Noah called today

Basic is starting tomorrow for him... Long in-processing was the problem. He seems to be doing fine when I talked to him. I know the last two weeks have been tough.

Riley is going out tomorrow to the sand dunes to play for a while. I've really enjoyed following his blog.

LOVE YOU BOYS!

Proud of you, be careful!!!!!

Riley is safely in Kuwait

Just got an email from Riley... He's sitting in a StarBucks emailing :~)

It's hot there but not humid like Camp McGrady, so maybe the training there was a good prep for Kuwait and then Afghanistan.

Thinking of the Boys, actually young Men!

Riley called at 3:00am my time to let me know he was on the plane for a LONG flight to Afghanistan (14 May 2009). By now he should be in Kuwait. Another update on his blog: http://downrangechop.blogspot.com

Noah sent me a letter sharing his thoughts on being in the army now.... He has not started basic yet. Very frustrating for him. In 10 weeks he will have a 3 day pass. I'm excited about that and have started counting down the days.

Riley called today

Well..... Riley will soon be on his way to Afghanistan. He called and we talked for a little bit. It was good to hear his voice. He may be able to call one more time tonight. I hope so!

Noah was not feeling well and basic didn't start this week. Still in-processing. Jenni emailed me to let me know he was doing better.

All y'all take care, Love Ya!

Photos for our enjoyment! :~)

There is no order to the pix below. I was trying to add them in order and had problems figuring out how it site chose "it's" own order :~)) Anyway.......



Noah and Jenni.
Dec 31, 2007

Riley hiking with me at Pine Mountain Trail.
March 2009

Riley and Lisa at the Aquarium.
Sept 5, 2008

Riley and me on the Tiger Cruise.
Dec 2007

Riley and Noah about to have the steaks.
Dec 30, 2007

Riley and me having fun with the fish above us.
Sept 5, 2008

Me grilling some goood steaks,
Dec 30, 2007.....
Yes, in the rain with a glass of wine :~)

Riley posted a movie of him firing a SAW

Riley is leaving this week for Afghanistan.... He has be training for the last two weeks and he is enjoying the weapons but not the grueling/boring parts :~) I told him of this blog so that we can keep each other in touch with what's going on. I am getting some pix ready to publish so that everyone can enjoy.

Riley, call me anytime you can!! Love Ya!! Mean It!!

Noah is on his way to Ft Benning

I got to talk to Noah today (Wednesday 6th May) as he was traveling to Ft Benning. I thought I would not hear from him for several weeks. I got a text msg and it was great. Then we called back and forth. I really enjoyed the contact.

I've been a little sad that both of my sons are going away somewhere. Noah is closer to me, but I can't call him as I would if he were at home. Riley is leaving for Afghanistan on Thursday the 14th of May.

I called Riley today and got to talk to him for a little bit. His mom came to visit so I didn't want to take too much of their time.

I really miss both of them. They are such a large part of my life and I don't know if I have let them know that to the extent that they are. You know the "tough man image" we try to keep up for appearances! :~) I think of them all the time, it's hard to concentrate on anything else. I just pray for their safety and happiness.

Boys, if you read this please know how much I LOVE YOU and honestly try to be there without being a pain in the butt with advice that I think you need to hear :~)

Be true to what you believe in. You two were brought up to believe in what I thought was right. I hope you chose what works for you, you both have made a choice to serve your country. That is a very noble action and direction in your life. I AM SO PROUD OF BOTH OF YOU!!!! Just stay safe and remember that you have family that wants to see you again, safely! :~)

Love you guys, maybe our times shooting and playing will come in handy!!

Noah is on his way to the recruiter's office

Well...... Noah just called and let me know that he was on the way to the recruiter's office, then to Raleigh to spend the night before they head out to Ft Benning. I was sad when we hung up the phone, but Noah's mom is driving him to Sanford so he has support. I am so glad that I spent some time with him and Jenni.

A month ago I was thinking this time would not arrive so soon... Now, it's the day:~( I've been worrying too much about both of the boys. I know every parent worries when they see their children go into the military during trying times like these. Anyway....

Got to see both of my sons before they leave

Noah's going away party was Saturday night. Everyone there had a great time, although somewhat sad knowing that he was leaving for 3 or 4 months for basic and all. I left NC on Sunday, the 3rd, to come back home. I stopped by Camp McGrady to see Riley before he left for Afghanistan. This is tougher than I thought it would be, to see both sons going off for their country. I AM proud no doubt, but concerned. Things will be fine I just like to worry :~)

You can follow Riley's blog at http://downrangechop.blogspot.com/

See ya soon!

North Carolina visit

I'm in North Carolina to visit Noah (youngest son), before he leaves for Basic. He is going to the gym everyday preparing for basic training at Ft Benning.

Riley (oldest son) has a blog now and I read about his adventures at Camp McGrady, part of Ft Jackson. Talked to Riley last night and he described his success in shooting the M16. Riley's blog is downrangechop.blogspot.com

1st Post

I've finally decided to try this. I've been reading many blogs and felt most were worthless other than to record a personal journal. And this may just be my personal journal also. I doubt I will write anything worth sharing with the world but you never know :~)