and I thought

letting Nick leave for BCT was hard. Sheesh, No letting him go back to AIT is hard. Knowing that it will be at least 6 months before I see him again. I've shed a few tears today and tonight, and I am sure I will bawl tomorrow morning.
Nick wanted Chinese food before he went back. Finally today he was going to go get some. He was going to take his dad and Grandma out to lunch but Dad had to work last night and was sleeping at lunch, so Nick called all his friends to go with him, but they all were working or unable to go for various reasons. Nick decided the hell with it, he would go by himself. Well wouldn't you know it, the restraunt was closed till 4pm. Nick comes back in and I tell him just take dad and family out tonight when you go over. Well that was gonna work but littlest sister messed it up. She didn't want chinese, and so daddy dearest decided that they would eat at home, but Nick could go get take out. Nick didn't want to do that.

We (his other Dad, and I and sisters) would of gone with him, but he took us out to lunch at the local steak house yesterday, and wanted to take his dad. Makes sense. Poor kid didn't get his chinese, and his little sister just had it dawn on her that big brother is leaving again. That when she wakes in the morning, he will be back in Az.

The plan is because the girls understand that brother is going back to work, and that he is in the Army, that the goodbyes tonight would work for them. But little brother while knowing that Nick is a soldier, and that is his job, would not understand waking up to Nick being gone. So when they leave for the airport in the morning we will wake the Bruce, so that he can tell his brother bye, and see him leave.

We are worried about this as, the first week Nick was home, Bruce would wake up in the morning and look for Nick immediately to make sure he was still here. If he couldn't find him he would say he lost his Nick and be very sad. We want to help him understand as much as possible.

My boys have a incrediable bond. Nick waited 15yrs for a little brother, and you can tell. He loves Bruce, and Bruce loves his big brother. Its really something to watch.

Signing off for the night. Gonna go hug my Soldier, 8 months worth of hugs in a few hours time.

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Last Chance...

I'm in third place over at Miliblogging.com on the parenting miliblog list. I need 15 votes to be considered.. Go vote Go vote Go vote.. To vote you must register (no spam) and then click on add to favorites...Voting goes on till 11:59pm EST
I'm not above begging, Please vote for my blog. Register, and vote. It means alot to me.

On the home front, Nick is packed to go back to AZ. He still needs to press his BDU's and polish his boots, but. I am very sad to see him go, but know that I will see him soon, and I could have it worse. He could be in the sandbox, and I could be like some of the other Military moms who didn't get to spend the holidays with their child. One day at a time. But it's just as hard to get him ready to go back to AIT as it was to send him to BCT. Send prayers and wishes for a safe flight for him. Thanks.

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You can just tell

That time is drawing to a close. Nick is getting a bit cranky, and I am getting a bit sad. Nick leaves early Sunday, and I am wondering just where in the hell this two weeks has gone. Its been wonderful having him home. I've loved every single minute of it. And have tons of pictures. :) My husband has also agreed to let me fly to AZ for the day to see Nick grad if he's doesn't get any leave time. So soon the ticker will have another occasion to countdown to, whether it be Nick coming home again, or me and Bruce III going to see him. I will post pictures of Nicks visit next week.

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a update of sorts

I've not posted since Nick came home, well because its been Christmas week and everything that goes with it. I am very much enjoying having him home, and yet dreading sending him back. I want this week to go as slow as possible so that I can enjoy every moment of noise, bickering, hugs, and I love you's. Once I let my son walk out the door Sunday morning, I dont know when I will see him again. I don't know if he will get leave after AIT graduation, or before his duty station. I know I cant go to AZ to see him during graduation. I just can't afford that. I am so stressing over this. I think he is a bit too.

Nick has been sick this weekend with the flu (so much for flu shots huh) and now his step father has it. I don't think its been the most pleasent holiday for Nick, but I hope that he is happy. I am so glad to have him here with us, and wish there was more we could do. Right now he is off visiting with friends and will be home later. He is still Nick, in all the ways that are important. I am so proud of him.

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What more can I say!

Nick is HOME!

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A apology

To all those who left comments in the past month or so. My haloscan went moderated and I didn't realize it. So to each and every one of you who left words of encouragement and wisdom THANK YOU.

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The final countdown..

I received a call from Nick around 10:30am or so. He was on the bus, on his way to Tuscon. Wooohooo, He's on his way.
He plans on checking about stand by to get a earlier flight. So cross your fingers he gets one.

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A Letter

I received a letter in the mail this morning from Nick's commander. *Beams*

Dear Angelia & Bruce,

I wanted to write a quick note and let you know how well your son, Nicholas is doing since his assignment to my Company. One of the highlights of my job as Company Commander is the opportunity to train, mentor, and teach soldiers during their formative years in the Untied States Army. Nicholas has been an outstanding soldier who has diligently applied his time and efforts to learning his duties, responsibilities, and specific job skills since joining the Command. That is no small feat when you consider the challenging training environment and difficult academic requirements of the Army and this school. Nicholas's perseverance and dedication while enduring the demanding pace we have set has been outstanding.

I realize that having your son join the military and leave home can be a difficult time for you. I wanted to personally convey to you how well Nicholas is doing in my Company. You should be proud of his accomplishments. Nicholas is an excellent soldier who I believe will make significant contributions to the Army and our Country. The Army and the Nation owe you a debt of gratitude for raising such a conscientious and patriotic American.

I thank you for your time, and I look forward to meeting you when you visit Fort Huachuca for your son's graduation. If I can be of assistance, answer any questions, or address any concerns, please call. My phone number is (xxx)xxx-xxxx

Sincerely,
(Name withheld)
Captain, Military Intelligence
United States Army

You have no idea, ok well you might, how proud that makes a mom like me.


ps.
a little over 3 days and counting. And Dad, YES I am EXCITED!

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One more beg for votes!

It's time to shine a spotlight on the best Milbloggers of 2005. What are the Milbloggies? Inspired by the Bloggies, Milblogging.com is announcing the Milbloggies. The Milbloggies are an annual award ceremony celebrating milblogging around the world. And of course, through the Milbloggies, youll be able to find some of the best milblogs on the internet.

HOW DO I VOTE?
To vote, simply Registera FREE account with Milblogging.com. Sign in. Then, vote for your favorite milblogs by clicking "Add to Favorites" in your Milblogging.com account. It's that easy. You can only register one Milblogging.com account, but you can vote for as many milblogs as you'd like.

So Yeah to be honest I would love for you to do this and vote for me. You can find this blog under U.S. Military (Parent)

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The PT test.

Nick called right after he got back from his test. He PASSED with 70% almost across the board, He didn't quite get his 70% in the run, he missed by ten seconds. Great Job Nick!! only 8 days left.

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A bit more confident...

Nick called last night, in better spirts about his PT test Saterday. He has been pushing in his room at night to try and up his count. I think he said he was able to do 42? So the vibes are working, please keep them up. Only 11 days till he is home for the holidays. I can't wait.

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Where are the readers from?

Just click on the link and add your zip. Its a fun way to see where you are all from and who all reads.



Edited to add correct url. If you tried to add yourself and it didn't work, Please try again. Thanks

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Need those vibes again

Nick has another PT test Saturday. And as usual he is worried about passing it, particularly the push-up portion. I think he will do fine. But the kid is a worrier, like his mother. So send him all the pass PT test vibes you can spare.
Nicks goal right now, it to not get c-passed (loss of privileges) and so far he has done wonderfully with that. He makes me beyond proud. He does and says things I never thought I would see or hear.
You know you spend your life devoted to raising your children right. And during the entire time you are doing so, you wonder am I doing this right? Am I scarring this child for life? Then one day out of the blue, you know you did it right. One day you hear thank you, or accomplishes things you didn't even realize he was ready to do, and you just know.
Admitted me and my warped sense of humor may have scarred him for life. But I did it right. :D

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In Just over two weeks

Nick will be home. I am excited, and when I think of everything that we need to do, I realize the time that he will be home isn't nearly enough. He wants to go to the high school, and we need to go shopping, and We are going to one set of grandparents, and he wants to see his friends, and then Christmas eve with Grandpa Ron, and Grandma Jenny, the Christmas day with Grandpa George, and Grandma Linda, and before I know it,the time will be up and he will need to go back to AIT.
He is all grown up now, but its still hard to say goodbye for now. I miss knowing that I will know when he will walk through the door. I miss knowing that he will be home in his bed every night. I miss Nick.

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