Andrew Deploys

This deployment, Andrew's second, has been on our minds for a few years. Knowing does not make it any easier when the time for them to leave comes.  

Packing started a month before Andrew left for a 3 month training in the states.  

These items will be loaded on the "slow boat" to meet the soldiers overseas.  

My basement EXPLODED Army! 

I left Andrew alone to pack. I had no clue the state of our basement until I came down once I heard him laughing at how much stuff he really had.  

It is crazy how much Army stuff Andrew has.  I was looking forward to having this out of my basement but half of it is still here! 

My handsome soldier.

The Sunday before Andrew left our church sent Andrew off with prayer.

It did not take long for Pastor to make me cry.  We are so thankful for his church and their support of us and Andrew's service.  

Buddy Bee even got to ring the church bell after church.  

He was trying so hard.

Our little family will be one less in a few days.  

Buddy Bee loves Andrew's cap. 

Us and Pastor Madas.  

Pastor calls almost once a week to check on the Bee and I.

Andrew created a crew of secret people to be there for me during this deployment. I am so thankful for a husband who takes care of me even when he is a world away.  When I receive those calls of support from Andrew's crew, I feel Andrew's love so close to me.  

The day Andrew left Buddy Bee and I started, A Photo A Day Until Daddy Returns. 

Before I took the first photo I knew that if I documented our journey through deployment I needed to be honest.  These pictures and captions would be full of our current emotions with nothing held back.  At times they have become hard to write but it is the reality of deployment.  I want Andrew to see his son's face and to know what we are experiencing back at home.  I may cry through my entries but they have become a way to work through my emotions.   I want to look back and see the pain and tears that we have come through along with the joy.  It will be amazing to post that last picture and to be able to say, "he is HOME"!

I want the Buddy Bee to feel Andrew's love.  I am finding it hard to explain where Daddy is and why he is gone.  I really don't think he understands.  I want him to miss his Daddy and to not forget him.  No better way than to remind him through chocolates!  Buddy Bee gets a kiss from Daddy every morning.....well, now he has talked me into 2 kisses every morning and a possible 2 more at night.  

I had the kiss bowl on the kitchen table until I found this sight.....lets say we have now moved the kiss bowl.  

It was hard to be upset when this cutie could not stop laughing. 

Helping himself to more chocolates.  

This deployment had three goodbyes.  Andrew is not active duty and for the National Guard there is always pre-deployment training in the states.  This pre-deployment training had them changing locations a month into training.   This gave the soldiers a chance to come home for a few days.  I wouldn't trade seeing Andrew again for anything, but I don't know if I can handle 3 goodbyes.

It was during this leave that Andrew's civilian employer threw a company luncheon honoring Andrew's service.

Andrew catching up with his co-workers.  

My handsome dinner date.  We left Buddy Bee to his schooling! 

Andrew is truly blessed with his civilian job.  We are so thankful for their support.  

The days flew by fast and we were soon saying goodbye...

Saying goodbye for the second time.  

We never feel complete when Andrew is gone.  

But I am so thankful for that little cutie to help me get through this deployment. 

Daddy and his little boy.

A sweet little moment with my boys. 

I will never be able to fill Daddy's shoes during this next year.  

 I love this man more because of what he is willing to give up for his family and for his country. 

We drove Andrew to the armory to say our goodbyes for the next 2 months. He would be flying out in the middle of the night with 300 other soldiers.  

  We have one thing to look forward to.  In 2 months we will be on the Gulf of Mexico as a complete family! Then it will be a long 9 months till we have him home.