Kellie,
I hope you aren't mad at me for not writing more, but I can't really explain how little time we have here. They are trying to teach us the importance of time management, and their method of doing it is by giving us very little time to accomplish a lot of tasks. I'm getting used to it, but the first couple of days were pretty rough. The atmosphere here is completely different from basic training. It is much more professional here. The training cadre don't swear or yell at us at all. They simply tell us what they expect and get out of our way. The standards are really high though, but so far we seem to be managing. Yesterday we did an obstacle course that was a lot of fun. But I was pretty tired when it was over. Today we had a 4 mile run in the morning which wasn't that bad at all. However, after we ate we had to do the combat water survival test. It is where you have to jump into the pool in full uniform with boots and swim the length of the pool, then you have to jump off the high dive blind folded, and then you have to jump back in and ditch all your gear on the bottom of the pool. Oh and by the way you do all that with a weapon in one hand so you pretty much are swimming with double your body weight (maybe that's an exaggeration) with one arm. The thing about our company is we are notorious for running so instead of getting a bus to the obstacle course and pool, we ran. It isn't much fun running 1 mile or so in boots, but now more than ever I'm really glad I got these new Nike boots. Thank you so much for being so cool about all the money I had to spend. I know how much it stresses you out. It will all be worth it in the long run. That's what I've been telling myself every day. I'm just focusing on the mission at hand and putting one foot in front of the other. I'm sure you're doing the same thing there. I've been praying for you every chance I get that you'll be happy and enjoy teaching as much as you can. I've also noticed a big change in my attitude and the way I feel about being here and i'm sure that's because of your prayers for me. Thank you so much for supporting me and loving me. I really don't deserve you but I'm glad I got you! My roommate is Amerson. He was at Ft. Leonard Wood in my company. I introduced him to you but you probably don't remember. It's kind of nice to be with someone I already know. The best part is being in a two bedroom room instead of a 30 man bay. How is Brooklyn adjusting to being at Paula's? I'm sure she is doing just fine. I miss her a ton. I still can't believe how much she had grown, and it kills me to think how big she'll be in 12 weeks. I keep reminding myself that you will be here in 6 weeks for branching. 6 weeks are going to fly by and we will be together again before we know it. Well baby, I better wrap this up so I can shower. There have been a couple of times when I literally didn't have time to shower. Gross, I know. I love you and Brooklyn so much! I'll be thinking about you and praying for you.
Love,
Mr
PS I just heard I might get to call you Sunday so this may have just wasted my time writing this. Oh well, it makes me feel good knowing you will get something from me.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
23 Aug 2011
Baby,
I don't have a lot of time, which seems to be the norm here at OCS, but I wanted you to know how much I love you and appreciate you. First of all, today was much better. The 3 mile run wasn't that bad and I passed the packing list inspection so it started off on a good note. The only bad thing was we literally only had 15 minutes for the whole company to eat breakfast, change into ACUs and report to a different building for class. It was crazy! Other than that it was a good day. I am sure it was all because of your prayers. I love you so much and am so grateful to have your support, love, and understanding. today I felt like this is going to be a hard school but I can do it. The hardest thing is just missing you and Brooklyn. I love the two of you so much you can't even imagine. I'm sorry it has taken me a few days to write and that I can't call more often but eventually we will get phone privileges for personal time. The biggest problem right now is the complete lack of personal time. Everything is go go go all the time. I'm just doing everything I can to keep up. I know this is short but I need to get some sleep tonight because 4 hours a night just isn't cutting it. I love you so much and I'm always praying for you and Brooklyn. I hope school is going well. I'm sure it is because you are amazing!
I LOVE YOU!
Callen
I don't have a lot of time, which seems to be the norm here at OCS, but I wanted you to know how much I love you and appreciate you. First of all, today was much better. The 3 mile run wasn't that bad and I passed the packing list inspection so it started off on a good note. The only bad thing was we literally only had 15 minutes for the whole company to eat breakfast, change into ACUs and report to a different building for class. It was crazy! Other than that it was a good day. I am sure it was all because of your prayers. I love you so much and am so grateful to have your support, love, and understanding. today I felt like this is going to be a hard school but I can do it. The hardest thing is just missing you and Brooklyn. I love the two of you so much you can't even imagine. I'm sorry it has taken me a few days to write and that I can't call more often but eventually we will get phone privileges for personal time. The biggest problem right now is the complete lack of personal time. Everything is go go go all the time. I'm just doing everything I can to keep up. I know this is short but I need to get some sleep tonight because 4 hours a night just isn't cutting it. I love you so much and I'm always praying for you and Brooklyn. I hope school is going well. I'm sure it is because you are amazing!
I LOVE YOU!
Callen
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Graduation Videos
I'm having a hard time getting the videos to upload, they keep giving me some kind of problem, so these might have huge gaps in them, but this is the best I can do. And once again I apologize for the poor quality/shakiness, I had a toddler in my arms the whole time. And once again, these are not all of them. They take forever to load, so bear with me over the next few days. (Single, working mother)
Here is the actual graduation ceremony:
Here is the actual graduation ceremony:
Monday, August 22, 2011
Boot Camp Graduation
(I have not finished uploading all the videos, it is taking a long time, so I will add the rest in a separate post tomorrow). Brooklyn and I flew out last Tuesday for Callen's graduation. Weds we had a family briefing at 9:00 am, then got to spend all day with him, on post. 
We dropped him back off at the barracks for formation. They did a little "smoking" show so we could see. When I asked Callen about it later he said it was just an easy one for the families to see. (Excuse any poor quality films... I still had a toddler to take care of...)
. !)
Thursday morning we were back on base for his 9:00 am graduation. He did it! And he even spoke at the ceremony... His drill sergeants... 
His family. 
That night he had to be back once again by 8:00. They had to be in their ASUs all day. We spent the day at the hotel, swimming, going out to eat... and poor Callen even got to take a nap! First time in months. :) When we got back to the barracks, the drill sergeants had run into one of the females out of her ASUs at Walmart, so they got smoked for real. It would be so frustrating to be punished for other people's mistakes!!! But Callen is amazing and did a great job! (Notice all the banners his platoon has! They won Honor Platoon for being so amazing and winning most of the competitions!) 
He shipped out the next morning on a bus to Ft. Benning, about an hour from Columbus, Georgia. He spent Saturday purchasing his stuff for OCS, then Sunday at church and then last minute prep stuff for the company to start the next day. Today he got up and did PT test first thing. He is guaranteed a spot in this class as long as he passed his PT because he is a reservist. The rest of the guys had to compete for the rest of the spots. He called this evening with his address. He passed his PT test, so so far, so good. Tomorrow he has to do inventory of all his stuff. If he is missing even one thing, he gets recycled (kicked out of this company and has to wait for the next one in 3 weeks...). They also have a 3 mile company run. Once again, if he falls behind, he gets recycled. Needless to say he is very nervous about the next few days as he readjusts to new commanders and expectations. Please keep him in your prayers! He said he probably won't be able to call for a few weeks, so letters is all we have... Here we go again... (Please write him
We dropped him back off at the barracks for formation. They did a little "smoking" show so we could see. When I asked Callen about it later he said it was just an easy one for the families to see. (Excuse any poor quality films... I still had a toddler to take care of...)
. !)
Thursday morning we were back on base for his 9:00 am graduation. He did it! And he even spoke at the ceremony... His drill sergeants... 
His family. 
That night he had to be back once again by 8:00. They had to be in their ASUs all day. We spent the day at the hotel, swimming, going out to eat... and poor Callen even got to take a nap! First time in months. :) When we got back to the barracks, the drill sergeants had run into one of the females out of her ASUs at Walmart, so they got smoked for real. It would be so frustrating to be punished for other people's mistakes!!! But Callen is amazing and did a great job! (Notice all the banners his platoon has! They won Honor Platoon for being so amazing and winning most of the competitions!) 
He shipped out the next morning on a bus to Ft. Benning, about an hour from Columbus, Georgia. He spent Saturday purchasing his stuff for OCS, then Sunday at church and then last minute prep stuff for the company to start the next day. Today he got up and did PT test first thing. He is guaranteed a spot in this class as long as he passed his PT because he is a reservist. The rest of the guys had to compete for the rest of the spots. He called this evening with his address. He passed his PT test, so so far, so good. Tomorrow he has to do inventory of all his stuff. If he is missing even one thing, he gets recycled (kicked out of this company and has to wait for the next one in 3 weeks...). They also have a 3 mile company run. Once again, if he falls behind, he gets recycled. Needless to say he is very nervous about the next few days as he readjusts to new commanders and expectations. Please keep him in your prayers! He said he probably won't be able to call for a few weeks, so letters is all we have... Here we go again... (Please write him
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Last Email and (probably) Last Letter!
8 Aug 2011
Hey baby,
Today was a pretty good day. It was the first day of FTX 3 (Field Training Exercise or Experience...). We were supposed to leave for the field at 5:00 AM and do different things like convoy operations, room clearing, and medical care but once again the weather messed us up. About 20 minutes before formation it started pouring rain and lightning a ton. Because of the lightning we weren't able to go to the field so we had to do the best we could and do the missions here. It was pretty disappointing, but we are making the best out of the situation. One of the worst parts about FTX is the guard duty. At night we have to have 5 people on guard duty which means most of us will have 2 shifts at night. I'm really looking forward to less sleep than normal. The best part of today was when we got to play terrorists. We put on man dresses and head scarves and the whole shabang. Now that I think about it the real best part of the day was getting mail for the first time in 4 days. I got 4 from you and 1 from my dad. The pictures you sent were great, except I really look like I'm going bald in the gas chamber pictures. I hate thinking about that day because it was so miserable. You and Brooklyn look really cute though. I'm getting so excited to see you two.
Babe, I need to get to bed because it's going to be a busy couple of days. I love you so much and am always praying for you.
Love,
Me
8 Days left!!!
Sunday Email
I'm so sorry you haven't been getting letters but I honestly haven't had any time to write. OUr final FTX was a lot of fun but the days were long and hot. For the last several days we have had to clean everything and I mean everything! It is boring work but It'll be over soon. I can't wait to see you and I can hardly believe it's getting so close. Our final inspection is tomorrow so today will be spent getting things perfect and after tomorrow there shouldn't be that much to do. Just think about you...I can't wait to see you until then I'll be thinking and praying for you. Travel safely! I love you!
Hey baby,
Today was a pretty good day. It was the first day of FTX 3 (Field Training Exercise or Experience...). We were supposed to leave for the field at 5:00 AM and do different things like convoy operations, room clearing, and medical care but once again the weather messed us up. About 20 minutes before formation it started pouring rain and lightning a ton. Because of the lightning we weren't able to go to the field so we had to do the best we could and do the missions here. It was pretty disappointing, but we are making the best out of the situation. One of the worst parts about FTX is the guard duty. At night we have to have 5 people on guard duty which means most of us will have 2 shifts at night. I'm really looking forward to less sleep than normal. The best part of today was when we got to play terrorists. We put on man dresses and head scarves and the whole shabang. Now that I think about it the real best part of the day was getting mail for the first time in 4 days. I got 4 from you and 1 from my dad. The pictures you sent were great, except I really look like I'm going bald in the gas chamber pictures. I hate thinking about that day because it was so miserable. You and Brooklyn look really cute though. I'm getting so excited to see you two.
Babe, I need to get to bed because it's going to be a busy couple of days. I love you so much and am always praying for you.
Love,
Me
8 Days left!!!
Sunday Email
I'm so sorry you haven't been getting letters but I honestly haven't had any time to write. OUr final FTX was a lot of fun but the days were long and hot. For the last several days we have had to clean everything and I mean everything! It is boring work but It'll be over soon. I can't wait to see you and I can hardly believe it's getting so close. Our final inspection is tomorrow so today will be spent getting things perfect and after tomorrow there shouldn't be that much to do. Just think about you...I can't wait to see you until then I'll be thinking and praying for you. Travel safely! I love you!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
August 4th
My love,
Every day makes us a little closer to seeing each other. I can hardly wait babe! We saw a company march to their graduation in their ASUs today and it made me so jealous! Today was a pretty good day. But once again the weather was crazy! About 15 minutes before morning formation it started to rain like I've never seen before. It seriously rained about 6 inches in a matter of about 1 hour. And you better believe we still had to march to and from chow, which is 1/2 mile round trip. Needless to say we were completely soaked. It was a pretty interesting beginning to the day. For a while I thought we were going to have a tornado or something. Because it was so wet outside we did combatives again at the gym. I'm pretty sure combatives has been my favorite part of basic training. I think I want to get into it when I get home, as long as it isn't too expensive because we are both cheap. I was also thinking about what I would do when I get home as far as work and school go. I think my first priority will be to pick a few schools we wouldn't mind going to and see what it would take to go there. Then I will know a little better how well I need to do on the LSAT. With the job situation I think I should try to find something so we will have a little extra income. I know you are making the big bucks and everything (yeah right) but it couldn't hurt. The problem will be finding one there but I think if I'm a little more diligent about it I'll find something. I guess a lot of it will depend on when I have my OBC training. I'm hoping we can put it off until the summer so I can take you and Brooklyn with me. I don't want to be away from you guys again. Sorry I didn't write yesterday but we were really busy cleaning our weapons and wall lockers for an inspection. Everything had to be perfect so it took a little time. But it was worth it because I passed and didn't get smoked. I don't really have much else to tell you except that I love you and can't wait to hold you!
See you soon babe. I love you.
Every day makes us a little closer to seeing each other. I can hardly wait babe! We saw a company march to their graduation in their ASUs today and it made me so jealous! Today was a pretty good day. But once again the weather was crazy! About 15 minutes before morning formation it started to rain like I've never seen before. It seriously rained about 6 inches in a matter of about 1 hour. And you better believe we still had to march to and from chow, which is 1/2 mile round trip. Needless to say we were completely soaked. It was a pretty interesting beginning to the day. For a while I thought we were going to have a tornado or something. Because it was so wet outside we did combatives again at the gym. I'm pretty sure combatives has been my favorite part of basic training. I think I want to get into it when I get home, as long as it isn't too expensive because we are both cheap. I was also thinking about what I would do when I get home as far as work and school go. I think my first priority will be to pick a few schools we wouldn't mind going to and see what it would take to go there. Then I will know a little better how well I need to do on the LSAT. With the job situation I think I should try to find something so we will have a little extra income. I know you are making the big bucks and everything (yeah right) but it couldn't hurt. The problem will be finding one there but I think if I'm a little more diligent about it I'll find something. I guess a lot of it will depend on when I have my OBC training. I'm hoping we can put it off until the summer so I can take you and Brooklyn with me. I don't want to be away from you guys again. Sorry I didn't write yesterday but we were really busy cleaning our weapons and wall lockers for an inspection. Everything had to be perfect so it took a little time. But it was worth it because I passed and didn't get smoked. I don't really have much else to tell you except that I love you and can't wait to hold you!
See you soon babe. I love you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)