Sober times

Life at our house has been a bit sober. It is really starting to sink in that we are sending a son to war. Sterling and I have been trying to stay positive and think of good things that may come of this, but then reality hits us up side the head. We had deployment briefings the other day and THE GENERAL was almost in tears! I was hoping to not throw up in the middle of his speech. He told the soldiers and their families that he was sorry that they were having to go to this place. It really was moving to hear. Macade is so up and down right now. After spending 3 weeks at drill, he was ready to go. But he still is downright scared. He has been full of hugs and can't get enough of family right now. Please remember him in your prayers. He will be needing all the strength he can get. Thanks for your support.

We have a date

but it might change a few times between now and then.
July 7th is the day. He is shipping out to Wisconsin. He'll be a cheesehead!
He is excited and I am trying to figure out how we will keep him focused on the Army for the next 6 weeks.
Augh! Anyone want to babysit?

How many hours?

Macade has to stay awake for 72 hours! He called me today and told me about it. He didn't even get to bed until 1:00 am last night. He was in a watch tower today. So, if it isn't bad enough to keep you up for 72 straight hours, they put you in a watch tower to watch over....Saratoga Springs?
Anyhow, he is doing well and gets to come home for a night after the all night, night, nighter.
They are hosting a banquet for the families of those deploying and it will be nice to meet some of the soldiers he will be going with.
I'm tired so I will write more later.

The latest

Macade was able to come home to spend Mother's Day with me yesterday. It was nice to have him with us. He is already a changed man. When in Army mode, he is very focused and serious. He talked about the briefings that he is having to sit through these days out at Camp Williams. It is really serious stuff like what to do if your Battle Buddy is killed. I know they have to do this, but he is looking forward to this week when they get to blow stuff up again. He also ranked expert in the grenade throwing and he is a designated shooter. This means he can sit inside an armored vehicle and shot the 50 caliber using a video game like remote control. I could see my nephews drooling, but also deep in thought. To my knowledge, he is still coming home on the 23rd and shipping out to Wisconsin the first part of July. He may do more training in between. He feels like he has made some great friends in the new unit and he is hoping to get moved up a rank to Specialist before he leaves. Overall, I think he is doing well.
B

Be all you can be

Macade is thriving once again. Yesterday he called me from his Humvee to let me know they would be out in the field for the next 2 weeks. (FTX) He told me how much he had missed the Army and how he should be getting promoted to Specialist before he leaves for Afghanistan. He is making great friends in his new unit and come to find out, my friends son is in the same unit. Small world and I am so grateful to know that her and I can do this together too. So, all is well with him. I am trying to sell his Jeep and his snake if anyone is interested, let me know. Thanks for all of your support.
B
Proud Army Mom

Getting ready to go!

Macade is going to Afghanistan!
He started specialized training this past weekend. He will be going with a full combat unit. (I know. I know.) He will be leaving to train in Wisconsin in July. He is very anxious but excited to go to work. He seems to be making good friends that will watch his back while he is there. We are asking that only positive words come our way as we are getting buried in the negative. Thanks for all of your support.
**Yesterday he delivered doors to a post where they will be blowing them up! How fun! Just like being a kid in the sandbox!
ps anyone want a ball python???