Time For an update!

Well, its about time I quit putting off updating the blog. I need to get with the Program! So first things first. I cant figure out how to move the pictures where I want them. So you get to see them first. :)

...after I got home from Chicago. (Which is by far the worst place I've ever been to visit!) I got all of Den's things ready to ship to him. The most important thing being his cell phone! I must say, he did pretty good making sure to call me off the pay phone for a few days until his phone got there. He would call me once a day, and we'd talk for about 10-15 minutes a day. This was the best to finally talk to him everyday! But I came to the conclusion for the first little while it was rough having to go from talking to him through letters, and now we are able to talk whenever we wanted. Mad me miss him tons more! But I was thankful to get to talk to him all the time!

Before I left Chicago I remember Den telling me how fast 14 weeks would go by fast. Psh! Who was he kidding?! I wasn't about to wait 14 weeks to see him again! Once he recieved his phone one of our first conversations was about when he'd be home again. And once he decided he wouldn't come home for Thanksgiving or Christmas, I took matters into my own hands. And started looking for flights to go see him. Ofcourse, I couldn't just jump on a plane and go see him, I had to talk it out with him. While we were talking one day I just happend to be checking our online banking, and saw that there was a charge for plane tickets...as much as I wanted to jump up and down. I kept my cool and waited for him to tell me, but he just kept talking and talking, so I prolonged our conversation until he finally said "Oh by the way, I found a good price on a plane ticket for you!!!" Thanks Honey!!!!

Now for the good part. Dennis has always been so frugal with our money, which is so good, but not in a case like this. I was supposed to fly out on Friday November 5th. and come home the Monday the 8th. Now writing this, I realize I must sound so selfish, but I really wanted to spend as much time as I can with him. My itenerary said I arrive to Connecticut at 10 pm, just in time to go to bed! haha. But really I am SO thankful that I was abel to be with him. And we made the most of our time together. We stayed in Rhode Island the first night.. And bless my husbands heart, again he was looking to be frugal and save some mula, so we stayed in two more different hotels for the next 2 nights after that. haha. I asked how much he saved and he said $25..and if it were me, I would've just spent that extra money to stay in the same hotel. But oh well. It made for good memories! haha

Before we left Rhode Island, we took a little tour around the city, and stopped at the mall. This mall was HUGE! Not as big as Mall Of America. But it was pretty big! On our way out of the mall we saw a bunch of people so excited, out side Barnes and Nobel. So I decided to give it a look and to my surprise it was BUDDY from Cake Boss!! too some pics! He is soo nice!After that we drove to Groton, which is where Den is stationed at the moment. We drove through thee most BEAUTIFUL towns! Oh my heck, they were pretty. And it was the perefect time of year, with all the trees turning colors and the houses. Oh my heck, it kinda reminded me of a town like on Hocus Pocus. Not as creepy, but old houses and tall colonial style houses and the trees. I was secretly wishing that we'd get stationed there! :) Then we arrived at our next Hotel for the night. When we pulled up I had to have a little giggle. This hotel was cute on the outside but was a joke on the inside. It had walls of paper in there. I was woken up at 3 am to the sounds of "shouting for joy" in the room next to us. I couldn't believe Den could sleep through that!!

The next day we went to the Ocean, where I saw my first lighthouse! It was soooo pretty! It was at that moment, when I thought that as much as I hate the idea of living far away from family, I am so thankful to be able to travel and see all of these things, in which I otherwise wouldn't have been able to see. Later Den took me on base and showed me around. We weren't able to take pictures there because of confidential something or other..but was impressed how big base is. We had so much fun being together! I miss him everyday, and some worse than others. But in the big picture we have eternity to be together! For that, I will be forever thankful!!!!

My first video!!

So I've been wanting to do this video since I got back. But I am not really technically inclined. So It's taken me a few days to get it done. And here it is!!

We have a Sailor!

Ok friends. I've been meaning to blog, and blog, but for some reason keep putting it off. So here I am. FINALLY blogging. I was reading some of my older blogs about Den leaving, and almost being done with Basic Training. I can't belive that time has came and passed! It's been quite a rollercoaster ride! But all worth it! I have a lot to catch up on. I left for Minnesota to visit family the 24th of August. My aunt and I had to come back home a few days later because my grandma got really sick. If I'd have known just how bad off she was before I left I wouldn't have left. But I had the feeling and was confident that all would be well. Maybe that was just because I was wrapped up in getting to see Den. I hate those kind of homecomings. All of my moms brothers and sister came home to say their goodbye's.

Love you always Granny!

My Grandma, was one of my most favorite people in the world. She and my Grandpa always had my back. Even when I was wrong. They made me feel like I was right..haha. My Grandma, was the person I'd cry for when I got hurt, or was in trouble with my mom. I remember her picking me up from school when my mom was in school. She'd take me to her house. And we'd have an after school snack, and watch Super Market Sweep, and the Golden Girls. When I moved in with them after High School, she taught me how to make her mom's famous pancakes from scratch. I was so pleased with my self I made it a ton! Her and my Grandpa were troopers and just ate away! When I got married, she welcomed Den to the family with open arms. And loved him like one of us. I'm Thankful for the gospel. For the knowledge that our family can be together forever!

I ended back in Minnesota, a week before Den graduated. We went shopping at the Mall of America. Which is a GREAT place to people watch! haha, we shopped until we almost dropped! And before I knew it I was flying to Chicago! What an expierence. I arrived at the O'Hare airport, at about 10 am (people there are so NOT personable!). I had a whole day all by my self and had no clue what to do. I stayed at the Hampton Inn. And right next to it, there were tons of food places to choose from. Even a Six Flags across the street! But when I went out there all by my self I turned around and went right back into the Hotel. I kind of chickend out. I was affraid of all those people! Haha. Instead, I just got my outfit together, and relaxed. Thank goodness I had my computer with me That helped pass a lot of the time.

I had to be on base the next morning, at 7 am. So when the taxi guy came to the hotel, we were on our way! I couldn't believe it! The day that seemed to take FOREVER to get here was FINALLY here!

The highways in Chicago have surprisingly slow speed limits. I think the speed limit was like 55. And the guy was doing 75ish. I kept thinking all the way there, "If you get us pulled over and I'm late, I will be soooo angry" haha. But, he pulled up to the base, and actually got me all the way to the building that I needed to be at. From what he says, he's never been able to do that. So I was impressed. Also impressed because I'd done my homework and from what everyone else has said its was quite a jont for them. So I was expecting to walk a long ways! So thank you Mr. Cab driver! I was about 2 hours early. (the time they told us to be there. so we could get good seats.) I was so excited we saw some of the 6-7 week recruits walking around standing guard in their dress whites. It got me so excited! Finally the time came for the ceremony to start. I could hardly wait to see my husband! When they finally announced his division. I looked hard. and couldn't find him. Finally towards the end of the ceremony I found him. and was ready to make a dead sprint to him!

I had mixed emotions about the graduation. I think they drug it on too long. Something that could take 30 minutes. Took an hour and a half. But at the same time. They honored each division. there were 7 or 8 that graduated at the same time. So that was nice. The whole place was quiet and at the end when they say "NOW HEAR THIS, NOW HEAR THIS. LIBERTY CALL!" The whole place went from hearing a pin drop. To a crazy mad house! But that's to be expected. 8 weeks is a long time to be away from a loved one. We spent a few days together. Just kind of relaxing, shopping, and hanging out. It was nice to not have a schedule. But those days went by waaaay to fast. And before I knew it we were saying good-bye again.

Den is in Groton, CT going to sub school, and A school. He will finish there around Christmas time. Which seems like forever away. But I am planning a trip to Conneticut the first part of November. So hopefully that can hold me over until Christmas. I get to talk to him every day sometimes 2-3 times a day. And we get to text. So that's very nice and I'll take what I can get!

Here's a pic of den in his cami's. He is so studly!

Well now that I've written a novel, I'll end this blog with saying again how blessed I am to have such a wonderful husband, that I know with out a doubt will take care of us. Each day I get to talk to him, or I get a text from him. I feel like I'm falling in love all over again. He is the BEST guy, and husband I could ever dream about having in my life! I'm a lucky girl!

2 weeks!!!!!

16 MORE DAYS!!! As much as I'm convinced that the past month hasn't gone by fast enough, I've finally made it to only have TWO more weeks and a couple days, to seeing my husband! However, I look that tomorrow will be 15 more days, Then I think it can't be so! Im SO SO excited (excited doesn't even begin to describe me..) to see my husband. I still haven't changed my mind about the military though. Still not a fan of it. But more so, I'm supportive of the military, and can appreciate the efforts made each and every day with it! I've gotten more letters since the last time I blogged.
Den is still doing really well. He's kind of discouraged with his division because, he says that most of the kids there are still "kids" and don't really understand working as a group will also help them imensely! As a division they aren't passing many of their expections, but Den says he is. So I guess that's all that matters. I do see him getting discouraged because he says that most of the kids complain A LOT, and he says he doesn't know why...they're the ones that signed up. They had to have known that boot camp wasn't a vacation away from home.. I still give them a lot of credit, and props because it has to be scary for an 18 yr old. I mean their first "out home" expirence they don't really get that freedom that most 18-20yr olds do. So I know now it's difficult for them. But this is an awesome growing oppertunity for them! So proud of them! Den says that he's ready to be done.
My husband will always be himself...and thats one thing that I love about him so much! But its hard to not change even just a little, after gowing through that kind of training. I can tell in his letters that he's starting that change, but not really. Its hard to explain... His division is getting more flags. Which is good! I think they use the flags as a competition with the other divisions and get a reward at graduation. He said his favorite so far is shooting the guns. Except he said as they were getting ready to go shooting they didn't get ready fast enough, and had to do some "intense" work outs...haha. Poor guy! I got to Minnesota on Sunday, and I just love the fact that Im so much closer to him. But can't stand that I can't see him for 2 more weeks. But a positive about being here is I got 2 letters today (tuesday) and I usually dont get my letters until Fridays. So I'll take what I can! Its waay humid here! I try to stay inside, where we have a/c. That's just too miserable! lol. Having such a good time! I will update in a couple of weeks when I get to CHICAGO! Thanks everyone for reading and supporting us!

Dear Sweetheart;

On Friday ( AUG .6th) I got my FIRST letter(s) from Den! I was starting to get sad because it seemed like everyone in Dens groups moms, or wives were getting leters except for me! I was sarting to lose hope! Then all the sudden it was my turn! It was so good to hear from him! It has been a LOOONG 3 weeks, to not talk to him! So I was very thankful that I finally got something! I had to read the letters at work, because I waited for the mail-man every morning before work. So I kinda pushed it! lol. But it was worth it!
In his letter he said " Everything is OK, hard at times. but he's OK." I'm on a website with other wives, and moms of recruits in the Navy Basic training. And when they got their letters they would say that their guys said that some of the guys are getting in trouble left and right. I was starting to worry, because the thought of my husband getting yelled at and belittled made me sick to my stomach. So as I read on he said "I feel bad for some of the people here because the drill instructors are pretty hard on them. Though I don't think he minds me, so thats good." What a relief! I am so happy to hear that. He told me a story in the letter that made me kind of choke up. I'll start from the begining. Before Den left I asked him what he does about his garments. Since in he book it says they provide new underware for them. So he text his recruiter and then not even 2 minutes later, he called and wanted to know if Dennis was "pulling his leg"? He had never heard of garments. So Den had to explain them and then the guy said he'd find out.
Well he said that he could take his own garments, and they'd even let him wash them in a seperate washer and dryer. So he did. And he said that when he got there the guy told them to strip from their civilian clothes and underware so they could be in Navy gear. Well the guy asked Den what the crap (edited) he was wearing so he had to explain. So he said ok, well you can stay in them for now. So then the petty officer later saw him and asked what the "crap" he was wearing so he had to explain for the 3rd time. And the officer seemed to be okay with that. Well a couple days later some guy who is in charge came to Den and said that he appreciated the reasoning for the garments, and showed him a paper that said religious garments are only to be worn on Sundays. Then told him that if he had further problems with it then Den could go to the main guy who's in charge of everything. So Den again went in and explained the reasoning why he needed his garments. And the guy pretty much told him; well, you either wear the undies we give you, or you can go home. The guy put that Den was arguing with him on his reason for getting sent home. Well his Officer saw that and said, "he wasn't arguing, He just wanted to know why he can't wear them". So the next day, the Officer called Den into his office and told him that "he was very impressed with him, and that if he were in Dens place he'd want someone to do what he was about to do for Den, for him." He said that " I'm putting my neck on the line, and I will allow you to wear your garments. Just please wear our issued ones when you do PT (physical training)." Den said absolutley!
I finally got a call today! And to hear that story again in conversation. Made me one proud wife! When I answered the phone I didn't recognize his voice. He was selected to be the "Team Motivator" so he has to yell at the other guys for not paying attention or listening, or just bad mouthing...so I had to keep asking "What?" Because, I couldn't hear one bit of him. He's doing super well. He said that his Drill Leader went up to him and said "Harris, do you know what the difference between two weeks ago, and now?" Den answered "No" he said " Your always first to help, you always have a good attitude, and you never let anything get to you, keep up the good attitude I'll make sure your promoted to an E-3!" Oh what a relief that he is doing so well! And to hear him and talk to him was just what I needed! I really hope those kids don't ruin it and change the graduation date. I cant stand 10 weeks instead of 7! I can't wait to wrap my arms around him and give him one big smooch! I am so proud of him for doing so well! At least I can expect a letter each week! PHEW! Tomorrow, is exactly ONE month until I get to see him again! WOOO-HOOO!!!

One week down! 6 more to go??

The last week was super hard without Den here. But I've been told it get easier as the time goes by. I was supposed to recieve Dens box with his clothes in it some time this week. On Thursday I was leaving for work, and saw the box at the front step. So I brought it in the house to search through it. I was hoping Den would write a letter on the plane and stuff it in his pockets. And no such luck... :( But its OK. I noticed when I pulled out his pants, he had his legs rolled up. I'm Interested to know what the reasoning is behind that. Then again maybe I'm OK with not knowing just yet... :)
As I've said MANY times, 8 weeks is a long time!! I've prayed religiously for the past week to help the next few weeks go by fast. But it just didn't seem like it was. This morning The first thought I had was 7 more weeks...Then I remembered I'm still waiting for the info to arrive! So I went and checked the mail and TADA! His letter was here!! I so badly wanted to open it right away, but I waited until I got in the house, and I read "Dear Alicia, Thank-you for supporting.." And then I had to set it down for a second and I gave it to Jean to read. Then she was telling me some of the major info. And said that Den is graduating September 10th!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a whole WEEK earlier than we'd been expecting! I only have to wait 6 more weeks to see DEN!!!! I'm SOOOOOOOOOOO glad its a week sooner! I can't wait to see him and give him a big HUG! I love him so much!
I love days like today! For the sheer fact that I have proof that Heavenly Father listens to us, and answers our prayers. He may not do it as fast as we want. If we be patient, and we have faith in the Lord, we'll get our answers. Sometimes not as obvious as today, but I have NO question that the things we ask for get ignored. I love our family! I'm thankful for the love and support they give us. I'm most thankful for Heavenly Father. For all he does for us!

from "Wife" to "Navy Wife" !!

Well, the MUCH dreaded day has come, and past! Its been quite the roller coaster ride the past week! One minute I'm so excited for our new begginings. The next I'm a mess. So in all honesty, I'm really greatful that its over! And, I think that he's excited that he doesn't have to see me cry anymore...haha. But I sure do miss him already! I was telling my in-laws, I can do a week. We've been away from eachother at least that long in the past 3 years. But 8 + weeks...is going to be a bit trying!


Den's last day at work was last Monday. He was so funny. They're only supposed to wear plain Navy Blue t-shirts. And he went in with his Navy shirt on. With BIG yellow words! He wanted to get sent home. But didn't happen. Too bad for him. On his exit interview they marked him as re-hireable. That usually is what you want to leave a job with..But he was so done with that place he was so excited to just get out and never look back again! I love him! I knew that since I wanted the week to be paused in time, it'd flyyy by! And so I was right! I usually love when I am. Just not this time! :) We had a busy, busy, week with trying to fit in friends and family to hangout with before he left it was quite crazy! But we ended the week with a BBQ. A bbq with family and close friends. I was sooo happy with all the people who showed up to support him! I know he was happy with it too! So thanks to those who came!

We had a blast talking and goofing off. But I really just wanted the day over with. The anticipation of him leaving was making me crazy! I'm sure by yesterday he was sick of seeing me cry. Infact the last few times I was upset he'd say "quit crying" so just to make him mad I'd cry more....JUST KIDDING! But I'd be okay for a while. Then I'd start to think and make myself upset again. So I was really looking forward to Monday. So that I could have the worst behind me. With the military their motto is "Hurry up and Wait.". This is going to be a LOOONG 4 years! I'm a person who functions better with a schedule. And they give you one don't get me wrong. But it's whenever they get around to it. So this will be difficult to get used too.

We woke up early Sunday morning to leave for Utah so we could watch Den get sworn in to the Navy, to officially become a sailor! His brother Mike and his family were patiently waiting for us to arrive. I was so happy to have them there. All together we had my mom and sister, his parents, and his brother and his family. When we got to Utah we had to get Den checked into the hotel. Because the military paid for his room I couldn't stay with him ( I would've LOVED to pay for it! It just isn't an option..) So he had to be back for a briefing at 8pm. So we had 5 hours with him. I was dreading every minute of it! I asked the recruiter what time we needed to be at the MEP'S building and they weren't sure but guessed about 9...makes me crazy. So I had to say goodbye twice, because I wasn't taking the chance of missing him the next morning and not being able to say goodbye. It was a rough night! I slept maybe 4 hours. Then woke up to get ready.

And left the hotel by a quarter to 8. Got to the building and ended up waiting 2 1/2 hours for the "Ceremony" to start. Mike and Lori have 3 children. Katie 9, Kaleb 6, Carson 2. These kids were AMAZING waiting that whole time. Granted they were intertained by one of the ladys walking through a few times! Den got to come sit with us a couple times, while he waited for the next thing to do. And before we knew it, we were all walking in the back to see him get sworn in. I got way choked up, seeing him stand there all official like. But I was also super proud of him! Then it was about another 10 minutes of waiting and before we knew it the dreaded goodbyes had to come. I think I can speak for everyone else, saying that this was a hard goodbye to say!

They have a website called navyformoms.com, this has been my safe haven for the past couple weeks, getting all the information that I needed. (The recruiters don't spill the beans about ANYTHING!) I learned on there that the guys get a 30 second phone call home when they get there telling us they're okay and to be expecting a box in about 2 weeks with the clothes they were wearing. And hopefully a call back in 3. But nothing is guarenteed. How'd I love it so much though! He finally called me at 7:30 last night. Natually, I wanted to ask all kinds of questions, but had to keep it short. So I hung up at 32 seconds. :) After we hung up I thought he's completley BALD! :( He wanted me to shave his head before he left, but I just couldn't.. So they did for him. I'm on my 4th letter to him tonight. So, I should quit babbling so I can start it.

Before I do, I have to say how greatful I am to have a husband who will do anything to better our family. How easy it is now days to be a bum and live off the government. He wanted better. Our fututre is secure. We will have no financial stress. And our kids even have a chance to have a good life. I love him so much for making this sacrafice for us. I know it's hard to get past now, but in the long haul its completley worth it. I love him so much, I get amazed everytime I get to say his name how much I love him, and that christ would allow such a love to grow strong. I am blessed. We are blessed. Now all we need is the next 8 weeks to hurry up!!