Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

I can't believe my little girl is growing up so fast! We celebrated Lyla's birthday last week. Here she is opening up the package from Grandma and Grandpa. The first thing Lyla saw was the "poppies!" and she was sooo excited about them! She loves Strawberry Shortcake lately, and was very excited to see the really big Strawberry Shortcake doll. She didn't put it down all evening, and slept with it that night. It was the first thing she picked up the next morning and even wanted to take her with to take her brother to school.
A book and movie to go along with the dolly. We have read the story at least once a day since she got it, and watched the movie at least 3 times. I love when my kids really get excited about their presents.
Opening presents.
Lyla's friend came over to help celebrate, and the kids had a lot of fun together.
Time for cake!

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you..."

Happy Birthday Baby Girl! We love you!!!

Our Big Move

The past two months have been a whirlwind adventure, but I think I am finally ready to sit down and update the blog!

On October 12, 2011 Sean graduated AIT. A few hours later he was on an airplane headed for home! A big Thank You to American Airlines, too. Not only were they the ONLY airline that could get him home that night, but they bumped him up to first class for serving in the military. The kids were very excited to see their daddy when they woke up in the morning.
No rest for Sean though. The following week was packed full of things to do. Packers came on Friday and packed everything in one day. We learned we were going to be way over our weight limit and had to make some quick decisions on what to leave behind and give away. We have seen the benefits of doing so. The prophets teach us to live simply, and we have really grown to appreciate and understand that teaching.

Sean spent time fixing a couple cars (he just had to fix SOMETHING, he'd been away from it for 4 months!), we were able to get together with our friends, and finish up last minute things before we left Utah.

Every time I packed a box/bin, Lewis would climb up and sit on it.

It was very hard to say goodbye to family and friends. We miss each of you and can't wait to come back and see you all!
The following Tuesday, the movers came to pick up all of our stuff. Sean's mom was able to fly in from France that afternoon and we were able to spend a fun evening with family. The following morning we loaded our van and trailer and were off.

Logan and Lyla's friends from next door were very sweet and gave the kids some gifts to open and play with during the long car ride. They had a lot of fun with the toys.
On our way down, we took a small detour to Four Corner National Monument.

The drive was long, with many stops for the kiddos (not easy when you are driving through New Mexico, there just aren't that many places to stop!), but we made it! Upon arriving at Fort Bliss, we knew our house would not be ready for a little while, so we checked into the hotel on post. This is where we lived for 3 weeks until our house was ready.

AIT

I apologize for not having any updates lately. As you can imagine, things have been a little crazy here. The past 7 weeks Sean has been in AIT, which is Advanced Individual Training. Sean's job is essentially running computers for the artillery. They figure trajectory, charge load, etc. for the howitzers, then tell the guys shooting the howitzers so they hit their target. Most of his time has been spent in class, but he does have some time at the end of the day for personal time, so we have been able to talk every day up to this point.

Sean has been doing great, learning a lot and enjoying it. He has averaged a 98% in his class and scored 100% on his final test last week! This week they will be out in the field, putting all their new knowledge into practice. Sean is anxious, but excited. Hopefully they will not be shooting any loads into the Walmart parking lot (I did hear that has happened in Lawton before!). He will not have his phone while in the field, so we'll be a few days without a call. But by the time he calls again, we'll only have 6 more days until he comes home!

For any one who has not heard, Sean received his orders last week. He will be stationed at Ft. Bliss, El Paso, TX. We will be moving in just a couple weeks and would like a chance to say goodbye to friends and family, so give us a call and we'll set something up!

This week I will be learning all I can about how to get ready to move with the Army. Lots of phone calls, internet searches, and I'm sure tons of paperwork!

BCT Graduation

On Monday Aug. 15, we left for our trip to Oklahoma to see Sean graduate from Basic Training. My dad came with us, which was a life saver; Thanks Dad!!

Monday, we decided we would drive as far as Moab so we could spend a little time in Arches National Park. We also made a stop in Cisco, a ghost town a little ways North of Moab. We did a couple easy trail hikes with the kids. Logan was really excited because he is finally able to say that he went" hiking in the mountains" which is something he has been asking to do for a long time.

We took another day and a half to drive to Lawton, OK. After several hours in the car, the kids were a little stir crazy and goofy. The red bucket on Logan's head is actually his garbage can. When we got into Lawton, we did a little exploring, then had dinner at Olive Garden. Lewis discovered how amazing Olive Garden breadsticks are. When he was finished eating a bite and ready for another one, he would let us know by yelling at the top of his lungs. You could hear him across the restaurant and inside the bathroom.

Thursday was family day. Family members could come early in the morning and watch the soldiers doing their morning PT. There was also the option to participate in their 2 mile run, which I did not do.

Later that morning I was able to return with the kids and Dad. We got to see Sean for a few minutes before the Family Day demonstration. During the demonstration, we were able to see many of the things that the soldiers are taught during BCT such as Drill and Ceremony, Combatives, PT, Uniforms, Buddy Team Tactics. After the demonstration, the soldiers changed into their ASU's (dress uniform) and got a pass the spend the rest of the day with their family. The kids had som uch fun playing with Daddy in the hotel. This pic is of them all "sleeping" together. What a goofy family! So cute! Thursday evening we had to return Sean to the battery for accountability formation so they could all get to bed and be ready for graduation the next day. I wasn't able to get many pictures of graduation, :( But it was awesome. All the Soldiers are seated, at attention as family and friends enter the auditorium. They all repeat the Soldier's Creed and singthe Army Song. Each soldier went to the microphone and said their rank, name, and where they're from. They presented some awards and had a guest speaker, like at most graduations. I thought the best parts (aside from being so proud of my awesome husband!) were the playing of the National Anthem (Go Army Band!!) at the beginning, the soldiers singing cadence on their way out of the auditorium, and the overall amazing feeling of pride and patriotism. These amazing men and women have made the ultimate commitment of service and sacrifice for their families, friends and country.

After graduation, I was hoping to get some good pictures of Sean is full dress uniform. Unfortunately, by the time we got back to the battery, he was not in formation with the rest of his platoon. He and a few others who were preparing to transfer to their AIT units had already been sent upstairs to change and prepare to be moved. We waited for about 4 hours for Sean to be transferred and processed into his AIT unit, then he was granted a weekend pass. While on pass, Sean needed to get a fresh haircut so he looked his best to report back on Sunday, so we got Logan a "high and tight" haircut like his Daddy's. We were able to spend some time at the Artillery Museum, eat way too much good food, and just spend time together. On Sunday, we attended church with Sean at the Servicemans Group. That was a different experience, but very amazing. It is neat to see the soldiers having the opportunity to attend church, to receive that spiritual nourishment that is so important in our lives.

At El Greco, a little Greek restaurant we found. Very good food, neat atmosphere. Sunday afternoon Sean had to report to his AIT unit. We were very sad to say goodbye again, but very happy that we were able to spend such a great weekend together. I am so proud of you Sean!!!

Saying Goodbye was hard, but at least we know that this half is shorter, and looking back, the first half went by fast. In AIT, Sean has been able to call every day so far. We have gotten so used to only being able to talk for an hour a week, we actually run out of things to talk about each night.

Sean has been worked hard on his PT, he has been very tired every night, but he's doing well. In the evening when he calls, I can hear the other guys in his room working on homework and studying what they've learned that day, and they always ask Sean questions. I love to hear him explain it all and teach the others.

Six and a half more weeks until he is done with AIT and gets to come home for a few days. We could find out where his First Duty Station will be any time after the first 3 weeks or so. We'll let everyone know when we find out!

Almost Done!

I didn't get a very long phone call on Sunday. It sounds like the Drill Sargents are getting really fed up with all the immaturity in Sean's platoon. Which sucks for those of us who have soldiers who are working really hard!

Last week was mostly doing combatives and US weapons. Sean said it was really fun to shoot the machine gun, even though they only got to shoot blanks because of all of the fire danger.

This week they are out in the field for most of the week, then they have a 16k ruck march. It has been triple digits every day since they've started training, with hardly a skiff of a cloud in the sky. So what happens while they are out in the field? They get rained on! figures. Good for the training I guess. I'm sure they were grateful to be able to cool off a little. Hopefully it will help lower temps for the 16k march later this week!

Next week is graduation! The kids and I are so excited to see Sean!

Proud Army Wife

I post these mostly for myself, but you are welcome to read them.

This is for the young women that are waking up at 6 a.m. every
morning, laying out clothes and packing three lunches for those
small precious children that they have been left alone to care for.

This is for the pregnant Military wife wondering if her husband will make it home in time to watch their miracle happen.

This is for the childless Military wife, living in a town or on a
base alone where she is a complete stranger to her surroundings.

This is for the women that feel like a third leg when they go out
with their friends and their husbands.

This is for the Military wife that cancelled all her plans to wait by
the phone, and even though the phone broke up and cut off every time you spoke to him you waited anyway.

This is a pledge to the women that cry themselves to sleep in an
empty bed.

This is to recognize the woman that felt like she was dying inside
when he said he had to go, but smiled for him anyway.

This is for those of you that are faithfully in that long line at
the post office once a month, handling 2 large boxes and 2 small
children like a pro.

This is for that woman that decided to remodel the house to pass
time, and then realized that she had no idea what she was doing and sighed and wished she had a little help.

This is for all the lonely nights, all the one-person dinners, and
all of the wondering thoughts because you haven't heard from him in days.

A toast to you for falling apart, and putting yourselves back
together. Because a pay check isn't enough, a body pillow in your
bed is no consolation, and a web cam can never compare.

This is for all of you no matter how easy or hard this was for you.
Our soldiers/sailors are brave, they are heroes, but so are we.

Hold your heads up high, hang that flag in your front yard, stick
100 magnets on your car, and then give yourself a pat on the back.

Be proud to be the woman that you are, be proud to be a Military wife. (FAMILY MEMBER.)

Let's hear a HOOAH! (JS)

Week Six

The past couple of weeks have been both enjoyable and very challenging for Sean. He has been able to train with hand grenades, advanced rifle marksmanship, learn about the machine gun and rocket launcher (they don't get to shoot the rocket launcher due to how much it costs), and receive his dress uniform. One night was spent sleeping "out in the field." They also participated in a 12K ruck march, carrying their ruck sack and all other weapons and gear. All of this training, with the exception of one or two classroom days, occurs in triple digit heat. Sean says he did pretty well for the 12K, especially considering he was in the hospital 2 days earlier due to the kidney stone. During the 12K march, Sean said they were not allowed to talk, so it gave him a lot of time to think. I can't say it as good as him, so I'll just let him say it:

"I had time to reflect on this whole experience and see some of the really great blessings our Heavenly Father has given our family. We are healthy, we have a loving family relationship, we have a good out look for our future, and we have the true Gospel in our lives to help guide us."

Sean has always had a strong testimony of the Gospel, but through this experience he has grown so much!

The biggest challenge for Sean has not been the actual training, but those members of the platoon who do not care to apply themselves and truly learn the Army values. Many of them have not even given a thought to what it really means to be a soldier in the US Army. Many of them have not thought that a few short months from now they could be deployed and may not ever come back. This past week, Sean has been doing all his training, out in the heat every day, while battling the flu. His hardest point was Thursday, when they were told they would get to call home that evening, but got delayed because many of the SIT's did not complete their jobs, resulting in the platoon getting smoked. Getting smoked while sick with the flu is not easy. Getting smoked while sick with the flu because someone else was lazy and didn't care how his laziness effected those around him is worse.

Sean was able to visit the Dr. Friday and get some things to help him get better. He was put in quarters for the night (essentially quarantine for those who are sick, or who have washed out) , but insisted on getting back to his platoon and his training Saturday. I was able to talk to him Saturday evening and he was doing much better, which is good because Monday they take their last PT test.

This week marks the beginning of the Blue phase, the third and final phase of BCT. They will be doing more US Arms training, they will do a 16K ruck march (this time at the end of the day I believe, instead of early morning like the previous 12K march), and the last week will be spent finishing up and turning in gear. This means there are only 2 1/2 weeks until the kids and I will see Sean at this graduation! And we are very excited!

We are all doing well here, with the exception of all the kids being sick with a bad cough last week. Lewis is still sick, it hits him harder and worse because of having RSV a few months ago. We're grateful for all of you and all you do for us. Good friends and family make all the difference in the world.

Sean is almost done with this half, then he gets to do AIT (job training). He has had challenges, but he has stuck with it and has learned a lot. Today in church, a wonderful young man who is preparing to serve the Lord for 2 years gave a talk and in it he said something really neat, "The Celestial Kingdom doesn't accept quitters." It may not always be easy to endure to the end, and we don't always understand why the Lord requires us to go through certain trials, but if we do stick with it, the reward will be greater than we could ever imagine. This is what I rely on late at night when I miss Sean the most. I know that the pain and longing are only temporary and I will be with Sean again, and by keeping our temple covenants, will be with him always.

Dog Tags Over Diamonds

This is for those of us who would rather wear dog tags than diamonds.
For those of us who still sleep with stuffed animals, just because he
got them for us.
This goes out to those of us who never lets go of her cell phone.
This goes out to those of us whose heart swells with pride every time
the national anthem is played.
This goes out to the proud women who stand tall behind a United States
soldier.
We sit and we wait, for a letter, or for a phone call.
Many people don't understand this life; they say it's unfair, they say
they couldn't do it.

Well, here is our response....

Do not tell us you're sorry, or that you know how we feel.
Don't try to make us laugh when we're sad, we don't want to laugh, we'd
rather sit and think about our man.
We may not be "happy" with all of this, but we don't mind waiting.
To us, it's an honor.
We are the girls who wake up every morning with a sick feeling in her
stomach; we're the ones who just lay there for a minute to prepare
ourselves for the day ahead.
We're the ones who look forward to going to sleep; because they are with
us in our dreams.
We are the ones you see wearing a sweatshirt or t-shirt that is 2 sizes
too big just because it's his.
This is for those of us who's best friends they have never met; we meet
them on facebook or support groups.
They are those only ones who understand.
This goes out to the women who spend holidays alone.
We know the real meaning of love, its not cute presents or formal
dinners; its hearing his voice, it's seeing him for the first time in
many months.
For those of us that know what a chow hall is, those of us that know
terms like head, rack and porthole.

This is for those of us who belong to a United States Soldier.

You may see us struggle but you will never see us fall.
We are among the silent ranks; we are the few, the proud, the ones left
behind.
We are bonded together by the United States Army.
Our men are brothers, a family of one.
Each one of us have one of the few.
We stand tall and we stand strong.
We stand behind our soldiers through thick and thin.
Unknown

Week Four

This past week was the first week of the 2nd phase of BCT, White Phase, or Student Leadership. Sean says that the leaders that have been chosen are all pretty good except for one. He is glad to not be part of the leadership at this point because he is seeing that, as he puts it "it is like the scriptures say about power that as soon as men get a little power they abuse it." He says some of the guys will whine because who they want isn't in the leadership, then they whine when their friends are in leadership and won't do what they want. He says they have no respect for anyone, not even themselves. Sean is learning a lot by watching the Drill Sargents and those student leaders.

This week has been spent mostly on the rifle range, where they trained most of the week, then had a chance to shoot qualifying scores. Thursday, the qualifying was cut short due to a fire started by another group that was firing (it is very hot and I don't think they've had any rain at least since Sean arrived). They had another chance to qualify on Saturday. Sean shot a 33 out of 40 (23 is qualifying) and there was only one other SITin the battery (about 220 SITs) that shot a score higher than his. He was happy to do well, but was disappointed because a score of 35 is Expert. This exercise was shooting man sized silhouettes at 50, 175, and 300 meters that pop up. Sean had the chance to coach several of the other SITs and help them qualify. Some of them came up to him later and told him that he is a better coach than the Drill Sargents.

This morning Sean called me from the hospital. Nothing serious, he was passing a kidney stone and got pretty sick so they sent him to the hospital yesterday. Luckily, he has passed it and when I talked to Sean this morning, they were getting ready to discharge him. Sean was anxious to get back to his platoon, he does not want to miss any training. The Dr. told him that he will be fine to continue training, that the only thing that would keep him out of the army is if he lost his kidney. Still, many prayers would be appreciated to help Sean be able to complete BCT without any further health issues. We appreciate all of the love and support from you all!

This coming week they will be training with hand grenades. Sean is pretty excited about that! Again, thank you all for your support, we love you all!!

Week Two

Well, Sean survived the gas chamber this week. He said he could feel it on his skin, like a bad sunburn, and it really burned his eyes, but overall he did really well. There was someone taking pictures of them as they all came out of the gas chamber. They have not posted facebook photos yet so I don't know if there are any of Sean.

They had their first PT test on Monday. Sean missed passing by one push-up. bummer. He was really hoping to pass. He passed sit-ups and the run.

This week they also did some medical/first aid training. Sean said he got 100% on his test for that. They also had a competition for maping/gps (I forget all the technical terms! sorry) and Sean was selected for the competing team. His team finished first and was the only team, Sean says, that didn't get told that they did horrible. He was proud of that. That is the first of the competitions his platoon has been able to win.

We were very happy to get a call from Sean this evening. I was not expecting one, because Sean said in his letter this week that last Sunday a few of the guys in his platoon were late for formation, so they got smoked and didn't expect to have phone privileges this week. Fortunately, the Drill Sargent who is in charge for the holiday weekend is not the same Drill Sargent in charge last week so they got their phones.

Apparently, most of the guys that are having trouble being disciplined and working together as a team are doing what they call Split Ops. This means that they are in between their Jr. and Sr. years of High School. They will do Basic Training, then go home for their Sr. year of High School, then come back and do their AIT next summer. They are really just kids!

There is a new group that has come this week and with it brought 3 or 4 elders to the elders quorum that Sean teaches. I think they are all from Utah.

Tomorrow is Independence Day, and this year it means more to me. It is more personal now I guess. I'm very proud of Sean and what he is doing. Sean does get the day off for the Holiday, but since he is not in the group that is graduating, it just means that he gets to sit around the barracks all day.

Sean says Thank You to all of you for your continued support, love, and prayers. We appreciate all of the help we get here at home, too.