Mom and Stetson Visting Daddy!

I'm up to twelve thousand miles in three months on my new mini-van. Stetson and I drove to Missouri to see Sean over Thanksgiving. The little guy did awesome in the car. We drove to my aunt Kim's house in Guthrie Center, Iowa the first day... it was a 10 hour drive and I only stopped four times to nurse Stetson. So, we made pretty good time. I got to Ft. Leonard Wood the next evening at 4:30 p.m. and checked into the hotel on post. I got to see Sean for a few minutes at the barracks, but he couldn't stay with me until Thanksgiving Day. I picked him up at 12:30 pm after he had his meal with the rest of the group on Thursday. We spent three full days together! It was really nice for Sean to have the time to bond with Stetson. Sean had pretty good luck getting him to smile and giggle! I had mixed feelings about leaving the other two home.. but, I'm really glad I did as Sean, Stets, and I had a very relaxing time. We rented movies, went out to dinner, had some long walks, and worked out at the gym. Needless to say, it went way too fast, but I'll be picking him up in Minneapolis on December 18th and he'll be here with my family and I until January 2nd. His graduation from AIT is on the 27th. Hopefully, this month we'll find out about his orders. I can't wait to actually KNOW where we will be living! I'm still learning to be patient..... never ending.

With talk of sending more soldiers to Afghanastan, I thought I would really start to stress but the Lord has given me complete peace in this situation. I know He will take care of us and has a perfect plan. I know life is never predictable, and I am willing to accept whatever the Lord has for us. I believe we are following His plan... in saying that, I also believe this was part of His plan long ago for our family. My love for Jesus and my love for my husband is only getting stronger. I know deep in my heart that I have married the man God intended for me! Each time I see him I am reminded how very wonderful he is, not just as my husband, but as the father of our children. It's amazing to me (coming from a large family) that Sean is so good even with the babies, since he didn't grow up taking care of them. I guess the Lord knew that we'd have lots of children... .. I thought we may be done, but when I have such content babies I know I can't possibly be done after just three. :-) God might have other plans!

Stetson weighed 16 pounds this week, he'll be 14 weeks old already on Tuesday! He is so calm and happy, as you can see. It's hard to remember the other two at this age, I just don't remember them smiling this much! He is just a pure joy to have around!

Family Day at Fort Jackson, South Carolina

Our trip to see Sean after being apart for three months!

Got my hair colored... can you even tell?

After driving for two days... we finally took

the time to stop at a Cracker Barrel for breakfast.

We left Mom and Dad's house Sunday night...so I could

drive while the kids slept.

The kids slept so much in the car that I

have to say they did really well for a 1600 mile road trip!

This is Carley the morning of Family Day! She had a good, long

night's sleep!

After sitting through a briefing two hours long
on Thursday morning, we finally saw each other.
I was on post to get my pass the night before, but Sean
couldn't leave the barracks until Thursday morning. It was very surreal
to finally being there!!!!!!!! I finally felt as though I was part of the Army Family.

Lots of hugs, kisses and smiles!

I couldn't resist buying Colton ACU's like his Daddy!


JESSICA, my wonderful sister who I could not have
traveled without! What a sweet, caring girl!
I LOVE YOU, SIS!

Phase one is finally over! YIPPEE........... :o)

The Sale Barn

Uncles Carson and Marshall

Stetson's first cattle sale

Always lovin' on Momma

Silly Boy

As you can see, we had a fun day at the sale barn with uncles Marshall and Carson. It had been a few years since I drove a load to Bagley. It was fun to haul cattle again. Colton really enjoyed the cat-walk and watching wild bulls and cows try to attack the guy in the ring. He also had fun just hanging with his uncles and munching on good treats! Stets was great and slept through most of it!

Trip to Fort Jackson~ Family Reunion

1st Battalion 13th Infantry Regiment, E Company, 2nd Platoon- "Outlaws".....
Saying goodbye.......

The kids and I had a wonderful four days with Sean. My sweet sister, Jessica, came with me to help with the kids. I could not have traveled almost 4000 miles without her! I won't go on about how long and hard the trip was... I'll just say, we made it there safe and sound!

We got to Fort Jackson Wednesday night and checked into our hotel room. I left Jess with the two older kids and headed to post to get a weekend pass. To my surprise, while pulled over and nursing Stetson, Sean called!!! YIPPEE........... I hadn't heard from him since before I left for the trip. He had no idea how it was going or where I was! I said, "Guess what.... ??? I'm HERE!" He said, "NO WAY! You should drive by..." Well, we kept trying to make plans to see each other somehow... his plan was quite possible... He said I should walk by and ask directions while he took out the trash! But, we figured it wouldn't be worth losing family day privileges or not being able to graduate all together! So............... yes, I had to wait until 10 am the next day to see him. We got there early and had to wait a couple of hours, sit through a briefing and then go outside to find our soldiers among 1400 others. Good thing we have cell phones or I would never have been able to find him. When we first spotted each other I have to say it was like something in a movie.. (well, for me anyway) it was like I was seeing the man of my dreams for the very first time! (remember I've only seen one blurry picture of him the whole time!!!!!!!!) He was amazingly handsome! The worst part, was being a military wife.... or girlfriend.. we can't show public affection. So we had to keep that to a minimal hug... UGHHHHH!!!!!! So ... that had to wait! We had a wonderful day just driving around post talking. It was very surreal for me..... I was thinking, "THIS IS IT! I'm an official army wife... am I ready for this?????? Everyone is so strict and proper. I'm a farm girl who loves her man... willing to support him through everything." Does this mean I HAVE to learn the Army way? I'm already learning a lot of acronyms, etc... but there is so much it's overwhelming. I suppose I will catch on soon.

After waiting in line forever to get our lunch at Taco Bell, we put the kids in the van for their nap and drove around post for a couple of hours. After they woke up we took them to the park where Sean was able to interact with them for a couple more hours. Sean had to be back to the barracks by 19:30. Then, wake early for graduation the next day. That was fun as well.. but of course we had to get there OVER an hour early.. so the kids were great until right when it started. Oh well.. such is life.... kids jumping around, screaming, fighting, crying, laughing, talking and just being kids! Gotta love 'em! As soon as it was over I drove over to Sean's barracks where we waited for him to bring all his things out. We loaded everything up and took off for Georgia. We spent the night at my aunt Karen's house and then headed to MO the next day... we got two hotel rooms in Kentucky... one for Jess and the kids and one for Sean and I and Stetson. The next day we drove to Fort Leonard Wood, MO... not sure it was going to be our final goodbye or not. We found Sean's barracks, checked him in and then we ate dinner together, but unfortunately, he had to stay and we had to get a hotel off post. Saying goodbye was not fun of ... because after talking to one of the sergeants he said Sean couldn't get weekend passes for at least three weeks! But we also found out that he'll probably get a few days off for Thanksgiving. So, that will be my next trip down, even if I can only visit him on post it's better than nothing and I CANNOT WAIT!

Anyway... I'm glad to be off the road, rested up and ready to start running again. Hopefully this beautiful weather keeps coming.

Sean was so excited to see his new son! He loves his children so very much, it breaks his heart not to be with them every day as they are growing, changing, and doing new things all the time. Colton and Carley were both all over him with constant hugs, kisses and jabbering about everything! It was so nice to have Daddy back for a little while.

We love you Daddy.... see you soon :-)

PS. Sean will be starting his actual AIT on Tuesday. He has nine weeks of training and then another two weeks more of combat training after graduation. So, he'll be done late January.

Slideshow coming soon.....

Halloween Party with Grandma and Bob

Stetson was about 8 weeks old on Halloween this year. Colton, Walker and Hannah all dressed up for a little party at Grandma Bev's house. Had a nice dinner and visit with both Grandma and Bob. It was fun visiting with Bob since he retired from the Army!

Missing my Sean....

I can't believe how long ago it was that I last saw Sean outside the hotel in down town Sacramento. It's been just over 10 weeks! But it seems like it's been MONTHS...... I miss him sooo much! I knew I would.... but it seems like I miss him more with each passing day. I must say it's kind of fun writing letters, it's kind of old-fashioned.... and something we've never had to do before. I think we are getting to know each other on a deeper level. Not to say we weren't in love like that before.. but it just keeps getting better!

Sean suprised me and called on Friday. He said I need to take him to AIT at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. SO... I canceled my plane ticket to SC so that I can drive our mini van. I'm learning how quickly things can change in the military. We never know when things are going to happen, when our next phone call will be.. or how to plan anything. I sure hope this is the final plan! If it all works out... I'll see him for family day on Thursday and graduation is Friday at 10 am for his company. We leave for MO Friday afternoon and hopefully, after he checks in on Saturday night we can be together through Sunday too! That means we'll have four days together!!!!! So after that great news and a 20 minute phone call... he called again on Friday and we got to talk for another half hour. He is still squad leader... he passed his final PT test. Out of 300 he got a 268. He was hoping to do even better but was happy with that. He said he ordered some t-shirts including a onsie for Stetson that says "Future Soldier" He can't wait to meet little Stetson and see the other kids too! He said training was easier than he thought it would be.... he said a lot of guys improved a lot... he stayed about the same the whole time and he hasn't gained or lost a pound. I think it's because he was in such good shape when he left... he was working so hard physically. It was just great to hear his voice again and hear that he's doing so well. It's encouraging to me and reminds me that this is all worth it... we both know this is what the Lord wants for our family. I'm just learning to live one day at a time, every day is a new day and every day is one day closer to being together :-)

I'll be packing up the van in five days! South Carolina.. here I come! I just have to cancel a couple more reservations, I've printed my maps... just need to pack and load the car!

One month old..........and 13 lbs

Today is Stetson's one month birthday and our four year wedding Anniversary. It has been four wonderful years of marriage. I have to say I LOVE YOU SEAN, you are the Love of my life... I am so glad God brought us together and I look forward to every new year to come :o)

I'm really sad that Sean hasn't seen Stetson yet... I keep sending him pictures though and in 25 days they will meet for the first time! I decided to only bring Stetson to Sean's graduation. I think it would be a really long trip for the other two and just to turn around after two days and drive back, would be really hard. I could bring someone with.. but at the same time.. it would have to be someone that could drive since I'm nursing... Also, this will give Sean and I more quality time together. I told Sean today when he called that I'll bring all the kids to MO the next week end. That is a much shorter drive.. but still 14 hours!!!!!!!!! YIKES! Well, I better get used to this... I knew Army life wouldn't be easy.. so what can I say?!!

This is my 50th post on my blog... I know that doesn't seem like many since I've had it for a few years now.. but hopefully I'll continue to update more often now that I'm online every day.

I have to say that life as a mother of three is very busy, different yet not what's its going to be like when I'm living away from family. I can't imagine doing this with out any help. It's still hard... especially at bed time. They are not all ready and tired enough to go to bed at the exact same time! Plus now that it's getting cold outside they can't play outside as much. I think it helps a lot when they can play outside and wear off energy. I am getting time out though and my sister Mallori has been great! She is helping me to get into shape. I am really excited about that. I only have three pounds left to lose to be at my pre-pregnancy weight.. but I was heavier going into this pregnancy.. so I'd still like to lose another 10 pounds after that. My goal was to lose it all by the time I see Sean...hopefully Ill get close to that. I've been jogging a mile every day and then walking a little on top of that.. and also doing some exercises as well. I hope to get up to two miles of jogging in the next couple of weeks. I don't see how I am ever going to lose the loose skin on my tummy.. but Mallori says it is possible. So, I'm trusting that she is right.. I just have to keep doing the things she's teaching me! Thank you Mallori..... I LOVE YOU!

Our chubby little man.....

Who is now 12 lbs! It seems odd that as the days go by when I think about Sean, time can't go fast enough..... then when I look at my little man who is growing day by day... I wish time would slow down. I just want to enjoy every moment with him... as each day passes he gets older and chubbier and his face changes little by little. I'm saddened at the thought that Sean will never see him at this age. I continue to take pictures and videos trying to capture every look; from frowns to smiles and everything in between.

He's really starting to enjoy being held. He is so content and sleeps well anywhere, but just the last couple nights during his "fussy" time he was sound asleep in my arms when I had him wrapped up tight and the moment I laid him down he started to squirm or wake up. He still only wakes up once or twice a night, also he's usually awake for quite awhile right at the time I'd like to be going to sleep. SO, I stay awake until he's tired again. It wouldn't be so bad except for the fact that I'm fighting a horrid cold/cough.... makes falling asleep a little challenging.

Anyway, here is our little Stetson at three weeks old!

Stretching......

curious big sister......

My best friend, husband, hero and soldier....

Sean, Basic Combat Training-Fort Jackson, SC

Sean has 34 days of basic training left. I last talked to him on Sunday and I can really tell he's doing good by the sound of his enthusiastic voice. There had been a horrible cold going around but he must have been over it cause he didn't sound sick anymore. He got through the gas chamber Okay.. said it was horrible but he tried to stay calm. Several people were trying to escape only to be tackled by a Drill Sergeant; many people also were throwing up or foaming at the mouth. They were in there for over 6 minutes... and by the sounds of it his platoon is one of the toughest, all the others only required to be in the chamber for 4 minutes. One of the common things I'm hearing people say about Basic Training is "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger"

It's looking as though Sean will have to be at Fort Leonard Wood, MO on November 2nd. His graduation for Basic Training is suppose to be November 6th. We are pretty bummed as he's worked sooo hard and is doing so well. It would have been a great experience to see him graduate with all the other Soldiers. I've been reading about what it's like there and it sounds like it's really something to look forward to. So, I'm planning on meeting him in Missouri on November 6th (he will only have week ends off ) with all the kids and my sister Mallori :o) Can't WAIT, but trying really hard to be patient!

Stetson ONE week Old!

As you can see... Stetson likes to sleep a lot, so far he's only waking up two to three times a night to eat. He seems to be very content.

Colton and Carley love on him constantly and are enjoying helping Mommy. It's taking Carley some time to adjust. She thinks Mommy can carry both her and the baby at the same time and gets very frustrated when I won't. It's a good thing she was already little Miss Independent!

It may be hard to believe, but at three days old while holding Stetson, looking into his face from about five inches away... he looked right into my eyes. I was talking to him softly and he smiled at me when I told him "Jesus Loves You" and "your Daddy loves you very much". It was a beautiful moment!

(click on pictures to enlarge)