Growing Boy's

I can't belive how big the boy's are getting! We got our first shipment of fall clothes in the mail, now just waiting for one more. I love having these 2 beautiful boy's in my life, they are truly a blessing. And look how much they look like Josh, Rykkar especially.

An experience from Josh

So Josh shared a very cool experience that he had just the other night and I thought I would pass it on....

Josh and another soldier were put on guard watching over some nationals working an elder and 4 other boy's in between the ages of 10 and 14. At first the boy's were acting as if they were talking badly on Josh and the other soldier, kind of making fun of them I guess you could say. Later on in night Josh approached the boy's and elder and started talking to them in their native language, Pashto. The boy's helped Josh with the translation and they all had a real conversation. The boy's thought this was the coolest thing ever that a soldier was speaking to them in their launguage, trying to converse. So after this the elder smiled at Josh and looked at his watch and then wanted to see Josh's watch. So Josh lifts up his sleeve to show the elder his watch and the elder makes a gesture to trade.... Soooo without even thinking about it Josh starts taking off his watch to hand to the guy and trade him. The elder asks Josh in Pashto if his watch is waterproof but Josh doesn't understand. So the elder walked over to the ice chest put his watch on top of all the ice and looked at Josh. Once Josh understood he laughed because of what the elder was asking (seeing as we have had waterproof watches in the states forever). Josh takes his own watch opens the ice cooler and places his watch clear to the bottom. All the boy's and the elder started laughing hilariously and Josh joined in. The elder walked over to the ice cooler and dug into the bottom to grab Josh's watch and put it on. Josh then took the elder's watch off the top of the ice and put it on. They shook hands and said "Thank You" in Pashto.

This was such an amazing and bonding experience for Josh and it was so neat of him to share this with me. It goes to show how much we take for granted and don't even think about here in the states.

So Excited for Fall

I don't know about anyone else but I can not wait for fall. I'm pretty sure fall is the best season of all. Love buying the boy's their new fall clothes, burning yummy fall candles like pumpkin pie and vanilla spice and we get to go to Utah! I can't wait to go to the states in October. I am very intimidated on how we're getting there, but I'm sure it will all work out. We are planning to fly Space A but that means I have to drive to Ramstein which is 3 hours away. For those of you who don't know what a german highway is like, the autobahn, then you wouldn't understand. Just imagine Ferrari's driving past you so close and so fast that your car almost blows off the road lol. That's a pretty good description of how it's like. I personally haven't driven on the autobahn so I'm a little terrified of this. Thank goodness for our trusty GPS or I wouldn't go. The roads and autobahn's out here are crazy and you can get lost easily. Also once we get to Utah the end of October, we only have like 1 1/2 months until Josh comes to Utah for R&R! So excited and looking forward to fall.

Brothers in Arms

Josh and Jon just so happen to be stationed in the same area and were able to meet up with eachother. How fun is this picture! No war can seperate these brothers :) I'm glad Josh and Jon were able to reunite before Jon ends his 12 month tour and Josh finishes his 12 month tour. We love you both and are extremely greatful for the sacrifice that you so willingly give. God bless you.

Josh in the Sand Box

Josh has been deployed now for a month and he seems to be making the best out of it. We have all pulled together as a family and are making due until we are back together in the same household. I thought it might be fun for everyone to see a picture of him while he's down range. Here's one... Enjoy!

Sad

I'm using this as an outlet for this post so bare with me... I hate today. I hate that we are at war. I don't understand why people hate other people. Aren't we all from the same place. Didn't we all come down here for the same reason?
I love you so much Joshua. It is almost unbareable to be this far away from you knowing the circumstances that you are put in. I am at a loss as to what to do without you.
It's so incredibly hard to put a strong face on and go on with my day. Raising our 2 beautiful boy's is sooooo hard without you. They remind me so much of you. Rykkar is the spitting image of his daddy with your big loving heart. Bentley has your adventurous, mischievous side and is always one step ahead of me.
It feels twice as hard having you gone as you are not just my husband and companion, but you are my true best friend. I tell you everything. I never hold back with you. I can confide in you and express myself in every way.
While you are gone I just talk to my heart. You are in there, as close to me as possible. To the average stranger I would sound like a crazy person, yakking to myself... But I know that you are in there, always listening and understanding me.
Be safe, and come home to us. I love you always and forever no matter what!

Your Best Friend and Wife, Amanda

Sending Josh Off

Yesterday was a very hard day. We all knew it was coming but it felt so surreal. As you can see Rykkar had a very hard time once he understood that this is the day that we have been talking about for a long time. Here's a picture of Josh saying his last goodbye to Rykkar. Very hard to wath.

At home before Josh left. Rykkar got a hat of daddy's to keep while Daddy is gone.

My 3 boys. They enjoyed spending the day with their dad.

Rykkar's very anticipated moment.... Getting to see daddy's gun. He was very excited to get to see this. Right before we sent daddy off.

The love of my life. Very few people will ever understand how much I truly love this man. He is forever my best friend. Sending him off to war is not the highlight of my life but I DO know that he is very well trained to do his job and that he is really needed in this war.

Rykkar says that when he gets big he wants to be a soldier and shoot guns lol.

Formation time. Getting ready to be issued weapons then lockdown until the buses come.

Last family picture before Daddy leaves for a little bit.

We love you so much Joshua. Keep your spirits high and your head down. We will see you in a few months. Stay safe.

For anyone that would like Josh's address let me know. I am sure he would enjoy letters and a few packages every once in a while. You know what they say, care packages and letters are like gold to a soldier........ May God bless our soldiers and their families.