Happy 4TH!!!

     I am writing this as the boys in the house sleep. We have been to the parade. Later on we will go grab some dinner and, watch the fireworks. However, what this day is REALLY about has already been seen. This morning as the parade started a color guard marched past us carrying an American flag. I stood with my Husband and, two candy anxious children with our hands over our hearts in salute of our flag. I am SO very thankful that we are a free country. I am grateful that I and, my family are free worship, work, and have opinions, any way we please. I am even more grateful to all the brave men and, women who helped make our country free. Finally, I am thankful to the strong soldiers who keep our nation all that is today.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!! May we ever be a Free nation!

Love 

The Flight Crew

M is Home!!!

     Last Wednesday, the phone call finally came that M was on his way home!!! The boys and, I cleaned the whole house top to bottom. I then proceeded, to make sure I looked as awesome as possible before, we left to go to Devil's basketball game. As we're sitting at the b-ball game, I got a text from M "I missed the connecting flight and won't be home tonight. I'm really sorry." 

    Somehow, the plane from San Antonio to Phoenix had been just barely late enough that, M missed his connecting flight. It was TOTALLY the airports fault and, we were both really mad. He immediately booked a flight for first thing the next morning and, made it home at 10:20 am! It was SO great to see him!!!

Our first photo together at the airport

First time P saw Daddy in Four months

On our way to get some lunch

      M has been up at 6 am everyday since he's been home. He works out then, once the boys are up at 7:30 he makes them breakfast. The rest of the day has been filled with job and, house hunting. By about 7 pm he's ready to crash. I'm really SO impressed by his new sense of leadership and, determination.

Here are just a few souvenirs that he brought home with him.

Photos of him in his blues that we bought in anticipation for graduation

.

His glasses which really look awesome on him!!

another photo he had of him in his camo!

    The boys and I are REALLY happy to have him home. I know that as long as he stays motivated we'll be back at BMT and successfully graduate! Let the PT begin!!! (muahahaha)

Dinosaurs!!

    Today, it was FREE to get into the Dinosaur park! (Are you noticing a theme to our summer activities?) Early this morning we went with my wonderful sister in-law and, her two cute boys to the Dino park. (Her boys are about the same age as P& Q so it works perfectly!)

 There's a Dino fossil inside this old mining cave.

 The boys thought the card board cutouts were pretty funny!

 They were both amazed at how HUGE dinosaur feet are.

 This was P's favorite dinosaur. He called it Sara like the Tricertops from the Land Before Time movies.

    I think they had a pretty great time today. They got to play with cousins and, see some dinosaurs what more could kids ask for?!

Q's Party!!

    On June 7th our little Q turned 2! (So far no terrible twos... fingers crossed.) I had been waiting, waiting and, waiting to find out what was going on with M. I didn't want to throw a huge party if he, was going to be home two days later.  Finally, last Tuesday after talking with handsome Hubby we decided, I just needed to go ahead and throw a party.

 First we opened some presents. 

P thought he needed some help.

Don't worry Q got ALOT more than four ;)

 This is his Monkey made out of cupcakes. (I thought this would be hard to decorate but, it was actually the easiest cake ever!)

Time to blow out the candles! It was a really cool candle until everybody started singing. He didn't like being the center of attention.

      After the party it was time to check out the chalk and his new Dinosaur. Thanks everybody that came to celebrate. This kid sure is loved by alot of people. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Q!!! (next year we'll party sooner I promise!)

First Time Fishing!

      A few weeks ago it was free fishing day in Utah. (I LOVE free!) My awesome uncle volunteered to take P and, Q fishing for their very first time! They were both super excited. We tried for a little bit at a nearby pond about, an hour later we hadn't even had a single bite. It was decided that it was time to kinda cheat (only a little bit... Ya gotta catch a fish the first time you go fishing right?) so, we took the boys to a trout farm not too far away.  

     At the trout farm not only can you catch the fish, you can also feed them. The boys both thought this was the coolest thing ever! They would throw a small handful of fish food and, all the trout would jump, splash and, fight for the food.

Q especially  loved it!!

    After, a short time of feeding the fish it was finally time to start catching some. P and, Aunt Handy stuck the pole in and, caught a fish almost instantly.

    He thought it was AWESOME to see the fish flop around but, wanted nothing to do with touching it.

 


    Next, it was Q's turn to catch a fish. It took him and, Uncle alot longer to catch their fish.

 Ten tries later, they caught one.

   After, a little coaxing Q thought it was kinda neat to touch the fish.

    Then, it was back to feeding the fish again. Over all, it was a pretty great day. Plus, we got to finish it off by eating some yummy grilled fish (we were too busy eating for any pictures).

Ok I think I'm ready...

     A while ago, I wrote a about feeling like I was watching our hopes and, dreams of joining Airforce slip away. I can tell you tonight that dream is still very much alive but, that for time being it's going to be put on hold. M left for BMT March 7th. He was recycled Easter weekend, for failing to complete a PT test. They moved him to another flight and, he was doing great we both really thought he had it in the bag. Then, the Monday before he was set to graduate he failed the PT test again. This time, he was sent to the get fit flight he proceeded to work his butt off and, try to pass the PT test every Tuesday. Every week it was same thing, one failed PT test after another.
     This Tuesday, the conversation was different, ALOT different. We said our hellos as usual, I asked "How are you?" M said "I'm good, I'm coming home." After almost 4 months of BMT, M is finally coming home. He is not graduating, He will not be an Airman, We will not be military. Not right now at least.
     Here's where it gets interesting. I already knew M was coming home.Friday night (the 15th) at almost 1 am, I got a text from my awesome, wonderful, loving friend in Georgia . Her son had just gotten home from BMT as well. She said "My son "Chess" just said that he saw M with an orange armband on Thursday." After, much conversation with both Georgia and Chess; I came to the conclusion that "yes this was the truth M had finally failed BMT and, was coming home."
      I'm SO grateful that she called and told me. I know how much she hesitated but, truthfully I'm grateful that she was strong enough to tell me what I didn't want to hear. Not only to tell me but, to TRULY support me as I grieved. That is a TRUE friend. Because, I had known since Friday I was able to stand strong as my husband told me the bad news. I was able to be excited that we get to see him again.
      I have cried and I am crying as I write this. The emotions of failure are still very raw to both of us. However, we are VERY excited to see each other again. I also know that he is SUPER DUPER excited to see P & Q again. The only news better than the fact that we get to be together again is this.. are you ready I think you're gonna be surprised... in 6 months M can go back and, try BMT again. So Dear Flight Crew that is exactly what we're going to do!
      We are both going to exercise our hearts out and, get in shape. So extremely awesomely in shape that M will be able to pass the PT test on the very first day of BMT. That's right we're giving this our all and, we're going to make this dream a reality. I hope you'll stay with us for the ride. I know it just got a little more crazy but, I think it's going to be a GREAT journey. I'll keep you updated on our exercise progress and, then when M heads back to BMT, I will of course once again keep you posted. It's going to be fun and really hard all at the same time. Any of you exercise gurus out there send me your tips cause, we're gonna need the big guns.Are you ready for our new chapter? "Real PT Starts NOW!"

Happy Father's Day!!!

    I am SO thankful for all the Dad's in my life. Mostly though, I am thankful to MY Dad. He has always been there for me. He has been a great example to me of what a Father and, Priesthood holder should be. My Dad's job has always taken alot of time but, despite it all he has always found time for what is most important: his family. Even at 24 I still continue to learn things from him. Lately, it seems that we've taken to talking almost weekly. Sometimes, it is deep and impacting other times, it's as simple as how was your week? I have come to love these chats with him. He has been a real support to me and, I will always be grateful for everything that he has done for me. I can't wait to spend time with him this summer so, my boys can get to know him better.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

From the Flight Crew

Another Week

     As you probably guessed, I talked to M this morning. He didn't pass but because, he was so sick last week they are giving him one more week to try. I'm so glad they're giving him another chance. I just know he can do this. We talked about a bunch of different things today finances, how P and Q are doing, plans for Q's birthday party (I haven't done it yet cause I wanted to see what would happen with M. Now we're just going to party either way lol.) beyond, that we didn't really talk about much. Hopefully next week will be the week. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Q!!!!

Today my baby is 2! I can't believe how quickly Q has grown up. It seems like just yesterday he was hanging out with me in the hospital. Now, he doesn't sit still to save his life. Q you have brought SO much joy into our lives. You are the best little brother to P. Daddy and I love to watch you sing and dance! I Can't wait to see how much you learn and grow over the next year!

WE LOVE YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY BOY!!

On repeat

     I feel like somebody has pushed the repeat button on my life. M called today to tell me that he still hasn't passed his PT test. Somehow, he got sick (REALLY sick) and so he of course wasn't up to par for today's test. The thing that is scaring me is, He told me that next week is the last possible time for him to test. If, he doesn't pass next week, they will just send him home. I really hope that he gets better and passes this darn test. 
     I'm going to be honest today's phone call was not a good one. It was full of tears and frustration for both of us. So far, I had done really good at not letting him see just how upset I was about everything but, today I just couldn't hold it all together anymore. I talked about being scared of failing, told him how very badly I just want to be done with BMT so that we can start progressing again, and mainly I told him of just how lonely all of this is. I feel bad for not being able to be stronger but, after 13 weeks of being strong and hiding all of this from him; I felt he needed to know how I was really feeling.
     My wonderful husband listened, supported and reassured me that it would really all be ok and that he would for sure be able to do it next week. Then, he laughed saying "I wondered when my real wife was going to show up." He knows me so well. He knows that I'm not normally one to be so super positive and upbeat when things aren't going my way. Normally, he is the positive one always seeing the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm the one complaining about how long the tunnel really is. For some reason the situation has been reversed the last three months. I love him SO much, I'm still 100% supportive of him. I KNOW he can do this, I just hope it is very soon. Please please PLEASE pray for M to pass his PT test our family really needs this miracle.

7 days and 2 letters

     M called this morning and although, he didn't pass the PT test today; he was only 4 situps away. Do you know what that means?! That next week is GRADUATION!(as long as he passes PT of course) I am SOOO very excited to finally, watch my husband become an Airman!! The rest of the phone call we just talked about the boys and, what they've been up to. We are both feeling happy. This week simply cannot go by fast enough
      I also received 2 letters in the mail today! It feels like Christmas lol. In his letters he talks about what life is like in the "Get Fit Flight". Basically, they work out all day everyday M said the motto is "Get Fit or Go Home!"  He also talks about having a love/hate relationship with exercise. He hates working out but, he loves that he is looking more in shape. In fact he says "I haven't looked this since high school."
      We have both learned to have  a greater appreciation for each other. He constantly refers to me as "the Best Mommy ever". (We all know what I'm really like hahahaha) In my letters to M I have expressed a similar sentiment. I'm so grateful, that he is making this sacrifice for our family. I'm VERY proud of him! I know next week is going to be awesome! As always I'll keep you posted as we continue on this journey. Hopefully very soon, we can switch gears into the Technicalities of Tech school!

Happy Memorial Day!!!

      Today, I'm filled with a new perspective. In the past, Memorial day was filled with BBQ's, friends, family,and excitement over the fact that there is no school. Today, is different for me and many others among our nation. Today, I want to say thank you all those who paid the ultimate price so that my children and I could have freedom. Thank you, to those like M's brother Stones who have fought and died valiantly protecting this great nation.
      I feel that Abraham Licoln said it best "The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain " Before, you light your grill today we ask that you take a few moments to remember what today is REALLY about and say a prayer for the families for whom the war and all of it's cost will never end.....

Happy Memorial Day!!!

From

The Flight Crew

Staring into darkness

(Fair warning this is a LONG post.)

      M called yesterday. He took another PT test and, didn't pass again. I could tell you all the possible reasons that we have for him not passing but, in the end it all comes down to one thing.... He still hasn't passed the test. I'm trying really hard to stay positive. I keep telling myself that God has a plan, and we just need to figure out what it is. I'm praying as are MANY others, that M will pass this test and, FINALLY graduate. I don't know what lies ahead but, I have faith that my Father in Heaven will guide me to where I'm supposed to be.
      I look around at this new life style that might be over before, we even have a chance to adapt to it.  The boys and I went on base yesterday to do some grocery shopping. The whole time I just kept thinking, this is supposed to be our life. It just fits us. Who knows maybe I'm just crazy and, all of those feelings are just me feeling like a proud American to be standing on a military base. Then, I come home and look at the photos of M in his uniform with his big goofy grin. He's SO happy, this new job has made him happier than any other job he's ever held. For the first time, I can pay bills, buy groceries and, still have extra money.
      I know that being military is not ideal. There are trainings, and deployments; all of which means LOTS of time apart. Yet, I still look at this life and say proudly, "YES this is what we want and this is where we belong." However, as the days continue to pass by without progress I'm starting to wonder if, the answer to my prayers is "No".  We have only a few more weeks until he's discharged for failure to be physically able to complete training. I feel like I'm staring into darkness.
      Thankfully, some light was shined into the darkness last night. At about 7:15 there was a knock at my door I figured it was just Grandma coming to chat. Instead, I opened the door to find my Bishop and, Brother F (his counselor) standing in my door way. (Brother F is retired military.) They asked "Are you ok with a drop by visit?", I told them "if you can overlook the mess you're more than welcome to come in." They of course laughed and came in. I'm SO very glad they did. We talked about M and how he's doing, talked about how our family is doing over all. Then, Brother F shared some stories of his days at BMT and, gave me two pieces of advice for Hubby. The first was "just get out there, do your very best, don't push yourself on the parts you're good, at just push on the hard parts." The second was "if he gets discharged follow the don't ask, don't tell policy for the rest of your life. When the people ask about your military career, just say I gave it my all as long as I was enlisted, now I'm here trying to use those skills to better this company and take care of my family. If they don't ask why you're discharged, don't tell them."
      I know they were prompted to come visit us and, I'm grateful that they followed that prompting. It has not been all sunshine since they left but, things certainly are brighter. The prayer they left with filled my heart with peace. It reminded me that all of this will be over soon either way and, that what ever happens will be for our good. Please pray for M and our family...

My Monkeys at the ZOO

      As I mentioned before, the Zoo in Utah was really cheap for military members and their families on Saturday as part of Armed Forces day.  So cheap in fact that instead of the dollar admission, they let us in for FREE!! (We saved 40 dollars awesome right?) The pictures tend to speak for themselves but, I of course will narrate a few of them. : )

I've always loved this fountain!

Why look at the Tigers, when you can ride one?

The boys actually got to feel a tiger skin right before we left, it was awesome!

       This was Q's VERY favorite part of the Zoo. My sweet boy is obsessed with monkeys. For him to actually see live monkeys running, jumping and, swinging in front of him was SO awesome! It TOTALLY made his whole week!

    These pictures don't even do justice to how impressed he was. I'm pretty sure we stood there just watching for a good 15 minutes.

Grandma was a good sport and, let me take her photo too

More monkeys. Do you see what Q has in his hand?

At this point they were done. Hungry and tired so we called it a day.

They must have played harder than I thought cause they crashed very early that night. It was such a great day!