*UPDATE, Monday, 11-16: Well the military has already thrown Jake a curve ball! As I said in the original post, he was due to leave today for basic in Missouri. Well, first, there was a problem with the computer system in Indiana so he (and all the others with him) couldn't be officially processed to leave. So, he will be leaving tomorrow. The second change is that instead of going off to Missouri, Jake will now be at Fort Sill in Oklahoma! Guess we'll have to be saving up for those plane tickets to attend his graduation instead of just driving!! So, since he wasn't leaving until tomorrow, Artie and I packed up the kids and headed down this afternoon for a few hours to take his mind off things and get him to eat (he hadn't eaten since Saturday because he was so nervous). It was nice to see him one final time and we took him his cell phone so he can at least have that when he flies home for Christmas. So, we're learning very quickly that things can change at any time when you're in the military!!
Oh man, I'm filled with emotions this morning as I post this. I just got back from watching my brother's van pull out of Fort Wayne, headed for Indy where Jake will depart to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri (on probably his first plane ride). Thanksgiving will feel pretty empty this year without him, but thankfully he gets a break from basic and will be home for 2 weeks at Christmas before heading back to finish up the first of the year. After basic, Jake will be home for a few days before a 5 month sting at Georgia's Fort Gordon for his AIT training...then, well of course we don't know what happens after that. Will he deploy? Where will he be stationed? Just don't know. For now, we get to focus on seeing him in 4 weeks for the holidays:) I miss him already.
Here we are this morning before our goodbye. The cutest thing was that as Jake was walking to his shuttle, Avery called after him and went running to him saying, "Uncle Jake, Uncle Jake" for one last hug and kiss goodbye.
A little family pic of us in front of our house yesterday (yes, it was warm enough in Indiana for RT to be wearing a T-shirt!!)
The whole family for a group shot after lunch to celebrate our last day with Jake:)The rest of the pictures are just some shots from this week.
This is my little guy trying to crawl-slow down already Mr. Spencer!! But, he sees his sister running all over the place and just wants to do what she does so badly!
This is my little guy trying to crawl-slow down already Mr. Spencer!! But, he sees his sister running all over the place and just wants to do what she does so badly!
Avery enjoying Spencer's bumbo-so hilarious that she fits in this thing and loves to sit in it!
Spencer is enjoying some saucer time here-watching some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, which he apparently loves! And yes, Halloween lives on in our household (thanks for the shirt Aunt Cindy!)...but hey, he isn't going to be able to wear it next year so while it still fits-he wears it (Avery's still rockin' her Halloween jammies and clothes/socks too!).Happy Sunday:)
6 comments:
steph- i know how sad, fearful and PROUD you must be of your brother.... all those emotions as once can be confusing, but I will say from my experience- the pride tends to take over, and you become so happy for all they accomplish and do for our country!
please thank your brother for all he is doing and about to do!!
love,
megs
We will pray for Jake and that he has a safe time in the army and that basic isn't too hard on him! You guys must be SO proud of him and what he is doing:)
I love the pics of the kids- they are getting so big! Isn't the weather here fabulous???
Love,
C:)
We will keep Jake in our thoughts. as he starts his journey to become a soldier. I still remember when my sister left for basic, AIT training, and her first deployment. All great/scary/exciting/anxious memories. You must be so proud of him.
The kiddos are adorable. I know I say it all the time, but I can't get over how big they are both getting.
Love, Nickey
things tend to change= always- welcome to the military!:)
it definitely keeps you on your toes.... jake is in my thought and prayers as he goes through training.
Even I can't believe how much Jake has changed; I still think of him as the young man that I danced with at your wedding. He has sure grown up. I'm sure you are so proud of him. He will be in my prayers as he goes on this journey to represent and protect us and our country.
Spencer is changing so much! What a little man. And I love the photo of Avery in the bumbo; I can't believe she still fits : >
Love you all! And Happy Thanksgiving!
I can't imagine how hard it is to see your brother! Glad to hear he gets to come back for some time at Christmas though!
Spencer looks great- can't believe he is already big enough to try crawling- go him!!
Post a Comment