ZACK

Gabe, we got Zachary's graduation stuff yesterday, his cap and gown, the announcements, his pendant.  Only problem is... your dad put the wrong middle name down on the order form so all of Zack's cards and stickers say 'Zachary Lyle'.  Dad is so embarassed, which really makes it fun for me!

Zack has been working so hard to get caught up and we have no reason at this point to believe that he will not pass.  His councelor is already talking about college.  I don't know about that, we'll have to wait and see.  College is a whole different world.  I'll just be happy with a high school diploma for now, we'll worry about higher education later.

Dad has a few more months himself before he graduates.  I think his ceremony is in July.  I know he'll be so happy when its all over.  So will I!  Its been a long haul and I hope it pays off.  In the mean time I've had to bite my tongue more than once when he pulls his 'I'm a college student and you're not so that means I'm smarter than you and know everything' attitude.  Okay, I lied, I DON'T bite my tongue, I snap EVERY time!  I think he does it on purpose, just to rattle my cage, I really do (that turd!).  I'm really proud of him though.  I know it was hard for him to go back to school, but he did it, and wow, soon he'll be a college graduate!  He keeps bugging me about my continuing education, but lets face it, there would not be enough room in the house for both of our egos, so we'll just stop with him.

Summer vacation is right around the corner.  The kids have 3 more weeks of school.  I fuss a lot but I'm really looking forward to being able to spend the summer with them and actually doing things together instead of me having to work all day long while they are cooped up in the house.  We'll probably drive each other nuts, but we'll have fun doing it.  And I'll actually be able to spend some time with you when you are in town as well!  So you better plan on spending some time with us, instead of going out all night with your friends and sleeping all day at home.  I'll wake your butt up and drag you out with us, that's all there is to it!

Well, its late and I better get to bed.  Miss you Sugar Booger, Love you!

Mom

AIR ASSAULT SCHOOL!

Dad gave me the great news, you start Air Assault school tomorrow.  I know you are so excited about that.  Dad said you would have to go eventually, everyone at Campbell does since they are an Air Assault post but I didn't think it would happen this soon.  And it got you out of the field, hows that for timing!

Dad also gave me some other news.  He's thinking about volunteering for recall.  We talked about this a long time ago, but I think he's serious this time.  Well, he was serious then, but I don't think he felt the urgency then.  He does now.  I don't think he's physically fit, he's on medicine to control his blood pressure, plus all those aches and pains from the last 2 accidents he was in still bother him.  The fact is he has 22 years of experience, some of it combat.  Even in his current condition anyone who was to serve beside him would be better off because of him.  I would feel better if I knew he had you covered.  He is more of an asset than a risk, and the Army could really use his know-how.  But dang, being a single parent... with teenagers, and 2 daughters?!!!!!  I don't know, I think the bigger battle will be right here in this house!

I'll try to call you tomorrow.  I can't believe Dad didn't share you tonight, that rat!  Oh well, I guess its a father - son, Army buddy thing.  You're still my Sugar Booger!

Miss you, love you.

Mom

p.s. Thats a picture of your dad when he was about your age.  I'm not sure if it was taken in Hawaii or Korea, I'm thinking Hawaii.

Here is one of the million pictures I took of the eagles that day dad told you about.  There were 3 chicks, and they were sooooo cute.  I wish I could have gotten some better pictures, but I didn't want to stress them out.  Besides, the mother took off shortly after I took this picture, no doubt to get in position to attack if I got too close.

I'm so excited about your leave, I can't wait now.  Wish it didn't mean that you were going to Iraq though.  I'd rather not see you if it would keep you safe here in the states, but I know you have to do what you have to do.  I just pray that you and your buddies will be safe.

Auntie Val and Uncle Ken will be stopping by to visit in July on their way out to Alabama.  After his advanced training Ken will be stationed at Fort Drum, and will deploy in April.  Poor Auntie Val, she just got him back.  Just when she thought it was safe, poof, he's back there again.  I believe this will be like his 4th time out there.  He's definitely got an Angel sitting on his shoulder when he flies.  I am so grateful for that.

Auntie Kesi has not been feeling very well lately, you may know this already if you were able to see her over the weekend.  If she has to go in for surgery Dad may drive out there and pick up the kids so we can take care of them while she is recouperating.  I wish she could come out here so we could take care of her as well, but she has Jay.  I just want her to get well.  She's too young to be feeling that bad.

Well, let me get off this thing.  I've got Becca home sick today.  Don't know whats wrong, she was fine yesterday, but now she's complaining about a sore throat and an upset stomach.  She never really got that bug that everyone else had last month, she may finally be coming down with it, poor thing!

Miss you, love you!

Mom

SNIPER SCHOOL

Sniper school?  I hate sniper school.  Being a sniper is a dangerous job.  Why can't you be a.... oh, never mind, there are no safe jobs in the military.

Thats cool though that your chain of command is going to help you get into the school.  Listen to them, take their advice, keep working to improve your skills, and I don't just mean shooting skills, I mean everything, from running, to test scores.  EVERYTHING!  They all contribute to being the best soldier you can be.  I know that sounds corney, like a commercial, but that is what will keep you and your buddies alive to do your mission, which is to come home safe when its all over!

Miss you, Love you.

Mom

BIKER DUDE!

Cool picture huh?  I found it while digging around in my files.  That was taken the last time we all went out on the bikes.  Okay, not 'we', but 'you kids'... I still haven't ridden one yet.  I'll stick to the 4 wheelers, thank you very much!  We mailed the hunting applications today.  We just put you in for preference points but I sure wish you could be here with us this year.  Okay, what I really wish was that you didn't have to be 'there' this year, or ever for that matter.  Oh buddy, this is going to be hard.  You're breaking your mama's heart, you realize that don't you?  Can't be any prouder of you though, and thats a fact!  Even your dad fusses over you like you wouldn't believe.

This staying at home stuff isn't too bad I suppose.  I do get a lot more done around the house and I don't even mind.  What I DO mind is your father's nagging.  I guess he has this whole agenda planned out as far as his expectations for me and I'm not following it.

Good gravy, the kids are fighting again.  I think the one thing I underestimated was the stress level... I thought it would be lower, but in actuality its higher.  At least I have a little time to myself while they're at school and dad is at work to unwind before the evening madness.  Summer should be real fun! I'll probably end up bald, which means I won't have to worry about all that white hair any more!  Hehehehe!

Well, I'm off to mediate the sibling confrontation.  Miss you, love you!

Mom