Home From Afghanistan!!!!

CJ's back from Afghanistan...finally! First of all, the young man in uniform above is Kevin, we were all waiting for CJ to arrive. Sunday the 26th of Oct. CJ called and informed us that he was to be back on the base very early in the morning on Tuesday. Kevin was given Tuesday off, so he came out to our campsite and stayed the night with us. We set our alarms for 1:30 AM, based on the info. CJ gave us, and went to bed very early with hopes of getting some shut eye. Fortunately CJ called us at 1:35 AM and informed us that he would be there later than planned...so we went back to bed. :) We ended up heading to the base at 4:30 AM and followed the buses with our Marines into the gate. The buses took the guys to the armory to return their fire arms while we waited in the cold on Victory Field; fortunately we had blankets and sleeping bags to wrap up in while we waited 2 hours on the field for CJ. It was a bit like CJ's homecoming from Iraq except that the crowd was much more quiet. Around 6 AM the police escort came around the corner followed by 5 buses carrying our Marines. We stood proud holding our signs for CJ to see from the fence with pride, excitement, and relief. The buses stopped, doors opened, and 300 Marines filed out. It was very evident that this deployment was much different than Iraq; the crowd was quiet, the guys were quiet, and a few injured Marines sat on chairs in the midst of it all. CJ found us quickly and the first words out of his mouth were, "whew, I'm done!" We made our way to find his belongings and then to his new barracks, which happens to be in the building right next to Kevin's. When we finished getting his things in his room, we made our way back to the trailer for more hugs, food, and naps and then spent the rest of the week relaxing and enjoying our boys. We had to say our good-byes on Sunday evening to both CJ and Kevin as we were heading home Monday morning, this part I hated. It was good in the fact that they won't be alone anymore and will have each other to call on when lonely, but I had a really hard time saying good-bye to both of them...I really don't like this at all. Can you tell? I do have to admit that both of them will be home around Dec. 21!!! And I must give God all the glory for the fact that CJ has been able to be home every Christmas during his enlistment. How often do you hear of that? What now? CJ has a lot of administration things to take care of, he will go back to Golf Co. to make room for new snipers that will be in long enough for another deployment, and then he will be headed to new and exciting things as a civilian in July. Thank you so much for all of your prayer and support for our whole family while CJ was deployed, we are so grateful. As for Kevin...as it stands now, he will be deploying to Iraq in Feb. which means he will be home for Christmas 2 years in a row...and counting we hope.

Busy Summer

I know, I know, I said I would try to be more diligent about posting. The summer is getting away from me and I can hardly keep up. After Kevin returned to Pendelton, we finished up with school and started soccer camp, church camp, ballet, tap, karate...and the list goes on. We are having a wonderful summer. Kevin was able to make a trip home for the 4th of July. He spent only 3 nights at home before heading back to Pendelton where he will graduate on Aug. 7 from school of infantry. He seems to be doing very well and is now liking it. Before the 4th it was a lot of hiking, now he is actually training in his chosen MOS...mortorman! He thought it would be good to do what CJ is doing, that way he would have a heads up on all that is to come as well as have CJ wisdom and counsel.

CJ is still in Afghanistan. June was a very difficult time for him. They lost 9 guys in a matter of 10 days and a couple of those men were very close friends of CJ's. He has been working hard and has been out on a lot of missions in the past couple weeks. The weather is VERY hot and humid; he says that they fight off mosquitoes all the time and sleep under nets to keep from getting eatin' alive. The mail is taking a very long time, 3-4 weeks. His homecoming date is in Nov. sometime, but I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch. Curt and I will be the only ones going this time as the cost is so high with all of us as well as the weather may not be good for driving, thus we will fly. This should be CJ's last deployment, unless he extends or re-enlists. He has talked of both, so we'll see.

Construction is what is going on here at home...in the house and in the home of others. His "father/son" handyman business is going really well. He has been able to get a lot of jobs on his own plus, he is subcontracted by Home Depot and has been kept quite busy with them too. Since Kevin is gone, Nick has picked up where he had to leave off and is learning the trade quite well.

We have a camping trip or two planned as well as VBS in a couple weeks, so I'm not so sure when I will get to post again. Take care!

What a Month!!!!

We have had the most incredible month ever. CJ has called home many times and is doing well. He is still in Qandahar, Afghanistan and will be for a few more weeks. The rest of the battalion has moved out and is working, however CJ's platoon is still waiting for specifics on their mission. I would just prefer that they don't get a mission and he stays inside the wire where it's safer. Anyway, he sounds great and is really thinking hard about what he wants to do when he gets out...July '09!!!

We attended Kevin's graduation on May 8 and 9, and what a joy and privilege it was. He looked amazing in his dress blues and stood tall and proud. It was a bitter sweet for me as Mom a couple times as I sat there and watched the ceremony; to me it was wonderful to see boot camp come to an end, but I'm not really ready for what is to come. I know that Kevin's faith in Christ is strong and that he is confident that this is where he has been called.

Kevin came home with us for 10 days and caught up on some much needed sleep and food. On Friday night (3 days before heading back) he and I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning talking. I asked if he was ready to head back and he said, "I know this may sound horrible, but I can't wait to go back. I love and miss the training so much." To be honest, this was music to my ears. It would've been so hard putting him back on that plane if he had said just the opposite. As much as I wish he didn't have to go, I am so happy that he is where God has called him.

I'll try to be a little more diligent about posting, once life gets back to normal...whatever that is.

Until then...In God I trust,
Valerie

Phone Call Number Three!!!

Kevin called tonight with great news...he has been named Series Honor Man. He will go before another board tomorrow, and if he passes he will be named Company Honor Man, the highest honor one can achieve in boot camp. To God be the glory for the great things he has done! Kevin assured us that he had bronchitis, not pneumonia like they thought, his pink eye is gone, and he just needs to find his voice again. We are thrilled at all this news, and praise God for his protection and success in Kevin's life. Oh, I just can't wait to see him in less than 3 weeks!

Patiently Waiting

Let's see...it's been 4 days since CJ left for Afghanistan and we continue to pray that he arrived safely. It's been 4 days since we received a letter from Kevin informing us that the pneumonia had returned, and we continue to pray for his healing and hope that he is moving forward with his training. 4 days, that's it! It feels like it's been a month or more. This waiting stuff is no fun! When we hear from either one of the boys, we will let you all know how they're doing.

Until then...

The Dreaded Day

CJ hasn't been allowed to give out his deployment date until this week. Today is Thursday and he'll be on his way to Afghanistan by 7 tomorrow morning. We don't have an address to send letters, he won't be able to receive packages, and there are no phones where he will be based...needless to say, I'm not liking this at all. He will periodically pass through bases with phones and will get to call home, we just won't know when or how often. He sounded good, just kept reminding me that this deployment is going to be very different that Iraq...in many ways. He told me not to worry, like that will happen, and told me that he loved me many times. I wish I could say that I'm OK, but truthfully I'm not. This is really hard and I wish it weren't so, but at the same time I know that God is in control and He is where my strength comes from. I will post more as I hear, until then please join me in praying for CJ's safe return.

Rough Couple of Weeks

I know it's been a long time since I've posted...but it's been a hard couple of weeks. CJ has been out on the range and communication with him has been very minimal. Kevin you know is at boot camp and we can't have any communication with him except by letter. A little over a week ago, Kevin wrote to inform us that he was seriously ill. He had pneumonia in both lungs and was put on bed rest. We had to wait out several days wondering if we were going to get a phone call letting us know that he had to be rolled back to another platoon making his graduation date much later. So far, no phone call. We are praising the Lord for answered prayer! We believe Kevin is back with his original platoon and training hard.

In two days, Curt and I will be making our way to Twentynine Palms, California to see CJ. He will be deploying to Afghanistan sometime early April for approximately 1 year. We are so looking forward to seeing him, on the other hand, not so happy about saying good-bye. This should be CJ's last deployment, he is scheduled to be done serving in the Marine Corps July 2009. He and Curt have some dirt bike riding planned while we're in California; I plan to do some reading, journaling, scrapbooking, and enjoy some much needed quiet time alone.

My Mom will be staying here with all the kids while we're away...keep her in your prayers! ;) We will be gone over Easter which means she will be coloring eggs, fixing little girl's hair, and getting everyone to church on time (or at least close to it).

Curt and I are so blessed to have this time away together...it's been almost 13 years since we went anywhere alone.

I'll fill you in on our time with CJ when we return. Hopefully my computer will allow me to post some pictures, it's been acting up lately.

Huge Privilege!!!!!!!!!!

Tonight we received a phone call from Kevin. I'll be honest, I was very nervous when I heard it was him on the phone. Normally there is absolutely no contact with anyone outside of boot camp once you start training unless there is an emergency. Well...there was no emergency, he just got to call home because he "earned" it. They were fighting with pugil sticks; he hit his opponent in the head and knocked him out of bounds. His drill instructor told him to get up there and do it again, and if he did...he would get a phone call home. What an incentive! He got right up there and did exactly what he was told, thus we were blessed by hearing his voice. He sounded great, well his voice is gone from yelling, but his spirits were up. He said it is very hard sometimes, but he's managing. He also went on to tell us that he has been promoted from squad leader to "guide". This is the highest position you can hold in boot camp. Curt asked if there was any competition and Kevin said that there were a couple guys who want it. We gave him lots of encouragement and told him to hang on to it. This position can be given and taken away many times during training, but we're hoping he can graduate with honors. It really comes down to your drill instructors and what kind of mood they're in that particular day. Kevin could keep this position all the way up to the day of graduation and then the DI could decide to give it to someone else. Either way, we are thrilled and so very proud of Kevin. Just had to share my excitement with you;

First Letter From Boot Camp

We received our first letter from Kevin! He sounded very upbeat, however, he wrote before he had been picked up by his drill instructor. He had finished with reception and his IST (initial strength test) and was to be assigned to a platoon the next day. I'm sure his energetic letters will subside and we'll be able to sense how tired and weary he is in future letters. We now have an address and we have been encouraged to send letters often, especially during the first month, with lots of love and encouragement. If you would like to write to Kevin while he's in training, please send letters to me or send them in an email so that I can be sure to pace them. If he receives too many at one time, they will make him pay for it big time: push ups, sit ups, crunches, running, cleaning, sand pit, or whatever they can think of to make his life more miserable than it already is. Some of you know that his birthday is in early April, please do not send cards! They will really punish him if they find out it's his birthday. He knows that we aren't going to forget him or his birthday; I reassured him that we will be praying for him lots and that we will celebrate when he finishes. I'll keep you posted as the letters come. Love, Valerie

Happy 21st Birthday CJ!!!

This day, 21 years ago, my life changed forever! Never before had I experienced such pain (physically ha ha), helplessness, responsibility, concern, excitement, anticipation, and incredible love. I'm not sure why God chose me to be your mom, but I do know why He chose you to be my son. You have brought an incredible amount of joy and excitement into mine and Dad's lives; you're always on the go, you have huge dreams and goals, you look at life's obstacles as challenges and make it a goal to conquer them, and you've grown, and are continuing to grow, in your relationship with Jesus. I am proud of you and respect the path you've chosen to serve God by serving our country, and I pray for you daily...sometimes hourly. I wish we could celebrate this day with you, however know that I am celebrating in my heart. Happy Birthday! I love you! Mom

Major Event!

OK, I'm sure there has got to be something manly about this, but because I'm a "girl," I don't quite get it. I don't recall it being such a big event when CJ or Kevin began shaving, but for Nick it was as if we should've had a party or something. I'm sure it's due to the fact that he desires to be like his brothers in many ways. Anyway, Curt and Kevin were very encouraging and right there with Nick as he took the blade to his face; I think Kevin was more excited than anyone. There was lots of laughter and joking around, and the only difference I can see is that Nick's face looks clean. (this was posted with Nick's permission)

"Daddy, can you take off the wheels?"

Last Sat. Kaleigh came running in the house asking, "Daddy, can you take off the wheels?" She claimed that she knew how to ride her bike without training wheels. Curt thought it was worth a try and proceeded outside to fulfill the request. With very little help, Kaleigh took off on her own. She had a little trouble starting on her own, and a little more trouble watching where she was going, but she can certainly ride without the training wheels. Since then, she takes every opportunity allowed to be outside practicing. She can now start on her own, but still needs to work on looking up instead of down at her feet. Yea Kaleigh...you did it!!!

Kevin Called!!!

We've been expecting a call from Kevin letting us know his address and that he's arrived safely...and he called, but he was reading what he was supposed to say. He said, "This is recruit Kevin Wheeler calling to inform you that I have arrived safely at MCRD. My graduation date is currently set for May 9. If there is a change with the date, you will be informed. The next time you hear from me will be by letter through the US Postal Service. I will send my address at that time." I quickly gave him a message from CJ informing him to label everything he owns, even if it takes all night. Kevin's reply was, "Everything's labeled...bye." Our call was then disconnected. Somewhere in there Curt was able to sneak in a "bye bud". There was no emotion in his voice, it was as if he was a robot. I can only imagine there was a drill instructor hovering over his shoulder. I called CJ to let him know, and he said, "Oh, it's already started." I guess I should be thankful that we were hear to recieve his call and he at least heard our voices. I will post again when we recieve his letter. I wish I could pass out his address, but if he gets too many letters...he will have to pay for it, and it won't be pleasant. If anyone wishes to write letters of encouragement, you can send letters or emails to me and I will send them out for you. This way we can keep things spaced out and keep him out of any unecessary "physical training".

Heartbreaking...but Proud Day

Today we dropped Kevin off at his recruiter's office. He will stay in Denver for the night and then hop on a plane tomorrow headed for San Diego. Those infamous yellow foot prints are less than 24 hours away. It was so hard, you'd think it wouldn't be as difficult since we've already done this, but I'm guessing that it's due to the fact that we already know what to expect...no contact for 13 weeks, not sure if everyone will be together for future holidays, deployments, not being with him on his birthday...On the flip side, we couldn't be more proud of the decision both CJ and Kevin have made. Curt and I have a whole new found respect for those who've chosen to serve in the military; they sacrifice so much of their lives so that we can have the freedom that many of us take for granted (including me). In closing, if you have little ones...treasure every moment you have with them, they grow up so fast!!!

A Family Favorite

One of our favorite things to do as a family is roller skate. We started a while ago with our homeschool group and have realized how much fun it is for everyone in the family. I wish I had video of Tony (7). It truly looks as if his legs are made of rubber bands. We aren't quite sure how he stays up, but he does. Trinity (3, shown here with Curt) picked it up quite fast. She tends to shuffle a little, but makes it around the whole rink without any help. I do get a bit worried when she sees me from across the rink and decides to make her way back by cutting across the middle of the rink. We call it "crossing the freeway". Destiny has a reputation of winning at the game Limbo. Chris (shown here behind Curt wearing blue jeans) goes around "helping" people. I'm not so sure he really is doing them a favor, but his intentions are good. He often finds little ones and tries to hold their hand...while trying to stay on his own two feet himself. We'll be at the rink again on Thursday if any of you want to join us. :)

We love the snow!

This is our second winter here in Colorado, and we love it! The sky is the most gorgeous blue, the air is clean and crisp, and the snow covered mountains are breath-taking. This winter has been mild compared to last, but we have managed to get a few inches of snow every week or so. This past Sat. Curt took all of the kids to the park to go sledding; I stayed home with a nasty head cold. They were at the park for 4 hours! When they returned, we sat down for some vegetable beef soup and later some hot chocolate...with marshmallows of course. I'm posting a few pictures of the fun they had.

Top is Christopher and Kevin.
Below is Destiny.

From Colorado to you...

Hi, we are the Wheeler Family. I am Valerie, proud wife of 22 years to Curt. We met while in high school at a church we were attending with our families in California. Shortly after graduation we married and began the journey of a lifetime together. Our marriage is built on Christ the solid rock, and every day we are growing together in our love for Jesus and one another. We recently moved from Hawaii, where Curt was working as a paramedic, to Colorado where he now has his own handyman business. I am a stay-home-mom to 10 gorgeous blessings from Heaven, and wouldn't change for the world. Yes, I have days that are very challenging, but He is strong where I am weak. Here are a few things about our children:

CJ-21 in Feb. Scout sniper in the Marine Corps and stationed in Twentynine Palms California. Served 7 months in Iraq last year and is headed to Afghanistan in April for another 7 months.
Kevin-18, right hand man to Curt with handyman business, however leaving for Marine boot camp in Feb.
Desmond-18, attending Pikes Peak Comm. College, working at Panera Bread, and moving in the direction of attending Moody Bible Inst.
Nick-15, driving!!! Got his permit recently and trying to put in hours on the road. He is in the 9th grade and is being home schooled. His favorite subjects are History and Computer animation.
Ryan-11, will shoot hoops for hours, loves, loves, loves reading the Bible, and currently taking Karate. He is in the 5th grade and is also home schooled...as are all the younger children.
Destiny-8, has the biggest brown eyes I've ever seen. She loves school and her favorite subjects are Spanish, cooking, and dance. She recently started her own business of making greeting cards.
Christopher-8, has a smile that goes from one ear to the other. He's usually the first one ready for school and today wrote God a letter and then asked me what His address was.
Tony-7, is very sweet, quiet, and beginning to come out of his shell. Tony loves fire engines, music, and riding his bike. Tony has no fear and often has me gasping for air.
Kaleigh-4, just learned how to spell her name and is telling everyone she knows, she sings at the top of her lungs while in the car, and loves to help in the kitchen.
Trinity-3, can't keep from dancing if there's music on, can spell Kaleigh's name, is a huge fan of "Dora the Explorer", and thoroughly enjoys cutting paper into tiny pieces.