They grow up

I remember worrying about Mandy and Troy as they were growing up.  From as early as if I should lay them on their stomachs or their backs to sleep (back then it was stomach’s), making sure the house was child proof, am I sending them to the proper pre-school, will they make friends in grade school, are they going to get their heart broken, ect. ect.   I was mislead to believe that the older they got, the less my worries would be even though I heard my Mom say, “When their little, you have little worries.  As they grow up, your worries become big ones.”  Boy was she right! 

It has nothing to do with the fact that I don’t trust them to do the right thing, it’s just the challenges they are taking now are completely out of my control.  There is only so much I can do to help.  I do everything I can possibly do, to be there for them, support them and keep in constant communication but that doesn’t mean I can solve every problem they have anymore.

For instance, if Mandy needed me, it would take me at least 2 days to get to her.  Although right now, my personal passport has a different last name and I look like a completely different person. I don’t think I’m traveling anywhere on that one.  My Military passport I can’t use unless it’s for moving purposes.  So basically, just thinking about the fact that I haven’t updated my personal passport could send me into a panic attack.   The potential list of people who actually have their passports ready that could fly over there is as follows:

Den

Papa  (my Dad)

Lee  (her Dad)

Kim  (her Step-Mom)

You’re all great people, BUT you know it has to be either Nana (my Mom whom didn’t get her passport yet) or me that manages the situation!  I hear the 4 of you chuckling and whispering, “control freak.” 

While we are on the subject, if something happened to Troy, I am powerless.  Although, if it happens at boot camp, look out drill instructors.  Have you ever seen a drill instructor cry?  This Mamma doesn’t play.  Anyway, back on subject.   From here on out with Troy and his career, he really doesn’t need me anymore.  He is being taught to be 100% independent and to help his platoon.  I can’t head to the desert to be there for him nor would he want me to!  Side note: I personally think I would look cute in the uniform but it’s the beret I’m worried about.  No way it’s staying on this head of hair. 

Bottom line, enjoy your little one’s.  Don’t fret over the small stuff.  Save getting an ulcer for later in life.  Continue to teach them to do things for themselves because someday, that’s what it’s going to come down to, whether us Mom’s like it or not. 

P.S.  From the time they hit 18, your stomach will be in knots, so stock up on TUMS now.

TAKE LIFE AS IT COMES

End of October 2009 Update

TGIF!
After 35 days in the academy, Den graduated on Wednesday October 28.  I would have to say everyone had a great time!

Mandy arrived in South Korea on Wednesday as well.  I was pretty nervous after 20 hours went by and I didn't hear from her, but finally she was able to get an e-mail to me.  She was a little overwhelmed coming from the little town of Valdosta to a big city like Seoul but she adapts quickly.  She moves into her (small) apartment on Saturday.  She has been staying at a hotel and attempting to learn the bus system.  She started work the day after she arrived and really likes it.  They had a Halloween party yesterday for the kids.  I am dying to talk to her on the phone!

Yesterday (Thursday), I received my second call from Troy!  He sounds fantastic!  He said the food isn't bad at all and he has been sleeping really good.  He said they are doing a lot of marching and they were issued all their equipment and guns.  They don't get to call very often so I was super excited to hear from him.

The last couple days of October brings Halloween activities for the squadron and with friends.  As for November, my parents arrive the second week and stay around 14 days.  Den and I are planning the squadron Thanksgiving dinner again this year and we will be preparing to move.

Have a great weekend!

TAKE LIFE AS IT COMES

October starts new adventures

Hi everyone! Since this October (2009) has started the onset of many changes for our family, I decided to give the whole blog thing another chance. It will be an easy way to keep in touch with everyone once we move to England.

Troy left for Army boot-camp yesterday (October 21st). He called today and although the connection wasn't very good, he seemed to be okay and said he was doing great even with lack of sleep and bad food. They were issued their uniforms and explored the PX. Tomorrow they will receive all their shots. :(

Mandy leaves for South Korea this coming Tuesday (October 27th) to teach English. The school is very cool and later I will post pictures. She has gone through hell and back trying to complete all the necessary paperwork. Anyway, this will be a great opportunity for her to travel.

Den graduates from the Senior NCO Academy this coming Wednesday (October 28th). After graduation is a formal dinner. He will finally "sew" on his Senior Master stripes November 1st. He found out he made Senior in April but the process of sewing on the actual stripe is long and complicated and I really don't want to bore you with it. :)

As for me. I'm surprised everyday that I haven't had a nervous breakdown! Our immediate family is CRAZY with adventure and although I am proud and happy we are all living out our dreams, I'm the first one to admit, it can be stressful. Once everyone is settled, I may need to sit down, prop my feet up and enjoy a big bag of almond M&M's! (Because I deserve it)

Take life as it comes