The Test of Time

As you can see by my crazy calendar, I've really been marking down the days till Casey's graduation. It feels bittersweet to do so. On the one hand, it means I'm getting closer to the day I get to see him again. But on the other hand, it means I've gone a long time without him. As of tomorrow, it will be 40 days without Casey.

I'm really grateful for all the support I've received from my family and friends. You are all a huge blessing to me. I'm glad God has put each and every one of you in my life!

Honestly though, I think my dogs are my biggest comfort. For one, they always know when I'm upset, and they instantly comfort me with doggie-kisses. I can't cry around Hammie without him coming over to check on me. It's very weird how perceptive they are! Second, they are going through just as much Casey-withdrawal as me.

And the other big reason is: they don't talk. Now this might sound like a strange comment, but let me explain. People, no matter how sincere, say stupid things. I usually brush off peoples advice as "good-natured", but that doesn't mean that it's not insensitive. Much like telling a pregnant woman she looks huge, it is not okay to say things like, "You seem to be doing fine without him" or "Wow, time really has flown by". Why? Because it's a lie! As good as I "seem" to be doing, does not mean that I don't have VERY rough days. And when you live alone, time does NOT pass quickly...it crawls. Hence, why my dogs take presidency over everyone else!!

Sorry, I finished my "mini-rant"...on to other news.

Casey continues to be doing good. His TI's have started to take notice of him more...not in a bad way, but in a he-does-things-better-than-others way. As much as he'd like to be a "fly on the wall", his other bunk-mates rely on him to much. He continues to improve in his physical training too. He's told me that the work isn't getting easier, but that he is getting better. If you can't tell, I'm super proud of him!

We have 2 1/2 weeks to go until he's done with basic. Starting Monday is B.E.A.S.T. week (Basic Expeditionary Airmen Skills Training). From all that I've heard and read, this is the favored week of most Airmen. Their group is required to set up a base, and run it all on their own...along with other field exercises. Casey has been looking forward to it ever since he enlisted!

Please continue to pray for both of us. God is truly working wonders in both of our lives, and we can't wait to see where he leads us!

Unforseen Hiatus

Hello Internet World! Oh how I've missed you! For the last few weeks I have been struggling with my internet service.

It works...

It doesn't work...

It works...

It won't respond...

What is wrong with you, you stupid machine?

It's totally dead...

And since I am a major procrastinator, I saw no point in taking care of the problem right away. Instead I just went without. I know, I know, HOW COULD I? Having married a computer genius, I figured I would write to him and tell him what was wrong, and then wait for his response. Well, that was stupid. It's hard enough following his instructions on a phone, let alone in a letter. Some of the words he used I didn't even understand! What in the heck is a firewire? So I knew I was going to have to do something soon.

But here is what it really boils down to: I didn't want a stranger in my house. Now some of you might think "wimp", but when you're a married woman living alone, you probably will think otherwise. Thankfully, we have a really great friend who works at Cox (our internet provider). Brent came over on his own free time, figured out the problem, and set up an appointment for me the next day. I didn't even have to deal with customer service!! He then came out and fixed everything! Hallelujah!! What a huge relief.

**Side Note** Dear Cox: You have an amazing employee. He went above and beyond. You should give him a HUGE raise.

So now I have internet, and I have a feeling some of you might like an update on Casey's life at Basic. Well, he's thriving! I don't mean to say that it isn't VERY VERY hard work ('cause it is), but he is certainly rising to the occasion. He seems to be doing everything perfect! In fact, he's having to work on his push-ups on his own free time, 'cause he isn't getting called out enough.

Apparently he folds his clothes perfectly...something I'll have to see to believe! He never did that at home! AND he has become the "mother hen" to about 4 or 5 of the guys in his flight. This I can believe. Casey has always been a really good listener, motivator, and instructor. He was asked if he wanted to lead anything, but turned them down. He prefers to lead by example, and I think his instructors appreciate that.

He LOVES the church service. The pastor is un-apologetically spiritual. And the praise band is great too. This was a huge relief to hear. I didn't want him to fall away from his faith while he was there.

So other than that, I think he is falling into military life pretty well. We are both so grateful to God for leading us down this path. It might have been the hardest decision we ever had to make, and it might be a long haul, but we know we are following the Lord. And that brings both of us great joy.

Please continue praying for both of us. Some days are always going to be harder than others, and we can always use the constant re-assurance. Pray that we both take advantage of this time apart, and that we don't waste the time God has given us. I thank you so much for all of the prayers you have sent our way, they help more than you could ever know!