The end is near

I have heard from my key volunteer, and the end is near. Zach, should be home sometime next month. I know the actual date give or take a few days. For security reasons I can't post about it on the internet. We are excited! This deployment has felt so different than the other two. It has felt much longer, even though it is the same amount of time. It has also been one of the most relaxing times I have had at home with my family in Missouri. For this I feel very blessed. Please keep in your prayers that we have a safe return and homecoming.

Playing around

He said he was seepin (sleeping)

Boys can't stay clean

Peeking out his window

Stuck trying to climb out his window

I can't believe election day is tomorrow! I am so excited to see what happens. I hope everyone gets out there to vote.

We haven't been doing much around here. Whittney made Jack a house out of a box. That kept him entertained for a little while last night. He figured out it was more fun to climb in and out of his window rather than the doors.

Zach, seems to be good. He called to hear all about Jack's trick-or-treating. I shipped him my first packages, and he's looking forward to getting them. I sent him a moto mail so that seems to be up and running too.

Zach update

Just to let family, and everyone know I have heard from Zach. He called me on Saturday and again on Sunday. He is finally in Iraq, and he is trying to get settled in. They won't begin working until sometime this week. He found out he will be working nights this time. Generally doing the same things though. That may be a change of pace for him this time. As of then he was rooming alone because the room he is supposed to be in is still occupied. The guys living there had to go on a mission, and they took their keys with them. He will be farther from the phone center so I will not be getting my daily phone calls, but I am grateful for what I get!!



We are still working on confirming what his address is. He thought he had it right, but turns out it isn't. I will email and let family know ASAP. So, you can feel free to send boxes, or letters to him while he is there.



Jack, seems to be doing okay. He has woken at night a couple of times, and that is a little unusual. Could just be teething pain. Sometimes during the day he asks for Daddy or Adam, but I just remind him that they left on the bus. That seems to satisfy him for now. I have booked my plane tickets home for us. YES!!! I am so excited to go home to Missouri. It has been a year since I have been back. I really miss my family. It will be so nice to get to visit for a while. I hope it snows while we are there.

3rd Deployment

Getting on the bus.
I was glad to find him.
Daddy and Uncle Adam
Formation

Kisses goodbye

The day started at 3:00 this morning very early. They had to be ready for formation at 4:30. We waited while they got passed word, and loaded all of their gear. We were given a couple of hours to spend together. Wives, girlfriends, Moms and Dads all clutching to our Marines not wanting to say goodbye. They actually offered us a little breakfast this time. Jack, started with a muffin, but soon switched to a chocolate donut. We tried explaining to Jack several times that Daddy was leaving. We all kept it together fairly well. Around 6:30 they loaded onto the bus. Jack, thought this part was cool. Just a few weeks ago he learned what a bus is, and now he finds them everywhere. Our car rides are littered with the word bus. He thought is was really cool that Daddy got to go on the bus. He kept saying, "Daddy, Anum (Adam), bus?" Yes, Daddy and Uncle Adam are going bye-bye on the bus. We said our final goodbyes, and they drove off. The hardest part for me is always going home to the empty house. Knowing he won't be here for such a long time. Each deployment has something different. The first time I lived at home still, the second one he left me 7 months pregnant, and this time Jack is almost two. I think this time it will be harder for him to be away, and a little easier for me.

We have many things to be grateful for. This deployment could be much longer than it is. He is going to a relatively safe place. He will be doing the same things he has done the past two times. There is really good communication, and I get to hear from him nearly everyday. So tonight we will count our blessings, and say a prayer for Daddy.

Our Last Day

We spent the day getting errands done, and getting all the gear packed. I was thankful that Zach didn't wait until the very last minute to do this. We spent the rest of the time trying to enjoy the day.

Preparing for deployment

Zachery will be leaving for Iraq at the end of the month. For security reasons I can't put the date on the blog. This will be his third tour. This one is a little different because he his usually gone by now. They have always left at the beginning of September. They couldn't get things figured out about who what going where. Now, they have everyone split into their groups, and it looks like they have things figured out. He will be going back to the same place he has been before. This is a relief because they base he goes to is generally secure. They are inside the wire building all of their stuff. They will be working so much harder this time though. Twelve plus hour days since they don't have as many guys to go back with them. They will be spread thin. I am hoping to keep busy for the next seven months. My plan is to go home to Missouri with Jack for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I might stay a little longer. If anyone would like to send a Marine a care package let me know, and I can give you the address.