Confessions

I'm sorry friends, I was giving you false information last week. I did get my orders, and I was discharged on 21 May 2008...Jackson's 1st Birthday! The reason for my skirting you all was that I wanted my arrival to be a surprise for my cousin Kati. And boy was it ever a surprise for her!! IT worked out perfect, you see, Kati didn't get to see me until the portion of the graduation ceremony when the grads brought a rose and memory book to their parents. I was seated next to her mother. And she walked up the bleachers and didn't notice me til she was right next to us. She screamed "You're not supposed to be here" and I stood up and told her how proud I was of her and we hugged, and the family cried. It was wonderful!!!



That was Friday night, thursday I drove over 15.5 hours with Zeke and made the trip home in one day. That was exciting. And then friday was the graduation and her graduation party. Saturday was a nice day off before going out to my welcome home party at the local bar...we had a BLAST! After that came Sunday and after sleeping in we were off to my nephew Jackson's first birthday party. I got to meet my new cousin Tommy, man is he adorable! It was so wonderful to be surrounded by family! And for the first time in at least 3 years, all of the cousins were together and in one spot...of course we took advantage and had a family picture done of the cousins...there will be a shot of it posted as soon as I get a copy...lol!

After the party Diana, Kati, and myself decided to have a cousin's evening, we called their cousin Tina and we all went to the movies together. We had quite an eventful evening, full of laughs and enjoyed the time together. I plan to have more of these type nights before Kati leaves for basic training.

My memorial day was relaxing I pretty much vegged all day, as I woke up with a HUGE kink on the left side of my neck, and am still trying to get the mobility back to that side of my head. I made an oriental inspired dinner for the mom, gma, and gump. It seemed to go over quite well as we cleaned out all the dishes there was no food to spare!! I like that feeling, I'll be cooking more often!! Jeff and I went and saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall which was really funny and that was my day!!

So, I'm sorry again for not telling you all, but I wanted it to be a surprise for my Kati!

It's a VERY SPECIAL DAY TODAY...

Happy Birthday Jackson!! Auntie Em loves you and misses you sooo sooo very much!

My Friend...

I hope you all haven't thought I've abandoned you. Its just that there hasn't been much to report these last few days. The days come and go so quickly and they are filled with nothing worthy of writing about. The weekend was great!!! I spent Friday evening babysitting for the Steeb's...4 of my favorite people here. I have other favorites as well, but the Steeb's are right up there at the top of the list! They have been so amazing to me while I continue to endure this process of waiting for my time to come. They've also been a safe haven for me, when I was too frustrated, sad, angry. I love getting to go over there and relax. Crimson (2) and Eli (8 months) are just such a joy to play with. Lauren and I get along so well its a relief to finally have a female that really understands how I'm feeling and is ok with me having a bad day. Not to mention she's a really awesome cook!!!! Dan (my boss) is wonderful too, he's really been great at getting me to laugh through all of this, and yes even put up with my nasty attitude at work during the day.

Saturday I cleaned my room and relaxed and then went out to pizza and to see The Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian...AWESOME MOVIE...all should go to see it!

Sunday was another fun day I went over to the Steeb's house where I thought I was going to be babysitting, but we actually just had a bbq instead. LOTS of fun! SPC Irons and her family came over for a little bit and then after Crimson and Eli left, Lauren and I did our toenails. She was so sweet, even gave me a French Pedicure. Oh man it was wonderful being pampered!!! Too bad my boots couldn't be traded in for sandals so everyone could see how pretty she made my nails look!

Other than that, time just keeps ticking by. Maybe this week I'll hear something about my going home.

It's Jackson's 1st birthday on Wednesday...where did the time go?? And did I mention that Kati (my mini-me) graduates highschool on Friday? I'm so proud of her, she signed with the Air Force and leaves for basic training this summer!

Never Give Up friends...Life isn't that serious, we all know we're not getting out alive, so enjoy it and don't stop following your heart. No matter how many times it gets broken, kicked, stepped on, stabbed. Follow it anyway.

btw

in case you were wondering...the big news was a false alarm :-(

blah blah blah goes the day...

Well I'm afraid there is nothing new to report my friends. The days continue to drag on out this way, and I'm upset that I wont be getting to see my nephew's first birthday or my cousin's highschool graduation. But, I do plan to go home for a mini-vaca in June so I will get to Kati before she takes off for the Air Force, at least I hope to anyway! Thats about it. This weekend should be fun though!!! I am going to an installation wide Unit Ministry Team BBQ which should be lots of fun. Get my mind off of things for a little while at least :-D

Have a great day guys!

....

STANDBY TEAM FOR HUGE NEWS...COMING LATER ON THIS MORNING/AFTERNOON

Well...the good and the bad...

Ok friends heres the scoop. One of my Chaplains (yes CH Conner...you are my Chaplain!) was able to get me up to one of the case worker's office to find out where my packet is...and well here ya go.

Bad news is my packet has been pulled.

Good news is its being reviewed for a possible increase in my disability percentage that the Army will pay me once I'm out for good.

So, this means I will def. be here for longer, maybe even months longer. I know...NOT what we wanted but I dont have a choice, or a say in the matter. But I could end up with more money when the time comes to finally go home. So, we shall wait and see.

Keep me in your prayers. Next week is Jackson's 1st Birthday and my mini-me Kati's highschool graduation and party; not to mention that her older brother Russell will be home for the first time since his deployment to the war.

Love you all! Thank-you for your continued support and prayers!