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!

Two letters came from Jeremy, on the same day. The mail is so weird. I found out he hasn't been getting my letters, on time. Argh! So frustrating! It's so great to think he comes home this week! It's been such an emotional anchor that I don't know what we would have done if he didn't have this Christmas break in the middle of training. Everything always seems to have a way to work itself out for the best. I keep feeling more and more like nothings ready for this baby to come, and yet we're all hoping it comes soon! When I think about after delivery, post-partum, I keep thinking of it as "the other side." Like delivering is just this portal hole into this completely crazy unknown world that I know I'm not ready for and I don't know even how to start to prepare for. I don't think I was this anxious when Willie was born. I'm starting to just vent, so I think I'll quit for now. :)

04Dec09
Dear Sweets,
Right now I'm on what's called "Fire Guard" duty, which is when me and my battle buddy wake up during the night to make sure everyone is still in their bunks, the weapon are all "green" and on safe (no magazines and no bullets in the chamber), and that everything is clean. Our duty is for one hour, after which we are relieved by another two soldiers. So, we got everything done and I just wanted to say hi and that I miss you. I sure hope everything is going well for you and the kids. How is it at church? I sure miss you guys. I have some pictures of you and the kids in my wall locker so I can look at you guys everyday. Sometimes I feel myself wanting to kiss you all in the photo because I miss you so much. Today we went on our first road march. It wasn't very long, but some soldiers had a tough time because we had all our gear on including our weapons (M-16s). Midway through the march, we did some Team Building Development courses. We were split into squads, which will last throughout BCT. Well, my squad isn't so good. I've got a lot of clowns and bozos on my squad. I'm not too happy bout that. But, there's not much I can do about it. On one of the courses today, I was trying to move one long board to another location, about 5-6 ft off the ground, the weight and momentum of the board caused me to fall and my throat hit the board. It hurt a lot, and it is still sore, but I'm fine. I just have a sore and swollen throat. I was excited to eat an "MRE", which are Meals Ready to Eat. I like these a lot in fact I think it would be neat to have them as food storage. They are so cool. You just open the package, and usually it's something hot. You put whatever needs to be warmed, such as spaghetti and meatballs, into a bag, and just a little water to the bag, and it heats up for you in a matter of 2-3 minutes. Meanwhile, you have lots of yummy sides like peanut butter and jelly, and crackers, bread, etc. They are good! They even come with juice or shakes, and cookies! yum! These are coveted items here at BCT. We definitely don't eat cookies and shakes in the chow hall. I hope we eat lots of MREs during BCT. So far, we've had 4 of them. I've liked them all. Anyways, so what's going on with you guys? I haven't received letter yet..? Did you get all our documents back yet? I sent them about a week ago in a big yellow folder. I hope you got them.
05Dec09 letter continued
I feel things are getting much better here at Ft. Jackson on some levels. Yes, the young immature punks keep making others suffer. I don't mind so much anymore because I know I can take whatever smokings they can dish out. We did our first real APFT yesterday, apparently I did the best in the company. I was tired from other stuff, and the drill sgt. was making me work for it. She said like 12 of my push-ups didn't count, but I know they were regulation, they just don't want to give anyone a 100% on the 1st APFT. So, I only got 62 push ups, 76 sit-ups and 11:50s on the run. We have hardly been running so I was actually pretty happy with the run. Today, we went on our first ruck march. My boots are too short so my big toe goes numb; hopefully I can get them resized. The march went well, but I hate the gear they issue us. It doesn't fit us properly and they just plain don't get the job right. It was funny though today. After we got to our location, we had some classes outdoors to apply infantry skills we've been learning. One of the drill sgt.s whips out a bag of..you know what...FLAMING HOT CHEETOS!!!! ahh!! My taste bus were screaming! I shouted out "Drill Sgt, those are my favor tie chips!" and he just smiles on as other soldiers going "ah man!" It was funny though. I got your 2 letters and the email you sent. Sweetheart, it was so good to hear from you! It always is. Don't worry about what you write. I appreciate anything you have on your mind that you want to tell me Any words from you are like the Heavenly language of love, joy and eternal significance. It helps me to know you joys, sorrows, achievements and disappointments because then I can pray for you more heartfully. I loved the placemats, the pictures and letters. It means so much to me. I hope we talk on the phone tonight. Church is about to start so I'd better go. Until we meet again, hand to hand, eyt to eye and heart to heart.
With Love,
Haps

07Dec09
Dearest Courtney,
Today wasn't the best of days for me. I found out that pone privileges for the whole company, which is over 250 soldiers have been suspended because someone's friend lied and said they were a soldier's parent needed to speak with him. The person was not his father, and our drill sgts found out somehow and they said that the whole company will suffer for that. I'm so frustrated because I'm doing all I can to be the best soldier I can, and yet I still pay for the stupidity and immaturity of others. Ultimately, you and the kids lose out on this one too. So, when i found that out, I was pretty sad. I think they were planning on letting us use the phone soon too. :( Overall thou, I must say that some kids are coming around and are starting to realize that this is not boys/girls camp, but it is the Army, and they are getting paid!
On a more positive note; I've had some great missionary experiences so far. Yesterday, one kid who has been struggling because his family hasn't written him, took a seat on my bunk and just looked at me as if he wanted to talk. I had my scriptures out on my bed and he noticed them. I explained about the book of Mormon and some of our basic beliefs. We talked about his family situations and I testified to him that prayer helps to endure challenges. Well, w had a really good, heartfelt prayer. He talked and listened to me as if I were his older bro. Well, later that night when lights were out and it was time to go to bed, he came back and asked if I would pray with him. Of course, I told him I'd be happy to. So, we knelt at my bunk, amidst foul language and people not accustomed to prayer, and offered prayer. It was a very powerful experience. He felt the spirit and felt more at peace. Tonight he approached me again for prayer. I told him we could make it a daily practice and it seems like he wants to. It's exciting to see the spirit of God work in a young man like this.
I'm so sad that we won't be able to talk soon. Hopefully I can call you before I leave for Christmas. Speaking of Christmas, how did the creche go? I was praying that it would go alright. Did the shelves we made work alright?
Today we actually had ribs for lunch! It was so good, even though it was short lived. I'm only given 3-5 minutes to eat! So I don't get to savor the taste. What else is happening? Tomorrow we practice land navigation and I think we also have the gas chamber. 'll let you know how that goes. Well, I'd better go. Sorry the writing is so bad. It's dark and I'm writing under my flashlight. I love you and miss you! I'm counting the days till I can see you! 8 days! I can't wait! Don't forget, don't write (send) me letters after Dec.11. They will chuck it. I can't wait to be with you and the kids. May the Lord's blessings shower down upon you.
Jeremy

Church for my solider

Well, as long as I'm staying up so late... I might as well put up a new post. I did receive 2 letters from Jeremy, so I'll share those. I haven't had a call from him for a couple weeks now, but last Sunday night I got a call from the bishop's wife in our church's ward that is on base there. She said she was calling, just to let me know that Jeremy made it to church today. I couldn't believe it, how sweet is that?! How many wives/families was she trying to call I wonder?! She didn't have much news on Jeremy personally I don't think but just said, it's hard for them right now, but they'll be okay. I guess that's as good of an explanation as any. The ward on base has about 200 members. They have a lot of soldiers interested in learning about God so they attend the meetings and have quite a few baptisms. She says it's very much a mission-like experience. I also got a letter this week from the church headquarters just relaying their thanks for supporting my husband in his service with the military and the sacrifice it requires. It is impressive that the church keeps track of the welfare of so many citizens around the globe in so many different circumstances. The church is there in disaster relief to give aide. They're there to support those in the military. They've got their ducks in a row to make sure they can reach out to as many people as possible. It is very inspiring. You'd think I could keep track of my few visiting teaching sisters!

24 Nov. 2009

Hey Sweets,
I haven't had much time to do anything since coming to basic. Most of what we are expected to do is not hard, it just requires discipline and self control. Today we ate a Thanksgiving dinner, but we all know we were just going to get smoked and throw it all up. "Smoked" is when they punish us for not follow directions or breaking rules. I almost cried tonight at dinner because I was missing you and the kids so much. There's a guy who bunks next to me who has kids. He's having a rough time right now.

29 Nov. 2009

My dearest Sweetheart,
I am overflowed with joy and peace. I am sitting in an LDS chapel on post, awaiting the start of church. As i entered the chapel, I felt as if I was entering the temple and leaving behind they filth of what I live in daily. It reminds me of why I am here; to serve my country and make it a more peaceful and harmonious place. When you get a chance, and you are at the kitchen table looking out at the beautiful trees, hearing only the whistle of the wind and the precious sounds of our children playing peacefully and happily, think about the sacrifice that soldiers and families give to provide that serenity and joy. Look out that window and pray for me that soon we will rejoice together in that same joy. Until then, we might be separated physically, but I know that thought prayer we can be connected emotionally and spiritually; your joy is my joy, your pain is my pain. Each morning I awake, I think of you in prayer, and each night I lay my head to sleep I think of you. When I'm in formation I think of you my eternal treasure. Please give the kids a big hug and a kiss for me. I miss them so much. I love you to the endless bounds of eternity.
Your husband and friend,
Haps
PS- I kicked butt in the puggle matches!

01 Dec. 2009

Hey Sweets,
How's things over in your neck of the woods? I sure hope things are going alright. Things here at Ft. Jackson are heating up. We've done the puggle matches, the combatives course, and victory tower. Now we pretty much just need to do the gas chamber, which I've heard we are doing sometime this week. The puggles were fun. I kicked my "enemy's" butt 3-1. Combatives were fun, but I was disappointed because we "didn't have time" to have matches so we didn't get to practice what we learned. Victory tower was fun. I got to rappel down the tower and some other cool stuff. Today we bought our plane tickets for Christmas leave! I can't remember the airline (they took our tickets away to make sure we didn't lose them) but I know arrive at Eugene airport at 11:59 (basically midnite). The ticket was $645! Expensive. Apparently the money won't be taken from my check until January. So be mindful of that in your budget. I've enclosed a letter tot eh Jensen's to save on stamps. I don't know when we'll be able to buy more stamps. I love you and miss you increasingly. I pray the Lord's blessings are upon you always. Give the kids hugs and kisses for me!
With love and affection,
Jeremy
PS- Today we got to go to the beach...which is actually a huge sand pit where we get smoked! I thought it was fun, good workout. Most everybody else was about to quit.
PPS- They told us to tell everyone that we can't receive letters after Dec. 11 because no on will be here to open it. If you do, it will get trashed. No mail after Dec. 11.
PPPS- I found out today that you can email me weekly letters through the missionaries at the branch here at Ft. Jackson. The emails can be up to two pages. They cannot have attachments or photos of any kind in the email. Just letters. If you write them before Friday, maybe Saturday, they should get to me on Sunday! So, it's much quicker that snail mail. But snail mail is nice to, especially if it has pictures and other cool stuff. The email address is: xxx (let me know if you want it!)
I LOVE YOU!!
Jeremy
PS- If you have questions you can call the couple missionaries, Elder and Sister Fullmer.

I'm sorry if these letters got too personal or emotional for anybody...oh well.
As for updates on the rest of the family-- nothing to big too report. I'm feeling those 8 month labor pains: loose hips, crazy kicking from baby, pushing on my stomach, stuff like that. I guess I'm getting ready...! :) Did I mention we don't even have a name for this baby yet!!! I'm starting to get a little stressed about it. The older two both have family names and were no brainers. But I haven't thought of any family names, and I haven't any names that I totally feel drawn towards just because I like them. Of course that wouldn't happen, I'm too indecisive for that! ;) Would it be too out there to name her, "Liberty"? We could call her "Libby." I don't know, any advice or suggestions- not that I should take it! :P Then we'd have a Lucy and Libby...hmmm... I don't know, just seemed fitting for the stage of life right now. Maybe I'll just let Jeremy name her altogether as something special he gave to the baby. If that were the case, I could see her name end up being Isabella. Oh gosh, I know Twilight fans... Jeremy's not some die-hard fan though ya know. He hasn't read the books. I'm not totally a fan of Bella from the movies. Haha, anyway, who knows!!

Recipe: Extra Smooth Chocolate Icing (Carnation Evaporated Milk label, 1960's)

Recipe: Extra Smooth Chocolate Icing (Carnation Evaporated Milk label, 1960's)

Army Wife

I'm officially inducted into the army wives club, and have survived two weeks. It has been harder than I thought in some ways. It's not so hard "losing my freedom" to having to be with the kids 24/7. I owe this to my mom as she's been a great support to the kids- they've enjoyed being her sidekicks. The hardest part was just letting him go knowing that he was going to a place not so fun and I couldn't do anything about it. The tears on my pillow were repeatedly over the question, why?! But that's too much to go into now...

The first week for the solider is reception, so it's not that tough as far as boot camp goes. I was surprised Jeremy was able to call me right when they got in and then also the next two nights. They kept him up all night the first night, so he was pretty worn out, and then add the drill ceremony and the soreness- so the first couple calls he was not quite chipper. But then the next couple times I talked to him he seemed better because he was adjusting physically and making friends.
I talked to him Sunday night (before Thanksgiving) right before they were going to "lock up" the cell phones. He had received his gear and gun and they were about to be moved into the training part of boot camp- the "trailer park" is what they call where they stay because the rooms are kind of like trailers and were built over a trash site.
I was surprised on Thanksgiving morning when he called at 6:30am. I almost missed it, luckily he was leaving a long enough message on the answering machine. I picked it up I think just as he was starting to cry- he was so happy to be able to talk to me. We both broke down a couple times during that call. It was kind of hard, and partly I just wasn't sure what to say because I just wanted to cry along with him (and I was). But I thought that would make him worse, when I needed to try and cheer him up-- so he wouldn't have to face any razzing for crying after his call. ;) He really missed being with family though. It's hard not to feel guilty that we're living such a nice life and he's stuck in this harsh environment (it is a feeling of guilt even though I know this was a voluntarily choice.) It's hard to explain I guess. There's just a lot of emotions to explain- it's almost too hard to get it all out- I won't even try.

Anyway, we were excited to get our first letter from him this week! I thought it would be fun to post his letters on the blog mostly for his family to be able to keep tabs on him as I know he doesn't have too much time to write.

19 Nov. 2009 I found a few minutes to write; however it's dark and at 4:30am. Many of us have woken up early for exercise, partly because most of us don't really know what time it is. My back seems to be feeling okay right now, but I know after standing "at ease" for a half hour to an hour, that will change again real quick. So far, boot camp seems to be more about hope, faith and charity than about warfare. The head drill instructor is a staunch baptist and minister and he is not ashamed to proclaim it, which I think is cool. He uses God to motivate soldiers to follow through with their commitments. I didn't expect this out of any of the drill instructors. Most of them are not like that; or at least they don't appear to be like that. They are extremely intimidating. The look as though they live for nothing more but to challenge their soldiers constantly. The tougher they are on us, the better job they are doing. Still, one of the main lines in the "soldier's creed" is, "I will not quit." Some soldiers here talked of quitting, but be assured that I will not. I have made a commitment knowing full well that there will be times of deep uncertainty and disheartening feelings.
Letter continued on 20 Nov 2009.
Today was a very encouraging day. It was challenging, but in many ways, I feel I rose to the challenges. We got our shots today. It wasn't nearly as bad as everyone says it is. They move the line quickly and in 2 minutes, all the shots are done. The last one made everyone bleed, but it wasn't to bad. I got my nerdy glasses today, but they don't seem to be the right prescription. So, hopefully, I can get that worked out and get it checked out. We stood "at ease" for so long today. It makes my back, and arms, and legs really sore. Doubt starts to creep into my mind and that's when I say a prayer and ask Heavenly Father to give me strength to make it through and endure it well. Our drill instructor went over a lot of drill and ceremony stuff tonight. A bit of yelling at those that don't know it yet. I'm glad I worked hard on that stuff before I came. I haven't really been yelled at too badly yet. Tonight at personal time, we had a push-up contest. Before I went the most amount of push-ups was 51. I ended up doing 83, after I had already done a work out, etc. By the time I was done, my whole bay of soldiers was huddled around me, yelling in my face like a drill Sargent. You don't want to know what else they were doing. But they were all impressed. Obviously I won the competition. But it was fun. Well, I love you. I wish I had more time to write and talk to you. I miss you all the time. I can't wait for Christmas break! I will mail the documents necessary for health insurance as soon as I know my mailing address, that way in case it doesn't make it to you, it can be sent back to me. Give the kiddos a big hug and kiss for me.
Love,
Your husband and best friend,
Haps.

If you are wondering what kind of answers we have to the question "why," you might go to Jeremy's blog (click on the link Happy Man from the righthand sidebar) and read what he's written. It doesn't say anything of the inner battles going on inside us, but does share his overall feelings. Anyone who would like to send a letter, I'll include his address. Don't bother sending candy, food, any kind of contraband of course. Just uplifting letters are great!

SPC Van Tress, Jeremy
1st Platoon Outlaws
Alpha Company 3-34 IN
Fort Jackson, SC 29207

GO ARMY!

What are we going to do?!

So, we lose our daddy in 4 days! What are we going to do?! We've been able to all be home together for the last 2 months- as if THAT'S not going to make things worse. I keep telling myself that he's just away on business. If I think about what he's going to be doing, I start to get a little hysterical. I still haven't accepted this whole new route of life, I admit it. I don't know where to start and even worse I've been sitting on this fence of not wanting to start accepting it, still hoping it will go away. These are confessions of the army wife, I guess. Sometimes when I'm in my really level-headed mode I can pull back to the 'even bigger' perspective and I feel that patriotism and pride in knowing someone who is serving the country in such a way. It's incredible when you read the statistics about how ready our country is to protect itself. Only 75% of young men actually meet the standards to qualify for the army. What's happened to the health of our country? Kind of sad. Not readily noticeable because we do tend to do well military-speaking, so noone notices or thinks of the ramifications of the state of our people. Maybe we've all stopped caring- relying too much on vaccines and doctors anyway.
Wow, okay I'm skipping from subject to subject and not even making any real points. So, time to move on. The kids have been my food in life lately. The very things that sustain me. Willie just had his birthday...(I should post those pics)...and it seems like his language just leaped and bounded up. He mimics a lot! And Lucy seems to have increased her level as well. Let's see if I can round up a few of my favorites:
Lucy- likes to say "that's perfect, mom!" "yadayada, then it will be perfect, mom!" Glad she's picking up that perfectionism so soon. When her attitude is in full speed, she'll always pull out the "I'm just trying to help." Climbing up onto the desk to take the big scissors... "I'm just trying to help"... yeah, right, whatever girl.
Willie- says anything and everything someone else says so it always cracks me up how much older he sounds than he actually is. I have to take the blame for the recent acquisitions of some swear words, like: dang it! and crap! Yes, he'll pull those out now on his own. But his full blown attitude comes in a dramatic form, it usually involves a rigid, slightly leaned forward pose, probably a pointing finger, then shouts "yadayada, OKAY!!" I guess it's the way he says OKAY! that you just have to hear it to know he means business.
Ok- so let's see if I can throw some pictures on this random post:




First we have the family's excursion to a local pumpkin patch. This was the kid's first time to a pick a pumpkin (and Jeremy's too I think). The place also had other fun activities, one was a giant 'cornbox' which is kind of like a sandbox, but filled with feed corn. It's so fun.
We had a birthday party for Willie in the barn! I couldn't resist- I had to make it big. I didn't know when I'd get this chance to actually be living near the barn during birthday time again- let alone Willie's birthday, the setting was perfect for a haunted birthday bash! So fun! We probably had about 35 people there. I honestly was expecting more, but it was still way fun. We had a trick-or-treat tree, the trampoline, bouncy horse, hay fort, a pumpkin toss game, and a haunted tic-tac-toe game. We had lots of food. And then finally had a bat pinata to finish the festivities. I love this shot of Jenelle with the cast of the Wizard of Oz in the background. It was fun that every child got to swing at the bat-from the very smallest to the oldest was 11 years old and she actually broke it open. I didn't take enough pictures, but oh well. I was working hard to finish their halloween costumes. As is my tradition, I made them again. Last year was all no-sew costumes (because I didn't have access to a machine) so this year was quite the opposite, quite a bit of sewing involved- which also meant quite a bit of my mom's helping involved! She was awesome and helped til we finally got them done at the last minute. My mother-in-law was also in town to help with party preparations, so that was a life-saver. I even left them all working the morning of to hit up the big sale at Old Navy (spending way too much)... I'm so bad!! Anyway, Willie was Superman. I adore his costume! It's patterned after one made by my grandmother which is very sentimental. It was also my second attempt at doing applique (and I did a much better job than the first, so I'm making improvements). Lucy was going to be a witch, but my sewing job bombed out there. I gave up after it was 95% done, and decided to just make her a costume she'd really want to wear anway...she was Angelina Ballerina. (That's a little white mouse ballerina character from a book series...maybe you know of it?) She had a tail, mouse ears, and whiskers along with her tutu in the final shot, but it's not pictured in the one above. She was pretty cute.
Happy Holidays everyone! In case I don't get around to another post until the baby comes... I'm due on Jan. 6th, though the ultrasound said the baby is gaining weight a little ahead of time and could put me at Dec. 31st. It's a girl, btw. We've been preoccupied with a due date and when she's going to come because Jeremy will only be here for 2 weeks for Christmas and we're hoping he can be at the birth! I'm not sure the option of inducing, though I really don't want to. We'll see how it goes. I have a feeling nothing's going to be ready for when the baby comes... ah, life.

Never stops...

So what's a mom to do? Here I am having baby #3... the next big purchase is a baby carrier. With baby #2, it was a double stroller. Now, I'm feeling the need to have a good baby carrier. For a long time I've heard many mom recommendations about ERGO baby carriers. I totally dig em. I can't say I've tried one, but I like everything about it so far! So, now there's a chance to WIN won...yes, I said win one!! All my friends are laughing and rolling their eyes- well, one or both of those I guess.

Want a chance to win one? Join me, and check out this cool blog: www.Mamanotes.com