in his linens. He came over again....YEA!!! one more hug....remember when I said one of the greatest memories for me will be when I arrived Friday and I saw him walking towards me....another memory will be watching him walk away. My heart just broke....I have NEVER felt so alone....but yet I was so proud....I called to him, he turned around and he had one of his cute smiles on his face....I went running for one more hug, one more kiss and one more I love you, you had better come home to me ....That is the hug & kiss that will get me through this next year. When I finally left, I went back to the hotel and the plan was for me to lay back down & get some sleep before I left, but by the time I got there I was ready to go....but about 2 hours into the trip, I had to pull over because I was emotionally & physically exhausted. Mike called and was really glad to hear I had pulled over. I promised him I would and I would not put myself or anyone else for that matter in danger. After that, the trip was uneventful. One more note....Saturday morning we were listening to music and talking and Mike was looking for a song on his IPod but he didn't have it...of course I asked him what it was....he was looking for "Faithful" by Journey....he knows one of my favorite bands is Journey so he knows I know the song....I was touched. But what is really weird is this, when I finally did leave the base, I was listening to another song that means a lot to both of us..."You never met a Mother blank blank like me" by Kidd Rock.....when that was over, I switched to the radio...changed the station twice and I couldn't believe my ears.....Faithful was playing...I didn't catch the whole song but OH MY GOD....I lost it....must have been fate, huh? Then I actually heard it again further up the road. I couldn't believe it.... Since Brady is leaving tomorrow, I went to his dad's to help him do his last minute packing and to spend the day with him. We had a very nice day. His girlfriend Jessica was there. Remember the attitude I got when I told Brady I was going to SC....well, I called him Friday on my way to SC and told him how I felt about his attitude. He understood where I was coming from and he apologized. He is a great kid, but I do have to remind myself....he is just that....a 22-year-old kid. But the one thing I'm thankful for is he will listen...and he will admit if he's wrong.... I'm gonna run and I promise all my day's will not be this eventful so my stories will not always be this long....until tomorrow....I will let you know how the trip to the airport goes....

This is it...

Well I'm in Ft. Jackson with Mike...he is packing up the last of his stuff...We have had a wonderful time. Of course I'm not surprised....we always do... we were able to spend GOOD quality time together. It seems we NEVER run out of stuff to talk about.

It was an awesome feeling when I got here. Mike looks soooo good in his uniform...When I first got to the base there were a lot of people in their uniforms. I had no idea where Mike was...I called to let him know I was on base...at the time he was in his room packing up...I had no idea which building he was in (there were quite a few), but I have a feeling my car did, because I parked right in front of his building....as I said there were a lot of people in their uniforms but I had no problem picking Mike out. I was standing in front of my car, waiting and there he was....at first I wanted to run to him, but I just stood there and saw a very proud man walking towards me....I will never forget that picture....my feet finally moved and when I got that hug...my heart melted...again....

When he was ready to leave we went to the hotel room so Mike could get cleaned up and then we went out to dinner....for those of you who know Mike best, you can probably guess what "type" of food he wanted....yep, we went to Outback Steak House....it was a very good meal. We had a fairly early night, both of us were exhausted....

Saturday, Mike had some errands he had to do, so we were up fairly early because he wanted to get all them out of the way so we would have the rest of the afternoon & evening with nothing to worry about except us....Isn't that sweet? We ended up having a very nice day...All the chiefs chipped in for food so they could have a BBQ....so we went ...I was glad I had the opportunity to meet the guys Mike's been with for the last 3 weeks, he still has no idea who he is "actually" going to be with for the next year, but he is hoping he ends up with some of the one's he's gotten to know best. I do too...they all seemed like very good guys, and all seemed so proud of what they are doing. It was very touching to see the bond that has been created already....

Well, gonna wrap this up...tomorrow is going to be a tough day, but I wouldn't have traded this weekend for a million dollars....We are so foutunate to have had this opportunity....as "My Mike" likes to say....It was PRICELESS!!!!

I love you babbaay!!!!

Ft. Jackson here I come...

Yes I am headed to SC to see Mike. When Mike called me last night we discussed all the pro's & con's of me driving down. (One of the reason's I love this man so much....we TALK, we discuss things, we decide things TOGETHER. His main concern is my drive home Sunday. I understand his concern really I do. I know it will be an upsetting time but I will pull over if I am that upset. I am just so excited about seeing him one more time. I know next week will be hard but it would have been hard whether or not I went to SC or not. We've been able to talk everyday and that has been GREAT! but once he steps on that plane, we don't know what it will be like for the next year. It could be we talk/email everyday or it could be I only hear from him once a week. I pray it's not the latter one.

Brady leaves for California Monday. When I told him I was going out of town he got a little upset. I think he's being selfish. He's made one attempt to see me since he's been back from school. This weekend he's got plans everyday (and they don't include me) and the only day he wants me around is Sunday while he's packing up. Which I will be there, probably around 1200, so what is the problem? He'll probably just be waking up! So I'm not sure why he's so upset. Seems to me he thinks I should hang around & wait for him and I should be there when he snaps his fingers. Well I don't think thats fair. I am there for him, always, but I don't think it's fair that he thinks I should put my life on hold while he decides when he's ready for me to be there. So I am going to SC and I will enjoy my time with Mike.

I love Brady with all my heart. He is and always has been my life. This whole situation is just new for all of us. We will get through it. He's a smart kid & someday he will see...............

Well need to go pack....I will let you know how the trip goes.

I love ya, Mike!!!! I can't wait to see you..... ;>)

Today has been weird!

First I over slept which is why I'm just now posting (3:00 pm) thought I would take a small break from work.

Last night I came up with what I thought was a GREAT idea and I thought Mike would be as excited as I was....He wasn't, well he was but at the same time he wasn't. Here's how it went......When I talked with him last night he was totally exhausted. They had their field training all day which meant a lot of walking, crawling around in the dirt and such...we didn't talk long because he was so tired. Totally understandable. He did tell me he thought they were gonna have a fairly light day Friday and probably have Sat off. While I was laying in bed, thinking of him, I thought WOW, it's only a 6 hour drive to Ft Jackson. I could do that. I jumped out of bed got on the computer started looking for hotels in the area....there is one a mile from Ft Jackson base. I was so excited I couldn't wait to tell Mike. When I went back to bed I started thinking about all the pros & cons....The only con I could come up with was, we would have to say good bye AGAIN. Even if he had stuff he had to do, at least I would get to see him one last time before he left. Anyway to make a long story short...when I told Mike this morning he said his initial thought was NO....at first I was hurt but the hurt turned into disappointment. His main concern is ME. He thinks the 6 hour ride home on Sunday would be too hard for me, emotionally. It is so sweet of him to think of me and I totally understand where he is coming from but I don't necessarily agree with him. So we left it like this....He is supposed to get a "firm" schedule this afternoon and he was going to think some more about it. It's like this...if he says he still doesn't think it's a good idea of course I won't go but I will be so disappointed. I would give anything to hold him one more time before he leaves. And yes I know he feels the same way he's just being smart.... I will let you know IF & how the trip goes.....if it even does.

I was able to take Kelsey out to lunch yesterday for her birthday. I had a really nice time. It was the first time I was able to spend time with her alone. I hope she enjoyed it as much as I did.

I also talked to Carol (Mike's mom) last night. She is becoming a very close friend fast. I love her. Her & Glen have been at Disney in Florida for about a week and a half. Jeremy, Jeanette, and the girls (Mike's brother, sister-in-law & nieces) have been there as well. Mike was supposed to go this trip, but he found out about this other trip....He figured he would get a better tan....and his flight was free....plus he is getting first class training.....hehehehe....Can't imagine where that is.....I'm just kidding....we all know how proud I am of him...............He was so disappointed he couldn't join his family in Florida.....

Well, I need to get back to work....and as always....I love you, Mike ;>)

Yesterday was a Great Day!

Brady & I went to dinner last night.... I enjoyed spending time with him. It's going to be hard when he leaves for California. It seems everything is happening all at once. Mike leaves for Kuwait Sunday and Brady leaves for Cali Monday.

I do have reservations about Brady going to Cali, but I am so proud of him. He is living his dream. If he doesn't go now he may reqret it the rest of his life. How many of us really have the guts to go for it? Go make your mama proud, not sure I can be any prouder but I'm sure your gonna try.

Mike & I were able to have a long conversation last night. I really enjoy it even though we've talked two or three times a day (sometimes more), everyday, it seems they have been rush, rush conversations. So when we are able to "talk" it's nice. I have never been with anyone who can make laugh the way he can. He is always able to put a smile on my face. We were able to talk more calmly about our "issue" as well. The one thing I have promised myself is, if something is bothering me, I am/will bring it up. I have to. I feel it bothers Mike sometimes because I think he see's it as me not "dropping" the issue, it's not that...I just need to get whatever off my chest and I want to be with someone who 1) understands that about me and 2) will listen to what I have to say. It doesn't mean I will always get my way, but I at least hope it gives "us" a chance to discuss it. I was married for 24 years and there were so many times I kept my mouth shut, so I promised myself that when/if I was ever in another relationship I would not make the same mistake again. This is just one of those things I feel WE WILL overcome. Ok enough of that.

Today is Kelsey's 18th birthday (Mike's daughter) She is meeting me today so I can give her the present Mike left for her. She is such a sweet girl. Looking forward to seeing her.

Well need to go get ready for work. I love you Mike!!!

There are a few things that I want to mention. Mike qualified for Expert Markmanship for his 9 mm and he qualified for his M16 rifle. He qualified a few days ago but because of all the other stuff going on I forgot to mention it. I am so proud of him. I have said it many times and I will continue to say it.....His attitude just amazes me. He is doing such a good job and I know he will continue to do so.

Things like this are gonna happen...

Well Mike & I had our first tiff since he's been gone. I won't go into details but it was upsetting for both of us. What I don't understand is I asked a question and he got very defensive (my perception). We have had this issue before and I do think it has everything to do with being in a new relationship. We were able to talk it over, per se...The last thing either one of us wants is for him to go away while we're angry at each other.

Another thing we discussed is how I am feeling/doing. The best way to explain it is this...I am doing fine. Is it hard for me? Yes it is....as I was telling Mike, I'm not saying what he's doing isn't hard, God knows it is, but he is living a different life, but for me, I am still living "my" everyday life. Before he left he was staying at my house for about 1 1/2 months, so yes I got used to him being a huge part of my daily life. He's been gone now for almost three weeks & just yesterday as I was pulling into my driveway, it hit me like a ton of bricks that his car wasn't there. Why after all this time did that happen. Of course I noticed it many, many times, but I never had the reaction I did yesterday. I sat in my car and cried. The last two days "Under the Bridge" played on the radio, a song that Mike sings at Karaoke (sp?), both times I got teary eyed. I know it sounds like I'm a big cry baby..... I do miss Mike and yes this is hard, but I know it will get easier...There are many times I wonder if I should say anything to Mike because the last thing I want/need is for him to worry about me....but at the same time I think he needs to know. He knows me well enough to know, I am a strong women and he knows I will be fine. We've also been through enough deployments in our lives that we know all these feelings are "normal".

Mike seemed VERY tired last night. I think the long days are finally catching up. I get the feeling he's getting real anxious to get to his permanant assignment. I think he's ready to start the count down as well. And as I said before the countdown doesn't start until his feet are "in" the sand. By the time that happens he will have been gone almost 4 weeks. Doesn't sound like a long time now, but I have a feeling that when April rolls around next year, I'll be wishing it started the day he left Va Beach!!!

I will close by saying...I received my wake-up text. Mike is the sweetest person ever...he sends me a text every morning. It doesn't sound like a lot, but believe me...it means the world to me.....I love you Mike ;>)

Finally :>)

Well all the hoop-la is over as far as my son's graduation....the party went off with out a hitch. Enjoyed seeing family & friends but at the same time I felt totally out of place. Many times I was asked if I was ok because it seems like I was "zoning", I guess I was. Bet you can't figure out where my mind was????

Mike & I talked a lot over the weekend. He actually had Saturday afternoon & Sunday off. I was glad to hear that. I have worried about all the long hours he's been putting in. I know it's so they can get all the training done in such a short time, but..... He is starting his second week of training in Ft. Jackson, I'm sure he is ready to get the mission started. I know I am, because the sooner he gets his feet in the sand the sooner he will be home.

Now that the graduation festivities are over, I can now concentrate on me. There is so much I want to accomplish over this next year and I hope to share it all through this site. This is a great way to keep a journal. So with that said...I need to get started....

Mike, I love you and my only wish and hope is that WE survive and are together in the end. There is so much more we need to share with each other....

I love you babbaay :>)

Just another day!

Well Mike has been in Ft Jackson for a week now. It seems as if he's been gone forever. I've been able to talk to him everyday which has helped. He also sends me a text every morning. I love hearing from him. He is exhausted but is holding up well. Again I am amazed at his attitude. He sounds like he's finally starting to "find his way" as far as meeting people he likes. That will definitely make the year better for him. He feels his "platoon" has a very good attitude all the way around. None of them "really want to be there" but yet they have accepted their fate and are willing to get the job done and support their country. How could I not be proud of that?

As far as I go, my mood seems to be up one minute and down the next. I have a lot on my plate right now, which is good. A lot of family are in town for Brady's graduation party. Even tho I am so proud of him, I have to be honest & say I am feeling a little sorry for myself right now. I think that is normal.

I'm keeping busy but their isn't a minute that goes by that I don't think of Mike. I miss his touch, his cuddles, his smiles, his ability to put a smile on my face.

Unitl the next time....

Keeping Busy

I have been keeping busy, especially this week. I have been fortunate enough to have been able to talk to Mike everyday, but it's not until about 800-1000 pm. Which is when he is finishes his day, which starts at 400-500 am everyday. I have to admit I am very surprised with his attitude. I know he is exhausted but yet he continues to be upbeat. I am very proud of him.

Not much more to say at this time....

Yikes, A lot on our minds....

Mike has been gone now for two days. It seems like years. His year hasn't even started yet. The "official" countdown doesn't start until his feet touch the sand.

I'm doing ok....I've been busy getting ready for my son's graduation party. Still can't believe I'm the mother of a college graduate.

Mike is doing good. He's getting settled in down in Ft Jackson. He was issued his uniforms yesterday and is supposed to be issued his weapons today.

Received a text message from him first thing this morning (5:20 am) he thinks he left some of his clothes in Waldorf, MD. I finally got in touch with the hotel and yes in fact he did. They will ship the stuff to me & then I suppose I will have to ship it to Mike. Not sure where or if it's even a wise idea since he will be leaving Ft. Jackson next week.

Here we go.....

This is where our journey begins.....

I drove to Waldorf, MD Thursday to see Mike before I headed over to Harrisonburg for Brady's graduation. He is there to attend training at Indian Head. We had a wonderful time! Mike surprised me by taking me to Washington DC. We have often talked about going, but time just got away. It was the best surprise ever. Definitely makes you understand even more why Mike is so proud of what he is about to endure. It was a very quick tour because it was only open until 1000 pm and we didn't get there until about 700 pm. We were able to see the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, The Washington Monument, The Wall and the new World War II Memorial. What a beautiful memorial!! We have made a promise that when he returns we are going to take a weekend & go again. There is just so much more to see. We got a ton of pics and had a WONDERFUL time.

I left Waldorf Friday morning and headed over to Harrisonburg, VA for Brady's graduation. I still can't believe I am the mother of a James Madison University graduate. For those of you who know me best, you know my favorite saying... I am too damn young to have a son that old!!!! Where did the time go? I have never been prouder than I was Saturday. That boy is my life.

I left shortly after graduation to go see Mike again. I was the road warrior this weekend... I saw parts of VA & MD I had never seen before....it really is a beautiful country we live in. Worth protecting.....We had a really nice dinner and packed up his stuff. It was tough seeing him pack up knowing it was going to be a VERY long time before I see him again. He left the hotel about 345 am Sunday morning. NOT a good feeling. I have never felt so alone especially when I went back up to the hotel room....Way, way, way too quiet...Thank god for cell phones. He arrived in SC about 130-200 and didn't have much time to do anything because they started their training as soon as they got there. He called me about 900 pm and they were just getting done. It's going to be a long 2 weeks. But he is full of anticipation and excitement. We were both ready for this to get started...because the sooner he left the sooner he will be back home. It's going to be a long trying year but I believe it will makes us stronger. If God didn't think we could handle it, he wouldn't have given us the challenge, right?

Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. And know that he is a proud "Solider" and is anxious to do his part on the War on Terrorism.