Refresh

Friends of ours asked us to go see the Christian Rock group Newsboys on Friday. They have been around since the 80s but we have never seen them. I know you are thinking we are kind of old for that sort of thing. I am also sure the kids are a little freaked out at the thought of their parents jamming to some Christian Rock. The truth is, I was really inspired at how they presented to gospel so clearly and unashamed during the concert. They have been featured in the movie " God is not Dead" and also in an upcoming movie "Do You Believe?" Recently I have realized how comfortable I am in my world and that I really need to be prepared to share God's Word in my daily life. In the midst of the loud bass, awesome drum show, see this linkhttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EnPaWcjzhTU, light show, God really used that to remind me to freshen my outlook.

Speaking of refresh, have you ever used a paint sprayer? Those things are clearly made by some sort of evil person. Lauren has a dining table and chairs that we gave her that are over 20 years old. We wanted to change the oak to black table and white chairs. I mistakenly thought using a paint sprayer would be so much easier than plain old cans of spray paint. So, so wrong. I have not been that frustrated and covered in that much paint, ever. I bought a cheaper model and used that first, it worked for the primer then stopped working. Mid- project, thinking a more expensive model would work better, I went to Lowes covered in paint in my really unattractive paint clothes and bought a name brand model. Fail. We ended up going back and getting spray paint to finish the job. Lesson learned. Today I need to return the evil contraption and the paint that we never used. For all that is good in this world, listen to me and just use old school spray paint. They have really bumped up the quality and you get a great finish. The fumes aren't so bad either.

What I am saying friends is, Spring is a perfect time to refresh things outside but inside isn't so bad either. 

Yes, I'm still here

Have you been to a Wendy's restaurant recently and seen the new beverage dispensers? We went for a quick dinner last evening and I was standing in front of this space-age looking dispenser that can supposedly provide over 200 choices of a beverage. As I stood there looking, deciding, feeling ever more stressed about which beverage I was craving, the screen displayed this question, " Are you still there?" First, just because I need to evaluate my selection from over 200 choices and take more than 10 seconds, yes I am still there. Some frequent customer was breathing down my neck so I quickly made a choice but kept thinking about the deeper meaning that the question asked. How can a beverage dispenser make me think of that really philosophical question? 

I am being a little sarcastic but still it made me think. I have enjoyed beyond words my time not working these past 3 weeks. It's glorious. I had no idea how much better I would feel. I know I need to find a part-time job when we return from a week in Florida just so I can say, " Yes I am still here." Time to get back to reality and pull my weight. Now I know why those in education take a sabattical. Well, not really but it's a sweet gig if you can get it. 

I have purchased a sewing machine for the first time in my life. I took sewing in Home Economics in Eighth grade and it was a disaster. The teacher was kind of awful and gave us a pattern and expected us to sew a complete garment. Later when Lauren was born I made the colossal mom mistake and tried to make her clothes when I borrowed a sewing machine. Fail. This time I think it may be more successful. Some of those basic techniques seem to be in my noggin and my expectation is only to sew a straight seam so my low expectations combined with my user-friendly machine, it just work this time. I will keep you posted. 

So still not sure what

Let's see, what have I been up to my first week unemployed? I have exercised, once, but who's counting? I have managed to sleep in later than 6 am a few mornings, I cleaned my wood blinds using a method I saw on Pinterest, obviously since I no longer can think on my own, I have had lunch with my cute girl who also likes Pho and shopped for a few things for her place, NOT had to drive in a few winter storms cause I didn't have to, and figured out what Gunner does all day.

He's hard to keep up with. 

Then today, while looking at my kitchen, I thought it would be a good idea to reorganize my cabinets. Who ever thought that was a good idea? I am now in a vortex of shifting stuff from one cabinet to another then another and it still makes no sense. Someone help me please. More snow expected tomorrow so I can spend another day cooped up inside, with no daylight, wilting from winter, so maybe I will figure a way out of the mess I started today. Anyone reading this that feels the need to tell me it is still winter in March clearly has not lived in Central PA where by this time of year daffodils are usually blooming and forsythia are ready to burst. I am guessing this person might be sitting comfortably somewhere more south of where I am but I am just guessing. I am sure when my vitamin D levels go up I will be more tolerant of those comments.  I'm fine really. Don't send help yet.

So, now what?

It has happened. My last day of full-time employment after 15 years at Messiah College was yesterday. I am certain it was time for me to leave but am freaking out a little inside. Why you ask? Now I need to really do the things I have always used work as an excuse not to do. It's a little daunting. 

I did wake up at 6:15am today but rolled over unti 8am until the sun was shining in the window of my bedroom. I didn't realize that since I have not been in bed that late in forever. Well, during the week. 

In my perfect world, I will find a part-time job doing something that makes a difference, volunteer a few hours a week somewhere, and spend a few hours a week exploring a hobby like repurposing furniture or baking biscotti. The last one I wasn't really thinking about but more than one person asked me if that's what I plan to do. They may be on to something. 

I hope to make a better effort at exercising and daily devotions. This sounds pretty lofty but I think if I say it out loud I will be more likely to do it. 

I am grateful Rich is willing to support my decision and that I can be a kept woman for awhile. He says I will make it two weeks before I look for a job. He might be right. I am hoping I know clearly when a door opens. 

Epic fail

One of my goals for this year is to have one original thought I didn't see on Pinterest. Seriously, I blame Pinterest for turning my brain to mush. 

I saw a pin about cleaning in between the oven door and I just so happened to have a big drip in mine that has been driving me crazy for a month or so. I asked my beloved a couple times to help me but our timing wasn't synching by which I mean he didn't feel like doing it when I wanted him to feel like doing it. So I took matters into my own hands. 

The pinner said you simply unscrew the two inside screws, the door comes apart, you clean the mess and screw back together. At first that seemed like the case, until the whole front of the oven flopped open like some kind of jigsaw puzzle. I was concerned but confident I could do this. Until the one big piece in front fell on my toe and did this. 

Wow, I need a pedicure. Sorry, you can't unsee this.  

Rich then paid attention and came into the kitchen and was, let's say curious as to what I was doing. I asked him to hold the one side and as he moved in to help, one of only  two srews that hold this whole puzzle together went flying. I knew it but he didn't. I was looking for it the whole time he was getting more frustrated and irritated that I thought I could do this by myself. I actually said I don't need him for every project I do when in my mind I knew that probably is not right. I was sweating it knowing soon, very soon he would know one screw was missing. We looked everywhere and the added problem of seeing dirt at that eye level I didn't know was there was also alarming. He shook the drawer under the oven and out fell the screw. Whew! Small miracles. My oven is back together but I am still picking up the pieces of my pride. 

Neptune

As I am writing this Blizzard Neptune is still making a nuisance of himself. We missed the snow but around 7pm last night roaring winds started and a for real polar vortex descended on us. I get jumpy and anxious when it's this windy. We live around many trees and are usually the first to lose power and we did. All night. It was 50 degrees in our house this morning. Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful for a house and protection but this really solidifies my hatred of winter. By this time of year I have had just about enough. 

Earlier yesterday we stopped into my parents house to help them with a critter that was trapped in their  chimney. When I say we I mean Rich. He opened the flue and out flew a starling. The last thing I saw it went straight for my dad's head. That's when mom and I ran screaming. It made the rounds downstairs towards the windows until Rich was able to pick it up and take it outside. Mom and I continued to hide for another 10 minutes until we realized it was outside. Glad we could be helpful. 

While I was there, my dad then gave me a box of my favorite chocolate for Valentine's Day. It's a local family-owned store in a not so great part of Harrisburg. He basically risked his life for me. That's how I see it. My dad is the best.

So while we were hunkered down waiting for Neptune, we made dinner here rather than go out for Valentine's Day. We agreed not to get each other cards or gifts. I think if you are both on the same page with this holiday, that is fine to not celebrate it. We love each other and show each other in lots of little ways so why make it a big deal on one day of the year. We did however celebrate with Lobster and scallops. We needed nourishment for the storm ahead. 

With all the time on my hands, Gunner and I took some selfies. Sorry you have to see this. As usual, he steals the show and looks super excited about all of this. 

Introvert Perspective

My beloved and I went to a friend's surprise party last night. We knew it was going to be a small crowd and we would only know the birthday girl and her husband. I had a conversation with Rich earlier in the week where I stated that he was not to leave my side at any moment. He claimed he has never done that but that was the whole point of the conversation because that has definitely happened before. My worst nightmare is to be stuck in a room with strangers making small talk. Rich assured me he would be attached to my hip for the evening. We arrived and two people were already there and instantly put us at ease and we enjoyed talking to them. 12 more people arrived and we were in a lovely small room and as usual Rich was the life of the party. I don't think there has been one time we have been in a group setting that someone doesn't look at me and say " He must be so much fun to live with." I think I speak for all introverts that comment kind of sounds like perhaps I am NOT that fun to be around. It's really beside the point that, yes, Rich is indeed fun to be around, most of the time. He can work a crowd like nobody's business. It's a gift, I am convinced. On our drive home he said something that was very enlightening. He told me he knows I hate to be the center of attention so he tries to take the spotlight off of me by being who he is in those situations. That is actually very sweet and makes it seem more like a gift than him trying to work the crowd. He's a keeper. 

One gentleman there came up to me as we were leaving and said he told his wife they should be talking to me because I would have much more to say because I am the quiet one. He must be a kindred introvert. 

Also of note, many of my kind might also have an inner Mario that may not be obvious to the common eye. Rich fulfilled his lifelong dream of getting a Corvette and I took it for a spin yesterday. It's a six-speed and although I learned to drive on a stick-shift it's been just about that long since I've driven one. Rich spent some time explaining the intricacies of driving it before I took the wheel. Apparently it's like riding a bike because I owned it and had no problem. He was kind of amazed. I like to surprise him every now and then. Yep, it's the quiet ones you gotta watch.

Girl version of Super Bowl brawl

So it's been awhile I know. Lots has happened but no sense rehashing the last 8 months. Suffice to say a lot has happened. I hope to get back to this more often just because it's a good way to remember the little things in my world.

How bout that Super Bowl? I could have really cared less except I really cannot stand the Patriots so I was basically rooting against them rather than for any team. I will admit it wasn't a boring game. After all the "Deflategate", Tom Brady saying his feelings were hurt, and Sherman's big mouth, I really just wanted it to be over. So when it was almost over, grown men got into a brawl on the field. In what way does flinging other guys around by the helmets and punching and mouthing off make any sense? How does that show good sportsmanship to all the kids that look up to those players? After thinking this I saw something equally disturbing http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/amazon-beauty-pageant-runner-up-grabs-winner-crown-article-1.2100253 . A beauty pageant is basically the girl version of a Super Bowl. The loser usually feels cheated and is just plain old mad. I think what is really the point is that neither one means a hill of beans at the end of the day. Let's all pick up our helmets and tiaras and shake hands and play nice. 

One thing I should mention is that in a couple weeks I will be done working the job I have had for almost 15 years. Seems like I might have more time on my hands and hoping this next chapter is worth talking about. I will keep you posted. 

Fast Forwarding Life

It's May 1 and we will see Garret in exactly 28 days at 0900 hours. That's when we will be able to see him to begin Family Day and later that evening attend The Warrior Banquet. May 29 is basic training graduation and Garret will be decked out in his Dress Blues and I will cry, I mean really cry. Just the thought of it makes me cry.

He was able to make a surprise phone call last night. He has a cold and allergies and has injured his hip so he sounded tired. He is weary and ready to be done with this phase of his military training. I think that's often how life is. You are able to be strong when you see the long road ahead but when it is close to the end of the path, you just get tired. Praying he can stay strong and healthy.

We saw a lot of Rich's family this past weekend when we traveled to Georgia to see Aubrey and Justin tie the knot. It's always fun to see everyone and catch up with friends and family. There were babies too which is an extra special bonus.

Just when they thought we wouldn't see each other for awhile, we were able to share the news that Garret and Kayla are tying the knot too. They want to be together in Japan and if that can happen they have to be married in order for her to be able to go. They had planned to go to the Justice of the Peace when Garret came home on leave after basic training but every girl wants a wedding and Kayla's family also thought that was important so amazingly a wedding has come together pretty well. We are joking that if you get married on a random Tuesday you can pretty much get what you want.

Garret has not taken an easy path. He has crammed graduating from college in 3.5 years, leaving a month later for basic training, and now getting married and shipping to Japan all into 6 months. My heart is anxious, happy, sad, excited all at the same time. I couldn't ask for anything more than the family that will forever be connected to us and in Kayla to be my daughter-in-law. She loves Garret. They will have many new things to deal with as well as learning to be married but we all figure it out some how. I know Rich and I did.

The scariest part of them getting married is that I have no idea how to dance and I had to pick out a mother-son dance song for the reception. I really thought I would have more time to learn these things. Here's hoping my inner Elaine Benes doesn't make an appearance.

Not Ready

Rich was talking to someone yesterday about our kids and they said to Rich how nice it must be that they are all grown and practically on their own. Nope, not our thoughts. If you know Rich you would know he is a tough, sarcastic, tell-it-like-it-is kind of guy. You wouldn't know he is very sensitive about certain things and about three things in particular. Start with the letters L, C, and G. He had a moment last night thinking about how much he is missing Garret and the idea of Chad moving away. In our minds we would all live on the Homestead, farm the land, till the soil, and live out our lives frolicking in the fields all together. Nothing about that is happening. Why did we raise independent, confident kids? Why? I am ready for the next phase of my life but it is not looking like it's ready for me. How can you be glad that three things that were happily our whole life for 21 years moving on to make their own life? I know this all is supposed to happen but we are both having a hard time. Look at their faces? These times were the best days of our lives. Hectic, exhausting, sometimes stressful but always, always the best.

Black Phase

This phase is spent learning all the technical details of being a Military Police Officer. We talked to Garret last night and he said it is similar to being in college. His day starts with PT ( physical training) then most of the day is classroom work and testing. He has an advantage over those that didn't experience college in that he knows how to study and is familiar with that routine. It's not as physically demanding but mentally quite grueling. His Platoon is the top one at his base and even in AIT they are very strict with them. He still won't get his phone except for brief times on weekends. 

He is definitely going to be based in Japan and seems to be looking forward to it. I have been looking at the website for that base and am excited for him and this opportunity. Weather will be warm most of the year and it's on a beach. Sure there could be typhoons and there are volcanos there but I choose to not think of those things right now. There could be worse places. 

I have so many conflicted feelings right now. It feels so final. Do I get rid of all his clothes in his closet now? What about his shoes? He sounds so sure of himself when we talk. I'm glad but he's changed. He would have to. He's been through a lot already. He told Rich basic training was the worst thing he has experienced and will tell us more at some point. Military life is not your typical lifestyle and we really have no reference point. Learning as we go. 

I have come to realize what a valuable gift a college education is. Garret went into the Army with so many advantages to start with and as Chad is trying to find his way, having a degree opens so many doors. Even as he is working at FedEx, if he wanted to, he would have opportunities to advance just because he has a degree and is a hard worker. That's not the path he would like right now but nice to know it's there if needed. I am grateful both boys worked hard and completed college. Not to leave Lauren out, college wasn't for her but she found a trade to work in and is thriving and loves what she's doing. I know college isn't for every one. It's all about finding your niche and running with it. Well for Lauren she should not run when she has scissors in her hand. Just want to be clear. 

I like sushi so there's that

Garret called this past Friday. He was excited to tell us he would be stationed in NY. For a couple seconds. That quickly, he was interrupted and was told he was now getting orders to Japan and it would possibly be for 3 years. OK, nothing similar about the two places but deep breath, and adjust. I knew an International base was possible and I am trying to think of it as an adventure. I know none of us would ever go to Japan and I am sure we will try to go see Garret there. I am waiting to hear when he has this in writing, that's just how I am, a belt and suspender kind of person.

Our conversation was short so we have no more details than that. Anxiously waiting to get to have a real conversation. This experience is testing my ability to be patient. Work in progress.

Oddly enough we found ourselves eating at a Sushi restaurant Saturday night. None of us mentioned the connection. The irony is not lost on me.

We are just preparing for our visit with this bad boy called a Snow White Special Roll. Speaking of Dwarfs, we told Rich he will be a giant in Japan. Also another reason to visit. 

Officially Official

Today I saw something that will forever be known as one of the most precious moments in my life. I saw my boy's face completing basic training and he has that half-smile I love so dearly.

This is the first close-up picture of Garret during basic where I can see his name on his uniform and that face that slays me. I want to just stare at this. I know I am gushing but when I saw this and then this...

Some feeling I totally didn't know I was feeling bubbled up. He will always be my baby. That's all I could think of and now he is officially a soldier and looks like a man now. Next up is AIT. Prayers would be appreciated for this next phase. This will be the nitty gritty of what he loves and wants to excel in. Thanks for indulging a very proud Army Mom.

Opposite Day

I am fully aware that Garret has been through a lot of stress and training that  I would not want to know the details about.  He is probably tired and weary but I will confess that his time away has made him kind of the opposite of how I thought he would be.
We got another letter yesterday and with each one there is increasing "I love you" and "I miss you". The most recent one could not have been sweeter. Garret expressed how grateful he is for all his family and what he is thankful for in each of us and especially his dad. He misses calling Rich everyday. He admires him and wants to be just like him. He appreciates how hard he works and how he treats me. Things I knew but when your kids say it there is extra meaning.
Now don't get me wrong, Garret has always had some tenderness but it was buried deep down and you had to dig for it sometimes. Very Axl on "The Middle". He often walked around without a shirt on and had some of the same mannerisms. We even  called him Axl to his face. This experience has made him so expressive of his feelings and so the opposite of a big, tough soldier.
He also said that he loves what he is doing and is so glad that he has this opportunity. Makes me happy he has no regrets. He has a few more very intense days of basic before he goes onto AIT. They are scheduled to be done late Saturday night after they do recovery which I think has to do with finding all the ammo from the "live fire down range" thing they did. Gulp.
May 29 can't come soon enough when we see him at Graduation.

"Live Fire Down Range"

I have been glad to see updates from Garret's platoon on Facebook and the occasional picture of his face.


He sure does look happy talking to Kayla. Super sweet. This was taken from FaceTime.

Until today. The are completing basic training by having live rounds fired down-range over their heads, five-day field training exercise that includes a 16K road march into the Night Infiltration course, crawling 500 meters while live rounds and flares and grenades are shot over head to simulate combat. What the What? These are not things a mom wants to hear. Garret has been on my mind more than usual this week and I think now I know why.
Life in our house is a bit like live fire down range right now. Chad is about to go to Pro Day at UConn to show his stuff to NFL scouts to see if there is any chance of moving forward with his dream of kicking in the NFL. I can tell he is focused and determined. He is very serious right now. It is something none of us have any control over. It's such a long shot and so unlikely but he has defied so many odds with football that I would never put it past him to accomplish this goal. He is wearing full Army gear for his Pro Day debut in honor of Garret. That is kind of awesome.
This is a time in our lives that we aren't sure what the next chapter will hold. Questions with our jobs, our kids and their career and path, and health all make for a time of uncertainty and even stress. But just as Garret has a "Battle Buddy" that is there for him in basic training, God is always there to be our Battle Buddy. I need to rely on that during these times.

Blue Phase

That seems appropriate. I am so done with the cold, ice, snow, dry skin, dirty car, narrow roads from all the snow that I feel pretty blue. By this time of year usually there is light at the end of the tunnel. I am just not seeing it. It was 1degree last night. I had to layer up when I went to bed to keep warm. I was feeling sorry for myself then thought about Garret. 

He called Sunday. He is doing well but getting mentally and physically tired. They are in blue phase and only have two weeks of basic left. He is glad for that but then told us this week they spend four days and nights outside. In the frigid weather! If it was me I would cry and want my mommy. He actually seemed excited about it. I feel bad complaining when I know what he is going through. He has already sat in a tree stand in bitterly cold for hours and hours so I guess that was good practice. 

It's been a long, cold winter. I am anxious to see a blade of new,  green grass and to see my boy who sounds like a grown-up soldier. It's not far off. 

Gunner on the other hand loves to run in the snow and sink his paws into it. 

I Drive Your Truck

As I mentioned last time, my van was hit by another car and I took it to the dealership to get repaired yesterday. After I talked to several very nice people, the Enterprise Rental Car representative said she would take me out to the parking lot to my rental vehicle. She led me to this.

 

Now do I look like a Ford F150 kind of girl? Nothing about any of it made sense. The rep asked me if I was Ok with this vehicle. I hesitated then thought, "I most certainly am. I will not be intimidated by a ginormous Redneck truck. Bring it on!" Apparently they like to keep you in a similar size to the vehicle you have. This truck is about 3 of my van but I won't squabble over little things. Now I know I am not a petite girl but I still had to claw my way into the driver's seat. I also will recommend to the makers of this vehicle that  a place for my purse would be lovely. There is only a very large console between the seats that opens up for which I imagine is a place for your revolver or Skoal cans. I backed up with my head held high and got on the highway. I may have given some dudes in your everyday average sedans a look or two. After all I was driving a four-wheel beast that could kick their butt.  I returned to work after this appointment and pulled into the employee parking lot and realized the turning radius is non existent so I backed up a couple times to straighten out. The VP was standing in the lot looking at me. As gracefully as possible, I  "hopped" out and politely said "hello" and continued past him with no further explanation. Got to keep people on their toes. 

What is so ironic is that Garret wants to get a truck like this as soon as he knows where he is stationed. I feel like I am driving this in his honor. He called Sunday and apologized for breaking my heart and making me feel like a failure as a mother when he didn't call the week before. Well that's what I heard anyway. He is doing really well. He scored as "Expert" in marksmanship and only 3 others out of 200-plus soldiers received that. He said the worst is missing everyone but basic really isn't too bad. It was just what I needed in hearing his voice. He has a few more weeks of basic before starting AIT or Advanced Individual Training. That's when his military police training will get real. We miss him very much but have settled into a new normal and just trust God will keep him safe. 

If you hear a big ol' truck go by with music blaring it's probably me. At least until I get my inconspicuous, boring Mom van back. 

On Target

Garret called Kayla Sunday to check in. I will allow my lack of comment on the fact that he did not call us speak for itself. He is doing really well in White Phase. He scored so high in the marksmanship testing he was helping the drill sergeants. We thought he might do well in that. The boy has been using guns since he was 12. 

It has been bitterly cold there, much like everywhere this winter. That was one of my worries when Garret was going to basic in the dead of winter.  I am not a fan of this season. Anyone that knows me knows the depth of hatred I have for winter. When it snows and people say it's so pretty, my thought bubble says there is not one pretty thing about it. To emphasize my disdain a car pulled out in front of me again last night on my way home from work because of a huge snow bank that blocked the view and my van is wrecked again. You know I love my "mom van". It's lame, I know, but I just love it. Two wrecks in 9 months? Thanks snow bank, thanks a lot. No one was hurt so I am thankful for that. 

I am anxious for this season to end in more than one way. Hoping to talk to Garret soon. In the the meantime, I will try to figure out what Gunner is thinking. Probably that he hates winter and wishes he could run without falling through a foot of snow. 

White Phase

Rich has been trying to keep my mind off my boy at basic training so we have been doing a few weekend projects. Messy, exhausting, lots of measuring, lots of up and down a ladder, lots of broken fingernails, all to keep our minds off the fact that we miss Garret. I follow his battalion's Facebook page and knew that they would get to call home again on Sunday. Rich and I were in the middle of tiling both bathrooms, covered head to toe in grout but made sure we had our phones nearby every second of the day. From the time we got up until we finally sat down last night and my phone rang and it said "Gib"! I tried to fire as many questions as I could at him and he kind of answered and after 30 seconds said "Is Dad there?" so he talked for about 30 more seconds with Rich and then said he had just hung up with Kayla and was going to call her back and he only had a couple minutes left to do that. We just looked at each other. I am sure he thinks we are fine just going through life as usual and that he needs to talk to Kayla more, but I will go on record and say I vote for equal  air time. Some things don't translate well in a letter and I do have a policy of not getting too involved in my grown-up kid's relationships but I did have a few things swirling around in my head. I will keep them in my head. Things are better that way.

He did say he is glad to move onto White Phase and that is skill development, self-discipline and team building, marksmanship training, and hand grenades. He is loving the marksmanship training and he has a M4 which apparently is a big deal and super cool.

What I do remember is that before he left for basic training he had some online training to take and I sat with him for a few of them. One scenario was what to do if another soldier tries to throw a grenade and it doesn't go far enough. These are the things that keep me up at night.

He called, just not us

Oh young love. Garret got to make his first phone call. He called Kayla. Mind you, I fully expected it but had a moment that lasted about 5 minutes and it passed. (The things that went through my head: "It's fine, I didn't birth you, 10 days late, all 9.5 pounds. It's fine, really!!!") Kayla needed to hear his voice more. He is doing really well but the hardest part is missing everyone. That's sweet. Sundays are the worst he said. Too much free time to think. He really likes his "battle buddy". That's the person they team you up with for basic training. White phase starts the end of this week. He said things will get easier. He loves getting letters from everyone.

I write this as we are watching the Super Bowl. Garret can't watch it. I will tell him the best part was the Kitten Bowl. Commercials have been decent. What about that Bob Dylan and Tim Tebow commercials?  

We had the opportunity to hear David Akers, NFL kicker and one of Chad's inspirations, speak at an area church today. What an awesome testimony. I found myself getting very emotional when he was sharing his journey. It was so similar to Chad's minus the NFL part. I haven't had enough distance from the season yet. I also know that is the path Chad wants to take. Akers' three points were Perseverance, Perspective, and Personnel. We all want our kids to see their goals met. If anyone can do it, Chad can. He got the chance to meet Akers afterwards and he gave Chad his contact information. What an opportunity. Check out his website at http://www.davidakersministries.com for his full story.
Things are getting no more interesting with the game. Until next time, over and out.