I know. I know...I'm not as bloggingly vigilant as some of you like.  This is an exciting week.  I'll be surprising my son, Brandon this Friday.  I can put this here because I know he never reads this blog, cause I never post on it.  But, I had to shout it out somewhere.  He deploys this NOvember.  Ug!  I love him.  He is such a strong thread in our family.  He brightens my day every time I talk with him.  I'll post pics when I return, should be a lovely trip.
Hooah!

The time has gone by so quickly.  Before I know it my son will be deploying to the middle east.  Uneasiness kind of settles at the bottom of my stomach with that thought.  Worry, oh how I will try not to get more grey hair...but I am a Mother, first and foremost.  And, it seems that that is one of my strong suits...always worrying how my children are doing.  This child of mine, while very well equipped for what he will be doing, will no doubt constantly be on my mind.  And so will my new daughter-in-law.  I pray for a swift return and a safe one at that.

BCT Turning Blue and Graduation Ceremony!

 This was a great experience.  I am so proud of my son and I pray for good things to come in the future.  Happy Graduation!  Thanks to my wonderful sister, Cindy for being there to celebrate with us.

One Proud Army Mamma!

Wow!  That was fast.  I'm already back from Georgia.  It was a great visit!  We laughed, we heard stories of his experiences at BCT,we heard so much about great friends and his future plans.  I am so proud of the way he is conducting himself in the military.  I pray that continues and that he is a shining example of integrity, honor and courage.  May all of our military sons and daughters remain safe, loved and cared for by the Almighty hand of God.  Godspeed!

Countdown...

In exactly one week I'll be traveling to Georgia to see my son in the Army.  I have learned over the course of the last few months that my son has been transformed into an American soldier.  He has sent many letters and details of this journey and we are happy to be a part of it.  I'm so thankful for his willingness to serve.  We are truly blessed as this week is Veterans Day, let us each clarify to the soldiers in our hometown's that we appreciate and honor them.  God bless!

Grad info for December

I received the information from Brandon's DS about the dates for "family day," and "graduation."  Family day will be on November 18th.  The Turning Blue ceremony will be December 13th and Graduation will be the 14th.  I can't wait.  I am so proud of him and pray he perseveres through these tough weeks ahead.  If you would like to send him a letter, let me know via FB.  Please only send letters!  Absolutely NO care packages!!!!!  No candy, gum, anything.  Only a letter.  Thank you so much for supporting him.  I would like to also begin to request hand drawn pictures and notes from elementary school aged children.  I would like to collect as many as possible to send to the troops that have nobody sending them mail or very little family support.  Please help out in this effort.  Basic Training is difficult and it helps to have people cheering them on as they go through these weeks of mental, physical, and emotional challenges.  Thank you...The Army Mom...Army Strong!  Hoorah!

I got it!

Today, September 16th, 2011, Sierra's Birthday, I received two letters from Brandon.  I jumped up and down as soon as I saw the Army star.  I love that star!  I hurriedly open the first letter and cried my eyes out.  I will try and take a picture of it and post.  Then the second letter just compounded my emotion.  Apparently he was blessed with the toughest, meanest, strictest Army Drill Sergeant known to the base.  He finds the work hard but loves it and wouldn't have it any other way.  He misses us tons and can't wait to see us again.  I love that boy, that boy who will be a man the next time I see him.  Godspeed Brandon...Godspeed!