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!

Armed Forces Day!!

    We will be spending our first Armed Forces Day at the ZOO!!! Last night, my Mom told me about this AWESOME website called One Cheap Chick. It just so happens that Cheap Chick wrote yesterday about not one but, TWO deals in Utah for Military families. Today, all military members and their families can get into the Hogle Zoo or, the Tracy Aviary for just a dollar! Such a great deal since normally admission is 10 per person at the Zoo. Expect lots of pictures tomorrow of my two monkeys (P & Q of course), hanging out with all of their Zoo buddies.

HAPPY ARMED FORCES DAY!!! How are you spending today?

Just when I need it most

     A letter came today! I love that it seems to always come on the day when I need it the most. M writes about the weather and, how crazy it has been. One day it was 112 degrees he said, they were literally sweating through their ABU's (yucky). The next day it was a crazy lightening storm so bad, that they couldn't even be outside. After 10 weeks of BMT, he says he might even kinda miss it. Don't worry though, he is really pushing himself to get these situps done and graduate. He wrote, "I will see you at graduation even if I have to kill myself to do it." Sounds to me like M is really motivated to do this. On a side note Congratulations to all the AB's that became AIRMAN today; especially the guys in Flights 349 & 350!! Way to Go Airman!!!

Good Morning!!!

       I woke up at 7:30 this morning to my cell phone ringing it was M! He laughed saying "You aren't up yet?" Anyone who knows our boys knows, they are up as soon as the sun comes up. Today, I guess they chose to sleep in for some reason. I'm so glad they did; for at least 20 minutes it was like I had my Hubby right there next to me in bed talking about plans for the day and, joking together. He is still apologizing today for being sent to the "Get Fit flight". I just told him how much I love him and, that I'm proud of him for toughing all of this out.
      We talked about the boys. I told him about P's new dance moves. How Q has private conversations with his monkey. We also talked about the haircuts that both boys need and all the housework I need to do.
       M told me Happy Mothers Day "thanks for being such an awesome Mom while I'm gone". He talked about life in med hold. Lots of exercising and, on their down time they get to play board games or watch movies. (torture right)
       He has already made a new friend. However, I have to question his choice because I talked to this young man yesterday. Here's the story (sorry it's so long... you can stop reading if I bore you) I called and asked the BMT reception center for M's new address. Before hanging up the kid asked, "what's his name?" I told him. He then asked, "well what is he struggling with?" I replied "situps". This ab responded "alright I'll help him out." I told him, "That would be great I'm his wife I'd owe you big time." Then, I guess the AB and M met yesterday. Upon, meeting the kid said "Yeah, I talked to your mom today." Hubby just laughed and said "My mom is in Brazil, are you sure it wasn't my wife?" The kid responds "No I really think it was your mom." I'm grateful that he has a friend but clearly this new friend needs his ears cleaned. ;) Either way, I'm glad that M sounded much happier today. Hope your morning started out as great as mine.

Pause

     First of all I want to say HI to all of my new friends. The MilSpouse Blog Hop was SO awesome! If, you missed go look for the linky on Riding the Rollercoaster's blog. You'll meet some awesome friends and, I guarantee you won't regret it.
     Now, back to what I really want to talk about today. You may be wondering why I'm not jumping up and down screaming only 2 more days!!! The reason is this, M called Saturday (didn't blog cause I was WAY too upset) to inform me that although, he had done great on his written test he had failed the PT test. I'm not sure why my Hubby who is as skinny as a bean pole, can't seem to pass these darn PT tests but, it's really starting to worry me. He gets one more shot today to pass the physical test if, he doesn't pass then, they will recycle him (again). I'm hoping and praying he passes so that we can finally move on to Tech school. Today, I feel surprisingly calm. All weekend I have been upset as to whether he will pass or not. I think I have finally accepted that whatever the Lord wants I will be ok with.
     When talking with family or church friends I would say "God has a plan and I have a plan I just have to hope we have the same plan." Today I can finally say I am ok with God's plan whatever it happens to be. By the end of today, I will know where he wants our family to be. I know God lives and, that he loves me. I know that whatever his plan is it really will be for my good. I have faith in Him to guide this family where we are supposed to be.
     As I was writing this post M called. He has been recycled into a "Get Fit Flight". I'm not sure what this really means and I'm still working on gathering info. Don't worry this isn't the end. We'll conquer BMT eventually in the meantime just pray for Hubby that he will have the strength to do this. I'll keep all of you in the Blogosphere posted as I learn more.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

My boys had some help from Great Grandma this year and bought me these beautiful flowers. I'm so thankful for the women and, Mothers in my life. They have helped shape me into who I am today. I'm also grateful for my own amazing kiddos that made me  a Mom. I hope that however you and, your family are spending the day it is a great day filled with love since, that is what being a Mom is really all about. Also, don't forget to tell your Mother how much she means to you and how grateful you are for her.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!

From 

The Flight Crew

Getting to know your ABC's

    If you're new here it means it's Blog Hop day and National Military Spouse Appreciation day! I want to start off by saying thank you. Thank you to Riding the Roller Coaster and Household 6 Diva for hosting this awesome party with so many great giveaways . To you who support our country by being a part of the silent ranks THANK YOU! Our soldiers would be lost without your support. Finally, thank you for stopping by, hope you link up too so we can become great friends.

Now to learn all about your ABC's!

    Welcome to the Flight Crew! I'm C and I'll be your blog host :) We are the Flying ABC's. Flying because, handsome Hubby is an Air Traffic Controller for the military. ABC's because, M's family is named alphabetically (from A-O and yes they are all biological siblings) and, we decided to carry on the tradition when we had our own kids P and Q.
     M and I are both in our mid twenties. We love cooking, gaming, outdoors and, spending time with our two kiddos. P is 3. He loves everything dirt n' bugs, helping cook n' clean,and of course playing with his little brother. The boys are exactly 18 months apart. Q will be 2 next month! He enjoys singing, dancing and following brother around looking for new adventures. We are new to the Air Force. So new in fact, that M graduates from BMT next week! :) We are LOVING every minute of it!
     Our blog talks about everything! Parenting, Military life, Holidays and anything else that I feel is awesome. With M finishing BMT our Basics of Basic posts will end soon and I'll start blogging about the Technicalities of Tech school. I'm really excited to start this new chapter of our life! Be sure to come along for the flight. We also have a Facebook   and Twitter!

Pictures!!!!

     I found another picture of M today! He's rocking the BCGs as he studies hard for tomorrow's final class room test. Keep going Hubby it's almost over. Only 6 more days!!

I cropped it a bit :D

The Winners Are....

Drum roll please.... The winners of an awesome Black Rhino Extreme bracelet are Jane and Jenn!! Congratulation ladies I know you're going to love these. I'll be contacting both of you so I can get the right bracelet shipped to the right address. Thank you SO much for entering. It was super easy to pick the winners this time. Hopefully, on the next freebie there will be even more people. Unless, I find another awesome sponsor soon, the next drawing will be when our blog reaches 50 followers.

Last day

Tomorrow is the drawing PLEASE don't forget to enter! This is an awesome company with amazing bracelets. If you haven't entered yet quit waiting around and do it! :) Also don't forget Friday is the Milspouse Blog Hop!

 Are you ready?

Phone Call Day!!!

     That's right it's Sunday and that means a phone call! M sounds great! I love talking to him on Sundays after he has been to church because, it makes him sound so much more relaxed and ready to take on the week. We talked about what comfy clothes he wants me to bring him for tech school. His dad shirt, Mario shirt and of course his Mt. Dew clothes. Then, we talked about BEAST week! He said it was awful. His group did great but, still didn't get BEAST excellence. The rest of the call was filled with what the boys and, I have been up to like concussions  and such. We are both just glad that WOT-6 is over. Now, all he has to do is pass one more PT test, and a written exam. Then, we'll be on our way to graduation! :) Only 10 more days this week cannot end fast enough!!

** DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE DRAWING !! ONLY 4 DAYS LEFT!**

Small things that mean so much

     A letter came in the mail today from my handsome Hubby! I don't know if he planned it this way but, I love that it came today of all the other possible days. For those of you who don't know M's old FLT group graduates today. So, the fact this letter showed up today and, that it says all the awesome loving things that it does REALLY means a lot to me. While, I am excited for all of those Airmen (Wahoo!!!) and their families. Part of me is sad because, we aren't there celebrating with them. Also, I don't get to meet all of my awesome friends who really helped me make it through this whole journey. (I'm sure I've got some friends who can relate. Love you ladies. Don't worry we'll be at graduation soon!) Congratulations Flights 317 & 318 We love you and wish you the best as you "cross into the blue"!! 
     With that said I won't be detailing this letter as much as I normally do. M wrote a lot about sacred thoughts and, moments that pass through his mind as a husband who is away from his family.  (Nothing dirty I promise and, yes he made me cry. Good tears of course.) I will share one thing though M writes "When I'm struggling at times I think of our family then, I overcome it and do better I love you C ." I'm so glad that we are what carries him through.
      He is getting very excited for graduation (as am I). He told me to get to the coin ceremony early; going so far as to detail where to sit in the bleachers :) He must have been really excited for BEAST week cause, he was packed and ready for it on Saturday; I know for a fact they didn't leave til Monday morning lol. Oh how I love that silly man. I'm so grateful for his letters and, calls that keep me motivated. Only a few more weeks till this is all over and, we can move on to tech school!

**DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE DRAWING !!**

Hopefully the First and Only

     Well it's happened... I knew it would, I was just hoping it would be much later in life. Q has his very first concussion. :( Now let me explain before you go thinking I'm a horrible mother (which is still how I feel). Q and P were outside playing in the backyard as usual. Well, P got the idea that it would be awesome to swing Mater around in a circle. This would have been fine if, Q hadn't just happened to be playing within swinging range. Sadly my poor little guy took a pretty hard swing to the head. He seems to be doing ok and, he made it through the night fine.
      Luckily, Uncle Squeals was available this morning. (He and Daddy are expert at concussions and not in a good way) Squeals asked "has he thrown up yet?" Yep he did that last night. To which Uncle replied "well that should help the head ache part". I of course being concerned Mommy said "should I take him to a Doc?" Uncle said "nope it should pass on it's own just watch his fever"
      Thanks Uncle, for helping even when you are far away and possibly being shot at. I've given my tough boy some Tylenol hopefully, he continues to get better. Now, I just have to hope this isn't the first of many injuries between these brothers.

Resting and watching cartoons this morning

The weapon

National Military Appreciation Month

(Ok really, how awesome is it that the same month M will graduate from BMT also happens to be National Military Appreciation Month? I think it's WAY cool!) 

     With that said, I really do want to express appreciation to all the soldiers out there. I am so thankful to the brave soldiers both past and, present who have served our great nation.“A Soldier is someone who at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to their country for an amount up to, and including their life.” I'm especially thankful, to the soldiers in my life Grandfathers, Brother in Laws and, Best friend (Squeals) for their service. I know that freedom does not come free and, I'm grateful  to all those who wrote that check; so that my family and I could enjoy this amazing life we have. I encourage you to find a way this month to say thank you to the soldier in your life.

 

** DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE DRAWING !!**