Sick

So we've been sick, sick, sick. And it sounds like Jeremy has been homesick, sick, sick. It feels like boot camp is winding down though, it will be great to have it done under our belts. I'm trying to decide whether or not to fly out for his graduation. I think it would be great so he can see Hallee one more time, but we'll see if we can commit the money and make it all work out. Here are a couple letters I got both of them just today.

20JAN2010
Hi Beautiful,
I hope and pray this letter find you well. Things at BCT are going pretty well. I'm getting more used to being a squad leader. We've done lots of stuff the pat few days. I qualified with my M16. I was only 1 off from getting the sharp shooter pin! But I did well and I passed (29 out of 40). We've done some other awesome weapons firing drills. Today we got to fire the machine guns and I got to fire a 20's grenade launcher. I got to do that because I had the highest PT test core in the company. The soldiers with the highest BRM scores got to shoot other cool stuff off too. Today we did our 12 mile march to the range. We found out tonight that it was actually our Victory Forge march. I guess we did it because there's a good chance that the weather might prevent us from doing all of the 5 days/4 nights of Victory Forge. So, we've done all the necessary qualifications except for throwing hand grenades; which we'll do next week, and the final PT test. So, things will start winding down here pretty quickly. On Friday, we go to get our class A uniforms for graduation. So, it's nice to see the end of the tunnel. One of our drill sgts. said that if we do well the rest of the week, we may get to use our phones on Sunday. So, keep your cell phone close by and hopefully if we call while you're at church you can talk. I guess you can keep it on vibrate. So, how are things at Ft. Van Tress? Have you started to feel any better? Any new and exciting things happening at home? Please know that I miss and love you very much. I sure hope we can talk soon. I pray the purest blessings might shower upon you. Please give the children my love. I better get to bed. I love you.
Your one and only-- Haps.

You may not want to read this one if you have a weak stomach. It's pretty mushy, maybe I shouldn't have put it up...I don't know. Jeremy's so sweet though.

15JAN2010
Aloha Sweetpeas,
I can't remember what I wrote you in my last letter...but I give you some updates anyways. hopefully, they are new and not previously written to you. BCT is getting harder, not the tasks or the work, but mostly just missing you and the children. I miss you all so much and it wears on me, especially when I don't know when I'll finally be able to call you. Apparently, soldiers from other companies told our soldiers in Alpha company that they get to call home every Sunday. We haven't been able to use the phone for over a month. This is hard for me because I just want to hear your voice, maybe let out a few tears together. 10 minutes of phone privileges would be sacred for me. You are my most precious friend, and I feel alone without. I feel the Lord's hand comforting me daily, but enduring the solitude is tough. Because I can't talk to you on the phone, I'll let it out on paper. I want you to know that I love you more than all telestial space. Our companionship seals us to eternity. Without you, life would be just like many of these soldiers who are wandering through the mists of darkness; no real fulfillment, just staples of excitement that fall our when it's over. Without you, I have no reason to smile with complete confidence and joy. Having you in my life gives me the assurance that i will be bound eternally to my best friend, my children and the Lord. You give me hope, something to look forward to after BCT is over and that hope kindles faith through the Atonement and redemption of Christ. Sweetheart, you are my warmth through the winter's cold of Fort Jackson, you are the footstep beside me as I march morning, day , and night. You are the coveted M&Ms inside the Meal Ready to Eat (MREs) on a stressful, difficult day. I love you with all my heart, because I know that even though we are apart, I know you are with me to the end. Thank you for giving yourself to me and the trials of Army life. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten by me or the Lord. Please know that I appreciate everything you do as my wife, the mother of my precious children,and as my eternal friend and companion. You hold Ft. Van Tress together better than any woman could possible dream of doing. May the Lord bless you, I pray daily. Please continue to pray for me. Pray that I would know you are safe and your needs are met. Pray that I will have the strength, endurance, and fortitude to move forward in faith, nothing wavering. Pray that my body would remain healthy, strong and without injury. We have a PT test on Tuesday, a 10 mile ruck march on Wednesday, and a 2 night 3 day mission coming up during 3 more weeks of training; then just on e week of out processing and BCT is done. The light is at the end of the tunnel. I will go to it. ou go to it too, and we'll at that point be full of love, light and joy. Until next time, stay strong and remember that you are a chosen daughter of Heavenly Father. You are special not just because you are my wife, but more so because of how you live. I miss you from the starts and back.
With love,
Your husband and friend,
Haps
PS- The crossword puzzle and baby pictures of the children were AWESOME! Everyone in my bay were jealous and it was so cool. One of my drill sgts (female) aid she thinks Hallee is SO CUTE! We make good babies, what can I say!
PPS- 16Jan2010. I got your email today at church. I'm sorry to hear this week have been so tough on you. I wish with all my heart I could be there with you. If it makes you feel any better, I'm getting sick again too. Your letter today made me cray, especially the beginning about Lucy saying she's worried about me. I wish I could make it all up to you guys somehow. My prayer are with you always. Give the kids xoxoxs! love, Haps.

Welcome to the Gun Show??

I have to say, this is something I have to see to believe. I can't imagine my husband shooting a gun. Guns- in the realest sense of the word- are something I can't say I've seen and can't really imagine. I can't imagine all those young boys with real weapons either. Just crazy, that's the real world though.

08JAN2010
Hey Sweets,
I have a few minutes to write you again, finally. Things have picked up ia lot. We are busy, very busy since we are shooting our weapons everyday. We not only march to the shooting range, but we also shoot, wait to shoot and help others shoot. Then we get home in the evening and use extra time to clean our weapons. Our PT is almost nonexistent since we started shooting. I'm so disappointed! No running, no push-ups, and sit-ups, no NOTHING! How can they expect soldiers to pass the PT test without giving enough time and attention to PT. It's kind of bogus. Plus, I'm missing out on training I need to run under 11 minutes, let alone sub-10 minutes. Grrgh! Not too happy in that department. But, shooting is going pretty well. Overall I've done very well. This morning wasn't so good because I had a wanna be WWF wrestler of a drill sgt. yelling in my ear while I was trying to focus. But, later in the day, when it was my turn again I accomplished my task in 9 rounds, which is pretty good. So, I think I'll be alright for the test on Thursday. I have to hit 23 out of 40 targets. Still no white phone, but we are doing better. I just found out that we are no longer ordered to have 4 people on our fireguard shift. We can have 2 again, until we mess up again. This means more sleep again! I'm ecstatic about this!
09Jan.2010 I got your letter! It couldn't have come at a better time. I was really missing you and the kids tonight. The pics were GREAT! You are so good to me. I've been praying hard for you and the kids. I know it must be hard to be without me. It's hard for me to be without you. I don't know when they will let us call home, but I hope soon. It looks like we will be getting to white phase soon. Shooting is going pretty well. I'm getting the fundamentals down pretty well. My main struggle now is shooting with all my gear; my helmet, body armor, canteen pack, etc. The gear totally changes how I can position the weapon. So, I've got to work on that. But, I'm being safe, you don't need to worry. So, are you starting to feel better? Walking up/down the stairs better? Is Hallee doing anything new or cool yet? What are Lucy and Willie up to these days? I wish I could write more, right now, but time is very limited right now. I miss you so much! I love always and forever!
With all my love and affection,
your soldier boy,
Haps
PS- Shooting went really well today! Passed practice test with rounds to spare! (11Jan2010)

13JAN2010
Dearest Courtney,
Thins are really picking up here at BCT. Today was qualifying day for Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM). We had to shoot at least 23 of 40 targets (moving targets) which are timed in order to qualify. I qualified on my first attempt. I qualified with a 29 our of 40. The score was the best I've done so far; so I'm pretty happy, but i was going for 30. I missed the "sharp shooter" badge by one target! So that was disappointing, but I can't complain. I'm been improving steadily and I passed on my first attempt. Some guys had to try 3 or 4 turns to qualify. We qualified everyone but one in our platoon. I was made squad leader today which adds more responsibility and nervousness to my schedule. My squad is happy I'm squad leader, but my platoon as a whole seems a little disappointed that I'm not PG (Platoon Guard). I'm fine with this though because I've got a lot on my plate already. Lately it's been so cold here! Today where we were shooting, our rifles were so cold and when we put our gloves back on, our hands throbbed from being so cold. So, how are things in your neck of the woods? How are the kiddos? Are you feeling better yet? Have you been able to get out of the house a little more? I was thinking about you and the children a lot after I was shooting because we did nothing but sit in our gear when we were done. I kept envisioning the blessed day I can have you i my arms again. We were put into white phase yesterday, so I'm hoping that phone privileges will be reinstated. Hopefully I can call you on Sunday or sometime soon. We only have 3 more weeks of actual training then one week of out processing, and then we are done with BCT! Our calendar says only 37 days left! Then I'll be able to use the phone everyday, I think. I've got to go, but I miss you and love you. I pray for you unceasingly.
Your loving husband,
Jeremy

Lessons in Equality

Lucy and Willie got there picture in the paper. We were at an OSU Martin Luther King Day event at the Native American Longhouse. It was pretty fun activity! These two were one of the youngest there- there were only about nine kids total. It was a neat idea that they were doing though. Check it out! share

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Postpartum, Post-Pitiful

Sorry, I know...too many postings at one time; I've done like 4 tonight, so you have to scroll down a while to get updated...but I guess I'm becoming a blog binger, it's just the way it is right now. :)
I guess this is my first reaction to life with three kids, but don't get ahead of me- that title is meant as a two-part, separate entity kind of thing. I'm not tying pitiful in with postpartum. Pitiful applies to the postal system that delivers my mail to my husband! ;) Get there in a sec. I know, that wasn't the best title. who cares.
I'm not sure if it's been rough or not without hubby here during this new phase of the family. I do have Grandma here. And she's not just any Grandma, but a Mother of the Year, the best mom you could ever have backing you up Grandma. So, in a way I'm feeling kind of spoiled. And recovery has gone so well, thank goodness. No complaints there. The roughest aspect is the transitioning of Lucy and Willie. I'm still understanding where they have holes in their life, and how to help them deal with all the changes. They seem to go through phases of liking and disliking the new baby. Sometimes they're all for her, loving her, helping her, watching me with her, etc. and other times they appear unmistakably hurt by her mere presence. I guess just as rough is my lower threshold for the older kids when they "don't listen!" I find myself saying that (always out of frustration) a lot lately (You're not listening, Why can't you listen; there's a dozen different ways it habitually comes out). If only they knew how much I need them to keep in line with the way things go. Ha, right. I know I'm focusing on the wrong side of the coin. We'll get things figured out though I'm sure.

So I'm going to throw in my allotted once a month free (military discount) "bash the postal system" line here. Why does it take so long to deliver my letters? I have not figured that out. They're just pitiful.
There. I said it.
You want to know something else pitiful? You should have seen Jeremy and I balling at the airport when we took him for this return flight to boot camp. We were kind of a mess. Allbeit a kind of strengthening experience at the same time. Anyway, it left me in fear for his first letter. I was sure he was going to be just miserable. But, fortunately, it wasn't! Here it is:

04 Jan 2010
Dearest Courtney,
I finally have a few minutes to write you before I hit the sack. I've ached for you since our second good-bye though. I think of you often, wishing I could be there for you as you recover from the birth. I want to hold your hand and massage your head until you fall asleep. I miss you terribly! Seems like a strange way to miss someone, but it's true. I feel incomplete without daily contact with you and the kiddos. But I know Heavenly Father will bless us as we endure the trial well. How are the kids? Is Hallee still healthy? Is she still the spit up queen? Any cute smiles or faces yet? Please try to take pictures! What about Lucy and Willie? Do they still love being big brother and sister? Things at basic are actually going pretty well. It hasn't been as a as I thought it would be. Some yelling, but that's to be expected. We haven't had any major smokings yet, so that shows something. I think everyone in our platoon came back, no AWOLS! I'm not sure about our company yet though. Someone asked one of our drill sgts. (who was actually being really cool to us at the time) if we are going to go to white phase, and he said, "We'll see, you might." But he said with a slight grin. It seems, like the drill sgts. are loosening the reigns just a tad. Tomorrow I'm going to fire my M16 with live rounds for the first time. Everyone is very excited about this. I am. It seems like PT is going to be on the back burner, but we'll see. A couple of times of items of business...(edited)...Well, actually I think that's all the business for now. I'm exhausted- gotta sleep. Early morning tomorrow. I love you with all my heart! xoxoxo! Haps
PS- Give the kids a hug and kiss for me!
PPS- I went shooting today. It was awesome! We were cold all day, but it was fun getting behind the weapon finally. I did very well. One of the Drill sgts. said, "Van Tress, you're going to be a very good soldier...is there anything you don't do well?" This meant a lot to me, especially coming from a drill sgt. I love you and miss you and the kids! Keep praying for me, as I always pray for you! Haps (1-4-10)

Couldn't be More Perfect

So in the middle of this busy, busy holiday season, I'm hoping to have a baby right? On top of that, my family all decides they are coming into town for the New Year and/or Christmas. Those not so intimately acquainted with me may not know that "all my family" includes 43 people. So we were having a mini reunion and then comes... our baby.
Baby was born on December 28, 2009 at 10:26pm, which was 10 days earlier than her due date. She weighed 7lbs 5oz and was 20 inches. She was perfect with cute dark hair. We named the baby Hallee Ryse (the pronunciation is hal/ee and reese, nickname is Aly is that's easier ;). This was the most anxious time for us and yet it seems like the smoothest labor and delivery of any of mine. The Lord's hand was definitely present. We were so anxious about when the baby would come as Jeremy only had 2 weeks home and then he HAD to leave to go back to army training. We had talked about inducing with doctors and they were supportive of it.
We went in for an appointment on the 28th and tried to set up a date for inducing. The midwife we saw that day then told us that they couldn't induce because they had not been our provider during the first part of the pregnancy and they didn't have anything on record that could confirm the due date and eleminate a possibility of a preterm baby. If I really wanted to induce, I would have to do an amniocentesis. I was against having that done, and luckily Jeremy sympathized because in the end it meant, no inducing. I was relieved a little as I didn't really want to be induced, but it forced Jeremy to be willing to accept that he might miss the birth, which was hard. Well, the midwife also swept the membranes at that appointment to see if it would help start labor. It must have helped because we had the baby that night! We were so relieved at the way everything went, we couldn't have planned it more perfectly. Thus, you know it was planned by someone else instead. :)
Looking back on it, it's kind of comical they way it worked out too. I started labor late afternoon and it was in a good rhythm by around dinner. Here we had twenty-something people downstairs getting dinner ready and laughing, etc. and there I was upstairs in labor. I came down around 8:30pm ready to go to the hospital. Everyone was so surprised I had the baby so soon.


Now do you see those glasses?! GCBs! LOL! (sorry honey.)



Although Jeremy left a quick 5 days later, it was enough time to help me feel put back together pretty well. We also were able to bless Hallee while everyone was still here. It was a great experience. This Daddy and his girls pic- doesn't it just hit your heart?
This cute quilt was made by Shoshanna, my sis-in-law, who has handmade gifts for each of my children when they were born. How cool is that? I've been trying to make a quilt for my niece and it still isn't done a year and half later, so I don't know how often I'll be attempting that again. Shoshanna made a cute quilt for Lucy, and a cool lap blanket with crocheted edges for Willie, and this quilt for Hallee. I love the fabric patterns and colors, and the gingerbread girl melts my heart!

Christmas!

Look at all the cute cousins at our annual Nativity Story. It was fun to be with my lots of siblings for Christmas eve- Travis, Kris and Brenda and their families. Uncle Travi the forever donkey! lol! Well, until someday... :)
Thanks Santa! My favorite presents were all the dress up clothes!!

Thanks Santa! My favorite present was my new bike!
Willie opening his bike present was the best reaction of all. I guess probably because it was the biggest. Anyway, he was cute screaming with excitement, "A bike!!"

December Revisited

I feel I've left this blog in the dust! There's so much that has happened since I've posted! So I'm going to blur by a few and get on to bigger and better things. The first half of December was busy with community events going on- the Corvallis Nativity Festival, and playdates with our moms group.
This is a picture at Albany Storybook Land. I have to be competely honest, not an activity I would recommnend. It kind of reminded me of when we went to the Rasmussen Farm and saw the pumpkin display. The displays look like they've been sitting around since 1970 or something. Ok, it's probably something fun to pass the time, normally, but we went to Storybook Land on probalby the worst possible day because it was SO, SO, I MEAN SO COLD!! It was like 14 degrees, and I obviously didn't dress the kids well enough. They did better than they should have but it did end in meltdowns and plenty of snacks. They earned it.
Mary and Joseph at the Nativity Festival. We showed up for the puppetshow only to find out they decided to start it early and we're already done! That was the only opportuniety we had to get to the Nativity Festival. Quite a let down, but oh well.

I had to make a choice how much Christmas fun we were going to without Daddy or wait til he gets home. We did a lot of fun stuff before he got home, of course, we even went to get a tree. This is really the first Christmas tree we've bought for ourselves. In Hawaii, we never got one. We went with friends from a moms group. They had a little "sleigh ride" and I thought Lucy was funny to hold on to this rope and balance the whole way around.

Daddy finally did get home for the holidays! It was kind of emotional. I'm sure you're thinking, ha, just wait until real deployments. I know, I know. Moving on. Even though Jeremy was crying he was so happy to see us, I couldn't help but bust up laughing when I saw his #1, his glasses, #2, his hat. I knew their issued glasses were funny looking, but this was the first time I actually saw them. There not even in this picture though. This is the only picture we took where he had all army-ed out. His brother and wife came to visit for a couple days at Christmas. It was fun to have them here!