GI Jake part 4... The visit home before the long journey begins

So we were lucky enough to have a few days with my Soldier home before he headed overseas. It seems unfair that when I'm counting down the days until he gets home they seem to drag on, but when he's here and time is limited the days fly by!!



With luck on our side, he got released a little earlier than originally planned and that set the wheels in motion. With a few little "white lies" we decided to surprise our kiddos. I told them I was heading to town to get the poster boards to make our "Welcome Home" signs and that I would meet them at the baseball game. Sometimes plans just workout so great! I made a quick trip to Reno and to pick up this handsome guy and we made a mad dash to the baseball game.

It took some conspiring, but between us, my parents and grandparents, we made it just as the innings were changing and our big man was headed into the dugout.
There aren't really words to describe how awesome this moment was, and my only wish is that I would have had someone recording both angles so you could see every one's happy faces! The boys had absolutely no idea I was bringing their daddy to the game!

SOOOOOOO HAPPY!!!

This was the beginning of a wonderful week in our home! Jared went on to make his pitching debut. He played awesome! (Pretty sure he was showin' off a little for his daddy!) 

We also took  home a W! 

 The next day we did a little hiking in Wilson Canyon. It was such a beautiful day! 

My Soldier got to watch both of our kiddos play some baseball and also logged himself a few hours on the Sandlot in our back yard.

The day before he left we had a small family BBQ to wish him well and send him off. I teased him that it was his "Last Supper" before he endured months of "oh so delicious food" 

(I think that's what DFac stands for) that the Army will be serving him. 

Surrounded by good friends and family, we had games, a bonfire, and one very special activity. Some friends of ours brought over paper lanterns and we sent off "wishes" for him. It was so awesome!

We are very blessed to have such amazing friends and family! The support and love they show is without measure! Our time was short and went by too fast, but every moment will be cherished. I pray for a safe journey and a speedy return and would love it if you'd do the same, because my Soldier,  he is the fire in my heart and the light in my babies eyes. I just love him so much! 

GI Jake part 3...... Deployment

So the day that we knew "someday" would probably come, has arrived. (Well, actually arrived a little while back, but I had to get in the right mindset to actually blog about it.)

It's a crazy thing actually, trying to deal with all of the emotions that come with deployment. Stress, anxiety, loneliness, pride, love, sadness, happiness, confusion, excitement, loyalty, honor, stress... did I already mention that?  The list really could go on and on and on. 

We are a couple weeks into the "pre-mob" phase of deployment.  While I have an empty bed at night and we only have three place settings at the dinner table, I am not sure it's totally hit me yet. I still get to talk to my soldier everyday and even got to see his face on Skype. So right now I'm not feeling too bad. 

On the day he left, the emotions were definitely on overdrive. Nothing can prepare you for that. Arriving on base seeing six Blackhawk helicopters lined up, families standing around, Soldiers loading their gear... The air was thick and you could feel the tension mixed with excitement. 

I was definitely overwhelmed with the magnitude of this day!!!

With our "goodbye" hugs given and tears in our eyes, we watched from afar as they readied the birds for flight. I stood there feeling so close, yet so far. I was fighting the urge to run back and get one more hug, one more kiss, as I'm sure every other wife, family member and child also were. Once every one was loaded up and checked off they "paraded" down the runway. I have experienced my share of "goodbyes" over the past few years, but this one takes the cake. The Soldiers waving, searching for their families. Tears were flowing on almost every face around me. The crew chief in my Soldier's helicopter had a bit of a sense of humor, which I didn't see until I uploaded the pictures. My eyes were a bit blurry at the time.

Parker said, "That's kind of funny and kind of scary!" and I have to say I agree!

Watching these six incredible machines, filled with our most precious cargo, depart in unison was something unforgettable. They hovered and then took off, circled around the mountain, and came back for a final flyover. They were "waved off" by the Patriot Guard which was so awesome. There was a bit of a breeze so their flags waved strongly as they stood by their bikes, waving farewell to our Soldiers. 

 The night before my Soldier kept saying "I'm in the last helicopter, just remember that." He had a mischievous smile but offered no more to the story. So you can imagine my horror when only five of the helicopters flew back over. I counted, then counted again and then one more time. Yep only five! I was feeling pretty apprehensive... And then there was a loud, really loud, noise coming from behind the hanger. As I looked behind me, sure enough, helicopter number six was coming over the top flying quickly RIGHT OVER US! I had to laugh, because those of you who know my Soldier, and the adrenaline junkie he is, this was right up his alley. Call it a little "show boating" for the fans!

I sort of wish he would have told me so I could video all of it, but I did at least get a few more pictures of them before they joined the others.

This begins the journey of our first deployment. I'm sure it will be full of emotional highs and lows, but the pride and love that fill my heart will continue to grow stronger and stronger everyday. 

 I do love this man SOOOO much!!