Hating the Army

Well, not really I guess. But yeah. Right this moment I do. I thought it was hard sending Robert off when he left in November. Watching the bus pull away was not easy. But it wasn't near as bad as today was. In very blunt words..........Today SUCKED.

Robert said goodbye to the kids last night so we wouldn't have to wake them this morning. We got up a little before 4 am. Headed out shortly before 5 am. His parents were here so they said good bye to him and off we went. It was the longest and shortest ride to Alexandria that I have ever had. Probably doesn't make much sense, but it adequately describes my emotions at the time. I didn't want it to end because I knew when we arrived at the airport it would be goodbye for another 8 months. And I wanted to get there and get it over with. We talked non-stop all the way there. Trying to savor the last minutes we had together.

I stayed until he started through security. Then headed home. Made it home in time to wake the gets up and get them moving on their day.

Robert's parents headed out about noon. So it's just me and the kids.........again. Guess this is just part of being an army wife. I have to tell you, it's my least favorite part. The goodbyes are awful. But I will live on the wonderful memories we created as a family this past 18 days.

These are the pictures I keep in my heart, the pictures I try to remember when I'm sad and missing him..............

Robert and our babies.

Each picture shows the love he has for each of them...and them for him. It's that love that keeps him focused. It's that love that I believe keeps him safe.
Stay safe baby and come home to us soon!

Robert's R&R

Robert & his babies

Well, R&R has been WONDERFUL. It has been 18 days of bliss. We have enjoyed every single minute of the time we were able to spend with Robert. But 18 days isn't near long enough to catch up on the 6 months he missed. And we still have 8 months to go. But for now, we're focusing ont he positive. And that's the great time we had.

Robert and I spent a few days in Galveston. We had a great time. Acted like a couple of kids. Went to a water park, played on the beach and drove up and down the "strip" enjoying the sun and fresh air.

Then we had some time here at home with just "us". Lots of rest and relaxation, playing at the park, fishing with the boys, and just catching up!

Robert's baby sister, Catherine, flew in on Thursday. They are very close and it was great for her to be able to spend some time with us. In fact, she even beat her big brother in a cut throat game of Texas Hold 'Em!

Then we were off to Toledo Bend. Robert's parents had their RV parked there. We got a "cabin" and stayed from Wednesday to Saturday. The guys fished and the kids and I spent time at the beach. But the highlight of our time there was Friday. John rented a pontoon boat and took the kids out on their first boat ride. We tried to fish some, but that didn't work. So we just rode around. The kids loved it!

Now we're back home. Preparing for tomorrow morning. The kids will say good bye to Robert tonight. I'll leave about 4:30 am to take him to the airport. Not looking forward to it, but it has to happen. Then we'll just throw ourselves head first into the remainder of the deployment. 8 more months. We're not quite half way there, but getting there.

I'll try and update more often!!

Jennifer