Today let us remember our Veteran's of the past Wars as well as Today's. My soldier
is a Veteran from Bosnia, Kuwait, and Iraq (x's two). I'm proud to be a Veteran and Proud Soldier's Wife. Chad's a brave and honorable man.
(Chad in Iraq)
Thank you to each and every Veteran Out there, you've done your duty and made our Nation better because of it.
*****DO NOT LIFT The graphics from here, if you're interested in them, click on the graphic and go to the site and ask for permission*****
Chad's home! I had actually written a very long post and I lost it, ahhh! Well I don't have the time or energy to write it again. So here are the pictures!
Enjoy!
Our Family Reunited!!! Jacob,Me,&Me
Chad,Jacob,Jack,&Me Ready for Daddy to come home!
Jacob in front of our fav. banner Jacob and Jack holding their posters
Waiting For Daddy!!!!
Jack,Chad,Jacob Jack and Daddy
OUR HERO'S!!!
This was made by a soldier's friend The boys & I made this it says:
and was hung in the gym in Iraq Headhunter's Rock HHC 54th
I know they're not in order, but here's our night last night! We had a wonderful night and we have our Hero home!!!!
Chad called today. He sounded so good! Yesterday when he left the message he sounded tired and sad. I told him that he sounded a lot better today and that I thought he sounded tired and sad yesterday and he sad he felt both yesterday, but that today was a good day (so far). The boys both got to talk to him for a moment. Jack's first thing well only thing he really said was "Daddy, when you come home?" "Soon buddy" was his answer (and we are so close!!) Jacob talked to him a bit longer. I try not to listen too much to their conversations, so that they can just have that. Both boys were thrilled to get to talk to daddy. Unfortunately our phone call only lasted 8 min 37 seconds and his time was up (so much for the 20 minutes that they told him he had!). But, it's ok. I got to at least talk to him and hear his wonderful voice!
The rest of our Advon (Adnvanced Party) came home today. Unfortunately I was not home when they came in. I'd went out with a friend, thinking we had plenty of time but was wrong. We got back on post right about the time the Welcome Home ceremony would have been happening. We were disappointed, but ultimately all that matters are that these soldiers are now home, safe, and with their family and loved ones.
We have 3 units that all deployed about the same time, including our guys. One of them returned home today! After my friend and I left the gym (where the welcome home ceremony was held) we saw the buses! They were escourted by the MP's! It was truly wonderful to see those buses! My friend and I looked at each other and we both admitted to having goosebumps. One of her good friends husband was on that bus and so she called her and told her "they're here"!! To know that at that point soon, so soon those families were all going to be reunited again!
Soon it will be us. We're the last unit to come home. I can't wait!
He was able to get online and we were able to chat! It was wonderful knowing he was on the otherside of the computer! He's good, but tired and really, really stressed out. His job truly is make or break and determines them coming home on time or not. He said he knows he can (and I told him I believed in him probably 10 times!) it's just a lot of work and not a lot of time to get it all done. He's never done all of it himself before. He does have 5 other soldiers, but he has the majority of the work. I know him well enough though to know he does like it, that he's making things happen.
He's hoping to get online later or get to the phones, but time is very limited. He's in a very safe place though and for that I'm truly thankful for!
I ran to the mail room, then over to the PX to see if they had any poster board (which of course they didn't) so we'll go downtown to a store that I KNOW has some and get a couple for the boys to draw on, on Sunday when our FRG gets together to make Welcome Home Signs/Banners. I ordered one and I'm really hoping it gets here next week, because it's now getting a little too close to comfort of when they come home. :)
Anyways.....I got on here about 10:40 am and saw Chad had sent me an email at 10 am. :( Then I get home from the mail room and px and my answering machine is flashing....Chad called at Noon, it was 12:35 pm :( I am truly sad that I missed his call. I do love that I get to hear his voice over and over. My answering machine only holds 16 messages and as of right now I have 15 saved, all of Chad.
We've got about 2-3 weeks left and let me tell you I'm just almost coming out of my own skin ready for him to just be home. He is in Kuwait now. He's safe, but so very, very busy. He sounded really tired. Please keep him in your prayers. I know that he's safe though and I praise Jesus for that!
I'll try to keep you updated.
God Bless and thank you for any and all prayers. Thank you also to all who helped in donating to the single soldiers either with sending a monetary gift or actual items. This weekend our FRG leader will be buying the towels and sheets and pillows. I know there's still some more money coming from at least one of you and that money will go to the soldiers, we're going to be making cookies for all the soldiers and the money can go towards those! :)
So you know our account went from about $150.00 to close to $3,000.00 in a matter of less than 2 months! Thank you! You truly made it possible for us to make the soldiers rooms welcoming!
We had another Homecoming tonight. Sgt. H. He's a married soldier and his sweet wife was so excited and anxious! Enjoy the pictures!
The Excited, but oh so anxious wife "D" waiting for her husband to arrive! (She's the one in the dress holding the flowers for her honey!) **Jacob in the row behind, getting tired!
Col. "G" welcoming home our Brave Soldier! (He only did a welcome speech of maybe 1 minute or less, but during that time the wife (who's hair is on the left) her whole body was starting to shake!!!)
Hugging for the first time!!
And the kiss! :*)
Sgt.H was the only soldier to come home tonight. He's a computer specialist (not quite sure the name of his job) but he's going to be getting all the computer's ready for the main body's return home! It was a very sweet homecoming, they had been married only a short time before he deployed! We were told to be at the building by 7:15....by 7:30 we were told that the driver had told the Sgt. that was here with us wrong and that when he was asked if he had gotten off the autobahn and he said yes, he meant to say that he'd gotten off of one autobahn and onto another one (the one that exits into our little city!), so we had about a 30 minute extra wait. His sweet wife was so excited and nervous when we thought he was due anytime (at 7:15) by the time he finally got there I think she was just a basket full of nerves! There was a nice turnout of supporters and for a group of less than 50 we were loud!!! Jackson even got in on the clapping tonight, which was a change from Sunday's home coming! We know we have at least one homecoming next week for one of our soldiers. Next week another Unit that left days before our guys left is coming home (which is exciting because we're such a small post, you know about everyone and we know a lot of spouses who are so excited!!! The following week the other large unit who left 2 days before us is coming home, and then after that it'll be our guys!!!!!!) It's getting exciting!
The welcome home ceremony went great! Remember we're in Germany and at the min. 6 hrs ahead of you in the states and up to 9 hrs on the West coast. The ceremony was over by 6 pm our time. It was wonderful! There was a good amount of us wives who are still waiting for our husband's to return there to show support! Once our Col. got to the building the soldiers were outside the doors waiting to come in! We all cheered for them as loud as we could! The wives and girlfriends and special friends of the returning 4 soldiers were in the front row. One of the soldiers has twin little boys just over a yr old. Another soldier was married, the other two single. To watch those sweet little boys hug their daddy, just I think made us all cry! It's a beautiful thing to watch a home coming and if you're ever privy to experience one I highly suggest it! It's an emotional event, and well worth it.
Afterwards the boys and I talked about how close we are to Daddy coming home and that starting tomorrow we will be marking on a calender the days off until Daddy comes home. We don't know the exact date of when he'll be home, and Jacob at least understands that. It is getting a little exciting we are down to the point that we're looking at just a few small weeks! Oh I can't believe we're almost done this time around!
Sadly I was not able to take any pictures, because I left the camera in the van (thought I tossed it in my purse and didn't. :( Sorry about that. I'm hoping I can get some and if I do I will post them!
God Bless
I only have a few minutes, but wanted to share we have 5 soldiers coming in today! In about 20 minutes we're to be at the Welcome Home Ceremony for the soldiers!! Not my honey, but that's ok because these guys worked hard and bravely for 12 months!
Ok, I'm off. I'm going to take my camera and if I get any good shots I'll post them!
For those who read the other journal, you'll see this idental message! :)
We got the official email, no more mail sent from us in Germany to Iraq after Sept 21!!! We're getting down to the nitty gritty people! If we were to mail something to them after the 21st there's a very good chance it will not get to our soldiers in time!!!! This is definately one of those exciting "don'ts" you get told! :)
We're down to single digit weeks! I have been going over all that I want and need to do in the next few weeks to prepare for Chad's homecoming! Tomorrow I'm going to the bookstore here on post and buying some WelcomeHome Balloons, before they're all sold out (then on the day of his arrival I can take them back up or to the flower shop and have them blown up). I need to get poster board and make posters. I'm going to make them for the doors in our building, as well as up our stairwell and for our front door! I am going to be ordering his Welcome Home Sign here in a few minutes!
We're not done yet, but we are getting closer!
The memorial service for Spc. Harley Andrews was at 11:00 this morning. His beautiful wife was there, along with her mom and brother. We all filed in after they did and sat down the service started. It's rather frightening that the words coming out of our Rear D Captain's mouth is becoming familiar, as he starts the service the same way the last 2 were started. I couldn't help from looking at this fallen hero's wife. She's so young. You just really don't understand. She couldn't be more than 22 yrs old if that. They have a 14 month old son, Ayden. She sat there weaping, and how do you not cry when you see someone's heart literally breaking right in front of you? Well I couldn't hold the tears back.
In April, Spc Andrews had written in the Battalion Newsletter. He described how his job of finding IED's were keeping other soldiers safe, and how he was proud of what he was doing, because he was preventing soldiers from getting injured or dying and that he was saving families from heartache. He was killed by an IED.
After the service we gave our condolences to his wife, and then someone went and got precious Ayden from the nursery. You don't know how beautiful this little boy is, or how heart breaking it is to me that this precious little boy will NEVER get to know his Daddy. It just isn't right. He toddled around without a care in the world, as literally everyone doted on him. He was probably hugged and kissed more times than he had been his entire life. He also got to eat German pastries, which he REALLY, REALLY liked and was not happy if when he was done with one, he wasn't handed another immediately. At one point, he was walking around with the little handout they give you, it had his Daddy's handsome face on the front and he was walking around pointing at his Daddy saying "Dada" then kissing it and then hitting himself in the face with it. He was completely oblivious to the heartache and life changes surrounding him.
It's very humbling to experience what we have experienced 3 times since July. Today was by far the hardest memorial service to attend, because this Brave soldier's wife was there. She's the first one who was at a memorial service. The last one we had only one soldier's wife was in the area, but she's a German national and she was/is ANGRY at the US Army. I can't say I blame her, but it does make me sad that she wasn't able to see that we do care and ache for her.
I did not know Spc. Andrews or his wife. Haley Andrew's is living I think every deployed spouses worst nightmare and greatest fear. We have 6 weeks left aprox. and this happened. I ask that you all pray for this young wife and mother. That she feels GOD's hand covering her every single day and that although there will no doubt be horrible days, that eventually she'll start finding reasons to smile again, that the thought of her husband will bring tears of joy over sadness, eventually.
I think the quiet echo of words that came from all of us other spouses was "just let us get through the next 6 weeks with nothing else happening and get them home". Our soldiers are the absolute best. They have found MORE IEDS than ANY OTHER UNIT through out this war! That is truly amazing and something to be proud of. Now though it's time to just come home, get out of Iraq safely and back into our arms.
I also found out that one of the soldiers who died in July, his family is planning on coming over here when our soldiers return. I can not imagine the heart ache. I have no doubt they NEED to do this FOR THEM. I ask that you pray for the Lidell family. I don't believe that we ever have "closure". I honestly can't stand that word when it comes to grief. We have a right to be sad, angry, etc. There is absolutely NO TIME LINE for grief, yet so many seem to think there is or should be. Of course most of them have never lost a loved one unexpectantly or just simply too soon.
I'm proud of my soldier. I love him more than I can possibly explain and I honestly don't ever want to know the pain the wives who've lost their husband's in this war have. I am ready for Chad to be back home, safe, sound, and where he belongs.
We also had 4 soldiers injured. Two were fairly seriously injured and are heading here to Germany to be treated. The other two were not too bad and will be returning to work soon.
Please keep this young family in your prayers, as well as their extended family and their friends. We're just so close to the end, so close.
I hear people saying we don't need this war
I say there's some things worth fighting for
What about our freedom and this piece of ground
We didn't get to keep 'em by backing down
They say we don't realize the mess we're getting in
Before you start your preaching let me ask you this my friend
Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
They took all the footage off my T.V.
Said it's too disturbing for you and me
It'll just breed anger that's what the experts say
If it was up to me I'd show it everyday
Some say this country's just out looking for a fight
After 9/11 man I'd have to say that's right
Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
I've been there with the soldiers
Who've gone away to war
And you can bet that they remember
Just what they're fighting for
Have you forgotten how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell?
We had neighbors still inside going thru a living hell
And you say we shouldn't worry 'bout bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten all the people killed?
Some went down like heros in that Pennsylvania field
Have you forgotten about our Pentagon?
All the loved ones that we lost and those left to carry on
Don't you tell me not to worry about bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?
If any of you do not believe that I'm an Army wife, that our unit is about to come home from Iraq, or just simply think I'm a thief out to steal your money, please feel free to email me and I will HAPPILY give any and everyone the Battalion's Phone Number for your to verify who I am, what I and the other ladies in our BN are trying to do for our Single Soldiers. Just remember we are stationed in Germany, so it will be an oversea's phone call, which I'm sure makes people nervous as well. I also have a website for our unit if that helps.
I don't know how else to prove I am who I am and that our unit is really deployed and that our soldiers really are coming home soon!
I also want to intergrate that I am NOT asking anyone to send money or items. I just thought this would be a great opportunity to help single soldiers. A lot of people claim to support our troops, but they never do anything, this was just an opportunity for those who are COMFORTABLE sending what ever THEY LIKE (sheets, pillows, hygiene items, and snacks), this is not a pressure tactic....it's just an outreach.
I am just going to copy and paste this, I wrote this email just a few moments ago. I'm sure that some of you that read here also got the email but I just really want to get this out there and hopefully we'll get a great response...PLEASE share this with your family and friends as well we never know who's out that that wants to help and doesn't know quite how!
I've tried so hard this deployment to be postive and most of this deployment has really been easy considering my husband's in a terrorist nation. Anyways...there are times when I just feel lonely. Not in that way that Chad has anything to worry about. I get to talk/chat with Chad almost every evening...but you know chatting isn't always the same. I normally talk to my 2 closest girlfriends on the phone during the week, but on the weekends their husbands are home and I know that time's precious and they want to spend it with them and I don't want to intrude. I have found though that come the night time on the weekends I'm simply lonely. I have wonderful friends here, but their not like my closest friends in the states and definately not like Chad.
One thing I want to do when Chad's home is twice a month us go and do something fun. Little day or weekend trips. I have so many plans for when Chad comes home. We're down to 3 months aka double digits! That's really exciting! I can't believe how close we're getting to the end of this deployment. In a lot of ways it's flown by! Having Chad get to come home half way through definately helped us too.
I know I'll get through the loneliness and tomorrow is Monday and I'll get to talk to my girls then!
The 4th soldier who was injured in last Saturday's attack which initially 3 soldiers from our bn, he died last night surrounded by family. We don't have any details other than later today we should know when the memorial service is.
My stomach is physically hurting right now. I can guess Chad knows but I'm not sure. He went to bed last night about the time he would have died, so unless they woke the soldiers up they wouldn't have found out until this morning. Please please be in prayer for the soldiers over there. We have a little more than 3 months left and honestly this may be the most stressful time for them....so close to coming home, but yet realities of this war are right in front of their face, not like it never is...but when you lose soldiers I think it's there even more so.
Please be in prayer also for the wives who are struggling. It's hard there's no doubt, but there are wives who take this even harder than others. Thank you every single one for your love, compassion, and support throughout this deployment.
God bless
We had 3 deaths over the weekend in our Battalion (not our company though) and one seriously injured and definately very touch and go. I was not informed. No phone call, no email, nothing. I heard it today when I called a friend of mine who's in a completely different unit.
I'm furious. I emailed our Rear D as well as our company commander who's in Iraq to let him know about this and a few other things that I'm just not happy about because our FRG leader has not been giving out information. This is NOT the way death notifications are supposed to be handled. The FRG leader is to continue to call spouses until she's personally spoken with every spouse. I've been asked if I'll take over the FRG, and I'm going to do it. I was just called by our over all adviser for FRG's in our company and she asked me if I officially accept and I told her yes. She said that I'll be the one doing all the work, because our current does not do anything, and then my friend who is the former co-FRG leader is going to help me out in the background.
I really didn't want to do this, I feel like I'm active enough in other places in my life, but know this is what I NEED to do at least for now. We have very little money in our FRG funds, so one of the first orders of business is fund raising. No one likes to do it, but if we want to be able to do anything for our single soldiers or all our soldiers when they return we need to get busy and get busy now.
PLEASE pray for these soldiers families. Two of the soldiers were married and one soldier was single. I am not sure about the injured soldier. One of the soldiers who was killed his wife is here. I pray we're able to give her as much support as possible. This IS my greatest fear with this war as it is with every military spouse who's Soldier is deployed.
Ok, I'm done with my vent...these are the issue's some of us "left behind" get to deal with.
Happy 4th of July
I hope you all remember that today is our Nation's birthday and that without all our soldiers from past to present, this day would be meaningless.
God Bless America...land of the free....because OF THE BRAVE !!
&
I want to say before I post this link, that Chad is ok. I talked to him on the phone this morning and the link about the missing soldiers, this happened last night. Chad's doing good. He just got back. He had to make a run up to another camp. This camp has 2 pools, one indoor and one outdoor. It has Pizza Hut, Subway, Baskin Robbins, and Popeyes, I believe there's also BK. This time around he said he treated himself to a footlong sub, and they only charge them $2.99! I already like Subway in general for their food (well in the states, over here in Germany not so impressed with some of the meat) anyways....I am just really happy with this company because it's obvious they're not making a profit when they only charge 2.99 for a foot long sub! I know Chad, he loaded up with veggies too on his sandwich. So...go Subway! :) It'd be nice if they had a few more luxuries where he's at, but I don't see that happening. It's a crazy area he's in. His base camp is located in the most dangerous city in Iraq currently. They're not the only camp in this city. They're camp's gotten about 1500 new soldiers though. I don't think they have internet hooked up in his room yet, if so he's not online right now! He did get online this morning after we got cut off on the phone, but I wasn't signed on :(
He sounded good though. I could hear a smile in his voice and that always makes me happy. He talked to the boys. Our little one is really into saying "I love Daddy" "I love cookie monster" (hey it's cute!) but he talks "to" Daddy a lot when he see's his picture!
Ok, so here's the article. I ask that you pray for the soldier who's been missing since April 2005, PFC (Keith) Matt Maupin, from Ohio. He's actually from a town not far from where Chad's family lives. Pray for the soldier who was murdered last night, when the other 2 soldiers were taken. Lets pray these soldiers are still alive, not being torchered and are able to either 1 escape or 2 be rescued (alive).
For those who read my other journal, this is obviously a repeat. This is where my heart is tonight though. Chad I love you and miss you so much. I know we're on the last half of this deployment and it has went by quickly, and am hopeful it will continue that way. I love you and well honey...Come Home Soon.....
Come Home Soon lyrics:
I put away the groceries,
And I take my daily bread.
I dream of your arms around me,
As I tuck the kids in bed.
I don't know what you're doin',
And I don't know where you are,
But I look up at that great big sky,
And I hope you're wishin' on that same bright star.
I wonder.
I pray.
And I sleep alone, an' I cry alone,
An' it's so hard livin' here on my own.
So please, come home soon.
Come home soon.
I know that we're together,
Even though we're far apart.
And I'll wear our lucky penny,
'Round my neck pressed to my heart.
An' I wonder.
I pray.
I sleep alone, I cry alone,
An' it's so hard livin' here on my own.
So please, come home soon.
Come home soon.
I still imagine your touch:
It's beautiful missing something that much.
But sometimes, love needs a fighting chance,
So I'll wait my turn until it's our turn to dance.
I wonder.
I pray.
I sleep alone, I cry alone.
Without you this house is not a home,
So please, come home soon.
I walk alone.
I try alone,
An' I'll wait for you; don't want to die alone.
So please, come home soon.
Come home soon.
Come home soon.
A friend of mine posted this on her blog and of course I was crying like a baby.
For those of you who are also military spouces, this is for you. Chris, if you're reading this....I want you to know that you, the kids, and of course Sean will be in my thoughts tomorrow. I wish so, very, very much that Sean was coming home to you guys. I love you all very much. We'll be lighting a candle in memory of Sean tomorrow and every other fallen soldier.
When You Come Home
We're over half way through and although it's went by very quickly, I am more than ready for Chad to be home. I have a friend, well more of a good acquaintance who was complaining about her husband having to go out of town for 2 weeks. Now I understand it's her husband and him being gone is not part of their normal schedule, so I can empathize there. But she complained to me about this for over an HOUR. I TRIED to be a good person, a loving woman of Christ. I don't know if I truly failed here or not, but I told her to just stop, it's only 2 weeks and that when he's gone for a yr to complain to me about it. I told her that I can empathize that it's going to stink having him gone for 2 weeks, but it's seriously not the end of the world and that she will get through it. She got mad and stopped talking pretty well after that.
I don't know if she just "forgot" who she was talking to or she's just really that insensitive. It actually has had me thinking about it since that conversation. How many others just get so caught up in life that they forget about someone else's hardships? Not just us who's spouses are deployed. There are people who's spouse is sick, in the hospital because of a deadly disease, there are those who's child is sick. We all have our burdens. We all need someone to have that empathetic ear and listen to us. To allow us to just get it out. I think though that when we are sharing our own griefs, we have to remember who we're talking to. This definately goes for me. I try not to complain about Chad being deployed. I'm proud of him and what he's doing in Iraq. I believe in what he's doing over there. I still miss him. I do need him home with us. I do have to keep my focus on the fact that he's doing his job and we will get through this deployment and before I know it he'll be home.
Thank you for prayers, support, love, and friendship.
God Bless
Chad called tonight, it was so wonderful to talk to him. He let me vent.Here he is off fighting in a way and he calls home to hear his loved ones voices and gets to listen to his crazy wife complain about how the boys aren't cleaning the playroom and bedroom. He listens, he talks to the boys and tells them to clean their rooms and listen to their Crazy Mom! Ok so he didn't call me crazy, but I know he's thinking it or should be! LOL
Now a few hrs after hearing his calming and loving voice, I just feel so lonely. I miss him. I miss being able to talk to him every single day. I miss his hugs and kisses. I miss him coming home and giving me a break, by taking the boys outside (or taking over playground time so I can come inside and get things done or just get 10 minutes by myself). I miss sitting beside him in the evenings and being able to talk to him about any and everything. I miss him in our bed, for all the reasons. He's my best friend. It's how a husband and wife should feel about each other, and I do. I think he doubts that at times. I have my best "girl" friend, but over everyone it's Chad. He has my heart like no other person, he has my trust like no other. It truly goes God/Jesus, Chad, etc. Again it's how it should be.
I look forward to him being home in a few months. He's been having a hard time dealing with loneliness too and missing us. I can't fix that for him, just as he can't fix it for me. He has I think a security in knowing I'm surrounded by amazing friends here in Germany and that I have wonderful friends in the states that I stay in contact with too, but he knows that I miss him. I hope he does, if you're reading this Chad....I hope you understand how much I miss you.
One day at a time. I'm sure tomorrow will be better, right now though I miss my friend, my husband.
Ok, I've lost count of how many days Chad's been gone and honestly I'm just too lazy and far too tired right now to go count! I will try to do that tomorrow.
Chad called yesterday, hadn't talked to him since Mother's Day. I'm not sure if I shared or not, but he's not with the rest of his battalion, and he's extremely busy and going out A LOT, which of course limits our contact drastically. He's been through quite a bit, concerning IEDS and mortar rounds landing inside the base camp. He shared a HYSTERICAL story with me, but there's no way I'm going to write about it here, if he's willing to share it I'll let him! Even in Iraq funny things can happen! :)
The boys and I are doing well. Our oldest had his last tball game and he had fun, but said he was glad he was done! We had a half way through party tonight too with the battalion. They had a huge bounce house, trampoline, and a electric bull. They had tons and tons of food. The boys ate and had a lot of fun! It didn't take them long to fall asleep either!!
Our little guy got to talk to Daddy last night for the first time after being asleep the last 2 times he called. He was so excited to talk to his Daddy. He missed him a lot. When you ask him "where's Daddy" he'll say "Iraq" but of course it sounds more like "I" "ack" He's 2, can't expect perfect grammar!
Well, it's almost 2 am here in Germany, I need to get to sleep. I have a Mom's Day Out tomorrow. The boys will be at childcare from 10-6. It'll be a nice break. I plan on going to the gym, getting the laundry put away, and doing some scrapbooking. It'll be a nice hopefully quiet day.
God Bless and Thanks for supporting our family and other military families.
I know, I know. I've been terrible at updating, but hey it's been kind of quiet on Chad's end. He's no longer up at the AF base, but now down with the rest of his unit. I still have this amazing amount of peace about all of it.
Chad told me that one of the good things about being down there is that he keeps busier, he's going on missions, he has PT 3 times a day, and since going there has lost weight, because he has less time. I hope him being as busy as he is, will make the time go by quicker for him.
I have really missed him so much this week. Monday marked 6 yrs since our daughter died. It seems unreal to both of us. He called on Monday. It was really nice to hear his voice, although I could hear the sadness in it, but well mine was pretty sad as well. Friday will be 6 yrs since we last saw our precious girl, closed the casket, and said goodbye to that precious little body that we helped create, no more painting toe nails, kissing those pretty little feet, no more tight hugs, cuddles from her, etc.
I know my pain of our daughter's death, but I can't say I know Chad's fully...he was her DADDY, I was her MOMMY. Two important, but very different roles and no one can lay claim on another's grief. Please keep Chad in your prayers as he does his best to deal with the events that we lived through 6 yrs ago.
I ask that you keep Chad in your prayers for his safety now more than ever. I have not talked to him since Monday, he had planned to call me on Tuesday and well he hasn't. I don't worry, because I know no news is good news, and that once he has a chance, he will call me. He was hoping to have internet in his room this week, if he does, that'll be so great. We'll be able to webcam with each other more often, etc.
Thank you for your continued prayers, love, and friendship.
God Bless
Ok, I'm a bad wife! I wrote on my other journal that it was Chad's birthday, yesterday and stupid me didn't come here where he actually reads and say.........
Happy Birthday Chad! I love you! You're my hero and you're wonderful and I'm so proud of you!!!!!!!
I know I said I'd have Chad write an update while he was home, but it just didn't happen. He left this morning and should be back by now. I haven't heard from him, but hopefully tomorrow he'll call. Jacob's definately having the hardest time at this point. He's cried quite a bit throughout the day. I've reassured him it's ok to cry and miss Daddy. Jackson has asked for him many times throughout the day. It's heart wrenching, but this is part of the process. This is definately one of the worst parts of the military.
We will most definately get through this and we know that before we know it this deployment will be over and Chad will be back home with us. Please continue to pray for Chad as he goes through the 2nd half of his deployment, adjusts to being back in Iraq, and back to the grind of work and dealing with a roommate that doesn't understand the importance of bathing daily, when he has issue's with extremely bad foot odor among other things! (LOL funny, but not). One thing that's worked out well for Chas is that I sent him a tart burner and quite a few tarts so he burns those when ever he's in his room to help with the smell.
I have a box to send him tomorrow! :)
thank you for all your support and love throughout this deployment, it truly means so much to both Chad and I.
God Bless
Just wanted to let you know Chad got home on Tuesday for R&R!! Life's good! We're really enjoying his time home! We've been able to mix downtime and some work nicely! We got the playroom all in order and it looks GREAT!
I'm going to "make" Chad write an update while he's home for all of you!
I'll try to add some pictures on here soon!
God Bless
Today is our 9th anniversary. The years have definately flown by! I'm so thankful I met you 10 yrs ago, that you "liked what you saw" and yet were still happy on being just me "friend" until my eyes truly opened up and I saw not only a good friend, but this amazing man who knew almost everything about me by being my unconditional friend and confidant. Thank you for your love and friendship. You have given me more than I ever dreamed of. I thank GOD everyday for you.
I LOVE YOU! Happy Anniversary Honey! I look forward to the next 50 years of making memories!
I'm sorry it's been so long since I updated. Chad will be home for R&R in a little over a week! I'm really excited! I have a 2 night stay for our family down in Garmish at a military lodge and resort! We're all excited about that. On our way down there, we're going to stop in Munich and do some site seeing. We're also planning on going to Austria while we're down there and exploring and do some shopping, but mostly we just plan to relax. We may extend for an extra day but we'll decide that while we're there. Chad will be home for Easter!!!! I'm so thrilled about that, at least we'll have him for ONE holiday during this deployment! I have a small turkey in the deep freezer so I'm going to make a traditional holiday meal that our family loves, he'll leave a couple days later so at least I can send him off with a good meal! :)
The boys know he's coming home, but don't know when exactly and I'm not going to tell them...going to let them be surprised when we go to pick him up!
Chad's not been online much. A few weeks ago the base camp where the rest of his unit's at, was attacked by a rocket being launched into their camp and landing just feet away from t heir barrack's and injuring 14. Well this past week, a rocket was launched into Chad's camp, it landed about 2 football field lengths from Chad's room. I still have amazing peace over all of it, which is honestly so new for me, because by nature I worry. God's just given me amazing peace.
Please keep Chad in your prayers though for his physical safety and also pray for him emotionally. The 24th marked 7 yrs since our daughter was dx with leukemia. It's been kind of a full circle thing being back here in Germany. We are planning on visiting the hospital she was tx at for 6 weeks when initially dx once Chad's home. I need to email her oncologist so that when we do have the time to go that way, we know he'll be there.
God Bless
Your alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep for another 10 minutes.
He stays up for days on end.
__________________________
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
__________________________
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at, as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
__________________________
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
__________________________
You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
__________________________
You talk trash on your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
__________________________
You don't feel like helping out your dad today, so you don't.
He does what he is told.
__________________________
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
__________________________
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
__________________________
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He does not get to eat today.
__________________________
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for months, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
__________________________
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
__________________________
You are angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He is told he will be held an extra 2 months.
He does as he is told.
__________________________
You call your girlfriend and set a date for that night.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
__________________________
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
__________________________
You ditch class to go to a movie.
He goes where he is told.
__________________________
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
__________________________
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own government and remembers why he is fighting.
__________________________
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of the men like him.
He hears the gun fire and bombs.
__________________________
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the bodies lying around him.
__________________________
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does what he is told.
__________________________
You stay at home and watch tv.
He takes whatever time he is given to call and write home, sleep, and eat.
__________________________
You crawl into your bed, with down pillows, and try to get comfortable.
He crawls under a tank for shade and a 5 minute nap, only to be woken by gun fire.
__________________________
You sit there and judge him, saying the world is a worse place because of men like him.
If only there were more men like him
I'm not sure of the author, I am going to email my friend she might have written it, she's talented so if it was her I'll be sure to add her name to it.
I'm missing Chad so much right now. I went on a retreat this weekend, it was wonderful. It was down in the Alps, just gorgous, I LOVE the mountains. I drove down there instead of riding the bus because I wanted to go to the Bazaar that they were having here on post, I'm glad I did.
Anyways, the retreat was on "Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapmann. Great books I highly suggest them. Since it was primarily a marriage retreat (although we also covered the 5 Love Languages for Children), when I got home I really started thinking of how much I miss Chad.
The phones and internet over there have been down a lot because of all the rain they're getting right now. It's a muddy mess there. They had an accident and we've lost a soldier. There was an accidental fire in a tent. The soldier died on the way to Brooks Army (in TX) Hospital. His wife was with him. I still have complete peace when it comes to Chad being in Iraq, but it's that reminder that anything can happen...whether it's the insurgents trying to murder our soldiers (and too many times completing that mission) there's also accidents that happen, that make no sense. I didn't know the soldier or his wife. They were from Bolivia and she didn't speak English. Please keep her and their families in your prayers.
It's a reality that my husband's in a war zone and I can't deny that. I miss him so much. Thank you for praying for him and for all our soldiers.
I would apperciate prayers for me right now. I'm just at that point that sadness is pretty strong and I'm also just really tired. I have a feeling when I get up in the morning I'll be in a better frame of mind.
God Bless
Lorri :)
Mailing from the US to Soldiers deployed is like mailing to anywhere else in the states...the price is the same as if you mailed someone in another state.
For us in Germany because it's only military postal workers who handle packages, it's free...but everyone else it costs. So if you send a care package priority it's going to cost you, well what ever priority is now (4 something I think). Once the package gets to Germany they're then shipped downrange. Once they leave the East Coast they're in the Dept of Defense's care!
Letters and postcards are the price of the stamps! If I am not making any sense, please feel free to email me anytime!!!
Oh and if sending a package, you do have to fill out a claims form. You can get a handfull at your post office and then when you're filling up the box, just write things down as you go!
I know you may look and think I've lost track of my days, but here in Germany it's already past midnight so we're officially on day 95 of this deployment. It's going by tremendously fast, I'm amazed really.
Chad called me today during naptime. Our 2 yr old thinks anytime we get into bed is playtime...party time baby. To say I get flustered,frustrated, and just plain angry during this (it's truly become it too) FIGHT is putting it lightly. Well, Chad called and could hear him singing, talking, and just making noise in general. I was about to the end of my rope. Chad asked me to go into their bedroom and put him on speaker phone and he proceded to talk him to lay down NOW. What's that stinker do.......
"ok Daddy, nigh-night". Part of me wanted to celebrate, the other part wanted to strangle that child! God love him is all I can say. I told Chad, "that's just not right" lol. I have to say THANK GOD that even with him in Iraq, he's still so willing and just truly desires to step up and parent, even thousands of miles away. If that doesn't tell you the kind of man Chad is, I don't know what can!
I miss him so much right now. I just really want to feel his arms around me, holding me. Time is going by quickly, but you know it's not quick enough. Everyday without him over all just sucks. I really don't like that word, but it's just the only word I can find in my head tonight to describe this feeling.
He did tell me that the internet cafe that he used to go to and hook up his laptop to and have his webcam on is opening back up!! YES! They redid it, gutted the building. They put the 9 computers back in and now instead of 3 open slots for soldiers to bring in their personal laptops there's 11 slots! (I "might" have those numbers switched around, but I think I got it right!)...so hopefully in the next couple days he'll be able to get in and online and we can all see and hear each other! He also said that in the next couple days (he's hoping for tomorrow) that one of his soldiers is going to carry his digital camera with her and take pictures of him throughout the day, so we can see what he does, what the camp looks like, etc. He already has a lot of pictures to send, but he knows how important it is to us to be able to see HIM in those pictures and if he's the one always behind taking them he can't be in them quite so easily! I'm hoping he can do this tomorrow and maybe tomorrow night if he could get online he could email them! If so, I'll be able to load some up and put them on here!
Chad's been working a lot. He's a little frustrated right now with a couple of his soldiers who have been 2nd guessing him when he tells them to do something (they don't want to do it the way he tells them). Chad's a very humble man, but let me tell you what...he knows his stuff. He knows how to do things RIGHT and how to be able to get them done as quickly as possible, without taking shortcuts, etc. Well these two soldiers managed to make a task that if they'd done it Chad's way would have taken them max 1 hr he said, possibly less. They didn't think his way would be faster so they did it another way and almost 3 hrs later they finished up. This is what they do there...these tasks. They rarely leave camp which is nice, truly helps with the whole knots in the stomach issue, but at the same time why anyone would opt to do a task for 3 hrs vs 2 hrs less is beyond me. He said they've done this a couple other times and so he's finally told them that they're going to be working together, because he's not going to waste his time doing things the hard way when he's been doing this job, knows his job, does it well, and can get it done correctly and faster than they do. So for now him and his other soldier (the one who'll be taking pictures) are working together and the other two will get their orders from Chad and if they want to do it his way or their way, he's leaving it up to them.
Now, see it's a good thing I'm not in the military, well not like he is anyways. I'd have chewed them up and spit them out, told them MY WAY OR NO WAY and since it was an order...it would be my way. I just have so littler tolerance for arrogance and stupidity and it sounds like these two have both going on right now. I told Chad to pull rank on thier butts. He said if it was really a big deal he would, but so far the tasks are still getting done and all they're really doing is taking away from their own personal time. Of course to me what it says is that Chad and his soldier are probably doing twice as many tasks as these other two are, because they're being so foolish. Chad's a hard worker though, and he does love his job. It's amazing really. Although he's frustrated with these two, he still said "they're not bad soldiers, just making foolish choices". Good man I have!
Oh before I forget!! Chad has a slightly different address now. If you're someone who is or wants to send Chad a letter or package please email me (especially if you already have his address). The way things have been is that all the mail is flown into the camp that he's at, but since it's just been him and his 3 soldiers the mail personel would send the whole companies mail down to where the rest of them are, then his company would sort through all the mail and they'd have to send a convoy back up to them with their mail...so sometimes he could have packages that had actually gotten to his camp 1-2 weeks before he ever actually had them in his hands. Well, now he has an address for the basecamp he's at, so when the mail arrives there he'll get it immediately! Yahoo!
He's recieved some packages. One was from a John and Judy (I can't recall the last name he gave me) it was over 40 lbs, had tons of snacks in there...if this came from you, PLEASE email me (My3gifts@aol.com) so I can figure out where in the world this came from. I'm pretty sure he said the address said Texas on it too! Either way, he said the package was AWESOME! He's shared everything in it and everyone's loving all the goodies!
I can not tell you how amazing all of you are who's been sending him care packages! The kindness means so much to Chad and me too. Tonight when I went to pick up my own mail, there was a package that had came to me, that's being shipped onto Chad...it was Popcorn! :) Betty that was you right? Well, let me tell you if I had no conscience I'd have kept that wonderful smelling treat! LOL But...they're going to ship it onto Iraq (it had my zip code instead of Chads, which I have no doubt is my fault for giving the incorrect one). The mail room is going to hold onto his package until tomorrow when I go up there though and they'll put his new address on it and it'll get to him sooner!
God Bless all of you and have a wonderful day!
Never forget the Ultimate Sacrafice some soldiers make.
* Artist @Gay Talbott Boassy Artwork used by permission from Leo Licensing LLC*
Never forget the Ultimate Sacrifice some families make.
Never forget that these ultimate sacrifices have names.
Never forget they have faces, families, memories...
Sean...we'll never forget you. Two years ago you died and we'll never forget you. Chris and kids, we love you. I know missing Sean will never end. Know that we love you and we're here for you, ALWAYS.
It's late and I need to be in bed. I'm getting sick..oh yeah. I know come morning I'm going to want to be sleeping instead of doing anything else (like getting the boys breakfast, getting dressed, getting the boys dressed, going to church)...I'd say I'd skip out on church, but I need to go. I need the accountability, the fellowship, the worship, etc. Of course if I'm feeling really awful I will just have to stay home and hope that I feel better by the time Awana starts, I'd hate to not be there when I know how much I'm needed, plus watching those kids faces light up as they learn bible verses.
Anyways....today I missed chatting with Chad online by 5 minutes...yes 5 whole stinking minutes which means I was parking the van, getting the boys out, getting them scrambled up the stairs...:( We hadn't talked since last Saturday when he called me 2 days ago, which I have no reason to complain about, it just felt like we hadn't talked in quite a while and I missed hearing his voice.
I did write him a long email asking him to write us more hand written letters. I LOVE getting phone calls and getting to chat with him, but I think we all know how great a hand written letter is, he told me that he will. I was able to send him another care package on Thursday too! I sent him 2 containers of buckeyes, the man loves them! I hope they're in decent shape by the time they get to him. I sent him a picture frame that Jacob painted too and some other goodies. I wish so much I could do more for him. I'm going to see if I can find some 5x7 picture frames, he asked for some of them and also some picture albums that can hold up to 5x7.
I wish I had a magical wand to make this deployment easier for him. He misses us so much. He tells me that everytime I hear from him and when we're on the phone I can hear it in his voice. Chad's a man that I don't worry about as far as cheating. Some will tell me I'm naive, but I know this man that I'm married to. I know his history of being cheated on and how he feels about it. If I couldn't trust him, I couldn't respect him the way I do. I feel so much love for this man and wonder what in the world I did to deserve him. He's been so good to me in our nearly 9 yrs of marriage, far better than I deserve a good deal of the time, yet time and time and time again he's supported me as a wife, mother, friend, etc...I have a quick temper, it's something I'm working REALLY, REALLY hard on right now. I know Chad knows I lovehim, but I have to admit I wonder if he has any clue just exactly HOW MUCH. He makes life so much more. He's given me more love than I ever expected to have, more respect than I normally deserve...I don't feel completely whole with him not here.
I'm a pretty independent person, yet something I've discovered is that I depend on Chad so much. I LOVE having a man to take care of well those manly tasks that I've determined are just that in my mind! :) Taking out the trash and recycling, changing light bulbs so I don't have to climb on the chair praying I don't fall or drop the light shade, etc. Life's just better when he's home with us. I know what he's doing is so important and I'm truly proud of him. I still have this amazing peace about him being deployed. Time is stil going by really quite quickly....it doesn't take it away though. I'd prefer my husband home with me. I'd prefer my boys to see Daddy walking in the door every late afternoon vs watching him on tv on the dvd reading them bedtime stories or on the webcam. It's not the same.
I know not a real upbeat entry...but that's what this deployment is for us...not always hard and horrible, but not always easy and light.
I better get to bed.
God Bless
I talked to Chad today, it's always so good to talk to him. He was doing good. When I asked him how he was he said "just so happy to be alive!". I'm so happy he's alive too! He was having an over all good day. He told me that he was told the other day that he may be coming back for R&R in February....he told them "no this is when I'm scheduled" they went and looked and told him he was correct...whew! Now I'd love to see him, but seriously so soon after he left would only make this deployment slow down big time. It's been going by so quickly...I mean look at that up there 78 days he's been gone! Amazing! When he is scheduled for R&R, it's more in the middle of this deployment, and I'm preparing myself that time might feel like it slows down after he's been here and gone again...so I'm making plans! :)
Right now since he'll be home in the spring and the children I'm watching will be gone...I plan to travel! The boys and I are going to hit the road! We have a cell phone so Chad should be able to talk to us, pretty well anytime. We have a prepaid cell phone, so I'll get a few phone cards, although when someone's calling me it doesn't take off minutes...but I want to be safe! :)
Chad's been writing a journal and plans to transfer it all to an email and then he'll be sending it to me soon, hopefully. He's been working a lot of very long hour days lately, so free time isn't always there. He's been able to call us more than get online. He said the phone lines have been shorter than the internet ones lately. It seems to go back and forth at different times. He's hoping to be able to get online more soon. I can't complain though, because we get to talk to him in one way or another at least 2 or 3 times a week.
Well...this entry's taken me a few hours to write, mostly because I started it during naptime and it's now bedtime! :)
God Bless and thank you to everyone who's sent Chad care packages. He really apperciates it. If you have emailed me asking for idea's for care packages and I haven't gotten back, email me again (I know I say this it seems everytime), I'm forgetful and my mind goes other places and I don't ignore your requests on purpose I promise.
God Bless Christy
Chad is working on writing a big entry!! Yahoo! He's also going to start keeping a daily journal (hand written) and he's going to try once a week to send me an update of his week!
I'm really excited to read what he has to say and I know he is as well! He's recieved quite a few care packages from those of you who read this journal and he truly apperciates them! I want to say THANK YOU to each of you who have sent care packages and said prayers for him. Feel free to email me and I will share his address...just a letter or post card is happily recieved! He really looks forward to the mail, it lights up his day!
I would like to make a suggestion! If any of you have young children, are teachers, or know kids who'd like to do something for some soldiers...you could have them make cards or write letters to Chad and his soldiers. He said that his soldiers and a few of the Marine's have LOVED getting the goodies he's been sent. Soldiers LOVE things from kids, it can be really simple.
I talked to Chad today. He's really suffering from being homesick. He misses us terribly. I send him pictures quite a bit, it helps, yet it also adds to that feeling. It's one of those no win situations. Seeing us brings him joy and heartache. He's been working a lot lately too, going from early early morning until late in the evening, so I know he's really tired. One thing I'm so happy about is that he got a Max Lucado (He's a minister and author) book and it's a very short book, he said he thinks about 100 pages, but that the first day he read 56 pages and today in his spare time he was able to read a few more pages. He said it's been so good and just really hard to put down. I'm going to try to find him some more of his books, since he seems to be an author that he enjoys! I'm actually going to be leading a bible study (PWOC/Protestant Women of Christ) there's at least 4 different studies that go on, and the one I'll be leading is :A Love Worth Giving...I'm excited, a little nervous, but more excited!
Well, I better go. It's getting late and I'm tired!
God Bless
