Happy Veteran's Day

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. 

John F. Kennedy

"On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free."

- Dan Lipinski

Especially Those Killed in Action
Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, KIA
Spc. Issac L. Johnson, KIA
Staff Sgt. Alex French IV, KIA
1st Sgt. John D. Blair, KIA
Sgt. 1st Class Charles H. Warren, KIA
Spc. Mathew V. Gibbs, KIA
Spc. Jerry L. Ganey Jr., KIA
Spc. Michael J. Stokely, KIA
Cpl. Patrick D. Tillman, KIA
Sgt. Timothy M. Conneway, KIA
Sgt. Anibal Santiago, KIA

Bryan
Rick
Brandon
Pete
Kanaan
Grandpa Robert
Dale
Royal
Roger
Tom
Matt
Mack
Nick I.
Nick A.
Walker
Daniel
Kurt
Brian P.
Melissa
Cahill
Brian E.
Kenny
Mr. Franklin
Ray K.
Ray A.
Chris
Caput
Gonzo
Steve
Barb
Josh
Haven
Griff
Lavant
John F.
Brandon R.
Bravo
Cavalier
Sean

Howard

Persun

Banister

Tracy

Roxie

Drew F.

Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul. 
Michel de Montaigne

Happy Birthday to Daddy!

Even though Bryan is away - we decided to celebrate. Can you blame us? We love cake. More than anything, though - it brought a little piece of Bryan home.

Birthday Boy!!

Someone's birthday is right around the corner! Want to send some love?

Letters, drawings, greeting cards - or whatever your heart desires can be sent to:

SFC Neal, Bryan
GA ADT II
FOB Shank (East)
APO AE 09364

Godspeed

Bryan returned to Afghanistan on Tuesday, July 10 - five days after Luke was born. Bryan leaving this time might have been the hardest one for me yet. My hormones are still swirling from my pregnancy, I haven't gotten a grip on being a mother of two yet, I haven't caught up on my sleep from the hospital, we haven't spent enough time as a family of 4, I haven't held onto Bryan enough, and he hasn't held me enough either ... 

But my heart doesn't break for me - it breaks for the boys in my life. 

It breaks for my innocent, unknowing children. 

Jack isn't ready to share his father with the world again. And that is what breaks my heart the most. Jack doesn't understand that when his daddy walked out the door yesterday morning, he wasn't going to come back in 8 hours - it was going to be more like 8 months.  We'll be celebrating Jack's 4th birthday when Bryan comes home. 

Luke had 5 days to bond with his father. He'll be 8 months old when he sees him again.

It breaks my heart for my husband. 

While he unselfishly serves our county, he'll miss so many moments in both of children's lives.  Jack is growing leap and bounds. He brings new surprises to us daily - whether it's learning how to snap, reciting his favorite book - verbatim, saying something witty (or really intellectual) or finally growing the courage to put his feet on the bottom of the pool.  Luke will learn how to roll over, sit up, crawl, eat food and possibly walk. He'll start to talk and develop a personality. As many photographs and movies as I can take, they won't fill the gap between Bryan and the boys. I can't give Bryan the evening cuddles and the unasked for "I love yous."

--

It's amazing how much you can miss having an arm around you.

Welcome Home, Daddy!!

Bryan came home Sunday evening after a long, long six days of travel. Jack and I were playing in the garage. Jack knew he was going to see daddy - but kept assuming it was going to be on Skype. When a silver Camry pulled into the driveway Jack asked me, "Who's that, mommy?" I told him I didn't know.

All of a sudden he dropped his toy, whimpered, "Daddy?!" in his sweet little voice - and his little legs darted towards Bryan as he was getting out of the car. 

Of course, I cried. 

Jack couldn't believe his eyes. He just stared at Bryan with a grin on his face, speechless. Then we went inside and Jack showed Bryan his room, LBN2's room, his new fish, my shoes ... everything. 

For the last two days I've heard nothing but, "Daddy, will you play with me?"

Monday Bryan and I went to the doctor to see about LBN2. We got our -hopefully- last ultrasound. We watched together as LBN2 smacked his lips and wow - does he have chubby little cheeks. His weight is definitely on track. I am 2 cm dilated and all the ladies at the OB are obviously nagging Dr. Oldham to help us out.

So after some discussion, Bryan and I will check into the Women's Pavilion at East Georgia Medical Center at 7am Friday morning for an amniocentesis to test his lung maturity. If they are 110% sure he's good to go - we'll stay there and induce. I'll be 37.5 weeks. 

I'm optimistic. I know every baby is different ... but Jack was induced at 38 weeks, perfectly healthy.  Bryan was very stern with me - and said by no means are we moving forward if the baby or myself are at any risk. 

I will not jeopardize our health, but man do I want Bryan home for this.

So please, let's pull together our prayers for a strong baby on Friday.

Bryan Update

1. Visit http://brenthitchcock.com
2. Read the April Newsletter (.pdf)

Jack and I had a chance to Skype with Bryan this weekend. The good? Bryan got to see Jack and Jack got to see Bryan. The bad? It made Jack miss his daddy. The ugly? It made Jack REALLY miss his daddy.

Jack showed his daddy all sorts of toys. Bryan showed Jack his room. Jack told Bryan stories. And Bryan reminded Jack to listen to his mama (which was nice). Jack ratted himself out and told Bryan he was naughty - and then ratted me out for throwing his toy away after he chucked it across the room.

But now, when I won't give Jack a popcicle for breakfast, Jack REALLY wants his daddy. When I dropped him off at school this morning, Jack screamed for his daddy. Today, after school, Jack was playing with his barn and all of his animals and I overheard a lot of 'daddy' talk. Jack told me he even cried for his daddy when he visited preschool today.

Poor kid.

Bryan Update

Bryan's unit made it to their location. His address is now active.
SFC Bryan Neal
GA-ADT II
FOB Shank (East)
APO AE 09364
The USPS has boxes especially for APO's. https://store.usps.com/store/browse/uspsProductDetailMultiSkuDropDown.jsp?categoryNavIds=catGetMailingShippingSupplies%3asubcatMSS_FlatRate&categoryNav=false&navAction=push&navCount=0&productId=P_MILI_FRB&categoryId=subcatMSS_FlatRate
Tips: https://www.usps.com/send/apo.htm
Custom Forms: https://www.usps.com/send/customs-forms.htm?

Neal's Stand Tall in Georgia Guardsman

So I still haven't talked about Bryan's deployment. That's me, putting things off. However, here's a good reason to start. The Georgia Guardsman published a nice article about the 265th's deployment; this morning, one of Bryan's friends told me we graced the back cover. So as I sat at my desk eating my Frosted Mini Wheats, I looked at the back cover - wow. There were were. Then I flipped to the front and started scanning all the articles one by one, reading about the Georgia National Guard. Finally, I came across the story about ADTII - paired with it a huge picture of my family.

I lost it.

There we stood, staring at the bus Bryan was about to board and Jack clutching his flag that he held onto all day. Moments after this photograph was taken, we let go, I held Jack as he screamed for his daddy and Bryan boarded the bus.

Jack was too upset, so I got him out of there before the buses left. However, during my drive out of Metter, I watched in my rearview as my child cried and the buses followed me through town and onto the interstate. It's something I can't get out of my head.

Open publication - Free publishing - More air force

To start the day, we had lunch at the Metter Armory. It was nice, but it just prolonged the heartache. The food, decorations - everything was donated to the unit by the City of Metter or other establishments.

From there, our soldiers boarded their buses and we met back up with them at the Metter High School where they stood in formation during their departure ceremony. My mind was in other places, obviously, so I didn't catch a lot of what they said. Following the ceremony, they gave families about 30 minutes to say their goodbyes. It was a somber setting - very quiet. Again, just dragging out the inevitable.

Here are a couple of photos from the ceremony.

Metter Amory; Nick in the front, Skyping with his brother in Afghanistan.

Metter Armory

Jack & Daddy, Metter Armory

Jack & Daddy, Metter Armory

Family Photo; Metter Armory

Departure Ceremony; Bryan, back right

Jack & Mommy during the ceremony at Metter High School. (unposed) 

My emotionally exhausted baby.

Slept all day.

Bryan Update

Tonight I will write about Bryan's departure. I've been putting it off because, well - I'm really good at avoiding things in hopes the situation will just, you know, go away. 

In the meantime, I invite you to read another blog, brenthitchcock.com. Hitchcock is one helluva smartass blogging about their adventures. A good writer + a sense of humor makes an interesting/entertaining read. Many of you ask about Bryan - but because of Bryan's busy schedule and the unforeseen communication abilities I believe provide a good foreshadow of what's to come - this outlet provides better answers than I can give you.

Camp Atterbury Mailing Address

The guys made it to Camp Atterbury. Just got their new multi-cam, too! 

We have a mailing address for Bryan while he is in Indiana. If you'd like to send him anything, I suggest sending it in the next week to make sure it gets there before he leaves.


SFC Neal, Bryan D
265TH RSG ADT II
PO BOX 5000
Edingburgh, IN 46124-5000

It's a Boy!

We're having another boy! It's true. Bryan and I went in for our ultrasound and the technician put the wand on my belly. Before we saw a foot, a leg, a booty, a belly or a head - we saw the penis. For a split second, I was a little disappointed ... no cute leg warmers and precious outfits this time around. But like I said - a split second. Luckily - I know all about boys due to my other little handsome devil. 

I can hear the neighbors now, "Those Neal boys are at it again ... "

Everything in the ultrasound looked great. She said he was measuring a little big when looking at his head. Bryan and both responded, "That's the Neal head."

A Recap of 2011: My 3_ Birthday

I confess. My blogging attempts in 2011 were unsuccessful. However, I've been getting the good ol' laptop out recently and have been looking through old pictures. So...  decided it wouldn't hurt to share some memories with everyone!

Starting with my birthday - 

 

After a lovely afternoon with family at my Aunt Bev and Uncle Dale's house, we headed home to have a family dinner with Derich, Mom, Dad, Bryan and Jack. Mom baked her famous red cake and loaded it with 3_ candles. My little helper loved helping me blow them out. (Sidenote: he just saw this picture and said, "Whoa. That's A LOT of candles!" Thanks, son.)

After dinner, we headed to Uptown to Chino Latino with Courtney, Jason, Freddie, Melissa, Nia and Brandon. (Nia and Brandon not pictured - they had to head home to feed precious baby Tegan). Fun evening had by all! I love and miss my Minnesota friends and family dearly. (Thanks for celebrating with me!)

Happy Holidays!

Well Wishes Holiday

Create personalized holiday cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Daddy's Biggest Fan

Jack and I ate our breakfast together on Veteran's Day. His daddy - for once - is not working on this holiday and is spending the weekend in Missouri with family at Dear Camp.

If you ask Jack where his daddy works, he'll tell you he works with the goats - a rather large demotion for Bryan. But it's true. Bryan's team has a mock town that they train soldiers going oversees in - goats and chickens included.

What Jack doesn't know is that his daddy has exhausted himself in making our world a safer place to live - hoping for a better world for his family, friends, but especially his son.

As I watched Jack eat his breakfast I thought about the sacrifices his little two year old self has made already. He is a headstrong, independent boy who thinks the world of his daddy - and asks for him hourly. When he cries for his daddy, it's legitimate. He's not wanting Bryan because I scolded him. He's not wanting Bryan because he can push the swing higher than I can. He wants his daddy. And his cries are full of sorrow, pain and compassion.

Thinking about the long road ahead of us, I started to cry. Jack looked at me and asked what was wrong. I did not answer. Concerned, he got out of his seat, came over to me and put his hand on my back and gently asked, "Do you miss Jack's daddy, too?"

Happy Veteran's Day

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
John F. Kennedy



Thank you to those we hold near and dear to our heart for your selflessness in protecting our country.

Especially Those Killed in Action
Sgt. Brock H. Chavers, KIA
Spc. Issac L. Johnson, KIA
Staff Sgt. Alex French IV, KIA
1st Sgt. John D. Blair, KIA
Sgt. 1st Class Charles H. Warren, KIA
Spc. Mathew V. Gibbs, KIA
Spc. Jerry L. Ganey Jr., KIA
Spc. Michael J. Stokely, KIA
Cpl. Patrick D. Tillman, KIA
Sgt. Timothy M. Conneway, KIA
Sgt. Anibal Santiago, KIA

Bryan
Rick
Brandon
Pete
Kanaan
Grandpa Robert
Dale
Royal
Roger
Tom
Matt
Mack
Nick I.
Nick A.
Walker
Daniel
Kurt
Brian P.
Melissa
Cahill
Brian E.
Kenny
Mr. Franklin
Ray K.
Ray A.
Chris
Caput
Gonzo
Steve
Barb
Josh
Haven
Griff
Lavant
John F.
Brandon R.
Bravo
Cavalier
Sean

Howard

Persun

Banister

Tracy

Roxie

Drew F.

Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul. 
Michel de Montaigne

Happy Everafter In Your Eyes

The morning sunrise spread her wings
While the moon hung in the sky
Held the sea in your hands
And happy everafter in your eyes

Couldn't leave you to go to heaven
I carry you in my smile
For the first time my true reflection i see
Happy everafter in your eyes

Every star in the night
Promises the dawn
I will be there if you fall
To ever so heavily rest upon

All that I can give you
Is forever yours to keep
Wake up every day with a dream
And happyever after in your eyes

Happy everafter is in your eyes

 - Ben Harper

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Happy Birthday to Dadddddddy!

Happy End of August! Where did the month go? We've been really busy on this end. Bryan has been working hard at Ft. Stewart and I have been dealing with the fall semester of school to start - as an employee and a student.

Of course, our biggest event in August was Bryan's birthday. Since he's been working this hot month of July, I'll thank all of you on his behalf. He was showered with cards, gifts and love - we appreciate it.

On Bryan's birthday, Jack and I decorated a overly chocolate cake and headed down to Fort Stewart to spend time with Bryan. Jack was a very good helper. He picked out the decorations, sprinkled on "blue rice", dinosaurs and white nonpareils onto his daddy's cake as I rotated it to get even coverage. Jack at one point dumped the full jar of nonpareils all over the counter. I made him freeze while we listened to the little candy balls bounce all over the house for at least 5 minutes. It's been over a week, I've vacuumed 5 times and I am still finding those little suckers.

The second Jack arrived to Bryan's Bachelor Pad, he wanted to 'see the goats & chickens at daddy's work ...' Poor Bryan - back to work after he'd been working alllll day. I noticed immediately that they only had one chicken when there used to be a handful. Bryan said they had a visitor from a fox ...

Jack loooooooves animals!

Following, we headed to a high class eating establishment in Hinesville called Applebees. It was an adventure. Jack was on his best dining behavior EVER - no sarcasm, seriously.

During our drink order, Bryan ordered a Blue Moon.
Jack immediately says, "I'd like a Blue Moon, too."
We all laugh ... "Silly Jack, you can't have a beer."
"NO," he corrected us, "I have a BOO BOO, too!" And he stands up while trying to pull his pants down to show everyone the welt on his hiney he gave himself previously that day. I thought the waitress was going to die laughing.

Following that, in a nutshell, Bryan came across a raw boneless chicken wing; a huge storm rolled through, cutting the power off inside the restaurant; the generators tried and tried to kick in, the fire alarms kept going off and Jack kept screaming, "We have to get out! We have to get out!" (Looks like someone was listening during his fire drills at school!) Our dinner was average (surprise!) and we headed "home" for some cake!

Helping daddy blow out candles

Jack helped put candles in the cake ...

Hanging out at Daddy's home away from home.

Insight to Bryan's Deployment

GX Magazine is about the National Guard. This months issue, Bryan said has great insight to his future mission in Afghanistan. If interested, download the issue (.pdf) and read magazine pages 58+.

I'll soon finish recapping our RV Vacation, too. :)

Happy Father's Day

To Jack's Daddy. Parenting is a never-ending lesson. Lesson #345, white is never a good choice in clothing.

And of course, to my daddy, too! Sorry no picture. Trying to recover hard drive. :(

Wah.