My Picture is on The Pioneer Woman!

Over at The Pioneer Woman Ree, has been doing photography assignments.  If you don't know who Ree is, she's a big blog internet celebrity.  She has a great blog, she's written a cookbook, and she's a fantastic photographer.  Reading her blog is what got me wanting to improve my photography, and really learn about it.  She's been seen on The View, Good Morning America, and The Bonnie Hunt Show.  Zach and I both enjoy reading her blog.

Her last photography was assignment was "Happiness"  After seeing a few people enter pictures of their military men returning home I had wished I had entered a picture of Zach and my Grandma.  On Tuesday before I went to pick Jack up from school I sat down to read Pioneer Woman, and jumped for joy when I saw her new assignment was "Military Homecomings."  I knew I had to enter my picture as soon as I got home.

The picture is in February 2005. Zach coming home from his first tour to Iraq.  My Grandma and I had flown to California to be able to greet him when he came in.  The picture isn't the best technical photo ever taken, and was shot my old 5 megapixel Kodak point and shoot camera.  It has always been a picture full of emotion for me.  It was the middle night, I wasn't sleeping laying in bed surfing the internet.  I started reading blogs out of my google reader, and I squealed slapping Zach awake exclaiming, "Oh my God my picture is on Pioneer Woman!"  I can't believe it, so many people enter their pictures to her assignments.  I have never entered before knowing I never really stood a chance because of the quality of images that were being entered.

Of course then I got all teary eyed because my Grandma has just recently passed.  I continue to carry those wonderful memories of our San Diego trip together.

You can click here if you want to see the picture on the site.

You can click here if you would like to look at other pictures people have submitted for the assignment.





God Bless. Happy Memorial weekend to all.

Homecoming 2009

Our date got moved, and Zach didn't get in until the 28th. They arrived on time in the early afternoon. I wasn't sure how Jack, was going to behave since he was missing his nap. When we would talk about Daddy coming home earlier in the week, he just kind of buried into himself with an embarrassed look. So, I had no idea what his reaction to actually seeing Zach would be.

When they finally let us out the doors to stand on the flight line to wait for them to fly in I said, "This is it Daddy is coming home." Jack, just covered his mouth with both hands and let out some gut busting giggles. Needless to say he was excited! We cheered as the plane approached and touched down, and anxiously tried to pick him out as the Marines descended the stairs. Then the agonizing wait for weapons turn in, and finally he was by our side. Jack, took right to him with no hesitations. We were busy laughing and hugging waiting for the gear to show up so we could finally go home.

The rest of the evening was spent just relaxing, and enjoying our time as a family. If Zach got out of Jack's site he would holler out, "Daddy?!" He feared he would disappear again. Jack, even needed extra reassurance at bedtime that yes, Daddy would really still be here in the morning. Typical Jack you have to prove everything to him.

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.