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!!!